English: CBSE Sample Question Paper with Solutions - 4 | Sample Papers for Class 11 Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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 passage given below and answer the questions that follow:  

The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. With just a few clicks, we can access vast amounts of information, connect with people from all over the world, and shop for anything we want. However, the internet is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is privacy. As we navigate through websites and social media platforms, we leave a digital trail of our personal information. This data can be collected, analyzed, and used for targeted advertising, identity theft, and other malicious activities.
To address this issue, many internet users have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs encrypt our online activity, making it difficult for anyone to intercept and read our data. They also hide our IP address, which makes it harder to track our online behavior. VPNs can be used on a variety of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. They are especially popular among people who travel frequently and use public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyber attacks.
However, using a VPN is not a foolproof solution. While it can protect our privacy to some extent, it also has some disadvantages. For example, using a VPN can slow down our internet connection and cause buffering when streaming videos or downloading large files. Additionally, not all VPNs are created equal. Some are free, but they may not provide adequate security or privacy protections. Others are paid, but they may be too expensive for some users. Finally, some countries restrict or even ban the use of VPNs altogether, making it difficult for people to access the internet freely and securely.
Despite these challenges, VPNs remain an important tool for internet privacy and security. By choosing a reputable VPN provider and being aware of the potential drawbacks, we can enjoy the benefits of the internet without compromising our personal data.
(i) What is the main concern about the internet according to the passage?
(a) The amount of information available online.
(b) The fact that it can be used for targeted advertising.
(c) The difficulty in accessing it securely.
(d) The lack of personal privacy.

Correct Answer is option d.

(ii) What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
(a) A type of social media platform.
(b) A way to encrypt online activity.
(c) An online shopping website.
(d) An alternative to public Wi-Fi networks.

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) Who is most likely to use a VPN?
(a) Someone who enjoys streaming videos.
(b) Someone who rarely uses the internet.
(c) Someone who frequently travels and uses public Wi-Fi networks.
(d) Someone who prefers using free internet services.

Correct Answer is option c.

(iv) What is a disadvantage of using a VPN?
(a) It can cause buffering when streaming videos.
(b) It can only be used on laptops.
(c) It can only be used in certain countries.
(d) It can make our personal data more vulnerable.

Correct Answer is option a.

(v) What is the main benefit of using a VPN?
(a) Accessing the internet freely and securely.
(b) Avoiding targeted advertising.
(c) Increasing internet speed.
(d) Allowing for unlimited file downloads.

Correct Answer is option a.

(vi) What is the main difference between free and paid VPNs?
(a) Free VPNs provide better security than paid VPNs.
(b) Paid VPNs are only available on certain devices.
(c) Free VPNs are slower than paid VPNs.
(d) Paid VPNs are more expensive than free VPNs.

Correct Answer is option d.

(vii) Why do some people find it difficult to access the internet securely?
(a) Because they don't have a VPN.
(b) Because they don't have the right device.
(c) Because they live in a country that restricts VPN use.
(d) Because they don't know how to use the internet.

Correct Answer is option a.

(viii) What is one potential drawback of using public Wi-Fi networks?
(a) They are more expensive than using a VPN.
(b) They can be slower than using a VPN.
(c) They can be more secure than using a VPN.
(d) They can be vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Correct Answer is option d.

(ix) What is one way to increase online security other than using a VPN?
(a) Installing antivirus software.
(b) Downloading large files.
(c) Using public Wi-Fi networks.
(d) Sharing personal information on social media.

Correct Answer is option a.

(x) Why is it important to protect personal data online?
(a) Because personal data is useless to hackers.
(b) Because personal data can be sold for profit.
(c) Because personal data is not stored online.
(d) Because personal data is only accessible to government officials.

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, spanning over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) off the coast of Australia. It is home to a vast array of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish and 600 species of coral. The Great Barrier Reef is also a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
However, the reef is under threat from a range of factors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Rising sea temperatures due to climate change are causing coral bleaching, which can lead to the death of corals. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste can harm marine life, and overfishing can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
Efforts are being made to protect the reef, such as reducing carbon emissions and implementing sustainable fishing practices. The Australian government has also invested millions of dollars in research and conservation efforts.
(i) Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?
(a) South America
(b) Africa
(c) Australia
(d) Antarctica

Correct Answer is option c.

(ii) How long is the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) 1,300 kilometers
(b) 2,300 kilometers
(c) 3,300 kilometers
(d) 4,300 kilometers

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) How many species of fish are found in the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) 600
(b) 1,500
(c) 2,000
(d) 2,500

Correct Answer is option b.

(iv) What is causing coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) Pollution
(b) Overfishing
(c) Rising sea temperatures
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer is option c.

(v) What can pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste do to marine life?
(a) Harm them
(b) Help them
(c) Have no effect
(d) Make them grow faster

Correct Answer is option a.

(vi) What can overfishing do to the ecosystem?
(a) Balance it
(b) Disrupt it
(c) Improve it
(d) Have no effect

Correct Answer is option b.

(vii) What efforts are being made to protect the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) Reducing carbon emissions
(b) Implementing sustainable fishing practices
(c) Investing in research and conservation efforts
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer is option b.

(viii) Which country's government has invested millions of dollars in research and conservation efforts for the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) Brazil
(b) Canada
(c) Australia
(d) China

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Emotional intelligence refers to a person's ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and those of others. It is a crucial aspect of personal and professional success, and research has shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in their careers and personal lives than those who do not possess this trait.
One of the key benefits of emotional intelligence is the ability to form and maintain positive relationships with others. People with high emotional intelligence are able to understand and empathize with others' emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. They are also more likely to be perceived as trustworthy and dependable, which can be important in both personal and professional settings.
Another benefit of emotional intelligence is the ability to manage stress and handle difficult situations effectively. People with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to cope with challenging circumstances and are less likely to become overwhelmed by stress. They are also better at regulating their own emotions, which can help them to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Emotional intelligence is not a fixed trait, and it can be developed and improved over time. Some ways to improve emotional intelligence include developing self-awareness, practicing active listening, and seeking feedback from others. By improving emotional intelligence, individuals can enhance their personal and professional relationships, become more effective leaders, and achieve greater success in their careers and personal lives.

(i) Make notes based on your reading of the passage, using recognisable abbreviations where necessary. Use a format that you think is appropriate, and provide a suitable title.

Title: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Notes:

• EI = Emotional Intelligence
• Recognize, Understand, Manage own and others' emotions
• Crucial for personal and professional success
• People with high EI form and maintain positive relationships, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts constructively
• Perceived as trustworthy and dependable
• Ability to manage stress and handle difficult situations
• Better equipped to cope with challenging circumstances
• Regulate own emotions, stay calm and focused under pressure
• EI can be developed and improved over time
• Develop self-awareness, practice active listening, seek feedback from others
• EI improves personal and professional relationships, leadership skills, and overall success.

(ii) In about 80 words, write a short summary of the passage.

The passage emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) for personal and professional success. Individuals with high EI are better at recognizing, understanding, and managing their own emotions as well as those of others. They can form and maintain positive relationships, communicate effectively, and manage stress and difficult situations. EI can be developed and improved over time through self-awareness, active listening, and seeking feedback. Overall, improving EI leads to better personal and professional relationships, leadership skills, and greater success.

Q.4. You are the CEO 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

Saran Gupta is your name. You want to rent out your flat in Bangalore's business district. Create a well-circulated daily advertisement with all of the necessary information. (Word count is limited to 50).

Q.5. The use of animals in laboratories for dissection has been prohibited by the government. In approximately 120-150 words, argue for or against this decision.

The Government has banned the dissection of animals in laboratories

Good morning, my name is Navtej and I am here to support the motion that animal testing should be banned. Animal dissection in laboratories is an unethical and cruel practice that not only harms animals, but also teaches children to abuse them. Despite the efforts of organizations like PETA to protect animals from cruelty, they are still being killed mercilessly in the name of experimentation. Using animals for such purposes is not only cruel but also unwise. Animals are often transported in crowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate food or water, leading to their starvation and suffering. This not only affects the animals, but also has a negative impact on biodiversity as they can spread diseases. Additionally, drugs that pass animal testing are not necessarily safe for human use. Furthermore, killing animals disrupts the ecological balance. Therefore, it is essential to replace animal dissection with virtual labs and models, which is a more ethical and efficient approach.
Thank you.

OR

The 'No detention until class VIII' policy is not in the best interests of students. In 120-150 words, write a debate in support or opposition to the motion.

The Policy of ‘No detention till class VIII is not in the interest of Students

Respected Chairperson, esteemed judges, and dear friends, I am here to argue against the belief that the policy of no detention until class VIII is detrimental to students. It is my belief that those who propagate this idea do so for their own gain, such as encouraging students to take more tuition classes. Education should not be confined to the trap of exams, where students are constantly tested to determine whether they pass or fail. Some argue that this policy of no detention makes students careless, but I would argue that it is preferable to be careless than to resort to unfair means to pass exams. The pressure of exams can cause mental distress among students, which is a growing concern. Without the fear of failing, students can attend school with greater enthusiasm and benefit from the pure pursuit of knowledge without the stress of detention. This policy can also help build confidence and motivation in students, leading to a healthier and brighter future for them. Thank you.

Q.6. The advancement of a nation is dependent on the empowerment of women. Obsessed with this idea, write a speech for the Youth Conclave on the topic, 'Empowering the women'.

Empowering the Women

Good morning everyone, I am Anita Verma and I am here at the Youth Conclave to express my views on the topic of empowering women. Women are the backbone of our society and the progress of a nation is dependent on them. However, they are often denied their rightful place and subjected to family violence and inferior status. They are also denied basic rights such as education and freedom of speech, which are essential for their growth and development. Gender equality is crucial for the progress and development of a nation. Despite numerous efforts to empower Indian women, a lot still needs to be achieved. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of educating women, providing them with equal opportunities, and giving them the freedom to express themselves. Education is crucial in making women self-reliant and financially independent, which will lead to their personal and societal development. We must stop exploiting women and give them their due rights. It is essential for people to have a supportive attitude towards women, which will help them move forward towards a better society. The "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" initiative is one such government scheme aimed at educating the girl child. It is time for people to change their attitude towards women and give them their rightful place in society.
Thank you.

Q.7. Fill in blanks with the appropriate option given below. (Do any 4)
Yesterday,  as  I  (a)  ......  along  the  mall,  a  taxi  (b)  .......  near  me.  A  man  (c)  ......  me  by  my  first  name.I (d) ...... as I failed to recognize the man, who (e) ....... and repeating my name.
(a) (i) walks (ii) is walking (iii) was walking (iv) had been walking
(b) (i) stopped (ii) stops (iii) to stop (iv) will stop
(c) (i) addressing (ii) addressed (iii) to address (iv) has addressed
(d) (i) is surprised (ii) was surprised (iii) surprising (iv) to surprise
(e) (i) smiles (ii) to smile (iii) was smiling (iv) has been smiling

(a) (iii) was walking (b) (i) stopped (c) (ii) addressed (d) (ii) was surprised (e) (iii) was smiling

Q.8. Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences:
(a) the / sparrow / from / city / it / disappeared / house / has / seems / common / the / that
(b) factors / and / pollution / herbs / native / important / the / responsible / are / loss / shrubs / of / and
(c) age / of / at / five I a I years / child / not / much / does / understand

(i) It seems that the common house sparrow has disappeared from the city.
(ii) The important factors responsible are pollution and loss of native herbs and shrubs.
(iii) give / to / armies / wars / forests / during / our / cover (cj do / get / the / forests / from / what / we / products?

Q.9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a warm orange glow across the valley. The birds chirped and sang their final songs of the day, as if bidding farewell to the sun.

(i) What was the sun doing behind the mountains?
(a) Rising
(b) Setting
(c) Stationary
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option b.

(ii) What were the birds doing as the sun was setting?
(a) Sleeping
(b) Chirping and singing
(c) Flying away
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) What color was the glow cast across the valley by the setting sun?

The glow cast across the valley by the setting sun was warm orange.

Q.10. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The sun was shining bright in the sky as Sarah walked through the park. She loved the warmth of the sun on her face and the sound of the birds chirping in the trees. As she walked, she saw a small puppy running towards her.
(i) What was the weather like when Sarah was walking in the park?
(a) Raining
(b) Snowing
(c) Sunny
(d) Cloudy

Correct Answer is option c.

(ii) What did Sarah enjoy about the weather?
(a) The rain
(b) The snow
(c) The warmth of the sun
(d) The cold breeze

Correct Answer is option c.

(iii) What did Sarah see running towards her?
(a) A squirrel
(b) A small puppy
(c) A bird
(d) A cat

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.11. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The rain was pouring down heavily outside. Jack sat by the window, watching as the drops fell from the sky and splashed onto the ground below. He had always found the rain to be calming, and it was one of his favorite sounds. Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder, causing Jack to jump in his seat. He looked outside and saw a bolt of lightning strike a tree in the distance. The lights flickered and went out, leaving Jack in complete darkness.
(i) What was Jack doing by the window?
(a) Sleeping
(b) Watching the rain
(c) Reading a book
(d) Listening to music

Correct Answer is option b.

(ii) What was Jack's reaction to the thunder?
(a) He was scared
(b) He was angry
(c) He was excited
(d) He was indifferent

Correct Answer is option a.

(iii) What happened after the thunder?
(a) The lights went out
(b) The rain stopped
(c) Jack fell asleep
(d) Jack went outside

Correct Answer is option a.

(iv) What did Jack see after the lightning struck?
(a) A bolt of lightning
(b) A rainbow
(c) A shooting star
(d) A tree

Correct Answer is option d.

Q.12. Answer the following questions in 40 to 50 words each.
(a) Describe Professor Gaitonde and Khan Sahib's conversation about where they needed to go.

At Sarhad, Khan Sahib informed Gaitonde that the British Raj originated from that location. He also inquired about Gaitonde's intended destination. Khan Sahib mentioned that he was traveling to Peshawar, and to do so, he would travel from Bombay to Delhi, then to Lahore, before finally reaching Peshawar.

OR

Why did the author choose the shorter route despite the high mountain passes?

By taking the shortcut towards the southwest, they could head almost straight towards Mount Kailash. However, traversing the high mountain passes would result in breathing difficulties. Nonetheless, the absence of snow would make for a relatively smooth journey.

(b) Why did the author choose the shorter route despite the high mountain passes?

During the September afternoon, the laburnum tree seems serene and motionless in the sunlight. Some of its leaves have started to change color and turn yellow, while all of its seeds have already dropped to the ground.

OR

What does 'A Photograph' teach us about the poetess' mother?

When the poetess's mother was only twelve years old, she was already a tall girl with a charming face. She had a fondness for swimming and would often wade in the sea water alongside her cousins. In later years, she would have found it amusing to recall the clothes they wore during their seaside vacations.

(c) What, according to Doris, could be the cause of her mother's odd behaviour? Is Cyril on her side?

Doris thinks that the reason for their mother's strange behavior may have been due to a head injury. Cyril acknowledges that their mother's behavior was peculiar, but he finds Doris' theory unlikely.

OR

What did Andrew think about marriage? What was the source of his resentment and perplexity?

Andrew was sitting by the kitchen fire, half-asleep, when he began to think about marriage. He thought about Bramwell, who was hopelessly in love with a woman who treated him badly. Then he thought of Edward Page, who was married to the unpleasant Blodwen and was now living away from her, unhappy. This made him believe that all marriages were miserable and doomed to fail. However, when he thought about his girlfriend Christine, he wanted to see marriage as a happy and fulfilling union.

Q.13. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120–150 words:
Draw a character sketch of Khushwant Singh's grandmother as portrayed by him in the lesson 'The Portrait of a Lady'.

The  narrator ’s  grandmother  was  a  true  picture  of  love,  affection  and  care.  She  had  all  those  virtues  which  grandmother ’s generally have for their grandsons. She was highly religious but a conservative lady. The grandmother presented a picture of peace and contentment. Her spotless white dress and her silver white hair  gave  her  spiritual  beauty.  The  grandmother  was  not  physically  very  attractive.  She  had  deep  love  and  affection for her grandson. She got him ready for school. She accompanied him to his school and came back home with him. She was a very religious lady. She was always telling the beads of her rosary.She had compassion even for animals and birds. She fed the village dogs. She took to feeding the sparrows in the city. But the grandmother was a conservative lady. She didn’t like the English language and Science. She hated music. She associated music with prostitutes and beggars.

OR

What kind of damage did bad weather cause to 'Wavewalker'?

Mighty waves struck ‘Wavewalker ’. The decks were smashed. Water was gushing in through holes and openings. The  whole  starboard  side  had  bulged  inwards.  Clothes,  crockery,  charts,  tins  and  toys  moved  round  noisily  in  deep  water.  Their  hand  pumps  got  blocked  up  with  the  debris  floating  around  the  cabins.  The  electric  pump,  short circuited. Water level rose high. The two spare hand pumps had been wrenched overboard. Waves had also swept off the forestry soil, jib, dinghies and main anchor. There was tremendous leak somewhere below the water line. The boat’s main rib frames  were smashed down to the kneel. A whole section of the starboard bull was being held up by a few cupboard partitions only. The hull of the ship had been damaged so badly that the pressure of rigging could simply pull the damaged section of the hull apart. ‘Wavewalker ’ was so damaged that it could not hold together long enough to reach Australia.

Q.14. Answer the question in about 120–150 words:
Describe the narrator's return to Mrs. Dorling's home.

During the narrator's first visit to Mrs. Dorling's house, she was unsuccessful in meeting her. However, she decided to give it another try. The second time, a young girl answered the door and informed her that her mother was not home. Despite this, the narrator decided to wait for her. As the girl led her through the hallway, she noticed an old-fashioned iron candle-holder hanging next to a mirror. The girl showed her to the living room and left her alone. The narrator was struck with a mix of familiarity and strangeness as she sat in the room. The objects around her, such as the woollen table cloth, cups, white teapot, spoons, and pewter plate, were all things she recognized from her former life and were full of memories. However, they now appeared strange to her in this new environment. Suddenly, they lost their value and the narrator no longer desired to possess them. She stood up, walked to the door, and left the house.

OR

Make a comparison between uncle Khosrove and cousin Mourad.

Uncle Khosrove and his cousin Mourad share a significant similarity: their eccentricity. Mourad is considered to be the natural heir to Uncle Khosrove's oddness. They both possess dominant personalities and use specific phrases to assert themselves. While Uncle Khosrove would say, "It's not a big deal, pay it no mind," Mourad would brag, "I know how to handle birds/dogs/farmers." Uncle Khosrove yells at his son Aram, the barber, and farmer John Byro. The narrator patiently listens to Mourad's proclamations. Despite their different ages and physical builds, Uncle Khosrove is a large, middle-aged man with a strong head of black hair and an enormous mustache, while Mourad is a thirteen-year-old athletic youth. Uncle Khosrove is quick-tempered, impatient, and irritable, while Mourad is reasonable in conversation.