RBSE Class 11th 2024 English-APS (1101)-2024 Previous Year Papers

Annual Examination — 2023-24

Class — XI

Subject — English (Compulsory)

Time: 3¼ Hours

Maximum Marks: 100

SECTION-A

Questions:

1. Where was the foundation of modern arithmetic and algebra laid?

   Answer: The foundation of modern arithmetic and algebra was laid in India.

2. Which country gave the zero sign to the world?

   Answer: India gave the zero sign to the world.

3. How did the Indian numerals travel to the western world?

   Answer: The Indian numerals travelled from India, via Baghdad, to the western world.

4. Who appreciated the ingenious Indian numerals?

   Answer: Laplace appreciated the ingenious Indian numerals.

5. Who are the two greatest men produced by antiquity?

   Answer: Archimedes and Apollonius are the two greatest men produced by antiquity.

6. What go back to remote periods in India?

   Answer: The origins of arithmetic and algebra go back to remote periods in India.

7. For what was geometrical algebra used?

   Answer: Geometrical algebra was used for making figures for Vedic altars.

8. Locate from the passage the words which mean the following:

   1. surprising

      Answer: astonishing

   2. the quality of being great and impressive

      Answer: grandeur

   3. calculations

      Answer: computations

SECTION-A

SECTION-B

SECTION-C

Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles (a, an, the, no article):

1. The dictionary will give you the meaning of these words.
2. They have some invitations to the dinner.
3. He has been questioned every day.
4. I am a chosen ambassador to the dinner given to welcome the chief guest.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals:

1. I must leave early tomorrow morning. (desirability)
2. You shall go to the library if you need it. (determination)
3. I need not go to the office because it is closed today. (absence of necessity)
4. He is so rich that he need not work. (absence of obligation)

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:

1. They poured the juice into a tankard.
2. He was blue with cold yesterday.
3. Russia attacked on Ukraine in 2022.
4. Let's dispose of all these broken chairs.

SECTION-D

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions:

1. What is the importance of the principal biological systems in the world?

   The principal biological systems form the foundation of the global economic system. They supply our food and provide virtually all raw materials for industry, except minerals and petroleum-derived synthetics.

2. Name the principal biological systems of the earth.

   The four principal biological systems are: fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands.

3. What do these systems supply?

   These systems supply our food and virtually all raw materials for industry, except minerals and petroleum-derived synthetics.

4. Why is overfishing common nowadays?

   Overfishing is common nowadays because the world is protein-conscious and protein-hungry, leading to excessive fishing to meet the demand for protein.

5. Why are local forests being decimated?

   Local forests are being decimated in poor countries to procure firewood for cooking.

6. Give the antonym of "Fertile" from the passage.

   The antonym of "Fertile" in the passage is "barren" (as in "barren wastelands").

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions:

1. What did Jon ask his father?

   Jon asked his father, "Daddy, are we going to die?"

2. How did the narrator try to protect the weakened starboard side?

   The narrator decided to heave to with the storm jib and heavy weather jib to protect the starboard side.

3. Why did the narrator and his wife Mary feel that their end was near?

   They felt their end was near because the ship was taking in water through broken planks, and the storm was severe, making survival seem unlikely.

4. What could the narrator do to calculate their position?

   The narrator used a sextant to get a reading and then calculated their position in the chartroom, considering changes of course, drift, and current.

5. Find out the words from the passage which mean the same as the following:

   • Safe – The word "safe" is not directly used, but the context implies "survive" or "make it." However, from the passage, the closest word indicating safety is "make it" (as in "we could make it").
   • Determine – The word "determined" appears in the passage (as in "determined to fight the sea").

Answer any three in 20-30 words:

1. Describe how the author spent her time while the narrator was away. (The Portrait of a Lady)

   The author's grandmother spent her time by praying, reading scriptures, and feeding sparrows. She remained calm and composed, waiting for the narrator's return.

2. Describe the scene inside the village school. (The Portrait of a Lady)

   The village school was a small, quiet place with children sitting on mats. The teacher taught them the alphabet and prayers. The atmosphere was simple and disciplined.

3. Describe the narrator's feelings when he saw the island. (We're Not Afraid to Die...)

   The narrator felt immense relief and joy when he saw the island. It meant safety after the terrifying storm, and he was grateful that his family had survived.

Section C (Long Answer Questions)

11. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60 words:

11. How did the weather change on January? How did they feel? (We Are Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together)

    On January 2, the weather turned extremely rough. The waves grew monstrous, reaching heights of 36 feet. The wind speed increased to 100 knots. The crew felt terrified but determined. They faced the storm with courage, knowing they might die together. Their spirit of unity and resilience helped them survive the ordeal.

12. List some of the adornments and solid objects on Tut's body. (Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues)

    King Tut's mummy was adorned with various precious items. These included a solid gold mask, gold amulets, bracelets, rings, and collars. His body was wrapped in linen bandages and placed inside a series of nested coffins. The innermost coffin was made of solid gold. Other objects like daggers, sandals, and a headrest were also placed with him.

13. How has the concept of sustainable development been defined? (The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement's Role)

    Sustainable development has been defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes responsible use of resources, environmental protection, and long-term ecological balance. This concept contrasts sharply with earlier accounts of unchecked industrial growth and resource exploitation.

12. Answer any one in about 100 words:

12. "The author's experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place." Explain. (Silk Road)

    The author's experience at Hor was disappointing compared to earlier descriptions. Earlier accounts portrayed Hor as a vibrant, sacred town with beautiful monasteries and a lively atmosphere. However, when the author visited, he found it to be a dusty, desolate place with few people. The famous monastery was under renovation and looked neglected. The stark contrast highlights how places can change over time due to modernization, neglect, or changing circumstances. The author felt a sense of loss and disillusionment.

OR

12. Justify the title of the story "The Adventure." (The Adventure)

    The title "The Adventure" is justified because the protagonist, Professor Gaitonde, experiences an extraordinary journey through time and space. After a head injury, he finds himself in an alternate reality where historical events unfolded differently. He travels to Bombay and witnesses a world where the Marathas won the Battle of Panipat. This strange experience is an intellectual and emotional adventure. He explores this alternate world, gathers evidence, and finally returns to his original reality. The story is a thrilling adventure of the mind.

13. Answer any one in about 60 words:

13. "When he finally reached the mummy, though, he ran into trouble." Who ran into trouble and how did he find a solution? (Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues)

    Zahi Hawass, the Egyptian archaeologist, ran into trouble. When he tried to lift Tut's mummy from its coffin, the resin had hardened and glued the mummy to the coffin. The intense heat of the sun had melted the resin, making it impossible to move the mummy. Hawass solved the problem by placing the coffin in the sun to further soften the resin, allowing the mummy to be carefully removed.

OR

13. Give the character sketch of Gangadharpant. (The Adventure)

    Professor Gangadharpant Gaitonde is a brilliant historian and rational thinker. He is curious, analytical, and deeply committed to historical truth. After his strange experience in an alternate reality, he remains calm and scientific, trying to understand what happened. He is courageous, as he explores the unfamiliar world without fear. He is also humble, accepting that some things are beyond his understanding. His character reflects the spirit of inquiry and intellectual adventure.

14. Explain any one of the following stanzas with reference to the context:

14. "Where did my childhood go?
    It went to some forgotten place,
    That's hidden in an infant's face,
    That's all I know." (Childhood)

    Context: The poet reflects on the loss of childhood innocence and wonders where it has gone.
    Explanation: The poet asks a rhetorical question about the disappearance of childhood. He suggests that childhood has gone to a forgotten place, hidden in the face of an infant. This implies that childhood is not completely lost but remains in the memory and innocence of very young children. The poet accepts that he cannot fully understand this loss; he only knows that childhood is gone and can be seen in babies.

OR

14. "And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn,
    And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin, and make pure and beautify it." (The Voice of the Rain)

    Context: The rain speaks about its role in nurturing the earth.
    Explanation: The rain says that without its presence, all things on earth would remain as mere seeds—potential but not actualized. The rain gives life to its origin (the earth) by falling and nourishing it. It purifies and beautifies the earth constantly, day and night. This cyclical process shows the rain's essential role in sustaining life and maintaining the beauty of nature.

15. Answer any two questions in about 20-30 words:

15. How is the cyclic movement of rain brought in the poem? (The Voice of the Rain)

    The rain rises as vapour from the earth, forms clouds, falls back as rain, and returns to its origin. This cycle is continuous and eternal.

16. What is the meaning of the line, "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss"? (A Photograph)

    The line means that both the sea and the poet's mother's smile are twisted or distorted by the painful effort of accepting loss, yet they appear effortless.

17. Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet? (The Laburnum Top)

    The poet compares the goldfinch's movement to an engine starting up, showing sudden energy and life. The engine image emphasizes the bird's swift, mechanical action.

16. Answer any one in about 60 words:

16. What gives a unique character to the laburnum tree top? (The Laburnum Top)

    The laburnum tree top gets its unique character from the goldfinch bird. The tree is usually silent and still, but when the bird arrives, it becomes alive with movement and sound. The bird's yellow body matches the tree's yellow flowers, creating a beautiful harmony. The tree top transforms into a lively, vibrant space full of chirping and fluttering, making it special and memorable.

OR

16. Write the summary of the poem "Childhood." (Childhood)

    The poem "Childhood" by Markus Natten explores the loss of childhood innocence. The poet wonders when he lost his childhood and realizes it happened when he stopped believing in heaven and hell, and when he saw hypocrisy in adults. He concludes that childhood is hidden in an infant's face, suggesting it is not completely lost but remains in memory. The poem reflects on growing up and the painful realization of the world's imperfections.

17. Answer any one in about 60 words:

17. Describe the character sketch of Annie Pearson. (Mother's Day)

    Annie Pearson is a devoted wife and mother who is often taken for granted by her family. She is patient, hardworking, and selfless, always putting her family's needs first. However, she is also strong-willed and assertive when she decides to stand up for herself. With the help of her friend Mrs. Fitzgerald, she transforms from a meek housewife into a confident woman who demands respect. She represents the struggles of many women in traditional roles.

OR

17. Who remained most active throughout the treatment? How? (The Birth)

    Dr. Andrew Manson remained most active throughout the treatment. He worked tirelessly to revive the stillborn baby. He performed artificial respiration, massaged the baby's chest, and used hot and cold water baths to stimulate breathing. He refused to give up even when others thought it was hopeless. His determination and medical skill eventually succeeded in bringing the baby back to life.

18. Answer any three questions in about 20-30 words:

18. Why did the King order an arch to be built over a public road? (The Tale of Melon City)

    The King ordered an arch to be built because he hit his head on a low-hanging beam while riding his horse. He felt insulted and wanted to avoid such incidents.

19. To which tribe did Aram and Mourad belong? What was particular about their tribe? (The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse)

    Aram and Mourad belonged to the Armenian tribe. Their tribe was known for its honesty and integrity. They considered stealing a sin and were proud of their reputation for truthfulness.

20. Why did the narrator go to Number 46, Marconi Street? (The Address)

    The narrator went to Number 46, Marconi Street to reclaim her mother's belongings that were left with Mrs. Dorling during the war. She wanted to recover her past memories.

21. Why was Joe so much nervous? (The Birth)

    Joe was nervous because his wife was in labor and the baby was not breathing after birth. He feared losing both his wife and child, and was anxious about the outcome.

19. Choose the correct alternative:

19. What sort of principles seem to thrive in the state? (The Tale of Melon City)

    • (a) Democratic
    • (b) Authoritative
    • (c) Communistic
    • (d) Laissez faire

    Explanation: The state in the poem is ruled by an absolute monarch who makes arbitrary decisions, showing authoritative principles.

20. Why did George not want to have evening tea? (Mother's Day)

    • (a) Because he was going to a cocktail party
    • (b) Because he was going on a trip
    • (c) Because he was going to his club
    • (d) None of these

    Explanation: George wanted to go to his club for the evening, so he did not want to have tea at home.

21. Who says that, "But you! Oh my God!" (Mother's Day)

    • (a) Cyril
    • (b) Doris
    • (c) Mrs. Fitzgerald
    • (d) Charlie

    Explanation: Mrs. Fitzgerald says this line when she sees Annie Pearson transformed and speaking assertively, expressing shock and admiration.

22. What condition did the narrator find the living room in? (The Address)

    • (a) Haphazard
    • (b) Empty
    • (c) Old-fashioned
    • (d) Well arranged

    Explanation: The narrator found the living room well arranged, with all the familiar objects from her mother's house neatly placed, which shocked her.