Sample Paper - 4, English, Class 8 Class 8 Notes | EduRev

 Page 1


(1/7) 
 
 
ENGLISH 
Time: 3 hrs. Class VIII 
General Instructions : 
• All the questions are compulsory. 
• You may attempt any section at a time. 
• All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. 
• This question paper consists of four sections : 
Section A  - Reading - 20 marks 
Section B - Writing - 25 marks 
Section C - Grammar - 20 marks 
Section D - Literature - 25 marks 
Section – A (Reading – 20 marks) 
A.1 Read the given passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Arts and crafts are wholly human creations; they need human eminence, passion 
and desire to be brought forth. Arts and crafts differ in their quality and nature. At 
present, handicrafts are not just opted for leisure pursuits but are being embraced as 
vocational courses too. Banner making, for example, is an early art concept of 
sewing banners. This is done by using the techniques of applique, embroidery and 
many others. Similarly, canvas work is an embroidery work in which long fibers 
are stitched together. Basically canvas work also includes stitches such as 
needlepoint, petit point etc. Some other forms of arts and crafts include cross-stitch, 
crocheting, knitting, lace making, wood crafts, pottery and sculpting. Nowadays, of 
all the traditional arts and crafts, embroidery has become the most lucrative 
profession for many while continuing to be a favourite passtime for women.  
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in 
strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other 
materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines 
can be used to create machine embroidery. 
 
 Read the questions given below and write in your answer sheet the option you 
consider the most appropriate. 
 
 a) Other than desire and passion, arts and crafts need - 
 i)   taste  ii)   will 
 iii)   human eminence  iv)  colour sense  
b)  People are now taking up handicrafts - 
 i)  as fun  ii) as a leisure activity  
 iii) as a boring task iv) as a vocation  
 
Page 2


(1/7) 
 
 
ENGLISH 
Time: 3 hrs. Class VIII 
General Instructions : 
• All the questions are compulsory. 
• You may attempt any section at a time. 
• All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. 
• This question paper consists of four sections : 
Section A  - Reading - 20 marks 
Section B - Writing - 25 marks 
Section C - Grammar - 20 marks 
Section D - Literature - 25 marks 
Section – A (Reading – 20 marks) 
A.1 Read the given passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Arts and crafts are wholly human creations; they need human eminence, passion 
and desire to be brought forth. Arts and crafts differ in their quality and nature. At 
present, handicrafts are not just opted for leisure pursuits but are being embraced as 
vocational courses too. Banner making, for example, is an early art concept of 
sewing banners. This is done by using the techniques of applique, embroidery and 
many others. Similarly, canvas work is an embroidery work in which long fibers 
are stitched together. Basically canvas work also includes stitches such as 
needlepoint, petit point etc. Some other forms of arts and crafts include cross-stitch, 
crocheting, knitting, lace making, wood crafts, pottery and sculpting. Nowadays, of 
all the traditional arts and crafts, embroidery has become the most lucrative 
profession for many while continuing to be a favourite passtime for women.  
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in 
strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other 
materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines 
can be used to create machine embroidery. 
 
 Read the questions given below and write in your answer sheet the option you 
consider the most appropriate. 
 
 a) Other than desire and passion, arts and crafts need - 
 i)   taste  ii)   will 
 iii)   human eminence  iv)  colour sense  
b)  People are now taking up handicrafts - 
 i)  as fun  ii) as a leisure activity  
 iii) as a boring task iv) as a vocation  
 
(2/7) 
 
 
c) In canvas work - 
 i)  long fibres are stitched together   
 ii)  paint is used to paint the canvas 
 iii) short fibres are stitched    
 iv)  none of the above 
 d) Lucrative means - 
 (i)  cheap profession  
 (ii)  a profession where there is no money  
 (iii)  a profession where there is a lot of money  
 (iv)  a profession which offers enough money for the person  
e) Machine embroidery is done by - 
 i)  thread, needle and special machine  
 ii)  thread and sewing machine  
 iii)  thread and machine using special needle  
 iv)  none of the above 
 
A.2 Read the following passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Nelson Mandela is one of the freedom fighters of the last two decades who at heart 
is just like all of us, an ordinary person. Yet, he used his experiences, his sensitivity 
to fight for all that he believed in. Mandela was the foster son of a Tembu African 
chief and he grew up in a two-culture world - that of his traditional African family 
and the culture of the white man who was ruling his country.  
He was trained to be a lawyer and could have lived a comfortable life. But he saw 
his people around him suffering. The poor who already lived in miserable 
circumstances were also constantly harassed. There was no dignity in being a black 
man, there was always some kind of injustice. Although, he lived a comfortable 
life, Mandela could not close his eyes to the suffering and injustice around him. 
Whenever an act of injustice or violence was meted out to someone, it caused him 
pain. It was done to him too. An incident that took place with his friend Paul, who 
took a stand in front of a white magistrate made Mandela take a decision and that 
was to fight for freedom and dignity which was the right of every human being.  
 
 Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most 
appropriate in your answer sheet. 
 
 a) Nelson Mandela used his experience and his ______ to fight for all what he 
 believed in – 
 i) culture   ii) sensitivity 
 iii) knowledge   iv) tradition 
b) Mandela was the product of which two cultures ? 
 i) Tribal and civilized  ii) African and Asian 
 iii) White and African  iv) American and Asian 
 
Page 3


(1/7) 
 
 
ENGLISH 
Time: 3 hrs. Class VIII 
General Instructions : 
• All the questions are compulsory. 
• You may attempt any section at a time. 
• All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. 
• This question paper consists of four sections : 
Section A  - Reading - 20 marks 
Section B - Writing - 25 marks 
Section C - Grammar - 20 marks 
Section D - Literature - 25 marks 
Section – A (Reading – 20 marks) 
A.1 Read the given passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Arts and crafts are wholly human creations; they need human eminence, passion 
and desire to be brought forth. Arts and crafts differ in their quality and nature. At 
present, handicrafts are not just opted for leisure pursuits but are being embraced as 
vocational courses too. Banner making, for example, is an early art concept of 
sewing banners. This is done by using the techniques of applique, embroidery and 
many others. Similarly, canvas work is an embroidery work in which long fibers 
are stitched together. Basically canvas work also includes stitches such as 
needlepoint, petit point etc. Some other forms of arts and crafts include cross-stitch, 
crocheting, knitting, lace making, wood crafts, pottery and sculpting. Nowadays, of 
all the traditional arts and crafts, embroidery has become the most lucrative 
profession for many while continuing to be a favourite passtime for women.  
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in 
strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other 
materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines 
can be used to create machine embroidery. 
 
 Read the questions given below and write in your answer sheet the option you 
consider the most appropriate. 
 
 a) Other than desire and passion, arts and crafts need - 
 i)   taste  ii)   will 
 iii)   human eminence  iv)  colour sense  
b)  People are now taking up handicrafts - 
 i)  as fun  ii) as a leisure activity  
 iii) as a boring task iv) as a vocation  
 
(2/7) 
 
 
c) In canvas work - 
 i)  long fibres are stitched together   
 ii)  paint is used to paint the canvas 
 iii) short fibres are stitched    
 iv)  none of the above 
 d) Lucrative means - 
 (i)  cheap profession  
 (ii)  a profession where there is no money  
 (iii)  a profession where there is a lot of money  
 (iv)  a profession which offers enough money for the person  
e) Machine embroidery is done by - 
 i)  thread, needle and special machine  
 ii)  thread and sewing machine  
 iii)  thread and machine using special needle  
 iv)  none of the above 
 
A.2 Read the following passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Nelson Mandela is one of the freedom fighters of the last two decades who at heart 
is just like all of us, an ordinary person. Yet, he used his experiences, his sensitivity 
to fight for all that he believed in. Mandela was the foster son of a Tembu African 
chief and he grew up in a two-culture world - that of his traditional African family 
and the culture of the white man who was ruling his country.  
He was trained to be a lawyer and could have lived a comfortable life. But he saw 
his people around him suffering. The poor who already lived in miserable 
circumstances were also constantly harassed. There was no dignity in being a black 
man, there was always some kind of injustice. Although, he lived a comfortable 
life, Mandela could not close his eyes to the suffering and injustice around him. 
Whenever an act of injustice or violence was meted out to someone, it caused him 
pain. It was done to him too. An incident that took place with his friend Paul, who 
took a stand in front of a white magistrate made Mandela take a decision and that 
was to fight for freedom and dignity which was the right of every human being.  
 
 Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most 
appropriate in your answer sheet. 
 
 a) Nelson Mandela used his experience and his ______ to fight for all what he 
 believed in – 
 i) culture   ii) sensitivity 
 iii) knowledge   iv) tradition 
b) Mandela was the product of which two cultures ? 
 i) Tribal and civilized  ii) African and Asian 
 iii) White and African  iv) American and Asian 
 
(3/7) 
 
 
c) He had his education in – 
 i) Medicine   ii) Law 
 iii) Engineering   iv) Literature 
d) He decided to take up the cause of freedom because – 
 i) he was appalled by the condition of the common man 
 ii) he was a lawyer by profession 
 iii) he wanted to be a politician 
 iv) his father was a freedom fighter 
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘decade’ ? 
 i) a period of ten years 
 ii) a period of twenty years 
 iii) a period of fifty years 
 iv) a period of hundred years 
A.3 Read the following passage carefully.  [10] 
 1. Effective speaking depends on effective listening. Incompetent listeners fail in a 
number of ways. First, they may drift. Their attention drifts from what the 
speaker is saying. Second, they may counter. They find counter arguments to 
whatever a speaker may be saying. Third, they compete. Then, they filter. They 
exclude from their understanding those parts of the message which do not 
readily fit with their own frame of reference. Finally they react. They let 
personal feelings about speaker or subject override the significance of the 
message which is being sent.  
2. What can a listener do to be more effective? The first key to effective listening 
is the art of concentration. If a listener positively wishes to concentrate on 
receiving a message his chances of success are high. It may need determination. 
Some speakers are difficult to follow, either because of voice problems, or 
because of the form in which they send a message. There is then particular need 
for the determination of a listener to concentrate on what is being said.  
3. Concentration is helped by alertness. Mental alertness is helped by physical 
alertness. It is not simply physical fitness, but also positioning of the body, the 
limbs and the head. Some people also find it helpful to their concentration if 
they hold the head slightly to one side. One useful way for achieving this is 
intensive note-taking, by trying to capture the critical headings and sub-
headings the speaker is referring to.  
4. Note-taking has been, recommended as an aid to the listener. It also helps the 
speaker. It gives him confidence when he sees that listeners are sufficiently 
interested to take notes; the patterns of eye-contact when the note-taker looks up 
can be very positive; and the speaker's timing is aided - he can see when a note-
taker is writing hard and can then make effective use of pauses.  
5. Posture too is important. Consider the impact made by a less competent listener 
who pushes his chair backwards and slouches. An upright posture helps a 
listener's concentration. At the same time it is seen by the speaker to be a 
positive feature amongst his listeners. Effective listening skills have an impact 
on both the listener and the speaker. 
 
Page 4


(1/7) 
 
 
ENGLISH 
Time: 3 hrs. Class VIII 
General Instructions : 
• All the questions are compulsory. 
• You may attempt any section at a time. 
• All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. 
• This question paper consists of four sections : 
Section A  - Reading - 20 marks 
Section B - Writing - 25 marks 
Section C - Grammar - 20 marks 
Section D - Literature - 25 marks 
Section – A (Reading – 20 marks) 
A.1 Read the given passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Arts and crafts are wholly human creations; they need human eminence, passion 
and desire to be brought forth. Arts and crafts differ in their quality and nature. At 
present, handicrafts are not just opted for leisure pursuits but are being embraced as 
vocational courses too. Banner making, for example, is an early art concept of 
sewing banners. This is done by using the techniques of applique, embroidery and 
many others. Similarly, canvas work is an embroidery work in which long fibers 
are stitched together. Basically canvas work also includes stitches such as 
needlepoint, petit point etc. Some other forms of arts and crafts include cross-stitch, 
crocheting, knitting, lace making, wood crafts, pottery and sculpting. Nowadays, of 
all the traditional arts and crafts, embroidery has become the most lucrative 
profession for many while continuing to be a favourite passtime for women.  
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in 
strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other 
materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines 
can be used to create machine embroidery. 
 
 Read the questions given below and write in your answer sheet the option you 
consider the most appropriate. 
 
 a) Other than desire and passion, arts and crafts need - 
 i)   taste  ii)   will 
 iii)   human eminence  iv)  colour sense  
b)  People are now taking up handicrafts - 
 i)  as fun  ii) as a leisure activity  
 iii) as a boring task iv) as a vocation  
 
(2/7) 
 
 
c) In canvas work - 
 i)  long fibres are stitched together   
 ii)  paint is used to paint the canvas 
 iii) short fibres are stitched    
 iv)  none of the above 
 d) Lucrative means - 
 (i)  cheap profession  
 (ii)  a profession where there is no money  
 (iii)  a profession where there is a lot of money  
 (iv)  a profession which offers enough money for the person  
e) Machine embroidery is done by - 
 i)  thread, needle and special machine  
 ii)  thread and sewing machine  
 iii)  thread and machine using special needle  
 iv)  none of the above 
 
A.2 Read the following passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Nelson Mandela is one of the freedom fighters of the last two decades who at heart 
is just like all of us, an ordinary person. Yet, he used his experiences, his sensitivity 
to fight for all that he believed in. Mandela was the foster son of a Tembu African 
chief and he grew up in a two-culture world - that of his traditional African family 
and the culture of the white man who was ruling his country.  
He was trained to be a lawyer and could have lived a comfortable life. But he saw 
his people around him suffering. The poor who already lived in miserable 
circumstances were also constantly harassed. There was no dignity in being a black 
man, there was always some kind of injustice. Although, he lived a comfortable 
life, Mandela could not close his eyes to the suffering and injustice around him. 
Whenever an act of injustice or violence was meted out to someone, it caused him 
pain. It was done to him too. An incident that took place with his friend Paul, who 
took a stand in front of a white magistrate made Mandela take a decision and that 
was to fight for freedom and dignity which was the right of every human being.  
 
 Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most 
appropriate in your answer sheet. 
 
 a) Nelson Mandela used his experience and his ______ to fight for all what he 
 believed in – 
 i) culture   ii) sensitivity 
 iii) knowledge   iv) tradition 
b) Mandela was the product of which two cultures ? 
 i) Tribal and civilized  ii) African and Asian 
 iii) White and African  iv) American and Asian 
 
(3/7) 
 
 
c) He had his education in – 
 i) Medicine   ii) Law 
 iii) Engineering   iv) Literature 
d) He decided to take up the cause of freedom because – 
 i) he was appalled by the condition of the common man 
 ii) he was a lawyer by profession 
 iii) he wanted to be a politician 
 iv) his father was a freedom fighter 
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘decade’ ? 
 i) a period of ten years 
 ii) a period of twenty years 
 iii) a period of fifty years 
 iv) a period of hundred years 
A.3 Read the following passage carefully.  [10] 
 1. Effective speaking depends on effective listening. Incompetent listeners fail in a 
number of ways. First, they may drift. Their attention drifts from what the 
speaker is saying. Second, they may counter. They find counter arguments to 
whatever a speaker may be saying. Third, they compete. Then, they filter. They 
exclude from their understanding those parts of the message which do not 
readily fit with their own frame of reference. Finally they react. They let 
personal feelings about speaker or subject override the significance of the 
message which is being sent.  
2. What can a listener do to be more effective? The first key to effective listening 
is the art of concentration. If a listener positively wishes to concentrate on 
receiving a message his chances of success are high. It may need determination. 
Some speakers are difficult to follow, either because of voice problems, or 
because of the form in which they send a message. There is then particular need 
for the determination of a listener to concentrate on what is being said.  
3. Concentration is helped by alertness. Mental alertness is helped by physical 
alertness. It is not simply physical fitness, but also positioning of the body, the 
limbs and the head. Some people also find it helpful to their concentration if 
they hold the head slightly to one side. One useful way for achieving this is 
intensive note-taking, by trying to capture the critical headings and sub-
headings the speaker is referring to.  
4. Note-taking has been, recommended as an aid to the listener. It also helps the 
speaker. It gives him confidence when he sees that listeners are sufficiently 
interested to take notes; the patterns of eye-contact when the note-taker looks up 
can be very positive; and the speaker's timing is aided - he can see when a note-
taker is writing hard and can then make effective use of pauses.  
5. Posture too is important. Consider the impact made by a less competent listener 
who pushes his chair backwards and slouches. An upright posture helps a 
listener's concentration. At the same time it is seen by the speaker to be a 
positive feature amongst his listeners. Effective listening skills have an impact 
on both the listener and the speaker. 
 
(4/7) 
 
 
A.3.1 Answer the following questions in brief : [2×4=8] 
 a) According to the passage, why does an incompetent listener fail in effective 
speaking? Mention two reasons. 
b) Mention two ways by which a listener can be more effective. 
c) Why are some of the speakers difficult to follow? 
d) According to the passage, how can concentration be improved? 
 
A.3.2 Find words from the passage that mean the same as : [2] 
 a) Not having the skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done. (para-1) 
b) The quality that makes you continue trying to do something even when it is difficult. 
(para-2) 
c) To suggest (para-4) 
d) A position in which you hold your body while sitting or standing. (para-5) 
 
Section – B (Writing – 25 marks) 
 
B.1 You are Poorvi / Prathamesh from New Era Public School, Dehradun. Your school 
is going to organize a fund-raising event to help the victims of a recent landslide. 
As the Secretary of the Disaster Management Club of the school, write a notice 
within 50 words to inform the students about the same. Put your notice in a box. 
Take help from the following clues : 
Date  :  25
th
 and 26
th
 October, 2016 
Venue  :  School Playground 
Events  :  Magic show, food stalls, joy-rides, games  
Time  :  9 AM to 3 PM. 
[5] 
 OR  
 Namita is a student of class VIII at DAV Public School, Delhi. During the lunch 
break she found that her purse with identity card and some money was missing. On 
the advice of her teacher, she decided to write a notice for the school notice board. 
Write the notice on her behalf within 50 words. Put the notice in a box. 
 
B.2 Read the following conversation.  
 Laurie : Hello, this is Laurie. May I speak to Christie?  
Sarah : Hi Laurie ! I’m Sarah, Christie’s sister.  Sorry he isn’t at home at the  
  moment. Do you want me to convey your message? 
Laurie : Yes, please. Tell him that we friends are planning to see a movie this  
  weekend. ‘Enchanted’ at Cinema 26 on Carson Boulevard Road. We  
  also plan for lunch at Summer Pizza House. 
Sarah : Alright, Laurie. I’ll pass on your message. 
Laurie : Thanks, Sarah. Also ask him to confirm if he is willing to join or not.  
  He can confirm on my dad’s number by Thursday. 
Sarah : OK. I’ll do that. Bye. 
Laurie : Thanks, Sarah, Bye. 
 
 Now as Sarah is leaving for her tuition classes, she writes the message for Christie. 
Write the message for Sarah within 50 words. 
[5] 
Page 5


(1/7) 
 
 
ENGLISH 
Time: 3 hrs. Class VIII 
General Instructions : 
• All the questions are compulsory. 
• You may attempt any section at a time. 
• All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order. 
• This question paper consists of four sections : 
Section A  - Reading - 20 marks 
Section B - Writing - 25 marks 
Section C - Grammar - 20 marks 
Section D - Literature - 25 marks 
Section – A (Reading – 20 marks) 
A.1 Read the given passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Arts and crafts are wholly human creations; they need human eminence, passion 
and desire to be brought forth. Arts and crafts differ in their quality and nature. At 
present, handicrafts are not just opted for leisure pursuits but are being embraced as 
vocational courses too. Banner making, for example, is an early art concept of 
sewing banners. This is done by using the techniques of applique, embroidery and 
many others. Similarly, canvas work is an embroidery work in which long fibers 
are stitched together. Basically canvas work also includes stitches such as 
needlepoint, petit point etc. Some other forms of arts and crafts include cross-stitch, 
crocheting, knitting, lace making, wood crafts, pottery and sculpting. Nowadays, of 
all the traditional arts and crafts, embroidery has become the most lucrative 
profession for many while continuing to be a favourite passtime for women.  
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in 
strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other 
materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Sewing machines 
can be used to create machine embroidery. 
 
 Read the questions given below and write in your answer sheet the option you 
consider the most appropriate. 
 
 a) Other than desire and passion, arts and crafts need - 
 i)   taste  ii)   will 
 iii)   human eminence  iv)  colour sense  
b)  People are now taking up handicrafts - 
 i)  as fun  ii) as a leisure activity  
 iii) as a boring task iv) as a vocation  
 
(2/7) 
 
 
c) In canvas work - 
 i)  long fibres are stitched together   
 ii)  paint is used to paint the canvas 
 iii) short fibres are stitched    
 iv)  none of the above 
 d) Lucrative means - 
 (i)  cheap profession  
 (ii)  a profession where there is no money  
 (iii)  a profession where there is a lot of money  
 (iv)  a profession which offers enough money for the person  
e) Machine embroidery is done by - 
 i)  thread, needle and special machine  
 ii)  thread and sewing machine  
 iii)  thread and machine using special needle  
 iv)  none of the above 
 
A.2 Read the following passage carefully. [5×1=5] 
 Nelson Mandela is one of the freedom fighters of the last two decades who at heart 
is just like all of us, an ordinary person. Yet, he used his experiences, his sensitivity 
to fight for all that he believed in. Mandela was the foster son of a Tembu African 
chief and he grew up in a two-culture world - that of his traditional African family 
and the culture of the white man who was ruling his country.  
He was trained to be a lawyer and could have lived a comfortable life. But he saw 
his people around him suffering. The poor who already lived in miserable 
circumstances were also constantly harassed. There was no dignity in being a black 
man, there was always some kind of injustice. Although, he lived a comfortable 
life, Mandela could not close his eyes to the suffering and injustice around him. 
Whenever an act of injustice or violence was meted out to someone, it caused him 
pain. It was done to him too. An incident that took place with his friend Paul, who 
took a stand in front of a white magistrate made Mandela take a decision and that 
was to fight for freedom and dignity which was the right of every human being.  
 
 Read the questions given below and write the option you consider the most 
appropriate in your answer sheet. 
 
 a) Nelson Mandela used his experience and his ______ to fight for all what he 
 believed in – 
 i) culture   ii) sensitivity 
 iii) knowledge   iv) tradition 
b) Mandela was the product of which two cultures ? 
 i) Tribal and civilized  ii) African and Asian 
 iii) White and African  iv) American and Asian 
 
(3/7) 
 
 
c) He had his education in – 
 i) Medicine   ii) Law 
 iii) Engineering   iv) Literature 
d) He decided to take up the cause of freedom because – 
 i) he was appalled by the condition of the common man 
 ii) he was a lawyer by profession 
 iii) he wanted to be a politician 
 iv) his father was a freedom fighter 
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘decade’ ? 
 i) a period of ten years 
 ii) a period of twenty years 
 iii) a period of fifty years 
 iv) a period of hundred years 
A.3 Read the following passage carefully.  [10] 
 1. Effective speaking depends on effective listening. Incompetent listeners fail in a 
number of ways. First, they may drift. Their attention drifts from what the 
speaker is saying. Second, they may counter. They find counter arguments to 
whatever a speaker may be saying. Third, they compete. Then, they filter. They 
exclude from their understanding those parts of the message which do not 
readily fit with their own frame of reference. Finally they react. They let 
personal feelings about speaker or subject override the significance of the 
message which is being sent.  
2. What can a listener do to be more effective? The first key to effective listening 
is the art of concentration. If a listener positively wishes to concentrate on 
receiving a message his chances of success are high. It may need determination. 
Some speakers are difficult to follow, either because of voice problems, or 
because of the form in which they send a message. There is then particular need 
for the determination of a listener to concentrate on what is being said.  
3. Concentration is helped by alertness. Mental alertness is helped by physical 
alertness. It is not simply physical fitness, but also positioning of the body, the 
limbs and the head. Some people also find it helpful to their concentration if 
they hold the head slightly to one side. One useful way for achieving this is 
intensive note-taking, by trying to capture the critical headings and sub-
headings the speaker is referring to.  
4. Note-taking has been, recommended as an aid to the listener. It also helps the 
speaker. It gives him confidence when he sees that listeners are sufficiently 
interested to take notes; the patterns of eye-contact when the note-taker looks up 
can be very positive; and the speaker's timing is aided - he can see when a note-
taker is writing hard and can then make effective use of pauses.  
5. Posture too is important. Consider the impact made by a less competent listener 
who pushes his chair backwards and slouches. An upright posture helps a 
listener's concentration. At the same time it is seen by the speaker to be a 
positive feature amongst his listeners. Effective listening skills have an impact 
on both the listener and the speaker. 
 
(4/7) 
 
 
A.3.1 Answer the following questions in brief : [2×4=8] 
 a) According to the passage, why does an incompetent listener fail in effective 
speaking? Mention two reasons. 
b) Mention two ways by which a listener can be more effective. 
c) Why are some of the speakers difficult to follow? 
d) According to the passage, how can concentration be improved? 
 
A.3.2 Find words from the passage that mean the same as : [2] 
 a) Not having the skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done. (para-1) 
b) The quality that makes you continue trying to do something even when it is difficult. 
(para-2) 
c) To suggest (para-4) 
d) A position in which you hold your body while sitting or standing. (para-5) 
 
Section – B (Writing – 25 marks) 
 
B.1 You are Poorvi / Prathamesh from New Era Public School, Dehradun. Your school 
is going to organize a fund-raising event to help the victims of a recent landslide. 
As the Secretary of the Disaster Management Club of the school, write a notice 
within 50 words to inform the students about the same. Put your notice in a box. 
Take help from the following clues : 
Date  :  25
th
 and 26
th
 October, 2016 
Venue  :  School Playground 
Events  :  Magic show, food stalls, joy-rides, games  
Time  :  9 AM to 3 PM. 
[5] 
 OR  
 Namita is a student of class VIII at DAV Public School, Delhi. During the lunch 
break she found that her purse with identity card and some money was missing. On 
the advice of her teacher, she decided to write a notice for the school notice board. 
Write the notice on her behalf within 50 words. Put the notice in a box. 
 
B.2 Read the following conversation.  
 Laurie : Hello, this is Laurie. May I speak to Christie?  
Sarah : Hi Laurie ! I’m Sarah, Christie’s sister.  Sorry he isn’t at home at the  
  moment. Do you want me to convey your message? 
Laurie : Yes, please. Tell him that we friends are planning to see a movie this  
  weekend. ‘Enchanted’ at Cinema 26 on Carson Boulevard Road. We  
  also plan for lunch at Summer Pizza House. 
Sarah : Alright, Laurie. I’ll pass on your message. 
Laurie : Thanks, Sarah. Also ask him to confirm if he is willing to join or not.  
  He can confirm on my dad’s number by Thursday. 
Sarah : OK. I’ll do that. Bye. 
Laurie : Thanks, Sarah, Bye. 
 
 Now as Sarah is leaving for her tuition classes, she writes the message for Christie. 
Write the message for Sarah within 50 words. 
[5] 
(5/7) 
 
 
 OR  
 Saurabh is a student of Std. VIII. His best friend Ashish was absent today due to 
viral fever. His teacher has asked him to inform Ashish about the FA activity 
(poster making) that will be conducted tomorrow. Write the message in not more 
than 50 words informing Ashish about the same. Also write all the other necessary 
details like the theme, medium and the size of the chart paper. 
 
B.3 You recently visited an orphanage and met the children whose parents had died in 
natural calamities. Their condition made you feel miserable. After coming home 
you decided to write your feeling in the form of a diary entry. Write the diary 
entry within 120 to 150 words. Take help from the following clues : 
Clues : 
• 100 children live in the orphanage. 
• Engaged in different activities like craft-making, drawing and painting. 
• Orphanage run by an NGO to rehabilitate these children. 
• They have a sad look in their eyes – seem to be unsure of their future. 
[8] 
 OR  
 You are a student of Std. VIII, O. P. Jindal School, Raigarh. Recently you saw 
banners all around your school building, declaring your school campus as an 
‘English Speaking Zone’. Write a letter to your cousin studying in another school, 
how you intend to improve your spoken English and how it would help you in 
future. Also mention, how improvement of spoken English would enhance your 
personality and motivate your cousin to start speaking in English and improve 
his/her fluency. Write the letter in around 120-150 words. 
 
B.4 A report published in a daily read : 
‘One more crushed under rear wheels of a bus plying under DTC operation in 
Badarpur.’ 
Sonia Verma came across the above news item and was quite disturbed. She 
decided to write a letter to the Editor of ‘The Herald’ expressing her views on the 
issue. She feels that traffic rules should be enforced more strictly to reduce the 
number of accidents on roads. Write the letter in about 120 words. 
[7] 
 OR  
 Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper complaining about the horrible 
condition of roads in your locality. You are Nirmla/Nirmala, a resident of 17-43, 
Hospital Road, Agra. Don’t exceed 120 words. 
 
 
Section – C (Grammar – 20 marks) 
 
C.1 The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Find 
the incorrect word and replace it with the correct one. 
[4] 
  
The colony in ants has a 
queen ant and worker ants. A 
job of the queen are to lay eggs 
who the worker ants look after. 
 Incorrect Correct 
a) ________ ________ 
b) ________ ________ 
c) ________ ________ 
d) ________ ________