CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2023
ENGLISH
(Solved)
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :
- This question paper contains 28 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- This question paper is divided into 7 sections.
- Section A – questions number 1 to 1 are unseen passage
- Section B – questions number 2 to 4 are case based questions
- Section C – questions number 5 to 12 are grammar short
- Section D – questions number 13 to 20 are short answer
- Section E – questions number 21 to 22 are letter
- Section F – questions number 23 to 24 are paragraph
- Section G – questions number 25 to 28 are long answer
- There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
- Use of calculator is NOT allowed.
Section A
Read the text given below :
(1)Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
(2)A recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource or personal well-being in times of crisis. It has also underscored the sector’s potential to generate economic growth, something which is too often underestimated.
(3)With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative potential of the world’s diverse cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.
(4) Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.
(5)At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity in particular through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding.
(6) In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Next, in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development, affirming culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the world, and recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
(7) The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to achieve the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October, 2005.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage :
(1) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 points to describe the purpose of UNESCO leading the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. (a)______ (b) _______
(2) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence from para (2). The recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational resource or personal well-being in times of crisis. (A) the real worth of cultural sector at generating social cohesion during pandemics (B) the real worth of creative sector at undermining the social cohesion during an international emergency (C) questioning the real worth of creative sector at generating education resource during an international emergency (D) highlighting the real worth of cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion and educational resource during an international emergency
(3) Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved.
(4) In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms. a. richness and poverty b. intellectual and moral c. reduction and promotion d. essential and intrinsic e. urgent and crucial Options : (A) a and c (B) b and e (C) d and e (D) b and d
(5) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph (4) ? Rationalise your response in about 40 words : “Cultural diversity is an asset.”
(6) The phrase ‘bridging the gap’ in paragraph (4) refers to : (A) widening the differences (B) connecting two desparate ideas (C) supporting the bridging (D) filling in the space between two connected things
(7) Complete the sentence appropriately : The Second Committee of UN General Assembly in 2015 adopted_ __________________.
(8) Complete the following sentence : ________________is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.
Section B
(1) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said ; “I was overwhelmed with a sense of history.”
[1 Marks](2) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that : (A) confirms the education of the Blacks. (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people. (C) recollects the bitter experiences. (D) focuses on the personality development.
(3) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created ?
(4) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘patched up’ in the given sentence from the extract : “..the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences...”
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water pole Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses At the jungle’s edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
(1) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat.
[1 Marks](2) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be “Snarling around houses at the jungle’s edge” ? What does he insinuate about the tiger’s natural behaviour and habitat?
(3) The poet’s skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words.
(4) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘quiet rage’ in the given sentence from the extract ? The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his ‘quiet rage.
No use to say ‘O there are other balls
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where his ball went.
I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless.
Now He senses first responsibility In a world of possessions. People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
He is learning.....
(1) (1) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude towards the boy’s reaction to losing his ball? (A) indifferent as the ball is inexpensive (B) sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy’s loss (C) mocking, finding the boy’s reaction exaggerated and unnecessary. (D) panicked, sharing the boy’s distress over the lost ball.
(2) Explain the phrase ‘all his young days into the harbour’ with reference to the extract.
(3) Comment on the use of metaphor in the above extract.
(4) Briefly state in about 40 words the boy’s journey from ‘shaking grief’ to ‘he is learning’ in the above extract.
Section C
Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter :
Dear Sir
In response to your query, the document that _______ (explain) our country’s sustainability initiatives has been attached for your consideration.
Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence :
The uniquely flavoured dish was interestingly enough to captivate my taste buds.
Use the above format for your response.
Raashi and Ratul had a conversation about volunteer work. Report Raashi’s question.
Raashi : What challenges have you faced while volunteering?
Ratul: The main challenge is dealing with different personalities, but it’s also a great learning experience.
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option in the bracket, to complete the sentence :
The revised meeting agenda is attached and ___________(this / those / it) needs to be emailed to all participants before the meeting.
Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from an e-commerce website’s return policy.
We offers a 30-day return policy on all unopened products purchased from our websites. Use the given format for your response :
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the sentence from a public health campaign. The campaign’s goal is to increase physical activity among the younger.
Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence :
Vendor : You look a little different today!
Customer : Yes, I just got a new haircut.
The vendor noticed that his customer’s appearance had changed and asked him about it. The customer admitted this, citing the fact that ____________.
Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence :
The public health campaign aimed in increase awareness of the risks associated with underage drinking.
Use the given format for your response :
Section D
Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify. (Footprints Without Feet)
Why did Bholi’s teacher feel like an artist admiring her masterpiece ? (Bholi).
What is the twist at the end of the story ‘The Necklace’ ? (The Necklace)
‘What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ initially ? What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect ? Comment.
How far would you agree that one’s positivity can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse circumstances?
‘What makes Custard, the dragon look fearsome? Explain.
Explain, why the speaker mentions God in the poem “For Anne Gregory”.
What message might the Buddha’s story hold for those who are in positions of power and privilege ?
Section E
There are daily reports in the newspaper of fatal accidents due to reckless driving and road rage. Write a letter to the Commissioner of Traffic Police in about 120 words suggesting the need to take stricter action against the offenders. Recommend the use of social media to launch awareness campaigns about the implications of irresponsible driving. You are Shantanu / Savita, living at B-108 Krishi Apartments.
To,
The Commissioner of Traffic Police,
City Traffic Department,
[City Name].
Subject: Request for Stricter Action against Reckless Driving and Use of Social Media for Awareness.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Shantanu residing at B-108 Krishi Apartments. I write to express my concern over the rising number of fatal accidents caused by reckless driving and road rage, as frequently reported in newspapers. Such incidents endanger the lives of citizens and disturb public peace.
I earnestly request that strict punishments and fines be imposed on offenders to deter such dangerous behavior. Moreover, social media platforms should be effectively utilized to launch awareness campaigns highlighting the consequences of irresponsible driving. These campaigns can educate and encourage responsible behavior among drivers, especially the youth.
Your cooperation in making our roads safer would be highly appreciated.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Shantanu
B-108 Krishi Apartments
A leading communication company ‘Savera’ is sponsoring a half marathon run in your city to raise funds for ‘Koshish’ an orphanage. You are Roshini/Roshan, school captain of Adarsh Vidyalaya. You are leading a batch of hundred students in the half marathon to be held in your city.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily emphasizing the participation of school children in such programmes as part of voluntary community service. Highlight the benefits of participation in such activities.
Adarsh Vidyalaya
City Name
Date
To
The Editor
National Daily
City
Subject: Importance of School Children Participating in Voluntary Community Service Activities
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Roshan, the school captain of Adarsh Vidyalaya. I am honored to lead a group of hundred students participating in the half marathon organized by 'Savera' to raise funds for the orphanage ‘Koshish’ in our city. I would like to emphasize the significance of school children engaging in such voluntary community service activities.
Participation in events like this not only builds physical stamina and promotes a healthy lifestyle but also fosters a strong sense of social responsibility among young minds. It helps us understand the challenges faced by underprivileged sections of society, encourages empathy, and motivates us to contribute to their welfare actively. Taking part in community service enhances leadership qualities, teamwork, and discipline, which are essential life skills.
Moreover, when children come together for a noble cause, it inspires awareness in the community and amplifies the impact of charitable efforts. Such experiences prepare us to become responsible citizens who cherish humanity and work towards social betterment.
Therefore, I strongly advocate encouraging schoolchildren to participate in similar initiatives as it benefits individuals and society at large.
Thank you for considering my views.
Yours sincerely,
Roshan
School Captain
Adarsh Vidyalaya
Section F
The visual given shows the life cycle of a butterfly. Study the information carefully and then summarise it in the form of an analytical paragraph. Make comparisons and draw conclusions wherever applicable.
Study the table given below which shows the data on the hobbies of students during summer vacations. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words analyzing what hobbies do boys and girls choose in their summer vacations :
Hobbies are activities that students enjoy during their free time, especially in summer vacations. Based on the data, boys and girls show different preferences in their hobbies. Boys mostly prefer outdoor or physically engaging activities such as playing sports or video games. On the other hand, girls tend to prefer creative hobbies like drawing, painting, or music. Some girls also enjoy indoor hobbies such as clay-modeling and stamp collecting. Both boys and girls participate in hobbies that develop their skills and keep them engaged, but their choices reflect varied interests and personal preferences. These hobbies help students refresh their minds and improve their talents during the vacation period.
Section G
How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint ? (A Question of Trust)
Hari Singh says — “He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at all. Elaborate based on your reading of The Thief’s Story.
In the chapter ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in ‘A Baker from Goa’ to that of Nelson Mandela.
You may begin this way :
Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.....
Reference : A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela : Long Walk
Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda’ is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box. What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different perspectives of life ? Write your answer in about 120 words.
Other Years — ENGLISH