English: CBSE Sample Question Paper with Solutions - 3 | 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 following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 
1. In the recent past, there has been a thought given to the several problems that the system of school education is facing. Starting with focus on the Delhi region, one of the first discussion points has been to find ways to bring the lakhs of children who have so far been denied education into a workable school system. A further aspect of the same problem is to ensure minimum dropout rate in school children (particularly girls). In Delhi, this has reached alarming proportions. Finding solutions for Delhi will help other areas as well.
2. A tool called ‘learning style inventory’ was used; it addressed to know how information of skills are learnt, which factor makes an individual comfortable with learning skills or acquiring declarative knowledge. Different answers emerged. In dealing with factual knowledge some people liked to experience first, others to observe, yet others to experiment and still some who preferred to plunge into learning, leaving analysis for later.
3. It then became easy to discover which of the attributes made for better learning for an individual. The learning situation will benefit by understanding these differences. Two major processes cover most people’s learning styles. These are as follows: Information gathering process and process of transforming information. The continuance of information gathering is bound by people who gather information through experiences at one end and by those who gather information through reading/listening, on the other. The continuance of transformation of information is bound by people who internalise through watching/observing, on the one hand, and by those who learn while applying knowledge and doing something with it, on the other. Others fall somewhere in between. All this has a bearing at school because children too have similar learning styles on these two axes.
4. There are four types of learners. Firstly, there are children who will absorb facts through experiences. They will readily share their thoughts with others. The second type of learners will take unrelated facts and tiy to seek order in them in using independent judgement. They will prefer to be exact in their knowledge and correctly apply as per their understanding. The next type of learner is the pragmatist. They use their abilities to problem solving. Such person – is a useful type to function in a group. The fourth type of learner belongs to the world of action. Everything is brought down to the level of concrete observation and doing.
5. With some awareness of how children react in different ways, teachers may find effective methods of teaching.

(A) On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option.
(i) What are the two main uses of learning style inventory?
(a) to know how information of skills are learnt and which factors lead to learning comfortably.
(b) factual knowledge and experience.
(c) analysis and observation.
(d) experiment and hands-on learning.

Correct Answer is option d.

(ii) Which type of a learner tries to be exact in his knowledge and apply it correctly?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) Factual in paragraph 2 is the opposite of
(a) based on experience.
(b) told by knowledgeable people.
(c) fanciful.
(d) found in books.

Correct Answer is option b.

(iv) Mention two major problems that the system of school education is facing.
(a) Enrolling children in school, promoting girls’ education.
(b) Preventing dropping out, providing text books.
(c) Enrolling children, preventing dropping out.
(d) Providing school buildings, giving textbooks.

Correct Answer is option c.

(v) Information can be gathered
(a) through experience, reading and listening.
(b) through applying knowledge.
(c) through observing.
(d) through doing something with knowledge.

Correct Answer is option a.

(vi) Addressed to in paragraph 2 means
(a) directed towards
(b) send to
(c) delivered a speech
(d) ready to

Correct Answer is option a.

(B) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible:
(i) ‘Learning style inventory’ is addressed to know how information of skills is learnt. [True/False]
(ii) The pragmatist type of learners are not capable of problem-solving. [True/False]
(iii) The continuance of information gathering is bound by people who gather information through at one end and by those who gather information through reading/listening, on the other.
(iv) The transformation of information is achieved by through observation and applying knowledge.

(i) True
(ii) False
(iii) experiences
(iv) internalising

Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and then answer the following questions.

"Climate Change: Urgent Action Required to Prevent Catastrophic Consequences"

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our planet today. The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are contributing to a rise in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and cause temperatures to increase. This is causing the polar ice caps to melt, sea levels to rise, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts to become more common.
Despite the urgency of the situation, some governments and individuals are slow to take action on climate change. There are many reasons for this, including a lack of political will, short-term economic interests, and a belief that individual actions won't make a difference. However, the consequences of inaction are dire: if we continue on our current trajectory, the planet will become uninhabitable for many species, including our own.
We need to take action now to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy. This will require significant changes to our energy systems, transportation infrastructure, and consumption patterns. But it is possible, and there are many examples of countries and communities taking bold steps towards a more sustainable future.
(i) What is causing the polar ice caps to melt?
(a) Deforestation
(b) The burning of fossil fuels
(c) Individual actions
(d) Extreme weather events

Correct Answer is option b.

(ii) What is the main consequence of inaction on climate change?
(a) Hurricanes and droughts
(b) Sea levels rising
(c) The planet becoming uninhabitable
(d) Short-term economic interests

Correct Answer is option c.

(iii) What are some reasons for the slow response to climate change?
(a) Political will, economic interests, and belief that individual actions don't make a difference
(b) Lack of technology, high cost, and lack of public awareness
(c) The need for more research, insufficient evidence, and conflicting opinions
(d) A belief that climate change is not real

Correct Answer is option a.

(iv) What does the author suggest is necessary to combat climate change?
(a) Individual actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(b) A complete cessation of all industrial activity
(c) Bold action by governments and communities to transition to a more sustainable economy
(d) More research to determine the cause and effect of climate change

Correct Answer is option c.

(v) What is the purpose of the passage?
(a) To argue that individual actions are the key to combating climate change
(b) To describe the consequences of inaction on climate change
(c) To explain the science behind climate change
(d) To highlight examples of countries and communities taking action on climate change

Correct Answer is option b.

(vi) According to the passage, what is causing extreme weather events?
(a) The melting of the polar ice caps
(b) Deforestation
(c) Short-term economic interests
(d) The burning of fossil fuels

Correct Answer is option d.

(vii) Which of the following is NOT a required change to combat climate change?
(a) Changes to consumption patterns
(b) Changes to transportation infrastructure
(c) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
(d) Increased use of fossil fuels

Correct Answer is option d.

(viii) What is the author's attitude towards taking action on climate change?
(a) Optimistic and confident that we can make the necessary changes
(b) Pessimistic and doubtful that anything can be done
(c) Ambivalent and unsure whether action is necessary
(d) Apathetic and uninterested in the issue

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. In the democratic countries, intelligence is still free to ask whatever question it chooses. This freedom, it is almost certain, will not survive another war. Educationists should, therefore, do all they can, while there is yet time, to build up in the minds of their charges, a habit of resistance to suggestion. If such resistance is not built, the men and women of the next generation will be at the mercy of that skilful propagandist who contrives to seize the instruments of information and persuasion. Resistance to suggestion can be built up in two ways. First, children can be taught to rely on their own internal resources and not to depend on incessant stimulation from without. This is doubly important.
Reliance on external stimulation is bad for the character. Moreover, such stimulation is the stuff with which propagandists bait their hooks, the jam in which dictators conceal their ideological pills. For a majority of people in the West, purposeless reading, purposeless listening-in, purposeless listening to radios, purposeless looking at films, have become addictions, psychological equivalents of alcoholism and morphinism. Things have come to such a pitch that there are many millions of men and women who suffer real distress if they are cut off for a few days or even few hours from newspapers, radio, music or moving pictures.
2. How can children be taught to rely upon their own spiritual resources and resist the temptation to become reading addicts, hearing addicts, seeing addicts? First of all, they can be taught how to entertain themselves by making things, by playing musical instruments, by purposeful study, by scientific observation, by the practice of some art, and so on. But such education of the hand and the intellect is not enough. The other method heightening the resistance to suggestion is purely intellectual and consists in training young people subject the diverse devices . of the propagandists to critical analysis. The first thing that educators must do is to analyse the words currently used in newspapers, on platforms by preachers and broadcasters. Their critical analysis and constructive criticism should reach out to the children and the youth, with such clarity that they learn to react to forceful suggestions the right way at the right time.

(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: Building Resistance to Propaganda in the Next Generation
Main Points:

• Democratic countries' freedom of intelligence to ask questions may not survive another war
• Educationists should build up resistance to suggestion in the minds of children before it's too late
• Two ways to build resistance: reliance on internal resources and critical analysis of propagandist devices
• Purposeful activities such as making things, playing instruments, and scientific observation can help children rely on their internal resources
• Educationists should analyze the words used in newspapers, platforms, and broadcasts and teach critical analysis to children and youth to react to forceful suggestions appropriately
• Purposeless addiction to reading, listening, and watching can make people vulnerable to propaganda
• Resistance to suggestion is important for character-building and preventing dictatorship

Abbreviations:

• Dem. countries: democratic countries
• Eds: educationists
• Resist. to sug.: resistance to suggestion
• Prop.: propaganda
• Int. res.: internal resources
• Crit. anal.: critical analysis
• Purp. act.: purposeful activities
• Mak. thgs: making things
• Play. inst.: playing instruments
• Sci. obs.: scientific observation
• Yth: youth

(ii) Make a short summary of the passage in about 80 words.

The passage highlights the need for educationists to build resistance to propaganda in the minds of children. The author suggests two ways to build this resistance: reliance on internal resources and critical analysis of propagandist devices. Purposeful activities such as making things, playing instruments, and scientific observation can help children rely on their internal resources. Educationists should analyze the words used in media and teach critical analysis to children and youth. Purposeless addiction to media can make people vulnerable to propaganda, and resistance to suggestion is important for character-building and preventing dictatorship.

Q.4. Ajay Arora wishes to rent out a portion of his newly constructed home. Create an advertisement for the "To Let" column of HT, including all pertinent information.

OR

You are R. Lal, the executive director of the Metals and Minerals Corporation of India. You'll need to rent a place if you want to run a guest house. Create an appropriate advertisement in no more than 50 words.

Q.5. hould coaching institutes be promoted in schools? Write a debate speech in about 150 words for or against the topic, based on the points listed below and your own ideas.
Despite the CBSE's ban, Coaching Centers continue to operate in schools.
Coaching Institute teachers teach subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics, while school faculty continue to teach English and physical education.
CBSE and Competitive Examination classes are held in separate sections from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Should Schools Promote Coaching Institutes?

Good morning respected jury members, principal, teachers, and friends. I am Sahil from XI C and I am here to express my views against the motion of "Should Schools Promote Coaching Institutes?" Nowadays, schools are promoting coaching institutes by inviting teachers from such institutes to teach difficult subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, while English and Physical Education are still taught by the school faculty. However, this practice raises questions about the school faculty's ability to teach such subjects, and it puts an additional burden on students and parents. Moreover, these integrated courses also put a financial burden on parents. Hence, I believe that the government should take strict action against schools running such courses, and parents should refuse to enroll their children in them.
Thank you.

OR

"A Career Counsellor (not you) is the best person to guide you in your career choice." In 120-150 words, write a debate for or against the motion.

Good morning to the judges, teachers, and students. I am here to express my support for the topic that a career counsellor is the most suitable person to guide us in selecting a career. When it comes to choosing a stream in Class XI or selecting from a wide range of subjects in college, we receive a lot of advice from our friends, family, and well-wishers, but this can lead to confusion. The best person to provide us with advice and information regarding the best course or career according to our skills and aptitude is a career counsellor. With the rapid development of the world, there are many choices available, and a career counsellor is familiar with all the changes and up to date with modern developments. They not only provide multiple options but also conduct self-assessment tests to understand our aptitude and guide us accordingly. In my opinion, relying on a career counsellor is essential in making the most important decision of our lives.
Thank you.

Q.6. Children can play an important role in combating corruption. Write a speech on the same topic for the morning assembly. [Ahmedabad, KVS, 2016] You could include points like:
Education is a necessity;
Saying no to donations;
Saying no to private tuitions;
Promoting merit-based selection; and
Equipping oneself with a high education.

Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and fellow students. Today, I, Anita Verma, a student of class XI, will be presenting my views on the topic "The Role of Youth in Combating Corruption". Corruption is a bad habit that can easily be acquired by those who hold important positions. People who are unable to secure such positions often complain about corruption but are not in a position to prevent it. However, eradicating corruption is essential for the betterment of public life. It is the responsibility of the youth to fight against corruption at an individual level as it is a matter of personal integrity. Education plays a crucial role in eradicating corruption. The youth should refuse to give or take bribes, donations, or private tuitions. Instead, a merit-based selection system should be promoted for job opportunities. Higher education is the key to removing corruption from our country, and building national character is also essential. National character is the collective awareness combined with courage. The youth should not allow themselves to be consumed by the greed for money. Let us take a pledge today to end corruption at all levels.
Thank you.

Q.7. Combine the following pairs of sentences into one complex sentence :
(i) The theft was committed last night. The police has caught the man.
(ii) The French language is different from the Latin language. Latin was once spoken throughout Europe.
(iii) You are looking upset. Can you tell me the reason?

(i) The police has caught the man who committed the theft last night.
(ii) The French language is different from the Latin language which was once spoken throughout Europe.
(ii) Can you tell me the reason why you are looking upset.

Q.8.  Fill in blanks with the appropriate option given below. (Do any 4)
The  newspaper  recently  (a) _________ a  report  of  a  man  in  search  of  his  newly  born  twin.  The  babies  were  missing at hospital where his wife (b) _________ birth to them. The hospital authorities claimed that the babies (c) _________ but they refused to hand over (d) _________ bodies. Now, the unfortunate father (e) _________ a complaint with the police.
(a) (i) carries (ii) is carrying (iii) will be carried (iv) carried
(b) (i) has given (ii) had given (iii) will be given (iv) giving
(c) (i) to die (ii) has died (iii) is dying (iv) had died
(d) (i) theirs (ii) her (iii) his (iv) their
(e) (i) to lodge (ii) is lodging (iii) has lodged (iv) lodges

(a) (iv) carried (b) (ii) had given (c) (iv) had died (d) (iv) refused (e) (iii) has lodged

Q.9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
"The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the fields. The sound of crickets chirping filled the air, while a gentle breeze blew through the trees."
(i) What is the atmosphere created by the passage?
(a) Calm and peaceful
(b) Chaotic and noisy
(c) Dark and gloomy
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option a.

(ii) What effect does the gentle breeze have on the setting?
(a) It makes it colder
(b) It makes it warmer
(c) It creates movement
(d) It has no effect

Correct Answer is option c.

(iii) What natural sounds were heard in the air?

The natural sounds heard in the air were the chirping of crickets.

Q.10. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The ocean stretched out before them, an endless expanse of blue that seemed to go on forever. The waves crashed against the shore, each one different from the last. Some were gentle, lapping at the sand like a kitten drinking milk, while others were fierce and powerful, slamming against the rocks with a force that seemed almost angry. Seagulls flew overhead, their cries piercing the air as they searched for food. The smell of salt and seaweed filled their nostrils, a pungent reminder of the power of the sea.
(i) What is the main subject of the passage?
(a) The ocean
(b) Seagulls
(c) The shore
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option b.

(ii) How are the waves described in the passage?
(a) They are all the same
(b) They are powerful and fierce
(c) They are gentle and weak
(d) They are angry and aggressive

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) What is the smell that fills the air?
(a) Salt and seaweed
(b) Flowers and perfume
(c) Smoke and fire
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.11. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Australia. It is home to a vast array of marine life and is a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike. The reef stretches over 2,300 kilometers and covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers.
(i) What is the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) The largest mountain range in the world
(b) The largest coral reef system in the world
(c) The largest rainforest in the world

Correct Answer is option b.

(ii) Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?
(a) In the Atlantic Ocean
(b) In the Pacific Ocean
(c) In the Indian Ocean

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) What is the approximate size of the Great Barrier Reef?
(a) 2,300 square kilometers
(b) 34,440 square kilometers
(c) 344,400 square kilometers

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.12. Answer any five of the following questions briefly:
(a) The author's experience at Hor was diametrically opposed to previous accounts of the location.

The author was aware of a Japanese monk's emotional experience at the revered Lake Mansarovar, but upon personally visiting Hor, the author was disappointed by the barren and desolate surroundings. The area lacked any plant life and was only comprised of dust and rocks. The town, located on the shores of the sacred lake, had greatly impacted its pristine condition with waste and rubbish.

OR

What was King Tut's name? Why was he subjected to a CT scan?

King Tut was a young ruler of Egypt who belonged to a powerful dynasty that had been in charge for many years. In 1922, Howard Carter discovered his burial site, and a CT scan was later performed on his mummified body in order to uncover further details about his life and demise.

(b) What was King Tut's name? Why was he subjected to a CT scan?

Described as the "poem of earth," rain is an eternal and unending force that cannot be grasped or touched. It originates from both the land and the depths of the sea, rising skyward to transform into clouds, yet maintaining its inherent characteristics. As it falls from the heavens, it washes away the arid and dusty layers of the earth, aiding in the germination of dormant seeds hidden beneath the surface. By nourishing its source, the rain rejuvenates and purifies the earth, restoring its natural beauty.

OR

The three stanzas of the poem 'A Photograph' depict three different stages. What exactly are they?

In the first stanza, the poet portrays his mother's childhood, during which she relished a seaside vacation. Moving on to the second stanza, the poet depicts his mother's later years, as she chuckles at a snapshot of herself. Finally, in the third stanza, the poet expresses the grief he feels following his mother's passing.

(c) Joe Morgan, who was he? Why had he waited so long for Dr. Andrew Manson?

Residing in the mining community of Blaenelly, Joe Morgan was a powerfully-built and robust middle-aged driller. He and his wife Susan, who had been married for nearly two decades, were anticipating the arrival of their first child. Joe was eagerly awaiting the assistance of a doctor to aid his wife during childbirth.

OR

How did the melon become the state's king?

The ministers dispatched messengers to announce that the next individual to traverse the City Gate would determine the leader of their state. By chance, an imbecile happened upon the gate and was asked to designate who should become the King. To every query, he gave his customary response of "a melon." The minister subsequently declared that a melon would indeed become their new ruler and proceeded to crown it.

Q.13. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120–150 words:
Describe Gaitonde's encounter with Khan Sahib.

While travelling aboard the Jijamata Express from Pune to Bombay, Wu Prof. Gaitonde and Khan Sahib found themselves halted at the small station of Sarhad after passing through a lengthy tunnel. During this pause, Khan Sahib engaged Gaitonde in conversation, revealing that the area of British Raj commenced at that very station. Gaitonde, who was visiting Bombay for the first time, felt as though he had entered an entirely new and unfamiliar world. Gangadhar Pant, curious to know how Khan Sahib planned to reach Peshawar, inquired about his route. Khan Sahib explained that he would travel from Bombay to Delhi, onward to Lahore, and then finally to Peshawar. Additionally, Khan Sahib discussed his business affairs at length, which held the interest of Gangadhar Pant as it provided him with some insight.

OR

Draw a character sketch of Khushwant Singh's grandmother as portrayed by him in the lesson 'The Portrait of a Lady'.

The grandmother of the narrator was a true epitome of love, care, and affection that grandmothers usually have for their grandsons. Despite being highly religious, she had a traditional outlook on life. The grandmother's serene and contented demeanor, along with her immaculate white dress and silver hair, exuded a spiritual beauty. Although the grandmother was not conventionally attractive, she had an intense fondness and warmth towards her grandson. She would help him prepare for school, walk him there, and pick him up again. Her religious devotion was evident from her frequent use of the rosary beads. Even animals and birds were recipients of her kindness as she would feed the village dogs and city sparrows. However, the grandmother held conservative views and was opposed to the English language, science, and music. She associated music with immoral and destitute people.

Q.14. Answer the question in about 120–150 words:
How did the narrator find out about Mrs. Dorling and where she lived?

The narrator had returned home for a brief visit during the first half of the war and noticed some changes in the rooms. Her mother then revealed that an old acquaintance, Mrs. Dorling, had reappeared after many years and was regularly taking things home with her. Mrs. Dorling had proposed to safeguard the narrator's mother's precious belongings by storing them at her place. The narrator inquired whether her mother had agreed to Mrs. Dorling's proposal, but her mother didn't appreciate the questioning and thought it would be disrespectful to Mrs. Dorling. She was also concerned about the risk of Mrs. Dorling carrying a full suitcase or bag. The narrator's mother provided the address, 46 Marconi Street, but the narrator remained worried about the situation.

OR

What exactly is Mrs. Pearson's problem? Who and how does she get help with this problem?

Mrs. Pearson's predicament stems from being overlooked and undervalued by her husband and children, despite her deep affection for them. She continuously caters to their needs and whims, but they take her for granted and fail to acknowledge her efforts. Mrs. Pearson never takes a holiday, and her family assumes that she is always available to care for them. Her neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, helps her find a solution to this problem. Mrs. Fitzgerald advises Mrs. Pearson to assert herself as the head of the household to gain the respect she deserves. Although Mrs. Pearson occasionally drops hints, she cannot be firm with her family as she wishes to avoid any unpleasantness. Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes a trick she learned in the East, wherein they switch their personalities. Initially hesitant, Mrs. Pearson agrees to this, and with Mrs. Fitzgerald's personality, she places her family members in their proper places. As a result, they begin to show her the consideration and regard she deserves.