English Previous Year Paper 2016

Question 1. Translation-cum-Grammar Method is also known as—

(a) Classical Method

(b) Competitive Method

(c) Analytical Method

(d) Scientific Method

Answer: (a) Classical Method

The Grammar-Translation or Translation-cum-Grammar Method is also known as the Classical Method because it developed from the traditional method used for teaching classical languages such as Latin and Greek.

Question 2. The origin of the Direct Method is—

(a) England

(b) France

(c) Italy

(d) America

Answer: (b) France

The Direct Method developed in France and Germany around 1900. Among the given options, France is the expected answer. It is also known as the Natural Method, Reform Method and Anti-Grammatical Method.

Question 3. Which of the following completes the sentence: Hardly had I reached the station ___ the train left.

(a) As

(b) Than

(c) When

(d) If

Answer: (c) When

The correct sentence is: Hardly had I reached the station when the train left. ‘Hardly’ is normally followed by ‘when’ in this construction.

Question 4. Frame the verb from the word 'possession':

(a) Possessive

(b) Possessiveness

(c) Possessively

(d) Possess

Answer: (d) Possess

The verb corresponding to the noun ‘possession’ is possess.

Question 5. Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence: One must do ___ duty.

(a) One's

(b) His

(c) Her

(d) Our

Answer: (a) One's

The correct sentence is: One must do one's duty. The pronoun ‘one’ is followed by the possessive form ‘one's’.

Question 6. Combine the following sentences into a compound sentence: The animal may be a fish. It may be a serpent. It must be one of them.

Answer: The animal may be a fish or it may be a serpent, but it must be one of the two.

Question 7. Combine the following sentences into a complex sentence: He lives somewhere. I do not know it.

Answer: I do not know where he lives.

Question 8. Change the following into Past Indefinite Tense: I do not know where he lives.

Answer: I did not know where he lived.

Question 9. Change the following into Past Continuous Tense: He went to Agra yesterday.

Answer: He was going to Agra yesterday.

Question 10. Complete the following sentence using the correct form of the verb given in brackets: The doctor ___ after the patient had died. (come)

Answer: The doctor came after the patient had died.

Question 11. Fill in the gap using the correct form of the verb given in brackets: Shyam will have left for Mumbai before the rainy season ___ . (begin)

Answer: Shyam will have left for Mumbai before the rainy season begins.

Question 12. What is the difference between an Adjective and an Adverb? Define each with one example.

Answer:

Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or qualifies a noun or pronoun.
Example: Rani is a clever girl. Here, ‘clever’ describes the noun ‘girl’.

Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb.
Example: He runs quickly. Here, ‘quickly’ modifies the verb ‘runs’.

Question 13. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions:
(i) Death is preferable ___ dishonour.
(ii) He is confident ___ winning.

Answer:

(i) Death is preferable to dishonour.

(ii) He is confident of winning.

Question 14. Use the following phrases in sentences of your own so as to bring out their meanings:
(i) To pass the buck
(ii) Take after

Answer:

(i) To pass the buck: To shift responsibility or blame to another person.
Sentence: The officer tried to pass the buck to his assistant.

(ii) Take after: To resemble an older member of one's family in appearance or character.
Sentence: He takes after his mother.

Question 15. Correct the following sentences:
(i) No sooner did the police reach when the thieves ran away.
(ii) Ram as well as his father were not present in the meeting.

Answer:

(i) No sooner did the police arrive than the thieves ran away.

(ii) Ram as well as his father was not present at the meeting.

Question 16. Write an application to the Headmaster of your school requesting him to grant you leave for three days. Give a genuine reason for your absence.

Answer:

To,
The Headmaster,
________ School,
________.

Subject: Application for three days' leave.

Respected Sir,

I beg to say that I am suffering from fever and the doctor has advised me to take rest for three days. Therefore, I shall not be able to attend school during this period.

Kindly grant me leave for three days. I shall be grateful to you.

Thanking you.
Yours obediently,
________
Class: ________
Date: ________

Question 17. Write a composition on 'My Ideal Teacher' in about 50 words. Points are given below to develop it: (i) Introduction (ii) His education (iii) Nature and behaviour (iv) His teaching skills and hobbies (v) Conclusion.

Answer:

My Ideal Teacher

My ideal teacher is Mr. Sharma, my English teacher. He is an M.A. and B.Ed. He is kind, punctual and patient. He explains every lesson clearly and encourages us to ask questions. He enjoys reading and playing chess. His simple teaching style inspires me to work hard and become a good person.

Question 18. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on it:

At Shantiniketan, classes are held in the open air. The students sit on the ground under the trees and listen to their teacher. They often act plays they have written themselves and also plays written by Rabindranath Tagore. The place fills everyone with peace and quiet. The meaning of the word ‘Shantiniketan’ is ‘abode of peace’. It is one of the best places of learning in India.

(i) Where do the students sit at Shantiniketan?

Answer: The students sit on the ground under the trees at Shantiniketan.

(ii) Find the word in the passage which means ‘home’.

Answer: Abode.