ASSESSMENT 1

Subject: English Max Marks: 50 Grade: 8 Time: 1 hrs. Date: 28/09/11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST If you have been given an Answer Booklet, follow the instructions on the front cover of the Booklet. Write your Centre number, candidate number and name on all the work you hand in. Write in dark blue or black pen. Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid. Answer all questions. Dictionaries are not permitted. At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------

1. Read the following extract carefully, and then answer all the questions.
In this passage written in two paragraphs, the writer describes the snowy owl, its nature and habitat.

Among North American birds, the snowy owl ranks first in size. It can reach 27 inches in length and have a wingspan of 5 feet. The snowy owl is light for its size about four pounds. It is easily distinguished from other large owls within its habitat by its predominately white plumage. The adult has few natural enemies, but eggs and juveniles are in danger from Arctic foxes and husky dogs. Owls depend on their keen sense of hearing and the efficiency of their sight, which is designed to work well in the dark. Unlike most other owls that primarily hunt at night, the snowy owl is diurnal, making it well suited to survive in the far north where it can be continuously light or dark around the clock. These owls mainly feed on lemmings, voles, and rabbits but are known to eat other birds and fish as well. The snowy owl can fly long distances carrying an animal weighing far more than itself. [5 x 2 = 10] 1. Where is the snowy owls habitat? ____________________________________________________ How can you tell? __________________________________________________________________ 2. What color plumage do other owls of the region have? __________________________________

How can you tell? __________________________________________________________________ 3. Does the snowy owl hunt during the day, at night, or both? _____________________________ What word tells you? _______________________________________________________________ 4. Is the snowy owl a carnivore or herbivore? ____________________________________________ How can you tell? __________________________________________________________________ 5. Could the snowy owl carry off a rabbit weighing five pounds? ___________________________ How do you know? _________________________________________________________________

2. Read the following extract carefully, and then answer all the questions.
In this passage written in two paragraphs, the writer talks about solar energy and the building of it

Solar energy is heat energy that comes from the sun. Solar-heat panels concentrate the suns heat to warm water and create power. Solar power helps save other sources of energy, such as oil, gas, and other fuels. Solar panels collect the suns heat and change it to useful energy. A solar heater is made up of large dark glass panels or materials placed on a roof. These panels trap the suns warmth to heat water. The panels help save fuel by using the heat energy from the sun. [6 x 2 = 12]
1. What is solar energy? ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 2. What does the word concentrate mean? __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 3. How can people collect heat energy from the sun? _________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

4. What are other sources of fuel? __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 5. Why do you think solar panels are placed on rooftops? _____________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 6. Why do you think solar panels are dark-colored? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 3. Use the following homophones and homonyms to frame meaningful sentences on your own. [8 x1= 8] 1. Wear Where 2. Weather Whether 3. Hare Hair 4. Bare Bear 5. Male Mail 6. Bank Bank 7. Figure Figure 8. Fine Fine

4. Read the letter below and write a letter of your own based on the guidelines given below the printed letter. Dear Mom and Dad, I am having a wonderful time at summer camp here in Maine. Danny is my new best friend and Mr. Kipper is our cabin captain. He is always tired. I dont know why. Today we went to Lake

Fishy and played ball and sailed on a sailboat. I got water in my nose and had to borrow a towel from Suzy. She said Id better learn how to use the washing machine before I give it back. Tomorrow we are going to the library; everyone is allowed to take out a book and a video. After that we are taking the bus to the post office. The mailman wont come to camp anymore; it has something to do with the frog Jamal lost. We all miss Mr. Ribbit. Hope you and Dad enjoy your trip to Grandmas house. I cant wait until you visit me soon! Love , Nick P.S. Dont forget to bring my teddy bear. Directions [1 x 10 = 10] Read the letter carefully. Imagine that you had visited a few places such as The Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubben Park, Vidhan Souda, Bannerghatta National Park, Brigade Road, MG Road and a few Art Galleries in Bangalore. Now write a letter to your parents who are now in England on a business trip about your visit. Using your own words, write an interesting letter just like the one you have above. Read and use the relevant points from the information given in the boxes below.

Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants. Formal and informal styles dominate the garden in perfect harmony, which is a testimony to the beauty of nature. Today, the garden is a lush green paradise with an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city. Lalbagh, for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture, has earned a pride of place among the gardens of the world and it has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. It is the place of legends and beauty, a place of rarity and wonder, a place of paradise and landmarks. It is an important genetic resource centre for introduction, acclimatization and maintenance of plants; it envisages documentation of the variations available in plants of ornamental and economic value. It is an important centre of dissemination of scientific, technical and popular information on plants including offering of regular courses. It aids the development of horticulture in the state. It is a valuable adjunct to botanic study in educational institutions, a vital lung space of Bangalore, a place of beauty that provides healthy recreation to the public and it provides a venue for people to get close to plants and nature.

Bannerghatta is now part of Bangalore. City seems to have come to this scerene green wildlife santuary. We took the day package from Jungle Lodges. I would strongly recommend the same to the readers. JLR has a nature camp right inside the national camp. The package takes care of food, zoo, safari trips and visit to newly opened Butterfly Park. The eateries adjoing the part is not recommended due to hygenic reasons, hence recommendation of the day package from JLR. There is a zoo, but not well kept one, though we were treated to rare slight of dancing peacock. Skip it and head directly to the Safari ride.

Butterfly park is much larger and children were thrilled to see butterflies and moths at various stages of life cycle. This is a must see. I guess the butterfly breeding enclosure is the largest in Asia (i may be wrong) The safari ride is organized by JLR themselves in their own vehicles. One gets to see lions, tigers and bears. Kids love it. These animals are rescued from circus and wandering trappers (madari). Well, do not have a very high expectation (we are still "emerging" nation), but if you are in Bangalore with kids, do not know what to do go-ahead and spend some time in Bannerghatta National park.

Space for writing a letter

5. Apostrophe Now correct the following sentences by adding apostrophes where they are necessary. [1 x 10 = 10] 1. The teachers listened to Carlos views.

2. Theyve bought a new car.

3. I went to my mothers office.

4. Please dont touch the babies clothes.

5. Its hard to explain the programmes success.

6. She works in the womens ward of the hospital.

7. Hes training to be a ladies hairdresser. 8. Youll find her in the teachers workroom all the staff go there.

9. He mightve become the next Einstein.

10. She couldnt understand why her cat had lost its appetite.