Solved Questions: Based on Verbal Input | Class 11 English Grammar PDF Download

Q.1. Many children get nervous before the board exams, which affects their health and performance. Good counselling is needed to help them overcome what is called ‘exam fever’. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Need for Counselling before Board Exams’. You are Mallika/Mihir.

Need For Counselling Before Board Exams
(by Mihir)

When the board exams approach, schools work hard to prepare their students for succeeding in them. Extra classes are held, more assignments are given and mock tests, called ‘pre-boards’ are held. But what many schools do not attempt is devising mechanisms to de-stress the students, by organising workshops or counselling sessions.
For this task, they need the help of professional counsellors. Such counsellors identify students who are stressed and help them release the anxiety and fear factor attached to exams. Such student’s anxiety levels automatically start building up during this part of the year. The system has become so competitive that despite the schools not wanting to burden children with studies, they end up allowing the students to enroll for coaching classes and tuitions.
Parents can help their children in guiding them, rather than controlling them, and following simple tips. They should ensure a positive environment at home besides helping the child to balance the activities in the day (too much of studying is not productive), providing healthy food and snacks during the day, and making sure that the child is able to relax during the day and ensuring proper sleep at night for him. Parents need to understand that they also have to sacrifice on outings or parties and be there when their child needs them, stop comparing them with other kids, and avoid statements which create anxieties or fear. Parents must understand that an exam is just another event in one’s life and not a monster or something to be afraid of.

Q.2. In most Indian families, particularly in rural areas, the girl child is considered inferior to the male child. As a result of this bias, a daughter is considered a burden and she suffers discrimination in the matter of food, freedom, health and education. Write an article in 150-200 words showing how such an attitude is harmful and unjust. You are Satyen/Sunidhi.

Evils of Gender Discrimination
(by Satycn /Surddhi)

In our male-dominated society the girl child is considered inferior. The birth of a male child is an event for celebration while that of a female child is rued. The bias is more pronounced in rural areas. Daughters are not given good quality food. Milk, eggs, fruit, etc. are reserved for the boys. Girls are sent to schools which have no claim to any quality education or facilities. On the other hand, boys are sent to the most exclusive ‘public schools’. After school the daughters stay at home and assist in household work. The boys go out to meet friends, enjoy movies and shows or play games. It is the girls who face all types of restrictions. This discrimination is unjust and harmful. Ultimately it is the society that suffers. Girls too have intelligence, talent and creativity. Indeed they have more sensibility, affection and love. We should end the evil discrimination against the girl child.

Q.3. Our country is prone to disasters like floods, drought, cyclones, or earthquakes. Ad hoc measures are adopted to cope with every disaster. The slow response results in loss of human life and property. Write an article for a newspaper giving suggestions about disaster management. You may suggest having special equipment, trained personnel, better transport and communication, quick decisions and speedy implementation. Your article should be of 150-200 words. You are Shishir/Shweta.

Disaster Management
(by Shishir /Shweta)

Our country is prone to disasters like floods, drought, cyclones, or earthquakes. We do not have any clear-cut policy of disaster management nor any force to tackle the situation. Ad hoc measures are adopted to cope with every disaster. We wait and watch for others to join the fray. There are heated arguments over jurisdiction—centre or state liability, official assessment and surveys before any help is rushed out to the affected area. The slow response results in the loss of precious human life and valuable property. We must have clear-cut, well defined guidelines for disaster management. A well-trained task-force having special equipment and trained personnel should be constituted. Its controlling officer should have the authority to take decisions and ensure their speedy implementation. Better transport and communication facilities will ensure better results. Bureaucratic set-up should not be allowed to interfere with the work of the disaster-management group.

Q.4. You are Renu/Rohit. Write an article of 150-200 words for your school magazine on ‘ Journalism as a Career’. You may use the following points as well as ideas of your own. Journalism: Suitable for those good at languages—who desire to present the truth to the public—challenging & mobile—new forms: TV news, sports, travel, Journalism— can bring name, fame and money—needs courage and honesty.

Journalism As A Career
(by Renu/Rohit)

Among the numerous careers open to youngsters, journalism is perhaps one of the most challenging, mobile and adventurous but also rewarding. Journalism is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires special skills, the primary and essential ones being good command of language. Only those who can use language effectively should opt for this career. Journalism is concerned with current affairs. Therefore, those who aspire to be journalists should have keen interest and awareness of politics, international affairs and social studies. Journalists are the most active arm of media. The impact of media on the general public is quite powerful. Hence great responsibility rests on journalists. Investigative journalism is the latest breed. It aims to unravel the truth behind appearances. Some investigative journalists, like Arun Shourie, have achieved name, fame and phenomenal success through their writings. Some new forms of journalism are sports, films, TV news and travel journalism. It is a challenging career for the youth. It has great prospects but demands courage, integrity and the capacity to rough it out.

Q.5. You are Sudhir Ranjan of Cambridge Sr. Secondary School, Gurgaon. You attended a hiking and trekking expedition to the hills, organised by your school during the summer vacation. Write an article (in about 150-200 words) for your school magazine expressing your opinions about the tour and suggestions for improvement.

Hiking & Trekking Expedition

(by Sudhir Ranjan)

Our hiking and trekking expedition to Gaumukh, the source of river Ganga in Garhwal Himalayas was partly successful. We had to hire ponies to cover difficult terrains. Sometimes we had to seek help of vehicles to accommodate two or three members of our trekking party who either suffered from exhaustion or lack of acclimatization. In spite of these minor irritants we managed to reach Uttarkashi from where we hired some equipment for our expedition to Gangotri. Situated at a height of 3048 metres, Gangotri was a bit of disappointment. It was not only overcrowded with pilgrims but the ashrams were commercialised. Most of the pilgrims don’t go beyond Gangotri. We walked 11 km to Bhojbasa at a height of 12000 feet. Next morning we started for Gaumukh which was still 4-5 km away. The trekking to the altitude of 3892 metres over boulders and glaciers was a challenging experience. However, the sight of the Ganga rushing out of the mouth of the glacier in a thundering torrent made us forget all fatigue. It was a bliss.
In future only sturdy students who can cope with long walks in difficult terrains should be selected.

Q.6.  You are Rahul/Rashmi. You come across news item of migration of talented and highly educated young professionals to the advanced countries for good salaries and perks or due to lack of proper facilities. The news item hints the loss to the parent nation in terms of talent and resources. Using these points and your own ideas write an article on The Menace of Brain-Drain for publication in ‘The Hindustan Times’.

The Menace of Brain Drain
(by Rahul /Rashmi)

India is facing a problem of tremendous magnitude these days. It is man-made. Every other day we come across news items of migration of talented and highly educated young professionals to the advanced countries of Europe and America for good salaries and perks or due to lack of proper facilities. This continuous brain drain of talent has affected our nation adversely. India and its people are deprived of the fruit of their knowledge and experience. Their migration, sometimes desertion for ever, causes a severe loss to the parent nation in terms of talent and resources. It is admitted that India lacks facilities and equipment that developed countries offer. Moreover, our organizations suffer from red-tape, corruption and nepotism. Stagnation and lack of promotion cause disappointment and despair. Effective steps should be taken to retain the best brains in our country.

Q.7. Computers have brought a revolution in our life. To students, they offer great joy, information, the excitement of creativity and discovery as well as job opportunities in India and abroad. In fact, the computer has become a necessity in day-to-day life. As Manish/Manju, write a composition of 150-200 words showing how computers have opened up a new world of discovery and opportunity for the youth today.

Computer—An Essential AID
(by Manish / Manju)

Computer is the latest boon of science to the modem youth. It is a device that has broadened the frontiers of knowledge, opened up a new world of discovery and provided fresh opportunities of employment. The facility of Internet has made the flow of latest knowledge possible and accessible. Computer with its wonderful capacity to solve complicated problems is an essential aid to the modem youth. Schools and colleges train students to use computer logically and methodically. Information Technology has made wide use of computer. Now computer is used in almost all the offices, banks, hospitals, business establishments and even in defence. Professionals trained in computer hardware and software have many job opportunities in India and abroad. The use of computer also offers great joy, excitement of creativity and discovery. Computer is the most efficient servant man has ever had.

Q.8. Meenakshi, a student of class XI feels highly disturbed when she reads about the hike in the prices of essential commodities like gas, pulses, vegetables etc. Write an article on ‘Price-hike of Essential Commodities’ for publication in a local daily, suggesting certain steps to curb this menace.

Price-Hike of Essential Commodities
(by Meenakshi)

Prices of essential commodities like gas, pulses, vegetables, etc. have been rising steadily for the last many years. The escalation of prices hits the common man and the salaried classes the most. Leaders talk of removing poverty and holding the price line, but the consumers have to shell out more money every year for maintaining their standard of living. Defective planning, deficit financing, lack of dynamic price- regulation policy, anti-social tendencies like hoarding, black-marketing and avarice to become rich overnight are the root cause .of this problem. The middle man fleeces the grower as well as consumer. The trade is in the hands of private traders. Govt, efforts to provide essential articles through ration shops are limited to only people below poverty line. There is an urgent need of a cooperative movement to act as a bridge between the farmer and the consumer and eliminate the profit hungry trader. People should join hands to curb the anti-social mediators in their deal making compaigns.

Q.9. You are Aditi/Aditya. You visited the Taj at Agra during the Autumn break when the Historical Society of your school organised a trip. You were impressed and noted the following points:
Autumn break—school closed—trip to Agra organised—journey—Taj Express—first sight of the Taj—impressions—History teacher as guide—some other places visited— Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri—trip: educative & entertaining.
Using the above notes and your own ideas, write an article on ‘A visit to a Place of Historical Interest’ in 150-200 words.

A Visit to a Place of Historical Interest

(by Aditi / Aditya)

The schools in Delhi closed for autumn break on Saturday, the 27th September. The Historical Society of our school arranged a trip to Agra. We started early in the morning the next day by the Taj Express. The two hour journey was very pleasant and quite comfortable. After half-an-hour we had the first glimpse of the Taj. It is indeed a marvel in marble, one of the wonders of the world. The serene beauty of the Taj cast a spell on me. It appeared to me like a dream in marble.
Our History teacher played the role of a guide as well. He explained each part of this monument in detail. Then we visited other places of historical interest such as the Red Fort and the Moti Masjid. The visit to Fatehpur Sikri and the ‘Buland Darwaja’ filled us with excitement. This historical town is now uninhabited. On the whole, the trip proved very educative and entertaining. For the first time History appeared as a vivid and living subject.

Q.10. The Information Technology has provided new avenues to the students for knowledge, creativity, discovery as well as job opportunities at home and abroad. Computers have brought in a silent revolution. Write an article in 150-200 words showing how the information technology has provided the younger generation new opportunities, joys of discovery and thrill of creativity.
You are Madhu/Mudit.

Information Technology and Younger Generation

(by Madhu/Mudit)

The Information Technology has provided new avenues to the students for acquiring knowledge, enhancing thrills of creativity, enjoying pleasures of discovery as well as new job opportunities at home and abroad. Computers have brought in a silent revolution. These electronic devices are as efficient as the best of human brains. Computers have become indispensable in data-processing and resource planning. Access to Internet’ has opened vast field of knowledge to the computer-operator. Computer is more than a calculating machine. No doubt it has made lengthy calculations and working out tedious problems a matter of fun. In writing articles too it helps like a good friend by correcting spellings and grammatical errors. Web-designing, e-mail and e-commerce are quite engrossing and rewarding.

Q.11. Hypocrisy exists in abundant measure in our society. People do not practise what they preach. They have double standards; are rude and dishonest but expect politeness and honesty from others.- There are numerous examples of lack of sincerity in our daily experience. Write an article of 150-200 words showing how such behaviour causes disharmony at home, in the neighbourhood and at the work place. You are Harsha/ Hrishit.

Hypocrisy
(by Harsha/Hrishit)

My neighbour shows great concern for the poor, but beats his fourteen-year-old servant black and blue. Mr Seth, the rich man living in that palatial house expects the government to do everything for him, but he evades paying taxes. The pious old woman upstairs feeds the sacred cow, the ants and the birds but is merciless to her neighbour’s pet dog and kicks, shoos away and beats the poor pup whenever it strays over to her path. Thus in small matters and big ones, we find people lacking sincerity in their dealings with others. The consequences of such hypocritical and discriminatory behaviour are quite damaging and harmful. These cause a breach in the family. Love is lost between brothers and family ties are weakened. Our neighbours begin to lose faith in us. Suspicion and selfishness replace trust and dedicated service. Thus good neighbourliness is broken and community living is vitiated by the virus of hypocrisy. In work place too dishonesty can bring ruin to the flourishing business. Hence people should control their selfishness and be truthful in their dealings.

Q.12. You are Astitva/Ashita. This year students of your school organised many campaigns to create awareness in society towards some of the rampant social evils. The efforts of your school were appreciated by the press and the public alike. Write an article on the ‘Role of Students in National Development’ for publication in The Indian Express (word limit 150-200).

Role of Students in National Development
(by Astitva/Ashita)

Students are the pride and glory of a nation. They can play a very constructive role in the progress, uplift and development of a country. In the new millennium information technology has turned the world into a global village. Our educated youth have a tremendous responsibility on their young shoulders. Our country is overpopulated and beset with poverty, ignorance, illiteracy and superstitions. The young students can play a positive and constructive role in every field of national development. They can enlighten the villagers about new techniques in agriculture. By making them literate, the students can provide them valuable guidance in establishing cooperative societies. This will help in generating money through self-employment. In short, they can bring a transformation in the society.

Q.13.  Ritu, a student of XI class of St. Mary’s Convent, Kanpur, is shocked by the communal disturbance and riots in the city. She discusses the issue with her teacher, who tells her about India’s secularism, democracy and socialism and the efforts of religious fanatics to spread communal hatred which cripples economy and hinders development. Motivated by the discussion, Ritu writes an article on the ‘Bane of Communalism’ for her school magazine (word limit: 150-200). Write the article for her.

Bane of Communalism
(by Ritu)

Communalism is a black spot on the fair name of secular India. The cancer of communalism is eating into the vitals of our nation. Every year we have communal riots and arsoning in one big city or the other. Cities like Aligarh, Meerut, Moradabad, Kanpur and Ahmedabad have frequent communal riots.
The root cause of communalism is religious intolerance. It is fanned by religious fanatics who spread communal hatred in order to feather their own nest. These narrow¬minded persons suffering from sectarian or communal prejudices lack a rational, scientific and democratic approach. They harm the nation by crippling economy and hinder the development.
Communalism has also been spread by self-seeking politicians. It is high time that the organizations and the people who divide people in the name of religion and block the progress of secular, socialist and democratic India should be brought to book.

Q.14.  India has been facing and fighting terrorism for the last twenty years. In fact terrorism has disrupted the peace and harmony of the country and created panic and insecurity in certain areas/states. Write an article in about 150-200 words on ‘Terrorism: A Curse to Humanity’. You are Deepak/Jyoti.

Terrorism: A Curse To Humanity
(by Deepak/Jyotï)

Terrorism is the biggest threat that the world faces today. Modem terrorism thrives on its ability to hit where it hurts the most. The aim of the terrorists is to create fear, anxiety, panic and disturbance in the minds of the common people. They believe in destruction and death and create lawlessness. At present innocent citizens are becoming the victims of terror and violence. Hapless citizens are used as pawns and ransoms for exerting pressure on governments. Sometimes governments too feel helpless and yield to their unlawful and exorbitant demands for money, material and release of fellow terrorists. As the authorities bow to the demands of terrorists, citizens lose faith in government. Terrorists attacked the twin towers in America, on September 11, 2001, killing thousands of persons. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been infested by terrorists. Even the Indian Parliament was the target of the attack on 13th December 2001. The latest was the Mumbai attack on the Taj Hotel on 26 Nov. 2008. The government should enact strict laws to combat this evil against humanity.

Q.15. You are Namit/Neha. Recently you read a report in the newspaper that children have developed a tendency towards obesity, physical inactivity but mental agility as a consequence of watching too much television programmes. Write an article to be published in your school magazine on how the cable TV is both a boon and a bane. Your article should not exceed 200 words.

Cable TV—A Boon or a Bane
(by Namit/Neha)

Television has brought a wonderful transformation in the lifestyle and outlook of people. Through news and views, documentaries and short films it has highlighted social problems like the evils of dowry system, black marketing, adulteration, corruption, political-bribe taking campaign, etc. Several national development programmes such as family planning, adult education, small savings campaign, eye-donation, blood donation, tree-plantation and anti-pollution drives have been made familiar to us through television. Cable TV operates a step forward. It provides us serials, plays, live musicals, live sports, face-to-face interactions with eminent persons and instant news. But cable TV has a thorn al§o. Children sit glued to it. They go on watching their programmes and eating junk food. They are expanding their knowledge but tending to be obese and physically inactive. These couch-potatoes are also becoming stubborn, uncivil, ill mannered and violent as a result of exposure to violence, nudeness and foreign culture on the screen. In this sense TV is a bane. Parents should advise their children to choose programmes carefully.

Q.16. Komal had a discussion with her friend on Information Technology. After getting from her a lot of ideas, she decides to write an article on Information Technology for her school magazine in about 150-200 words. Imagine you are Komal. Write the article.

Information Technology
(by Komal)

Applied science and technology have changed our lives and modes of functioning. Technological advancements have made the world a global village. The revolutionary advancement in telecommunication have made it possible for us to talk to persons in the farthest parts of the world. Tele-conferencing has enabled us to communicate across the world.
Information technology has been revolutionised with the invention of computers. It has opened a new window on the world. Computer based information technology has increased efficiency and human capacity to work. Internet provides instantaneous knowledge and service through its world wide network. Electronic mail (E-mail) and Electronic Commerce (E-commerce) have come in vogue. Genetic engineering, cloning and miraculous cures for diseases are now available to humanity through information technology.

Q.17. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic ‘Value Education—a remedy for social evils’. You are Mohit/Mona.

Value Education — A Remedy for Social Evils
(by Mohit/Mona)

The present scenario of our country is not good. The newspapers carry accounts of thefts, murder, terrorist-attacks, robberies, rapes, dowry deaths etc. Modem youth are a disillusioned, depressed, disheartened lot. Unemployment scares them in face. There is an increase in the crime rate amongst the educated folk as well. Many social evils have crept in the society due to lack of moral education. Modem education is merely academic and there is no stress to uplift the students morally, spiritually and physically. Value-based education inculcates morals, ethical values, performance of duty, regard and consideration for fellow human beings, sympathy and compassion. Value education makes an individual responsible, sensitive and a decent human being. In short, value education can help in removing all social evils.

Q.18. The government has banned smoking in public places. Write an article on ‘Hazards of Smoking’ in about 150-200 words for your school magazine. You are Anu of XI A.

Hazards Of Smoking
(by Anu—XI A)

It is a welcome step that the government has banned smoking in public places like railway station, bus terminus, parks, cinemas and social gathering. Smoking is injurious to health. It endangers our life and is a serious health hazard. Smoking is a very bad habit. Children take to it for fun in tender age and soon become addicts. One may start with a cigarette a day and end with a packet or two per day. Smoking causes great damage to our mind and body, heart and purse. A tobacco addict falls a prey to many ailments such as cough, cancer and heart ailments. Lungs and respiratory as well as circulatory systems get impaired. Even the digestion system is badly affected. Smoking is a slow poison which holds its victim in its clutches firmly. The sooner it is left, the better it will be and the best thing is not to start smoking.

Q.19. To enforce strict discipline in schools and colleges is a great problem these days when cases of indiscipline have become quite frequent. Taking help of the points given below, write an article on the importance of discipline in life in about 150-200 words. You are Chitra/Chetan.
Discipline—order—sense of duty & obedience—essential in all walks of life—absence: chaos and confusion—Home: nursery of discipline—indiscipline in educational institutions—strikes—demonstrations—boycott of classes—elections to students’ unions. Political interference—proper counselling and guidance by parents and teachers.

Importance of Discipline
(by Chitra/Chetan)

Discipline ensures order. It is the basis of the whole universe. Even the earth, the moon and other planets revolve around the Sim in set orbits. Hence there is perfect beauty and harmony in nature. Discipline inculcates in us a sense of duty and obedience and is essential in all walks of life. The absence of discipline will lead to chaos and confusion. Home is the nursery of discipline. It must be inculcated early in life. However, a glimpse of the existing scenario reveals discipline is sadly lacking in all spheres of life. We hear of strikes and demonstrations in schools and colleges. Students boycott classes on trivial issues. Elections to students’ unions have also ruined the healthy academic environment. Direct political interference has caused student strife, clashes and violence. The students forget that they come to educational institutions to study. They are easily misled and misguided by vested interests. Proper counselling and guidance by parents and teachers can help the students to maintain discipline.

Q.20. Delhi Administration has launched a campaign against use of crackers on the occasion of Diwali. Write an article on “Ban Crackers” in about 150-200 words for your school magazine. You are Dipti/Dhruva.

Ban Crackers
(by Dipti/Dhruva)

Many harmful practices have been associated with some of our religious festivals and social events. Bursting crackers on Diwali, weddings etc. is such an evil practice. It is not only wasteful but harmful as well. Perhaps the desire to display wealth and a misguided notion of fun urges people to enjoy the sight of their hard earned money going up in smoke.

The smoke emitted by the firework releases harmful and poisonous gases. People suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders have to bear additional suffering. The indulgence in this practice encourages the social evil of child labour. Most of the factories producing fire-crackers use children as labourers. These unfortunate children are deprived of education and healthy childhood. They also contact diseases by handling poisonous chemicals. Hence, it is the need of the hour to ban crackers.