Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. With eager anticipation we awaited the next stage. A tailor was called in to measure us, five boys and one girl, Mary Lila Rao, for the sports kits. I was filled with happiness, just like a child who had been given a bag full of candy. After all, I would be fulfilling my dream to wear a blazer with INDIA written on it!!

2. A week later, we left for Australia. The night before we left I could not sleep. My small suitcase had been packed with my kit and bedding and I waited for the sun to rise. Excited by the prospect of what lay ahead, we boarded the train to Bombay, the first lap of our long journey across the seas to far-off Australia. When we reached Bombay’s Churchgate station, we were taken by bus to the Astoria Hotel. It was the first time that I had seen such a grand place, and I could barely believe my eyes. What was I, a simple Village boy doing in such a different world? While we were at the Astoria, Commander Rekhi, our manager, showed us how to knot a tie and gave us lessons on table manners.

3. When we reached Santa Cruz, the entire atmosphere at the terminal seemed unreal- its bright light, the strange sounds, the rush of people. Except for Mary Lila Rao, none of us had flown before. I was scared and confused. I had no bedding and no food. Where would I sleep? What would I eat? How would the plane take off with so many people, their luggage and other cargo? Would it crash under so much weight? I followed my companions towards the huge monster that awaited us, and blindly climbed up the ramp into the cabin. I was asked to fasten my seatbelt, but naturally I did not know what to do and was fumbling with the strape when the air-hostess kindly helped me.

4. When the plane started to taxi along the runway, I closed my eyes and prayed to my God. I had butterflies in my stomach as the plane ascended. And then we were airborne. When I looked out of the window I saw smoke pouring out of the engine, and raised an alarm, thinking that the plane was on fire. The air-hostess calmed me down, patiently explaining that it was only the fuel burning. I felt very foolish and laughed with relief.

(Adapted from the Autobiography of Milkha Singh)

1.1 Attempt any eight of the following question on the basis of the passage you have read.

(i) Why couldn’t Milkha Singh sleep a night before they left?

(ii) How many people had flown earlier?

(iii) What made the atmosphere of Santa Cruz seem unreal?

(iv) Give any two reasons responsible for Milkha’s worry or confusion?

(v) According to him what was a huge monster?

(vi) Why was he fascinated by the hotel?

(vii) Why did the air-hostess need to help him?

(viii) Why did he pray to his God?

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Peer Pressure

1. Peer Pressure is a phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced by the lifestyle and the ways of thinking of our peers. Peer pressures can prove beneficial but it is most often observed to have negative effects.

2. The thought, behaviour and taste in fashion, music, television and other walks of life of the massage are often seen to have a deep impact on society. We tend to get influenced by the lifestyle of our peer group. The changing ways of life of our peers often force us to change our ways of looking at life and leading it. It’s a human tendency to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist the peer pressure and be their own selves rather than being one among the lot. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us both positively and negatively. The distinction between positive and negative peer pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses. Following your peers blindly leaves a negative impact on your life while an analytical approach of looking at peer behaviour can help you act positively. Peer pressure is not always can bad. It can help you analyse yourself and contemplate on your ways of life. Some of the practise that the masses follow may actually teach you the way of living. You may be able to change yourself for the better. Looking at what other do, can help you bring about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a positive change in your way of life.

3. Teenage is that phase of life when are exposed to the world outside. These are the tears when you spend most of your time with your time with your friends. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become independent in life; the years of forming your ideals and principles, the years that shape your personality and the years that introduce you to your own self. As adolescents you often spend most of your daily time with friend and owing to this, you tend to imitate your friends. The people around you are bound to influence you. However, the effect of the influences of the masses is greater during your teen years. Parents have a vital role to play during your teen year’s life. Parents and teachers need to be careful while dealing with teenagers, as they are most susceptible to succumb to peer pressure during these years of their life. Teenage individuals need to be taught to distinguish between the good and the bad, the right and the wrong and should be taught to be thoughtful in life.

4. A strong support from family, an ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative and a skill chose friend from among the peers- this three-pronged strategy is the best way to keep away from negative peer pressure.

2.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(i) How can changing ways of life of our peers affect us?

(ii) What needs courage?

(iii) Name any two factors which can help you gain from peer pressure.

(iv) State any two characteristics of teenage.

(v) Why are teenagers more likely to be affected by peer pressure?

2.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following black with appropriate words/phrases:

(i) A negative impact on life can be left by ____________.

(ii) A thoughtful analysis of views of masses will lead to ________________.

(iii) Selective picking can result in ____________.

2.3 Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under:

(i) Affected (Para 1)

(ii) Difference (Para 2)

(iii) Give in to (Para 3)

Write a letter in 100-120 words, to the Editor of The Hindu, Chennai discussing in detail the advantage of ban on crackers. You are Anu/Anuj, 112, Lawrence Road, Kochi.

OR

Write an article in 100-120 words on the topic, ‘Increasing Population in the Cities’. You are Ram/Rama. You may us the following clues: migration from village – more jobs – better educational facilities – effect on living condition – overcrowding -slums – water and power supply – traffic jams.

Write a short story in 200-250 words, with the help of the cues given below. Give a suitable title to the story.

It is not always true that slow and steady wins the race-this was discovered by Rohan/Renu when ……….

OR

Rohan/Renu and his/her pet inseparable – one day – long trek – lost their way – separated from other – used good sense – reunited – retuned safely.

Fill in any four of the following blanks choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below.

A. Politeness is said to (a) ………………. One of the important characteristics of a civilized person.

B. The (b) …………… enemy of politeness is ego.

C. To be a polite person, you (c) ………….. to sacrifice your ego.

D. It is difficult (d) ……………… an egoist to be polite.

E. Polite actions (e) ………………. fine results.

(a) (i) is (ii) be (iii) are (iv) being

(b) (i) less great (ii) more great (iii) greatest (iv) greater

(c) (i) have (ii) had (iii) has (iv) must

(d) (i) by (ii) of (iii) since (iv) for

(e) (i) give (iii) gave (iii) gives (iv) giving