English Previous Year Paper 2020

Question 1. Structural Approach relates to:

(a) Word pattern

(b) Sentence pattern

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Letter pattern

Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)

The Structural Approach is based on selected and graded language structures and patterns. Vocabulary and words are also selected systematically, while special emphasis is placed on sentence patterns.

Question 2. He has a great affection ___ me.

(a) to

(b) from

(c) for

(d) with

Answer: (c) for

The correct sentence is: He has a great affection for me.

Question 3. Which primary skills are to be developed through the Grammar-Translation Method?

(a) Listening and speaking

(b) Reading and writing

(c) Listening and writing

(d) Speaking and reading

Answer: (b) Reading and writing

The Grammar-Translation Method mainly emphasises reading, writing, grammatical rules, vocabulary and translation. Listening and speaking receive comparatively little attention.

Question 4. ‘Direct Method’ is also known as:

(a) Substitution Method

(b) Grammar-Translation Method

(c) Natural Method

(d) Dr. West’s New Method

Answer: (c) Natural Method

The Direct Method is also known as the Natural Method. It teaches the target language directly without depending on translation into the learner’s mother tongue.

Question 5. Beware ___ dogs.

(a) from

(b) to

(c) of

(d) None of the above

Answer: (c) of

The correct expression is: Beware of dogs.

Question 6. Change the following into Present Perfect Tense: Ram writes a letter.

Answer: Ram has written a letter.

Question 7. Correct the following sentence: Mohan prefers coffee than milk.

Answer: Mohan prefers coffee to milk.

Question 8. Complete the following sentence using an appropriate conjunction: Pawan is handsome ___ intelligent boy.

Answer: The conjunction is and. The grammatically complete sentence is: Pawan is a handsome and intelligent boy.

Question 9. Which type of sentence is ‘March forward’? Imperative or Exclamatory?

Answer: ‘March forward’ is an Imperative Sentence because it expresses a command or instruction.

Question 10. Change the following into a Complex Sentence: He is poor but honest.

Answer: Although he is poor, he is honest.

Question 11. Change the following into a Compound Sentence: Besides being honest, he is gentle.

Answer: He is honest and he is gentle.

Question 12. Write the meanings of the following idioms and phrases:
(1) To kill two birds with one stone.
(2) No pain, no gain.

Answer:

Question 13. Write one word for the following groups of words:
(1) A diplomatic representative of one country in another.
(2) One who believes in fate.

Answer:

(i) A diplomatic representative of one country in another — Ambassador.

(ii) One who believes in fate — Fatalist.

Question 14. Fill in the blanks by selecting the appropriate conjunctions from the brackets:
(1) I called him ___ he did not answer. (and/but)
(2) Work hard ___ you will be punished. (or/and)

Answer:

(i) I called him but he did not answer.

(ii) Work hard or you will be punished.

Question 15. What are the main characteristics of the Grammar-Translation Method?

Answer: The Grammar-Translation Method is a traditional method of teaching a foreign language through grammatical rules, vocabulary and translation. Its main characteristics are—

1. The mother tongue is widely used in the classroom.
2. Grammar rules are taught explicitly and systematically.
3. Vocabulary is often learnt through lists of words and their meanings.
4. Translation from the target language into the mother tongue and vice versa is given importance.
5. Reading and writing receive greater emphasis than listening and speaking.
6. Literary and written texts are commonly used for language practice.
7. Accuracy in grammar is considered important.
8. Little attention is generally given to pronunciation and oral communication.

Question 16. Write a composition on ‘COVID-19’ in about 50 words.

Answer:

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It spread across the world and caused a global pandemic. Common symptoms include fever, cough, tiredness and loss of taste or smell. Vaccination, cleanliness, good ventilation and timely medical care help reduce the risk of severe illness.

Question 17. What are the chief merits of the Direct Method?

Answer: The chief merits of the Direct Method are—

• It encourages learners to think directly in the target language.
• It develops listening and speaking skills effectively.
• It gives importance to correct pronunciation.
• It promotes active participation and oral communication in the classroom.
• Vocabulary is learnt through objects, actions, pictures and real-life situations.
• Grammar is generally learnt inductively through examples and use.
• It reduces excessive dependence on the mother tongue and translation.

Question 18. Write an application to your Principal requesting him to grant you fee concession as you are a meritorious student.

Answer:

To,
The Principal,
________ School/College.

Subject: Application for fee concession.

Respected Sir/Madam,

I beg to state that I am a regular and meritorious student of your institution. I have always performed well in my examinations. However, the financial condition of my family is not good, and it is difficult for my parents to pay my full educational fees.

Therefore, I humbly request you to grant me a suitable fee concession so that I may continue my studies without financial difficulty. I shall be highly grateful to you for your kind consideration.

Thanking you.
Yours obediently,
Class: ________
Roll No.: ________
Date: ________