Grade: 9                                    MOCK TEST (2024-2025)                  Date:
Time: 3 hours                       English: Language and Literature (184)         Marks: 80
       General Instructions:
          • This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All questions are compulsory.
          • Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
               instructions very carefully and follow them.
          • Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
                                  SECTION A – (READING COMPREHENSION – 20 marks)
      1. Read the passage and answer the following questions:                                   (10 marks)
1. “Click!” That’s the sound of safety. That’s the sound of survival. That’s the sound of a seat belt locking in place. Seat belts
save lives, and that’s a fact. That’s why I don’t drive anywhere until mine is on tight. Choosing to wear your seat belt is as
simple as choosing between life and death. Which one do you choose?
2. Think about it. When you’re driving in a car, you may be traveling at 60 MPH or faster. Your car is zipping down the road.
Then, suddenly, someone ahead of you slams on their brakes. Your driver doesn’t have time to stop. The car you are in
crashes. It was going 60 miles per hour, and now it has suddenly stopped. Your body, however, is still moving at 60 MPH.
What’s going to stop your body? Will it be the windshield or your seat belt? Every time you get into a car, you make that
choice. I choose the seat belt.
3. Some people think that seat belts are uncool. They believe seat belts cramp their style or find them uncomfortable. To
them, I ask: what’s more uncomfortable? Wearing a seat belt or flying through a car windshield? What’s more uncool? Being
safely secured in a car, or skidding across the road in your jeans? Wearing a seat belt is both cooler and more comfortable
than the alternatives.
4. Let’s take a closer look at your choices. If you are not wearing a seat belt, you can move freely around the car and slide
in and out of your seat easily. That might sound like fun, but you are also more likely to die or suffer serious injuries in an
accident. If you are wearing a seat belt, you have to stay in your seat. It may not seem fun, but you are much more likely to
walk away unharmed from a car accident. A small inconvenience for significant safety. That’s a choice worth considering. I
prefer to avoid the serious pain.
5. How about giving money away? Do you like to do that? Probably not. But when you don’t wear your seat belt, you are
effectively choosing to give your money away. That’s because children are required to wear seat belts in every state in
several countries. If you’re riding in a car without a seat belt, the police can issue a challan ticket to you or your driver. Then
you’ll have to pay a fine for the offense.
6. Wearing a seat belt does not make you invincible. You can still get hurt or killed while wearing your seat belt. However,
wearing them has proven to be safer than not wearing them. You are much less likely to be killed or seriously injured in a
car crash if you are wearing a seat belt. So why not choose the safer option? Why not go the way that has been proven to
result in fewer deaths and injuries? After all, you do want to live, don’t you?
1: What assumption can be made about the author’s attitude towards seat belt usage?
A) They believe it’s a personal choice with no real consequences.
B) They are indifferent to the use of seat belts.
C) They view wearing seat belts as an essential safety measure.
D) They think seat belts are unnecessary in modern cars.
2: According to the passage, what is a consequence of not wearing a seat belt?
A) Increased comfort while driving.          B) Higher risk of injury or death in a car crash.
C) No significant effect on safety.          D) Lower chances of getting a traffic ticket.
3: What does the passage suggest about the perception of seat belts among some people?
A) Universally accepted as necessary.          B) Seen as an optional accessory.
C) Considered uncool or uncomfortable by some.        D) Viewed as a recent technological advancement.
4: The passage implies that the decision to wear a seat belt can also affect:
A) The vehicle’s overall performance.         B) Legal and financial consequences.
C) The time it takes to reach a destination.          D) The car’s fuel efficiency.
5: Complete the sentence:
According to the passage, choosing not to wear a seat belt while driving can lead to __________.
6: Based on the passage, why do you think wearing a seat belt is important despite some people considering it uncool or
uncomfortable?
7: State whether the statements are True or False:
The passage suggests that wearing a seat belt can completely eliminate the risk of injury or death in car accidents.
8: The passage includes some words that have similar meanings.
From the sets (a)-(d) below, identify the set that contains synonyms:
1. Unharmed and Safe             2. Choice and Option              3. Probably and invincible
4. uncool and effective 5. slide and avoid
(a) Option 1 and 2       (b) Option 3 and 4       (c) Option 2 and 3       (d) Option 1 and 4
9: Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A) The Unseen Dangers of Driving               B) The Importance of Wearing Seat Belts
C) Road Safety and Legal Implications. D) The Evolution of Car Safety Features
10: State whether the following line from the passage is an example of a factual, persuasive, cautionary, or
humorous statement.
“Your car was going 60 miles per hour. Now it has suddenly stopped. Your body, however, is still going 60 MPH. What’s
going to stop your body?”
Answers
    1.   C) They view wearing seat belts as an essential safety measure.
    2.   B) Higher risk of injury or death in a car crash.
    3.   C) Considered uncool or uncomfortable by some.
    4.   B) Legal and financial consequences.
    5.   Wearing a seat belt is important because it significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in case of an
         accident. While some may find it uncomfortable, the safety benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience.
         The passage emphasizes that seat belts can be the difference between life and death.
    6. Wearing a seat belt is important because it significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in case of an accident.
        While some may find it uncomfortable, the safety benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience. The passage
        emphasizes that seat belts can be the difference between life and death.
    7. False
    8. (a) Option 1 and 2 (Unharmed and Safe; Choice and Option)
    9. B) The Importance of Wearing Seat Belts
    10. Your car was going 60 miles per hour. Now it has suddenly stopped. Your body, however, is still going 60 MPH.
        What’s going to stop your body?”
        Cautionary
      2. Read the passage and answer the following questions:                                         (10 marks)
Subhash Chandra Bose passed through quarters inhabited by Englishmen and also met a large number of them in the tram
cars. The British using these cars were purposely rude and offensive to Indians in various ways. The sensitive mind of
Subhash revolted against such insulting and rude behavior of the British. On many occasions, there was an exchange of hot
words between him and misbehaving British. Majority of the students of the Presidency College, where he studied, were
free thinkers. The college continued to be a storm centre and was looked upon by the British Government “as a hotbed of
sedition, rendezvous of revolutionaries” and was frequently searched by the police. The first two years of his life were
greatly influenced by the group, which styled itself as the neo-Vivekananda group and Subhash developed intellectually
during this period. The group generally followed the teachings of Rama Krishna and Vivekananda with special emphasis on
social service as means of spiritual development and was non-aligned to a revolutionary group. The shock of the Great
World War roused his political consciousness. He graduated at the age of 22 and enrolled himself for the postgraduate with
experimental psychology as a special subject.
His father, however, wanted him to go to England to appear for the Indian Civil Services. In spite of his mental reservations,
Subhash took it as a challenge. In England, he was greatly impressed with the freedom allowed to students at Cambridge.
Every student behaved in a dignified manner. Notwithstanding his preoccupation with his studies, he displayed his public
spirit and fearlessness throughout his stay in England. He and K. L. Gouba were selected by the Indian Majlis, to represent
the British Government the difficulties the Indian students encountered for admission to the University Officers’ Training
Corps. Though he took a harsh view of the British high handedness and racial arrogance, he did admire their qualities which
exacted him. He himself behaved there in a dignified way and was of the view that Indians who go abroad, must consider
themselves to be unofficial ambassadors of the country, who should uphold their country’s prestige. He was quite serious in
purpose and disliked anybody wasting time on trivialities.
 (i) Who were selected by the Indian Majlis?
a) Subhash Chandra Bose and KL Gouba              b) Jawahar Lal Nehru
c) Mahatma Gandhi                                 d) none of the above
(ii) Majority of the students of the Presidency college were _______________.
a) radical         b) arrogant      c) unhappy       d) free thinkers
(iii) Whose teachings did the group generally followed?
a) Mahatma Gandhi        b) Rabindranath Tagore            c) Rama Krishna           d) Lala Lajpat Rai
(iv) Subhash Chandra’s father wanted him to go to England and appear for what?
a) Barrister’s exam     b) Indian Civil Services        c) Start the freedom movement d) Judiciary exam
(v) At what age Subhash enrolled for his postgraduation?
a) 20 years     b) 25 years     c) 22 years      d) 21 years
(vi) Where is Cambridge University?
a) England      b) Germany      c) United States of America                 d) France
(vii) What does 'inhabited by' mean in the passage?
a) Occupied by            b) living with c) destroyed by              d) owned by
(viii) Identify synonym of trivial
a) Insignificant           b) simple        c) significant            d) rare
(ix)How was Presidency College perceived by the British Government during Subhash Chandra Bose's time?
(x) What was the ideological foundation of the neo-Vivekananda group that influenced Subhash Chandra Bose?
Answers
   i.        a) Subhash Chandra Bose and KL Gouba
   ii.       d) free thinkers
   iii.      c) Rama Krishna
   iv.       b) Indian Civil Services
   v.        c) 22 years
   vi.       a) England
   vii.      a) Occupied by
   viii.     a) Insignificant
   ix.       The British Government viewed Presidency College as a "hotbed of sedition" and a "rendezvous of
             revolutionaries." It was frequently searched by the police because of its association with nationalist and
             revolutionary activities.
    x.       The neo-Vivekananda group followed the teachings of Rama Krishna and Swami Vivekananda,
             emphasizing social service as a means of spiritual development. The group was not aligned with
             revolutionary movements but focused on intellectual and spiritual growth.
                                       SECTION – B (WRITING & GRAMMAR – 20 marks)
Q3. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 150 words.                     (5marks)
    A. You are going on a school picnic with your classmates and teachers. You are very excited. The night before the trip
         you sit down to write your diary. Describe what you have planned for the picnic and how you hope to enjoy yourself
         there. You are Rajesh. Write your diary in 100-150 words.
                                                             OR
    B. Continue the story from “It was a lovely rainy day. I was enjoying a cup of tea while sitting on the balcony of my 1st
         floor flat. Suddenly I felt dizzy and the cup fell from my hand. I … ”
Q4. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 150 words.                     (5marks)
    A. Describe A pirate of the Caribbean
         What was the life of such a pirate like? Would you do something similar?
                                                                OR
    B. Describe what according to you is The most beautiful place on earth
         Is it a city, a town, a mountain or a volcano? What did you feel like when you were there? Or if you have never been
         there, what captures your mind and makes you plan to go there?
Q5. Do as directed.                                                                            (10 marks)
    (i)      Fill in the blanks by using correct form of the word in the bracket.
             This time tomorrow, I ___________ (lie) on the beaches of Hawaii, away from this fast-paced life.
    (ii)     Rishabh said to us, “Let’s have a walk by the river.” Convert to indirect speech.
    (iii)    Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a health magazine.
             You ____________ all that cheese; it isn’t good for you.
             (a) Shouldn’t be eating (b) ought not be eating (c) cannot be eating (d) need not to eat
    (iv)     Identify the error and supply the correction for the following line, from a news report on the UNO. All five
             permanent members have expressed the right of veto at one time or another
                                               ERROR                  CORRECTION
    (v)      Fill in the blank, using the correct form of the verb given in the bracket.
             Neither the farmer nor the farm workers _____________ (willing) to settle the strike.
    (vi)     Rishi asked Ali the question given below. Report Rishi’s question.
             Can you type this entire project by tomorrow morning?
    (vii)    Fill in the blanks for the given line, from a doorway sign
             Caution! You ____________ not enter. Only employees are allowed beyond this point.
    (viii)   Identify the error in the advertisement given below and supply the correct for the same.
             A brand -new guitar is on sale. It comes with a wooden handle and a velvet-lined guitar case. If interested,
             contact me at 99889xxxxxx for more details. (Use the given format for your response.)
                                          ERROR                            CORRECTION
    (ix)     Choose the correct option to complete the given advertisement.
     Are you looking for more books to read? Due to popular demand, we ________ back our ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer
    next weekend!
    (a) brings           (b) brought       (c) will bring   (d) were bringing
(x) Read the conversion between a shopkeeper and an old man. Complete the sentence by reporting the old man’s reply
correctly.
Old man: How would you like me to pay you?
Shopkeeper: can you pay me in cash?
The old man asked the shopkeeper how he would like the old man to pay him. The shopkeeper asked the old man
___________________________________.
Answers
(i) This time tomorrow, I will be lying on the beaches of Hawaii, away from this fast-paced life.
(ii) Rishabh suggested having a walk by the river.
(iii) The correct option is: (a) Shouldn’t be eating
You shouldn’t be eating all that cheese; it isn’t good for you.
(iv) ERROR: expressed the right of veto
CORRECTION: exercised the right to veto
(v) Neither the farmer nor the farm workers are willing to settle the strike.
(vi) Rishi asked Ali if he could type the entire project by the next morning.
(vii) Caution! You must not enter. Only employees are allowed beyond this point.
(viii) ERROR: wooden handle
CORRECTION: wooden neck
(ix) The correct option is: (c) will bring
Are you looking for more books to read? Due to popular demand, we will bring back our ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer next
weekend!
(x) The old man asked the shopkeeper how he would like the old man to pay him. The shopkeeper asked the old man if he
could pay him in cash.
                                                SECTION C – LITERATURE
Q7. Read the extract and answer ANY ONE.                                             (5 marks)
7A.       Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
a.         What will the narrator say “with a sigh”?
b.         What is the theme of the poem?
c.        Which poetic device has been used in the poem to express the dilemma of making a choice?
d.        What is the tone of the poet in the stanza?
e.        Identify the figure of speech: “I shall be telling this with a sigh
Answers
            a. The narrator will say "with a sigh" that he took the road less traveled by, and it made all the difference in his
               life. The sigh could indicate nostalgia, regret, or satisfaction over the choice he made.
            b. The poem explores the theme of choices and their impact on life. It emphasizes the idea that decisions
               shape one’s future, and one must make choices wisely, even when uncertain about the outcome.
            c. The poet uses metaphor to compare the two roads to life choices, symbolizing different paths one can
               take. The poem also employs imagery to depict the setting and the decision-making process.
            d. The tone of the poet is reflective and contemplative. The phrase "with a sigh" suggests a mix of nostalgia
               and introspection, as he looks back on the choice he made and its impact on his life.
            e. The figure of speech used here is alliteration (repetition of the 's' sound in "shall," "sigh") and
               foreshadowing, as the poet predicts how he will feel in the future about his choice.
                                                             OR
7B.     It takes much time to kill a tree,
        Not a simple jab of the knife
        Will do it. It has grown
        Slowly consuming the earth,
        Rising out of it, feeding
        Upon its crust, absorbing
        Years of sunlight, air, water,
        And out of its leprous hide
        Sprouting leaves.
a. Which poem does this extract belong to?
b. Can a few blows from an axe kill a tree?
c. How does a tree gain its strength?
d. Where do the leaves come from?
e. Identify the poetic device in the first line of the poem.
Answers
A        The extract belongs to the poem "On Killing a Tree" by Gieve Patel.
b.       No, a few blows from an axe cannot kill a tree. The poem emphasizes that a tree takes years to grow and
cannot be destroyed easily. Even if it is cut, it will regrow unless its roots are completely uprooted.
c. A tree gains its strength by slowly consuming nutrients from the earth, rising out of the soil, and absorbing
sunlight, air, and water over many years.
d. The leaves sprout from the tree’s "leprous hide," which refers to its rough and uneven bark.
e. The poetic device used in the first line "It takes much time to kill a tree" is personification, as the tree is given
human-like qualities, implying it has a life that resists being killed.
Q8.     Read the extract and answer the following questions: (ANY ONE.)             (5 marks)
Why, this is a surprise, Mr- er-
I’m glad you’re pleased to see me.
I don’t think you’ll be pleased for long. Put those paws up!
This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but………
a. Who is speaking these lines and to whom? Where is the conversation taking place?
b. Why is the speaker’ so sure that ‘his listener’ won’t be pleased for long?
c. What does ‘paws’ mean here?
d. Why is the speaker asking the listener ‘to put those paws up’?
e. What does the phrase "I don’t think you’ll be pleased for long" suggest about the speaker's attitude or intentions? How
does this statement affect the tone of the conversation?
Answers:.
a.     Speaker: The Intruder
       Listener: Gerrard
       Location: Gerrard’s cottage
b.     The Intruder is sure that Gerrard won’t be pleased for long because he has come with the intention of killing him
       and assuming his identity to escape the law.
c.     ‘Paws’ here is a slang term for ‘hands.’ The Intruder uses it mockingly.
d.     The Intruder is asking Gerrard to put his hands up because he is holding him at gunpoint and wants to take control
       of the situation.
e.     The phrase "I don’t think you’ll be pleased for long" suggests that the Intruder has hostile intentions, creating a
       sense of impending danger. It adds a threatening and suspenseful tone to the conversation, making it clear that the
       situation is serious and possibly life-threatening for Gerrard
                                                     OR
8B.     It weaves its own associations. Yet hear any flute is, it seems to me, to be drawn into the commonality of all
        mankind, to be moved by music closest in its phrases and sentences to the human voice.
a. What does ‘it’ stand for?
b. How does ‘it’ weave its own associations?
c. Why does it draw the author in the ‘commonality of all mankind’?
d. Why is its music closest to the human voice?
e. The phrase "It weaves its own associations" suggests that music creates unique connections or meanings. How does the
reference to the flute evoke the idea of universal human experience, and what might the author be suggesting about the
power of music?
Answers:
   (a) ‘It’ stands for the flute.
   (b) The flute weaves its own associations by evoking emotions, memories, and cultural connections unique to each
       listener. Different people may associate its sound with different experiences or feelings.
   (c) The flute draws the author into the commonality of all mankind because its music is universally understood and
       appreciated. Music transcends barriers of language, culture, and geography, uniting people through shared
       emotions and experiences.
   (d) Its music is closest to the human voice because the flute produces soft, flowing, and expressive notes that
       resemble human speech and singing. Its melodies often mimic the rise and fall of spoken language, making it
       deeply emotional and relatable.
   (e) The phrase "It weaves its own associations" suggests that music has the power to create unique, personal
       meanings for each listener. The reference to the flute evokes the idea of universal human experience because its
       sound is natural, emotive, and resonates across different cultures. The author is suggesting that music is a
       powerful, unifying force that connects people regardless of their background, emphasizing its ability to express
       emotions and bring people together.
Q9.       Answer the following questions in 60 - 80 words. (Any 2)           (2 x 3 = 6 marks)
      a. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca Cola”. What does‘all this’ refer to? (kathmandu)
      b. Maria Sharapova possesses some contradictory characteristics. What are they? (Reach for the top)
      c. What does the feature “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”, tell us about the paternal ancestors of Bismillah Khan?
         (Sound of Music)
      (a) In Kathmandu by Vikram Seth, ‘all this’ refers to the variety of food items the writer consumes in Kathmandu. He
          enjoys eating a bar of marzipan, a corn on the cob roasted over a charcoal fire, and some juicy, delicious oranges.
          He then washes all this down with a bottle of Coca-Cola. The description reflects the lively and vibrant atmosphere
          of the city, filled with diverse street foods that appeal to the author.
      (b) Maria Sharapova, as described in Reach for the Top, possesses contradictory characteristics. She is fiercely
          determined and tough on the court, displaying immense focus and dedication to her sport. However, off the court,
          she is charming, friendly, and fun-loving. Despite her competitive spirit, she remains humble and grounded. Her
          love for fashion, dancing, and music contrasts with her steely resolve in tennis, making her a unique blend of grace
          and grit.
      (c) In The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan, we learn that Bismillah Khan’s paternal ancestors were court musicians in
          the royal court of Bhojpur. His grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, was a shehnai player in the Bhojpur king’s court,
          and his father, Paigambar Bux, was also a well-known shehnai player. This rich musical heritage played a crucial
          role in shaping Bismillah Khan’s career, as he inherited their passion for music and went on to popularize the
          shehnai on a global level.
Q10.      Answer the following questions in 60-80 word. (Any 4)                      (4 x 3 = 12 marks)
      a. To reform a person, it is important to use both strictness and love. Discuss with reference to the lesson ‘The
         Beggar’.
   b. Who were the people questioned during the course of the trial, and what was each person’s defence in the lesson
      ‘The Kingdom of Fools’?
   c. How did the author feel in the new high school in the lesson, ‘A House is Not a Home’?
   d. Give in brief the central idea of the poem ‘Wind’.
   e. What does the poet mean when he says “Remember, no men are strange, no countries foreign”?
   f. What is the effect of the sound of the rain on the heart and mind of the poet in the poem, ‘Rain on The Roof’?
   (a) In The Beggar by Anton Chekhov, both strictness and love play a crucial role in reforming Lushkoff, a drunkard
       and beggar. While Sergei scolds him for lying and forces him to work, it is Olga’s silent kindness and hard work
       that truly transforms him. She chops wood for him and shows compassion, which ultimately leads Lushkoff to
       change his ways. This shows that a balance of discipline and empathy is necessary for true reformation.
   (b) In The Kingdom of Fools, four people were questioned during the trial:
   The merchant – He blamed the bricklayer for building a weak wall.
   The bricklayer – He blamed the dancing girl for distracting him.
   The dancing girl – She blamed the goldsmith for delaying her jewelry.
   The goldsmith – He blamed the merchant’s father for ordering urgent jewelry.
   Ultimately, the kingdom’s foolish justice system almost sentenced the innocent merchant to death.
   (c) In A House is Not a Home, the author, Zan Gaudioso, felt lonely and uncomfortable in his new
       high school. He missed his old school, where he knew everyone. He felt isolated and self-conscious,
       struggling to adjust to the new environment. The situation worsened when his house caught fire,
       and he lost all his belongings. However, the kindness of his new classmates, who helped him with
       gifts and support, made him feel welcomed and at home.
   (d) The poem Wind conveys the central idea that challenges and difficulties are a part of life. The poet
       personifies wind as a powerful force that destroys weak things but supports the strong. The message is
       that one must build strength, courage, and resilience to withstand hardships. Just as a strong house can
       withstand a storm, people must develop determination and wisdom to face the struggles of life. The
       poem emphasizes the importance of inner strength.
   (e) In the poem No Men Are Foreign, the poet means that all human beings are the same, regardless of
       nationality, culture, or background. He urges people to recognize their shared humanity and reject
       discrimination, war, and hatred. The phrase emphasizes unity and peace, reminding us that conflicts
       arise from misunderstandings. The poet encourages the idea that if we see beyond borders, we will
       realize that no country or person is truly foreign.
   (f) In Rain on the Roof, the sound of rain has a soothing and nostalgic effect on the poet’s heart and mind.
       As he listens to the raindrops falling on the roof, he feels relaxed and comforted. The rhythmic sound
       brings back fond memories of his childhood and his mother, making him emotional. The rain acts as a
       bridge between the past and present, filling him with both happiness and longing for his loved ones.
Q11.   Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in 100 - 120 words. (6x1 = 6 marks)
   a. Even an educated person sometimes realises the existence of a ghost. Illustrate this with reference to Iswaran the
      Storyteller’.
   b. Imagine you are the lost child from The Lost Child. Write a diary entry reflecting on your feelings of longing—
      whether for your parents and the warmth of a fair, or for the traditional schools and human connections of the past.
      Express how these experiences shaped your perspective on what truly matters in life.
   (a) In Iswaran the Storyteller, even an educated person like Mahendra begins to believe in the existence of ghosts due
       to Iswaran’s vivid storytelling. Iswaran narrates eerie tales with such detail and conviction that Mahendra, despite
       being rational, starts feeling uneasy. One night, he imagines seeing a ghostly figure outside his window, reinforcing
       his fears. This incident highlights how fear and imagination can overpower logic, making even a well-educated
       person doubt reality. The story emphasizes the psychological impact of storytelling and how the mind can be
       influenced by repeated exposure to supernatural beliefs, leading to unintended acceptance of myths and
       superstitions.
   (b) Date: [Your chosen date]
       Dear Diary,
       Today, I found myself thinking about my parents and the fair I was so excited about. The joy of seeing
       colorful toys, the smell of sweets, and the laughter of children—everything felt magical. But when I got
       lost, fear replaced happiness. Suddenly, those things didn’t matter anymore. I only wanted the warmth
       and safety of my parents’ embrace. This experience taught me that material things are fleeting, but love
       and family are priceless. I now realize how precious human connections are. The fair was full of
       wonders, but nothing in the world could replace the comfort of my parents' presence. I will never take
       them for granted again.
       - The Lost Child
Q12.   Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in 100 - 120 words. (6x1 = 6 marks)
   a. Imagine you are a concerned citizen inspired by the compassion of the Happy Prince and the cultural diversity
      depicted in Kathmandu. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper highlighting the need for preserving cultural
      heritage and addressing the challenges of poverty in urban areas. Suggest ways in which individuals and
      communities can contribute to these causes.
   b. Einstein’s personal and professional development influenced his achievements. He has given a message to
      humanity and proved to be a role model. Explain with reference to the lesson, ‘A Truly Beautiful Mind’.
       a. Letter to the Editor:
       Dear Editor,
       I am writing to express my concern about the need to preserve cultural heritage and address the growing
       poverty in urban areas. Inspired by the compassion of the Happy Prince and the cultural diversity seen in
       Kathmandu, it is vital that we, as a society, recognize the importance of preserving our traditions,
       languages, and monuments that define our cultural identity. Urban areas often face the dual challenge of
       rapid modernization and poverty, leading to the neglect of heritage sites and the widening gap between
       the rich and the poor.
       To contribute to these causes, individuals can volunteer at local cultural programs, participate in
       fundraising for heritage restoration, and promote awareness about the significance of these practices.
       Communities can come together to create sustainable initiatives that support both cultural preservation
       and economic development for those in need. Let’s not forget that the richness of our culture is what
       makes our cities truly beautiful.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
b. Explanation of Einstein’s Personal and Professional Development:
In the lesson "A Truly Beautiful Mind," Einstein's development, both personally and professionally,
stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and curiosity. His achievements were not only the
result of his extraordinary intellectual abilities but also his consistent quest for understanding the world
around him. Growing up in a supportive yet challenging environment, Einstein faced many hurdles, such
as being misunderstood by teachers. However, his passion for learning led him to break conventional
barriers and revolutionize the field of physics.
Einstein’s dedication to social causes and his role as a humanitarian further exemplified his commitment
to improving the world. His message to humanity—that knowledge should serve the betterment of
society—continues to inspire individuals to think critically and act compassionately. Through his
example, Einstein proves that perseverance, ethical principles, and a commitment to growth can lead to
remarkable achievements that benefit humanity.
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