DPS – MIS, DOHA- QATAR

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION (2017-18)

CLASS: XI
Subject: ENGLISH (CORE) Date: 17.10.2017
Time Allowed: 1 Hour 30 minutes Maximum Marks: 50
General instructions:

(1) All questions are compulsory.

(2) Marks are indicated against each question.
(3) Please check that this question paper contains 6 printed pages
only.
(4) Please check that this question paper contains 9 questions.

SECTION – A READING (8)

1. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow.

Every girl dreams of becoming a princess and living in a castle. The

closest we can get to that these days is vacationing in one of the
numerous palace hotels that dot our historical country. They are a
symbol of our glorious past and give us a taste of the regal lifestyle of
the royalty in India.
Most of these palace hotels are situated in Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Udaipur and Bikaner – they all boast of huge forts, colorful palaces and
the luxurious lifestyle of the royals. Even though monarchy is extinct in
India, descendants of the Maharajas and Maharanis of the past still try to
maintain their way of life. Their heirloom jewellery, traditional clothes
and the feasts produced in the royal kitchens can still take you back in
time. The palaces that the living blue bloods call home are now
converted into heritage hotels.
Samode Palace in Jaipur is one of these old palaces that have been
standing tall for almost five centuries. Its lit up façade at night forms an
iconic image of what an Indian royal palace looked like. The 24 suites
and 19 rooms have their own old world charm the hand painted
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hallways, colorful mosaics, all archways and high ceilings make your
stay a memorable experience. Exploring the age old corridors could take
you on a trip through the history of royal India.
You will feel like you have travelled back in time machine If you decide
to vacation at the Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar. This large property is
divided into seven wings. You need not venture out of this hotel as you
can spend your whole vacation here and have beautiful photos to take
home. An appointment at the in-house ayurvedic spa can help you truly
relax and enjoy your vacation.
Jaipur, the pink city should get the title of the ‘palace city’ as most of
these luxurious abodes are located here. One of the world’s finest
heritage hotels, the Rambagh Palace Hotel is located here. The Taj Group
has respectfully restored this palace to its formal glory as can be
witnessed in its airy courtyards, gurgling fountains, beautiful verandas
and warm hospitality. Taj Rambagh Palace is fondly called the jewel of
Jaipur and truly deserves this honor. Just a stroll in the 47- acre garden is
enough to soak in the grandeur of the past.

a. On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it using

headings and sub-headings in a format you consider suitable. Use
recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also supply a suitable
title to the passage. 5
b Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. 3

SECTION—B
WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (12)

2. You are Orlando / Rosalind, Staff Reporter of The Times of India. You
have recently witnessed the grand inaugural programme of the Indian
Premier League-6 (IPL-6) at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Write a report
on the event to be published in your newspaper. ( 100-120 words) 7

3. In the following passage one word has been omitted in each line.
Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and
after it. Underline your answer. 3

An Inter House Debate Competition will held on Sunday.(a)

All the House In-charges requested to enlist (b)
teams from their houses by tomorrow.
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The topic and the time limit already been put up (c)
on the notice board. All students are advised note (d)
down the topics from notice board .Each and every (e)
student instructed to maintain discipline as a whole. (f)

4. Do as Directed: 2

a.The members will make him the President of this organization.

(Change the voice).
b. He works hard so that he may pass the examination.( Change into a
Simple sentence).

SECTION – C

LITERATURE TEXT AND LONG READING TEXTS (20)

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 3

When did my childhood go?

Was it the time I realized that adults were not
All they seemed to be,
They talked of love and preached of love,
But did not act so lovingly,
Was that the day!

a. What does the stanza expose?

b. According to this stanza , when did the poet’s childhood go?
c. What contrast did he notice in the adults’ behavior?

5. Answer any three of the following questions in not more than 30-40
words. 9

a. Why does the rain descend from the sky?

b. What are Albert’s views on education?
c. Why does Mr. Frank envy Mr. Crocker Harris?
d. How did Ranga greet the narrator? In what respect did he differ from
the present-day boys?
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6. Answer any one of the following questions in about 80 words. 4

What signs reveal that the earth is a patient in declining health? What is
the concept of ‘sustainable development’ and how is it being disturbed?

OR
The short story ‘Ranga’s marriage doesn’t present the changing face of
the Indian villages. It is set in a world that existed only in the last
century. Justify.

7. Answer the following question in about 80 words: 4

The novel Canterville Ghost deals with the theme of modernity and
disbelief in ghosts and apparitions. Elucidate.

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