General Instructions:
(i) The Question paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading - 26 marks
Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar- 23 marks
Section C: Literature - 31 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.
Q.1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. Although pollution of land, sea, and air has been well documented, the latest and the least recognised version is the swelling tide of noise which is engulfing urban as well as rural areas. This has long-term implications on the ecology, health, and productivity of a fast developing country like India.
2. Unlike other pollutants, noise lacks visibility, seldom registering on the consciousness, except as a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will and therefore less likely to be perceived as a threat. Available data indicate that noise does pose a threat to health and is known to have caused a number of complications. Declining productivity among workers in certain industries has been directly correlated with noise levels, particularly those under constant exposure to the menace.
3. The first-ever survey of the impact of noise on health, conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, has established that noise not only impairs the physical and psychological functioning of the human organism but also causes nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension, and a lot of other complications, including cardio-vascular complaints.
4. A study by Post Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, in Chennai, confirms such conclusions. In 50 percent of industries, it was found that workmen exposed to higher intensities of noise in occupational capacities, were often irritated, short-tempered, and impatient and more likely to resort to agitation and disrupt production. This was true of units in heavy industrial pockets in and around the four metropolitan centres.
5. Recreational noise, another ugly facet, is becoming more widespread in cities and towns.
Loudspeakers are turned at full volume during marriages, festivals, jagrans, musical programmes, particularly at night, without the least consideration for others. Even at 50 dB, sound can awaken a person from a deep slumber. As experiments have shown, loudspeakers with output from 60 to 80 dB cause the pupils of a slumbering person to dilate, with increasing intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. The effect is more pronounced in narrow lanes. TV sets are played at full volume at prime time, invariably disturbing neighbours. Noise making seems to have become the latest status symbol, be it an election campaign or slogan shouting or advertising ownership of a TV set.
A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option.
(i) What is the difference between noise and other pollutants?
(a) Noise is not resented.
(b) Noise is regarded as a small irritant and dismissed.
(c) People are not aware of noise as a pollutant.
(d) Noise can be found in rural as well as urban areas.
Correct Answer is option b.
(ii) Recreational noise is created during
(a) public speeches.
(b) revelries and excursions.
(c) sports’ events.
(d) weddings, festivals and jagrans at night.
Correct Answer is option d.
(iii) Invariably in paragraph 5 means
(a) often.
(b) sometimes.
(c) almost always.
(d) rarely.
Correct Answer is option c.
(iv) What are the diseases connected with the impact of noise?
(a) hypertension and cardio-vascular problems.
(b) nausea, vomiting, pain.
(c) impaired physical and psychological functioning.
(d) all of the above.
Correct Answer is option d.
(v) In what way can creating noise be considered a status symbol?
(a) by playing loud music.
(b) by showing off one’s TV with a loud sound.
(c) by making speeches.
(d) by talking loudly.
Correct Answer is option b.
(vi) Engulfing in paragraph 1 means
(a) completely drown.
(b) surrounded.
(c) covered.
(d) divided by a gulf.
Correct Answer is option b.
(B) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible:
(i) The swelling tide of noise pollution has long-term implications on the , health and productivity of a fast developing country like India.
(ii) Noise not only impairs the physical and functioning of the human organism, but also causes nausea and hypertension and other complications.
(iii) Loudspeakers with output from 60 to 80 dB causes the pupils to dilate, with increasing intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. [True/False]
(iv) TV sets played at full volume at prime time, invariably entertain neighbours. [True/False]
(i) ecology
(ii) psychological
(iii) True
(iv) False
Q.2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
The Industrial Revolution was a major turning point in human history. It began in Britain in the late 18th century and quickly spread to other parts of Europe and North America. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people lived in rural areas and worked in agriculture. The invention of new machines and technologies, such as the steam engine, cotton gin, and spinning jenny, allowed for mass production and a shift towards urbanization. Factories and mills sprang up, and people flocked to the cities in search of work. This period of rapid industrialization had far-reaching effects on society, including changes in living and working conditions, the rise of the middle class, and the growth of global trade.
(i) What was the Industrial Revolution?
(a) A political movement
(b) A social movement
(c) A technological revolution
(d) A religious movement
Correct Answer is option c.
(ii) Where did the Industrial Revolution begin?
(a) France
(b) Germany
(c) Britain
(d) Spain
Correct Answer is option c.
(iii) What type of work did most people do before the Industrial Revolution?
(a) Manufacturing
(b) Agriculture
(c) Construction
(d) Mining
Correct Answer is option b.
(iv) What inventions allowed for mass production during the Industrial Revolution?
(a) Computers and smartphones
(b) Steam engine and cotton gin
(c) Airplanes and automobiles
(d) Televisions and radios
Correct Answer is option b.
(v) What were some of the effects of the Industrial Revolution on society?
(a) Decrease in global trade
(b) Increase in living conditions
(c) Rise of the middle class
(d) Decrease in urbanization
Correct Answer is option c.
(vi) What new types of buildings were constructed during the Industrial Revolution?
(a) Hospitals and schools
(b) Factories and mills
(c) Libraries and museums
(d) Churches and temples
Correct Answer is option b.
(vii) Why did people move to the cities during the Industrial Revolution?
(a) To escape the countryside
(b) To enjoy the entertainment
(c) To find work
(d) To avoid the pollution
Correct Answer is option c.
(viii) What was the significance of the Industrial Revolution?
(a) It led to the rise of the aristocracy
(b) It had no impact on society
(c) It resulted in the growth of global trade
(d) It caused a decrease in technological advancements.
Correct Answer is option c.
Q.3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The Hangul deer or the Kashmiri stag is a species of red deer. The Hangul is one of the most famous animals of Jammu and Kashmir. It inhabits the dense forests of the state. Striking in appearance, the Hangul derives its name from ‘han’ which is the local name for the horse chestnut tree, the fruit of which the deer feed on.
2. Scientifically known as Cervuselaphus hanglu, Hangul is the only surviving race of the red deer family of Europe in the sub – continent. The Hangul deer’s coat is brown with slight speckles and each of its antlers consists of five points.
3. Much at home in the forest, the deer can be seen in the lower valleys of Dachigam National Park on the foothills of the Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar for most parts of the year, though a greater number of their species can be seen from October to March. Normally found in small groups of two to eighteen, Hanguls use the forests of the Dachigam Valley as an important feeding ground and move to the higher slopes to graze. Individual stags are more likely to be seen feeding on the hill slopes. They move about quite a lot from one area to another in their search for good forage. Hanguls eat various plants such as Fraximushockeri, Jasminum humile, Hemerocallisfulva and perennial herbs, depending on the season.
4. In March and April, the stags shed their antlers and begin moving up the mountains to the alpine meadows and pine forests of Upper Dachigam between 2500 to 3500 metres. They return to the lower valley in September, by when a new set of antlers begin to grow. The natural predators that attack Hanguls are leopards and Himalayan black bears.
5. In the past, Jammu and Kashmir had a large and vibrant population of Hangul deer. However, hunting and loss of habitat from deforestation and the building of dams has significantly curbed the wild population of Hangul deer. During the 1940s, their number was believed to be around 3,000 – 5,000. As per the latest census in 2008, only 160 are left. A captive breeding centre is planned to be commissioned at Shikargah, Tral in south Kashmir, for the captive breeding of Hangul, which will be eventually released in the wild.
6. In the last few years, the government has spent crores of rupees on different projects related to the conservation of Hangul in Jammu and Kashmir. A Habitat Research Study has been initiated in Kashmir in which satellite collaring of Hangul will be used in order to understand their movement patterns and habitat, both in and outside the Dachigam National Park. In addition, a massive improvement in conducting the census programme of Hangul has been undertaken whereby satellite telemetry and field cameras of high definition are being placed in the Park. Besides, an important research programme has been launched to study the relic population of Hangul outside Dachigam National Park in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.
7. The strict enforcement of wildlife acts and the setting up of new initiatives are anticipated to replenish this highly endangered species.
(i) On the basis of your reading the passage, make notes using recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, supply a suitable title.
Title: Hangul deer - The Pride of Jammu and Kashmir
Notes:
- Hangul deer or Kashmiri stag is a species of red deer found in Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is scientifically known as Cervuselaphus hanglu.
- Hangul deer's coat is brown with slight speckles, and each of its antlers consists of five points.
- They are normally found in small groups of two to eighteen and feed on horse chestnut trees, perennial herbs, and various plants.
- Natural predators of Hanguls are leopards and Himalayan black bears.
- Hunting and loss of habitat from deforestation and building of dams have significantly reduced their population.
- In 1940, their number was around 3,000 – 5,000, but in 2008, only 160 Hanguls were left.
- The government has taken several initiatives for their conservation, including a Habitat Research Study, a census programme, and a research programme in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.
- A captive breeding centre is planned to be commissioned at Shikargah, Tral, in south Kashmir.
- The strict enforcement of wildlife acts is expected to replenish this highly endangered species.
Abbreviations:
- J&K: Jammu and Kashmir
- C. hanglu: Cervuselaphus hanglu
- HD: Hangul deer
- HCT: Horse Chestnut Tree
- Pred.: Predators
- Defore.: Deforestation
- Govt.: Government
- HR Study: Habitat Research Study
- WT India: Wildlife Trust of India
- CBS: Captive Breeding Centre
- SWA: Wildlife Acts.
(ii) Make a short summary of the passage in about 80 words.
The Hangul deer, also known as the Kashmiri stag, is a red deer species found in Jammu and Kashmir. Their population has significantly decreased due to hunting and loss of habitat from deforestation and building of dams. In 2008, their number was just 160, but the government has taken initiatives to conserve them, such as a Habitat Research Study and a research programme with the Wildlife Trust of India. The Hanguls are known for their appearance, feeding on horse chestnut trees and various plants, and shedding their antlers in March and April. They are natural prey to leopards and Himalayan black bears.
Q.5. You are the General Manager of a major corporation. Your company requires the services of a Chartered Accountant. Create a classified advertisement of no more than 50 words for publication in the Times of India, New Delhi.
OR
You require employment. Create a classified ad promoting your services.
Q.6. "Our large population is an asset, not a source of poverty." In 120-150 words, write a debate for or against the motion.
Our Large Population is not a Cause or Poverty but an Asset
Good morning to the Jury Members, Friends, and Fellow Opponents. I am XYZ, a student in class 12, and I am against the motion that "Our large population is not a cause of poverty, but an asset." I strongly believe that the unchecked population is causing serious issues, such as unemployment and poverty, and it is a major challenge for both the State and Central Governments. Our population has reached 1.3 billion, and with more mouths to feed, natural and man-made resources are struggling to keep up with the rising demand for food, shelter, and clothing. According to official statistics, 22% of the population is still living below the poverty line. Furthermore, many crimes such as theft, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and burglary are committed by migrant laborers living in slums on the outskirts of towns and cities. These unregistered populations are often used as muscle power by unethical political leaders, creating a class of hoodlums and assassins. Hence, I question whether these individuals can be considered assets. We all know the answer.
Thank you.
OR
Raghav, a student of class XI, has been asked to make a speech on the "Ill-Effects of watching too much Television". Create a speech in 120-150 words.
Ill-Effects of Watching too much Television
Good morning to our respected Principal, teachers, and fellow students. My name is Raghav, and I am in class XI. Today, I will be discussing the negative effects of excessive television viewing. It has become a widespread problem, with a TV present in almost every household. Parents often encourage their children to watch TV from an early age, believing it to be a good way to help them develop. However, it is important to remember that television does not always have a positive impact. In fact, it can have a detrimental effect on physical, mental, and social health. One major concern is that excessive TV viewing can lead to a reduction in mental capacity, as individuals fail to seek out new solutions to problems. Additionally, it can lead to emotional frustration in families and difficulties with relatives. Another problem is that the human brain can become overwhelmed with excessive and unnecessary information from advertising, TV shows, series, and news broadcasts. This can emotionally harm a person and limit their world view, leading to psychological and physiological problems. Therefore, it is crucial to limit TV viewing to avoid these negative effects.
Thank you.
Q.7. A number of your classmates (particularly those from the science and commerce streams) skip classes to attend coaching centres. Write a debate in 120-150 words on the topic 'Tuition at coaching centres is not required.'
Tuition at Coaching Centres is not Essential
Good morning everyone, today I would like to present my perspective on the topic of whether coaching classes are essential for academic success. While coaching classes have become a common part of many students' lives, I believe that they are not necessary for success in exams. In fact, attending coaching classes often leads to a waste of time that could have been better spent on self-study. I believe that our school teachers are better equipped to handle our syllabus and address our academic needs, since they work with the sole purpose of helping us succeed, rather than for financial gain like coaching centers. Additionally, school teachers are more accessible to us and are more likely to provide individualized attention to clear our doubts. They know our strengths and weaknesses and can provide us with tailored support to help us improve. Moreover, schools provide regular feedback to parents that can motivate and guide us to perform better, which is not always the case with coaching centers. Ultimately, academic success depends on our own efforts, including our ability to understand concepts, practice regularly, and identify and work on our weaknesses. Therefore, schools should focus on providing competition-oriented education alongside regular syllabus to help us excel.
Thank you.
OR
"Our large population is an asset, not a source of poverty." In 120-150 words, write a debate for or against the motion.
Our Large Population is not a Cause or Poverty but an Asset
Good morning to the esteemed Jury Members, Friends, and fellow Opponents. My name is XYZ, and I am a student in 12th grade. Today, I will be opposing the motion that suggests our large population is an asset and not a cause of poverty.
In today's job market, individuals are competing fiercely for positions in various sectors, including IT, sales, HP, and marketing. However, due to the unchecked population, unemployment has become a significant social issue that both state and central governments are struggling to manage. With a population of 1.3 billion, and more mouths to feed, our natural and man-made resources are unable to keep up with the rising demand for food, shelter, and clothing. This has resulted in poverty levels that continue to persist even in this supersonic age. According to official statistics, twenty-two percent of the population still lives below the poverty line.
Furthermore, crimes such as theft, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and burglary are often committed by migrant laborers residing in slums on the outskirts of towns and cities. These individuals are typically part of the unregistered population that is often used as muscle power by unethical political leaders, creating a class of hoodlums and assassins. Therefore, it is crucial to question whether these thieves, murderers, robbers, hoodlums, and assassins are assets to society.
In conclusion, our large population is not an asset, but rather a cause of poverty and several social issues. We must address this problem by implementing effective measures to tackle unemployment and poverty levels and prevent the rise of criminal activities among the marginalized population.
Thank you.
Q.8. Asaf Khan who (a) _______ the expedition against the city, (b) _______ that the little country which c) _______ by a woman would (d) _______ very easily without (e) _______ even a blow
(a) (i) had led (ii) led (iii) was leading (iv) has led
(b)(i) expected (ii) has been expecting (iii) had expected (iv) was expected
(c) (i) rule (ii) was ruled (iii) is ruled (iv) was ruling
(d) (i) was taken (ii) be taken (iii) will be taken (iv) is taking
(e) (i) striking (ii) is striking (iii) has been striking (iv) has struck
(a) (ii) led (b) (iii) had expected (c) (ii) was ruled (d) (ii) be taken (e) (i) striking
Q.9. Choose the correct option and rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences.
(i) had/ winning a medal/ he/ my/ I told him/ until / about/ known/ not
(a) Until I told him he had not known about my winning a medal.
(b) He had not known about my winning a medal until I told him.
(c) About my winning a medal he had not known until I told him.
(d) He had not known until I told him about my winning a medal.
Correct Answer is option b.
(ii) the class/ at once/ ordered/ you/ are/ to leave
(a) The class at once ordered you are to leave.
(b) You at once are to leave the class ordered.
(c) At once you are ordered to leave the class.
(d) You are ordered to leave the class at once.
Correct Answer is option d.
(iii) he/ stepped out/ had/ hardly/ it/ began/ when/ to rain
(a) He had hardly stepped out when it began to rain.
(b) Hardly he stepped out when it had began to rain.
(c) Hardly had he stepped out when it began to rain.
(d) Hardly it had began to rain when he stepped out.
Correct Answer is option a.
Q.10. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
As the sun began to set behind the mountains, Emily sat down on the grassy hillside and opened her book. She had been waiting all day for this moment of solitude and peace.
(i) What did Emily do as the sun set?
(a) She started walking up the mountains.
(b) She sat down on the grassy hillside and opened her book.
(d) She ran towards the sunset.
Correct Answer is option b.
(ii) What was Emily waiting for all day?
(a) To go shopping with her friends.
(b) To watch a movie.
(c) To have a moment of solitude and peace.
Correct Answer is option c.
(iii) Where did Emily sit down?
Emily sat down on the grassy hillside.
Q.11. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The old castle stood on the hilltop, towering over the surrounding countryside. It was said to be haunted by the ghosts of the former lords and ladies who had lived there centuries ago. The villagers whispered tales of strange noises and apparitions that could be seen on dark and stormy nights.
Where was the castle located?
(i) (a) In the countryside
(b) In the city
(c) In the mountains
Correct Answer is option a.
(ii) What was the castle believed to be haunted by?
(a) The ghosts of the former servants
(b) The ghosts of the former lords and ladies
(c) The ghosts of the soldiers who had fought there
Correct Answer is option b.
(iii) What did the villagers whisper about?
(a) Tales of strange noises and apparitions that could be seen on dark and stormy nights
(b) Stories of a treasure hidden in the castle
(c) Legends of a secret passage leading to the castle
Correct Answer is option a.
Q.12. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The increasing popularity of social media has led to a rise in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying refers to the use of electronic communication to bully or harass someone, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur anytime and anywhere, and the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for perpetrators to target their victims. Cyberbullying can have serious consequences, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide. It is important to raise awareness about cyberbullying and to promote online safety to prevent it from happening.
(i) What is cyberbullying?
(a) Physical bullying
(b) Bullying in schools
(c) Bullying through electronic communication
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is option c.
(ii) Why is cyberbullying particularly harmful?
(a) It can lead to physical harm.
(b) It can occur anytime and anywhere.
(c) It is only targeted at children.
(d) None of the above.
Correct Answer is option b.
(iii) What are the consequences of cyberbullying?
(a) Depression, anxiety, and suicide
(b) Increased self-esteem
(c) Improved mental health
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is option a.
(iv) Why is it important to raise awareness about cyberbullying?
(a) To prevent cyberbullying from happening
(b) To encourage people to engage in online bullying
(c) To make people feel more anxious about social media
(d) None of the above
Correct Answer is option a.
Q.13. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each.
(a) "This was the part where I couldn't believe what I was seeing." In the story 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,' what role does the narrator allude to?
At the start of the story, the narrator experiences a feeling of nostalgia as he recalls his childhood at the age of nine. He remembers viewing the world as a place of immense wonder, brimming with all sorts of beauty and charm that he could conceive of. He viewed life as a delightful and enigmatic reverie.
OR
In the story "The Address," why did the narrator go to number 46, Marconi Street?
The narrator visited the residence of the woman who had taken responsibility for safeguarding their possessions during the war, in order to retrieve his mother's belongings.
(b) When Carter arrived at the mummy, what problem did he encounter? How did he get out of there?
Upon investigation, Carter discovered that the resins used in the burial ritual had hardened considerably, affixing Tut to the bottom of his sturdy coffin. Even the scorching heat of the sun was ineffective in melting the hardened resins, and thus, they had to be removed through chiseling in order to extract the King's remains from the coffin.
OR
What grandmother stories did the author treat as 'Fables of the Prophets'? Why?
The author regarded his grandmother's accounts of her youthful days and attractiveness as mere legends, as he had only ever known her in her elderly state, making it difficult for him to believe that she had once possessed youthfulness and beauty.
(c) Why do you think the poet makes no mention of her mother's death?
The poet is unable to articulate her response to the solemn and sorrowful event, as death has a way of rendering one speechless. The overwhelming stillness and pervasive melancholy serve to silence her.
OR
Why does the poet believe that Heaven and Hell do not exist?
As the speaker matured, he developed the ability to reason and comprehend. He came to the realization that the concepts of Hell and Heaven were not physically discernible through geography textbooks or maps. Given that they could not be pinpointed on any location on Earth, he concluded that they were non-existent. He decided to only believe in what he could perceive and verify.
Q.14. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120–150 words:
Gangadhar Pant couldn't help but compare the country he knew to what he was seeing around him. Elucidate.
Gangadhar Pant, a distinguished author from Pune, had authored a comprehensive five-volume account of the 'History of India.' During a train ride, he pondered on the alternate course history might have taken had the outcome of the Battle of Panipat been different. This contemplation led him to experience a transition into an alternate world, where India was distinct from the one he knew. In this new India, he witnessed a nation that was self-sufficient, self-respecting, and independent, having never been subjected to colonial subjugation by the British. The British had only retained Bombay as a commercial outpost, with its buildings and offices resembling those of a typical English town's high street. East India House, the East India Company's headquarters, was situated outside Bombay V.T. station in a grand building. The station itself was immaculate, with most of the staff consisting of Anglo-Indians and Parsees, alongside a few British officers. This Bombay was vastly different from the one he knew, where the OCS buildings towered over smaller Victorian structures, including Handloom House.
OR
What made the narrator set sail from Plymouth, England in July 1976 ? How did he prepare for his voyage?
The narrator of the story had a dream of following the footsteps of Captain James Cook, the renowned explorer who had circumnavigated the globe 200 years earlier. To accomplish this, the narrator had a boat built, called Wavewalker, which was professionally crafted, 23 meters in length, and weighed 30 tons. The narrator and his family had spent several months equipping and testing the boat in harsh weather conditions. The narrator had dedicated all of his free time over the past 16 years to learn seafaring skills. In July 1976, he, along with his wife, Mary, and two young children, Jonathan, 6, and Suzanne, 7, set sail on Wavewalker. To face the toughest seas in the world, the Southern Indian Ocean, he enlisted the help of two crew members, American Larry Vigil and Swiss Herb Seigler.
Q.15. Answer the question in about 120–150 words:
Mrs. Fitzgerald's efforts to reform Mrs. Pearson's family should be highlighted.
Mrs. Pearson lacks the courage to assert herself and stand up for her rights. Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes a unique solution - a personality swap. Mrs. Pearson takes on Mrs. Fitzgerald's personality and begins to put her plan into action. She smokes, drinks, and plays cards, which is unusual for her family. She shocks them further by being assertive and tough, telling them to take care of themselves and pointing out their behavior at home and in the workplace. She is also blunt with Mr. George Pearson, who leaves her alone at home to go to the club every evening. She reveals to him how the people at the club make fun of him. Overall, she makes the family members realize their responsibilities towards their mother and treat her with respect. Finally, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson switch back to their original personalities. Mrs. Fitzgerald's plan helps Mrs. Pearson's family understand the importance of treating her with respect and being responsible towards her.
OR
Describe the second time the narrator visits Mrs. Dorling's house.
On the narrator's first visit to Mrs. Dorling's house, she was unable to meet her. However, she decided to try again and on her second visit, a young girl greeted her and informed her that her mother was not at home. The girl led the narrator to the living room where she noticed familiar objects that she longed to see again, but they made her feel oppressed in the unfamiliar atmosphere. The narrator couldn't bring herself to look around the room. The room contained various items such as a woollen table cloth, cups, spoons, a white teapot, and a pewter plate, which all reminded her of her previous life. However, she didn't have the desire to own them anymore as they lost their significance in a foreign place. Eventually, she left the house, unable to bear the strangeness of the surroundings.
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