Section - A
Reading Skills
Read the following text :
(1) Creativity is our most precious resource and the most inexhaustible one. As anyone who has ever spent any time with children knows, every single human being is born creative; every human being is innately endowed with the ability to combine data and perceptions, materials and ideas and devise new ways of thinking and doing. What fosters creativity ? More than anything else : the presence of other creative people, contrary to that creativity is the province of great individual geniuses. In fact creativity is a social process. Our biggest creative breakthrough comes when people learn from, compete with, and collaborate with other people.
(2) Cities are centres of creativity. With their diverse populations, dense social networks and public spaces, people can meet spontaneously and spark or catalyse new ideas. With their infrastructure for finance, organization and trade, they allow the idea to swiftly reach its destination.
(3) A study tracking the decline of unconventional thinking ability as children age, states that while 98 percent of 3 to 5 years olds exhibited creative thinking, this dwindled to 10 percent among 13 to 15 years olds and a mere 2 percent among 25 years olds. Thus, adulthood witnesses the erosion of innate creativity. There is a variance in creative vitality across cities. Although all cities harbour creative individuals by default, some are saturated with leaders, institutions, and people that inhibit creativity.
(4) Creativity (or the lack of it) follows the same general contours of the great socio-economic divide - our rising inequality - that plagues us. According to estimates, roughly one-third people are able to do work which engages our creative faculties to some extent, whether as artists, musicians, writers, techies, innovators, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, journalists or educators. That leaves a group termed "the other 66 percent", in which their creativity is subjugated, ignored or wasted.
(5) Creativity itself is not in danger. It is flourishing all around us - in science and technology, arts and culture, in our rapidly revitalizing cities. But we still have a long way to go if we want to build a truly creative society that supports and rewards creativity of each one of us.
(Created for academic usage / 410 words)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(i) The central idea of this passage is that :1
(A) social interaction is necessary to nurture creativity.
(B) creativity and ideas are gradually declining in all societies.
(C) the creativity divide is widening in societies in line with socioeconomic trends.
(D) more people should work in jobs that engage their creative faculties.
(ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reasons given below:
Assertion : Creativity is the province of great individual genius is not true.1
Reason :- Creativity is a social process.
(A) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation and assertion.
(B) Both the Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
(iii) Identify the word in paragraph 1 which means something that cannot be used-up or depleted.
Inexhaustible
(iv) What important trends does a study tracking the decline in creative thinking ability in children reveal ? Answer in about 40 words.2M
The study reveals a significant decline in creative thinking ability as children grow older, with only 10 percent of teens and a mere 2 percent of adults exhibiting creative thinking, indicating that creativity diminishes with age.
(v) Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank.
Our biggest creative breakthrough comes when people learn from, compete with, and collaborate with other people.
Creativity is thus a ……social…….. (economic, industrial, social) process.
(vi) According to the passage, where does creativity thrive apart from arts and culture?
Creativity thrives in science and technology as well as in rapidly revitalizing cities.
(vii) Complete the following with a suitable reason :
About thirty-three percent citizens engage their creative faculties in tasks that use their skills in various creative professions and innovative roles.
(viii) In the context of the last paragraph, explain how does the passage view the future of creativity in society.
The passage suggests that while creativity is currently flourishing in various fields, a significant effort is needed to build a supportive and rewarding environment for creativity among all individuals in society.
Read the following text
(1) In today's contemporary online shopping landscape, a perfect storm of choice engulfs consumers. Research consistently indicates that individuals presented with a limited selection tend to make more confident and efficient decisions compared to those confronted with overwhelming choices.
(2) Consequently, assisting consumers in navigating the vast expanse of options available online has evolved into a thriving industry on a global scale. Many brands and retailers now employ marketing strategies revolving around the aspects given in the table below :
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Industry | Helping consumers decide what to buy online. |
Marketing tools | Selecting, differentiation and discovery. |
Data utilization | Digital advertising, cataloging people by gender, income level, personal interests and more. |
Retail Assistance | Algorithms, influencers and ad tech. |
Challenge | Choice fatigue due to the overwhelming volume of consumer choices. |
Solution | Lifestyle influencers on Instagram providing aspirational content and recommendations. |
(3) For a relatively new breed of consumer product startups, a different approach emerges entirely. Rather than attempting to navigate the existing sea of products, these companies claim to revolutionize conventional consumer choices. Some brands offer limited, functional, mid-priced products, instilling customer confidence and breaking the cycle of consumerism.
(4) The global product abundance could be more equitable. Unfortunately, creators often prioritize wealthier consumers.
(5) For startups promising accessible simplicity, their very structure may eventually lead them back to an overwhelming array of choices. Most of these companies rely on hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital funding, and their inventors typically expect rapid growth.
(Adapted for academic usage)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(i) What does the use of the phrase 'a perfect storm of choice', by the writer, in paragraph 1 , tell us about their feelings ?1
(A) The consumers are elated
(B) The consumers are confused
(C) The consumers are confident
(D) The consumers are decisive
(ii) Identify the word in paragraph 2, that indicates that the writer feels assisting consumers has become a profitable industry.1
Thriving
(iii) Based on the aspects mentioned in the table, mention the marketing approach that is primarily concerned with understanding consumers based on various factors.1
Data utilization
(iv) Complete the following analogy approximately, based on your understanding of the table :
Cataloging people by gender, income level, personal interests etc. is to Data utilization as Algorithms, influencers, and ad tech are to Retail assistance
(v) Which aspect in the table pertains to presenting consumers with carefully selected choices to assist decision-making ?1
(A) Challenge
(B) Data utilization
(C) Marketing trends
(D) Retail assistance
(vi) Based on your understanding, fill the blank with the appropriate option from those given in brackets :
The solution to combat choice fatigue to ……employ.... (follow / employ / recommend) lifestyle influencers on Instagram who provide self-improving content and product references.
(vii) Complete the sentence suitably :
The different approach to revolutionise consumer choices is to offer limited, functional, mid-priced products
(viii) Complete the following with a suitable reason :
The writer believes that the global product abundance cannot be equitable because creators often prioritize wealthier consumers
(ix) In the context of the last paragraph though the startups promise simplicity of access, what are the drawbacks of such a structure?
Such startups rely on significant venture capital funding and pressure for rapid growth, which may lead them to complicate their offerings, ultimately contributing to choice overload.
Section-B
Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed:
(i) Read the given sentence from a story. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
As I entered the room, the first thing that struck me as odd, was the candle still burning (burn) on the table. The curtains had been drawn back and the room was bright.
(ii) Identify and correct the error in the sentence taken from the article - 'The Hidden Health Risks of Bread Consumption'.
Health experts worldwide are concerning about the surge in health problems.
Error | Correction |
---|---|
concerning | concerned |
(iii) Complete the given statement, by filling the blank with the correct option.
A mask is used to hide the identity ________ a person.
(A) of
(B) for
(C) being
(D) at
(iv) Read the following conversation :
Student : Hello. I've come to ask about the English courses you run for international students.
Administrator : Are you a student at the university?
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue :
The student greeted and mentioned that she ________ to inquire about the English courses for international students. The administrator enquired if she was a student at the university.
(A) has come
(B) has came
(C) had came
(D) had come
(v) Identify the error and supply the correct word in the format given below :
"Embrace change as an opportunity for personal growth and allowed it to improve your life."
Error | Correction |
---|---|
allowed | allow |
(vi) Report the dialogue between a shopkeeper and Ramesh:
Shopkeeper : What book do you want?
Ramesh : A reference book for Physics which I can use for my project work.
The shopkeeper asked Ramesh which book did he want. Ramesh replied that he wanted a reference book for Physics which he could use for his project work.
(vii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete an article published in a science magazine.
There are many inventions of science which (those / which / such) have benefitted human beings in many ways.
(viii) Complete the statement made by a career counsellor by filling the blank with the correct option :
In our country, ________ universities offer a range of courses. That's why foreign students prefer Indian universities.
(A) more
(B) each
(C) many
(D) few
(ix) Report the dialogue between the residents' and the city planner, by completing the sentence :
City planner : "The new park is a result of several months of research and planning."
Residents : "We don't know who is more excited - we or our children !"
The city planner said that the new park is a result of several months of research and planning. The residents expressed their excitement, stating that they were unsure who was more excited - they or their children.
(x) Choose the correct statement :
(A) He sweared that he had not stolen the bag.
(B) He swore that he had not stolen the bag.
(C) He was swearing that he had not stolen the bag.
(D) He swears that he had not stolen the bag.
(xi) The following is an excerpt from a travelogue :
There is an error in the statement. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction.
Kanyakumari is popular for its beautiful beaches, unique Vivekananda Rock Memorial and stunning sunrise and sunset view.
Error | Correction | |
---|---|---|
A | is | are |
B | for | of |
C | and | also |
D | view | views |
D) view / views
(xii) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options to conclude the report.
The report concludes that ______ learners have ______ knowledge of astrophysics.
(A) very few / some
(B) some / every
(C) every / no
(D) no / a lot of
Creative Writing Skills
Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
(a) As a resident of B/66 Mall Road, Guwahati, and a parent of a Grade X student, you are deeply concerned about the declining writing habits among students in today's digital age. This trend significantly impacts their academic performance.
Writing skills require consistent practice, but increased dependence on internet resources has adversely affected children's ability to express themselves effectively through writing.
Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of 'The Geo Youth Times' expressing your concern about this issue. Also, suggest measures to emphasize the importance of reading and writing skills in schools. You are Vidhi/Vaibhav.
B/66
Mall Road
Guwahati
February 15, 2025
The Editor
The Geo Youth Times
A-23, Central Square
Guwahati
Subject: Concern Over Declining Writing Habits Among Students
Respected Editor,
I am writing to express my concern about the declining writing habits among students, including my child, which affects their academic performance. In today's digital age, reliance on internet resources has diminished the practice of effective writing.
To address this issue, schools should integrate writing workshops into their curriculum, emphasizing daily journaling or essay writing. Encouraging book reading sessions can also enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills. Furthermore, teachers can assign creative writing projects that stimulate imagination and critical thinking.
By nurturing these skills, we can help students articulate their thoughts proficiently, ensuring their success in academics and beyond.
Yours truly,
Vaibhav
OR
(b) You are Anuradha/Ashish, residing at 45, Westwood Street, Nainital. After being inspired by a billboard advertisement for a seaside resort promoting relaxation and rejuvenation, you are
Let the waves of the water drench you with the ultimate bliss of being alive ! Book a stay with us and experience the best holiday ever!
Write a letter ( 100-120 words) to the Resort manager requesting details about the costs, room options, nearby attractions and available activities. Please include any additional necessary information for planning the trip.
45,
Westwood Street
Nainital
February 15, 2025
The Manager
The Naini Resort
Nainital
Subject: Inquiry About Stay and Services at Your Resort
Dear Manager,
I recently came across your advertisement and am interested in booking a stay at your seaside resort. Could you please provide information on the costs and room options available?
Additionally, I would appreciate details on any nearby attractions and activities offered at the resort. It would be helpful to know about any packages or special offers currently available, as well as the amenities included with the stay.
Your prompt response will assist me in planning an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ashish
Enclosed: Self-addressed envelope
(a) The Pros and Cons of using the internet in everyday life are numerous. The internet is like a double-edged sword. Based on the information provided in the table below, write an analytical paragraph on the topic 'Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet' in not less than 120 words.
Pros and Cons of Internet
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
(1) Connectivity | (1) Data Security |
(2) Communication speed and versatile working | (2) Social Isolation |
(3) Learning Re-defined | (3) Addiction towards it |
(4) Transfer of Data | (4) Plagiarism and copyright |
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet
The internet, often described as a double-edged sword, brings numerous advantages that significantly impact our daily lives. One of the primary benefits is connectivity, enabling individuals to maintain relationships and collaborate effectively across global distances. This ability to connect enhances both personal and professional experiences, making communication more accessible than ever before.
Another notable advantage is the communication speed and the versatility it offers for working. The internet facilitates quick information exchange, promoting efficient work processes and enabling remote work opportunities. Furthermore, the internet has re-defined learning by providing access to an immense wealth of knowledge and learning resources, empowering individuals to enhance their skills and education from virtually anywhere.
Despite these benefits, the internet also presents considerable drawbacks. Data security is a critical concern, as users face risks of cyber-attacks and unauthorized access to personal information. Such vulnerabilities necessitate robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Moreover, the internet contributes to social isolation; while it connects people virtually, it often reduces face-to-face interaction, affecting social skills and emotional well-being.
Additionally, the internet has the potential to lead to addiction, where excessive use can detract from productive activities and impact mental health. The convenience of easy data transfer also leads to issues like plagiarism and copyright violations, undermining creativity and intellectual property rights. Balancing the use of the internet by implementing responsible practices can help mitigate these drawbacks, allowing us to harness its full potential without compromising its negative impacts.
OR
(b) Read the following details:
Students today are becoming victims of cyber-crime and cyber bullying in schools, which is affecting the mental health of students. Write an analytical paragraph in 120 words on the problems and causes of cyber-crimes.
Misuse of Information Technology with the intention to trouble others.
It comes in various forms - hacking, negative comments spreading rumours
Impact - spoils image, self-doubt, results in insecurities and complexes.
Causes - desire of power, seeking entertainment, escapism, inadequate regulations.
Cyber-crimes, particularly in educational environments, have increasingly posed significant threats to students, severely impacting their mental health. One primary issue is the misuse of information technology with the intent to trouble others. This misuse encompasses activities ranging from hacking into personal accounts to spreading malicious rumors and negative comments. Such acts of cyber-crime are not just mere pranks—they can have serious repercussions on students' lives.
The impact of these cyber-crimes is profound. They often result in tarnished reputations and instill self-doubt in the victims. As the victims grapple with negative perceptions, their confidence erodes, leading to insecurities and complexes. This psychological burden can hinder academic performance and impair social interactions, further isolating them from their peers and causing emotional distress.
Several root causes contribute to the prevalence of cyber-crimes among students. The desire for power is a significant driver, as individuals seek to exert control or influence over their peers. For some, engaging in cyber-crime is a source of entertainment or a way to cope with personal issues, acting as a form of escapism. Moreover, the virtual realm often lacks adequate oversight, allowing negative behaviours to proliferate without immediate consequences.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive measures. Implementing stricter regulations and promoting awareness about the consequences of cyber-crimes are crucial steps. Educators and parents must collaborate to create a safer digital environment by fostering open communication and guiding responsible internet usage. By tackling the root causes and promoting preventative strategies, schools can protect students from becoming victims of cyber-crime and help them maintain a healthy mental state.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the two given.
(a) It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
(Nelson Mandela : A Long Walk to Freedom)
(i) What effect does the experience as described in the lines below have on the speaker?
Time and again, I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea.
Nelson Mandela's experiences witnessing courage in others deeply influenced him. Seeing people risk their lives for an idea taught him that courage is about overcoming fear, which reshaped his understanding and motivated him to act bravely in his own life.
(ii) Select one inference about the idea of courage from the given context:
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
(A) being fearless
(B) absence of fear
(C) feeding your fears
(D) ability to overcome fear
(iii) Answer in about 40 words, with reference to the extract:
According to the author, what does true courage entail? How does this perspective differ from a common misconception about courage?
According to Mandela, true courage involves conquering fear, not being fearless. This perspective contrasts with the common misconception that bravery means not feeling afraid at all. True bravery involves facing and overcoming fear.
(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct phrase from the bracket in the context of the given extract :
Men stood up to torture showing strength and resilience that is impossible to understand.
OR
(b) There was a fifty rupee note between his fingers. My heart sank. I thought I had been discovered. "I made some money yesterday," he explained. "Now you'll be paid regularly." My spirits rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night's rain. "Today we'll start writing sentences," he said.
He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.
(The Thief's Story)
(i) In the context of the given extract :
What was the feelings UNLIKELY to have been on seeing 'a fifty rupee note between his fingers' ?
(A) joyous
(B) sad
(C) unhappy
(D) worried
(ii) How does the prospect of being paid regularly affect the narrator's motivation and hope for the future?
Answer in about 40 words.
The prospect of being paid regularly inspires hope and motivation in the narrator. It makes him more optimistic about his future because it signifies trust from Anil and provides him with an opportunity for a stable life, where he can also fulfill his aspiration to learn and improve his life beyond petty thefts.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket :
The person spoken about did not let the narrator realise that his act of stealing was caught. It reflects the (nobility / dishonesty) of his character.
(iv) Compare the meanings of the expressions:
"My heart sank", and "My spirits rose".
"My heart sank": This expression means feeling disappointed or dismayed. In the context, the narrator feels worried that he might have been caught for stealing.
"My spirits rose": This means feeling happy or relieved. Here, the narrator feels relieved and hopeful when he learns that Anil did not seem to notice the theft and plans to pay him regularly.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the given two, given.
(a) My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent. Listen. The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling forward into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak.
(i) The metaphorical expression used by the poet to describe the movement of the trees is .
The metaphorical expression used by the poet to describe the movement of the trees is a symbolic representation of women's struggle for freedom and liberation in a patriarchal world. The trees are moving out into the forest much like women breaking free from societal constraints.
(ii) Based on the tone, discuss how Adrolmme Rich presents the conflict between man and nature.
Adrienne Rich presents the conflict between man and nature by illustrating the restlessness and desire of the trees to escape the confines of human-made structures. The trees straining to break free represent nature's urge to return to its natural state, highlighting the tension created by human interference.
(iii) What is the mood or atmosphere conveyed by the imagery in the passage?
(A) Calm and tranquil
(B) Eerie and foreboding
(C) Joyful and celebratory
(D) Melancholic and traumatic
(iv) Why would the whispers be silent tomorrow?
The whispers would be silent tomorrow because the trees will have left the house, symbolizing the completion of their escape and the resulting absence of their presence and struggles within the human-dominated space.
OR
(b) (I am Rapunzel, I have not care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I'll certainly never let down my bright hair !)
Stop that sulking at once, Amanda !
You're always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at you,
Amanda!
(Amanda)
(i) Complete the following suitably :
Amanda sulked and became moody because ______ .
Amanda sulked and became moody because she felt overwhelmed by constant nagging and demands placed upon her by the speaker.
(ii) What does the girl constantly yearn for? What do you pattern about Amanda from the poem ?
The girl constantly yearns for freedom and escape from her daily constraints. From the poem, one can pattern that Amanda is a dreamer who indulges in fantasies to cope with the controlling environment around her.
(iii) What kind of picture is painted by the poet through the line, "life in a tower is tranquil and rare"?
The picture painted by the poet through the line, "life in a tower is tranquil and rare," suggests a sense of peaceful isolation and uniqueness, highlighting Amanda's desire for solitude and an escape from her reality.
(iv) The tone of the speaker in the exclamation "Stop that sulking at once, Amanda !" is
1. uncertain
2. dominating
3. aggressive
4. moody
(A) 1,2,4
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 2, 4 and 5
(D) 4 and 5
Answer any four of the following five questions in about 40-50 words.
(i) What did Buddha say about death and suffering? Explain this with reference to the story 'A Sermon at Benaras'. (A Sermon at Benaras)
In 'A Sermon at Benares', Buddha teaches that death is a natural part of life, just like ripe fruits fall, all humans face death. He emphasizes that grieving doesn’t bring peace; instead, understanding life’s impermanence and letting go of sorrow leads to peace and freedom from suffering.
(ii) 'Dust of Snow' highlights the poet's positive attitude towards nature Comment on how Robert Frost presents the power of nature (Dust of Snow )
In "Dust of Snow", Robert Frost shows nature's power to change our feelings. A crow shaking snow off a hemlock tree makes the poet feel better. This small act of nature brightens his mood, showing that even simple moments in nature can lift spirits and change a bad day.
(iii) Faith is like a ray of hope in a distressful situation. Discuss 'A Letter to God' with reference to Lencho's unflinching faith in God. (A Letter to God)
In "A Letter to God", Lencho's strong faith shines through when a storm destroys his crops. Despite feeling hopeless, he writes to God, believing He will send help. Lencho's belief is so strong that when he receives only part of the money, he accuses the post office of stealing, not doubting God.
(iv) Why was the seagull afraid to fly? Why was the seagull alone? (Two Stories about Flying)
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings wouldn't support him, and he feared the vast distance down to the sea. He was alone on the ledge because his two brothers and sister had already flown away the day before, leaving him behind.
(v) The Tiger in the Zoo is denied its natural habitat. Describe its behaviour and routine as a captive in the concrete cell. (A Tiger in the Zoo)
In the poem, the tiger in the zoo is shown to be frustrated and restless, as it walks with its vivid stripes within the small cage. It ignores the visitors, feeling trapped, and only stares at the bright stars at night, missing its natural wild habitat.
Answer any two out of the three questions, in about house for a period.
(i) "The only way was to get Tricky out of the house for a period". Evaluate why James Herriot had planned this in advance and how did he execute this plan at the surgery. (A Triumph of Surgery)
James Herriot planned to take Tricki out of the house to prevent overfeeding and ensure proper care. At the surgery, he gave Tricki no food initially, just water. Tricki then gradually joined the other dogs, gaining energy and losing weight. This natural interaction helped Tricki recover without medicine.
(ii) Considering 'The Necklace' as a tale of dissatisfaction and excessive materialism, analyze Matilda's primary flaw. (The Necklace)
Matilda's primary flaw is her constant dissatisfaction with her life. She dreams of luxury and wealth and is unhappy with what she has. This excessive desire for material things leads her to borrow a necklace, which changes her life drastically and teaches her a hard lesson about contentment.
(iii) According to a popular quote - "Kindness is stronger than iron bars". Anil did not hand over the thief to the Police. In what way did Anil's act of wisdom and forgiveness transform Hari Singh? (The Thief's Story)
Anil's kindness and forgiveness had a significant impact on Hari Singh, the young thief. Instead of handing him over to the police, Anil treated him with trust and respect. This warmth encouraged Hari to rethink his life choices. Anil’s decision to teach Hari how to read and write showed Hari a path to honest success and a better future, something he never considered as a thief. When Hari realized that Anil valued his trust more than money, it filled him with guilt and hope. This inner change prompted Hari to return the stolen money and embrace a chance to become a better person, highlighting that kindness can lead to real transformation, even in the hardest of hearts.
Answer any one of the following questions:
(a) Examine the role of Nature in the poems "The Dust of Snow" and "Fog"
In 'Dust of Snow' by Robert Frost, nature plays a healing role. A crow shaking snow onto the speaker changes his mood and saves a part of his day he thought was spoiled. This shows how simple elements of nature can shift our mindset positively.
In 'Fog' by Carl Sandburg, nature, represented by fog, is described as quiet and mysterious. The fog creeps in like a cat, silently covers the harbor and city, and then moves on. Its ephemeral and peaceful presence makes us think about the quiet power of nature.
Both poems highlight nature's ability to impact human emotions—either by softly changing moods or by creating a mysterious atmosphere.
OR
(b) The journeys of Anne Frank and Valli teach us the vital lesson that optimism and self-assurance empower women to rise above circumstances and overcome obstacles. Examine the similarities. (Diary of Anne Frank & Madam Rides the Bus)
Both Anne Frank and Valli showcase how optimism and self-assurance can empower young girls to navigate challenging circumstances.
Anne Frank, through her diary, expresses a sense of hope and strong will even during the difficult times of hiding during the war. She remains positive and uses her writing as a tool to maintain her spirit.
Similarly, Valli's determination is evident as she plans and saves for her bus ride to the neighboring town. Her curiosity and confidence drive her to embrace the adventure, despite being just eight years old.
Both girls remind us that a positive mindset and self-confidence can help overcome barriers and make dreams come true, no matter the challenges.
Answer any one of the following two questions in about 100-120 words.
(a) Ebright's journey of becoming a leading scientist conveys a strong message to us. His inquisitiveness and competency drove him to become a great scientist. In what manner does Richard Ebright's perseverance, dedication and inquisitiveness inspire you to pursue your dreams?
Richard Ebright's story is incredibly inspiring because it shows how perseverance, dedication, and inquisitiveness can help you achieve your dreams. Even as a young boy, Ebright was curious about the world around him, starting with collecting butterflies. He didn’t give up when he lost at his first science fair. Instead, he learned from it and worked harder, doing real experiments and aiming for the best. His dedication led him to big scientific discoveries and recognitions. What’s inspiring is how he combined his love for learning with hard work and the will to do the best he could. Ebright teaches us that with determination and curiosity, we, too, can achieve great things in whatever we are passionate about.
OR
(b) It is truly said that a good teacher is the light that helps one cross even the darkest of paths through honing their inherent qualities which enable them to shine bright and strong in life. In what ways, does Sulekha's teacher epitomize this saying? How did she become the pillar of support and strength for Sulekha?
Sulekha's teacher epitomises the saying about a good teacher being a guiding light in several key ways:
Encouragement and Support: The teacher recognized Bholi's potential, despite her stammering and past hardships. She encouraged Bholi, saying, “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like everyone else.” This supportive approach helped boost Bholi’s confidence.
Empathy and Understanding: The teacher treated Bholi with gentleness, showing compassion and understanding. She was patient and kind, which made Bholi feel safe enough to express herself.
Empowerment through Education: The teacher provided Bholi with a book full of pictures and a promise that she would be able to read and learn, stating, “In time you will be more learned than anyone else in the village.” This empowerment through education helped Bholi see a brighter future.
Transformational Impact: Over time, her belief in Bholi's abilities transformed her outlook on life, allowing Bholi to speak confidently at her wedding and assert her independence when she refused to marry the greedy groom.