ICSE Board

Class X English Language

Board Paper – 2015
(Two hours)
Total Marks: 80

General Instructions:
1. Answers to this paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
2. You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
3. The time given at the head of the paper is the time allotted for writing the answers.
4. Attempt all questions
5. The intended marks of questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
6. You are advised to spend not more than 35 minutes in answering Question1 and 20
Question 2
minutes in answering Question 2.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)

Attempt all questions from this section

Select one of the following: [10]
Question 1
(a) Break time (recess) at your school is only for duration of minutes.
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) [25]
Write a letter to your Principal requesting an extension in the break-time from fifteen
minutes to half an hour. Give reasons for your request and explain in what an
Write a composition (350–400 words) on any one of the following:
extended break would make a difference to you as a student.
(a) Write an original story that begins with the words: "He was the funniest boy I had
(b) You are to be awarded a special prize at the Annual Prize Day ceremony of your
ever met. He would make everyone laugh............. "
school. Write a letter to a lady relative her the news. Be sure to include details of the
(b) You had booked a ticket on an early morning train. However, you woke up late and
prize that you are to receive and tell her why you have been chosen for this honour.
missed it. You then decided to run to catch a bus to the next station where you hoped
to catch up with the train. Narrate the entire event, how you felt, the effort you made
Question 3
and how you finally caught the train. What did you learn from this stressful
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
experience?
Lying in bed, Swami realized with a shudder that it was Monday morning. It looked as
(c) All Girls or all Boys Schools provide u better learning environment than coeducational
though only a moment ago it had been the last period on Friday; already Monday was here.
schools. Express your views either for or against the statement.
He hope that an earthquake would reduce the school building to dust, but that good
(d) Describe in detail the view from your bedroom window. Does your room overlook a
building Albert Mission School had withstood similar prayers for over a hundred years
park? A busy street? What are the sights, sounds and smells you would typically see,
now. At nine o’clock Swaminathan wailed, “I have a 5 headache.” His mother said, “Why
hear and experience at different times of the day?
don’t you go to school in a bullock cart?”
When do you most enjoy the view? In the morning, in the evening or late at night?
“So that I may be completely dead at the other end? Have you any idea whit it means to be
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of
jolted in a cart?
what the picture suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the
“Have you nay important lessons today?”
picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, your composition must have a
“Important! Bah! That geography teacher has been teaching the same lesson for over a year
clear connection with the picture.
now. And we have arithmetic, which means for a whole period we are going to be beaten by
the teacher Important lessons!”
And Mother generously suggested that Swami mighty stay at home.
At 9:30, when he ought to have been lining up in the school prayer hall, Swami was lying on
the bench in Mother’s room. Father asked him, “Have you on school today?”
“Headache,” Swami replied. (b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:
“Nonsense! Dress up and go.” (i) What did Swami wish for on a Monday morning? Why was his wish unlikely to be
“Headache.” answered? [2]
“Loaf about less on Sunday and you will be without a headache on Monday.” (ii) Which sentence tells us that Swami’s father was completely unsympathetic to his
Swami knew how stubborn his father could be and changed his tactics. “I can’t go so late to son’s headache? [2]
class.” (iii) In what way was Swami’s response different from his father’s? [2]
“I agree, but you ‘ll have to; it is your own fault. You should have asked me before deciding (iv) Why did Swami give a colourful account of Mr. Samuel to his father? [2]
to stay away.” (v) In what way did Father’s behavior take an unexpected turn? [2]
“What will the teacher think if I go so late?” (vi) What was Swami finally ordered to do by his father? [2]
“Tell him you had a headache and so are late.”
“He will beat me if I say so.” (c) (i) In not more than 60 words describe how Swami tries to prove that Mr. Samuel is a
“Will he? Let us see. What is his name? violent man. [8]
“Mr. Samuel.” (ii) Give a title to your summary in 3(c). Give a reason to justify your choice. [2]
“Does he beat the boys?”
“He is very violent, especially with boys who come late. Some days ago a boy was made to Question 4
stay on his knees for a whole period in a corner of the class because he came late, and that (a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct from of the word given in
after getting six cuts from the cane and having his ears twisted. I wouldn’t like to go late to brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase
Mr. Samuel’s class” appropriate to the blank space.
“If he is so violent why not tell your headmaster about it?” Example:
“They say that event the headmaster is afraid of him. He is such a violent man.” (0) One morning I (0)….. (see) the python curled up on the dressing table.
And then Swami gave a lurid account of Samuel’s violence; how when he started caning he Answer: saw
would not stop till he saw blood on the boy’s hand, which he made the boy press to his It was (1)….. (gaze) at its own reflection in the mirror. I(2)…. (go) for grandfather but
forehead like a vermillion marking. Swami hoped that his father would be made to see that by the time we (3)…. (return) to the room, the python (4) …..(move) on. He was seen
he couldn’t go to his class tale. But Father’s behavior took an unexpected turn. He became in the garden and once the cook saw him (5)….. (crawl) up the ladder to the roof.
excited. “What do these people mean by beating our children? They must be driven out of Then we (6)…. (find) him on the dressing table again (7)…... (admire) himself in the
service. I will see.” mirror. “He’s trying to look better for Aunt Mable” I said. I (8)…… (regret) this remark
The result was he proposed to send Swami late to his class as a kind of challenge. He was immediately because grandmother overheard and held up my pocket money for the
also going to send a letter with Swami to the headmaster. No amount of protest from rest of the week! [4]
Swami was of any avail: Swami had to go to school. (b) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word:
By the time he was ready Father had composed a long letter to the headmaster, put in an (i) He found the key just _________ the front door.
envelope and sealed it. (ii) I could not accompany my cousin ________ the trip because I had fever.
“What have you written, Father?” Swaminathan asked apprehensively. (iii) The noise prevented us ________ sleeping.
“Nothing for you. Give it to your headmaster and go to your headmaster and go to your (iv) The young man put the flute _______ his lips and began to play.
class.” (v) Ashok leaned ________ the wall tiredly.
Swami’s father did not know the truth, that actually Mr. Samuel was a very kind and gentle (vi) The paper dart went gliding _______ the air.
man. (vii) The cyclist rode quickly ________ the path.
(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. One word (viii) The young child carried the heavy bucket ________ the stairs. [4]
answers or short phrase will be accepted. (c) Join the following sentence to make one complete sentence without using and, but or
(i) jolted (line 21) so
(ii) stubborn (line 21) (i) He has learnt to cycle. He has yet to learn to swim.
(iii) avail (line 45) [3] (ii) The child helped her mother to make breakfast. She washed the tomatoes.
(iii) They bought a new car. They can travel long distance.
(iv) Sunita opened her purse. She found the money missing. [4]
(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make ICSE Board
other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the of each sentence. Class X English Language
(i) Arun gave Ramesh some excellent advice.
Board Paper I – 2016
(Begin: Ramesh was ……………………)
(ii) As soon as Sania sat down to study, the lights went off.
(Two hours)
(Begin: No Sooner…………………………….) Total Marks: 80
(iii) Has Alia written to you?
General Instructions:
(Begin: Hardly had ……………………………)
1. Answers to this paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
(iv) As soon as the function got over. The crowd dispersed.
2. You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
(Begin: Hardly had …………………………….)
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
(v) The monsoon is the best season in our country.
3. The time given at the head of the paper is the time allotted for writing the answers.
(Rewrite using ‘good’………………………...)
(vi) Harish was so tired that he could not keep his eyes open.
Attempt all four questions
(Begin: Harish was too ………………………...)
The intended marks of questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
(vii) (vii) Father said so Sunil, “I can help you with your homework.”
You are advised to spend not more than 35 minutes in answering Question1
(Begin: Father told Sunil………………………..)
and 20 minutes in answering Question 2.
(viii) Naresh goes to a school which has over a thousand students.
(Begin: There ………………………………………) [8]
Question 1
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) [25]

Write a composition (350–400 words) on any one of the following:

(a) Write an original story that begins with the words: "The day started of well enough,
whoever thought it would............. "
(b) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you expected to do very well, but
for some reason were unable to do so. Explain what happened and why it happened.
What lesson did you learn from it?
(c) "The use of Mobile Phones must be allowed in schools." Express your views either for or
against the statement.
(d) You walk home from school one afternoon to find the door unlocked and on entering
you are shocked to see the house in total disarray. You call out but get no answer.
Describe in detail what you saw, the reason behind your house being in total disarray
and how found your family. Mention also how the experience ended and what impact
it had on your life.
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it
suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may
take suggestions from it; however there must be clear connection between the picture
and your composition.
 ‘Well, what do you think of it?’ Mother asked.
We stared at the odd garment and wondered what it was for.
‘What is it?’ asked Larry at length.
It’s a bating-costume, of course,’ said Mother. ‘what on earth did you think it was?’
‘It looks to me like a badly-skinned whale,’ said Larry, peering at it closely.
‘You can’t possibly wear that, mother,’ said Margo, horrified, ‘why, it looks as though
it was made in nineteen-twenty.’
‘What are all those frills and things for?’ asked Larry with interest.
‘Decoration, of course,’ said Mother indignantly.
‘What a jolly idea ! Don’t forget to shake the fish out of them when you come out of
the water.’
‘Well, I like it, anyway,’ Mother said firmly, wrapping the monstrosity up again, ‘and
I’m going to wear it.’
‘You’ll have to be careful you don’t get waterlogged, with all that cloth around you,’
said Leslie seriously.
‘Mother, it’s awful; you can’t wear it,’ said Margo. ‘Why on earth didn’t you get
something more up to date?’
Question 2
When you get to my age, dear you can’t go around in a two-piece bathing suit…. You
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
don’t have the figure for it.’
Select any one of the following: [10] ‘I’d love to know what sort of figure that was designed for,’ remarked Larry.
(a) Your class wants to visit a well-known historical monument in a nearby town.
‘You really are hopeless, Mother,’ said Margo despairingly.
Write a letter to your Principal seeking permission and say why you would benefit
from the visit. ‘But I like it…. And I’m not asking you to wear it,’ Mother pointed out angrily.
(b) Your school recently held a jubilee celebration. Write a letter to your friend who was ‘That’s right, you do what you want to do,’ agreed Larry; don’t be put off. It’ll probably
unable to attend, giving details of the function and your role in it.
suit you very well if you can grow another three or four legs to go with it.’

Question 3 Mother snorted indignantly and swept upstairs to try on her costume.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: Presently she called to us to come and see the effect, and we all trooped up to the
bedroom. Roger the dog, was the first to enter, and on being greeted by this strange
For some time Mother had greatly envied us our swimming, both in the daytime and
apparition clad in its voluminous black costume rippling with frills, he retreated
at night, but as she pointed out when we suggested she join us, she was far too old for that
hurriedly through the door, backwards, backwards, barking ferociously.
sort of thing. Eventually, however, under constant pressure from us, Mother paid a visit
into town and returned to the villa coyly bearing a mysterious parcel. Opening this she
It was some time before we could persuade him that it really was Mother, and even
astonished us all by holding up an extraordinary shapeless garment of black cloth, covered
then he kept giving her vaguely uncertain looks from the corner of his eye. However,
from top to bottom with hundreds of frills and pleats and tucks.
 in spite of all opposition, Mother stuck to her tent-like bathing-suit, and in the end we Question 4
gave up. (a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct from of the word given in
brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase
In order to celebrate her first entry into the sea we decided to have a
appropriate to the blank space.
moonlight picnic down at the bay, and sent an invitation to Theodore, who was the Example:
only stranger that Mother would tolerate on such a great occasion. The day for the (0) He had been (0) ________ (sit) on the bank of a small irrigation canal.
Answer: sitting
great immersion arrived, food and wine were prepared, the boat was cleaned out and
filled with cushions and everything was ready when Theodore turned up. He was (1)_______ (gaze) at a couple of heron (2)_______ (fish) in the muddy water,
when he (3) ________ (feel) something bumps his elbow (4) ___________(look) around, he
(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. One word (5) _______ (find) at his side a little goat, jet black and soft as velvet with lovely grey
answers or short phrase will be accepted. eyes. Neither her owner nor her mother (6) ________ (be) around.
(i) Peering (line 13)
(ii) ferociously (line 41) She continued to (7) ________ (nudge) Mukesh, so he (8) _______ (look) in his pocket for
(iii) immersion (line 49) [3] nourishment. [4]

(b) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word:

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words: (i) There was a steep rise ________ onion prices.
(i) Why did mother not join the swimming in the beginning? [2] (ii) Air pollution is responsible for the spread _________ bronchitis.
(ii) Briefly describe her swimming costume. [2] (iii) He was ________ pressure to complete the work.
(iii) What did Larry think it was? [2] (iv) Joan jumped _________ the river to rescue the child.
(iv) Which sentence tells you that Margo thought it was old fashioned? [2] (v) His teacher is very pleased _________ him.
(v) What was Leslie’s concern? [2] (vi) Ali took _________ his cap and wiped his face.
(vi) Why did mother think it was suitable? [2] (vii) The old woman could not get _________ the shock.
(viii) He should not get __________ with such rudeness. [4]
(c)
(i) In not more than 60 words describe what happened after mother went upstairs to (c) Join the following sentence to make one complete sentence without using and, but
try on her costume. [8] or so :
(ii) Give a title to your summary in 3(c)(i). Give a reason to justify your choice. [2] (i) My grandfather is very old. He is very active.
(ii) Mala is not in the classroom. Mala is not in the library.
(iii) She was so excited about her performance. She could not sleep at night.
(iv) Mumbai is densely populated. It is one of the major cities in the country. [4]

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make
other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.
(i) The book was so interesting that I could not put in down.
(Begin: The book was too ……………………)
(ii) The Principal said "All the prizes will be distributed tomorrow."
(Begin: The Principal said that…………………………….)

(iii) Last night’s dinner was cooked for us by father.

(Begin: Father ……………………………)
(iv) If Mary catches the first bus, she will be on time for school.
 (Begin: Unless …………………………….) ENGLISH LANGUAGE
(v) Inspite of having high fever the girl came to school.
(Begin: Despite …………………………….)) ENGLISH Paper – 1
(vi) I prefer going out with friends to staying alone at home. (Two hours)
(Begin: I would rather ………………………...)
(vii) Hardly had the teacher left the room, when all the children started making a Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
noise. You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
(Begin: No sooner ………………………………………)
(viii) This is the funniest movie I have ever seen. This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
(Begin: Never ………………………………………) [8]
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Attempt all four questions.

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

You are advised to spend not more than 35 minutes in answering Question 1
and 20 minutes in answering Question 2.

Question 1
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) [25]
Write a composition (350 - 400 words) on any one of the following:
(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words: “It was raining hard
that night. In my hurry to get into the house, I didn’t notice the black car
parked across the road. I realized something was wrong when……….”

(b) “School days are the happiest days of our lives.” Express your views either
for or against this statement.

(c) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you helped a friend who
was in trouble. Explain what happened. What did you do to make the situation
better?

(d) There has been heavy rain in your city/town. You went to school but found
that it was closed because of the rain. Describe the sights and sounds near the
school and narrate how you finally reached home and spent the rest of the
day.

This Paper consists of 7 printed pages and 1 blank page.

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© Copyright Reserved
 (e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of Question 3
what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bipin Chowdhury would drop in
connection between the picture and your composition. at New Market to buy books. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him
through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and
didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Those who called in the evening got
through their business quickly and left. Those who didn’t show signs of
leaving would be told around eight o’clock by Bipin Babu that he was under
doctor’s orders to have dinner at eight-thirty. After dinner he would rest for
half an hour and then turn in with a book. This was a routine which had
persisted unbroken for years.

Today, Bipin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close 10
quarters. He turned round and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-
looking man who now broke into a smile.

‘I don’t suppose you recognize me.’

Bipin Babu felt ill at ease. It didn’t seem that he had ever encountered this man
before. The face seemed quite unfamiliar.

‘Have we met before?’ asked Bipin Babu.

Question 2 [10]
The man looked greatly surprised. ‘We met every day for a whole week. I
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
arranged for a car to take you to the Hudroo falls. My name is Parimal Ghose.’
Select any one of the following:
(a) A number of loose electric wires are hanging from a lamp post near the main ‘Ranchi?’
gate of your school. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner explaining Now Bipin Babu realized this man was making a mistake. Bipin Babu had 20
the problem, the danger it poses and suggest a quick solution. never been to Ranchi. He smiled and said, ‘Do you know who I am?’
(b) You were a part of an organizing committee for an inter-school event which The man raised his eyebrows, and said, ‘Who doesn’t know Bipin
was very successful. You and the other committee members were Chowdhury?’
congratulated and praised at the school assembly by the Principal. Write a
Bipin Babu turned towards the bookshelves and said, ‘You’re making a
letter to your grandmother telling her about the event and your feelings at
mistake. I’ve never been to Ranchi.’
being recognized and praised in front of the school.

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 The man now laughed aloud. (a) Give the meaning of the following words as used in the passage: [3]

What are you saying, Mr. Chowdhury? You had a fall in Hudroo and cut your One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.
right knee. I brought you iodine. I had fixed up a car for you to go to Netarhat (i) persisted (line 9)
the next day, but you couldn’t because of the pain in the knee. Can’t you recall
(ii) decade (line 42)
anything? Someone else you know was also in Ranchi at that time. Mr. Dinesh 30
(iii) intruder (line 48)
Mukherjee. You stayed in a bungalow. You said you didn’t like hotel food.
I’ll tell you more: you always carried a bag with your books in it on your (b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
sightseeing trips. Am I right or not?’ (i) How did Bipin Chowdhury find time to read five books a week? [2]

Bipin Babu spoke quietly, his eyes still on the books. (ii) How did he get rid of visitors who stayed late? [2]
(iii) Which sentence tells you that Bipin Babu was uncomfortable? [2]
‘Which month in Nineteen fifty- eight are you talking about?’
(iv) What strong argument did Bipin Babu give to prove that he was not in [2]
The man said, ‘October.’ Ranchi at that time?
‘No, sir,’ said Bipin Babu. ‘I spent October Nineteen fifty- eight with a friend (v) What does Bipin Babu regret? [2]
in Kanpur. You’re making a mistake. Good day.’ (vi) What are Bipin Babu’s feelings at the end of the passage? [2]

But the man didn’t go, nor did he stop talking. (c) (i) What memories of the trip does Parimal Ghose evoke to prove that Bipin [8]
Babu was indeed in Ranchi? Answer in not more than 60 words.
‘Very strange. One evening I had tea with you on the veranda of your 40
bungalow. You spoke about your family. You said you had no children, and (ii) Give a title to your summary in 3(c)(i). Give a reason to justify your [2]
that you had lost your wife a decade ago. choice of the title.

When Bipin Babu had paid for the books and was leaving the shop, the man
was still looking at him in utter disbelief. Question 4
Bipin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street. He told the driver as he (a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in [4]
got into the car, ‘Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.’ Driving up the brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word
Strand Road, Bipin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
intruder. He had never been to Ranchi. He had an excellent memory. Example:
Unless he was losing his mind! Answer: (0) started

My mother (0) __________ (start) school when she (1) __________ (be) six
and (2) __________ (stop) the same term. She was unusual in the village as
she had a father and brother who (3) __________ (encourage) her to go to

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 school. She was the only girl in a class of boys and claims she was brighter (iii) “We have had no rain since January”, Ramu said.
than the boys. But every day she (4) __________ (will) leave behind her girl (Begin: Ramu said that they……………………………)
cousins (5) __________ (play) at home and she (6) __________ (envy) them.
(iv) It is dangerous as well as illegal to drive a motorcycle without a helmet.
There (7) __________ (seem) to be no point in (8) __________ (go) to school
(Begin: It is not……………………………)
just to end up doing housework.
(v) He had plenty of wealth but he was not happy.
(b) Fill in each blank with an appropriate word: [4]
(Begin: In spite……………………………)
(i) She shouted angrily __________ the disobedient boy.
(vi) He was so tired that he could not stand.
(ii) I asked them to provide us ___________ a guide.
(Use: too)
(iii) The tree grew at a dangerous slant and had to be cut __________.
(vii) Every one of them was an experienced mountaineer.
(iv) My daughter believes __________ fairies.
(Begin: There was no……………………………)
(v) He drew a beautiful diagram __________ the board.
(viii) I have never seen a film as bad as this.
(vi) She battled her way __________ the crowd.
(Begin: This is……………………………)
(vii) We were asked to gather __________ the teacher.

(viii) They had to climb __________ the steep pathway to reach the top.

(c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using [4]
and, but or so:
(i) This is the hospital. I was born here.

(ii) The children have been sick for a week. They were unable to go to school.

(iii) Mrs. Kumar has been a teacher for thirty years. She will now retire.

(iv) We have had no respect for nature. Now we are suffering from the effects
of global warming.

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after [8]
each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the
meaning of each sentence.
(i) Not many people read for pleasure these days.
(Begin: Few……………………………)

(ii) Since her childhood Meera has been good in Mathematics.

(End: ……………………………childhood.)

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 ENGLISH LANGUAGE (e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of
what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the
ENGLISH Paper – 1
picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear
(Two hours) connection between the picture and your composition.
Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Attempt all four questions.

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

You are advised to spend not more than 35 minutes in answering Question 1
and 20 minutes in answering Question 2.

Question 1

(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.)

Write a composition (350 - 400 words) on any one of the following: [25]
Question 2 [10]
(a) Write an original short story entitled ‘The Gift’. (Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)

(b) “Money is important for happiness.” Express your views either for or Select any one of the following:

against this statement. (a) Your uncle has offered to get you a pet for your birthday. Write a letter to him
telling him what you would like, give reasons for your choice and tell him
(c) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you helped to prepare a
how you would take care of your pet.
meal. Explain what you did and what you gained from the experience.
(b) The traffic outside your school is very heavy and chaotic.
(d) You had been waiting outside the examination hall. Describe what you saw
Write a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) pointing out the
and the sounds you heard when you arrived at the place. What were your
danger of such heavy and chaotic traffic in a school zone. Suggest possible
feelings? Describe how the scene changed once you entered the hall and the
solutions for the problem.
examination started.

This Paper consists of 8 printed pages.

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 Question 3 So, Uncle Ken joined the driving school.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: After a month Uncle Ken announced that he could drive and that he was taking
Granny knew I’d been in the train for two nights, and she had a huge breakfast the car out for a trial run.
ready for me. ‘You haven’t got your license yet,’ said Granny.
Later she told me there’d been a letter from Uncle Ken. ‘Oh, I won’t take it far,’ said Uncle Ken. ‘Just down the road and back again.’
‘He says he’s the manager in Firpo’s hotel in Simla,’ she said. ‘The salary is He spent all morning cleaning up the car. Granny gave him money for a can
very good. It’s a steady job and I hope he keeps it.’ 30
of petrol.
Three days later Uncle Ken was on the veranda steps with his bedding roll and
After tea, Uncle Ken said, ‘Come along, Ruskin, hop in and I will give you a
battered suitcase. ride. Bring Mohan along too.’ Mohan and I needed no urging. We got into the
‘Have you given up the hotel job?’ asked Granny. car beside Uncle Ken.

‘No,’ said Uncle Ken. ‘They have closed down.’ ‘Now don’t go too fast, Ken,’ said Granny anxiously. ‘You are not used to the

‘I hope it wasn’t because of you.’

10 car as yet.’

‘No, Aunt Ellen. The bigger hotels in the hill stations are closing down.’ Uncle Ken nodded and smiled and gave two sharp toots on the horn. He was
feeling pleased with himself.
‘Well, never mind. Come along and have your lunch.’
Driving through the gate, he nearly ran over a cat.
Over lunch, Uncle Ken talked very seriously about ways and means of earning
a living. Miss Kellner, coming out for her evening rickshaw ride, saw Uncle Ken at the
wheel of the car and ran indoors again. 40
‘There is only one taxi in the whole of Dehra,’ he mused. ‘Surely there is
Uncle Ken drove straight and fast, tootling the horn without a break.
business for another?’

‘I’m sure there is,’ said Granny. ‘But where does it get you? In the first place, At the end of the road there was a roundabout.

you don’t have a taxi. And in the second place, you can’t drive.’ ‘We’ll turn here,’ said Uncle Ken, ‘and then drive back again.’

‘I can soon learn. There’s a driving school in town. And I can use Uncle’s old He turned the steering wheel, we began going round the roundabout, but the
car.’ 20 steering wheel wouldn’t turn all the way, not as much as Uncle Ken would

‘I don’t think it will run now,’ said Granny. have liked it to… So, instead he went on – and straight through the Maharaja
of Jetpur’s garden wall.
‘Of course, it will. It just needs some oiling and greasing and a spot of paint.’
It was a single-brick wall, and the car knocked it down and emerged on the
‘All right, learn to drive.’
other side without any damage to the car or any of its occupants. Uncle Ken

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 brought it to a halt in the middle of the Maharaja’s lawn. 50 Question 4

Running across the grass came the Maharaja himself. When he saw that it was (a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in [4]

Uncle Ken at the wheel, the Maharaja beamed with pleasure. brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word
or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
‘Delighted to see you, old chap!’ he exclaimed. ‘Jolly decent of you to drop in
again. How about a game of tennis?’ Example:

(a) Give the meaning of the following words as used in the passage: [3] (0) beginning

One word answers or short phrases will be accepted. Alice was (0) ____________ (begin) to get very tired of (1)____________(sit)
(i) battered (line 7) by her sister on the bank and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had
(ii) mused (line 15) (2) ____________ (peep) into the book her sister was reading, but it
(iii) emerged (line 48) (3) ____________ (have) no pictures or conversations in it, "and what is the

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words. use of a book," (4) ____________ (think) Alice, "without pictures or
conversations?”
(i) Why did Granny hope Uncle Ken would keep his job at Firpo’s hotel? [2]
Alice wondered whether the pleasure of (5)___________(make) a daisy-chain
(ii) When Uncle Ken arrived with his luggage, Granny remarked that she [2]
would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when
hoped the hotel had not closed down because of him. What does this
suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes (6) ____________ (run) close by her.
remark tell you about Uncle Ken?
Alice did not think this was very remarkable, until the Rabbit actually
(iii) Why did Uncle Ken think that driving a taxi in Dehra would be profitable? [2] (7) ____________ (take) a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and
(iv) Which sentence tells you that the narrator and his friend were waiting to [2] (8)____________ (look) at it, and then hurried on.
be invited for a drive in a car? (b) Fill in each blank with an appropriate word: [4]
(v) Why did Miss Kellner run indoors when she saw Uncle Ken at the wheel [2] (i) The poet’s mother was stung ____________ a scorpion.
of the car?
(ii) “Please write ____________ what I tell you otherwise you will forget,”
(vi) What was Uncle Ken’s intention at the roundabout? [2] the teacher said.
(c) (i) In not more than 60 words, describe what happened after the car went [8] (iii) The dog was hiding ____________ the bed, barking at the stranger.
through the wall.
(iv) Sheila’s grandmother found it difficult to climb ____________ the steep
(ii) Give a title to your summary in 3(c)(i). Give a reason to justify your [2] staircase.
choice of the title.
(v) The soldier fought bravely ____________ his country.

(vi) There is no use crying ____________ spilt milk.

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 (vii) I don’t know what they were arguing ____________ but I could hear (vii) Anil is too fast a runner not to come first in the race.
angry voices. (Begin: Anil is so…………………)

(viii) The school playground is out ____________ bounds for the pupils of the (viii) As soon as the sports meet ended, the children ran on the field.
primary school. (Begin: Hardly…………………)

(c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using [4]
and, but or so:

(i) They have to go to bed early every night. They are allowed to stay up late
on Saturdays.

(ii) The children were delighted. The exams had been cancelled.

(iii) We are not allowed to play in the sun. We are not allowed to play in the
rain.

(iv) This is the place. The dog was rescued from its cruel owner.

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after [8]
each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the
meaning of each sentence.

(i) She laid the table after she had finished the cooking.
(Begin: When…………………)

(ii) He is old but still he works hard.

(Begin: Despite…………………)

(iii) The delivery boy was requested to bring the parcel the next day.
(Rewrite using direct speech)

(iv) I prefer playing a game to watching television.

(Begin: I would rather…………………)

(v) Every family has a black sheep.

(Begin: There is no…………………)

(vi) I have never worn a more ill-fitting suit.

(End: ………………… ever worn.)

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 (e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of
ENGLISH LANGUAGE what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the
ENGLISH Paper – 1 picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear
connection between the picture and your composition.
(Two hours)

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Attempt all five questions.

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes in answering Question 1 and 20 minutes in
answering Question 2.

Question 1

(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)

Write a composition (300 - 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]
Question 2 [10]
(a) Write an original short story in which two children and their Grandfather are
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
the main characters.
Select any one of the following:
(b) Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) must be installed in every class room. (a) You want to start a new club in your school.
Give your views either for or against this statement. Write a letter to your Principal requesting permission to start the club, explain
(c) Your class had to conduct a Morning Assembly. Write an account of how you your role in it and give reasons to prove that the club will be beneficial for
prepared for it, what your role was and what you gained from the experience. the school.

(d) Summers are becoming hotter with each passing year. Write a description of (b) Your friend has not fared well in the recent examinations. Write a letter to

one such very hot day. What did you see and hear as you walked outside? him / her expressing your concern. Give him / her some advice on how to score

How were birds and animals affected? better marks and offer to help him / her to improve his / her performance.

This Paper consists of 6 printed pages.

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© Copyright Reserved
 Question 3 piano and a big sofa and several plump armchairs; and in one corner he spotted 20
(a) Your school is hosting an Inter-School Quiz Competition. [5] a large parrot in a cage. Animals were usually a good sign in a place like this,

Write out a notice to be displayed in your school giving all details for the Billy told himself and it looked to him as though it would be a pretty decent

event. house to stay in.

(b) Write an e-mail to the Principal of a neighbouring school requesting him / her [5] Then a queer thing happened to him. He was in the act of stepping back and
to send a team of three members to participate in the Quiz Competition. going away from the window when he felt a strange urge to ring the bell!

He pressed the bell. He heard it ringing, and then at once the door swung open
Question 4 and a woman was standing there.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
She gave him a warm welcoming smile.
Billy Weaver had travelled down from London and by the time he arrived it
“Please come in,” she said pleasantly. Billy found himself automatically
was nine o’clock in the night and the moon was coming up.
moving forward into the house. 30
“Excuse me,” he asked a porter. “but is there a cheap hotel nearby?”
“I saw the notice in the window,” he said, holding himself back.
“Try The Bell Hotel,” the porter answered, pointing down the road.
“Yes, I know.”
Billy thanked him, picked up his suitcase and set out to walk the distance to
“I was wondering about a room.”
The Bell Hotel. He had never been to Richmond before. But the man at the
Office had told him it was a splendid city. “It’s all ready for you, my dear,” she said. She had a round pink face and very
gentle blue eyes.
Billy was seventeen years old. He was wearing a new navy-blue overcoat, a
new brown hat, and a new brown suit, and he was feeling fine. He walked “How much do your charge?”

briskly down the street. He was trying to do everything briskly these days. The 10 “Five dollars a night, including breakfast.”
big shots up at the Head Office were fantastically brisk all the time. They were
It was fantastically cheap. He could easily afford it.
amazing.
(a) Give the meaning of the following words as used in the passage: [3]
The road was lonely and dark with a few scattered houses.
One-word answers or short phrases will be accepted.
Suddenly, in a downstairs window Billy saw a printed notice propped up (i) splendid (line 7)
against the window glass. It said Bed and Breakfast. (ii) spotted (line 20)
He moved a bit closer and peered through the window into the room, and the (iii) automatically (line 29)
first thing he saw was a bright fire burning in the hearth. On the carpet in front (b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
of the fire, a little dog was curled up asleep with its nose tucked into its belly.
(i) How did the porter assist Billy? [2]
The room in half-darkness was filled with pleasant furniture. There was a

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 (ii) Why did Billy want to do everything briskly? [2] (vii) Ronnie is married __________ my cousin.

(iii) Why did Billy think animals were a good sign in a place like this? [2] (viii) The gift came __________ a birthday card.

(iv) Which sentence tells you that something strange happened to Billy? [2] (c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using [4]

(v) How much did the room cost? [1] and, but or so:
(i) He was very ill. He did not take any medicine.
(c) In not more than 50 words, give a brief account of what Billy saw as he looked [8]
(ii) You come back from your holiday. We will discuss the problem.
through the window of the room.
(iii) He remained absent on Friday. It was foolish of him.
Question 5
(iv) Rahul ran all the way to the bus stop. He missed the bus.
(a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in [4]
brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word (d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after [8]
or phrase appropriate to the blank space. each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the
Example: meaning of each sentence.
(0) roamed (i) The old woman said to Arun, “Can you help me to cross the street?”
Once upon a time, in the days when genies and giants (0)___________ (roam) (Begin: The old woman asked Arun …………………)
the land, there (1) ____________ (live) a farmer (2)____________ (name) (ii) As soon as the sun rose over the hills, the fog disappeared.
Baba Ayub. He lived with his family in a little village by the name of Maidan (Begin: No sooner…………………)
Sabz. Because he had a large family to feed, Baba Ayub (3) ____________
(iii) It rained so heavily that they could not go for the picnic.
(see) his days (4) ____________ (consume) by hard work. Every day, he
(Rewrite: Using ‘too …………………to’)
(5)___________ (labour) from dawn to sundown, (6)____________ (plow)
his field and (7) ____________ (turn) the soil and (8)___________ (tend) to (iv) If your friends get here before 7 o’clock we can take them out for dinner.

his meagre pistachio trees. (Rewrite: Using ‘unless’.)

(b) Fill in each blank with an appropriate word: [4] (v) The school captain was elected by the students of classes XI and XII.
(Begin: The students…………………)
(i) The puppy was hiding __________ the sofa.
(vi) Greenland is the largest island in the world.
(ii) Stop worrying __________ your future. (Rewrite: Using ‘larger’.)
(iii) When I stepped __________ the lift, I found it had stopped working. (vii)How cruel Shylock was to demand his pound of flesh!

(iv) We had to use a bridge to go __________ the river. (Begin: It was cruel…………………)

(v) I have lived in this town __________ ten years. (viii) Arun was asked by his mother to explain the missing buttons on his shirt.
(Rewrite: Using ‘explanation’)
(vi) Please switch __________ all lights and fans when you leave the room.

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 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
(ENGLISH PAPER – 1)

Maximum Marks: 80

Time allowed: Two hours

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

Attempt all five questions.

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes in answering Question 1 and 20 minutes in answering
Question 2.

Question 1
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300 - 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]
(i) Write an original short story in which two children and their school teacher
are the main characters.

(ii) Imagine a situation where you get an opportunity to change one thing in your
school. What would it be? Why do you want to change it? How would you
bring about the change?

(iii) ‘School examinations do not test intelligence.’

Express your views either for or against this statement.

(iv) You are a regular visitor to your school library. Describe your library. Give
details of the familiar sights. What do you see and feel as different students
come in and check out the books? Why is this place so important?

This paper consists of 8 printed pages.

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© Copyright reserved.
 (v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of Question 4
what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
picture, or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear That huge bell never stopped ringing. It got us out of bed, it summoned us for
connection between the picture and your composition. meals, it rang between class periods, it sent us unwillingly to bed.
One morning it failed to ring, or rather, there was no bell to ring. Someone had
removed it, and it wasn’t found till late in the afternoon.
What a glorious day! As there was no bell to rouse us, everyone got up late,
and there was no morning PT. Some of us missed breakfast too. The teachers
got confused and mixed up their classes. How could the school manage
without it? Confusion reigned.
Of course, no one owned up. It could have meant expulsion. Some suspicion
fell on the Sports Captain because of our aversion to morning PT, but nothing 10
could be proved.
No one was very anxious to find the bell – we were quite happy without it –
Question 2 [10] but it was finally discovered hanging from a branch of one of the trees.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.) ‘It may have been Mr. Sharma,’ surmised Brian. Mr. Sharma, our Maths
Select any one of the following: teacher, was known to walk in his sleep. And sleepwalkers did funny things
(i) You have had to shift to a new house recently. Write a letter to your sometimes.

grandmother telling her what you miss about your old house. Tell her also ‘It could be Mool Chand himself,’ suggested Cyrus Satralkar.

what you like about your new house and what you plan to do to make it Mool Chand was the school chowkidar, who also had the job of banging the
comfortable for yourself. brass bell at appointed times.
‘Why would he throw it away?’ 20
(ii) A certain book / chapter has been included in your syllabus. You have heard
‘He must be as fed up with ringing it as we are of hearing it.’ This was my
that a film version is now available. Write a letter to the Manager of a film
theory. ‘Perhaps he wants a rise in salary.’
theatre near your school, requesting that the film be shown. Tell him / her why
The identity of the culprit remained a mystery. Happily, the senior Hockey
it will be beneficial to the students.
team went on a winning spree against all corners, and our month-end exits
were restored.
Question 3 But soon there was another sensation.
(i) Write a notice to be put up in your school informing the pupils of Classes IX [5] A girl was admitted to our class!
and X about the Remedial Classes to be held after the school hours and asking The boys were scandalized. No girl had ever studied in our school before. We
them to register their names for it. protested.

(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school inviting their pupils [5] ‘What’s the problem?’ asked Mr. Knight, our class master. ‘Haven’t you seen 30
a girl before?’
to attend the classes if they so wish. Give all details of the classes to be held.

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 ‘But – but. Sir…’ Tata was our spokesman. ‘How will we concentrate on our (ii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:
studies?’ (a) Why did no one confess to having removed the missing bell? [1]
‘When did you ever concentrate on your studies, Tata?’
(b) Why did suspicion fall on the Sports Captain? [2]
‘Are we going co-ed, sir?’ Adams wanted to know.
(c) What made Brian think that it was Mr. Sharma? [2]
‘Not at all,’ said Mr. Knight. ‘This is a special case. She is the school accounts
(d) Which sentence in the passage tells you that Mr. Knight thought poorly [2]
manager’s daughter, and he can’t afford the Girls school fees. So, I’m sure
you’ll make her feel very welcome.’ of Tata’s academic performance?

The accountant was a popular man who also ran the school’s tuck shop and (e) Why was the accountant a popular man? [2]
allowed most of us a certain amount of credit. All our objections faded away. 40 (iii) In not more than 50 words describe the effects of the lost bell. [8]
At first, Sunita, our new entrant, was a bit of a distraction because, although
she was very shy and demure, she had lovely curly hair, bright eyes, pink
Question 5
cheeks and a smile for everyone. All the boys were very polite and attentive
to her and Brian in particular was always ready to help her. (i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in [4]

— Collection of Stories, Ruskin Bond brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or
phrase appropriate to the blank space.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the [3]
Example:
passage) from the options provided:
(0) One night four college students _______ (be) out partying late and did not
1. summoned (line 1)
study for the test scheduled for the next day.
(a) totalled Answer: were
(b) ordered
In the morning, they (1) ____________ (think) of a plan. They (2) _________
(c) requested (make) themselves look dirty with grease and dirt. Then they (3) ___________
(d) shout (go) to the Dean and (4) __________ (say) they (5) _________ (go) out to a
2. aversion (line 10) wedding last night and on their way back the tyre of their car burst and they
(a) hatred had to push the car all the way back.
(b) fear The Dean thought for a minute and said that they could have the re-test after
(c) politeness three days. They (6) ____________ (thank) him and said they would be ready.
(d) creation On the day of the test, they were made to sit in separate rooms. They agreed

3. restored (line 25) as they (7) ___________ (prepare) well. But they (8) _________ (get) a rude
shock!
(a) helped
(b) returned (ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]

(c) permit (a) A bird ___________ hand is worth two in the bush.

(d) victory (b) The boy is crazy ___________ football.

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 (c) She was tired __________ fighting and struggling all the time. (iv) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after [8]
(d) He opted __________ of the race. each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the

(e) We borrowed the bikes ___________ our uncle. meaning of each sentence. Choose the correct options.

(f) The police station is ________ the right. 1. He said to me, “I don’t believe you.”
(Begin: He said………)
(g) I looked at the stars ________ the telescope.
(a) He said he doesn’t want to believe in me.
(h) There was an accident __________ the crossroads.
(b) He said that he didn’t believe me.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using [4]
(c) He said that he didn’t believe in me.
and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. He jumped up. He ran away. (d) He said I don’t believe you.

(a) He jumped up before he ran away. 2. Some boys were helping the wounded man.

(b) Jumping up, he ran away. (Begin: The wounded…………)

(c) He ran away after jumping. (a) The wounded man was helping some boys.

(d) He ran away because he jumped up. (b) The wounded man were helping some boys.

2. He has failed many times. Still, he hopes to succeed. (c) The wounded man was being helped by some boys.

(a) He succeeds after he failed many times. (d) The wounded boys were helping the man.

(b) Despite of failing, he hopes to succeed. 3. He is as wise as Solomon.

(c) In spite of many failures, he hopes to succeed. (Use: ‘wiser’)

(d) He failed many times even though he hopes to succeed. (a) Solomon was wiser than he is.

3. Do not be a jeweller. Do not be a goldsmith. (b) He and Solomon are wiser.

(a) Be neither a jeweller nor a goldsmith. (c) Solomon was the wisest.

(b) Be both a jeweller and a goldsmith. (d) Solomon was not wiser than he is.

(c) Either be a jeweller or a goldsmith. 4. If the boys do not reach the school on time, they will be punished.

(d) Be a jeweller as well as a goldsmith. (Begin: Unless ……)

4. A cottager and his wife had a hen. The hen laid an egg every day. (a) Unless the boys reach the school on time, they will not be punished.

(a) Everyday, a hen laid an egg for a cottager and his wife. (b) Unless the boys are punished, they will not reach the school on time.

(b) A cottager and his wife had a hen who laid an egg every day. (c) Unless the school punished the boys, they will not reach on time.

(c) The cottager and his wife had an egg every day because they had a hen. (d) Unless the boys reach the school on time, they will be punished.

(d) A cottager and his wife had a hen which laid an egg every day.

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 5. As soon as he reaches home, his friends call him.
(Begin: Hardly………..)
(a) Hardly does he reach home when his friends call him.
(b) Hardly had he reached home than his friends called him.
(c) Hardly, he reaches home, his friends call him.
(d) Hardly when he reaches home than his friends call him.

6. She is weak, but she is courageous.

(Begin: Despite………)
(a) Despite of being weak she is courageous.
(b) Despite being weak, she is courageous.
(c) Despite being courageous, she is not weak.
(d) Despite weak, she is courageous.

7. We will never forget what we saw.

(Begin: Never…………….)
(a) Never forget what we see.
(b) Never will we forget what we had seen.
(c) Never will we see what we forget.
(d) Never will we forget what we saw.

8. Jaswant’s grandfather is too old to take up this job.

(Use: …….so….…..that…)
(a) Jaswant’s grandfather is so old that he could not take up this job.
(b) Jaswant’s grandfather is so old that he cannot take up this job.
(c) Jaswant’s grandfather is so old that he could take up this job.
(d) Jaswant’s grandfather is so old that he can take up this job.

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