Kerala Plus One English Previous Year Question Paper 2017
General Instructions to Candidates
- There is a ‘Cool off time’ of 15 minutes in addition to the writing time of 2 1/2 hrs.
- You are neither allowed to write your answers nor to discuss anything with others during the ‘cool off time’.
- Read the questions carefully before answering.
- All questions are compulsory and the only internal choice is allowed.
- When you select a question, all the sub-questions must be answered from the same question itself.
- Electronic devices except nonprogrammable calculators are not allowed in the Examination Hall.
Question 1.
“There were white wires hanging down from their ears or tucked into pockets, purses or jackets. The eyes were a little vacant. Each was in his or her own musical world….”
Looking at the iPod people, Andrew Sullivan commented like this in his essay, ‘Is Society Dead’.
You would like to post a similar comment on your social networking site. Draft the comment about the new generation, who have become addicts of mobile phones and such ‘ gadgets.
Question 2.
Read the following notice. Certain words are left blank. Complete the notice by supplying the correct form of the verbs given in brackets.
Notice
All students of Plus Two (ask) to return the library books on or before 28th February. Those who fail to return books (not give) admit cards for the Final Examination.
(Q. 3 to 5): Read the following excerpt from the story, “The Serang of Ranaganji’ and answer the following questions.
“The Huntress from Cheltenham swung round, bent her wit, her fascinations upon me. Where did you keep him during the entire voyage? Doctor dear? In a special cage?”
Question 3.
Who is referred to as Huntress’ here?
Question 4.
Who does she speak about in the passage?
Question 5.
What do you learn about the lady’s character from this comment?
Question 6.
On seeing his friends Ivan and Bourkin, Aliokin made the following comments. Report the dialogue.
‘You cannot imagine how glad I am to see you, gentlemen’, said Aliokin, coming after them into the hall. ‘Pelagueya’, he said to the maid, ‘give my friends a change of clothes’. Then, walking to the bathing shed he asked, ‘wouldn’t you like to come to the bathing shed?”
Question 7.
Bring out the message of the lines from the poem, ‘If by Rudyard Kipling.
“If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop to build them up with worn-out tools
…you’ll be a Man, my son!”
Question 8.
Most people believe that walking is a good physical exercise. They raise the following arguments to substantiate their view.
- Walking strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Walking helps to lose weight as 75 calories of fat are burned by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes.
- Walking gives energy and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energizers around
But you support Max Beerbohm who objects walking for walking’s sake. What arguments would you raise to contradict those who support walking? Write three points which explains why you hate walking.
Question 9.
Choose appropriate words from the box to complete the captain’s briefing of a balloon journey.
After, while, although, along, probably, but
(a) ………………… briefing a balloon journey which they were just about to start. the pilot said, there are no seats, forget seat belts, no emergency exits, no engines, no life jackets or oxygen masks; only a landing stance that one must take when told to do so. The destination is unknown, (b) ………………… an open field with no obstructions, somewhere on the outskirts of the town. (c) ………………… the takeoff is smooth and (d) ………………… you know it, you are floating in the air, rising steadily’.
Question 10.
Here is a timeline of Albert Einstein’s life. Go through it carefully and prepare his short profile.
- 1879 Born to Hermann Einstein and Pauline in Ulm, Germany.
- 1895 Joins High School
- 1896 Graduates from High School and enrolls at the ETH (the Federal Polytechnic School) in Zurich.
- 1900 Graduates from the ETH
- 1905 Publishes, five groundbreaking papers, miracle year-introduces theory of relativity and another E = me2.
- 1912 Moves to Zurich, becomes Professor of Theoretical Physics at the ETH
- 1915 General theory of relativity
- 1917 Collapses from exhaustion, falls seriously ill.
- 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics
- 1955 Dies of heart failure on April 18
Question 11.
Greta, in the story, ‘Conceptual Fruit’, reminds us that everything we do every therapy, encouraging word, smile or care will make a difference in the life of differently abled children. What type of schooling, do you think, is good for such children – mainstream schools or special schools? Imagine that you want to communicate your views about this to the public. Draft an e-mail to the editor of a leading newspaper.
(Hints: Not enough adaptive and cognitive skills – fail to follow group instructions – requires greater attention and individual care – need support from allied health professionals)
Question 12.
The passengers on board the ship, Titanic, were really moved by the heroism of the crew, who were duty-bound even at the face of death. Narrate the tragic end of the Titanic, from the point of view of one of the passengers who got escaped the wreck.
Question 13.
“Then Jovis nudges me; he fears to frighten his happy, quiet passengers, for he knows full well that a storm is pursuing us”, says Maupassant. Here we see the trait of an ideal leader in the captain. What other traits of the captain, as a good team leader, do you find in the story, “The Trip of Le Horla’? Sketch the character of captain for is in about sixty words.
(Q.14 to 16): Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
There is a famous expression in English: “Stop the world, I want to get off!” This expression refers to a feeling of panic, or stress ‘Stress’ means pressure or tension. It is one of the most common causes of health problems in modern life.
There are numerous physical effects of stress. Stress can affect the heart, the respiratory system, and the stomach. Emotions are also easily affected by stress. Stress can make people angry, moody or nervous. Long-term stress can lead to a variety of serious mental illnesses. Addictions often develop as a result of one’s efforts to relieve stress. It is obvious that stress is a serious problem. It attacks the body. It affects the emotions. Untreated, it may eventually result in mental illness. Stress has a great influence on the health and well-being of our bodies, our feelings, and our minds.
Question 14.
Which one of the following is NOT a common problem caused by stress?
a. Physical problems
b. Mental problems
c. Anecdotal problems
d. Emotional problems
Question 15.
Choose the best answer to explain how alcoholism is caused by stress.
a. Alcohol is used to relieve stress
b. Alcohol is popular
c. Alcohol is a chemical
d. Alcohol is similar to medicine
Question 16.
Why is it said that one should reduce stress and rest for some time?
Question 17.
Wordsworth’s poem “To Sleep’ tells us how important it is to have a sound sleep in order to remain mentally and physically fit. But we know that getting a good night’s sleep requires more than crawling into bed and closing your eyes. Write a short article on ‘Sleep’, in about seventy-five words, for your school magazine.
Question 18.
Mr. Gupta, in the story, ‘The Price of Flowers’ attracts everybody’s attention. Imagine that he visits your town for an official meeting of the civil service officers. He has consented to give you an appointment to interview him. Prepare five questions you would like to ask him.
Question 19.
Certain highlights of a terrorist attack, sent by a reporter from abroad, are given below. Imagine that you are a journalist in the bureau. Develop the highlights into a news report to be published in your newspaper.
OR
Natural Disasters usually creates havoc and misery. This year monsoon turns out to be a bad omen for the poor residents of Kuttanad.
Certain highlights of the flood-affected Kuttanad, sent by a reporter, are given below. Imagine that you are a journalist in the bureau. Develop the highlights into a news report to be published in your newspaper.
Question 20.
“I shall work for an India in which all communities shall live in perfect harmony… This is the India of my dreams”, says Mahatma Gandhi. How far has his dream been realized? Keeping in mind the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams in the present scenario, prepare an essay on the topic ‘Importance of religious tolerance in national integration’.
OR
“I shall work for an India in which …. there can be no room for the curse of intoxicating drinks and drugs… This is the India of. my dreams”, says Mahatma Gandhi. How far has his dream been realized? Keeping in mind the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams in the present scenario, prepare an essay on the topic ‘Increasing drug abuse-a menace of the day’.
Question 21.
The literary club of your school has decided to celebrate Dr. Kalam’s birthday as World Students’ Day. In connection with the celebrations, the club is conducting an oratory training programme for higher secondary students to develop their skill and eloquence in public speaking. You, being the secretary of the club, are asked to deliver a speech to motivate them. Draft the script of the speech you would like to deliver there in the light of your reading of the story, ‘His First Flight’.
Question 22.
Read the poem Azure and Gold by Amy Lowell and prepare a note of appreciation.
Azure and Gold
by Amy Lowell
April had covered the hills
With flickering yellows and reds,
The sparkle and coolness of snow
Was blown from the mountain beds
Across a deep – sunken stream
The pink of blossoming trees,
And from windless apple blooms
The humming of many bees.
The air was of rose and gold
Arabesqued with the song of birds
Who, swinging unseen under leaves,
Made music more eager than words.
Blue-birds so blue.’t was a dream,
An impossible, unconceived hue,
The high sky of summer dropped down
Some rapturous ocean to woo.
Such a color, such infinite light!
The heart of a fabulous gem,
Many-faceted, brilliant and rare.
Centre Stone of the earth’s diadem!
Centre Stone of the Crown of the World,
“Sincerity” graved on your youth!
And your eyes hold the blue-bird flash,
The sapphire shaft, which is a truth.
(azure = bright blue colour; flicker = shine; arabesque = dancing posture; hue = colour; rapturous = joyous; woo = try to gain a woman’s love ; diadem = jeweled crown)
Answers
Answer 1.
- If the trend continues, young people will soon be incapable of forming and maintaining relationships without the help of a mobile.
- Cell phones have become this security blanket of this generation.
Answer 2.
Are asked, Will not be given.
Answer 3.
Joe Smith.
Answer 4.
Hasan/The Serang.
Answer 5.
The lady, Miss Jope Smith proved herself to be an animal. She could not see the serang as a human being. She treated the Serang (Hasan) insultingly.
Answer 6.
Coming after Ivan and Bourkin (them) into the hall, Aliokin told they couldn’t imagine how glad he was to see them. He then toldPelagueya, the maid, to give his friends change of clothes. Then walking to the bathing shed he asked them whether they would like to go to the bathing shed.
Answer 7.
The speaker is telling the listener that we have to bear the tough situations where we see that our speech or statement is distorted by someone to befool others. Very often we see that people misinterpret or even deliberately distort our words to use it in their favor. We should not lose our temper on hearing that. Rather we should tolerate that, ensuring we have spoken the truth. We have to hold our nerves even after seeing that our favorite thing that we built with all our effort and time is broken. Then we have to pick up the scattered parts and build it all over again. This is another key to get to the top of the world.
Answer 8.
- No matter, how much you slice it, walking takes time.
- Walking does not burn as many calories as other higher intensity forms of exercise.
Walking long distances on concrete or asphalt can cause shin splints which is an injury to your lower leg.
Answer 9.
a. After
b. Probably
c. While/but
d. Although/While
Answer 10.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was born in 1879 to Hermann Einstein and Pauline in Ulm, Germany. In 1895 he joined high school. He was graduated from High School and enrolled at the ETH (the Federal Polytechnic School) in Zurich in 1896. In 1900 Einstein was graduated from the ETH. In the year 1905, known as miracle year he published fire groundbreaking papers. They included the theory of relativity and the famous equation E=mc2. He moved to Zurich in 1912 and became the professor of Theoretical Physics at the ETH. The general theory of relativity was published by Einstein in 1915. In 1917 he collapsed from exhaustion and fell seriously ill. He was awarded the Nobel Prize i in Physics in 1921. He died of Heart failure on 1 April 18, 1955.
Answer 11.
To: editorhindu@gmail.com
cc :
Subject: Regarding the upliftment of disabled children
Dear Sir,
This is to bring to your notice the difficulties faced by differently abled children in our society. Children with physical and mental dis- I abilities experience personal limitation; in I social, psychological and economic spheres, j Disabled children stand out as different, and ‘ may become targets for bullying and mockery. According to my opinion, special schools are considered very practical and more beneficial to those children who are educable. The child goes to school for a fixed time only and makes social progress too. The special services of trained teachers, nurses and social workers should be made available to them, to provide guidance and counseling along with giving instructions in functional skills. Learning should be according to the choice of the child and it is the responsibility of the family, community and the medical people to recognize j the problem of differently-abled children. They j should have equal opportunities to participate j in making their life happy and contribute to the nation-building programmes. I hope that you will make the public aware of this fact through the columns of your esteemed daily.
With regards,
Name
Answer 12.
Titanic the largest and grandest of all the ships started her voyage from Southampton. She ! was the best ship man ever made. It was her first voyage when suddenly a ghostly white form appeared in the utter darkness of the night. It was a huge mountain of ice. It hit the ship, making the entire ship shiver. The ship began to sink. All of us knew that the ship was sinking. Captain Smith, the commander of the ship was a brave man. Instead of saving his life, he stood on the bridge and told his crew that they were British and they should remember their country and do their duty. The lifeboats were lowered and women and children were sent away to safety. The crew was helpless and they had no hopes of saving themselves.
The Titanic sank from sight as the band played ’Nearer my God to Thee’. It was indeed a grand scene. The ship was sinking but the band was playing.
Answer 13.
Captain Jovis
Captain Jovis was one among the five members who set out on a balloon voyage in the ‘Le Horla’. Everything went on smooth during the journey until a storm followed them closely. All the passengers were alarmed, but captain Jovis was the person who stood strong. He knew that the sound they heard during the journey was that of a storm coming. He did not want to frighten the passengers. So he told them that it was the sound of waterfalls. The captain s behavior can be justified. He knew that if the passengers were frightened, they would do something foolish and it would be dangerous.
Answer 14.
c. Anecdotal problems
Answer 15.
a. Alcohol is used to relieve stress
Answer 16.
- Stress has a bad influence on health.
- Stress can make people angry, moody or nervous.
Answer 17.
Sleep
It is everyone’s dream to wake up fresh, happy and ready for action on a daily basis. Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body characterized by altered consciousness. A well-known feature of sleep is the dream, an experience typically recounted in a narrative. During sleep, most of the body systems are in an anabolic state, helping to restore the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. Humans may suffer from various sleep disorders including dyssomnias, sleepwalking, sleep apnea and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. It may seem obvious that sleep is beneficial. Even without fully grasping what sleep does for us, we know that going without sleep too long makes us feel terrible and getting a good night’s sleep can make us feel better.
Answer 18.
- Sir why was your attention drawn to the English girl Maggie?
- Sir, why did you accept the shilling given by Maggie?
- What did you feel when you faced Mrs. Clifford after the death of Frank?
- What is your opinion about superstitions? Do you believe in them?
- Do you contact Maggie still?
Answer 19.
Terrorist attack in Paris
June 21, 2017 – Paris attacks kill 128 people. Ambulances were seen racing back and forth in the early hours of Saturday and hundreds of survivors were evacuated in police buses. The hospitals in Paris were overwhelmed with wounded people. The police said that are .chances for further attacks. Though the mastermind of the attack is identified, the police have not revealed much about the incident. NGOs are working ineffectively for the rescue of the people. Strict police protection is provided in suspected areas of terrorist attack. The Nation paid homage to the victims of terror attacks.
OR
Kerala’s rice bowl Kuttanad hit by floods July 20, 2017: Over 2000 homes have been damaged and almost 50 percent of the crops have been destroyed. Adding to the woes of the residents is the lack of clean drinking water here. It has been reported that 2 people have lost their lives. The collapse of sanitary facilities within indunated homes results in human feces mixing with the river. Many roads have been washed away and electricity failure is experienced in many houses of the natives. The rescue works are in progress in the flood affected area. The rescuers are doing their best to evacuate the trapped people to safer places. Besides, they are also providing medical care to the affected persons.
Answer 20.
Importance of religious tolerance in National Integration In National Integration refers to the perception of single national, identity among people of a country belonging to various races, castes, and religion. Communal Harmony is the most important pre-condition for the feeling of unity and National Integration in India. Mahatma Gandhi was a person who believed in judging people of other faiths from their standpoint rather than his own. He welcomed contact of Hinduism with other religions especially Christian doctrines for he did not want to be debarred from as simulating good anywhere else. He believed that the respectful study of others religion was a sacred duty. He expected religion to take account of practical life. He believed that it was his right and duty to point out the defects of his own religion. Religious tolerance is a necessity for individuals within a society to get along, especially when a variety of cultures and people with different religious beliefs live in one community or nation. When religious tolerance is practiced, unity and consistency exist in a society that respects religious freedom.
Religious tolerance also teaches individuals to be more loving and trusting while enacting the trait of love thy neighbor and thy enemy. Subscribing to the philosophy or religious tolerance does not mean that all individuals must agree with other religious views or accepts another faith as their own. Religious tolerance involves allowing others to practice their faith without interruption, harassment or discrimination. Without religious tolerance, members of different religious faiths often find themselves as the target for hatred, disrespect, discrimination and violence.
OR
In our society, the menace of drug abuse and addiction is fast catching up the youngsters and teenagers. Everyday there are reports in Newspapers how the racket of drug traffickers are caught. There are international gangs operating in drug trafficking as it gives ready and big money. The addiction to drugs is also a growing menace. It has a negative effect on the mental and physical health of the individual. The drug addict is not looked upon with respect in society. June 26 is celebrated as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking every year. It is an exercise undertaken by the would community to sen-sitize the people in general and the youth in particular, to the menace of drugs.
Besides damaging health, Drug abuse has several side effects such as economic loss, antisocial behaviour such as stealing, violence and crime besides social stigma and the overall downfall of the society.
To prevent our society from drug abuse. The following must be done.
- Focus on prevention and health promotion – Cultivation of healthy life style through balanced nutrition, exercise, proper rest and recreation, cultivation of creative hobbies and positive thinking helps in preventing bad habits.
- The practice of Yoga and meditation are highly beneficial in both preventing drug use or to some extent in rehabilitating people who are drug addicts.
- Self help groups – These may help the patient to meet other people with the same problem, which often boosts motivation.
Answer 21.
A very warm welcome to all present here. Thank you for being here today. As we have decided to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Kalam as World Students day I would like to deliver a motivational speech first of all I would like to share the experience of reading the story ‘His first flight’ with you. The story is first flight highlights the importance of independence, self belief and confidence and the need for motivation to attain goals. Necessity is always the mother of invention, but it sometime needs an initial spark from outside. The story is also a metaphorical assertion that everyone needs to be independent even while staying involved in family life. But the joy of independence is not meant for cowards. From an educator’s point of view ‘His First Flight’ shows how to tactfully impart motivation. This story is a true parable about overcoming fears in life.
Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But that single step is the most difficult one to make. Conquer the fear and venture forth; and we realize that we were born with wings. Abdul Kalam our former president had a great vision to change India into a developed nation. Kalam tells us that by being ourselves we can be unique. The first advice that he gives students is to have no fear about the future. The second quality you need is confidence. In order to develop confidence yous, should have a determination and should work hard. You should also be optimistic. With this, I end up my speech. I wish you all great success in the future.
Answer 22.
Azure and gold by Amy lowell effectively dis-plays the theme of beautiful nature. Lowell compares the nature to “The heart of a fabu-lous gem” which is brilliant and colourful, giving the reader great visuals with words. Alliteration was constantly used in the poem to create a gentle tone to express nature. It ap-pears in the line “blue-birds so blue” with the beginning letter to appear three times in a row repeating the same sound. This is effective in keeping fluency in the poem making it easy to read.
Another alliteration presented in the poem is “Made music more eager than words”. Again, the sound at the beginning of words is repeated three times in a row but in this case, ‘m’ is used. Several more alliterations appear in the poem and all serve the purpose to create a smooth, and gentle tone to support the theme of beautiful nature.
In addition to alliteration, rhymes also convey the theme by creating a pleasant intonation and ease when read. An example of a rhyme in the poem is “With flickering yellow and reds, (2nd line) and was blown from the mountain beds (4th line). At the end of the lines the words reds and beds rhyme. The rhyme scheme used in the poem. ‘Azure and Gold’ is abed. Lastly, imagery depicts the theme of “Azure and Gold” appealing strongly to visual senses. Examples are such a colours, such infinite light.
Imagery was created in these lines to show that nature is so colourful and bright in such a way that it looks like a fabulous gem. Imagery is used to provide the readers with well detailed pictures portraying the theme.
In summary, the theme is beautiful nature supported by alliteration, rhymes, and imagery. Alliteration and rhymes provide the poem with fluency and ease when read. Imagery throughout the poem display the visual images using words describing nature.