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MG School for Excellence Affiliated to CISCE, New Delhi Bilekahalli, Bangalore-76. Date:30.11 .15 First Preparatory Examination 2015-16 Sub English Literature -Paper 2 Std: X Marks : 80 Time : 2hrs ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 five questions in all. You must attempt one question from each of the Sections A, B and C and any two other questions. The intended marks for the questions or parts of questions are given in brackets []. ______________________________________________________________________________ SECTION A DRAMA (THE MERCHANT OF VENICE: SHAKESPEARE) Question 1 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: In such a night Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew, And with an unthrift love did run from Venice, As far as Belmont. (3) (3) (iii) What did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew in such a night? What precautions were taken to ensure that she could escape from the Jew s house undetected? What were Jessica s feelings about the wealthy Jew, as told to (iv) (v) Launcelot? What were Jessica s feelings before the elopement? How had her father reacted on her elopement? (3) (3) (4) (i) (ii) Question 2 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Portia : Then must the Jew be merciful Shylock : On what compulsion must I? Tell me that Portia : The quality of mercy is not straine d; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath (i) In what way is mercy twice blessed and is mightiest in the (ii) (iii) (4) mightiest? What are the emblems of earthly power? What do they inspire? (3) Why does Portia say that if strict justice is followed none of us would have (iv) salvation? What does Shylock say in reply to Portia s plea for money? (2) (3) (v) Why does Shylock refuse to show mercy on Antonio? (4) SECTION B POETRY [A Collection of Poems] Question 3 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: The face of an old woman on the ground Was marred with suffering, but she made no sound Silence was common to us all, I heard No cries of anguish, or a single word. (i) Explain the extract in your own words. What is the significance of the word silence ? (ii) (3) What thought did rise in the narrator s mind just before the extract? What (iii) (iv) did he see on the way that made him realize that? (3) Describe the morning before the strong flash startled the narrator. (3) What signs of death and destruction did the narrator see outside his (v) house? (3) What tone does this poem end on? What style of writing has the poet used? What message is the poet trying to convey? (4) Question 4 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing , leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) How can we benefit by the exemplary lives of great men? How can the footprints we leave behind us help others? What are the poet s views on hard work and courage? How does the poet urge us to lead a life of action? What does the poet tell is not the aim of life? (3) (3) (3) (3) (4) SECTION C A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES Question 5 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: The rag-seller did not stop and, carrying his wares on his shoulder, he moved on taking long strides. Rizwan watched him helplessly. Only today he had found a job for himself through an acquaintance in the Kihaan newspaper. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) What condition was Rizwan s job subject to? How was it difficult? (3) What problems did Rizwan have on his mind? (3) What did Rizwan do at the office? Why? (3) Comment on Rizwan s state of mind at the end of the story. (3) Give a brief description of the rag-seller s life as narrated to Rizwan.(4) Question 6 How does Rabindranath Tagore, in his story, The Kabuliwala explore the bond of friendship and separation between a middle-aged Pathan trader and a five year old Bengali girl? (16)
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