Thursday, 18 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 12th: Ch 15 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

NCERT Solutions for Class 12th: Ch 15 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

 Page No: 268

Exercises

1. Name the three important components of biodiversity.

Answer

Biodiversity includes variability among life forms from all sources including land, air, and water. Three important components of biodiversity are:
(a) Genetic diversity
(b) Species diversity
(c) Ecosystem diversity

2. How do ecologists estimate the total number of species present in the world?

Answer

The total number of species present in the world is calculated by ecologists by statistical comparison between a species richness of a well-studied group of insects of temperate and tropical regions and these ratios are extrapolated with other groups of plants and animals to calculate the total species richness present on the Earth.
According to an estimate by researchers, it is about seven million which seems to be the variety of living organism present on the earth is very vast.

Page No: 269

3. Give three hypotheses for explaining why tropics show greatest levels of species richness.

Answer

There are three different hypotheses proposed by scientists for explaining species richness in the tropics.
(i) Tropical latitudes receive more solar energy than temperate regions, which leads to high productivity and high species diversity.
(ii) Tropical regions have less seasonal variations and have a more or less constant environment. This promotes the niche specialization and thus, high species richness.
(iii) Temperate regions were subjected to glaciations during the ice age, while tropical regions remained undisturbed which led to an increase in the species diversity in this region.

4. What is the significance of the slope of regression in a species-area relationship?

Answer

The slope of regression (z) has a great significance in order to find a species-area relationship.  It gives an estimate of species richness of area. It is independent of taxonomical category or type of area studied. It has been found that in smaller areas where the species-area relationship is analysed, the value of slopes of regression is similar regardless of the taxonomic group or the region. However, when a similar analysis is done in larger areas, then the slope of regression is much steeper.

5. What are the major causes of species losses in a geographical region?

Answer

The major cause of species losses in geographical region are:
(i) Habitat loss and fragmentation.
(ii) Over-exploitation
(iii) Alien species Invasions
(iv) Co-extinction
(v) Disturbance and degradation
(vi) Pollution
(vii) Intensive agriculture and forestry

6. How is biodiversity important for ecosystem functioning?

Answer

An ecosystem with high species diversity is much more stable than an ecosystem with low species diversity. Also, high biodiversity makes the ecosystem more stable in productivity and more resistant towards disturbances such as alien species invasions and flood.
If an ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, then the ecological balance would not get affected. As we all know, various trophic levels are connected through food chains. If anyone organism or all organisms of any one trophic level is killed, then it will disturb the entire food chain. For example, in a food chain, if all plants are killed, then all deer's will die due to the lack of food. If all deer's are dead, soon the tigers will also die. Thus, it can be concluded that if an ecosystem is rich in species, then there will be other food alternatives at each trophic level which would not allow any organism to die due to the absence of their food resource.
Hence, biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining the health and ecological balance of an ecosystem.

7. What are sacred groves? What is their role in conservation?

Answer

Sacred groves are tracts of forest which are regenerated around places of worship. Sacred groves are found in Rajasthan, Western Ghats of Karnataka  and Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh.
Sacred groves help in the protection of many rare, threatened, and endemic species of plants and animals found in an area. The process of deforestation is strictly prohibited in this region by tribals. Hence, the sacred grove biodiversity is a rich area.

8. Among the ecosystem services are control of floods and soil erosion. How is this achieved by the biotic components of the ecosystem?

Answer

The biotic components of an ecosystem include the living organisms such as plants and animals. Plants play a very important role in controlling floods and soil erosion. The roots of plants hold the soil particles together, thereby preventing the top layer of the soil to get eroded by wind or running water. The roots also make the soil porous, thereby allowing ground water infiltration and preventing floods.
 Hence, plants are able to prevent soil erosion and natural calamities such as floods and droughts. They also increase the fertility of soil and biodiversity.

9. The species diversity of plants (22 per cent) is much less than that of animals (72 per cent). What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

Answer

More than 70 percent of species recorded on the Earth are animals and only 22 percent species are plants. There is quiet a large difference in their percentage. This is because animals have adapted themselves to ensure their survival in changing environments in comparison to plants.
For example, insects and other animals have developed a complex nervous system to control and coordinate their body structure. Also, repeated body segments with paired appendages and external cuticles have made insects versatile and have given them the ability to survive in various habitats as compared to other life forms.


10. Can you think of a situation where we deliberately want to make a species extinct? How would you justify it?

Answer

Yes, there are various kinds of parasites and disease-causing microbes that we deliberately want to eradicate from the Earth. Since these micro-organisms are harmful to human beings, scientists are working hard to fight against them.
 Scientists have been able to eliminate small pox virus from the world through the use of vaccinations. This shows that humans deliberately want to make these species extinct. Several other eradication programmes such as polio and Hepatitis B vaccinations are aimed to eliminate these disease-causing microbes.


Tuesday, 16 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: पाठ 10- झांसी की रानी हिंदी

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: पाठ 10- झांसी की रानी हिंदी वसंत भाग-I

सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान

प्रश्न अभ्यास

पृष्ठ संख्या: 77

कविता से

1. 'किंतु कालगति चुपके-चुपके काली घटा घेर लाई'
(क) इस पंक्ति में किस घटना की ओर संकेत है?
(ख) काली घटा घिरने की बात क्यों कही गई है?

उत्तर

(क) इस पंक्ति में झाँसी के राजा और रानी लक्ष्मीबाई के पति गंगाधर राव की आकस्मिक मृत्यु की ओर संकेत है।

(ख) पति गंगाधर राव की की मृत्यु से रानी लक्ष्मीबाई असमय विधवा हो गयीं। दूसरी तरफ राजा के निसंतान होने के कारण अंग्रेज़ों को झाँसी पर कब्ज़ा करने का अच्छा अवसर मिल गया। इसलिए काली घटा घिरने की बात की गयी है।

2. कविता की दूसरी पंक्ति में भारत को 'बूढा' कहकर और उसमें 'नई जवानी' आने की बात कहकर सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान क्या बताना चाहती हैं?

उत्तर

भारत धीरे-धीरे अंग्रेज़ों का गुलाम बनता जा रहा था। भारतीयों में साहस नहीं बचा था कि वह अपने मातृभूमि की रक्षा कर सकें। इसलिए कवयित्री ने भारत को 'बूढ़ा' कहा है। परन्तु रानी लक्ष्मीबाई ने भारतीयों में अदम्य साहस का संचार किया और अंग्रेज़ों के खिलाफ उन्हें खड़ा किया, जिसे कवयित्री ने 'नई जवानी' के आने की बात कही है।

3. झाँसी की रानी के जीवन की कहानी अपने शब्दों में लिखो और यह भी बताओ कि उनका बचपन तुम्हारे बचपन से कैसे अलग था?

उत्तर

झाँसी की रानी लक्ष्मीबाई के बचपन का नाम मणिकर्णिका था परन्तु लोग प्यार से इन्हें मनु कहते थे। जब यह चार वर्ष की थीं तभी इनकी माता का देहांत हो गया। बचपन में ही इन्होनें शास्त्र के साथ शस्त्र तथा घुड़सवारी सीखा। इनका विवाह झाँसी के राजा गंगाधर राव से हुआ। परन्तु जल्द ही राजा की आकस्मिक मृत्यु हो गयी। राजा की कोई संतान ना वजह से अंग्रेज़ों ने झाँसी को हड़पना चाहा परन्तु लक्ष्मीबाई ने इसके विरुद्ध आवाज़ उठाई और युद्धभूमि में वीरगति को प्राप्त हुईं।
हम बचपन में क्रिकेट और वीडियो गेम खेलना पसंद करते थे। आइसक्रीम, चॉकलेट तथा अन्य चटपटी चीज़ें खाते थे। वहीँ लक्ष्मीबाई बचपन में तलवारों से खेलना तथा अस्त्रों-शस्त्रों की शिक्षा लेती थीं।

4. वीर महिला की इस कहानी में कौन-कौन से पुरुषों के नाम आए हैं? इतिहास की कुछ अन्य वीर स्त्रियों की कहानियाँ खोजो।

उत्तर

इस कहानी में वीर शिवाजी, नाना धुंधूपंत, ताँतिया, चतुर अजीमुल्ला, अहमद शाह मौलवी, ठाकुर कुँवरसिंह, सैनिक अभिराम आदि अनेक वीर पुरुषों के नाम आए हैं। बेगम हज़रत महल, रानी द्रोपदी बाई, रानी चेनम्मा आदि इतिहास की वीर स्त्रियाँ हैं।

पृष्ठ संख्या: 119

अनुमान और कल्पना

1. कविता में किस दौर की बात है? कविता से उस समय के माहौल के बारे में क्या पता चलता है?

उत्तर

कविता में भारत के प्रथम स्वतंत्रता संग्राम 1857 की बात है। उस समय भारत अंग्रेज़ों की गुलामी का दंश झेल रहा था। अंग्रेज़ विभिन्न कुचक्रों द्वारा भारत में अपना साम्राज्य फैलाते जा रहे थे। इस रोकने के लिए चंद वीर आगे आये और उन्हें रोकने का भरपूर प्रयास किया हालाँकि यह सफल नहीं हो पाया परन्तु इसने भारत में आजादी के जुनून को आगे बढ़ाया।

2. सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान लक्ष्मीबाई को 'मर्दानी' क्यों कहती हैं?

उत्तर

युद्ध जैसे कार्य मर्दों के लिए माने जाते हैं परन्तु लक्ष्मीबाई ने इसे गलत साबित करते हुए युद्धभूमि में शस्त्र उठकर अंग्रेज़ों से जमकर लोहा लिया। उन्होंने मर्दों जैसी वीरता तथा गुणों को दिखाया इसलिए सुभद्रा कुमारी चौहान लक्ष्मीबाई को 'मर्दानी' कहती हैं।

Monday, 15 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 12th: Ch 14 Ecosystem Biology

NCERT Solutions for Class 12th: Ch 14 Ecosystem Biology

 Page No: 256

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) Plants are called as_________because they fix carbon dioxide.
(b) In an ecosystem dominated by trees, the pyramid (of numbers) is_________type.
(c) In aquatic ecosystems, the limiting factor for the productivity is_________.

(d) Common detritivores in our ecosystem are_________.
(e) The major reservoir of carbon on earth is_________.

Answer

(a) Autotrophs
(b) inverted
(c)Light
(d)Earthworm
(e)Ocean

Page No: 257

2. Which one of the following has the largest population in a food chain?
(a) Producers
(b) Primary consumers
(c) Secondary consumers
(d) Decomposers

Answer

(d) Decomposers
Decomposers include micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. They form the largest population in a food chain and obtain nutrients by breaking down the remains of dead plants and animals

3. The second trophic level in a lake is
(a) Phytoplankton
(b) Zooplankton
(c) Benthos
(d) Fishes

Answer

(b) Zooplankton
Zooplankton are primary consumers in aquatic food chains that feed upon phytoplankton. Therefore, they are present at the second trophic level in a lake.

4. Secondary producers are
(a) Herbivores
(b) Producers
(c) Carnivores
(d) None of the above

Answer

(d) None of the above
Plants are the only producers. Thus, they are called primary producers. There are no other producers in a food chain.

5. What is the percentage of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the incident solar radiation?
(a) 100%
(b) 50 %
(c) 1-5%
(d) 2-10%

Answer

(b) 50%
Out of total incident solar radiation, about fifty percent of it forms photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

6. Distinguish between
(a) Grazing food chain and detritus food chain
(b) Production and decomposition
(c) Upright and inverted pyramid
(d) Food chain and Food web
(e) Litter and detritus
(f) Primary and secondary productivity

Answer

(a) Grazing food chain and detritus food chain

Grazing food chainDetritus food chain
In this food chain, energy is derived from the Sun. In this food chain, energy comes from organic matter (or detritus) generated in trophic levels of the grazing food chain.
It begins with producers, present at the first trophic level.It begins with detritus such as dead bodies of animals or fallen leaves, which are then eaten by decomposers or detritivores.
This food chain is usually large.It is usually smaller as compared to the grazing food chain.

(b) Production and decomposition

ProductionDecomposition
It is the rate of producing organic matter (food) by producers.It is the process of breaking down of complex organic matter or biomass from the body of dead plants and animals with the help of decomposers into organic raw materials.
It depends on the photosynthetic capacity of the producers.It occurs with the help of decomposers.
Sunlight is required by plants for primary production.Sunlight is not required for decomposition by decomposers.

(c) Upright and inverted pyramid

Upright pyramidInverted pyramid
The pyramid of energy is always upright.The pyramid of biomass and the pyramid of numbers can be inverted.
The number and biomass of organisms in the producer level of an ecosystem is the highest, which keeps on decreasing at each trophic level in a food chain.The number and biomass of organisms in the producer level of an ecosystem is the lowest, which keeps on increasing at each tropic level. Light is not required for decomposition by decomposers

(d) Food chain and Food web

Food chainFood web
Food chain is single pathway of energy transfer from upper to lower.Food web is made of several interconnecting pathways.
One individual occupies one trophic level at a time.One individual occupies many trophic level at a time.
It decreases stability of the ecological system and less adaptive.It increases stability of the ecological system and more adaptive.

(e) Litter and detritus

LitterDetritus
Litter contains all kinds of waste materials above the surface of the earth.Detritus contains dead animals and plants below and above the surface of the earth.
It contains both biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable wastes.It contains only biodegradable wastes.

(f) Primary and secondary productivity

Primary productivitySecondary productivity
Rate of amount of production of organic matter by producers over a period of time.Rate of amount of production of organic matter by consumers over a period of time.
It is due to photosynthesis.It is due to herbivory and predation.

7. Describe the components of an ecosystem.

Answer

An ecosystem is defined as an interacting unit that includes both the biological community as well as the non-living components of an area. The living and the non-living components of an ecosystem interact amongst themselves and function as a unit, which gets evident during the processes of nutrient cycling, energy flow, decomposition, and productivity. There are many ecosystems such as ponds, forests, grasslands, etc.
The two components of an ecosystem are:
(a) Biotic component: It is the living component of an ecosystem that includes biotic factors such as producers, consumers, decomposers, etc. Producers include plants and algae which contain chlorophyll pigment, which helps them carry out the process of photosynthesis in the presence of light. Thus, they are also called converters or transducers. Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that are directly (primary consumers) or indirectly (secondary and tertiary consumers) dependent on producers for their food. Decomposers include micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. They form the largest population in a food chain and obtain nutrients by breaking down the remains of dead plants and animals.
(b) Abiotic component: They are the non-living component of an ecosystem such as light, temperature, water, soil, air, inorganic nutrients, etc.

8. Define ecological pyramids and describe with examples, pyramids of number and biomass.

Answer

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of various ecological parameters such as the number of individuals present at each trophic level, the amount of energy, or the biomass present at each trophic level. Ecological pyramids represent producers at the base, while the apex represents the top level consumers present in the ecosystem. There are three types of pyramids:
(a) Pyramid of numbers
(b) Pyramid of energy
(c) Pyramid of biomass
Pyramid of numbers: It is a graphical representation of the number of individuals present at each trophic level in a food chain of an ecosystem. The pyramid of numbers can be upright or inverted depending on the number of producers. For example, in a grassland ecosystem, the pyramid of numbers is upright. In this type of a food chain, the number of producers (plants) is followed by the number of herbivores (mice), which in turn is followed by the number of secondary consumers (snakes) and tertiary carnivores (eagles). Hence, the number of individuals at the producer level will be the maximum, while the number of individuals present at top carnivores will be on the other hand, in a parasitic food chain, the pyramid of numbers is inverted. In this type of a food chain, a single tree (producer) provides food to several fruit eating birds, which in turn support several insect species.
Pyramid of energy: An energy pyramid is a graphical model of energy flow in a community. The different levels represent different groups of organisms that might compose a food chain. From the bottom-up, they are as follows: Producers bring energy from nonliving sources into the community.
Pyramid of biomass: A pyramid of biomass is a graphical representation of the total amount of living matter present at each trophic level of an ecosystem. It can be upright or inverted. It is upright in grasslands and forest ecosystems as the amount of biomass present at the producer level is higher than at the top carnivore level. The pyramid of biomass is inverted in a pond ecosystem as the biomass of fishes far exceeds the biomass of zooplankton (upon which they feed).east.

9. What is primary productivity? Give brief description of factors that affect primary productivity.

Answer

It is defined as the amount of organic matter or biomass produced by producers per unit area over a period of time.
Primary productivity of an ecosystem depends on the variety of environmental factors such as light, temperature, water, precipitation, etc. It also depends on the availability of nutrients and the availability of plants to carry out photosynthesis.

10. Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.

Answer

Decomposition is the process that involves the breakdown of complex organic matter or biomass from the body of dead plants and animals with the help of decomposers into inorganic raw materials such as carbon dioxide, water, and other nutrients. The various processes involved in decomposition are as follows:
(i) Fragmentation: It is the first step in the process of decomposition. It involves the breakdown of detritus into smaller pieces by the action of detritivores such as earthworms.
(ii) Leaching: It is a process where the water soluble nutrients go down into the soil layers and get locked as unavailable salts.
(iii) Catabolism: It is a process in which bacteria and fungi degrade detritus through various enzymes into smaller pieces.
(iv) Humification: The next step is humification which leads to the formation of a dark-coloured colloidal substance called humus, which acts as reservoir of nutrients for plants.
(v) Mineralization: The humus is further degraded by the action of microbes, which finally leads to the release of inorganic nutrients into the soil. This process of releasing inorganic nutrients from the humus is known as mineralization.
Decomposition produces a dark coloured, nutrient-rich substance called humus. Humus finally degrades and releases inorganic raw materials such as CO2, water, and other nutrient in the soil.

11. Give an account of energy flow in an ecosystem.

Answer




Energy enters an ecosystem from the Sun. Solar radiations pass through the atmosphere and are absorbed by the Earth's surface. These radiations help plants in carrying out the process of photosynthesis. Also, they help maintain the Earth's temperature for the survival of living organisms. Some solar radiations are reflected by the Earth's surface. Only 2-10 percent of solar energy is captured by green plants (producers) during photosynthesis to be converted into food. The rate at which the biomass is produced by plants during photosynthesis is termed as 'gross primary productivity'. When these green plants are consumed by herbivores, only 10% of the stored energy from producers is transferred to herbivores. The remaining 90 % of this energy is used by plants for various processes such as respiration, growth, and reproduction. Similarly, only 10% of the energy of herbivores is transferred to carnivores. This is known as ten percent law of energy flow.

12. Write important features of a sedimentary cycle in an ecosystem.

Answer

Sedimentary cycles have their reservoirs in the Earth's crust or rocks. Nutrient elements are found in the sediments of the Earth. Elements such as sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium have sedimentary cycles.
Sedimentary cycles are very slow. They take a long time to complete their circulation and are considered as less perfect cycles. This is because during recycling, nutrient elements may get locked in the reservoir pool, thereby taking a very long time to come out and continue circulation. Thus, it usually goes out of circulation for a long time.

13. Outline salient features of carbon cycling i n an ecosystem.

Answer

The carbon cycle is an important gaseous cycle which has its reservoir pool in the atmosphere. All living organisms contain carbon as a major body constituent. Carbon is a fundamental element found in all living forms. All biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins required for life processes are made of carbon. Carbon is incorporated into living forms through a fundamental process called 'photosynthesis'. Photosynthesis uses sunlight and atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound called 'glucose'. This glucose molecule is utilized by other living organisms. Thus, atmospheric carbon is incorporated in living forms. Now, it is necessary to recycle this absorbed carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere to complete the cycle. There are various processes by which carbon is recycled back into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide gas. The process of respiration breaks down glucose molecules to produce carbon dioxide gas. The process of decomposition also releases carbon dioxide from dead bodies of plants and animals into the atmosphere. Combustion of fuels, industrialization, deforestation, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires act as other major sources of carbon dioxide.

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Saturday, 13 February 2016

Social Science Previous Year Question paper SA-II 2015| Class 10th

Previous Year Question Paper of Social Science Class 10th Summative Assessment II 2015

SET - 3

Time allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum marks: 90

1. How can you say that democracies are based on political equality?   (1)

2. Why was the Haldia sea-port set up?  (1)

3. What is meant by 'transparency'?  (1)

4. What was the main aim of French revolutionaries?   (1)
OR
What is the meaning of concentration camps?

5. Suppose your parents want to purchase Gold jewellery along with you; then which logo will you look for on the jewellery?   (1)

6. Why was the Consumer Protection Act enacted by the Indian Parliament?   (1)

7. How does money act as a medium of exchange?    (1)

8. Why do political parties involve partisanship?    (1)

9. How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyse.    (3)

10. Describe any three major problems faced by the peasants of Awadh in the days of Non-Cooperation movement.    (3×1=3)

11. How can solar energy solve the energy problem to some extent in India? Give your opinion.  (3)

12. Describe the significance of tourism as trade in India?   (3)

13. How did 'Salt March' become an effective tool of resistance against colonialism? Explain.   (3)

14. Why has the 'Chotanagpur Plateau Region' the maximum concentration of iron and steel industries?    (3×1=3)

15. "There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world." Support the statement.   (3)

16. "A challenge is an opportunity for progress." Support the statement with your arguments.   (3)

17. Why is modern currency accepted as a medium of exchange without any use if its own? Find out the reason.   (3)

18. "Foreign trade integrates the markets in different countries." Support the statements with arguments.    (3)

19. Explain with examples how can you use the right to seek redressal.   (3)

20. How did nationalism develop through culture in Europe? Explain.   (3)
OR
How did Paul Bernard argue in favour of economic development of Vietnam? Explain.

21. How do banks an important role in the economy of India? Explain.   (5)

22. How did the 'Non-Cooperation Movement' spread in cities across the country? Explain its effects on the economic front.   (5)

23.  Explain the pro-active approach adopted by the National Thermal Power Cooperation (NTPC) for preserving he natural environment and resources.  (2+3=5)

24. "Globalisation and greater competition among producers has been advantageous consumers? Support the statement with examples.   (5)

25. Describe any five steps taken by the French Revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity among the French people.    (5)
OR
Describe any five steps taken by the French for the development of the 'Mekong Delta Region."

26. Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form? Explain.

27. Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? Assess the importance of its different forms.   (1+4=5)

28. What is meant by a political party? Describe the three components of a political party.   (2+3=5)

29. Three features A, B and C are marked on the given political outline map of India (on page 9). Identify these features with the help of the following information and write their correct names marked in the map.    (3×1=3)
A. The place where the Indian National Congress Session was held.
B. The place associated with Peasant's Satyagraha.
C. The place related to calling off the Non-Cooperation Movement.

30. (30.1) Two features A and B are marked on the given political outline map of India (on page 11). Identify these features with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines marked on the map:    (2×1=2)
A. Iron-ore mines
B. Terminal Station of East-West Corridor

(30.2) On the same political outline map of India, locate and label of the following:   (1)
Vishakhapatnam - Software Technology Park.

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Social Science Previous Year Question paper SA-II 2015 Topper Solutions| Class 10th

Solution of Previous Year Question Paper Class 10th Social Science Summative Assessment II 2015

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1. Democracies are based on political equality. This is because in a democracy every adult has the right to vote. No adult can be debarred from voting on the grounds of race, religion, sex, caste etc. Also, every vote is equal. Democracies follow one vote - one value. Universal Adult Franchise is an important political outcome of democracy. Thus, it is based on political equality.

2. The Haldia sea-port was set up to support the Calcutta (Kolkata) Port. It helped reduce volume of trade dependency of Kolkata port. It also helps with foreign trade.

3. When a citizen has the ability - by the government - find out about the norms and procedures followed by the government and institutions in taking decisions, it is said to be transparent. The fact that a democratic government allows this is transparency.

4. Concentration camps are similar to prisons. Rebels, protesters and wrongdoers were often sent there in large numbers. Concentration camps denied the prisoners of their rights and the very term can evoke pictures of inhumane and unethical torture. In Vietnam, the followers of Hyunh Phu So were sent to Concentration camps.

5. While purchasing gold jewellery, we must look for Hallmark logo. This logo is for precious metals.

6. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (COPRA) was enacted by the Indian parliament to protect consumers from various forms of exploitation by producers and shopkeepers in the markets.

7. In the early Barter system of trade, one important requirement was double-coincidence of wants. For example, if a wheat seller wanted shoes, he would have to look for a shoe-seller who wanted wheat.
Money acts as a Medium of exchange. In the above situation, the wheat seller can exchange his commodities into currency and then buy shoes. He just has to search for a buyer. Money prevents the need to go overboard searching for a 'specific' buyer and it thus acts as a medium of exchange.

8. A partisan is one who tends to favour or support a specific party. The ability to favour one side or inability to take a balanced decision is known as partisanship. Parties involve partisanship as they get immense support from the locals. Partisans tend to vote for the Political Party they favour and tend to support the party.

9. Democracies are accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

• While other forms of government such as dictatorships tend to take quicker decisions, they hardly ever follow procedures. But, in the case of a democracy, every single procedure is followed. And though this takes time and decisions making is slower, it is accountable as, no procedure is skipped also decisions are deliberated and negotiated by the people for the people.

• Democracies are responsive to the needs of people and their expectations. This is because, democracies are of the people, by the people and for the people. So, democracies are by the citizen themselves. And when an issue comes the representatives chosen by the people debate and deliberate to come up with the best decision for the people.

• As a result, they are acceptable and responsive.

10. The problems faced by the peasants of Awadh are:

• Many of the peasants were not rich. And the agricultural depressions of their time period had left many of the economically deprived. Even then, the government refused to revise revenue collection. So many of them were in huge debt as they couldn't pay revenue.

• They were forced to contribute 'begar'. Begar was basically extreme labour without payment. This was a problem for the peasants as they weren't getting any income out of their contributions and found it very hard to make ends for the lives.

• Many had the problems of oppressive landlords and talukdars. These landlords would force them into contributing labour with very less payment. Tenants were often evicted from their lands to prevent them from getting any lease over the land.

11. India is one of the few countries which has abundance of sunlight:

• Being placed near the equator, India has direct rays of sunlight and should make use of this energy.

• In solar energy, the photovoltaic cells convert the solar energy obtained from the sun into electrical energy.

• Solar energy can solve the energy problem to some extent in India.

• There are many rural places in India which are deprived of energy. Strategically placing solar panels there would solve the energy problems and bring energy to the poor.

• Solar energy is also quite renewable and harmless. It acts as an efficient substitute to non-renewable fossil fuels and non-ecofriendly nuclear power plants.

12. Tourism is an important aspect of foreign trade in India.

• Places like Goa, Rajasthan and Srinagar are tourism hotspots. Tourism here helps improve the economy of the country.

• When foreign tourists visit India, there are chance of them learning local culture and obtaining vital informations which they may take back to the country to regulate foreign trade.

• India is an important importer and exporter of jewellery. When tourists come and see these items, there is a high chance of them ordering more - that to with the help of information technology and globalisation.

• Tourists also help in making products 'better' with their westernised knowledge. As a result products for trade are now of better quality and are in higher demand.

13. On the 31st January 1930, Mahatma Gandhi sent a letter to the Viceroy - Lord Irwin. In it were eleven demands of wide and varied range to be generic to the society as a whole and to meet every person needs.

• He had also said that, if the demands were not met by the deadline, he would erupt a nation wide protest based on Civil Disobedience.

• One of the main demand was the abolish of the Salt tax. The British had unfairly and impractically levied heavy tax on salt. Gandhiji and his trusted followers found this impractical and unfair as salt was common commodity used by the rich and poor equally. In salt, he found a method to unite the society.

• However, Lord Irwin was unwilling to negotiate.

• As a result, Gandhiji and 78 of his trusted followers from his Ashram at Sabarmati to the coast of Dandi. This is known as the Salt March. He walked 240 miles in a span of 24 days and wherever he stopped, people came from near and far to listen to him speak.

• On the final day, he picked a handful of salt from the sea and manufactured the salt illegally.

• This became an effective tool of resistance against colonialism as:
(i) Foreign cloth was boycotted and liquid shops were picketed.
(ii) People followed Gandhi's footsteps and manufactured salt on their own.
(iii) Many gave up the government jobs and titles.
(iv) The nation emerged out in Civil Disobedience Movement where they refused to obey the government. They broke laws and demanded freedom.

14. Chhotangpur Plateau region has the maximum concentration of iron and steel industries because:

(i) The area has a proximity of raw material. It is strategically placed near few important iron ores.

(ii) The area receives cheap and has an abundance of raw material. Since it is near the iron ores, it gets the necessary raw materials for cheap.

(iii) It receives cheap labour from nearby states. States like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have many unemployed youth who can easily find jobs in these industry.

(iv) It is placed near the markets. Both national and international trade flourish due to its closeness to the market ports.

15. "There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world."

• This is because democracies:
(i) Promotes equality
(ii) Enhance the dignity of citizens.
(iii) Improve the quality of decision making.
(iv) Provide a medium to resolve conflicts.
(v) Allow people to correct their mistakes.

• Also, democratic governments are accountable, legitimate, responsive and transparent.

• One important outcomes of democracies is Universal Adult Franchise.

• They are of the people, by the people and for the people.

• In democracies, eventually, people's needs and expectations are met.

16. "A challenge is an opportunity for progress."

• Democracies face the challenges of foundation, expansion and deepening. But it can be noted that overcoming any of these challenges is definitely a mode of progress for the country.

• Let us take for example a foundational challenge. Let us say, a certain country, which is non-democratic, is trying to become democratic. Challenges faced by this country may include keeping the military away from power. This challenge is definitely an opportunity for progress. By working together, the country can overcome this challenge and progress further into democracy.

• This can also be seen with countries experiencing the expansion and deepening challenge. Any challenge overtaken is definitely progress for the country.

• Thus, a challenge is an opportunity for the progress.

17. In the early days, when barter system was prevalent around the world, people used grains, cattle or any other commodity of theirs for exchange. Sometimes, when one wanted the value of wheat equal to half a cow, he would have to cut the animal up. Also, these commodities had uses of their own. For example, grains were used for food. Exchange were not defined.

• When the idea of currency came into place, many kings like the Mughals used precious metals like gold and silver. In king Akbar's days, men used gold mohur. But the value of the gold would have been more than the value of the currency.

• In Modern currency, coins are made of cheap metals like copper, or aluminium and its value would be lesser than that of the currency. Notes are also made with paper. Thus the modern form of currency is accepted as a medium of exchange as exchange rates are defined, one cannot devalued it and one doesn't have to reduce other commodity.

18. "Foreign trade integrates the markets in different countries."

(i) Foreign trade allows imports and exports of products in the market. When a product is imported, it provides competition to the local producers. This allows the local producers to make their products for their competition with the first products. Thus, integrating the producers and thereby countries.

(ii) Foreign trade helps in equalising monetary ratios. Globalization helps in this. By creating a monetary ratio in the market, different countries market get integrated.

(iii) Foreign products brought in by trade provide choice to the buyers. Let us take example of Chinese toys in the Indian market. Chinese toys are cheaper and are more modernised than Indian toys. This definitely would attract customers to purchase Chinese toys. Currently in India, over 70-80% of the toys in the markets are Chinese toys. This means, Chinese toys have been in huge demand. As a result, more markets buy more Chinese toys thus creating more jobs for the producer and thus integrating markets.

19. The right to seek redressal is a consumer right which allows the consumers to seek compensation against any form of exploitation in the market.
Let us take the example of man who send Rs 4000 to his daughter in a far off village via postal services. When this man comes to know that money has not reached his daughter, he confronts the post office. But the customer services of the post office just vaguely answers his queries unsatisfactorily.
Now, under the right to seek redressal, he can approach the consumer court and has right to seek redressal. The judge will later on announce the verdict.

20. • Paul Bernard was an influential writer and policy maker in Vietnam.

• He believed that the main objective of colonization was economic development.

• He said that the economy of Vietnam was very poor due to its high population, low productivity and indebtedness of the peasants.

• Many peasants were indentured labourers. Indentured labourers are those who worked mainly in plantations under contract. Their rights weren't specified, any landlords could imprison them if they refused to work.

• The main source of economic development in Vietnam was from rice cultivation and rubber plantation.

• Paul Bernard believed that if the French take the steps to improve the economy, colonization would be fulfilled.

• Thus, he was in favour of draining the Mekong delta and the building of railways.

21. • Banks are institutions which allow people to deposit savings availing interest and also lend money to those in need at a rate of interest.

• Banks in India keep 15% of the deposited money on a daily basis in case people wish to withdraw the money on demand. Since all depositors won't withdraw all their money on the same day, banks follow this procedure.

• Banks allow people to take loans. It is a formal sector for credit. Many of the poor people can get these loans for many reasons. They could use the money for self-employment or for the betterment of their current job etc. For example, peasants may use these loans to buy machines, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides etc. for their agricultural work. Or an unemployed rural women may take these loans to et self-employed and start her own business. In whatever manner, employment of many plays an important role in economy.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the only legal institution allowed to make and produce money. It also keeps check on other banks to see if loans are being given out fairly.

• The difference in the rate of interest in loans and demand depositors proves as income for the bank employees.

• Self Help Groups (SHGs) and companies avail loans from the bank to employ the poor.

• Thus, Banks play an important role in the economy of India.

22. • In cities, originally, the Non-cooperation Movement started like wild fire.
→ Many boycotted government jobs, turned over government titles, lawyers refused to go to court. Students and teachers boycotted schools. Liquor shops were picketed.

→ The council elections were boycotted except in the province of Madras where the Justice Party - the party of Non-Brahmins - felt that entering the elections was the only way of gaining power which was something only Brahmins had access to.

→ Foreign cloth was boycotted.

→ English institutions were boycotted.

• On an economic front, the Non-Cooperation had a tremendous effect.

→ With the boycotting of foreign cloth, local khadi producers now stood a chance in the market again. Also, the value of foreign cloth dropped from ₹102 crores to ₹57 crore in a span of one year. People built bonfires and burnt foreign cloth.

→ By boycotting British institutions, the British faced a huge loss.

→ However, the Non-Cooperation Movement lost its momentum. This was because khaki was definitely more expensive and laborious than foreign cloth. Also, there weren't Indian institutions for the boycotted British institutions.

23. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is an ISO certified corporation. It has several thermal power all over the country. Over the years, it has noted the due harm caused by Thermal power plants to the environment. It has come up with pro-active approaches. for preservation of the natural resources and environment.

(i) Making use of latest technology: Latest technology tend to be very environment-friendly and using the guidelines and technology prevent environmental degradation.

(ii) Making use of ash: After burning fossil fuels, like coal and petroleum, for thermal energy, ash remains. Ash is actually quite effective when heated in producing energy.

(iii) Ash-water and Ash-pond management: Making use of local water bodies, the NTPC feels that Ash-water and Ash-pond management is another eco-friendly method.

(iv) Shelter Belts: Placing Shelter near an inbetween thermal power plants will definitely reduce the harmful effect of the thermal power plants.

(v) Keeping Check: By keeping an eye on the ecology and maintaining some information, NTPC feels that ecological balance will be maintained.

24. "Globalisation and greater competition among producers has been advantageous to consumers."

• The above statement is definitely true. Globalisation has been seen in varied forms, especially with the establishment of Multi-National Corporation (MNCs). Not only have MNCs have provided new job opportunities., bu it has brought out huge choices in the markets. Consumers now have a wide range of products to choose from and can decide which products which they wish to buy.

• Indian companies also have advantages with globalisation. Many pursue on to become MNCs themselves. For example, Tata Motors (auto-mobile), Infosys (Software and technology), Ranbauxy (Medicals) and Asian paints are all leading MNCs which are found in international products.

• Let us take example of Chinese toys in the Indian market. Chinese toys tend to be cheaper and more modern than Indian toys. Infact, they come up with innovative designs. The Indian consumers would definitely tend to buy. As a result, many shopkeepers would introduce more Chinese toys. Infact 70-80% of the toys in the market now are made in China.

• Competition among producers had been advantageous to consumer as it gave them an open choice where they can decide what they wish to consume. For example, In the early 1900s, Ford an ambassador was the only automobiles available in India. But now with globalisation and production competition, there are several hundred brands in th market for people to choose from with various functions and features.

25. The French believed that colonies were necessary for the French to get new raw materials.They also lt that by colonizing, they were bringing the advantages of civilization to the primitive and backward.

• The French began this feat by developing the Mekong Delta region.

• The Mekong delta was a deltaic region in Vietnam was not being used to its capacity.

• The French drained the Mekong delta and then made the Vietnamese peasants cultivate rice in the area.

• Rice cultivation increased from 2,74,000 in 1873 to 1.1 million hectares in 1900 and 2.2 million hectares in 1930.

• With the abundance of rice, the Vietnamese thus started exporting the rice and became the second largest exporter of rice by exporting two-thirds of the total export.

• The French also were set on a mission to build railways to make transportation of raw materials easier.

• They successfully built railways from Vietnam to Yunan and later Vietnam to Siam.

26. We feel that democracy is a better form a government than any other form because:

(i) It promotes equality: In democracy all are equal under the law. A political outcome of democracies is Universal Adult Franchise where every adult have equal right to vote.

(ii) It enhances the dignity of the citizen: In democracies, no citizen can be debarred from voting rights or contesting elections on the basis of race, religion , gender caste and creed.

(iii) It improves the quality of decision making: In democracy every single decision follows all the norms and procedures and is deliberated and debated on, thus improving the quality of decision making.

(iv) It provides room to resolve conflicts: If any conflicts arise, a democratic government allows people to negotiate and come to terms.

(v) It allows room to correct mistakes: In democracies, if mistakes are made, they can be corrected easily.

(vi) Accountable, legitimate and responsive: Democracies tend to be more accountable, legitimate and responsive. This is because, they follow all procedures. And the are made by the people.

27. • The most abundantly available fossil fuels in India is coal.

(i) When plants and animals decompose in swampy and marshy areas, they form peat. Peat is a low grade coal with low carbon content, high moisture and low heating capacity.

(ii) Low grade brown coal is known as lignite. It has high moisture content and is mainly used to produce electricity. Example - Neyveli in Tamil Nadu make use of lignite.

(iii) Coal which has been underground and experienced high temperatures is bituminous. It is used in smelting iron.

(iv) Anthracite the highest grade of coal.

28. When people come together to contest elections and hold power in the government its is known as political party.
Political parties tend to come up with policies and programmes which the pleasant to the people out of which, decide which party to support.
The 3 components of a political party are:
(i) Party leader: They tend to make decisions and choose candidates for the party.
(ii) Active members: They are the members of the party who execute the party vision.
(iii) Followers: or partisans. They tend to favour a party.

29.
(A) Madras
(B) Kheda
(C) Chauri Chaura

30.
(A) Durg
(B) Porbander

29.

Question No. 29 map social science previous year question paper 2015


30.

Question No. 30 map social science previous year question paper 2015

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Friday, 12 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 4 Key Elements of a Democratic Government? Civics

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 4 Key Elements of a Democratic Government? Social and Political Life

Page No: 40

Questions

1. How would Maya's life be different in South Africa today?

Answer

Maya's life would be different in South Africa today due to following reasons:
(i) Practice of apartheid is abolished today.
(ii) She would have enjoyed equal rights before the law.
(iii) No discrimination on the basis of caste, color, creed and religion.
(iv) She would have the right to choose and participate in the government.

2. What are the various ways in which people participate in the process of government?

Answer

Various ways in which people participate in the process of government:
(i) By participating in the election.
(ii) By casting their vote to choose their government.
(iii) By mass protest like rallies, strikes, signature compaigns etc.
(iv) Limiting the power by regular election.
(v) By expressing their view and criticizing the government on social media, televisions, newspapers etc.
(vi) Keep on track and informed with government works and decisions.

3. Why do you think we need the government to find solutions to many disputes or conflicts?

Answer

We need the government to find solutions to many disputes or conflicts:
(i) It can turn into outrageous or violent movement in future if not solved.
(ii) Government is accountable to its people and thus take care of them.
(iii) It is necessary to maintain peace and laws in the nation.
(iv) To maintain the trust of its people for the maintainance of laws and justice.

4. What actions does the government take to ensure that all people are treated equally?

Answer

Steps the government should take to ensure that all people are treated equally:
(i) Everybody should be treated  equally before the law and in the constitution.
(ii) All should be given equal rights to enjoy their freedom.
(iii) There should be no discrimination in providing justice on the basis of caste, colour, creed or religion.
(iv) Special protection should be provided to the underprivileged classes.
(v) Ensuring basic facilities of food, shelter, health and clothes to all.

5. Read through the chapter and discuss some of the key ideas of a democratic government. Make a list. For example, all people are equal.

Answer

Key ideas of a democratic government:
(i) Rights to participate in the formation of government.
(ii) Justice should be provided to all.
(iii) Re election should be held after a fixed period.
(iv) Government should be accountable to its people.
(v) No discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed or religion.
(vi) Right to organise mass movements, rallies, protests etc.

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Wednesday, 10 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 3 What is Government? Civics

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 3 What is Government? Social and Political Life

Page No: 34

Questions

1. What do you understand by the word 'government'? List five ways in which you think the government affects your daily life.

Answer

Government is the mechanism or groups which governs and implements decisions in an organised manner formed under certain written rules.
Five ways in which government affects your daily life:
(i) It protect the boundaries of the country and maintain peaceful relations with other countries.
(ii) It takes action on many social issues.
(iii) It ensures welfare of its citizens and provide health facilities.
(iv) It ensures the supply of food and drinking water to its people.
(v) It helps in running of the postal and railways services.

2. Why do you think the government needs to make rules for everyone in the form of laws?

Answer

Government needs to make rules for everyone in the form of laws because:
(i) It helps in preventing the authority from the misuse of their powers.
(ii) It helps in the functioning of the government.
(iii) It helps the people in leading their normal and peaceful life.
(iv) It ensures the security of the nation and its people.

3. Name two essential features of a democratic government.

Answer

Two essential features of a democratic government:
(i) People have the right to elect their own Government throgh elections.
(ii) Government is accountable to its people.
(iii) Universal Adult Franchise.

4. What was the suffrage movement? What did it accomplish?

Answer

Suffrage means right to vote. Women and the poor have had to fight for participation in government all over Europe and  USA. During the first world war, it got strengthened and known as the suffrage movement.
It gave right to vote to the America women in 1920 and women in the UK got to vote on the same terms as men in 1928.

5. Gandhiji strongly believed that every adult in India should be given the right to vote. However, a few people don't share his views. They feel that illiterate people, who are mainly poor, should not be given he right to vote. What do you think? Do you think this would be a form of discrimination? Give five points to support your view and share these with the class.

Answer

Yes, it would be a form of discrimination on the basis of education. Five points to support my view:
(i) These people will not able to participate in the Government and hence feel neglected from the society.
(ii) People from all classes fought for the independence and these rights thus everyone should be treated equally.
(iii) People are not illiterate or poor by their choice.
(iv) Every adult should be given right to vote according to Universal Adult Franchise.
(v) It will conflict the idea of right to equality of Democracy.

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Sunday, 7 February 2016

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 2 Diversity and Discrimination Civics

NCERT Solutions for Class 6th: Ch 2 Diversity and Discrimination Social and Political Life

Page No: 23

Questions

1. Match the following statements in a way that challenges stereotypes.
a. Two surgeons were sitting down to lunch when one of them made a call on the mobile phone 1. suffers from chronic asthma.
b. The boy who won the drawing competition went to the dias
2. to become an astronaut which she did.
c. One of the fastest athletes in the world3. to speak with her daughter who had just returned from school.
d. She was not that well-off but had a dream
4. on a wheelchair to collect his prize.

Answer
 
a. Two surgeons were sitting down to lunch when one of them made a call on the mobile phone 3. to speak with her daughter who had just returned from school.
b. The boy who won the drawing competition went to the dias
4. on a wheelchair to collect his prize.
c. One of the fastest athletes in the world1. suffers from chronic asthma.
d. She was not that well-off but had a dream
2. to become an astronaut which she did.

Page No: 24

2. How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least five different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.

Answer

The stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter in many ways which have impacts on their day to day life as well as shattering their dreams and goals. It also creates a feel of being inferior to others and arouse a negative feel.
Five different effects are:
(i) They are not given quality education and do not sent to schools.
(ii) They are not given proper diet.
(iii) They have to household work and kept busy in this.
(iv) They are not allowed to go out and enjoy with their friends.
(v) They are not given proper care, love and affection of the family.
(vi) Their health issues are not properly addressed.

3. What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?

Answer

With regard to equality, the constitution said that:
(i) People are free to choose the kind of work they wish to do.
(ii) Everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
(iii) Every one is free to compete for Government jobs.
(iv) Right to equality for poor and other such marginal communities.
(v) Untouchability is seen as a crime and has been legally abolished by law.

It is important for all people to be equal  so that all of them have the freedom to follow their religion, speak their language, celebrate their festivals and express themselves freely. Respect for diversity can only be achieved by equality.

4. Sometimes people make prejudiced comments in our presence. We are often not in a position to do anything about this because it is difficult to say something right then and there. Divide the class into groups and each group discuss what they could do in one of the following situations:

a. A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.
b. You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.
c. Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.
d. Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.
e. Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them.

Discuss in class what the different groups have suggested for the above situations, and also talk about the problems that can come up when raising the issue.

Answer

Students should make five group and discuss the issues among themselves.

a. A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.
• We should learn to respect the personality and social background of each other. We should not tease or make joke of others only due to their appearence.

b. You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.
• India is a country know for its religious harmony and sovereignty. This is our power and we should not hurt the sentiments and believes of other by commenting.

c. Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.
• Every on is the children of God and is unique in their own way. It is shame to consider someone inferior or odd only because of their personal appearance.

d. Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.
• Our country is having rich diversity ant this is our beauty. People in each region have their own language and accent. We should not make fum or joke of this beauty and learn to adore and respect it.

e. Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them.
• Everyone has their own physique and everyone is not good in all things. Some may good at sports some may not, some may good at painting, learning, music etc. So, we should not make remarks on them for not being good at something. Rather we should encourage them.

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Saturday, 6 February 2016

English Communicative Previous Year Question paper SA-II 2015| Class 10th

Previous Year Question Paper of English Communicative Class 10th Summative Assessment II 2015

Time allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum marks: 70

General Instructions:
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading                        20 marks
Section B: Writing & Grammar     25 marks
Section C: Literature                      25 marks
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time.
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.

Section - A
(Reading)
1. Read the passage given below:             (8)

(1) The hopping kangaroo is a familiar sight in every snapshot relating to Australia. Members of the kangaroo family can be as small as a rat or as big as a man. Kangaroos are found mainly in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. Kangaroos, which are big-footed marsupials that evolved in Australia, use their short front legs like arms. The man-sized kangaroos of Australia are capable of speeding up to 88 km/hr for short distances, their means of locomotion being their powerful hind legs, which carry the over the ground in jumps of 9 m or more at a time.

(2) Weighing around 70 kg, they have an average lifespan of around six to eight years and a maximum lifetime of 20 years. When bothered by predators, kangaroos often head for the water, standing submerged to the chest, and attempting to drown the attacker by holding him under water. Another defensive technique is to get their back to a tree and kick them adversary with their clawed hind feet, sometimes with sufficient force to kill a man. Normally shy animals, they alert other kangaroos to danger by beating on the ground with their hind feet. This loud alarm signal carries over a long distance.

(3) The tail is important for kangaroos. It holds them in balance and supports them when they sit or fight against other kangaroos. The kangaroo uses its short legs as alarms. With them it scratches itself, cleans its fur and holds branches when it eats leaves. Kangaroos are marsupials and the females carry newborn in a pouch in front of their abdomens. The babies are born small and climb up into the safety of the pouch. There, for the next 225 days or so, they eat, sleep and grow. Once they reach full development, they leave the pouch. A young kangaroo that leaves the pouch is called a ‘joey’. To keep from getting too hot, the kangaroos take naps in the afternoon and do most of their grazing at night. But the best stay- cool secret if these creatures are the spit bath. Kangaroos drool and lick saliva all over their faces and bodies to cool down.

1.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage, complete the following sentences with appropriate word/phrases:                                  (1×8=8)

(a) When followed by predators, kangaroos submerge —————— and ————.

(b) The powerful hind legs help kangaroos to ————————————————.

(c) Kangaroos are mainly found in Australia and are —————————————.

(d) They use their front legs to ——————————————————————.

(e) Kangaroos warn others of danger by —————————————————–.

(f) The secret of kangaroos to stay cool is —————————————————.

(g) They use their tails to ————————————————————————.

(h) Before becoming 'joeys', the young ones stay in the ——————and ———–.

2. Read the passage given below:         (12)

1. It is rare to find someone with good technical and communication skills. You can get far ahead of your colleagues if you combine the two early in your career. People will judge, evaluate, promote or block you based on your communication skills. Since habits form by repeating both good and bad forms of communication, learn to observe great communicators and adopt their styles and traits — in written and verbal forms. The art of listening and learning from each and every interaction, is another secret recipe. Develop the subconscious habit of listening to yourself as you speak and know when to pause. 

2. Learning what not to say is probably more important than learning what to say. As your career develops, you will realize that the wise speak less. Speak when you have value to add, else refrain. Poorly constructed emails with grammatical errors are acceptable between friends, but they should be seriously avoided while communicating formally with your seniors. Avoid any communication in an emotional state when you might say things you will regret later. One unnecessary word uttered at the wrong time or place can ruin a relationship, career or even your life. Such is the power of words. If such a thing happens, you should immediately apologise, else it may haunt you for life.

3. Another problem to overcome is speaking too fast. Since our minds are working faster than our speech, we are inclined to speak fast. This does not necessarily mean that the person hearing it will get it any faster. On the contrary, it is always the reverse. So slow down, and think before you speak. ‘‘When I get ready to speak to people,’’ Abraham Lincoln said, ‘‘I spend two-thirds of the time thinking what they want to hear and one-third thinking what I want to say.’’ Adding humour and wit is also essential. But realize that not all jokes are funny and observe certain boundaries. Never say anything that could offend. Remember you are not a comedian who must offend as many people as you can to be witty.

2.1 Answer the following questions briefly:         (2×4=8)

(a) Why is it necessary to have good communication skills?

(b) How can communication skills be developed? 

(c) What, according to the writer, should be avoided while communicating? 

(d) Why should you be careful when you tend to be humorous? 

2.2 Choose the most appropriate meanings of the given words from the options provided: (1×4=4)

(a) evaluate (para 1) 
(i) estimate 
(ii) assume 
(iii) punish 
(iv) evolve 

(b) trait (para 1) 
(i) treaty 
(ii) trail 
(iii) quality 
(iv) liberty

(c) utter (para 2)
(i) flatter 
(ii) speak 
(iii) rot 
(iv) unique 

(d) haunt (para 2) 
(i) hunt 
(ii) chant 
(iii) trouble 
(iv) avoid

Section - B 
(Writing and Grammar) 

3. You had visited Antarctica and had an opportunity to see the polar ice caps melting and realised that the threat of global warming is very real. Taking ideas from the MCB unit on Environment along with your own ideas, write an article in 100 – 120 words on what a student can do to preserve the environment. You are Rama/Ram.                                 (5)
OR 

You were one among a group of students who represented your state in a national youth exchange programme. It was an eye-opener which made you realise the spirit of unity in diversity. Taking ideas from the MCB unit on National Integration along with your own ideas, write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in 100 – 120 words on the importance of National Integration. You are Maya/Mohan, 4 Rampur Road, Bareilly.

4. Write a short story in 150 – 200 words on the basis of the hints provided:     (10)

The doorbell rang. Sunil opened the door. At first he could not recognise the tall and well-dressed man who stood before him. Then the man spoke and all of a sudden ………. 
OR 

Aravind was distracted. He couldn’t concentrate in the class. The incident which had happened that morning had shattered him ……….

5. Read the passage given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones that follow: (1×3=3)

Alaska’s size and climate make transportation (a) __________ challenge. Long ago, sledges pulled (b) ___________ dog teams were the best way to travel (c) ___________ native people. 

(a) (i) an (ii) the (iii) a (iv) for 
(b) (i) by (ii) with (iii) of (iv) beside 
(c) (i) by (ii) to (iii) for (iv) with 

6. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line against which a blank has been given. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number as given in the example. Remember to underline the word that you have supplied.                                                                                                                           (1/2×8=4)

                                                                                                        Error               Correction
The road to success is no a bed of roses.                                 e.g.   no                        not 
Only those who wade on hazards and hurdles                        (a) ________            ________ 
can achieve successful. Set yourself clear goals                     (b) ________            ________ 
and define precisely what you wants to do.                            (c) ________            ________ 
Goals provide direction for your behaviour                            (d) ________            ________ 
and guide your actions or thoughts. Specific goals                 (e) ________            ________ 
are better than general ones. Let every parts                           (f) ________            ________ 
of your body is full of that idea. Winners do not                    (g) ________            ________ 
do different things, they does things differently.                    (h) ________             ________

7. Rearrange the following words and phrases to form meaningful sentences: (1×3=3)

(a) coloured bus / children / we saw / full of / a yellow / excited/ 
(b) they were / we guessed / on the / planetarium / way / to the / 
(c) part / this / study tour / of their / was /

Section - C (Literature)

8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:  (1×3=3)

And immediately I regretted it.
I thought how paltry, how vulgar, what a mean act!
I despised myself and the voices of my accursed human education.

(a) What was the mean act ? (1)
(b) Why did the poet despise himself ? (1)
(c) What does the word ‘accursed’ mean in the above context ? (1)

OR

‘‘Well, you needn’t be, because I just came to tell you to stop bothering us for assistance; you ain’t going to get it. We’re going on strike!’’

(a) Who speaks these words and to whom? (1)
(b) What was the ‘assistance’ that was denied? (1)
(c) What does the word ‘bothering’ mean? (1)

9. Answer any four of the following questions in 30 – 40 words each: (2×4=8)

(a) Why was the Albatross considered as a ‘Christian Soul’?
(b) Why couldn’t Michael help Sebastian the first time?
(c) How did Decius Brutus interpret Calpurnia’s dream?
(d) How did Patol Babu lose his job in Calcutta?
(e) What message does the poem, ‘Ozymandias’ convey?

10. Patience and hard work go a long way in achieving your goals. How does Patol Babu win the admiration of the director through a very small role? Write in 80 – 100 words. (4) 

OR 

Mark Antony, with the help of his oratory, succeeded in winning the mob over to his side. This led to the downfall of the conspirators. Write in 80 – 100 words, how with the power of words he could effect a change in his listeners. 

11. Answer the following in 150 – 200 words: (10) 

How does Anne criticise the attitude of the grown-ups in her diary? 

OR 

Write a character sketch of Mrs.Van Daan. 

OR 

What were Helen’s memories of Radcliffe? 

OR 

How important was the presence of Miss Anne Sullivan in Helen’s life?