MID-TERM EXAMINATION ENGLISH PAPER I Language and writing (Three hours and a quarter) 100 Marks CLASS XI (The

first fifteen minutes of the examination are for reading the paper only. Candidates must not write during this time)

Instructions: 1. This paper has two sections, section A for writing and section b for language. Section B is further divided in to nature of language and Grammar. 2. All the questions are compulsory. 3. You are recommended to spend 2 hours on section A and 1 hour on section B 4. You should begin each answer on a fresh page. Question 1. [30]

Write an argumentative essay on any one of the following. ( You are reminded that you will be awarded marks for orderly and correct presentation of material, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling , punctuation and grammar.)
a) People largely think that the life of our ancestors were better than that of the present. What is your opinion of it? b) Do you think that scientific developments and achievements have greatly damaged religion? Give reason c) When major countries of the world pass laws for womans empowerment, some of the countries of the world still insist on womans sole domestic commitment. What do you think? Question 2. Write an original story based on the following prompt. You are reminded that in the above task, you will also be assessed on expression, style and mechanics. [30] he would redraw the line of his own fate. He knew that it would make all the difference.

Question 3. Directions: Read the following questions carefully, for each question choose the correct answer from the given alternatives and write it in your answer sheet. [1x4]

(i)

What is the smallest unit of a word. A B C D Morphemes phonemes Letters System of letters of a language

(ii)

Alliteration is A B D E Repeated letters. Repeated consonant sounds. Repeated vowel sounds. Repetition of any sound.

(iii)

What is the essence of Ding- Dong theory of language? A B C D Structural imitation. Imitation of sounds. Duality of structure. Multiplicity of meaning.

(iv)

Which of the following is a noun inflection? A B C D Palace. Copied. Masses. Possess.

Question 4. Direction: Answer the questions given below briefly. 1. Briefly explain any two theories of language 2. What is onomatopoeia? Give an example. 3. Differentiate between language and dialect. II GRAMMAR Question 5, [30] [5] [6]

Direction: Read the following questions carefully, for each question choose the correct answer from the given alternatives and write it in your answer sheet. [5]

(i)

We agreed_____________ the terms of the settlement

A: to B: with C: for D: on (ii) We here ____________ enclose a cheque of Nu 1000 A: B: C: D: (iii) with by for to

Take this parcel _____________ to the post office A: B: C: D: over along on off

(iv)

She sat ______________ the fire and told me the tale A: B: C: D: by at in front near

(v)

Each article was sold _________ over a pound A: B: C: D: at for on to

Question 6. For each of the sentence below, rewrite a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence, using the words given in the brackets. [10] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. That kind of joke does not amuse me. (amusement) There is a slight difference between the two shades. (different) The best way to be healthy is to be temperate in all things. (health) The shop seldom earns Nu1200 in a month. (income) Out of a desire for revenge he agreed to this. (longing) We must eat or we cannot live. (lest)

7. Every body agreed to support his case. (none) 8. Sooner or later, kindness will conquer hearts. (fail) 9. The minister arrived with his secretary for the inauguration of the bridge. (inaugurated) 10. Newton discovered that the force of gravitation makes apples fall.(discovery) Question 7. In each of the following items, sentence A is complete but sentence B is not. Complete sentence B making it as similar in meaning to sentence A. [5] (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) A: Sonam as well as his brother were promoted. B: Both A: The Minister entered the stage and the audience stood up. B: Hardly A: As soon an the result declared, the failed contestants began to leave. B: No A: The river is too shallow to swim. B: The river.. A: When the rich not suffer from overeating, piteously the poor die of hunger. A: It

Question 8. Edit the following passage and rewrite it on to your answer sheet.

To write a dialogue successfull, call for a little dramatic power; for the writer have not only to see both side of a question, but has also to put himself, so to speak, inside two imagery person so as to make them expres their opposite opinion naturally and in keeping with their character. He has in turn to be each one, and sees the point of view of each on the question.

MID-EX- EI-11

S. JACOB