SECTION – A: Reading Skills
Q1. Passage on Sniffer Dog Tucker
(a) What task does the sniffer dog Tucker perform for researchers studying killer whales?
[Word Limit: 30–40 Words | Marks: 2]
Tucker searches for killer whale faeces floating on the surface of the water. These samples
are collected and examined by researchers to understand the reasons behind the population
decline of killer whales.
(b) Why are detection dogs like Tucker often rescued from animal shelters?
Detection dogs have high energy and obsessive personalities, making them difficult to
maintain as pets. As a result, they are often abandoned and face euthanasia, so conservation
programs rescue and train them for fieldwork.
(c) How have Conservation Canines contributed to scientific research, according to Sam
Wasser?
According to Wasser, these dogs help non-invasively gather large amounts of genetic and
physiological data. This information is vital for identifying human impacts on wildlife and
finding ways to reduce such effects.
(d) What qualities make a dog ideal for conservation detection work, and how does this
relate to their unsuitability as pets?
Ideal detection dogs are energetic and obsessed with play. This drive helps them work
tirelessly in the field but makes them too intense and unmanageable as household pets.
(e) Find words from the passage:
i. Left without care or protection – Abandoned
ii. Very useful or absolutely necessary – Indispensable
(f) How have Conservation Canines contributed to scientific research, according to Sam
Wasser?
They’ve provided access to vital data non-invasively, helping scientists understand genetic
information and effects of human disturbance on animals, improving conservation strategies
worldwide.
(g) What is the name of the sniffer dog mentioned in the passage?
Tucker
(h) What does Tucker search for in the water?
Floating whale faeces
Q2. Passage on Overindulgence of Children
(a) What values do parents and teachers want children to learn?
[Word Limit: 30–40 Words | Marks: 2]
They want children to learn values like honesty, compassion, hard work, contentment, and
responsibility. These traits are essential for developing maturity and emotional strength in a
materialistic world.
(b) What are the results of giving children too much too soon?
Children develop a distorted sense of entitlement, struggle with life’s challenges, and are
more prone to anxiety and depression in adulthood due to lack of coping mechanisms.
(c) Find the words from the passage:
i. A feeling of satisfaction – Contentment
ii. Valuable – Precious
(d) What is the balance which the parents need to have in today’s world?
Parents must balance the benefits of a wealthy lifestyle with the critical values of patience,
hard work, and saving. This ensures that children grow with discipline and appreciation for
effort.
(e) What is the necessity to set limits for children?
Limits provide children with structure and security. They teach self-discipline, help manage
expectations, and prepare them to handle challenges independently.
(f) How do older children self-control?
Older children learn self-control by observing their parents’ behavior and actions. They
imitate emotional responses and habits seen in adults, especially during challenging
situations.
(g) Why do today's children demand more compared to previous generations?
There is more to desire in today’s consumer-driven world. With exposure to gadgets, media,
and peer influence, children are conditioned to want more, making parents give in more
frequently.
(h) In what ways do some parents try to build closer relationships with their children, and
what is the impact?
Parents dress like their children, listen to the same music, and avoid conflict by always saying
“yes.” This lack of discipline results in poor coping skills and unrealistic expectations in
children.
SECTION – B: Grammar (Attempt Any 10)
(a)
Correct Option: d. Enough
✅ "I’ve seen enough of his work to know that he’s ready for a promotion."
📌 Explanation: “Enough” means a sufficient amount — appropriate for this sentence.
(b)
Completed Dialogue:
She told him she had decided to try something different with her hair.
📌 Explanation: Use past perfect to show completed action before the brother's reaction.
(c)
Error: have
Correction: has
✅ Correct Sentence: Police reports claim that substantial seizure of cocaine has been made in
the last 2 months.
📌 Explanation: "Seizure" is singular, so singular verb “has” is needed.
(d)
Correct Option: i. Once
✅ "Yupik elder asked me once..."
📌 Explanation: “Once” indicates a specific past instance.
(e)
Reported Speech:
I asked my friend if he could pick me up after work.
📌 Explanation: Change to indirect speech + question format.
(f)
Correct Option: all
✅ "The farmhouse was surrounded by water on all sides."
📌 Explanation: “All sides” is the correct idiomatic usage.
(g)
Correct Verb Form: has highlighted
✅ "...that has highlighted the negligence..."
📌 Explanation: Present perfect is used for past actions with relevance to now.
(h)
Correct Option: (a)
Error: Business
Correction: Businesses
📌 Explanation: Plural “businesses” is needed.
(i)
Correct Option: 4. Has won
✅ "...our school orchestra has won the competition!"
📌 Explanation: Present perfect for recent achievements.
(j)
Correct Option: 4. Will be going
✅ "Either way, you won’t will be going thirsty."
📌 Explanation: Future continuous tense expresses certainty.
(k)
Error: her
Correction: their
✅ "A person leaving their sedentary lifestyle..."
📌 Explanation: Use gender-neutral pronoun with “person.”
(l)
Correct Option: ii. Can be developed, has been supported
📌 Explanation: Theoretical statements about science use modals and perfect tense.
SECTION – C: Writing Skills
Q4. Letter to Editor (Word Limit: 100–120 words)
308/3, Ashiyana Lines
M.G. Road, Khamaria
Jabalpur
7 June 2025
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Inadequate Police Protection in Sensitive Areas
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to draw your attention to the alarming rise in thefts and unrest in sensitive areas
of Jabalpur due to lack of proper police patrolling. Residents live in fear, especially during
night hours. Despite multiple complaints, no action has been taken by the authorities.
Immediate deployment of police teams, installation of CCTV cameras, and regular night
patrolling are essential to restore safety. I request your esteemed newspaper to highlight this
issue so that prompt action may be taken.
Sincerely,
Manav/Meghna
Q5. Analytical Paragraph – Terror Attacks
The bar graph illustrates the changing frequency and severity of terrorist attacks in India over
the years. There was a noticeable rise in attacks in the early 2010s, followed by a gradual
decline till 2024. However, the sudden spike in 2025, marked by the Pahalgam attack,
highlights the resurgence of terror activities. This indicates not only the unpredictability of
such events but also the evolving nature of terrorism.
The 2025 Pahalgam incident, with high casualties, may be attributed to increased geopolitical
tensions in border areas and the infiltration of well-organized militant groups. Despite India’s
counter-terrorism advancements, including heightened intelligence, strategic drone
surveillance, and diplomatic pressure on terror-sponsoring nations, certain groups continue to
exploit local vulnerabilities.
Fluctuations in casualties over the years also reflect changes in government policy,
international cooperation, and internal preparedness. While the reduction in attacks post-2016
showed progress, 2025 serves as a warning that sustained vigilance, international
collaboration, and community-based intelligence are essential to protect national security and
public safety.
SECTION – D: Literature
Q6. Seen Passage – Lencho
(i) Who was Lencho and where did he live?
Lencho was an honest, hardworking farmer. He lived with his family on a small house atop a
hill in a valley.
(ii) What does this passage tell us about Lencho’s character?
Lencho was optimistic, faithful, and deeply connected to nature. He believed in divine help
even after losing his crops.
(iii) Theme through postmaster’s effort
✅ Correct Option: C. Selfless kindness of strangers
📌 The postmaster raised money to help Lencho, showing humanity and empathy.
(iv) Why is the statement ironic?
Though Lencho prayed for rain, the rain turned into a hailstorm, destroying his crops — the
opposite of what he expected. Hence, it is ironic.
Q7. Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo
(a) The poet shows the tiger’s majestic life in the wild — stalking prey, roaming freely —
and contrasts it with his miserable, caged existence.
(b) The tiger feels anger, frustration, helplessness, and loneliness in captivity.
(c) ✅ Correct Option: ii. Stalks the length of his cage
(d) ✅ Correct Option: b. Sad and sympathetic
(e) Literary Devices:
Personification: The tiger has emotions.
Imagery: “Brilliant eyes at brilliant stars”
Contrast: Wild vs. zoo life
Q8. Short Answers (Any 4)
(a)
i. “Maddened him” shows desperation driven by hunger.
ii. The seagull feared falling and lacked confidence.
iii. Hunger forced him to overcome fear and attempt flight.
(b) Mandela teaches that perseverance can overcome oppression. His leadership proved
freedom is achievable through resilience.
(c) In His First Flight, fear turns into courage. In Black Aeroplane, fear during turbulence is
replaced by relief due to mystery pilot. Both show bravery under stress.
(d) Dust of Snow highlights how small acts or changes — like a crow shaking snow — can
uplift mood and alter one’s day.
(e) Amanda! shows a child’s need for freedom and individuality. Overprotectiveness restricts
self-expression and creativity.
Q9. Short Answers (Any 2)
(a)
1. “Fresh muddy imprints” raise suspense — someone invisible is nearby.
2. “Bare feet” symbolize Griffin’s invisibility and the mystery around his presence.
(b) Ausable is calm, clever, and physically unimpressive. He uses his wit, unlike traditional
movie agents who are often muscular and action-driven.
(c) Tricki’s story criticizes how overfeeding and pampering pets harms their health. Only
discipline and care restored his health.
Q10. Long Answers
(a)
Both A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom reflect the incredible
strength of human perseverance and belief in the face of hardship. Lencho, a poor farmer,
loses his crops in a hailstorm but refuses to give up. His absolute faith in divine help
motivates him to write a letter to God asking for financial assistance. Even when he receives
less than he asked for, his faith remains firm, showing unwavering spiritual resilience.
Similarly, Nelson Mandela, in his autobiography, shares his long struggle against apartheid.
Despite facing years of imprisonment, torture, and injustice, he remained committed to the
dream of a free and democratic South Africa. His perseverance not only transformed a nation
but became a beacon of hope for millions around the world.
Both texts underline that true strength comes from resilience—whether spiritual, like
Lencho’s, or political and moral, like Mandela’s.
(b)
The stories A Triumph of Surgery and The Thief’s Story both explore the idea that
transformation and second chances are possible with the right guidance and kindness. In A
Triumph of Surgery, Tricki is an overfed, pampered pet whose health deteriorates due to
excessive care. Dr. Herriot, using discipline and exercise instead of surgery, transforms Tricki
into a happy, energetic dog. This shows that true care sometimes means tough love and
balanced attention.
In The Thief’s Story, a young thief meets Anil, a kind and trusting writer. Though the thief
initially plans to rob him, Anil’s warmth and trust make him feel guilty. This emotional
connection leads the boy to return the stolen money and change his path.
Both characters, Tricki and the thief, experience growth due to compassion and trust from
others, proving that change is not only possible but powerful when nurtured in the right
environment.
