1. This question paper consists of THREE SECTIONS: A, B, and C.
2. Attempt ALL questions. Marks are indicated against each question.
3. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Follow them strictly.
The humid afternoon air hung heavy, a stark contrast to the crisp autumn mornings of her childhood. Leela adjusted her spectacles, the slight tremor in her hands a betrayer of her sixty-five years. She sat by the window, watching children play in the park across the street, their laughter a distant echo of a time when her own knees were perpetually scraped and her dreams were as vast as the sky. Her grandson, Rohan, a bright spark of thirteen, had just left for his tuition, his usual hurried goodbye a stark reminder of the growing distance between them. Leela sighed, the silence of the apartment pressing in. She missed the vibrant chaos of her joint family, the constant hum of activity, the shared meals, and the easy companionship. Now, it was just her and the ticking clock.
Her mind drifted to the letters she used to exchange with her best friend, Meena, during their university days. Weeks would pass between posts, each letter a treasure trove of shared secrets, dreams, and mundane daily occurrences. They had meticulously documented their lives, their hopes for the future, and their anxieties. Today, a quick text or an email was instantaneous, but it lacked the palpable weight, the anticipation, the sheer joy of holding a tangible piece of a loved one’s thoughts. She remembered a particular letter from Meena, describing her struggle to learn the violin, detailing the frustrating hours of practice, the aching fingers, and the eventual triumph of playing a simple melody. Leela had felt a surge of pride and inspiration, vowing to pursue her own long-forgotten dream of learning to read Telugu. She had enrolled in a community class, her wrinkled hands fumbling with the script, but her spirit undeterred. The joy of deciphering a single word, a small victory, was immense.
Rohan had initially found her endeavour amusing, even condescending. "Grandma, you're learning Telugu at this age? Why bother?" he'd asked, a hint of impatience in his voice. But Leela, her grandmother’s unwavering determination echoing within her, had simply smiled. She saw the determination in her own grandmother's eyes when she finally learned to read “Kashi Yatre” at sixty-two. That same spirit had fueled her own quest. Today, Rohan was learning about the complexities of the Indian postal system for a school project, and Leela found a quiet satisfaction in knowing she was a living testament to the enduring power of words and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
(i) What does Leela’s tremor in her hands reveal?
A. Her excitement about the children playing.
B. Her aging process and perhaps nervousness.
C. Her deep engagement with her past memories.
D. Her frustration with the silence of the apartment.
(ii) The passage suggests that Leela’s childhood was characterized by:
A. Solitude and quiet reflection.
B. A bustling joint family environment.
C. Early academic achievements.
D. Limited interaction with friends.
(iii) Why did Leela feel a surge of pride and inspiration from Meena's letter?
A. Because Meena had achieved a world-class standard.
B. Because it detailed Meena's struggle and eventual success in learning the violin.
C. Because Meena described her dreams of the future.
D. Because it reminded Leela of her own university days.
(iv) Which of the following best describes Leela's attitude towards learning Telugu?
A. Amused and condescending.
B. Undeterred and joyful despite difficulties.
C. Frustrated and doubtful of her abilities.
D. Embarrassed by her age.
(v) The phrase "a treasure trove of shared secrets, dreams, and mundane daily occurrences" implies that the letters were:
A. Expensive and rare.
B. Full of valuable and diverse content.
C. Primarily about important historical events.
D. Difficult to decipher and understand.
(vi) How does Leela's experience with learning Telugu compare to her grandmother's?
A. Leela's grandmother also learned Telugu at a young age.
B. Both experienced similar determination in learning despite their age.
C. Leela found it much easier than her grandmother.
D. Leela's grandmother had no desire to learn.
(vii) The author uses Rohan's initial reaction to Leela's Telugu learning to highlight:
A. The generational gap and differing perspectives.
B. Rohan's lack of respect for elders.
C. The irrelevance of learning new skills at an older age.
D. The efficiency of modern communication.
(viii) The passage implies that Leela's current life is characterized by:
A. Constant social interaction and support.
B. A sense of loneliness and a longing for past connections.
C. Excitement about new technological advancements.
D. Active participation in community activities.
(ix) What is the significance of "Kashi Yatre" in the context of the passage?
A. It was a difficult Telugu novel Leela struggled to read.
B. It was a story Leela's grandmother read, inspiring Leela.
C. It was the name of the community class Leela attended.
D. It was a letter Meena wrote to Leela.
(x) The overall theme of the passage revolves around:
A. The challenges of modern technology.
B. The importance of intergenerational relationships.
C. The lifelong pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of human connection.
D. The difficulties faced by the elderly in today's society.
The rhythmic clang of the hammer on metal echoed through the small workshop, a sound as familiar to Anya as her own heartbeat. Her father, a blacksmith of thirty years, was bent over the anvil, sparks flying as he shaped a glowing piece of iron. Anya, though fascinated by the craft, had no ambition to follow in his footsteps. Her mother, Arenla, however, wished for her daughter to become a weaver. "Weaving is more profitable, my child," she would say, her hands deftly working the loom. "A blacksmith's life is arduous, and the returns are meager."
Sentila, Anya’s younger sister, felt differently. She admired her father’s strength and the raw artistry involved in transforming stubborn metal. While her mother nudged her towards weaving, Sentila would often sneak into her father's workshop, her small hands mimicking his movements with soft clay, imagining them as molten iron. The pounding of the clay, a tedious process to soften it, felt like a connection to her father's craft. She found joy in the spatula's tap as a shapeless lump transformed into a pot before her eyes.
One afternoon, the village council summoned Anya’s father, Mesoba. The elders were concerned. "Arenla refuses to pass on the weaving skills to Anya," the headman stated. "If this continues, our village will lose its skilled weavers." Mesoba explained, "It is Anya's choice, not Arenla's refusal. She dreams of pottery, not weaving." The council deliberated. "Tradition dictates that skills must be passed on," they decreed. "Anya must learn to weave, and you, Mesoba, must ensure she does."
Mesoba returned home, disheartened. Arenla, however, had a different approach. She understood Anya's passion for pottery and her father's dedication to his craft. "Perhaps," Arenla mused, "we can find a compromise. Anya can learn pottery from her father. And when she masters it, she can teach me the weaving techniques. We both have skills that are valuable." Mesoba, seeing the wisdom in his wife's words, agreed. Anya, overjoyed, ran to her father. He explained that pottery was indeed hard work, requiring patience and precision, and that she needed to learn the rhythm of the clay. He also mentioned that the reward for months of labour was often just a few rupees. But Anya, watching the beautiful pots emerge from shapeless lumps, was determined. She knew that her dream, though challenging, was worth pursuing.
(i) What is the primary reason Arenla wants Anya to learn weaving?
A. It is a more traditional craft.
B. It requires less physical effort.
C. It is more financially rewarding.
D. It is Anya's own passion.
(ii) How does Sentila's fascination with her father's craft manifest?
A. By openly expressing her desire to be a blacksmith.
B. By secretly practicing similar movements with clay.
C. By criticizing her mother's preference for weaving.
D. By helping her father in the workshop.
(iii) The village council's intervention highlights:
A. Their disregard for individual aspirations.
B. Their focus on preserving traditional skills for the community's benefit.
C. Their belief that pottery is a superior craft to weaving.
D. Their intention to punish Anya for her disobedience.
(iv) Which of the following best describes Mesoba's initial reaction to the council's decree?
A. Anger and defiance.
B. Sadness and a desire to find a solution.
C. Enthusiasm to enforce the council's decision.
D. Indifference towards his daughters' interests.
(v) Arenla's proposed compromise demonstrates:
A. Her lack of understanding of traditional crafts.
B. Her desire to control Anya's future.
C. Her ability to find innovative solutions that respect individual passions and community needs.
D. Her belief that weaving is an inferior skill.
(vi) The description of pounding clay as "tedious" and the reward for pottery as "a few rupees" suggests:
A. Pottery is a highly lucrative profession.
B. The craft of pottery is demanding and not always financially rewarding.
C. Sentila is motivated solely by monetary gain.
D. Anya will likely abandon her dream soon.
(vii) The contrast between Anya's and Sentila's interests towards their father's craft is significant because:
A. It shows that sisters can have opposing views.
B. It highlights different perspectives on appreciating artistry and strength.
C. It suggests one sister is more practical than the other.
D. It indicates a lack of family unity.
(viii) The phrase "a shapeless lump transformed into a pot" is used to illustrate:
A. The difficulty of the pottery process.
B. The raw artistry and potential for creation in the craft.
C. The final product of the potter's labour.
D. The magical transformation of materials.
(ix) What does the phrase "Tradition dictates that skills must be passed on" imply?
A. The council believes in modern skill development.
B. The council prioritizes the continuation of established crafts within the community.
C. The council wishes to discourage new artistic endeavors.
D. The council is indifferent to the individual's choice of craft.
(x) The story suggests that the most effective way to achieve a balance between tradition and personal passion is through:
A. Strict adherence to council decrees.
B. Ignoring individual desires for the sake of tradition.
C. Open communication, understanding, and compromise.
D. Abandoning one's passion for a more profitable skill.
(i) The old lady’s face, _______ with age and wisdom, held a certain serenity.
A. creased
B. crumpled
C. wrinkled
D. etched
(ii) Although the journey was long and arduous, the sight of the majestic Himalayas _______ the travellers.
A. impressed
B. awe-struck
C. bewitched
D. amazed
(iii) Sentila’s insistence on learning pottery, _______ her mother’s wish to see her as a weaver, was met with initial resistance.
A. contrary to
B. in spite of
C. despite
D. because of
(iv) The village council _______ that all members of the community should contribute to preserving traditional crafts.
A. decreed
B. suggested
C. proposed
D. advised
(v) The potter’s hands, _______ with years of practice, moved with an innate grace.
A. skilled
B. experienced
C. hardened
D. adept
(vi) Despite the council’s decision, Arenla found a way to _______ her daughter’s passion with her own wishes.
A. compromise
B. reconcile
C. negate
D. contradict
(vii) The story _______ the importance of following one’s dreams, even when faced with societal pressure.
A. depicts
B. illustrates
C. exemplifies
D. narrates
(viii) Leela’s grandmother, at the age of sixty-two, _______ learned to read "Kashi Yatre".
A. finally
B. ultimately
C. eventually
D. resolutely
(ix) The rhythmic clang of the hammer on metal _______ through the small workshop.
A. resonated
B. echoed
C. reverberated
D. thundered
(x) The children's laughter, a distant _______ of a time long past, drifted from the park.
A. memory
B. echo
C. remnant
D. trace
(xi) The blacksmith's artistry lay in transforming _______ iron into objects of beauty and utility.
A. glowing
B. molten
C. stubborn
D. raw
(xii) Leela missed the vibrant _______ of her joint family, the constant hum of activity.
A. chaos
B. clamour
C. commotion
D. disarray
A. You are Anya from "The Pot Maker". Your village council has insisted that you learn weaving from your mother, Arenla, but you are passionate about pottery. Write a letter to your cousin, Sentila, who lives in another village, describing your dilemma and seeking her advice. (100-120 words)
OR
B. You are Leela, from "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read". You have just enrolled in a community class to learn Telugu. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about this new beginning, the challenges you anticipate, and the inspiration you draw from your grandmother and Meena. (100-120 words)
A. Based on the story "The Pot Maker," analyze the importance of individual passion versus traditional expectations in shaping one's future. Support your answer with examples from the text.
OR
B. Reflect on the statement made by Leela’s grandmother in "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read": "For learning there is no age bar." Explain how this sentiment is relevant in today's world, citing examples from personal experiences or observations.
A. "I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it into a world of limitless possibilities. I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to para-athletics. This is how I embraced the challenges that came my way."
(i) What does the phrase "squander my life in remorse" imply?
A. To waste one's life in regret and self-pity.
B. To live a life of luxury and comfort.
C. To pursue a life of scientific discovery.
D. To achieve great fame and recognition.
(ii) What is the "world of limitless possibilities" that the speaker refers to?
A. A life focused solely on academic pursuits.
B. A life that embraces challenges and transforms limitations into opportunities.
C. A life dedicated to material wealth and possessions.
D. A life of constant travel and exploration.
(iii) How did the speaker decide to "transform" her life?
A. By giving up on all her dreams.
B. By switching to para-athletics after a setback.
C. By regretting her past choices.
D. By seeking pity from others.
(iv) Which word from the extract means "accepted or started to use willingly"?
A. Embraced
B. Possibilities
C. Squander
D. Remorse
B. "The signal was given, the pistol exploded And so did the runners all charging ahead But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered And fell to the asphalt instead."
(i) What does the phrase "charging ahead" suggest about the runners?
A. They were moving slowly and cautiously.
B. They were running with great speed and determination.
C. They were hesitating before starting the race.
D. They were running in a disorganized manner.
(ii) Why did the smallest runner fall?
A. He was not trained adequately.
B. He was deliberately pushed by another runner.
C. He stumbled and was unable to maintain his balance.
D. The asphalt was slippery.
(iii) The word "staggered" implies:
A. Running smoothly and effortlessly.
B. Moving unsteadily and almost falling.
C. Completing the race with exceptional speed.
D. Falling gracefully.
(iv) Which line best expresses the immediate aftermath of the signal?
A. "The signal was given, the pistol exploded"
B. "And so did the runners all charging ahead"
C. "But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered"
D. "And fell to the asphalt instead."
A. "Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?” I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka. “Yes, I am all right. I need your help. You know when you were away, Karmaveera came as usual. I opened the magazine. I saw the picture that accompanies the story of Kashi Yatre and I could not understand anything that was written. Many times I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing they could understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough. as the deadline. That day I should be able to read a novel on my own. I want to be independent.”
(i) Why does the narrator call her grandmother "Avva"?
A. It is a term of endearment in her language.
B. It is the Kannada word for grandmother.
C. It signifies the strong motherly bond she shares with her grandmother.
D. It is a traditional greeting in their region.
(ii) What is the grandmother's primary reason for wanting to learn to read?
A. To understand the news in Karmaveera magazine.
B. To decipher the images in stories.
C. To achieve independence and read a novel on her own.
D. To impress her grandson, Rohan.
(iii) What does the phrase "rubbed my hands over the pages wishing they could understand" reveal about the grandmother?
A. Her fascination with the texture of the paper.
B. Her deep desire to read, coupled with her frustration at being illiterate.
C. Her belief that physical touch could impart knowledge.
D. Her lack of understanding of how books work.
(iv) Complete the sentence: The grandmother’s desire to learn to read is a testament to her _____.
A. stubbornness
B. belief in the power of education
C. regret for her past
D. artistic inclination
B. "But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up. That was a month ago and it made Ravi’s mother lock up the tiny room Grandpa slept in and put him on a double dose of medicine, which he absent-mindedly took, and then gave them several anxious moments when he got lost on one occasion he went for a walk and forgot the way back home."
(i) What does the incident of Grandpa falling in the garden reveal about his living situation?
A. He had a supportive and attentive family.
B. He was prone to accidents due to carelessness.
C. He lived alone or without immediate help at home.
D. He was not interested in gardening.
(ii) Why did Ravi's mother react by locking Grandpa in his room and giving him a double dose of medicine?
A. To ensure his safety and prevent further incidents.
B. To punish him for being careless.
C. To make him feel more secure.
D. To test his memory.
(iii) The phrase "gave them several anxious moments" suggests that Grandpa's actions caused:
A. Great joy and relief.
B. Significant worry and concern.
C. Mild amusement.
D. Deep anger.
(iv) What does "absent-mindedly took" imply about Grandpa?
A. He was deliberately trying to cause trouble.
B. He was confused or not fully aware of his actions.
C. He was intentionally over-medicating himself.
D. He was intentionally trying to forget something.
(i) "The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual." Explain this statement from "The Pot Maker" in relation to Mesoba's father's craft.
(ii) How does the poem "Winds of Change" suggest that the pankha is more than just a functional object?
(iii) What does Dr. Deepa Malik mean by "ability beyond disability" in "The World of Limitless Possibilities"?
(iv) Explain the significance of the title "Twin Melodies" in relation to the characters of Shruti and her father, Nabin.
(v) How does Khetaram, the Gramin Dak Sevak, contribute to the social fabric in "Carrier of Words"?
(vi) What is the central message of the poem "Follow That Dream"?
(i) How does the grandmother's regret in "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" serve as a catalyst for her learning journey?
(ii) What does the "roundabout in full swing" symbolize in the story "The Lost Child" (from Vitamin-M context)?
(iii) In the poem "Nine Gold Medals," why did the other athletes stop to help the fallen runner?
A. The story "The Pot Maker" highlights the tension between individual passion and societal expectations. Discuss how Arenla, Mesoba, and the village council represent different facets of this conflict, and how Anya's dream is ultimately navigated.
OR
B. Dr. Deepa Malik's interview in "The World of Limitless Possibilities" is a powerful narrative of resilience and transformation. Discuss how she perceives her physical limitations and how she redefines them as strengths, citing specific examples from the interview.
A. In "Carrier of Words," Khetaram's job as a Gramin Dak Sevak is portrayed as arduous yet essential. Discuss the challenges he faces and the vital role he plays in connecting remote communities, referencing specific details from the text.
OR
B. The poem "Follow That Dream" emphasizes the commitment required to achieve one's aspirations. Discuss the mother's advice to Ming, focusing on the "counting the cost" aspect and the importance of a support network, citing examples from the letter.
