NIOS| ENGLISH (302)| QUESTION PAPER – (OCT - 2024)| SENIOR SECONDARY
ENGLISH
(302)
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
Note:
(i) There are 39
questions in all divided into two parts.
(ii) All
questions are compulsory.
(iii) Marks for
each question are indicated against it.
(iv) Question.
Nos. 1 to 19 is carrying 1 mark each. Some of them are in subparts that include
MCQ, Fill in the blanks, True False, Match the column, One - word answers type
questions.
(v) Question.
Nos. 20, 22 to 29, 31-33, 35 and 37 are short answer questions carrying 2 marks
each. Answers to these questions should not exceed 30 words each.
(vi) Q. No. 21,
30 and 34 are carrying 3 marks. Answers to these questions should not exceed 40
words.
(vii) Q. No. 38
to 39 is carrying 4 marks each. Answers to these questions should not exceed
100 words.
(viii) Q. No. 36
is a long answer question coming 5 marks. Answer to these questions should not
exceed 150 - 200 words.
(ix) Questions
have to be attempted either from Optional Module I or Optional Module II in all
Sections.
PART - A
SECTION - A:
Prescribed Texts
1. Choose the correct alternatives. 1x2=2
(i) Who is
the poet of the poem "My grandmother's house"?
(A) Rabindranath
Tagore
(B) Kamala Das
(C) Nissim
Ezekeil
(D) Robert Frost
(ii) What is
the primary theme of the poem - "Where the mind is without fear”?
(A) The beauty
of Nature
(B) The struggle
for Independence
(C) The
importance of Education
(D) The Power of
love
2. Answer the following questions. 1x3=3
(i) Why might
the speaker believe that the second road has "the better claim" ?
(ii) What is the
purpose of the peasants buzzing the name of God?
(iii) What does
the phrase "the mind is without fear" suggest about the state of mind
in the ideal world described?
3. Read the text carefully and identify the True and
False sentences. 1x3=3
The message must
be tailored for different groups in order to enable them to understand and pass
on the message. UNESCO believes that by disseminating information to help people
understand what AIDS does to the body, it is important not to have negative
campaigns as these often lead to stigmatization and discrimination.
(i) UNESCO
believes tailoring messages for different groups is important to enable them to
understand and pass on the message.
(ii)
Understanding what AIDS does to the body doesn't help reduce misconceptions by
providing factual information that clarifies the nature of the disease.
(iii) Effective
communication plays a role in combating the spread of AIDS by ensuring accurate
information is shared, which can change perceptions and behaviours.
4. Match the Column in reference to "I must know the
truth". 1x4=4
(i) The Mother
-was about to perform at her School's Annual show.
(ii) Aradhana -
expressed her deep love and commitment to her daughter.
(iii) Simmi -
expressed her pride in Aradhana's achievement.
(iv) The
Grandmother - went to retrieve the gift from their father.
5. Choose the correct alternatives. 1x2=2
(i) What does
Gerrard claim in his bag?
(A) Money
(B) Jewels
(C) A disguise
outfit
(D) Important
documents
(ii) What
helped Ved to adjust to his blindness?
(A) His other
senses became more acute.
(B) He regained
partial sight.
(C) He learned
to read Braille immediately.
(D) He had a
personal tutor.
SECTION - B:
Non-Prescribed Texts
Read the following passage carefully and answer question
No. 6 and 7.
The greatest
enemy of mankind as people have discovered is not science but war. Science
merely reflects the social forces by which it is surrounded. It is found that
there is peace, science is constructive, when there is war, science is
perverted to destructive ends. The weapons which science gives us don't
necessarily create war, these make war increasingly more terrible. Until now it
has brought us to the doorstep of doom. Our main problem, therefore is not to
curb, science but to stop war. This is a job in which everybody must
participate, including the scientist. But the bomb of Hiroshima suddenly woke
up to the fact that we have very little time. The hour is late and our work has
scarcely begun. Now we are face to face with this urgent question, "Can education
and tolerance, understanding and creative intelligence run fast enough to keep
us abreast with our own mounting capacity to destroy?". That is the
question which we will have to answer one way or the other in this generation.
Science must help us in finding the answer, but ultimately the main decision
lies within ourselves.
6. Complete the following sentence: 1x3=3
(i) ________is
considered as the greatest enemy of mankind.
(ii) Science
needs to be directed towards _______purposes.
(iii) Our main
problem is not to curb _______but to abolish war.
7. Choose the correct alternatives. 1x3=3
(i) What is
identified as the main problem in the passage?
(A) Advancing
science
(B) Stopping War
(C) Developing
new weapons
(D) Increasing
scientific funding
(ii) The
expression 'bring to the doorstep of doom' means:
(A) Lead us to
threshold of a new destiny.
(B) Introduce us
to an unpredictable future.
(C) Carry us
close to death and destruction.
(D) Take us step
by step to ruin.
(iii) On
mounting capacity to destroy can be kept under control by:
(A) Encouraging
social forces.
(B) Education
for all.
(C) Creativity
and Intelligence.
(D) Education,
Liberal thinking and Creativity.
8. Read the following passage and identify the True and
False sentences. 6x1=6
Yoga is an
ancient practice that offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent
addition to any wellness routine. It combines physical postures, breathing
exercises and meditation to promote overall well-being. One of the primary
benefits of Yoga is its ability to improve flexibility and strength. Regular
practice helps to stretch and tone muscles, enhancing physical fitness and
reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, Yoga is known for its positive
impact on mental health. The focus on breath control and mindfulness can
significantly reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and
relaxation. Yoga also supports cardiovascular workout, improving heart health
and circulation. Moreover, Yoga can aid in weight management by increasing
metabolism and promoting mindful eating habits. Another significant benefit of
Yoga is its ability to enhance respiratory function. The deep breathing
techniques practiced in yoga increase lung capacity and improve overall
respiratory efficiency. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals
with respiratory conditions such as Asthma. Furthermore, Yoga promotes better
sleep. The relaxation techniques and physical activity help to regulate sleep
patterns, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.
In summary, Yoga
is a holistic practice that benefits both the body and mind, making it an
invaluable tool for maintaining and improving health.
(i) Yoga
primarily focuses on physical fitness and does not offer mental health
benefits.
(ii) Practicing
Yoga can help improve cardiovascular health.
(iii) Yoga is
beneficial only for people who are already physically fit.
(iv) Yoga can
aid in weight management by increasing metabolism.
(v) Yoga is not
recommended for individuals with respiratory conditions.
(vi) Regular
Yoga practice can lead to better sleep patterns.
SECTION - C:
Grammar
9. Fill in the blanks with appropriate form of verbs.
1x3=3
(i) Water
______(boil) at 100° Celsius.
(ii) The painter
________(paint) the house for two days.
(iii) I
_______(see) Rajesh yesterday morning.
10. Choose the correct alternatives. 1x4=4
(i) In the
sentence," Touch your toes without bending your knee". 'Bending' is
a:
(A) Gerund
(B) Participle
(C) Finite verb
(D) Infinitive
(ii) Which of
the following sentences contains a non-finite verb?
(A) You have
been dreaming.
(B) He began
working when he was fourteen years old.
(C) I will help
you.
(D) I am going
to meet Raju at the station at six.
(iii) In the
sentence, I found him standing at the door, 'Standing' functions as a:
(A) Gerund
(B) Participle
(C) Finite verb
(D) Infinitive
(iv) In the
sentence 'He doesn't care for dancing', the non-finite verb is a(n):
(A) Gerund
(B) Participle
(C) Finite verb
(D) Infinitive
11. Fill in the blanks with appropriate 'Wh' questions.
1x2=2
(i) ________did
you buy?
A box of
chocolates.
(ii) _______old
is the building?
It's about 200
years old.
SECTION - D:
Functional Writing Skills
12. Choose the correct alternatives: 1x4=4
(i) Which of
the following is a key component of the salutation in a formal letter?
(A) Dear (First
Name)
(B) To whom It
may concern
(C) Hi (First
Name)
(D) Hello
(ii) What is
the primary purpose of note making?
(A) To memorize
information
(B) To summarize
content and aid understanding
(C) To create a
final report
(D) To impress
teachers
(iii) What
tone is most appropriate for a formal letter?
(A) Casual and
friendly
(B) Sarcastic
and humerous
(C) Professional
and respectful
(D) Informal and
chatty
(iv) When
summarizing a text, what should be the focus ?
(A) Personal
opinions
(B) Main
arguments and themes
(C) Length of
the summary
(D) Exact
wording of the original text
13. Read the statements carefully and identify them as
True and False. 1x4=4
(i) It's
important to use your own words when taking notes.
(ii) A formal
letter should always be written in a conversational tone.
(iii) Notes
should be written in complete sentences.
(iv) The
sender's address is written in the top right corner of the letter.
14. Answer the following questions in one or two words:
1x2=2
(i) What is the
main purpose of informal writing?
(ii) What is the
main purpose of a paragraph?
SECTION - E: Optional
Module - I (English for Receptionists)
Read the questions carefully and choose the suitable
answer:
15. What is one of the primary responsibilities of a
receptionist when welcoming guests? 1
(A) To ignore
them until they speak.
(B) To offer
them help and assistance.
(C) To direct
them to the nearest exit.
(D) To take
their personal information.
16. Which of the following is NOT typically kept on a
receptionist's desk? 1
(A) A railway
time table
(B) A personal
dairy
(C) An index
book of telephone numbers frequently used
(D) A telephone
directory
17. The following expression used in this conversation is
not appropriate on the phone. 1
Choose the
correct response from the opinion given.
Receptionist:
Good Morning, Sunshine hotel.
Customer:
I would like to inquire about room availability for next weekend.
Receptionist:
Certainly! Can you tell me the dates interested in?
Customer:
Sure, I'm looking for a room from Friday, September 10th to Sunday, September
12th.
(A) Dates please
(B) Certainly!
Could you please specify the dates you're interested in?
(C) When
interested
(D) Not clear,
please be clear
18. What is the first step a receptionist should take
when receiving a Call? 1
(A) Obtains
caller's name
(B) Greets and
gives identity
(C) Offers help
(D) Acknowledges
the call
19. Which of the following should be the first step when
dealing with a caller who tends to chat irrelevantly and keep the telephone
lines needlessly engaged? 1
(A) Politely
remind the caller of the main purpose of the conversation.
(B) Listen
patiently to the caller without interrupting.
(C) End the call
abruptly to same time.
(D) Summarize
the key points discussed so far.
SECTION - E:
Optional Module - II (ESP for office use)
Read the questions carefully and choose suitable answers.
15. Study and practice the short exchanges/dialogues
given below. Identify the relationship. 1
X: Good Morning
Sir'!
Y: Good Morning,
Harish! Didn't see you in the morning. Are you fine?
X: Yes, Sir,
Thank you, I had to take permission as I had to receive my sister from the
railway station.
(A) Formal
(B) Informal
(C) Neutral
(D) None of the
above
16. People usually use short forms when ending e-mails.
Select the correct match. 1
(A) BBL be back
later
(B) IMO - in my
opinion
(C) BFN - bring
for now
(D) IOW - in
other words
17. What is the primary purpose of researching a company
prior to an interview? 1
(i) To find out
the salary offered.
(ii) To convince
the interviewer of your sincerity.
(iii) To learn
about company gossip.
(iv) To prepare
for casual conversation.
(A) All options
are True.
(B) All options
are False
(C) Only (i) is
True
(D) Only (ii) is
True
18. You have to write an e-mail to VRR travels, asking
them to cancel your Bus tickets to Bangalore and the Hotel accomodation they
had booked for you. You will inform about the changed date in near future.
Select the appropriate points from the following - 1
(A) Cancel
reservations, will decide upon new dates, regret the inconvenience caused.
(B) Cancel
reservations, will inform about the new dates, regret the inconvenience caused.
(C) Postpone
reservations, will inform about new dates, regret inconvenience caused.
(D) Cancel
reservations, will inform about new dates, requested to return the booking
amount.
19. In a hospital, the Doctor meets the Nurse and asks,
“How are you?". Which expression 1 could you use in response? Select the
correct response. 1
(A) Thanks
(B) Fine Thanks
(C) I am fine,
Thank you, Doctor
(D) Fine
PART - B
SECTION - A:
Prescribed Texts
20. Answer any one of the following questions: 2x1=2
(i) What
decision does the speaker make regarding the true paths in the poem 'The Road
not Taken'?
(ii) What action
did the characters take when they realized he was not found?
21. Answer any one of the following questions. 3x1=3
(i) He also
emphasizes the importance of reason and rationality. How does Tagore describe
the ideal state of mind in the poem?
(ii) The poem.
"The Road Not Taken", explores the idea of missed opportunities and
the inherent uncertainty in decision-making. What does the poet try to bring
out through this poem?
Answer the following:
22. What made the doctor realize that he was not looking at
his own watch? 2
23. Why did Ved protest with cries when the eye drops were
administered? 2
24. How was Baldeo's weapon a part of him every time? 2
SECTION B:
Non-Prescribed Texts
Read the given passage carefully and answer question No.
25 to 27.
From the hum of
a laptop to the omnipresent glow of smartphone screens, computers and the
internet have deeply woven themselves into the very fabric of human existence.
Their influence stretches far beyond mere devices, fundamentally reshaping how
we work, learn, connect and even perceive the world around us. In just a few decades,
there technologies marvels have transitioned from once - described 'futuristic
fantasies' to indispensable tools of today, irrevocably altering the landscape
of our lives. The computer itself serves as a tireless workhorse, automating
tedious tasks and streamlining process across every imaginable field. Gone are
the days of manual calculations and paper - laden desks. Now, the spreadsheets
crunch numbers with lightning speed while design software sculpts virtual
worlds. From medical diagnoses to financial analyses, computers have became the
silent partners driving efficiency and accuracy in countless professions. This
digital revolution has not only transformed how we work but has also broadened
the scope of opportunities for those equipped with hi-tech skills.
25. In what ways might the constant presence of technology,
such as smartphones and laptops, affect the way we perceive the world? 2
26. (i) Why does the author refer to computers and
the internet as 'futuristic fantasies' in the past? 2
OR
(ii) How does
the passage suggest that technology has became 'indispensable' in modern life?
27. What does the passage suggest about the importance of
high-tech skills in the modern workforce? 2
Read the
given passage carefully and answer question No. 28 to 30.
Physical
well-being enables us to engage in various activities, pursue our passions and
live our lives to the fullest. A healthy body provides the energy and a
vitality needed to tackle everyday tasks with ease and efficiency. Moreover,
good physical health is closely associated with preventing diseases and
ailments. A healthy lifestyle incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet
and adequate rest helps us avoid many diseases, leading to a long life. Beyond
physical health, mental well-being is also crucial. Good health is a
combination of both physical and mental fitness. Mental health includes
emotional, psychological and social well-being. Mental health is our minds
ability to think, feel, respond and behave. Good mental health fosters positive
emotions and a sense of purpose, enabling us to navigate through life's
challenges and walk through difficult paths with grace and determination. It is
necessary for us to prioritise mental health as it nurtures self-care practices
and provides support whenever needed.
28. (i) What are some benefits of physical well-being
mentioned in the passage? 2
OR
(ii) According
to the passage, what lifestyles practices contribute to good physical health?
29. How does good mental health contribute to handling
life's challenges? 2
30. Find a word similar in meaning from the passage:
1x3=3
(i) forbidding.
(ii) nurtures.
(iii) willpower.
SECTION C: Grammar
31. Fill in the blanks using the passive form of the
verbs given in brackets: 2x1=2
(i) He ______
(look) after by his grandmother when he _______(use) to live in the village
with her.
OR
(ii) The stories
_______(write) when he _______(use) to visit the hill station.
32. Change the following questions into indirect speech:
1x2=2
(i) Ravi said,
"I have a message for your brother."
(ii) "Who
has been using my computer ?" Said my mother.
33. Join the following sentences using the connectors
given against each pair. 1x2=2
(i) The team
couldn't finish the project.
The team worked
hard. (Although)
(ii) She
succeeded in the exams.
She studied
diligently everyday. (because)
SECTION - D :
Functional Writing Skill
34. Answer any one of the following questions: 3x1=3
(i) Make a
summary of the following passage:
You might be
eating clean, exercising regularly and getting good sleep, but if you still
find yourself falling sick frequently, struggling with recurring colds,
allergies, or other illness, then you need to keep an eye on your emotional
health. Stress can play a major role in how often you get sick, even if your
physical habits are on point. Stress in your body's natural response to any
challenges or threats and is a survival mechanism designed to keep you safe. When
you face a stressful situation - like a tight work deadline or a close call
while driving - your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These
hormones prepare you to either 'fight' the threat or 'flight' from it by
increasing your heart rates, quickening your breath, and sharpening your
senses. While short bursts of stress can be beneficial, chronic stress is a
different story. Chronic stress occurs when your body stays in this heightened
state of alert for long periods, whether due to ongoing work pressure,
relationship issues or financial concerns. When you're stressed, your body's
priority is survival, not healing. The release of the cortisol hormone under
stress keeps the sympathetic nervous system active and suppresses the immune system.
(ii) Make
notes from the following passage in points only, using appropriate headings and
sub-headings. Also use at least two recognizable abbreviations.
The first
'nano'-thing you would have ever seen would be the Nano car, the smallest car
to be made in India. The car, however, was named Nano for its small size and
not because it used any nanotechnology. So, what do these terms 'nano' and
'nanotechnology' mean? The word is derived from the Greek word 'Nanos' meaning
'dwarf' or something extremely small.
A 'nanometre',
in the metric system, refers to one billionth of a metre. How small is that?
Well, your ball point pen tip is between 0.5 - 0.7 millimetre. A millimetre, as
you know, 1/1000 of a metre. It is roughly the dimension you can study under a
magnifying glass. Now, a micro-metre is 1/1000,000 of a metre. You need a
microscope to observe an object of micrometre dimension, such as your bacteria,
silicon chips etc.
A nanometre (nm)
is even smaller. It is 1/1,000,000,000 of a metre. Are you familiar with
anything that is small? Well, an atom measures 0.1 to 0.5 nm in diameter and a
single DNA strand is 2.5 wide. Those objects fall under the category of
nanoscale structures. Now, these nanoscale objects are something our scientist
love to toy with, which resulted in the emergence of a whole new branch of
science termed nanotechnology'.
Nanotechnology
is that field of science which manipulates nanometre-seized matter to design
new structures, and devices that exhibit interesting properties in nanoscale dimensions.
35. Describe your experience of visiting your friend in a
hospital who was ill and admitted for two days. 2
36. Attempt any one of the following questions. 5x1=5
(i) You are
Vishal living at 14, LASA GRAND Society, Pune. The pond in the nearby area is
getting polluted by people disposing all the garbage and it is causing diseases
for the residents of the society. Write a letter to the Editor of a daily
Newspaper regarding the same.
(ii) You are
Anish, a student of HSV Public School, New Delhi. Write a letter to the
Principal of the school complaining to him about the shortage of drinking water
supply in the school.
SECTION - E:
Optional Module - I (English for Receptionists)
37. Answer any one of the following questions: 2x1=2
(i) What is
essential for a receptionist to have a good understanding of aside from her
regular duties?
(ii) Why might
it be necessary to check your understanding after someone gives a long or
difficult answer?
38. Answer any one of the following questions: 4x1=4
(i) Operator at
Danish split Invertor AC receives a call from a customer. She had recently
purchased the AC and after two days of installation. Since your office deals
with sales, guide the customer about the procedure for redressal, provide
information and assistance about the same.
(ii) The Managing
Director wants you to find out all necessary details and make arrangements so
that he will be able to reach Mumbai from New Delhi by 30th Nov 2024, 9.30 a.m.
for a meeting with the General Managers of the Region. Prepare the
conversation.
39. Mr. Jagdish has an appointment with Mr. Manu Sharma, the
Sales Executive of Nimisha Foods Pvt. Ltd. at 10.30 a.m. Mr. Jagdish rings up
to cancel the appointment. Mr. Manu Sharma is not at his desk. You are the
receptionist at Nimisha Foods Pvt. Ltd. Write out a message for Mr. Manu
Sharma. 4
SECTION - E:
Optional Module - II (ESP for Office Use)
37. Answer any one of the following questions: 2x1=2
(i) What are
pre-interview activities? Why is it necessary?
(ii) What are
the sources to gather information about the company?
38. Answer any one of the following question. 4x1=4
(i) You are
Sales Executive of Blossom Children Book Stores, Hyderabad, deputed to conduct
a survey of the share market in Secundarabad to open a showroom as there are
new residential colonies and schools, which have come up in that area. Write
your report to be submitted to the Sales Manager stating that Secundarabad
Market might be a suitable market for a purpose. Give necessary reasons.
(ii) Mr. Sameer
works as an Assistant Manager in a firm in Raipur. He has been asked to visit
the firm's Nagpur office and submit a report on how that office is functioning
there. Write out a tour report to be submitted by Mr. Sameer to Mr. Mukesh
Sharma, the Director.
39. Write an email addressed to Mr. Susheel Mishra, the
Auditor General of the state coming to your company for audit. He wants
information about your company's area of operation and business. You are PRO of
your company, VCR Shoes Manufacturing Company, Chandigarh. Mr. Susheel's e-mail
ID: susheelm@gmail.com. Your e-mail ID: vcrshoes@hotmail.com. 4
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