CBSE Class 11 English Core

Sample Papers 01

Time: 3 Hrs. M.M.: 80

General Instructions :

i. This question paper is divided into three sections.

ii. Section A Reading Comprehension 20 Marks
iii. Section B Writing and Grammar 30 Marks
iv. Section C (Literature) Text Books and Long Reading Texts - 30 Marks

SECTION A

1. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

1. In life we sometimes have disagreements with people. It could be with your partner, with
your boss, with your parents, or with a friend. When this happens, the important thing is
to try not to let a calm discussion turn into a heated argument. But of course this is easier
said than done.
2. The first thing I would say is that the way you begin the conversation is very important.
Imagine you are a student and you share a flat with another student who you think isn't
doing her share of the housework. If you say, "Look, you never do your share of the
housework. What are we going to do about it?', the discussion will very soon turn into an
argument. It's much more constructive to say something like, 'I think we'd better have
another look about how we divide up the housework. Maybe there's a better way of doing
it."
3. My second piece of advice is simple. If you're the person who is in the wrong, just admit
it! This is the easiest and best way to avoid an argument. Just apologize to your flatmate,
your parents, or your husband, and move on. The other person will have more respect
for you in the future if you do that,
4. The next tip is don't exaggerate. Try not to say things like "You always come home late
when my mother comes to dinner' when perhaps this has only happened twice, or "You
never remember to buy the toothpaste." This will just make the other person think you're
being unreasonable, and will probably make him or her stop listening to your arguments.
5. Sometimes we just can't avoid a discussion turning into an argument. But if you do start
arguing with someone, it is important to keep things under control and there are ways to
do this.
6. The most important thing is don't raise your voice. Raising your voice will just make the
other person lose their temper too. If you find yourself raising your voice, stop for a
moment and take a deep breath. Say 'I'm sorry I shouted, but this is very important to me,
and continue calmly. If you can talk calmly and quietly, you'll find your partner will be
more ready to think about what you are saying.
7. It is also very important to stick to the point. Try to keep to the topic you are talking
about. Don't bring up old arguments, or try to bring in other issues. Just concentrate on
solving the one problem you are having, and leave the other things for another time. So,
for example, if you're arguing about the housework, don't start talking about mobile
phone bills as well.
8. And my final tip is that if necessary call Time out', like in a sports match. If you think that
an argument is getting out of control, then you can say-to the other person, 'Listen, I'd
rather talk about this tomorrow when we've both calmed down'. You can then continue
the discussion the next day when perhaps both of you are feeling less tense and angry.
That way there is much more chance that you will be able to reach an agreement. You'll
also probably find that the problem is much easier to solve when you've both had a good
night's sleep. Well, those are my tips.
9. But I want to say one last important thing. Some people think that arguing is always bad.
This is not true. Conflict is a normal part of life, and dealing with conflict is an important
part of any relationship, whether it's three people sharing a flat, a married couple, or just
two good friends. If you don't learn to argue properly, then when a real problem comes
along, you won't be prepared to face it together. Think of the smaller arguments as
training sessions. Learn how to argue cleanly and fairly. It will help your relationship
become stronger and last longer.
On the basis of your understanding of thc above passage answer each of the following
questions by selecting the most appropriate option from the given ones
a. .......... is easy to suggest but quite difficult to do.
i. To have disagreements with people.
ii. Not to let a peaceful discussion change into a heated argument.
iii. “Never raise you voice”
 iv. To have heated argument with friends,
b. In case we are wrong we should ........... to avoid argument.
i. flatmate
ii. exaggerate
iii. respect
iv. apologise
c. The second paragraph suggests when we .......... others, it leads to argument.
i. share the work with
ii. accuse
iii. divide the work anew with
iv. only (i) & (ii)
d. .......... can help strengthen relationships.
i. Learning to argue clearly,
ii. Learning to avoid arguments,
iii. Learning to argue fairly,
iv. Only (i) and (iii)
Answer the following questions briefly:
e. What happens if a complaint is exaggerated?
f. Name two activities that to help to keep arguments under control.
g. Raising our voice in an argument is not good. Why?
a. What happens if we don't learn to argue properly?
b. How does Time Out help in argument?
c. When is your partner in an argument more ready to think about your point of
view?
d. Find words/phrases from the passage which mean the OPPOSITE as each of the
following
i. Surely (Para-4)
ii. Initial (Para 8)

2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

1. The tests of life are its plus factors. Overcoming illness and suffering is a plus factor for it
moulds character. Steel is iron plus fire, soil is rock plus heat. So lets include the plus
factor in our lives.
2. Sometimes the plus factor is more readily seen by the simple hearted. Myers tells the
story of a mother who brought into her home - as a companion to her own son- a little
boy who happened to have a hunchback. She had warned her son to be careful, not to
refer to his disability. The boys were playing and after a few minutes she overheard her
son say to his companion "Do you know what you have got on your back'?" The little boy
was embarrassed, but before he could reply, his playmate continued "It is the box in
which your wings are, and some day God is going to cut it open and then you will fly
away and bc an angel."
3. Often it takes a third eye or a change in focus, to see the plus factor. Walking along the
corridors of a hospital recently where patients were struggling with fear of pain and tests,
I was perturbed. What gave mea fresh perspective were the sayings put up everywhere,
intended to uplift. One saying made me conscious of the beauty of the universe in the
midst of pain, suffering and struggle. The other saying assured me that God was with me
when 1 was in deep water and that no troubles would overwhelm me.
4. The import of those sayings also made me aware of the nector springs that flow into
people's lives when they touch rock bottom or are lonely or guilt ridden. The nector
springs make recovery possible, and they bring peace and patience in the midst of
negative forces.
5. The forces of death and destruction are not so much physical as they are psychic and
psychological. When malice, hatred and hard heartedness prevail, they get channeled as
forces of destruction. Where openness, peace and good heartedness prevail, the forces of
life gush forth to regenerate hope and joy. The life force is triumphant when love
overcomes fear. Both fear and love are deep mysteries, but the effect of love is to build,
whereas fear tends to destroy. Love is generally the plus factor that helps build character.
It creates bonds and its reach is infinite.
6. It is true there is no shortage of destructive elements - forces and people who seek to
destroy others and in the process destroy themselves -- but at the same time there are
signs of love and life everywhere that are constantly enabling us to overcome setbacks.
Solet's not look at gloom and doom - let us seek positivity and happiness. For it is when
you seek that you will find what is waiting to be discovered
a. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it in points only,
using abbreviations, wherever necessary. Also suggest a suitable title.
b. Write a summary of the passage in not more than 80 words, using the notes you have
 made.

SECTION B

3. You are going abroad. You want to sell your house, built three years ago. Draft an
advertisement in not more than 50 words giving all the necessary details of the house and
its locality. Contact no. xxxxxxxxxx

Or

Your school is going to organise a Diwali Mela. Design a poster to inform the students
about it. (50 words)
4. You are Deepak/Deepika 14, Mall Road Kochi. You saw an advertisement put up by
Excellent coaching centre which provides coaching for Medical Entrance Exam. As you
are interested in enrolling yourself, write a letter in 120-150 words to the Director;
Excellent coaching centre, Chennai requesting him to inform you about the necessary
details.

Or

Last month you purchased a TV set from Ram Electronics, Pushp Vihar, Ambala. It is not
working properly (imagine a few defects). Write a letter of complaint in 120-150 words to
the Manager asking for repair or replacement. You are Amar/Amrita, M 114, Model Town,
Ambala.
5. Mobile phones have influenced children in a big way. Write an article in 150-200 words
on how they have affected the younger generation. You are Ekta/Eklavya.

Or

Cultural society of Sunshine Public School, Nellore organised an adult literacy camp in its
neighbourhood. Write a report in 150-200 words on the camp for your school newsletter.
You are PV Sumitha / PV Sumith.
6. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line.
Underline the error and write the correct word in front of it in your answer sheet:

Incorrect Correct

The next day during an break (a)

 When all the teacher and students (b)

Was eating their snacks, the mother (c)

Left the school building hurrily (d)

The boy saw him walking (e)

quickly from of the school gate (f)

When he was drank water after (g)

His meal and wonder where his Mother was going. (h)

7. Complete the following sentences by filling in the correct form of the verb.
In the last hundred years, traveling (a) .......... (become) much easier and very
comfortable. In the 19th century, it (b) .......... (take) two or three days to cross North
America by a covered wagon. The trip (c) .......... (be) very rough and often dangerous.
Things (d) .......... (change) a great deal in the last hundred and fifty years. Now you can
fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.
8. Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences:
a. the / on / forests / the / industry / oil / depends
b. do / get / the / forests / from / what / we products / ?

SECTION C

9. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The sea holiday
Was her past, mine is her laughter. Both wry
With the laboured ease of loss.
a. Which sea holiday is referred to here?
b. What was poetess past?
c. Why is the poetess nostalgic about her mother's laughter?

Or

Father and son, we both must live

On the same globe and the same land,
He speaks: I cannot understand
Myself, why anger grow from grief.
 We each put out an empty hand,
Longing for something to forgive.
d. Why must father and son live on the same globe and the same land?
e. Explain: I can not understand myself.
f. What does "empty hand signify?
10. Answer any three of the following questions in 30 to 40 words.
a. What did the child feel when he discovered that he could use his mind according to
his own chinking?
b. “Eternal, I rise impalpable”. What gives eternity to rain?
c. What effect did Tut's demise have on his dynasty?
d. How was the common link of friendship between the grandmother and the grandson
snapped?
e. How did Einstein's medical certificate prove useless?
11. What social message does the play “Mother's Day Convery? How relevant is it in the
present day context?

Or

Hardships often bring out the best in people. Do you agree? why/why not?
12. Describe the first experience of Otis family in the mansion. How did they react to it?

Or

Describe Booker T. Washington's struggle for education. How did he succeed to get
admission in Hampton Institute?
13. Write a note on the humour in the story “The canterville Ghost.

Or

Give a character sketch of General Armstrong.

Answers

1.
a. (ii) Not to let a peaceful discussion change into a heated argument.
b. (iv) apologies
 c. (ii) Accuse
d. (ii) Learning to avoid arguments,
e. Makes other person think you are unreasonable may stop listening to your argument,
f. Learning to argue clearly and fairly. Time out.
g. Makes other person lose temper.
h. We fail to deal with conflicts which are part and parcel of life.
i. One feels less tense and angry and it helps reach an agreement.
j. if you keep to the topic.
k. (i) Perhaps (ii) Final
2.
a. Title: The tests of Life the Plus factors.
Note Making and Summary Writing.
1. The Importance of the Tests of Life
a. Illness & Suffering build Char,
b. Simple hearted-View disability + very eg: boy with hunch-backed companion,
c.
2. Change of focus required
(a)Sayings in hospital - awaken one to beauty of universe amidst pain; presence of
God
i. Give strength to overcome obstacles
ii. Realisation- underlying hum, strength in troubles
iii. Bring Peace & Patience
3. Forces of Destruction
i. Psychic & psychlgcal
ii. Consist of malice, hatred & hardheadedness
iii. Fear destroys
4. Forces of Life
i. Openness, peace & good heartedness
ii. Love overcomes fear. Love builds char & bonds
iii. Discover signs of love, defeat destructive elements,
Key-Abbreviations
1. Char-Character
2. +vely- Positively
 3. Hum.-Human
4. Psychlgcal- Psychological
5. Destrctve- Destructive
6. Elmints- Elements
b. Summary
The tests of life like illness, suffering, pain and disability build character. Thc simple
hearted have the ability to view them as signs of hope and the presence of God. Even
in the midst of suffering there is God. The belief that amongst pain and suffering the
universe is still beautiful and God present gives strength to overcome obstacles. One
must realize there is an underlying human strength that emerges during troubles.
This brings peace and patience. The forces of destruction can be overcome by the
power of love.

Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar

3. Advertisement
Format - Heading -01 Mark
Content - 02 Marks
Expression - 01 Mark
Suggested Value points:
House for Sale
- Location
- Type
- Size / area
- Facilities (electricity, water, parking, ark, market)
- Cost minimum prices expected
- Contact details
- Any other relevant details
(Due credit should be given to given to economy of words)

Or

POSTER
Layout - Eye catching and visually attractive - 1 Mark
Content - Highlights of the event - 2 Marks
 Expression - Grammatical accuracy, spellings - Mark
4. Letter Writing
Note: No marks arc to bc awarded if only the format is given. Credit should be given for
the candidates' creatively in presentation of ideas.
Format - 01 Mark
i. Sender's address
ii. Data
iii. Receiver's address
iv. Subject heading
v. Salutations
Content - 03 Marks
Expression - 02 Marks
Letter to Direction, excellent Coaching Centre
- duration
- timings
- batches
- facilities (stay travel)
- charges fees
- mode of payment

Or

Letter of Complaint about "Defective T.V."

- Details fo purchase with bill number 'E'
- warranty Description of problem
- Inconvenience caused
- Request to repair or replace
5. Article Writing
Format (heading & Writer's name) - 1
Mark Content - 4 Marks
Expression - Marks
Mobile Phones
- Multipurpose-Phone, FM, camera, social sites, TV channels etc.
- Hazards-accidents.
 - Exposure to radiation
- Judicious use.

Or

Report Writing
Format (Heading & Writer’s name) - 1 marks
Content - 4 Marks
Expression - 5 Marks
Adult literacy Camp
- Reported by
- Who - Sunshine Public School Where - Neighbourhood What
- Adult literacy camp When
- data
- No. of volunteers
- Strategies developed
- Awareness spread
- People motivated
- Timings
6. Editing

Incorrect Correct

(a) an the

(b) teacher teachers

(c) was were

(d) hurrly hurriedly

(e) him her

(f) from out

(g) drank drinking

(f) wonder wondered

7.
a. has become
 b. used to take
c. was
d. have changed
8.
a. The oil industry depends on the forests.
b. What products do we get from the forests?

SECTION C

9.
a. When poet's mother enjoyed sea holiday with her two cousins.
b. Her mother's laughter
c. She is recollecting her past memories and missing them.

Or

d. Father and son must live on the same land to rebuild their relationship.
e. Father's inability to understand his son and himself.
f. Empty hand tells the failure to understand each other, (father & son)
10.
a. The child discovered that he had grown up mentally and was able to take his own
decisions.
b. Rainwater cycle makes it eternal as it rises out of the land and deep sea. It gathers in
the sky, changes its form and then comes down to the earth.
c. King Tutankhamun was the last pharaoh of his dynasty that ruled Egypt for decade.
The dynasty rattled down after the demise of king Tut.
d. When author's family settled down in the city, the grandmother couldn't accompany
him to the school as he would go by motorbus. She was not able to help the grandson
in his studies also so the common link between their friendship snapped.
e. Einstein got medical certificate with Yuri's help but he was expelled from the school
by the head teacher since he was turning rebellious. So the medical certificate was
proved useless.
11. Thc play 'Mother’s Day' raises a serious issue. The treatment is of course, comic to show
the presence and importance of housewife. She plays a lot of roles and performs all the
duties with patience and all her might. The mother's excessive love, care and concern
 should be respected and acknowledged by the family members. She should not be taken
for granted since she is the backbone of the family. Even in the twenty first century
women face the same problems despite the talk of women empowerment. They face
physical torment and mental anguishing modern Society. This play conveys the message
to resolve the issues to harmonies the society,

Or

Life is not the bed of roses always. We face hazardous situations many times. But we
should react to these situations with patience and fortitude. Adversity is the true test of
character, dangers bring out the best in us. Fear is the negative feeling that leads to
inactivity and surrender to circumstances. Such people lose against the odds in life. The
persons with self confidence, courage resourcefulness and presence of mind face all the
dangers boldly and overcome all disasters.
Their caring and sharing attitude sets examples for others to tackle the adverse situation
courageoulsy and to overcome them.
12. The family was received by Mrs. Umnly- Mrs. Ot is caught sight of dull red stain on the
floor. Umney “blood has been split. Adds. “It is the blood of Eleanore de cantervilole'.
Washington Otis removed the blood stains. All of a sudden a terrible flash of lighting and
thunder and Mrs. Umney fainted.

Or

Bocker T. Washington was determined to get education. His stepfather always

discouraged him. Working in a coal mine, he overheard two miners talking about a great
school for the blacks. He came to know about the opportunities for worthy but poor
students provided by the school. He thought it was the greatest place on earth and
decided to go and secure education at the Hampton Institute. He made an effort to go
Hampton in 1872. His mother was in poor health. Lack of money and distance made her
unwilling to send her son.
Washington covered the distance from Malden to Hampton by pleading rides in wagons
and cars. He reached Richmond and worked several days on ship to earn money to go
Hampton,
The sight of red three storeyed building seemed a reward to him. He presented an
assignment to the head teacher but couldn't make any mark. Many other students were
 admitted to the school. It caused great discomfort to him. Head teacher asked him to
clean the recitation room. It was a chance for Washington to prove himself. He swept the
room thrice and reported to the headteacher. She declared, I guess you will do to enter
this institution."
13. The 'canterville Ghost' is untraditional story of a ghost. It is full of humorous instances.
Mr. Otis is not afraid of ghost, laughs at him.
Virginia's conquering old Lord Bilton in a horse race.
The Duke of Chesire proposes her and his subquent departure in flood of tears. Mr Otis
offers ghost a bottle of lubricator. Ghost has failed to frighten him, instead of terrifying
others he is frightened himself. Mrs. Otis offers tincture to cure ghost's indigestion.
Ghost falls the victim to twins tricks of pillow throwing, strings, water jugs and shouting
Roo' in his ear.
Bogus ghost is the height of humour, changing colour of bloodstains adds to the mystery
and supernatural appeal in the novel. Readers are bound to smile on witty replies of
ghost.

Or

General Samuel Armstrong had a dominating influence an Booker T. Washington, son of

missionary parents, received a training for strong character under Dr. Hopkins.
The General had fought against the white of the south in the Civil War. He was fond of
famous Hampton Institute, trained black youths in unique way. Education to general
came not merely from books but from life itself. It was confined to thc trades, industry or
craft at Hampton. He was selfless and fireless man with missionary zeal. He helped
Booker in funds and offered much from his personal accounts for Tuskegee. The blacks of
South had deep respect and love for him. They received general at the Tuskegee Institute
with warm welcome. The general spent two months at Tuskegee before his death
showing deep love for the people there.
Virginia. Booker writes that in general, the Negros had no idea of education yet somehow
they felt that it would free them from manual labour. Most of the Negros
became teachers or preachers just after having some little education. Only a few of them
really deserved the position they had occupied. As the Federal Government had granted
them freedom so they looked to the government for everything. Washington also felt that
the government should have made some provisions for Negros’ education.
But the Reconstruction Policy which was introduced was artificial and forced. In many
cases the ignorance of the Negros as used as a ploy to help the white men into the office.
On the other hand, there was also an element in the North who wanted to punish the
Southern Whites by forcing the Negros over their heads. The great harm that this policy
was doing to the Blacks was that it was diverting their attention from perfecting
themselves in the industries. They were attracted to the politics also. Washington
suggested that the law of the right to franchise should be amended and be applied equally
to both the races.