KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN,GURUGRAM REGION

FIRST PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION-2024-25

(WINTER STATION)
ENGLISH CORE-301 (SET-1)
TIME ALLOWED-3 HRS M.M-80 MARKS
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

ii. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B: Creative
Writing Skills Section C: Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION – A: Reading
1. Read the following passage: 12 Marks

1. It seems that there is never enough time in the day. But, since we all get the same 24 hours,
why is it that some people achieve so much more with their time than others? The answer lies
in good time management. "Time management" refers to the way that you organize and plan
how long you spend on specific activities. Good time management requires an important shift
in focus from activities to results: being busy isn't the same as being effective. (Ironically, the
opposite is often closer to the truth.) Spending your day in a frenzy of activity often achieves
less, because you're dividing your attention between so many different tasks. Good time
management lets you work smarter - not harder - so you get more done in less time.
2. It may seem counter-intuitive to dedicate precious time to learning about time management,
instead of using it to get on with your work, but the benefits are enormous. It improves
productivity and efficiency. Your reputation as a professional grows. The stress levels dip and
the world of opportunities opens up for you. Your career advances and important goals are
reached.
3. Failing to manage your time effectively can have some very undesirable consequences.
Deadlines are missed and the work flow is not only inefficient but of poor quality. It dents your
reputation as a professional and your career is in danger of being stalled. As a result your stress
level shoots up.
4. Everyday interruptions at work can be a key barrier to managing your time effectively and,
ultimately, can be a barrier to your success. Think back to your last workday, and consider for
a minute the many interruptions that occurred. There may have been phone calls, emails,
hallway conversations, colleagues stopping by your office, or anything else that unexpectedly
 5. demanded your attention and, in doing so, distracted you from the task at-hand. Because your
day only has so many hours in it, a handful of small interruptions can rob you of the time you
need to achieve your goals and be successful in your work and life. More than this, they can
break your focus, meaning that you have to spend time re-engaging with the thought
processes needed to successfully complete complex work. The key to controlling interruptions
is to know what they are and whether they are necessary, and to plan for them in your daily
schedule.

1.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer the questions that follows:
a. What is the biggest advantage of good time management? 1
b. ‘Handful of interruptions’ in the passage refers to: 1
i. Too many
ii. None
iii. Few
iv. Enough
c. Why is it beneficial to learn about time management? 2
d. Poor time management results in: 1
i. Inefficient workflow
ii. Growth in career
iii. Ruining of reputation
iv. Higher stress levels
Pick the option which is NOT true

e. What according to the writer is closer to the truth regarding being busy? 2
f. Which word in paragraph 4 has the same meaning as ‘obstruction’ 1
g. Pick the correct option for the given statements 1

Assertion: Phone calls, emails, office conversations are barriers to effective time management.
Reason: These interruptions create obstacles in achieving set goals.
i. Only assertion is true and reason is false
ii. Both assertion and reason are false
iii. Assertion is false and reason is true
iv. Both assertion and reason are true
h. Why is it essential to plan for interruptions in daily schedule? 2
i. Because your day only has so many hours in it. What is the significance of this statement?
1
2. Read the following passage: 10 Marks

1. Fast Moving consumer Goods (FMCG) are products that sell quickly at relatively low cost. FMCG
is the fourth-largest sector in the Indian economy. There are three main segments in the sector—
food and beverages, which accounts for 19% of the sector; healthcare, which accounts for 31%
of the share; and household and personal care, which accounts for the remaining 50% share. The
urban segment contributes to about 55% of the revenue share, while the rural segment accounts
for 45%. Rise in rural consumption will drive the FMCG market. The Indian processed food market
is projected to expand to US$ 470 billion by 2025, up from US$ 263 billion in 2019-20.
2. The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite nationwide lockdowns,
supported by consumption-led growth and value expansion from higher product prices,
particularly for staples. Real household spending is projected to increase 9.1% after 2021, after
a decrease of 9.3% in 2020 due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
Price increase across product categories will offset the impact of rising raw material prices, along
with volume growth and resurgence of demand for discretionary items.
3. The FMCG sector has received good investments and support from the Government in the recent
past. The sector witnessed healthy FDI inflows from April 2000 - March 2022. Furthermore, as
per the Union Budget 2022-23, a substantial amount has been allocated to the Department of
Consumer Affairs, an increased amount has been allocated to the Department of Food and Public
Distribution. In 2021-22, the Government approved Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for
Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of a larger amount to help Indian brands of
food products in the international markets.
4. The Government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme gives companies major opportunity
to boost exports. The future outlook of the FMCG rural sector looks on track now. Rural
consumption has increased, led by a combination of increasing income and higher aspiration
levels. There is an increased demand for branded products in rural India. The growth of organised
sector in FMCG is expected to rise with an increased level of brand consciousness, augmented
by the growth in modern retail.

Table I. FMCG Products

1. Processed food: Cheese products, cereals
2. Prepared meals: Ready-to-eat meals
3. Beverages: Bottled water, aerated drinks, and juices
4. Baked goods: Biscuits, bread
5. Fresh foods, frozen foods, and dry goods: Fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, frozen
food, and nuts
6. Medicines: Aspirin, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medication that can be
purchased without a prescription.
7. Cleaning products: Baking soda, washing powder
8. Cosmetics and toiletries: beauty products, soaps, toothpastes
9. Office supplies: Pens, pencils

a. Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? 1
Food and beverages segment dominates the Global FMCG market and is expected to retain its
dominance.
Select from the following:
i. True: If the statement agrees with the information
ii. False: If the statement contradicts the information
iii. Not Given: If there is no information on this
b. What do you think gives opportunities to boost exports? 2
c. Select the option that displays the most likely reason for FMCG rural sector being on track.
1
i. FMCG sector has been unable to get investments from the Government.
ii. PLI schemes don't reach the rural sector.
iii. iii) Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the online grocery segment in India is expected to
double in the next five years.
 iv. There is a desire to buy branded products in the villages too.
d. Complete the sentence based on the following statement: 1
The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite
nationwide lockdowns because __________
e. Which segment of FMCG accounts for the maximum percentage of the sector? 1
f. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: 1
The combination of increasing income and higher aspiration levels in the rural areas has led to
____________
g. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: 2
The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a clear case ___________
i. that the rural people also want branded products.
ii. that the FMCG industry will not focus on brand consciousness.
iii. for the role of data analytics in the FMCG industry.
iv. for the Government's role by providing incentives.
h. What will be the impact of an increased level of brand consciousness? 2

Section – B

CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. A) You are Sameer/Sunaina, the Secretary of Gulmohar Heights Society, Kanpur. Your society is
planning to develop Aroma Greens, a herbal and medicinal garden in the green belt area in front
of every tower in the society. Draft a notice for all society members to actively participate in this
initiative and plant some herbal and medicinal plants.
4 Marks
OR

B) You are Ramneek/Reema Singh, the student coordinator of Bal Bhawan Public School, Shimla.
Your school is organising an inter-school environment quiz for senior secondary students. Write a
notice informing students about this competition giving all the necessary details.
4 Marks
4. A) Your school St. Joseph Convent School is organizing a Music Fest to encourage and promote
talented singers of your school. Draft an invitation to invite famous singer Sonu Nigam as the Chief
Guest on the occasion. You are Geetanjali Simon. 4 Marks
OR

B) You are Kritika /Ketan Goyal, your grandmother has received an invitation from her close friend
living at some distance to attend her granddaughter's engagement function. Your grandmother
wishes to attend the ceremony but she needs to be accompanied by a family member to help her.
Draft an appropriate reply accepting the invitation. 4 Marks
5. A) It gives you a good feeling and a sense of satisfaction when you see many patients from abroad
coming to Indian hospitals to get themselves treated. Using the cues given below along with your
own ideas write a letter in about 120-150 words to the editor of a national daily describing the
importance of medical tourism in India. You are Dr Gargi/Gaurav of 262, Civil Lines, Pathankot.
5 Marks
 Hints
Qualified &experienced doctors
Hospitals with very good facilities
Fraction of cost compared to other countries
Increase in foreig exchange
earnings
OR
B) You are Vandana Luthra of Chandigarh You have read the following advertisement in The
Hindustan Times. Write a letter in about 120-150 words in response to the advertisement
applying for the post. 5 Marks

REQUIRED
Jewellery designer with PG Diploma in Jewelry Design from a reputed jewellery
design institute, at least 3 years exp. in a renowned jewellery house. Apply with
Bio-data to Glamour Jewelry Designs, Mumbai.

6. A) Wars always result in ' victory with no survivors' as the victorious as well as the defeated nations
face insurmountable destruction of life and property and it robs the people of peace and sleep
filled with sweet dreams. Write an article in about 120-150 words on how war is detrimental for
the progress and advancement of mankind. You are Vartika/Vishal of Vasant Valley School, Agra.
5 Marks
OR
B) You are Chetan/Chitra student editor of Vidya Mandir Public School, Karnal. Your school
recently organised a Library Week in the school. Write a report for your school magazine in about
120-150 words about Library Week Celebration. 5 Marks

Hints: venue and duration, kind of activities, purpose- to foster and encourage reading habits
among children and create a love for books.

Section C
Literature Textbooks & Supplementary Reading Text

7. A) Read the extract given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given questions that follow:
6 Marks (6X1 = 6)

'It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought and mercifully gathered in
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,
Where they won't have to think for themselves anymore.
While greedy good-doers, beneficient beasts of prey.
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
 That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day.
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.

i. What is the tone of the poet in the above lines

a. Aggressive
b. Tolerant
c. Sarcastic
d. Sentimental
ii. Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following.
No one bothers to take their consent before pushing the promise of a better life, their way.
iii. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word with reference from the extract:
'...calculated to soothe them out of their wit implies that 'them' are being ....
iv. What quality of villagers can be inferred through these lines?
a. Gullible
b. Futuristic
c. Hypocritical
d. Ambitious
v. Complete the following analogy correctly. DO NOT repeat from the used example.
Greed good doers : alliteration: _________ oxymoron
vi. On the basis of the extract choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2) given below.
1. The city dwellers make promises for the betterment of the villagers
2. The city dwellers have ulterior motives

i. 1 is true but 2 is false

ii. 2 is true but 1 is false
iii. 2 is the reason for 1
iv. Both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract

OR

B) When Aunt is dead her terrified hands will lie

still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by
the tigers in the panel that she made
will go prancing, proud and unafraid

a) Aunt Jennifer in the poem is

i. Nervous
ii. joyful
iii. sombre
iv. carefree
Choose the most appropriate option
a. i and ii
b. iii and iv
c. i and iii
 d. ii and iii

b) Complete the following sentence

Even after the death Aunt Jennifer _________

c) What quality of Uncle that can be inferred from the passage

a. Loving and caring
b. Authoritative and Domineering
c. Considerate and gentle
d. Protective and Helpful
d) The idea of being controlled and dominated by someone means the same as __________

e) Complete the analogy

Prancing and proud : alteration ……….. pun

f) The meaning associated with the phrase “ turn your pain into art” is ‘her choice of design is
reflective of her repressed desires’ (True/False).

8. Read the extract given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given questions that follow:

“The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a fever pitch when there remained just one tiger to achieve his
tally of a hundred. He had this one thought during the day and the same dream at night. By this
time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom. It became impossible to
locate tigers anywhere. Yet only one more was needed. If he could kill just that one single beast,
the Maharaja would have no fears left. He could give up tiger hunting altogether.”

i. ‘fever pitch’ in the passage implies excitement and impatience ( True/False).

ii. ‘he had this one thought during the day and same dreams at night’. This sentence reflects
the king’s- _____
a. Obsession
b. Hobby
c. Zeal
d. Interest
iii. By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom. Explain?
iv. how many tigers had the tiger king killed by this time?

OR
Oh", Hana breathed, "is that all?"
"All?" the messenger exclaimed.
"Is it not enough?"
"Indeed it is," she replied. "I am very sorry."
i. ‘All’ in line 1 refers to
a. general’s medical condition
b. presence of POW in Sadao’s house
c. servants departure from Sadao’s house
 d. All of the above
ii. Hana inferred that the messenger had come __________
iii. What information was given by the messenger?
iv. When did this incident take place?

9. Read the extract given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given questions that follow:
6 Marks (6X1 = 6)

A) "She thinks money grows on trees, don't she, Dad?' said little Derek, hanging on the back of
his father's chair. Their mother sighed. Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and
wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings. The delicate-
seeming bow and the crooked back. The evening had already blacked in the windows and the
small room was steamy from the stove and cluttered with the heavy-breathing man in his vest at
the table and the dirty washing piled up in the corner. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat. She
went to look for her brother Geoff.

i. Sophie’s parents’ marriage was an example of harmony and affection (True/False).

ii. Choose the option that supports the contention coming through Derek's dialogue, "She
thinks money grows on trees, don't she, Dad?".

a. Derek thought his sister to be unreasonable at times.

b. Derek had no faith in Sophie's abilities to open a boutique.
c. Derek thought of his sister as someone who was not realistic.
d. Derek was not at all happy about Sophie's habit of day dreaming.
iii. It could be inferred that Sophie's mother was fatigued and burdened. Choose the option
listing the elements that form the basis of this inference.
1. her sigh 2. Her delicate bow
3. her apron’s strings 4. Her crooked back
a. 1, 2
b. 3,4
c. 2,3
d. 1,4
iv. "Sophie felt a tightening in her throat." Give two examples to highlight Sophie's feelings.
v. Sophie's house can be appropriately described as __________ and ___________.
vi. The word used in the extract for "the quality or state of being incompatible" is:

OR

B) “Once some bettles flew in; but nobody paid any attention to them not even the littlest ones,
who worked right on tracing their fish hook as if that was French too. On the roof, the pigeons
cooed very low and I thought to myself -will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons.”

Choose the correct option

i. ‘not even the littlest ones’ suggests that
a. Franz had failed in his class
 b. Some very young children were also part of the class
c. Franz was the oldest student in the class
d. None of the above
ii. The last sentence of the extract reflects

a. Extreme linguistic chauvinism of Germans

b. Social prejudice of Germans
c. Submissive nature of French people
d. Inclusiveness of French Culture
iii. All students were working with full concentration and focus (True/False).

iv. Franz was angry and anxious because…..

v. The inference that can be drawn from the line ‘ on the roof the pigeons cooed very low and
I thought to myself will they make them sing in German too’ is …….
vi. The word in the passage having the same meaning as ‘ low melodious sound’ is ………
10. Answer ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 40-50 words each. (5X2=10)
i. Comment on the significance of the plastic bag and the tea canister on Sahib’s shoulder in
the Chapter Lost Spring?
ii. ‘but soon put that thought away’. Which thought the poet had to put away and why?
iii. What are the kinds of wars referred to in the poem Keeping Quiet?
iv. What are some of the positive views on interviews?
v. How did the writer’s eversion to water turn into Hydrophobia?
vi. What is the general meaning of pancakes? What is its meaning in the context of the Chapter
Poets and Pancakes?
11. Answer ANY TWO of the three questions given below in 40-50 words each. (2X2=4)
i. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students On Ice’
expedition?
ii. Why was Zitkala-Sa against the cutting of her long hair?
iii. ‘Louisa was pretty worried when I told her all this’. State the reason for Lousia’s worry in
the Third Level?
12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 120-150 words. (1X5=5)

a. Imagine that you are the iron master and you had a chance encounter with your old
regimental comrade, the real Captain Von Stahle. Narrate the incident of that Christmas
Eve when you mistook a tramp as Von Stahle and brought him home and how this incident
changed the tramp completely. You may begin like this.

You wouldn’t believe Nils what happened last Christmas Eve when I went to the iron
mill…….

b. Imagine that you are Sir Edward Gait the lieutenant governor. Create a Dairy Page
expressing how Gandhi is frustrating all your plans and has successfully enlisted the
 support of all strata of the Indian people. You may begin this way.

These last few weeks have been very stressful I don’t understand what I should do about
Mr. Gandhi …………

13. Answer ANY ONE of the two questions given below in 120-150 words. (1X5=5)
A) Suppose Derry becomes a very successful man when he grows up. He appears as a chief guest
at a school function and is asked to tell how he attained such success in spite of his handicap.
Write Derry’s speech. You may begin like this.
Good morning to one and all.
Whatever l have achieved today is because of Mr. Lamb, a human being like no other……..
OR
B) Bama became a very well-known writer after growing up and was felicitated by the Writer’s
Guild for her achievements. Write her speech for the felicitation function highlighting her
struggles and the discrimination that she faced. You may begin this way.
Good morning to one and all,

I am highly honoured to be here today. As we all know trials and tribulations make us stronger
and more resilient. So is the case with me ……..