SECTION A: COMPREHENSION
Passage I:
When my father returned home from the Great War in 1920, he was a changed man. He had joined up as a high-spirited young man, eager for adventurous action. But now he was quiet and withdrawn, seemingly indifferent to everything around him. At times he would get into long-winded dialogues with his comrades who had also fought in the war. But even these companionships lacked the camaraderie that had bound them together in the trenches.
One evening, as he was sitting by the fire, he suddenly turned to me and said, "Son, I've seen things no man should ever see. Things that will haunt me for the rest of my life. I've seen the horrors of war, the carnage and the death, the young lives cut short so needlessly."
I listened to him in silence. I could sense the anguish in his voice, the pain that he was desperately trying to suppress. He continued, "I'm not the same man I used to be. I've lost something inside, something that can never be regained. I'm just a shell of my former self."
As I looked at him, I saw the deep lines etched on his face, the weariness in his eyes, the haunted expressions that lingered there. I realized then that he had been irreparably damaged by the war, that he had left his soul on the battlefield.
Questions:
1. How had the war affected my father?
Answer: The war had changed my father drastically. He had become quiet, withdrawn, and indifferent to the world around him. He was haunted by the horrors he had witnessed and felt he had lost something essential within him.
2. What did my father say he had seen in the war?
Answer: My father said he had seen the horrors of war - the carnage, the death, and the senseless loss of young lives. These images continued to haunt him long after the war had ended.
3. How did my father's experiences in the war affect his relationships with others?
Answer: My father's war experiences strained his relationships with others. He found it difficult to connect with his former comrades and withdrew from social interactions, lacking the camaraderie they shared during the war.
Passage II:
The ancient art of storytelling has undergone significant transformations over time. In the past, stories were primarily passed down orally, carried from one generation to another by skilled storytellers. These individuals held a special place in society, preserving cultural traditions and entertaining audiences with their tales of heroism, adventure, and romance.
With the advent of writing and the invention of the printing press, storytelling took a new form. Books became the chosen medium for sharing stories, enabling them to reach a wider audience and transcend geographical boundaries. The written word allowed authors to craft intricate narratives, explore complex themes, and engage readers in profound ways.
In modern times, technology has revolutionized storytelling once again. With the rise of digital platforms and the internet, stories have become more accessible and interactive than ever before. Authors and content creators can connect directly with their audience through blogs, social media, and digital publications. This democratization of storytelling has opened up new avenues for creative expression and audience engagement, transforming the landscape of storytelling in remarkable ways.
Questions:
1. How has the art of storytelling evolved over time?
Answer: Storytelling has evolved from oral traditions to written literature and now to digital platforms. This evolution has seen an expansion in the reach and accessibility of stories, allowing for intricate narratives, complex themes, and more direct connections between creators and audiences.
2. What role did storytellers play in the past?
Answer: In the past, storytellers held a significant role in preserving cultural traditions and entertaining audiences. They carried stories orally from one generation to another, passing down cultural heritage through tales of heroism, adventure, and romance.
3. How has technology influenced contemporary storytelling?
Answer: Technology has revolutionized storytelling in modern times. Digital platforms and the internet have made stories accessible and interactive, enabling direct connections between authors/content creators and audiences. This democratization has facilitated diverse creative expressions and audience engagement.
SECTION B: LITERATURE
Novel: The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
Questions:
1. What prompted Griffin's scientific experiments with invisibility?
Answer: Griffin's scientific experiments with invisibility were driven by his fascination with the nature of light. He sought to understand how objects become visible and theorized that manipulating the refraction of light could result in transparency. His pursuit of this understanding led him down the path of conducting risky experiments.
2. Describe Griffin's initial reaction upon becoming invisible.
Answer: Initially, Griffin was exhilarated by his successful experiment. He marveled at his newfound invisibility, feeling a sense of power and superiority. He believed that his discovery would revolutionize scientific knowledge and bring him immense recognition.
3. How did Marvel develop towards the novel?
Answer: Marvell gradually developed into a sympathetic and empathetic character. While he initially supported Griffin's scientific endeavors, he grew increasingly troubled by the consequences and ethical implications of invisibility. He evolved from a loyal assistant into a voice of caution and ultimately attempted to prevent Griffin from misusing his power.
Section C: GRAMMAR
1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
a) The teacher distributed chocolates ____ all the children.
Answer: to
b) The movie had such a profound effect ____ him that he could not stop thinking about it.
Answer: on
2. Use the correct tenses of the verbs given in brackets.
a) Sonia ____ (prepare) dinner when the doorbell rang.
Answer: was preparing
b) By this time next week, they _____ (fly) to Paris.
Answer: will have flown
SECTION D: COMPOSITION
1. Write a short story about a memorable journey you undertook.
2. Describe your favorite childhood memory in a descriptive essay.