KARNATAKA SCHOOL EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT BOARD
Malleshwaram, Bengaluru – 560 003
S.S.L.C. MODEL QUESTION PAPER-2 – 2024-25
Subject : First Language — ENGLISH
Subject Code : 14-E Time : 3 Hours 15 Minutes Max. Marks : 100
General Instructions to the Candidate :
1. This question paper consists of 45 questions.
2. Follow the instructions given against the questions.
3. Figures in the right hand margin indicate maximum marks for the questions.
4. The maximum time to answer the paper is given at the top of the question paper. It includes 15 minutes for reading the question paper.
I. Four alternatives are given for each of the following questions / incomplete statements. Only one of them is correct or most appropriate. Choose the correct alternative and write the complete answer along with its letter of alphabet: 6 x 1 = 6
1. .................... parents have been asked to attend…………meeting tomorrow.
The appropriate articles to be filled in the blanks are
(A) The, the (B) An, an
(C) The, an (D) A, the
Ans: (A) The, the
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2. I shall take the greatest care of the pie,
The suitable question tag to be added is
(A) shall I ? (B) shouldn’t I ?
(C) shan’t I ? (D) should I ?
Ans:(C) shan’t I?
3. The politician along with the newsman, expected shortly.
The correct form of verb to be used here is
(A) is (B) are
(C) were (D) has
Ans: (A) is
4. I heard the panting of the engine.
The figure of speech used here is
(A) Alliteration (B) Simile
(C) Personification (D) Synecdoche
Ans: (c) Personification
5. The victim was apparently trying to when he was shot.
The correct phrase that can be filled here is
(A) get away (B) get along
(C) get over (D) get through
Ans: (A) get away
6. I request you to intimate me, what he should do.
The appropriate preposition to be used here is
(A) at (B) with
(C) from (D) to
Ans: (D) to
II. Observe the relationship in the first pair of words and complete the second pair accordingly in the following : 4 x 1 = 4
7. Labour : Laborious :: Decorate : Decorative
8. Male : Mail :: Coarse : Course
9. Ransack : Search :: Startled : Surprised
10. Visible : Invisible :: Continue : Discontinue
III. Rewrite as directed : 3 x 1 = 3
11. Change the voice of the sentence : The Cheetah was staring at the kid.
Ans: The kid was being stared at by the Cheetah.
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12. Frame a question to get the underlined words as answer.
The old man was listening to the radio.
Ans: What was the old man listening to?
13. Begin the sentence using ‘Hardly’.
As soon as he stood up to speak, the people started shouting.
Ans: Hardly had he stood up to speak when the people started shouting.
IV. Answer the following questions in a sentence each : 4 x 1 = 4
14. Who had accompanied the girl to the railway station ?
Ans: The girl's parents had accompanied her to the railway station.
15. Name the players who knew the match was a tie.
Ans: The players who knew the match was a tie were the two umpires and the captains of both teams.
16. Who opens the door when Jean goes to get the tart ?
Ans: Marion opens the door when Jean goes to get the tart.
17. When did the female bird return to the death scene ?
Ans: The female bird returned to the death scene in the evening.
V. Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each : 7 x 2 = 14
18. How did Pasteur solve the problem of the French wine growers ?
Ans: Pasteur solved the problem of the French wine growers by discovering that fermentation was caused by microorganisms. He developed the process of pasteurization, which involved heating the wine to kill harmful germs without affecting its quality.
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19. What are the advertisers and marketing professionals working hard at ?
Ans: Advertisers and marketing professionals work hard to attract consumers' attention and influence their choices. They use persuasive techniques, appealing visuals, and strategic messaging to make their products more desirable.
20. How did the female crane express her grief over the death of the male bird ?
Ans: The female crane expressed her grief by circling around the dead male bird and refusing to leave the site. She cried in sorrow and later starved herself to death, showing her deep love and mourning.
21. Describe the scene briefly after Lochinvar won Ellen.
Ans: After Lochinvar won Ellen, he quickly rode away with her on his horse. Ellen’s family and the wedding guests were left shocked and angry, but they could not stop the brave and determined Lochinvar.
22. “The speaker seems to be irritated with his neighbour at the end of the poem Mending Wall.” Why ?
Ans: The speaker in Mending Wall is irritated with his neighbor because the neighbor stubbornly insists on maintaining the wall, despite there being no need for it. The speaker finds his attitude outdated and feels frustrated by his blind adherence to tradition.
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23. Why had the doctor given the pirates the stockade and the treasure map ?
Ans: The doctor gave the pirates the stockade and the treasure map to trick them and gain time for Jim and his friends. He knew that the treasure had already been removed, so he used the map to mislead them and protect the others.
24. Give any two instances to show that Cyclops were uncivilised ?
Ans: The Cyclops were uncivilized because they lived in isolated caves without laws or communities. They also showed their brutality when Polyphemus, the Cyclops, captured Ulysses and his men, eating some of them alive.
VI. Rewrite as directed : 3 x 2 = 6
25. Change the following sentence to the other two degrees of comparison :
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world.
Ans:
Positive Degree: Very few languages in the world are as old as Sanskrit.
Comparative Degree: Sanskrit is older than many other languages in the world.
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26. Change the following sentence into Simple and Complex sentences :
She is innocent, so she has appealed to the court.
Ans:
Simple Sentence: Being innocent, she has appealed to the court.
Complex Sentence: As she is innocent, she has appealed to the court.
27. Change the following sentence to reported speech :
Rita said, “The teacher came by car because she missed the bus”.
Ans: Rita said that the teacher had come by car because she had missed the bus.
VII. Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each : 6 x 3 = 18
28. How does Sir C. V. Raman describe the rain-fed tanks found in South India ?
Ans: Sir C. V. Raman describes the rain-fed tanks of South India as beautiful and essential water bodies. He explains that these tanks play a crucial role in irrigation, especially in regions where rainfall is uncertain. He highlights how they create a picturesque scene, reflecting the sky and serving as a habitat for various aquatic plants and animals.
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29. How does Basavanna being a poor man, express his devotion to Lord Siva ?
Ans: Basavanna, despite being poor, expresses his deep devotion to Lord Shiva by rejecting material wealth. He believes that temples made of stone and riches are unnecessary for true worship. Instead, he offers his body and soul as a shrine for Lord Shiva, emphasizing inner purity and selfless devotion over external offerings.
30. After the stolen boat experience, how was the poet disturbed ?
Ans: After the stolen boat experience, the poet was deeply disturbed and felt a growing sense of fear and guilt. The huge, dark peak that seemed to chase him in his imagination made him feel small and insignificant. This incident left a lasting impression on him, making him realize the power of nature and the importance of respecting it.
31. “Toru Dutt brings out the values of loyalty and selfishness in the poem Buttoo.” Explain.
Ans: In the poem Buttoo, Toru Dutt contrasts loyalty and selfishness through the actions of Buttoo and his teacher, Dronacharya. Buttoo is extremely loyal and dedicated, willing to sacrifice everything to learn archery. However, Dronacharya, out of selfishness and favoritism toward Arjuna, denies Buttoo the recognition he deserves. Despite this betrayal, Buttoo remains humble and devoted, highlighting the true value of loyalty and selflessness.
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32. Narrate the incident that made Parasurama to pronounce a curse on Karna ?
Ans: Parasurama cursed Karna when he discovered that Karna had lied about his caste. Karna, eager to learn archery, pretended to be a Brahmin and became Parasurama’s student. One day, as Karna rested on his master’s lap, a worm bit him, and despite the pain, he did not move. Parasurama realized that only a Kshatriya could endure such pain without reaction and, feeling deceived, cursed Karna that he would forget his skills when he needed them the most.
33. Briefly explain the instances where the narrator tried to conceal his blindness ?
Ans: The narrator, being blind, cleverly concealed his blindness during his journey. He did this by listening carefully and responding appropriately without giving away his inability to see. He asked questions that seemed natural, like inquiring about the scenery outside. He also remained confident and composed, ensuring that the girl he was speaking with did not suspect his blindness.
OR
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How does A. G. MacDonnell humorously describe the running between the wickets ?
Ans: A. G. MacDonnell humorously describes running between the wickets as chaotic and unpredictable. He portrays how batsmen often misunderstand each other’s calls, leading to confusion. The exaggerated descriptions of their frantic movements, last-minute changes in direction, and the umpire’s reactions add to the humor. He captures the clumsy yet entertaining aspects of cricket, making the scene lively and amusing.
VIII. Explain with reference to the context : 5 x 3 = 15
34. “It is all because of him.”
Ans:
Lesson: A Poison Tree
Poet: William Blake
Context: This poem explores the consequences of suppressed anger. The speaker harbors hatred toward an enemy and allows it to grow like a poison tree, leading to destruction. The line suggests that the enemy's downfall is a direct result of his own actions.
Explanation: The speaker blames the enemy for the tragic outcome. Instead of resolving conflicts openly, the enemy’s deceitful nature contributed to his demise. The poem highlights the dangers of repressed emotions and the eventual consequences of unexpressed anger.
35. “I’ll soon see for myself if the pie is there or not.”
Ans:
Lesson: The Pie and the Tart
Author: Hugh Chesterman
Context: This humorous play revolves around two hungry vagabonds, Jean and Pierre, who attempt to trick a baker into giving them food. Pierre tells Jean about a tart in the bakery, but Jean, being suspicious, decides to check for himself.
Explanation: This line shows Jean’s doubt and his unwillingness to trust Pierre's words. He prefers to confirm the presence of the pie rather than blindly believe what Pierre says. It reflects the humorous nature of the play, where deception and wit play a key role in survival.
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36. “I want to see how it looks on it.”
Ans:
Lesson: Louis Pasteur, Conqueror of Disease
Author: E.H. Carter
Context: This biography highlights the contributions of Louis Pasteur in the field of microbiology. Pasteur, through his experiments, sought to understand how microbes affected living organisms. This line reflects his curiosity and scientific approach.
Explanation: Pasteur was known for his keen observation skills. This statement emphasizes his dedication to experimentation and his desire to see results firsthand. His ability to question, test, and verify findings led to significant discoveries in disease prevention and vaccination.
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37. “O, Grave, keep shut lest I be shamed !”
Ans:
Poem: C.L.M.
Poet: John Masefield
Context:
The poem C.L.M. by John Masefield is a deeply emotional reflection on the sacrifices of a mother. The poet recalls how his mother suffered pain and hardships to bring him into the world, only to be buried in a grave while he continues to live. He acknowledges her sacrifices, her physical suffering, and how she endured pain for his sake. The line expresses the poet’s overwhelming guilt and sorrow when he thinks about his mother’s struggles.
38. “That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,”
Ans
Poem: Sonnet 73
Poet: William Shakespeare
Context: In this sonnet, Shakespeare compares old age to various images of decay, including autumn leaves, twilight, and a dying fire. This line refers to how youth, like fire, has burned away, leaving only ashes behind.
Explanation: The poet reflects on the passage of time and how old age is a stage where the passion of youth has faded. The comparison of youth to ashes conveys the idea that energy and vitality have been consumed, leaving behind only memories. The poem urges the reader to cherish love and life before time runs out.
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IX. Quote from memory : 1 x 4 = 4
39. And into my ...................................
........................................................
........................................................
. beneath the tree.
Ans:
"And into my garden stole,
A night that had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see,
My foe outstretched beneath the tree."
OR
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He staid not ......................................
..........................................................
..........................................................
. came late
Ans:
He stayed not for brake, and he stopped not for stone,
He swam the Eske river where ford there was none;
But ere he alighted at Netherby gate,
The bride had consented—the gallant came late."
X. Answer the following questions in seven to eight sentences each :
3 x 4 = 12
40. Abraham Lincoln wants his son to learn the truth about the world. Write down any eight such values mentioned in the poem.
Ans: In A Letter to His Son’s Teacher, Abraham Lincoln shares the values he wants his son to learn. He wants his son to be honest and always speak the truth. He must understand the value of hard work and know that success does not come easily. Lincoln also advises that his son should be humble, treating others with kindness but standing strong when needed.
He wishes for his son to be courageous, standing up for what is right even if he is alone. He should also have self-confidence, believing in himself while learning from others. Lincoln teaches the value of kindness, encouraging his son to care for others, especially the weak. He must learn justice, treating everyone fairly. Finally, he should have patience, understanding that good things take time. These values will help him become a good and responsible person.
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41. Gandhiji says that a moral act depends on the intention of the doer. Support the statement with examples.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi believed that an action is truly moral only if it is done with a good intention. He explained that even a good deed is not moral if it is done for selfish reasons.
For example, if a person donates money to the poor just to gain fame, it is not a moral act. But if they help someone out of kindness, it is truly moral. Similarly, if a student follows rules only because they fear punishment, it is not morality. But if they obey the rules out of respect, then it is a moral act.
Thus, Gandhi believed that true morality comes from pure intentions, not just from doing good actions.
OR
According to Cheriyan Alexander, shopping centres have changed the lifestyle of Indians. Enumerate.
Ans: Cheriyan Alexander explains how shopping malls have changed the way Indians live and shop. Earlier, people bought only what they needed, but now, malls encourage excessive shopping.
Malls have also introduced fast food culture, making people eat more unhealthy food. They have become places for entertainment, with movie theatres and game zones. Families now spend weekends at malls instead of traditional markets. The easy availability of credit cards and loans has led people to buy more than they can afford.
Because of malls, local shops are struggling to survive. Shopping in malls has become a status symbol, making people believe that luxury items show success. Thus, shopping malls have changed both buying habits and social life in India.
42. What glimpses of Nazi cruelty did the Frank family experience in the concentration camp ?
Ans: The Frank family suffered terribly in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. When they arrived at Auschwitz, Anne was separated from her father, Otto Frank. They were given very little food and had to live in dirty, overcrowded places.
Prisoners were forced to do hard work in terrible conditions. The Nazi guards beat and tortured them without reason. Many people died from starvation and diseases like typhus. Anne and her sister Margot also got sick and died in Bergen-Belsen camp just weeks before the war ended.
The Frank family experienced pain, suffering, and loss like millions of other Jews. Anne’s diary remains as a powerful reminder of the cruelty of the Nazis.
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OR
Describe the experiment that turned Pasteur’s laboratory into a germ producing factory.
Ans: Louis Pasteur was a scientist who discovered how germs cause diseases. One of his biggest experiments was on anthrax, a disease that killed farm animals. He grew anthrax germs in his lab and weakened them using heat.
Pasteur then injected these weakened germs into healthy sheep. These sheep did not get sick because their bodies had learned to fight the disease. Later, when the same sheep were exposed to real anthrax, they survived.
This experiment proved that weakened germs can be used as vaccines to protect people and animals from diseases. Since Pasteur worked with so many germs in his lab, people called it a “germ-producing factory”. His discoveries helped in creating vaccines for many deadly diseases.
XI. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below :1 x 4 = 4 (2 x 2)
43. The little Tramp, the unforgettable character Charlie Chaplin invented, was born purely by accident in 1915. While rushing to a film shoot in California, he grabbed clothes other people had left behind in the changing room. And when he emerged he found he had created a personality everybody loved. A little guy in a bowler hat, a close fitting jacket, a cane, outsize shoes and a brush like moustache !
The U.S. acknowledged him as its king of silent film comedy. But life wasn’t always a laugh for Charles Spencer Chaplin. Both his parents separated when Charlie was very young. His childhood was very sad, for his mother never earned enough to look after Charlie and his elder brother, Sydney. Sometimes, Chaplin had to sleep on the streets and forage for food in the garbage.
Questions :
a) Describe the personality created by Charlie, whom everybody loved.
Ans: Charlie Chaplin created the famous character “The Little Tramp” by accident in 1915. The character wore a bowler hat, a close-fitting jacket, a cane, outsize shoes, and a brush-like moustache. This funny and lovable personality became hugely popular and made Chaplin the king of silent film comedy.
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b) Give two reasons to show that his early life was very sad.
Ans:
His parents separated when he was very young, leaving him and his brother, Sydney, to struggle in life.
His mother did not earn enough money to take care of them, so Chaplin sometimes had to sleep on the streets and search for food in garbage bins.
XII. Write an essay of about 18-20 sentences on any one of the following topics : 1 x 5 = 5
44. a) The impact of social media on students.
Ans:
The Impact of Social Media on Students
Social media has become an important part of students' lives. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube help students stay connected with friends and family. They can also use social media to learn new things, share ideas, and access educational content. Many teachers and institutions use social media for online learning, making education more interactive and engaging.
However, social media also has some negative effects. Many students spend too much time on social media, which can affect their studies. They may get distracted and lose focus on important tasks. Cyberbullying is another major problem, as students can be harassed or bullied online. Excessive use of social media can also lead to stress and anxiety, as students compare themselves with others and feel pressured to look perfect.
Despite these issues, social media can be useful if used wisely. Students should limit their screen time and focus on using social media for learning and positive interactions. Parents and teachers should guide students on how to use social media responsibly. When used in the right way, social media can be a powerful tool for education and personal growth.
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b) Role of the newspaper.
Ans:
Role of the Newspaper
A newspaper is an important source of news and information. It keeps people updated about events happening around the world. Newspapers cover various topics such as politics, sports, business, entertainment, and science. They help people develop awareness and knowledge about different issues.
Newspapers also play a major role in shaping public opinion. They help citizens understand government policies and take part in discussions. Newspapers also promote education, as reading them regularly improves vocabulary and knowledge. Students can benefit from newspapers by staying informed about current affairs, which helps them in exams and general knowledge.
However, newspapers should provide accurate and unbiased news. Sometimes, false or misleading information can create confusion among people. In today’s digital world, newspapers face competition from online news sources, but they remain a trusted and reliable medium of information.
In conclusion, newspapers are an essential part of society. They educate, inform, and help people stay connected with the world. Even with the rise of digital media, newspapers continue to play a significant role in our daily lives.
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XIII. 45. Imagine you are Ayan / Ayanti of Government High School, Davangere.
Write a letter to your friend congratulating him / her on his success in the examination. 5
Ans:
Ayan / Ayanti
Government High School,
Davangere.
16th March 2025
Dear Raj,
I hope you are doing well. I recently heard the wonderful news about your excellent performance in the examination, and I couldn’t be happier for you! Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. I always knew you had the potential to achieve great things, and this success is just the beginning of many more achievements in your life. You have made your family and friends proud, and I am so happy for you.
Let’s meet soon to celebrate your success. Keep up the great work and continue striving for excellence. Wishing you all the best for your future studies!
Yours truly,
Sd/-
Ayan / Ayanti
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OR
Write a letter to your area councillor to repair the streetlights and clean the drainages in your area.
Ans:
Ayan / Ayanti
Government High School,
Davangere.
16th March 2025
To,
The Area Councillor,
Ward No 234
Davangere.
Subject: Request for Repairing Streetlights and Cleaning Drainage
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the poor condition of streetlights and drainage in our locality. Many streetlights have been damaged for weeks, making the area unsafe at night. The lack of proper lighting increases the risk of accidents and theft.
Additionally, the drainage system is clogged, leading to waterlogging and an unhygienic environment. This has resulted in foul smells and an increase in mosquitoes, which may cause diseases.
I kindly request you to take immediate action to repair the streetlights and clean the drainage system. This will ensure the safety and well-being of the residents. I hope you will address this issue at the earliest.
Yours sincerely,
Sd/-
Ayan / Ayanti