Plus One English Question Paper Answer Key - March 2025
Part I: Questions 1-8 (1 score each)
1. Who is the girl mentioned here?
The girl is likely a poor child observed by the narrator, possibly from a story like "The Price of Flowers" (exact identification depends on the text studied).
2. Why was the narrator's attention drawn to the girl?
The narrator's attention was drawn to the girl because her clothes revealed her poverty and there was something notable about her appearance/behavior.
3. Can we call 'Conceptual Fruit' a technology story? Why?
Yes, 'Conceptual Fruit' can be called a technology story because it deals with concepts related to technological innovation and its impact.
4. "A man of about forty, tall and stout, with long hair, more like a professor or a painter than a farmer". Who is this character in 'Gooseberries' by Anton Chekhov?
This character is Nicholai Ivanich, the brother of Ivan Ivanich in Chekhov's "Gooseberries."
5. Identify the poem and the poet.
The poem is "Death the Leveller" by James Shirley.
6. What do the words 'blood' and 'state' mean here?
'Blood' refers to noble lineage/ancestry, and 'state' refers to power/position/status.
7. Why does the poet say that 'There is no armour against fate'?
The poet says this to convey that death is inevitable for everyone, regardless of status or power.
8. What is the figure of speech used in the fourth line?
The figure of speech is personification (Death laying his icy hand).
Part II: Questions 9-12 (Answer any 3, 2 scores each)
9. In the poem, 'Sunrise on the Hills', the poet gives us the message that nature is the best medicine for the troubled minds. You may also have had some experiences when you turned to nature for relief and joy. Cite any instance when nature has been a source of solace for you.
[Personal response expected] Example: When I felt stressed about exams, sitting by the river and watching the flowing water calmed my mind and gave me peace.
10. Identify the images used by the poet William Wordsworth in the poem 'To Sleep'.
Wordsworth uses images of:
- A flock of sheep leisurely passing by
- The sound of rain and bees
- The quietness of lakes and seas
- The gentle movement of rivers
- A flock of sheep leisurely passing by
- The sound of rain and bees
- The quietness of lakes and seas
- The gentle movement of rivers
11. Complete the sentences choosing the most appropriate cohesive device from the brackets. (however, on the other hand, moreover, though)
(a) Though she had grave misgivings, she gave consent for the surgery.
(b) He was faced with a borderline result; however, he managed to get admission.
(b) He was faced with a borderline result; however, he managed to get admission.
12. Complete the sentences meaningfully:
(a) If you had run faster, you could have overtaken him.
(b) If you take good care of your health, you will not fall ill often.
(b) If you take good care of your health, you will not fall ill often.
Part III: Questions 13-19 (Answer any 5, 4 scores each)
13. Choose the most appropriate term, from the brackets, to define each calamity given below: (Earthquake, Famine, Flood, Drought, Lava, Landslide)
(a) Lava
(b) Flood
(c) Landslide
(d) Famine
(b) Flood
(c) Landslide
(d) Famine
14. Our life today is so profoundly intertwined with the internet that we cannot imagine a day without it. Almost everyone owns devices including laptops, phones, smart watches, smart TVs and the like. The more devices and accounts you have online, the greater the chance for cyber attacks. There is no doubt that online safety is important. What are the do's and don'ts of online safety? Write two do's and two don'ts.
Do's:
- Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
Don'ts:
- Don't share personal information or passwords with anyone
- Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources
- Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
Don'ts:
- Don't share personal information or passwords with anyone
- Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources
15. "It was hard and sour, but I saw a happy man, one whose dearest dream had come true, who had attained his goal in life, who had got what he wanted, and was pleased with his destiny and with himself." You are asked to interview this happy man Nicholai Ivanich. Prepare four questions to ask him.
Possible questions for Nicholai Ivanich:
1. How does it feel to have achieved your lifelong dream of owning a farm with gooseberries?
2. What sacrifices did you make to attain this goal?
3. Do you believe material possessions can bring true happiness?
4. What advice would you give to others pursuing their dreams?
1. How does it feel to have achieved your lifelong dream of owning a farm with gooseberries?
2. What sacrifices did you make to attain this goal?
3. Do you believe material possessions can bring true happiness?
4. What advice would you give to others pursuing their dreams?
16. "Young Stephen was no prodigy. He was just an ordinary English school boy, slow in learning to read, his handwriting the despair of his teachers!" Hardships often equip ordinary people to reach extraordinary heights. How far is this statement true in the case of Stephen Hawking? Answer in a paragraph.
The statement is very true in Stephen Hawking's case. Despite being an ordinary student initially and later facing severe physical disabilities, his perseverance in pursuing scientific research made him one of the most extraordinary physicists of our time. His groundbreaking work on black holes and cosmology, achieved despite ALS, proves that ordinary people can reach extraordinary heights through determination.
17. The poet William Wordsworth lies sleepless for three consecutive nights. The poem ends in a note of wistful hope and prayer. What is the importance of a good sleep in our life?
Good sleep is essential for physical health, mental well-being, cognitive function, and emotional balance. It allows the body to repair itself, consolidates memories, regulates mood, and maintains immune function. Wordsworth's poem highlights how lack of sleep affects mental peace and the longing for nature's restorative power to bring sleep.
18. A debate is being conducted in your class on the topic "Walking – a sufficient form of exercise for maintaining overall health". Present four arguments for or against this topic.
For the motion:
1. Walking is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages and fitness levels
2. Regular walking improves cardiovascular health and reduces disease risk
3. It requires no special equipment or training
4. Walking in nature provides both physical and mental health benefits
1. Walking is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages and fitness levels
2. Regular walking improves cardiovascular health and reduces disease risk
3. It requires no special equipment or training
4. Walking in nature provides both physical and mental health benefits
19. Success is undoubtedly the fruit of perseverance. Had the young seagull's perseverance helped him in achieving his goal? Elaborate.
Yes, the young seagull's perseverance helped him achieve flight. Despite initial fear and failure, his continued efforts and eventual courage to trust his wings led to success. This mirrors how perseverance helps overcome challenges in life, turning potential failure into achievement through determination.
Part IV: Questions 20-25 (Answer any 5, 6 scores each)
20. Prepare a profile of Captain Smith using the information given:
Profile of Captain Smith:
Captain Edward John Smith was born on 27th January 1850 in Staffordshire, England to Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock. He received his education at British School in Etruria. Joining the White Star Line in March 1880, he successfully commanded several ships before being appointed captain of the R.M.S. Titanic. Known for his famous exhortation "Be British, Be True," he became an icon of national spirit, discipline and courage. Tragically, he died along with 1500 passengers when the Titanic sank on 15th April 1912.
Captain Edward John Smith was born on 27th January 1850 in Staffordshire, England to Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock. He received his education at British School in Etruria. Joining the White Star Line in March 1880, he successfully commanded several ships before being appointed captain of the R.M.S. Titanic. Known for his famous exhortation "Be British, Be True," he became an icon of national spirit, discipline and courage. Tragically, he died along with 1500 passengers when the Titanic sank on 15th April 1912.
21. You are a reporter assigned to report the ritual of turtle calling in Namuana. You come to know about the procedures to be followed in the watching spot. Prepare a live TV Report of the ritual of turtle calling.
Live TV Report:
"This is [Your Name] reporting live from Namuana where the ancient ritual of turtle calling is about to begin. The village women, dressed in traditional attire, are gathering on the cliffs, chanting the sacred song passed down through generations. According to local belief, when sung correctly, this melody summons giant sea turtles to the surface. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the women begin their rhythmic chant facing the sea. Fishermen maintain complete silence, as tradition demands their absence from the ritual. The village chief explains that this ceremony demonstrates their deep connection with nature. We're now waiting to see if the turtles will respond to this mystical call..."
"This is [Your Name] reporting live from Namuana where the ancient ritual of turtle calling is about to begin. The village women, dressed in traditional attire, are gathering on the cliffs, chanting the sacred song passed down through generations. According to local belief, when sung correctly, this melody summons giant sea turtles to the surface. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the women begin their rhythmic chant facing the sea. Fishermen maintain complete silence, as tradition demands their absence from the ritual. The village chief explains that this ceremony demonstrates their deep connection with nature. We're now waiting to see if the turtles will respond to this mystical call..."
22. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam exhorts everybody to be unique in his/her own way. Prepare a write-up on how Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Speech influenced you.
Write-up:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's speech profoundly impacted me by emphasizing that true success comes from being uniquely yourself rather than imitating others. His message that "You were born with wings, why crawl through life?" inspired me to recognize my own potential. His emphasis on dreaming big while staying rooted in hard work showed me that extraordinary achievements begin with ordinary efforts. Most importantly, his humility despite great accomplishments taught me that true greatness lies in serving others. His words continue to motivate me to pursue my passions with dedication while maintaining integrity and compassion.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's speech profoundly impacted me by emphasizing that true success comes from being uniquely yourself rather than imitating others. His message that "You were born with wings, why crawl through life?" inspired me to recognize my own potential. His emphasis on dreaming big while staying rooted in hard work showed me that extraordinary achievements begin with ordinary efforts. Most importantly, his humility despite great accomplishments taught me that true greatness lies in serving others. His words continue to motivate me to pursue my passions with dedication while maintaining integrity and compassion.
23. You are amazed to hear about the crystal ring in the story 'The Price of Flowers'. You decide to write an e-mail to your friend about the superstitious beliefs that Maggie and her mother hold on to. Prepare the e-mail.
Email:
Subject: The Mystical Crystal Ring
Dear [Friend's Name],
I recently read "The Price of Flowers" and was fascinated by Maggie and her mother's belief in the crystal ring's powers. Their superstition that it could reveal the fate of Maggie's brother in the army shows how people cling to mystical objects in times of uncertainty. While scientifically questionable, such beliefs provide emotional comfort when facing situations beyond one's control.
It made me think about how many such superstitions exist across cultures - from lucky charms to fortune-telling. What do you think drives people to hold such beliefs despite lack of evidence?
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
Subject: The Mystical Crystal Ring
Dear [Friend's Name],
I recently read "The Price of Flowers" and was fascinated by Maggie and her mother's belief in the crystal ring's powers. Their superstition that it could reveal the fate of Maggie's brother in the army shows how people cling to mystical objects in times of uncertainty. While scientifically questionable, such beliefs provide emotional comfort when facing situations beyond one's control.
It made me think about how many such superstitions exist across cultures - from lucky charms to fortune-telling. What do you think drives people to hold such beliefs despite lack of evidence?
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
24. With times changing, parents are becoming more and more occupied. Children are often left to look after themselves. Family bonding forms the basis for emotional connection, providing a sense of belonging and identity. Draft a letter to the Editor of a newspaper on the need for strengthening strong family relationships.
Letter to Editor:
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
Subject: Strengthening Family Bonds in Modern Times
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to express concern about the weakening of family relationships in our fast-paced world. As parents become increasingly occupied with work pressures, children often grow up without adequate emotional connection. Strong family bonds provide identity, security, and values that shape individuals.
We must consciously create quality time - shared meals without digital distractions, regular family activities, and open communication. Schools and workplaces should support work-life balance. Community programs could promote intergenerational interaction.
Let's prioritize our relationships before it's too late. Strong families build strong societies.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
Subject: Strengthening Family Bonds in Modern Times
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to express concern about the weakening of family relationships in our fast-paced world. As parents become increasingly occupied with work pressures, children often grow up without adequate emotional connection. Strong family bonds provide identity, security, and values that shape individuals.
We must consciously create quality time - shared meals without digital distractions, regular family activities, and open communication. Schools and workplaces should support work-life balance. Community programs could promote intergenerational interaction.
Let's prioritize our relationships before it's too late. Strong families build strong societies.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
25. "Standing with him, in the liquid moonlight, I was stung by a strange pang." What qualities in Hasan make the doctor feel a strange pang? Sketch the character of Hasan.
Hasan's qualities that make the doctor feel a pang include his unwavering loyalty, simple wisdom, deep connection with nature, and contentment with life's basics. Despite being uneducated, Hasan possesses an innate dignity and philosophical outlook. His ability to find joy in small things and his profound understanding of human nature contrast with the doctor's more sophisticated but perhaps less fulfilled existence, creating the doctor's mixed feelings of admiration and envy.
Part V: Questions 26-28 (Answer any 2, 8 scores each)
26. "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this, ever in flesh and blood, walked upon this earth." What qualities of Gandhiji would have made Albert Einstein make such a remark? Prepare an essay in the light of your reading of the excerpt from Jawaharlal Nehru's 'Discovery of India'.
Essay on Gandhi:
Einstein's tribute reflects Gandhi's extraordinary qualities that made him seem almost superhuman. His unwavering commitment to truth (Satyagraha) and non-violence (Ahimsa) demonstrated moral courage rarely seen in history. Gandhi's simple lifestyle, wearing just a loincloth while challenging an empire, showed his rejection of materialism. His ability to mobilize millions through peaceful means revealed exceptional leadership.
What made Gandhi unique was his consistency - practicing what he preached, whether in personal life or public affairs. His fasting for communal harmony showed supreme self-sacrifice. The Salt March exemplified how symbolic actions could shake an empire.
Perhaps most remarkable was his vision of an inclusive India respecting all religions. While human, Gandhi's moral stature made him appear almost divine - a "great soul" (Mahatma) who walked the earth, justifying Einstein's awe.
Einstein's tribute reflects Gandhi's extraordinary qualities that made him seem almost superhuman. His unwavering commitment to truth (Satyagraha) and non-violence (Ahimsa) demonstrated moral courage rarely seen in history. Gandhi's simple lifestyle, wearing just a loincloth while challenging an empire, showed his rejection of materialism. His ability to mobilize millions through peaceful means revealed exceptional leadership.
What made Gandhi unique was his consistency - practicing what he preached, whether in personal life or public affairs. His fasting for communal harmony showed supreme self-sacrifice. The Salt March exemplified how symbolic actions could shake an empire.
Perhaps most remarkable was his vision of an inclusive India respecting all religions. While human, Gandhi's moral stature made him appear almost divine - a "great soul" (Mahatma) who walked the earth, justifying Einstein's awe.
27. Your class conducted a two days' trip to a famous tourist spot in Kerala. Prepare a travel essay based on that trip, explaining the physical features of the area, its attractions, the climate there and the feelings you had on the occasion.
Travel Essay:
Our class trip to Munnar was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in Kerala's Western Ghats, Munnar's rolling tea plantations create a green carpet over undulating hills. The cool climate, with frequent misty spells, was refreshing after our plains' heat.
We visited the Tea Museum, learning how leaves become our morning brew. The Echo Point adventure, shouting across the valley and hearing our voices return, was exhilarating. Walking through spice plantations, we smelled cardamom and pepper growing.
The highlight was sunrise at Top Station - golden light spreading over the mountains as birds welcomed the day. The trip bonded our class while teaching us about Kerala's ecological wealth. Returning home, we carried memories of misty mornings, endless tea gardens, and the joy of discovery.
Our class trip to Munnar was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in Kerala's Western Ghats, Munnar's rolling tea plantations create a green carpet over undulating hills. The cool climate, with frequent misty spells, was refreshing after our plains' heat.
We visited the Tea Museum, learning how leaves become our morning brew. The Echo Point adventure, shouting across the valley and hearing our voices return, was exhilarating. Walking through spice plantations, we smelled cardamom and pepper growing.
The highlight was sunrise at Top Station - golden light spreading over the mountains as birds welcomed the day. The trip bonded our class while teaching us about Kerala's ecological wealth. Returning home, we carried memories of misty mornings, endless tea gardens, and the joy of discovery.
28. Read the poem given below and prepare a critical appreciation of it.
Critical Appreciation:
Emerson's poem redefines success in non-material terms, emphasizing personal fulfillment and positive impact. The structure builds from simple joys to profound legacy, using parallel constructions for rhythmic effect.
Imagery appeals to senses ("laugh often," "garden patch") while metaphors like "endure the betrayal" convey deeper meanings. The tone is inspirational yet philosophical, guiding rather than preaching.
Themes include authentic living, interpersonal connections, and leaving a legacy. Unlike conventional success metrics, Emerson values integrity, relationships, and contribution. The climax - knowing one life improved because of you - powerfully summarizes his philosophy.
The poem's enduring relevance lies in its timeless values, offering a humane alternative to materialistic definitions of success. Its simplicity makes profound wisdom accessible to all readers.
Emerson's poem redefines success in non-material terms, emphasizing personal fulfillment and positive impact. The structure builds from simple joys to profound legacy, using parallel constructions for rhythmic effect.
Imagery appeals to senses ("laugh often," "garden patch") while metaphors like "endure the betrayal" convey deeper meanings. The tone is inspirational yet philosophical, guiding rather than preaching.
Themes include authentic living, interpersonal connections, and leaving a legacy. Unlike conventional success metrics, Emerson values integrity, relationships, and contribution. The climax - knowing one life improved because of you - powerfully summarizes his philosophy.
The poem's enduring relevance lies in its timeless values, offering a humane alternative to materialistic definitions of success. Its simplicity makes profound wisdom accessible to all readers.