The Queen's Language

 When I compare What I have lost with what I have gained, What I have missed with what attained Little room do I find for pride. I am aware How many days have been idly spent; How like an arrow the good intent Has fallen short or been turned aside. But who shall dare To measure loss and gain in this wise? Defeat may be victory in disguise; The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide. Based on your reading of the poem answer any FOUR of the five questions given below. I The tone of the poem can be best described as: a) Optimistic and celebratory b) Reflective and contemplative c) Angry and resentful d) Sarcastic and dismissive 1 II What is the significance of the phrase “The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide”? a) It suggests that bad times lead to the inevitable downfall of a person. b) It conveys the idea that after the worst point, improvement is possible. c) It means that the tide will always rise, no matter what, without fail. d) It refers to the idea that challenges in life are con...

 SECTION A- READING 1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 12x1 =12 Arjun was an architect, renowned for designing modern skyscrapers in bustling cities. His life was a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and blueprints, leaving little time for reflection. One Friday evening, while clearing his desk, he stumbled upon an old, faded photograph of his childhood home. The simple cottage nestled in the hills, surrounded by tall oak trees, brought a rush of memories—the sound of chirping birds, the scent of fresh rain, and his grandmother’s stories by the fireplace. Her laughter, warm and contagious, echoed in his mind. That night, he could no sleep. Tossing and turning, he realized it had been over 20 years since he last visited his ancestral home. On an impulse, he decided to take a break and revisit the place where he had spent his happiest days. This was not just a trip to a physical location but a journey to rediscover parts of himself lost in the chaos ...

3. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words 1x4=4  A. You are Daljeet Kaur, a member of the Teen Well-Being Association, Chandigarh. The Association is planning to organise free pottery classes every Sunday morning at the community hall to encourage creativity among young residents. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the residents of the event and inviting registrations. Include all the necessary details. Put your notice in a box.  OR  B. You are Keerthi, the Secretary of the Environmental Club of ABC School, Madurai. Your school is organising an 'Eco-Fiesta' to raise awareness about environmental issues. Draft a notice in about 50 words, inviting students to participate in various activities and setting up of food stalls. Include all the necessary details. Put your notice in a box. HINTS  SECTION B-CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS   .  Format :1 Box, name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency (top centre),  NOTICE (centre), date...

 SECTION C GRAMMAR (10 marks)  7. Fill in the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. 3x1=3 Therapeutic gardens are a public health measure and key to Singapore’s aim of (i) _______ (become/ becoming/ will becoming) one of the world’s top wellness destinations. In a tourism sense, wellness often (ii) _________ (had referred / refers / referring) merely to spa treatments but Singapore’s approach is more scientific. Singapore now (iii) ________ (have view/ has viewed / views) Therapeutic gardens as a forward-thinking tourism strategy. 8. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets, remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been done as an example 4x1=4  S No.                        Text                    ...

 Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 150 words     1x8=8  A Imagine you are Vitthal K of class X. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Achieving Holistic Wellness: The Key to a Happy Life,’ emphasising the role of physical health, mental well-being, and positive lifestyle habits and natural remedies. Explain how these factors contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, and suggest practical steps for incorporating them into daily routines. You may use your own ideas along with the given cues and your reading of MCB Unit 1: Health and Wellness (holistic wellness - key aspects - simple habits can improve overall wellness - actionable ways needed to integrate wellness into everyday routines) OR B You are Kadambari Rao, class X. Write an article on the topic ‘Space Travel: Accessible Tourism or a Risky Adventure?’ highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of making space travel available to the general public. Discuss whether spa...

 Q3  Write an application, in not more than 50 words, requesting permission to use the school transport to attend a tree plantation volunteering event. You are Lakshit Pandey, Class X-C, Vice-President, Ecology Club 5 M Q4 Write a factual description of your favourite gadget in not more than 100 words, highlighting its key features and functionalities. 4M Q5 Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 words 7 M  A. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology, such as the internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This disparity has significantly impacted education, especially for students from marginalised segments, by limiting their ability to access online resources and virtual classes. As Sakshi Tripathi, 120 Kailash Nagar, Batanpur,  write a letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the issue, its effects on students and teachers, and suggesting practical measures to bridge this gap. Use your own ideas ...