Date:

English (Set - A)

Class: VII

Time: 3 hrs.

M. M: 70

General Instructions:

1. This paper consists of THREE sections:

Section A Reading 20 marks

Section B Writing & Grammar 25 marks

Section C Literature 25 marks

2. Attempt all questions.

1. Do not write anything on the question paper.
2. All the answers must be correctly numbered as in the question paper and written in the Answer sheet provided to you.

5. Read each question carefully and follow the instructions.

1. Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question. Marks will be deducted for exceeding the word limit.

<u>SECTION A – READING</u>

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1 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:

The most important thing is that we should have freedom of thought. It is not as easy as it sounds. For everyone likes to have this freedom for himself. But is not ready to give it to others when they express different opinions. It usually happens in a particular case when the differences of opinion arise on such important matters as religion or politics. But if we refuse to let other people hold their opinion on these matters and specially if we try to force them to accept our own progress is impossible. If everyone went on thinking the same things as his ancestors thought progress would come to an end because as the Buddha said "What a man thinks, he becomes". So if we think exactly what our forefathers thought, we shall remain in the condition in which they were. Our thoughts depend a good deal upon what we read and what we talk about. Therefore if we want to think new thoughts, we must try to study all sides of the topic that comes before us and not to be content only with what we read in newspapers or what others say.

1. We do not get easily ready to give freedom to those people who
2. express different opinion on religion or politics
3. express same opinion on religion or politics
4. want to spread hatred among different communities
5. express personal opinion on great personalities
6. If all of us start thinking in the way our ancestors thought, our progress would
7. take speed
8. come to an end
9. be appreciated
10. none of the above
11. Our thoughts are influenced by
12. what we read
13. what we talk
14. iii. both (a) & (b)
15. neither (a) & (b)
16. Our thoughts should not be based upon mere

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1. newspapers or what others say
2. books we read
3. what our family say
4. personal opinion
5. The word 'ancestors' means
6. generation to come
7. those who do good to others
8. great persons
9. forefathers

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2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:

Once Akbar decided to hold a grand feast. He personally invited his courtiers and many others. It was a feast to be remembered and talked about. Attending a grand feast was worth walking even a hundred miles. Obviously, everybody flocked to the place.

It was indeed a feast fit for Gods. All kinds of dishes and food delicacies were served. All the courtiers vied with one another to catch the emperor's eye. As usual Akbar's eye was on his favourite Birbal. He made Birbal sit next to him. He enjoyed the meal thoroughly as Birbal entertained him with his witty stories throughout the meal.

After the meal, different fruits were served. Akbar and Birbal sat conversing together over a bowl of dates. While talking they kept throwing the date seeds under their chairs. Noticing the piles of dates under Birbal's chair Akbar got an idea and thought of having fun at Birbal's expense. He slowly pushed his heaps of seeds into that of Birbal's with his foot. Birbal did not notice Akbar doing that.

Suddenly, pretending to be surprised Akbar spoke loudly, "Birbal! I did not know you were so greedy. Is it wise to eat so many dates?"

There was a hush. Everybody stopped talking and turned to look at Birbal. Birbal peeped under his chair and saw a huge heap of date seeds while there was nothing under the king's chair. He understood it to be Akbar's pranks. Akbar was waiting to see as to how Birbal would tackle the embarrassing situation.

Unnerved, Birbal turned towards Akbar and answered loud enough for everyone to hear. Your majesty, I admit I am a greedy man. But I have eaten only the fruit having thrown away the seeds while you have eaten the seeds along with the fruits.

Now, it was Akbar's turn to get embarrassed. As usual, Birbal had the last laugh.

1. Akbar invited his courtiers and many others to attend:
2. his son's wedding ceremony
3. the concert organized on the eve of Eid
4. a grand feast organized by him
5. his birthday party
6. The courtier's only desire was to
7. catch the emperor's eye
8. talk with the emperor
9. sit next to the emperor
10. taste all the dishes

c) Akbar saw under Birbal's chair:

1. a white cat
2. a pile of dates
3. a pile of date seeds
4. a pile of different fruits

d) What was Akbar's prank?

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