SET - 2 1/2 Series : SGN/C Code No.

Candidates must write the Code on

the title page of the answer-book.

Roll No.

• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages.

Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

• Please check that this question paper contains 13 questions.
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting it.

• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period.

ENGLISH (Core)

Time allowed: 3 hours

Maximum Marks: 100

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into three sections : A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION - A

30 10

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

1. South India is known mainly for its music, arts and rich literature. Madras or Chennai can be called the cultural capital and the soul of Mother India. The city is built low in pleasant contrast to the ugly tall structures of Mumbai and Kolkata. It has vast open spaces and ample greenery. The majestic spacious Mount Road looks like a river, wide and deep. A walk along the Marina Beach in the evening with the sea shining in your face is totally refreshing. The breeze

soothes the body, it refreshes the mind and brightens the intellect. C/1 1/2 1

1. One can never feel dull in Chennai. The intellectual and cultural life of the city is something of a marvel. Every street corner of Chennai has a literary forum, a debating society and music, dance or dramatic club. The intelligent arguments, the sparkling wit and dashing irony make every meeting very interesting. There is a young men's association which attracts brilliant speakers and equally brilliant listeners to its meetings. It is a treat to watch them use their speaking skills. Chennai speakers are by and large sweet and civilised, though angry and noisy variety is also often witnessed during election time. The more urbane speakers weave their arguments slowly like the unfolding of a melody set to carnatic music.

1. Music concerts and dance performances draw packed houses. There is hardly any cultured family in Chennai that does not learn and patronize music and dance in its original form. Rukmani Devi Arundale's 'Kala Kshetra' is a renowned international centre. It has turned out hundreds of celebrated maestros and dancers who have brought fame and glory to our country. Carnatic music has a beautiful charm of its own. It has the moon's soft beauty and soft pace. Thousands of people flock to the temple 'maidans' to enjoy the sweet melodies of their favourite singers. They sit out all night even in the unbearable heat, swaying to the rhythm of 'nadaswaram' and the measured beats of 'mridangam'.

1. The gods might descend from heaven to see a South Indian damsel dancing. There are several varieties of South Indian dance – Bharat Natyam, Mohini Attam, Kathakali etc. Age cannot wither nor custom stale its beautiful variety. Bharat Natyam is the most graceful and enchanting dance form whereas Kathakali is most masculine and virile. South Indian dances combine pleasure with purity. Here, every muscle and fibre of the body vibrates into life, and as the movement increases, a divine flame-like passion comes out as if making an effort to reach heaven.

C/1 1/2 2