CBSE Class 12 English Practice Passages Question Answers

Q. Read the passage carefully: 
Right now, I am looking at a shelf full of relics, a collection of has-beens, old-timers, antiques, fossils.
Right now I am looking at a shelf full of books. Yes, that's right. If you have some spare cash (the going rate is about $89) and are looking to enhance your reading experience, then I highly suggest you consider purchasing an e-reader. E-readers are replacing the books of old, and I welcome them with open arms (as you should).
If you haven't heard of an e-reader and don't know what it is, then please permit the following explanation. An e-reader is a device that allows you to read e-books. An e-book is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be born digital. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the e-book as "an electronic version of a printed book," but e-books can and do exist without any printed equivalent.
So now you know what an e-reader is. But you still may be wondering why they put printed books to shame.
E-readers are superior to printed books because they save space, are environmentally friendly, and provide helpful reading tips and tools that printed books do not. E-readers are superior to printed books because they save space. The average e-reader can store thousands of digital books, providing a veritable library at your fingertips. What is more, being the size and weight of a thin hardback, the e-reader itself is relatively petite. It is easy to hold and can fit in a pocketbook or briefcase easily. This makes handling ponderous behemoths such as War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and Les Misérables a breeze. Perhaps the only drawback to the space-saving aspect of an e-reader is that it requires you to find new things to put on your shelves.
In addition, e-readers are superior to books because they are environmentally friendly. The average novel is about 300 pages long. So, if a novel is printed 1000 times, it will use 300,000 pieces of paper.
That's a lot of paper! If there are about 80,000 pieces of paper in a tree, this means it takes almost 4 trees to make these 1000 books. Now, we know that the average bestseller sells about 20,000 copies per week. That means that it takes over 300 trees each month to sustain this rate. And for the super bestsellers, these figures increase dramatically. For example, the Harry Potter book series has sold over 450 million copies. That's about 2 million trees! Upon viewing these figures, it is not hard to grasp the severe impact of printed books on the environment. Since e-readers use no trees, they represent a significant amount of preservation in terms of the environment and its resources.
Finally, e-readers are superior to books because they provide helpful reading tips and tools that printed books do not. The typical e-reader allows its user to customize letter size, font, and line spacing. It also allows highlighting and electronic bookmarking. Furthermore, it grants users the ability to get an overview of a book and then jump to a specific location based on that overview.
While these are all nice features, perhaps the most helpful of all is the ability to get dictionary definitions at the touch of a finger. On even the most basic e-reader, users can conjure instant definitions without having to hunt through a physical dictionary.
It can be seen that e-readers are superior to printed books. They save space, are environmentally friendly, and provide helpful reading tips and tools that printed books do not. So what good are printed books? Well, they certainly make nice decorations.

On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of the given options:

Question. As used in paragraph 1, it can be inferred that "relics,” “has-beens, old-timers, antiques, fossils" are all words that describe something
A. ancient
B. useless
C. outdated
D. pathetic
Answer: C

Question. The tone of the author can best be described as
A. shrewd
B. conniving
C. persuasive
D. authoritative
Answer: C

Question. According to the author, e-books
I. were all once printed books
II. may be "born digital"
III. are able to display images
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
Answer: C

Question. As used in paragraph 3, which of the following describes something that has been "put to shame"?
A. A dog is left outside on a frigid, dreary winter night.
B. Team A defeats Team B in a humiliating rout.
C. Martha is caught stealing at the mall and is arrested in front of a crowd of curious bystanders.
D. The machine has countless moving parts and Dustin has trouble assembling it.
Answer: B

Answer the following questions briefly: 

Question. What reading tips and tools are offered by the e-reader?
Answer: line spacing customization and the ability to quickly jump to the end of a book.

Question. What is an e- reader?
Answer: An e-reader is a device that allows you to read e-books.

Question. What is an e- book?
Answer: An e-book is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices.

Question. Why are e-readers superior?
Answer: E-readers are superior to printed books because they save space, are environmentally friendly, and provide helpful reading tips and tools that printed books do not.

Question. How many tress could have been saved if harry porter books would have been e-books?
Answer: 2 million trees

Question. What is the only drawback to the space-saving aspect of an e-reader according to the passage?
Answer: Perhaps the only drawback to the space-saving aspect of an e-reader is that it requires you to find new things to put on your shelves.

Question. Find words from the passage which mean the same as: 
a. small, slender, and trim. (para-4)
b. As used in paragraph 5
Answer: Petite 

Question. which is the best synonym to maintain ?
Answer: to sustain

Q. Read the passage carefully:

1. India is so lively and refreshing. From here, the West looks somewhat old, gray and struggling.
Indeed, India looks all set to regain the centre stage it occupied a few centuries ago. But while it is developing very fast and its elite is striving to match up with the West, is it not, at the same time, putting at stake much of its precious environment, culture, traditions and values? Of course, the great country has ascribed influences of many previous invaders and colonizers without losing its identity. But presently, its westernization seems to be taking place at a frightening speed.

2. Foreign trade delegations are rushing into the country even during the hottest months of the year.
Starry-eyed businessmen, dressed in crisp black suits are hopping from one five-star hotel to another, cracking mega deals. Market scales and huge figures make them drool. They all want their chunk of the great Indian curry. However, the West is not always exporting its very best to India.
Because it’s not just higher standards of safety or environmental friendliness, or valuable technologies and know-how that are flowing from the western world.

3. Fast food, tobacco, alcohol and toxic skin-whitening creams are pouring into India. This wave is promoting a western lifestyle based on consumerism, individualism and meaninglessness. And the pace of consumption is indeed picking up in India. Manufacturers of goods as different as cars, clothes or cell phones have noticed that in recent years the life cycle of products has shortened.

4. While the older generation of Indians would buy a new product only when the previous one’s useful life had ended, the young generation tends to fall for novelty. People want the latest generation of gadgets because they have more money and more access to such goods. But mostly, they are made to believe, by ever increasing and omnipresent publicity, that they will feel happier with the new product. To encourage this shopping frenzy, a quiet revolution is taking place in the form of rapidly increasing credit penetration.

5. For historical and cultural reasons, well-to-do Indians traditionally avoided indebting themselves.
This may be one less talked about reasons why the country’s economy avoided major trouble during the recent crisis. Only 20 million Indians possess a credit card and personal loans represent about 10% of GDP. Whilst in most western economies, the latter account for approximately 100% of it. But all this is about to change with a booming credit industry.

6. These trends may be healthy ingredients for thriving capitalism. But they may not prove soothing for the soul. Even if they all possess their own television, car, washing machine and fridge, Westerners are not necessarily a happier lot. Surveys show that their happiness has declined in correlation with the development of consumerism since World War II. Moreover, most people in the so-called developed nations suffer from obesity, loneliness depression and addiction to prescribed drugs. May be once upon a time they danced, sang songs and told stories, but now, free time often means watching TV or shopping.

7. To meet the growing demand, natural resources are now being exploited in India, displacing millions of tribal people towards urban slums fuelling growing pockets of civil war-like conflicts across the country. Efforts may be made to fight the old caste system, but a social stratification based on consumption power is emerging. Along with this, India is comparatively good criminality track record is bound to go on the rise in the coming years.

8. From environmental perspective, the current scenario is down-right terrifying. Mountains are being blown up, forests are being shaved, soil and sacred rivers are being polluted to cater to the endless production of goods that are meant to be replaced as fast as possible. And whilst the West exports its toxic junk to places like India, where it is recycled in dangerous conditions by the informal sector, for peanuts, where will the Indian’s rapidly growing waste be dumped?

9. Maybe 50 years ago, the effects of massive consumption were largely ignored. But today, most people acknowledge many planets would be required if everyone picked up American consumer habits.

10. Even the western toilets have become a status symbol in Indian middleclass homes. Millions of fancy flush toilets are added every year to new trendy restaurants, malls, condominiums and five-star hotels in Indian cities. Instead of adopting unsustainable imports from the West, there are areas where in India should inspire the latter. With its traditional squatting toilet for instance. Not just because it is cheaper, more hygienic and better adapted to the human anatomy, but mostly, in a context where clean water is increasingly rare and pricy, because it requires much less of it.
Countless other sustainable concepts, values and products from India could benefit Westerners.
Strong extended family ties, respect for elders, kriya yoga and tongue-scrapers are just a few of them.

11. India needs to avoid repeating the West’s mistakes. Only enlightened citizens can show the way towards a more viable economy but putting pressure on government, stressing India’s success should not be measured by GDP growth rates and spending habits alone. Nor should it aspire to become like the US or China.

12. Concerned and responsible Indian citizens can encourage sensible consumption behaviour. by shopping less and wasting even lesser. By buying local products to keep the cottage industries, bazaar culture, traditional crafts and wisdom alive. In essence, by valuing their rich heritage and living simple and meaningful lives, Indians can set an example, and show the West that Mother India is much more than a well of business opportunities. It’s not just a matter of common sense; it’s about our survival.

On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of the given options: 

Question. India is
A. developing slow
B. lively and refreshing
C. gray and struggling
D. Outdated and pathetic
Answer: B

Question. Foreign trade delegations want
A. great Indian curry
B. Chicken tikka curry
C. market opportunities available
D. None of the above
Answer: C

Question. The young generation tends to believe that_
A. latest gadgets are a novelty to be possessed
B. More disposable income
C. happier with the new product
D. All of the above
Answer: D

Question. The people of western world with thriving capitalism indicate
A. They are very happy.
B. happiness has increased in correlation with the development of consumerism
C. do not have life style diseases.
D. are not necessarily a happier lot.
Answer: D

Answer the following questions briefly:

Question. What cost have we to pay for westernization?
Answer: Putting at stake much of its precious environment, culture, traditions and values.

Question. What kind of life style are we adopting?
Answer: A western lifestyle based on consumerism, individualism and meaninglessness.

Question. How did the country’s economy avoid major trouble during the recent economic crisis?
Answer: Well-to-do Indians traditionally avoided indebting themselves; Only 20 million Indians possess a credit card and personal loans represent about 10% of GDP.

Question. What are the threats faced by the developed countries due to consumerism?
Answer: Surveys show that their happiness has declined in correlation with the development of consumerism since World War II; most people in the so-called developed nations suffer from obesity, loneliness depression and addiction to prescribed drugs; now, free time often means watching TV or shopping.

Question. How can Indians inspire western countries through their traditions and life styles?
Answer: Concerned and responsible Indian citizens can encourage sensible consumption behaviour; by shopping less and wasting even lesser; by buying local products to keep the cottage industries, bazaar culture, traditional crafts and wisdom alive; In essence, by valuing their rich heritage and living simple and meaningful lives, Indians can set an example, and show the West.

Question. Find out the words from the passage which mean the same as follows :
(a) attackers (para - 1) 1
(b) one who is present everywhere (para - 4) 1
(c) frightening (para - 8) 
Answer: a. Invaders b. Omnipresent c. Terrifying

Q. Read the passage carefully:

You did it! You impressed your future employer to the point where they called you in for a face to face job interview. This is your chance to go in there in person and shine. Now that you have been given this opportunity, it’s critical that you don’t waste it.
According to a career builder.com survey, the single most common mistake candidates make in job interviews is inappropriate dress. You, the candidate, are expected to wear business suit or rather formal attire to the interview. One exception to this rule can be high-tech companies, where anything other than jeans and flip flops might make you stick out like a sore thumb. The second most common folly is bad mouthing your former boss. How do you think your prospective boss will feel if they hear you criticizing your former manager? They will wonder if they’ll be the topic of such conversation should you happen to move on to another company. Even if you have excellent reasons to be bitter, don’t be.
If you can’t get excited for the job interview, your interviewer will probably figure out that you won’t be very enthusiastic on the job. Sit or stand up straight, smile, make sure the interviewer knows how excited you are for this particular job.
There’s probably nothing that annoys an interviewer more than an applicant who is aggressive to the point of arrogance. While it’s very important to engage with your interviewer and ask questions, there’s fine line between showing interest and monopolizing the conversation to the point where the interviewer can’t get a word in. Be sure to let the interviewer finish his/ her sentences, and try not to ramble. It’s vital that you prepare for a job interview by researching the company and preparing for all the typical questions you will likely be asked. If the interviewer asks a question you don’t know the answer to, you are much better off telling them so , than stuttering and mumbling, groping for an answer. An interview is a two way street. You don’t want to ask a bunch of irrelevant questions at a job interview, but you do want to ask pertinent, well-thought-out question that require more than a yes or no answer.
You never get a second chance …. No doubt you’ve heard it before. If you’re running late, call up and tell the interviewer, the sooner the better. If it’s earlier in the day, ask if you can reschedule for later that day.
One of the questions you’re almost sure to hear at a job interview is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Although it might seem like a simple question, more often than not it’s tough to articulate the answer, so practice. Rehearse the answers you plan to give for questions like this.
When the interviewer asks you a question, do your best to give examples or connections that link your answer to the job under consideration? You’re usually better served with concise specific answers rather than long-winded that don’t necessarily apply to the job you’re seeking.
Don’t be too eager to talk salary. While it’s vital not to sell yourself short, you don’t want to make your salary requirements the centrepiece of the interview. If it doesn’t come up during the course of the interview, you can ask about the salary towards the end.

On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of the given options:

Question. The passage describes
A. dressing for an interview
B. Manner of talking during interview
C. showing enthusiasm for a job
D. all of the above
Answer: D

Question. “make you stick out like a sore thumb” implies
A. to be not obvious
B. to be easily noticed as different
C. to have a painful thumb
D. none
Answer: B

Answer the following questions briefly:

Question. What form of attire is most preferred for interviews?
Answer: formal

Question. Why is talking too much not favourable for an interviewee?
Answer: Will portray you as aggressive and arrogant.

Question. How must one carry oneself during an interview ?
Answer: Being polite; being formal; not overenthusiastic; asking pertinent questions; decent demeanor.

Question. If a candidate is not punctual for the interview what must he do?
Answer: Inform if late for the interview or reschedule

Question. ‘Talking about salary’ at the time of an interview is a strict no-no. Why?
Answer: Will amount to making it the most important thing in interview; ask only in the end.

Question. Why can criticizing the former boss have a negative impact on an interviewee’s job prospects?
Answer: Will present you in a bad light; shows that you could criticise him too.

Question. Find words from the passage which mean the same as: 
a. Dominate (para-4)
b. Important (para-4)
Answer: a. Monopolize b. vital

Q. Read the passage carefully:

1. As religious people believing in God, we are all aware of the influence of prayer in our individual lives. It is true our temples, gurudwaras, churches and mosques reverberate with the prayers of the devout on festive occasions and even in the course of daily life. When the individuals face dire situations, often they are led into prayer, their faith thus opens for them a source of comfort and encouragement in their hour of need.

2. But how does this nation, as a collective entity, exercise its faith in prayer? It may be recalled that during the freedom struggle and subsequently after Independence, the Father of the Nation, used to lead such people in prayer on matters affecting its destiny, the men of different faiths used to take part in such meetings, which gave them a sense of purpose and also a sense of solidarity as people sharing one destiny.

3. Since the Mahatma fell to the bullets of an assassin, no one else probably came forward to provide leadership to an exercise of prayer at national level. No doubt people of all faiths had organized prayers at their places of worship in the aftermath of national tragedies like the Gujarat Earthquake or the Orissa Cyclone.The hijacking of an Indian plane with its passengers to Kandahar in the recent past had moved this nation to pray. The whole nation, again, had taken to prayer en masse on two other earlier occasions- when Amitabh Bachchan fell seriously ill and also when Mother Teresa was on bed.

4. “Man’s need for prayer is as great as his need for bread. As food is necessary for the body, prayer is necessary for the soul. I have not a shadow of doubt that the strife and quarrels with which our atmosphere is so full today are due to the absence of the spirit of true prayer. True prayer never goes unanswered,” wrote Gandhiji.
According to Vasudevan , Secretary of Rajghat Samadhi Samiti, all religion prayer meetings are held every Friday at Rajghat from 4 p.m. to 5.15p.m.

5. It is said that the act of prayer changes people and situations. There is a general impression that prayer is an act of seeking favours from God for selfish ends. It is as if all praying people are only interested in taking their shopping lists to their Maker! Far from it the very act of praying teaches one to empathise with those who suffer. It broadens one’s outlook. It builds up one’s character by imparting a sense of responsibility towards other people and situations.

6. The latest example of a praying nation comes from the United States, which is often labelled as too materialistic. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Washington in the second week of February, President George Bush praised Americans of all faiths for turning to prayer in the wake of the September attacks. He said he had spent much time ‘on bended knee’ since terrorists attacked the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, killing more than 3000 people.

7. Regardless of the religious affiliations, people in the affected areas showed an exemplary sense of togetherness in the hour of tragedy. All differences of religion, ethnicity, race and language were forgotten as volunteers got busy assuaging the pain and sorrow felt by the victims. The American example has several lessons for India which is also a pluralistic society.
It has demonstrated that differences of religion and ethnicity need not stand in the way of the nation unitedly facing all its challenges. If it is true that all religious faiths teach tolerance, humility and the value of helping neighbours, then the religious leaders of this nation could also engender unity and oneness of purpose by coming together periodically to pray for the nation. And when they focus on the fact that all people, regardless of their differences, share one common destiny, there could be greater communal harmony. Such consciousness ought to pave the way for peace in the society.

On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of the given options:

Question. Faith offers
A. comfort
B. encouragement
C. strength
D. All of the above
Answer: D

Question. All differences of religion, ethnicity, race and language are forgotten by people in the hour of tragedy
A. true
B. False
C. cannot say
D. none
Answer: A

Answer the following questions briefly:

Question. When do people generally pray? Why?
Answer: When the individuals face dire situations; their faith gives them comfort and encouragement in their hour of need.

Question. What is the importance of a nation praying as a collective entity?
Answer: during the freedom struggle and subsequently after Independence;the men of different faiths used to take part in such meetings, which gave them a sense of purpose and also a sense of solidarity as people sharing one destiny.

Question. Give two examples from the recent times when the nation was led to pray for a cause?
Answer: Gujarat Earthquake or the Orissa Cyclone 

Question. How does the act of praying influence one’s mind and personality?
Answer: the very act of praying teaches one to empathise with those who suffer; It broadens one’s outlook.;It builds up one’s character by imparting a sense of responsibility towards other people and situations;

Question. What lesson does the American Example demonstrate to India?
Answer: It has demonstrated that differences of religion and ethnicity need not stand in the way of the nation unitedly facing all its challenges; engender unity and oneness of purpose by coming together periodically; pave the way for peace in the society.

Question. Find words from the passage which mean the same as the ones given below: 
i) unity (Para 2)
ii) conflict (Para 4)
iii) commendable (Para 7)
Answer: i. Solidarity ii. conflict iii. exemplary

NOTE MAKING

1. Spiders are man’s friends. The spiders are among our best friends. They destroy many harmful insects, including some of our worst enemies. These are the insects that devour are crops, cause diseases both to us and to farm animals and torment our skins. Spiders do not have specific insects, which they prey on. They kill and eat whatever insects are available, though they do not usually prey on the large ones.

2. There are two main groups of spiders: the weaving spiders and the hunting spiders.
These two groups differ in various ways. The weavers have bigger spinnerets (those parts of the body from which the silk comes out) and their legs are generally much longer, with special clause at the end. The hunting spiders (which do not spin webs) have smaller spinnerets and strong thicker legs. They have better eyesight than the weavers but the weaver’s sense of the touch is more developed and they are more highly involved than the hunters.
3. The weavers do not take the trouble to hunt their prey, instead they set a trap and weight for the prey to get caught in it. This trap is of course the web, which is made from the spiders silk. The silk is produced in glands at the back half of the body and pushed out through jets or nozzles called spinnerets. These can be moved in any direction and they also control the quantity of silk that comes out as liquid. When it comes out and hardens when it meets the air, though it remains sticky .This is very important for the spider, since the stickiness helps to prevent his prey from escaping.
The spider itself , however, can run across the web, because it has a kind for oil on its feed ;which does not stick to the web 

NOTE MAKING

1. Much before medical science discovered it, Readers Digest came out with the prescription – Laughter is the best medicine. Newspapers and magazines which regularly run humour columns are, therefore doing their bit to keep the readers in good health. Reading light articles, whether they be satirical, comic or just humorous, relieves the tedium of work-a-day world. Some pieces may even tickle one’s grey matter.

2. It is said that if you laugh for ten minutes you will be in a better position to put up with pain for two hours. According to US researchers, laughter is a good antidote to stress that tone up the system. Facial laugh muscles instruct the brain to “feel good” regardless of how you feel.

3. 3. According to a French doctor, laughter deepens breathing, improves blood circulation, stabilises drug with no side effects. Researchers state that the laughter stimulates production of a beta endorphins, natural pain killers in the body and improves digestion. Those who laugh are less prone to digestive disorders and ulcers.

4. Some people in France have made it a career. You can hire a “jovialist” who cracks jokes and laughs and promises to make you dissolve your worries in helpless laughter, a word of caution. Although laughing is a good exercise of toning up the facial muscles, laughing at others expenses, particularly at their disabilities is a bad test and is to be avoided. Secondly, laughing with food in the mouth is dangerous as the food stuff can get into the wind pipe and may choke the digestive system. Eating anyway,
is a serious business to be trifled with by a jocular diversion. Laughter comes best when it is free of incuberances, whether it is constructing food or the need to humour the boss.

Passage for Note Making (Solved)

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Every girl dreams of becoming a princess and living in a castle. The closest we can get to that these days is vacationing in one of the numerous palace hotels that dot our historical country.
They are a symbol of our glorious past and give us a taste of the regal lifestyle of the royalty in India. 4 Most of these palace hotels are situate in Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner – they all boast huge forts, colourful palaces and the luxurious lifestyle of the royals. Even though monarchy is extinct in India, descendants of the Maharajas and Maharanis of the past still try to maintain their way of life. Their heirloom jewellery, traditional clothes and the feasts produces in the royal kitchens can still take you back in time. The palaces that the living blue bloods call home are now converted to heritage hotels.
Samode Palace in Jaipur is one of these old palaces that have been standing tall for almost five centuries. It’s lit up façade at night forms an iconic image of what an Indian royal palace looked like. The 24 suites and 19 rooms have their own old world charm the hand painted hallways, colourful mosaics, all archways and high ceilings make your stay a memorable experience. Exploring the age old corridors could take you on a trip through the history of royal India.
You will feel like you have travelled back in time machine If you decide to vacation at the Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar. This large property is divided into seven wings. You need not venture out of this hotel as you can spend your whole vacation her and have beautiful photos to take home. An appointment at the in-house ayurvedic spa can help you truly relax and enjoy your vacation.
Jaipur, the pink city should get the title of the ‘palace city’ as most of these luxurious abodes are located here. One of the world’s finest heritage hotels, the Rambagh Palace Hotel is located here. The Taj Group has respectfully restored this palace to its formal glory as can be witnessed in its airy courtyards, gurgling fountains, beautiful verandas and warm hospitality.
Taj Rambagh Palace is fondly called the jewel of Jaipur and truly deserves this honour. Just a stroll in the 47- acre garden is enough to soak in the grandeur of the past.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it using headings and sub-headings in a format you consider suitable. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also supply a suitable title to the passage.

The Palaces of Rajasthan

1. Introduction

1.1 Becoming a princess, living in a palace – every girl’s dream
1.2 closest to the dream – vactng in a palace
1.2.1 symbol of glrs past
1.2.2 taste of regal lifestyle

2 Palaces of Rajasthan
2.1 Rajasthan – numerous, colourful palaces
2.2 Huge forts, & luxurious lifestyle
2.3 Royal descendants – lifestyle maintained even today
2.4 Major palaces – converted to heritage hotels.

3 Samode Palace
3.1 located in Jaipur
3.2 5 centrs old
3.3 Lit up façade - iconic image of royalty

3.4 Interior magnificent
3.4.1 24 suites, 19 rooms – old world charm
3.4.2 corridors – trip through history of India
3.5 stay a memorable experience.

4. Neemrana Palace
4.1 located at Alwar
4.2 divided into 7 rooms
4.3 in-house ayvdc spa – relaxing and enjoyable

5. Pink City, Jaipur
5.1 palace city – many luxurious abodes
5.2 Rambagh palace – world’s finest heritage hotels
5.2.1 respectfully restored by Taj Group
5.2.2 warm hospitality

Key to Abbreviations- Vactng - Vacationing ; Glrs -Glorious ; Centrs – Centuries ; Ayvdc -Ayurvedic 

SUMMARY –
Palaces are symbols of a glorious past and give a taste of regal lifestyle. Rajasthan has numerous, colourful palaces with huge forts and luxurious lifestyle. Many major palaces have been converted to heritage hotels. The Samode Palace of Jaipur has a magnificent interior with 24 suites and 19 rooms of age old charm. Neemrana Palace located at Alwar has 7 rooms and an inhouse ayurvedic spa which is relaxing and enjoyable. The Pink City Jaipur has many luxurious abodes. Rambagh palace is one of India’s finest heritage hotels owned by Taj Group and offers warm hospitality.
Inferiority complex or low self – esteem is variously defined as poor self image, feeling of worthlessness, sense of insecurity, state of self – doubt, timidity etc. It is a major hurdle in the path to success and glory. High self-esteem is feeling good about oneself, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of one and accepting them accordingly. However, it should not be confused with an inflated ego, which is the prime reason behind the premature death of many promising careers.
Success and self-esteem have a close and direct relationship. Success is important for the growth of positive feeling about oneself and affirmation of worth. A child with high self-esteem can use a failure as a learning experience while a child with low self-esteem gets bogged down. We experience “lows” and “highs” from time to time. Feeling unsure and suffering from doubts is all right, but persistent feeling of worthlessness and insecurity are a matter of grave concern.
Children with high self- esteem are able to express themselves in a controlled manner and generally succeed in influencing other people’s behaviour in a positive way. These children approach new challenges with confidence and show a lot of independence and responsibility.
Failures do not easily frustrate them. Through perseverance they turn failure into resounding success.
Children with low self – esteem are low on confidence and generally speak in self – derogatory terms. They are always on the defensive and avoid situations, which may cause confrontation and tension. They are unable to form their own opinions and rely on other’s judgment. They constantly blame others for their problems and are not open to reason. They even feel powerless when faced with any challenging situation, avoid new experiences and shy away from interactions. Children with low self – esteem have low frustration tolerance.
Thus they tend to give up without putting in a worthwhile effort. These children use the crutches of fate and luck to plod along an ill-defined path that leads nowhere.
Every child is born –a winner but his success in later life depends upon a complex interplay of several related factors. Children develop into positive personalities only if are encouraged by people and circumstances, which ensure that their self-esteem is carefully nourished throughout the crucial growing up years. Genetic endowment or the potential to succeed may be present but it can be blocked by adverse environmental factors operating at home, at school and in society. When this happens, it can result in a collapse of confidence and withdrawal from the struggle towards worthwhile achievement.

TITLE _______________________ (Supply a suitable title)
Notes
1. Inferiority complex / low self – esteem – characteristics :
a. poor self-image
b. feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt
c. ________________________
2. High self – esteem :
a. feeling good about oneself.
b. knowing ________________
3. Success & self – esteem :
a. success-imp. for _____________________ .
b. failure –a learning experience for high-esteemed child
4. Traits of children with high esteem :
a. express with confidence
b. independent & responsible
5. Children of low self-esteem-traits :
a. speak in derogatory terms
b. always _______________.
c. unable to form opinions
d. _________________________.
6. Every child –a winner :
a. _____________ --develop into +ve person
b. needs crucial ________________ .
c. potential –not blocked by ________ -very damaging.

Hints - summary
• insecurity and timidity
• positive feelings
• persevere in spite of failures
• powerless & shy
• nourishment of self-esteem

They preferred to put you to work on a farm or at the mills, so as to have a little more money”.
Some parents do not understand the importance of education. They want their kids to work.
The Govt. has introduced the Right to Education Act. What changes it can bring about in the attitude of the parents. Explain.
Value Points:
i. More aware of value of educating kids. ii. Constitutionally bound. iii. No fees- Free and compulsory education is encouraging. iv. Various schemes: free books, uniform, mid day meal etc

The poet smiles in order to put up a brave front so that her mother may not observe her pained and frightened look. She smiles in order to reassure her The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom. The participation of the community is necessary for a healthy and productive education system. Comment.
Value Points:
i. Helps in maintaining discipline and healthy environment. ii. Inculcating the social values.
iii. Spreading awareness – controlling diseases, education social evils etc. iv. Immediate Solutions – Role of V.K.S. and P.T.A

3. “It was so warm, so bright ……….. birds were chirping …… The Prussian soldiers were drilling ………… It was all much more tempting”. In the present scenario / times there are
more distractions (malls, i-pads, facebook etc). The will to resist is the only solution. Explain.
Childhood is the spring time of one‟s life but Saheb and Mukesh are the victims of the evil of child labour. You feel pained to see children working at factories, dhabas and tea stalls.
Empathising with them give concrete suggestions to deal with the problem.
2. i) Strict and stringent laws with focus on implementation. ii) Awareness about various programmes – R.T.E.
iii) Education-with vocational training and flexi timings, mobile-schools
Slums & Mukesh‟s lodgings pose a threat to healthy life. Do you think that better living conditions will give a positive viewpoint to them towards life. Write an article on Health is Wealth.
5. i) Healthy mind in a healthy body. ii) Healthy person a productive citizen. iii) Not a liability but an asset. iv) Better health better outlook.
6. But promises like mine abound ….. in their bleak world”. Saheb and others like him spend their life on unfulfilled promises. What role should the youth play to improve their conditions through programmes like „Each one Teach one‟ . Give your views in 100 words.
6. i) Can educate them. ii) Vocational training. iii) Making them self sufficient. iv) Can fulfill the promises themselves.

Apathy and lack of concern have added fuel to the miseries of Saheb and Mukesh. The bureaucrats and politicians are unconcerned to their miseries. Do you feel that concern and compassion can drastically change the condition of the deprived.
Added to the main stream. ii) Eliminates the feeling alienation. iii) Gives Confidence. iv) Brings out the best.
“Practice makes a man perfect”. Douglas tries hard to reach to the level of perfection by perseverance . “Never, never, never give in” Churchill. Comment.

i) Persistent efforts. ii) Will: Never to surrender. iii) Braving the odds. iv) Self satisfaction: true measure of success.

ii) 3. Douglas was tossed into the deeper end by a big bruiser of a boy. Bullying is a common phenomenon of present times. Even in Indian schools it is commonly witnessed. Do you think it is the moral duty of every senior to support and protect the juniors. Write a note on Bullying; a threat to development of a child.

iv) i) Increases inequality. ii) Instills fear. iii) Aversion to schools & colleges. iv) Drastic / fatal results.

v) v) No to Bullying.

Fear of water remained with Douglas even as years rolled by. He did not want to live with his handicap and so tried his level best to overcome this fear. Refusal to live with a handicap paves the way for greater achievement. Comment.
Handicap – not a stumbling block always. ii) Strong will power can counter handicap. iii) Better training & proper follow up – revival of confidence. iv) End product: a complete
personality.

Question. Justify the title ‘The Strange Man’s Arrival’.
Answer:
The first chapter is aptly entitled as it is about the arrival of the stranger which triggers the exposition of the novel.
The plot of the novel depends on his arrival, and creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery that hangs on till the end of the novel.
The unusual appearance of the stranger. (Give illustrations)
The equally unusual behaviour to all who venture in into Griffin's room.

Question. What impressions do you form of the stranger by his strange appearance and the intermittent conversation with Mrs. Hall?
Answer:
A person of mysterious nature.
A man of weird intention who keeps all his intention and designs to himself.
Having a very secret mission which he does not want to let anyone know and only
for this purpose he came to this solitude (Iping) or rather 'dropped form infinity'.
A very laconic and unsociable person having no regard for the people and their affection.
A man who perhaps deliberately wills to remain a mystery.

Question. Mrs. Hall tried to prove the best of hosts but the regular snubbing on the part of the stranger frustrated all her efforts. Comment.
OR
What different conversational advances did Mrs. Hall try to make? How did the stranger respond and Why did he do so?
Answer:
Having a guest at Iping in the dead time of the year was undoubtedly an unheard piece of luck and that too the person who was no haggler.
Keeping this thing in mind she did not wish to let him go on account of reluctant services.
Started being the best of hosts by insuring every thing ready in time. (Give examples).
However she failed to assess him and sometimes went too far in her considering him, and as such, had to face rebukes. (Give examples).
Taking the advantage of offering tea or lunch sometimes, about his asking for getting his luggage brought and telling the story of her nephew.
Though seemed sometimes sociable but cautious at the same time of the unwarranted intrusion in his private life in any way, he frustrated all her efforts to sneak into his life.
He did it as talking casually might result in giving some clue about his mysterious identity and secret objective.

Question. What difference do you find in Mrs. Hall’s treatment of the stranger and her husband? How much importance did Mrs. Hall give to Mr. Hall’s observations, remarks and suggestions about the strange guest that she had taken into the “Coaches and Horses” inn? What traits of her character are highlighted by her approach?
Answer:
Mrs Hall was dominating kind of wife who perhaps had low opinion of her husband.
Mr Hall too was a little sluggish in his approach to personal, professional and familial life and as such, failed to be the bread and butter winner, leaving only a poor impression on his wife's mind.
On the other hand she had an opportunity to earn money even in off season time.
She, therefore, did not want to entertain any opposite idea on the part of other people about the stranger.
There could be a tinge of jealousy in Mr Hall which she noticed and as such, regarded his observations being little bit prejudiced about the stranger.
By this way it can be concluded that she was a credulous,somewhat irresponsible (in believing the stranger even without confirming his identity) about her family's well-being and judgmental about her husband (not giving any respect to what he said).

Question. Describe the stranger’s behaviour while unpacking the crates. What does it indicate about his personality?
Answer:
Impatient, and eager for the accomplishment of his task i.e. preparing the antidote of his invisibility.
Careless about any other consideration like spoiling the room of Mrs. Hall.
The behaviour also shows how desperate he is to get his previous form back as this invisibility has frustrated him to the core.
A very diligent, concerned, laborious, guy he is to his work.
He is very objective in his approach to his work.

Question. What made Cuss interview the stranger? What kind of interview was it and what did come out of it?
Answer:
The interview was not intended fairly by Cuss. He with an evil desire to know about the stranger out of his professional envy tried to infuriate him rather know something valuable. (Detail it slightly) It was a fake type of interview as Cuss asked something else and had his eyes and aim at something else.
It turned out to be an extra ordinary, an unusual and a nightmarish kind of experience for Cuss as the things he noticed and felt could hardly be rationalized.

COMPREHENSION PASSAGES

1. All of us do some kind of work to ward of starvation or to gain sufficient material wealth with a view of maintaining that standard of living which our physical and intellectual powers have helped us to reach. But there is another kind of work which is completely divorced from the burdensome process of our livelihood and which is undertaken for the sake of amusement and interest or the direction of our surplus stores in some new or useful channels of refined tastes. This delightful work of combining work with pleasure or hobby, as it is properly termed, calls for the application of our highest faculties to perform their natural functions and to display their instinctive greatness. We devote our leisure to the pursuit of this pleasant task and derive advantages that compare favourably with those we obtain from the bread earning routine of the daily life. Hobbies widen the sphere of our cultural activities, give refinement to our tastes and show us the path that leads to our systematic and moral development. Our tendencies and inclinations also find in them the outlet for a healthy and progressive expression.

2. “A hobby is a favourite subject or occupation that is not one’s main business”. In this age of machinery which has taken upon itself most of the laborious duties of physical exertion formally performed by man, then creating for him pleasant intervals of rest and leisure, it shouldn’t be difficult for him to devote some time to the pursuit of a new interest that can add some charm, colour or zest to life. The spare time must not be frittered away in idleness or spent on works as overtakes his mind and body after they have performed the normal functions for the day. The new interest will be worthwhile if it provides relaxation and change from ordinary occupation, banishes the drabness of routine work and produces a feeling that life is both charming and meaningful.

3. The choice of hobbies, like the choice of books, purposes of reading, is not an easy task. Some hobbies demand a little guidance `from experienced persons. Our sudden attachment without the backing of this preliminary knowledge may result in wasting of our resources of time and money, and in the end compel us to abandon them. Some hobbies are rather expensive, and therefore beyond means of ordinary people who can ill afford to spend large sums of money on them. Not a few are incompatible with our temperament and taste. We must not, therefore, allow the glamour of certain hobbies to bind us to their reality, howsoever tempting they may appear to us, nor should we begin to cherish thoughtlessly because we find other people so devotedly attached to them.

In the first flash of enthusiasm many have e rushed into unsuitable hobbies only to find they turning away from them in a state of great disillusionment. In a few rare and exceptional cases a sudden and instinctive choice of some hobby sometimes proves to be the right one. We must not, however, forget that tinkering with a hobby is a joyless and wasteful process, unattended by any appreciable gains. Scattered interest in half a dozen or more odd hobbies is not a desirable end

(a) What is a hobby?

(b) What are the advantages of hobbies?

(c) Why does one have to be very careful in selecting a hobby?

(d) Under what circumstances do we have to discard a hobby?

(e) In what way does a hobby refine our taste?