Final Exam Paper English (Solutions) - Set 2

M.M - 80
Time Allowed - 3 Hours
General Instructions:
All questions are compulsory.
The question paper is divided into three sections:

• Section A: Reading (20 Marks)
• Section B: Writing and Grammar (30 Marks)
• Section C: Literature (30 Marks)

Syllabus of Section C: The Final Exam question paper is framed from the following chapters: Paper Boats, North South East West, The Tunnel, Travel, Conquering the Summit, A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers, My Dear Soldiers, Rani Abbakka.

Section A: Reading

Q1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.(12 Marks)

In a tranquil mountain village cradled by towering peaks, young Arjun spent his evenings watching fireflies dance in the twilight. Their soft glow lit up the meadows, creating a magical spectacle against the starry sky. One summer, Arjun noticed their numbers dwindling, the fields dimmer than before. Pesticides from nearby farms were poisoning the streams, harming the fireflies' habitat. The breeze seemed to sigh, "I'm fading, help me." Arjun met an elderly herbalist tending her garden. "The fireflies are vanishing," she said, "because of chemicals in the water." Heartbroken, Arjun gathered his friends to restore the meadows. They planted wildflowers to attract pollinators and cleaned the streams of toxic runoff. Arjun approached the village council, explaining how fireflies signaled a healthy ecosystem, supporting plants and animals. Inspired, the council banned harmful pesticides and promoted organic farming. Volunteers monitored the streams, and children created posters to educate farmers. Arjun kept a journal, tracking firefly sightings, which became a symbol of hope. Months later, the meadows sparkled again, fireflies twinkling in abundance. The herbalist beamed, proud of Arjun's resolve. His journal, filled with glowing entries, marked the village's renewal. The once-threatened meadows now thrived, a testament to a boy's dedication to nature's light. 

(i) What drew Arjun's attention to the fireflies' plight? (1 mark)

Ans: Arjun noticed fewer fireflies and dimmer meadows due to pesticides.

(ii) What did the herbalist tell Arjun about the fireflies? (1 mark)

Ans: The herbalist said fireflies were vanishing due to chemicals in the water.

(iii) Describe what Arjun noticed about the fireflies' situation. (2 marks)

Ans: Arjun saw fewer fireflies, their meadows dimmer, affected by pesticides poisoning the streams.

(iv) How did Arjun and the village help the fireflies, and what was the result? (2 marks)

Ans: Arjun and friends planted wildflowers and cleaned streams; the council banned pesticides. Fireflies returned, meadows sparkled.

(v) Why was Arjun heartbroken? (1 mark)

Ans: Arjun was heartbroken seeing fireflies vanish due to pesticides.

(vi) How do fireflies benefit the ecosystem? (1 mark)

Ans: Fireflies signal a healthy ecosystem.

(vii) How did the fireflies show their recovery? (1 mark)

Ans: Fireflies returned in abundance, meadows sparkling again.

(viii) Why did the village council ban pesticides? (1 mark)

Ans: The council was inspired by Arjun's explanation.

(ix) Find synonyms for the following words from the passage: (2 marks)
(a) Sigh
(b) Runoff

Ans:
(a) Sigh - Whisper
(b) Runoff - Drainage

Q2. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (8 Marks)

Animals exhibit astonishing survival strategies to thrive in challenging environments. Polar bears grow thick fur to insulate against Arctic cold. Camels store fat in humps to survive desert scarcity. Chameleons change color to blend into surroundings, evading predators. Elephants use their long trunks to reach high foliage and drink water. Cheetahs rely on unmatched speed to chase prey across savannas. These adaptations enable animals to conquer extreme climates, from icy tundras to scorching deserts. Their resilience stabilizes ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and human livelihoods. Such strategies highlight nature's brilliance in fostering life's endurance. 

(i) How do polar bears survive in the Arctic? (1 mark)
(a) By changing color
(b) By storing fat in humps
(c) By growing thick fur
(d) By using long trunks

Ans: (c)

(ii) What helps camels endure desert scarcity? (1 mark)
(a) Thick fur
(b) Fat in humps
(c) Color change
(d) Speed

Ans: (b)

(iii) Why do chameleons change color? (1 mark)
(a) For warmth
(b) To evade predators
(c) For speed
(d) To reach foliage

Ans: (b)

(iv) How do elephants use their trunks? (1 mark)
(a) To change color
(b) To store fat
(c) To reach foliage and drink
(d) To run fast

Ans: (c)

(v) What helps cheetahs catch prey? (1 mark)
(a) Speed
(b) Thick fur
(c) Color change
(d) Long trunks

Ans: (a)

(vi) The word 'thrive' means: (1 mark)
(a) Struggle
(b) Flourish
(c) Weaken
(d) Fail

Ans: (b)

(vii) The opposite of 'resilience' is: (1 mark)
(a) Strength
(b) Weakness
(c) Endurance
(d) Balance

Ans: (b)

(viii) Which word in the passage means 'brilliance'? (1 mark)
(a) Astonishing
(b) Strategies
(c) Endurance
(d) Brilliance

Ans: (d)

Section B: Writing and Grammar

Q3. You are Anjali/Ankit, Cultural Secretary of Bright Future School, Chennai. Write a notice in about 50 words to inform students of classes VI to VIII about an Inter-House Debate Competition. Include necessary details. (4 marks)

Ans:

BRIGHT FUTURE SCHOOL, CHENNAI

NOTICE

12th July 2025

Inter-House Debate Competition

Students of classes VI to VIII are invited to participate in the Inter-House Debate Competition on 20th July 2025 at 10 AM in the school auditorium. Topic: "Technology in Education." Submit entries by 18th July. Contact the undersigned for details.

Anjali/Ankit

Cultural Secretary

Q4. Write a letter in about 100-120 words to your friend inviting them to a school cultural event. Mention the date, time, and venue. (5 marks)

Ans:

Dear Rohan,

I hope you are doing well. I am very happy to invite you to our school's annual cultural event, which will be held on 25th July at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Bright Future School, Chennai. The programme includes classical and western dance performances, music, drama, and a colourful fashion show. Many students have worked hard to make the event memorable. Special arrangements have been made for guests, and refreshments will also be served. Your presence will mean a lot to me and will make the evening even more enjoyable. I hope you will be able to attend. Please let me know soon.

Yours,

Ankit

Q5. Write an article in about 120-140 words on the topic "Importance of Water Conservation." (6 marks)

Ans:

Importance of Water Conservation

Water is one of the most precious natural resources and is essential for all forms of life on Earth. Conserving water is necessary to prevent shortages and protect the environment. With increasing population and climate change, the demand for water is rising rapidly. Simple habits such as turning off taps, fixing leaks, using buckets instead of showers, and reusing water can save large amounts of water. Farmers can practice drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to reduce wastage. Schools and communities should spread awareness about the importance of saving water. If we fail to conserve water today, future generations will suffer. By using water wisely and responsibly, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy future for everyone.

Q6. Change the following sentences to passive voice. (3 marks)
(i) The gardener waters the plants.
(ii) The children are drawing pictures.
(iii) Did Anil repair the bicycle?

Ans:

(i) The plants are watered by the gardener.

(ii) Pictures are being drawn by the children.

(iii) Was the bicycle repaired by Anil?

Q7. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets. (3 marks)
(i) He __ (play) cricket now.
(ii) They __ (visit) the museum last week.
(iii) __ you __ (like) to draw?

Ans:

(i) He is playing cricket now.

(ii) They visited the museum last week.

(iii) Do you like to draw?

Q8. Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions. (3 marks)
(i) I couldn't go out __ it was snowing.
(ii) She practiced daily __ she won the race.
(iii) Hurry up __ you'll miss the train.

Ans:

(i) I couldn't go out because it was snowing.

(ii) She practiced daily so she won the race.

(iii) Hurry up or you'll miss the train.

Q9. Fill in the blanks with suitable adverbs. (3 marks)
(i) The bird sang __ (sweet).
(ii) He works __ (careful).
(iii) They danced __ (graceful).

Ans:

(i) The bird sang sweetly.

(ii) He works carefully.

(iii) They danced gracefully.

Q10. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles (a, an, the). (3 marks)
(i) __ eagle soared above the mountain.
(ii) __ stars twinkle at night.
(iii) She is __ kind teacher.

Ans:

(i) An eagle soared above the mountain.

(ii) The stars twinkle at night.

(iii) She is a kind teacher.

Section C: Literature

Q11. Answer the following questions briefly in 30-40 words. (2M x 5 = 10 marks)

(i) In "Travel," what inspires the poet to explore new horizons?

Ans: The poet is inspired by nature's beauty, tales of distant lands, and a longing for adventure, evoking a desire to discover new places.

(ii) In "My Dear Soldiers," how does the speaker express gratitude to soldiers?

Ans: The speaker expresses gratitude through heartfelt praise, acknowledging soldiers' sacrifices and bravery in protecting the nation.

(iii) In "Conquering the Summit," what challenges does the climber face?

Ans: The climber faces harsh weather, steep slopes, and physical exhaustion, testing their endurance and willpower.

(iv) In "Paper Boats," how does the child imagine the journey of the boats?

Ans: The child imagines the boats sailing to far-off lands, carrying dreams and messages across rivers and seas.

(v) In "Rani Abbakka," what strategies does Rani use to protect her kingdom?

Ans: Rani uses clever tactics, unites her people, and leads battles to defend Ullal from invaders.

Q12. Answer the following question in 80-100 words. (5 marks)

In "The Tunnel," explain how Suraj overcomes his fear while walking through the tunnel. Support your answer with incidents from the lesson.

Ans: In "The Tunnel," Suraj overcomes his fear through calm thinking, curiosity, and self-reassurance. As he walks inside the tunnel, the darkness makes him uneasy, but he does not panic or turn back immediately. Instead, he looks behind to reassure himself that there is still light outside. He carefully observes his surroundings-the damp walls, smoke, and small animals-which helps distract him from fear. His courage lies in continuing forward despite uncertainty. Through this quiet bravery, Suraj learns to face fear with patience and confidence rather than fear-driven reactions.

OR

In "A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers," describe how the poet portrays soldiers' sacrifices, with examples from the text.

Ans: In "A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers," the poet portrays soldiers' sacrifices as selfless acts for the nation's safety. They endure harsh conditions and risk their lives. For example, the poet describes soldiers standing guard in freezing winters, far from family, to protect borders. Their courage in battles ensures peace. The poem emphasizes their dedication, inspiring readers to value their sacrifices and honor their patriotism, fostering a sense of national pride.

Q13. Read the extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. (4 marks)

"My boats sail to unknown lands," said the child dreamily.

(i) Who is the speaker?

Ans: The child

(ii) What does the speaker imagine about the boats?

Ans: The speaker imagines the boats sailing to unknown lands.

(iii) From which poem is this line taken?

Ans: Paper Boats

(iv) Name the poet.

Ans: Rabindranath Tagore

Q14. Read the extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. (5 marks)

"The tunnel grew darker as he walked further into it."

(i) Who is referred to as 'he' in the extract? 

Ans: Suraj

(ii) What change does Suraj notice as he moves forward?

Ans: He notices that the tunnel becomes darker as he walks deeper inside.

(iii) From which lesson is this line taken?

Ans: The Tunnel

(iv) What feeling does this situation create in Suraj?

Ans: It creates a feeling of fear mixed with curiosity.

(v) What does the darkness of the tunnel symbolize?

Ans: The darkness symbolizes fear, uncertainty, and the unknown challenges Suraj must face.

Q15. Imagine you are the climber from "Conquering the Summit." Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words describing how you felt while climbing the peak. Use the proper diary entry format. (6 marks)

Ans:

Diary Entry

15th August 2025

Dear Diary,

Today has been the most unforgettable day of my life. Climbing the summit pushed me beyond my physical and mental limits. The icy winds, steep slopes, and constant exhaustion made every step feel heavier than the last. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but my determination kept me moving forward. I reminded myself why I had started this journey and focused on one step at a time. When I finally reached the summit, a wave of pride and relief washed over me. This climb taught me that perseverance, courage, and self-belief can help overcome even the toughest challenges.

Yours,

The Climber