General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections:
- SECTION A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
- SECTION B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks)
- SECTION C: Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text (40 Marks)
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
- Adhere strictly to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
(1) In an age dominated by disposable consumer goods and fast-turnaround manufacturing, the resurgence of biomimicry—the intentional practice of emulating nature’s time-tested designs to solve complex engineering challenges—has revolutionized modern sustainable architecture and materials science. For over 3.8 billion years, biological evolution has acted as a rigorous research laboratory, refining elegant, energy-efficient solutions to thermal regulation, structural integrity, and waste minimization.
(2) Architects and environmental engineers increasingly look to living organisms rather than synthetic petroleum derivatives for design inspiration. Termite mounds in sub-Saharan savannahs, for example, maintain a steady internal temperature despite scorching daily swings, inspiring passive ventilation systems in modern skyscrapers that cut mechanical air-conditioning energy use by up to 40%. Similarly, the microscopic surface architecture of the lotus leaf—whose nanoscale wax pillars cause water droplets to roll off while capturing dirt particles—has led to self-cleaning, chemical-free exterior building paints and photovoltaic panel coatings.
(3) The philosophical essence of biomimicry lies in shifting humanity’s perspective from viewing nature simply as a warehouse of extractable raw resources to regarding it as a mentor and teacher. In natural ecosystems, the concept of non-recyclable “waste” does not exist; the outputs of one organism serve as nutrient inputs for another in a closed loop. Industrial manufacturing models that adopt this circular logic reduce landfill pressures and eliminate toxic chemical pollutants from local river basins.
(4) Embracing nature-inspired design requires interdisciplinary collaboration bridging biology, computational physics, and industrial fabrication. When design students study structural bone densities to minimize steel use in suspension bridges or examine shark skin denticles to reduce marine hull drag, they create cleaner, more efficient technologies. Biomimetic innovation demonstrates that true progress does not conquer natural systems, but integrates seamlessly with them.
(i) What definition of ‘biomimicry’ is established in paragraph 1? [1]
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately: [1]
Passive ventilation designs in modern skyscrapers were inspired by termite mounds because ______________________.
(iii) Explain how adopting nature’s closed-loop circular logic prevents industrial pollution based on paragraph 3. (Answer in about 40 words) [2]
(iv) Select the option that conveys the closest meaning of the word ’emulating’ as used in paragraph 1: [1]
(v) What practical technological innovation was developed by studying the microscopic structure of lotus leaves? [1]
(vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: [1]
Biomimicry focuses primarily on extracting and consuming maximum physical timber and ore resources from natural habitats.
(vii) List two engineering applications mentioned in paragraph 4 where biological study optimized structural efficiency. [2]
(viii) Choose the most suitable title for the passage: [1]
(1) A 2026 international climate and agriculture survey evaluated the impact of community-managed agrivoltaic installations across 50 arid and semi-arid agrarian districts. Agrivoltaics—the co-location of elevated solar photovoltaic panels directly above active agricultural crops—was tested over three consecutive harvesting seasons to measure electrical output, soil moisture retention, and crop yield stability.
(2) The field data revealed that elevated solar panel arrays provided dynamic shade that reduced daytime soil evaporation rates by 48%, cutting agricultural irrigation water demands by nearly half. Furthermore, leafy greens, root vegetables, and pulses grown beneath the semi-shaded arrays demonstrated a 26% higher yield compared to control crops exposed to direct, scorching sun rays. Simultaneously, natural plant transpiration cooled the underside of the solar panels, improving electrical photovoltaic efficiency by 11% during peak summer heatwaves.
(3) The study also examined socio-economic impacts on farming households. In villages with community-managed agrivoltaic micro-grids, farm incomes increased by 65% through the dual sale of surplus green electricity and organic produce. Agricultural economists noted that pairing renewable clean power generation with food production prevents the diversion of fertile arable land into industrial solar deserts, making agrivoltaics a vital tool for dual climate and food security.
(i) What percentage reduction in soil moisture evaporation was achieved under elevated agrivoltaic arrays? [1]
(ii) What biological mechanism cooled the solar panels and improved their electrical efficiency by 11%? [1]
(iii) How did shade from the panels affect the yield of leafy greens and pulses? (Answer in 20–30 words) [2]
(iv) Explain why agricultural economists support agrivoltaics over conventional ground-mounted industrial solar farms based on paragraph 3. [2]
(v) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option: [1]
According to the survey, farmer household incomes in participating villages rose by 65% primarily due to ________.
(a) government drought relief compensations alone
(b) the combined earnings from surplus electricity sales and improved harvest yields
(c) abandoning crop farming to become full-time solar panel technicians
(d) cutting down nearby forest canopies
(vi) Identify the three crop categories noted in the study that thrived under semi-shaded agrivoltaic arrays. [1]
(vii) State one major environmental benefit of cutting farm irrigation water demands by half in semi-arid regions. [1]
(viii) Select the word from paragraph 1 that means ‘lacking sufficient water or rainfall; extremely dry’: [1]
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct verb form from the options:
A team of marine biologists ________ (has mapped / have mapped / are mapping) an unexplored deep-sea coral reef off the western coastline.
(ii) Read the conversation between a flight instructor and a trainee pilot. Report the trainee pilot’s reply correctly:
Instructor: Have you completed the pre-flight navigational check?
Trainee: I verified all the cockpit instruments twenty minutes ago.
The flight instructor enquired if the trainee had completed the pre-flight navigational check. The trainee replied that ______________________.
(iii) Select the correct modal verb to complete the campus security rule:
All visitors ________ (must / may / might) sign the digital registry at the main gate before entering the premises.
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the line from a culinary magazine:
“A diverse collection of indigenous spices are curated in the traditional culinary museum.”
| Option No. | Error | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | diverse | diversity |
| (b) | are | is |
| (c) | curated | curating |
| (d) | in | at |
(v) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word given in brackets:
By the time the wildlife ranger arrived at the riverbank, the herd of elephants ________ (already cross) the forest corridor safely.
(vi) Fill in the blank with the appropriate determiner:
There was ________ (much / many / few / several) praise from civic authorities for the youth group’s beach clean-up campaign.
(vii) Report the conversation between an architect and an urban planner:
Planner: Can we incorporate a rooftop rainwater harvesting system into this commercial blueprint?
Architect: Yes, we integrated dual filtration tanks in the latest floor layout.
The urban planner enquired if they could incorporate a rooftop rainwater harvesting system into that commercial blueprint. The architect affirmed and stated that ______________________.
(viii) Identify the error in the sentence from a healthcare advisory and supply the correction:
“The daily practice of mindful meditation and balanced diet reduce physical fatigue.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
(ix) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb:
The jury ________ (has declared / have declared / are declaring) its unanimous decision in the inter-school debate final.
(x) Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb:
Passengers ________ (need not / must not / cannot) re-enter their passport numbers if their flight tickets are linked to their digital identity cards.
(xi) Complete the sustainability slogan using the correct verb form:
Save clean water today, and tomorrow ________ (flourishes / flourished / flourishing) with green abundance.
(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for this public library notification:
“Every student borrowers are required to return overdue reference manuals by Friday.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
(A) You are Tanmay/Tanvi, residing at 54, Lakeview Residency, Udaipur. The primary public playground in your locality has been encroached upon by unauthorized commercial parking and construction debris dumping, depriving neighborhood children of safe play space and posing safety hazards. Write a formal letter in 100–120 words to the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, urging the immediate removal of parked commercial vehicles, clearing of rubble, and the fencing of the playground for community use.
(B) You are Aarush/Aarohi, President of the Science and Heritage Club at St. Xavier’s Senior Secondary School, Kochi. Write a formal letter of inquiry in 100–120 words to the Director of the Regional Marine Aquarium and Ocean Research Center, Ernakulam, requesting permission for an educational field visit for 50 students of Class 10. Inquire about entry slot timings, student concession fees, availability of a marine guide, and screening slots for marine conservation documentaries.
(A) The horizontal bar graph below illustrates the daily water footprint required to produce one kilogram of various staple food commodities (Bovine Meat: 15,400 litres, Sheep/Goat Meat: 10,400 litres, Paddy/White Rice: 2,500 litres, Wheat Grain: 1,800 litres, Chickpeas/Lentils: 900 litres, Seasonal Green Vegetables: 320 litres). Write an analytical paragraph in 100–120 words evaluating the data, comparing the water intensity of livestock farming with plant-based staples, and discussing dietary strategies for freshwater conservation.
(B) A survey of 500 secondary school students examined their primary modes of digital learning during independent study hours (Interactive Video Simulations: 42%, Collaborative Peer Forums: 28%, Handwritten Summary Flashcards: 18%, AI-generated Quiz Bots: 12%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100–120 words evaluating the study findings, comparing visual-interactive learning with active self-testing, and drawing a reasoned conclusion.
(A) “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.“`html
(1) In an age dominated by screen-mediated communications, the resurgence of amateur astronomy and community stargazing clubs has revealed a profound hunger for tangible cosmic perspective. Modern artificial illumination effectively conceals the celestial landscape from urban dwellers, reducing the infinite night expanse to a muddy orange twilight. Yet, when individuals step outside light-saturated perimeters to gaze into the deep cosmos through a modest telescope, a transformative shift in perception frequently occurs. (2) Sociologists refer to this emotional phenomenon as the ‘overview shift’—a sudden visceral awareness of Earth’s fragile singularity against the vast expanse of cosmic space. Observing ancient photons emitted by distant star clusters millions of years ago fosters an immediate sense of humbleness and collective responsibility. When people confront the physical reality of the solar system, mundane daily rivalries, societal fractures, and material anxieties tend to diminish in perceived importance. (3) Community science collectives are harnessing this cosmic wonder to advocate for environmental sustainability. Volunteer-led dark-sky initiatives encourage municipalities to adopt directed, energy-efficient amber lighting, which curtails ecological disruptions for nocturnal wildlife while re-opening views of the night sky. Furthermore, introductory astronomy workshops cultivate foundational scientific skepticism, teaching citizens how to analyze observational data rather than accept sensational claims without verification. (4) Reclaiming our connection to the cosmos does not demand costly research equipment; it requires only dark spaces, deliberate patience, and open curiosity. Gathering under an open night sky reminds humanity that we share a single, interconnected biosphere suspended in cosmic silence, urging us toward collective environmental stewardship. (i) What physical consequence of urban artificial lighting is described in paragraph 1? [1] (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately: [1] (iii) Explain how participating in astronomy workshops promotes rational thinking, based on paragraph 3. (Answer in about 40 words) [2] (iv) Select the option that conveys the closest meaning of the word ‘tangible’ as used in paragraph 1: [1] (v) Why do mundane rivalries and anxieties diminish when individuals observe deep celestial objects? [1] (vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: [1] (vii) List two environmental benefits of adopting municipal amber lighting mentioned in paragraph 3. [2] (viii) Choose the most suitable title for the passage: [1] (1) A 2026 international climate adaptation benchmark evaluated urban sponge-city infrastructure across 50 flood-prone metropolitan centers. The study tracked soil water absorption, subterranean aquifer recharge, and drainage performance over three consecutive monsoon cycles to determine how permeable landscape engineering mitigates urban flash inundations. (2) The findings revealed that cities requiring permeable interlocking pavements, bio-retention swales, and subterranean infiltration trenches on at least 30% of their urban footprint reduced peak stormwater surface runoff by 58%. Furthermore, localized groundwater tables rose by an average of 3.2 meters, significantly stabilizing urban water security during subsequent dry summer months. (3) The economic assessment demonstrated substantial financial savings. Municipalities investing in ecological bioswales and constructed wetlands recorded a 62% reduction in recurring flood-damage restoration expenditures compared to sectors relying solely on rigid concrete storm drains. Urban engineers concluded that nature-based water retention systems provide an economically sustainable defense against intense climate-induced rainfall. (i) By what percentage was peak stormwater surface runoff reduced in cities adopting sponge infrastructure? [1] (ii) What average rise in local groundwater tables was documented over the three-year study period? [1] (iii) How do permeable pavements and bioswales help cities prepare for dry summer seasons? (Answer in 20–30 words) [2] (iv) Contrast the economic outcomes of nature-based bioswales with those of traditional concrete storm drains. [2] (v) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option: [1] (vi) Name two specific permeable infrastructure components mentioned in paragraph 2. [1] (vii) State one major risk faced by cities that rely exclusively on rigid concrete storm drains during cloudburst events. [1] (viii) Select the word from paragraph 1 that means ‘allowing liquids or gases to pass through’: [1] (i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct verb form: (ii) Read the dialogue between a museum curator and a student. Report the student’s reply correctly: (iii) Select the correct modal verb to complete the environmental regulation: (iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for this community circular: (v) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in brackets: (vi) Fill in the blank with the appropriate determiner: (vii) Report the conversation between an instructor and a trainee: (viii) Identify the error in the sentence from an urban wildlife report and supply the correction: (ix) Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: (x) Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb: (xi) Complete the sustainability slogan using the correct verb form: (xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for this public library notice: (A) You are Abhinav/Aditi, residing at 42-D, Green Meadows, Sector 62, Noida. You observe that open garbage incinerations along roadside vacant plots are causing hazardous smog, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties for morning walkers and children. Write a formal letter in 100–120 words to the Chief Sanitary Officer of your Municipal Corporation, urging strict bans on open burning, deployment of mobile inspection squads, and swift clearance of accumulated dry waste. (B) You are Yash/Yashika, the President of the Science Innovation Forum at St. Mary’s Convent School, Lucknow. Write a formal letter of inquiry in 100–120 words to the Sales Director of M/s EcoTech Laboratory Equipment, New Delhi, inquiring about the cost, technical specifications, warranty coverage, and shipping timelines for ten portable digital soil testing kits and five water purification analysis units for your school laboratory. (A) The horizontal bar graph below illustrates the daily electrical energy consumption breakdown in a standard green commercial building (HVAC Heating/Cooling: 38%, Smart LED Lighting: 24%, Computing & Server Infrastructure: 22%, Water Pumping & Elevators: 16%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100–120 words evaluating the data, analyzing the primary energy-demanding sectors, and suggesting practical energy-conservation strategies. (B) A survey of 500 secondary school students evaluated their primary modes of participating in community social service (Environmental Clean-up Drives: 40%, Free Peer Tutoring Programs: 28%, Animal Shelter Volunteering: 20%, Old-age Home Assistance: 12%). Write an analytical paragraph in 100–120 words summarizing the trends, comparing environmental initiatives with social welfare contributions, and drawing a balanced conclusion. (A) A young girl stood at the front doorway of her village home, quietly observing the bustling street outside. Watching the arrival and departure of the hourly passenger bus connecting her hamlet to the nearest market town filled her with an intense, recurring fascination. Gradually, a tiny wish sprouted in her thoughts and grew into an overwhelming desire to experience a journey on that bus, prompting her to discreetly gather details about fares, travel times, and schedules. (i) What was the young girl’s favorite pastime while standing in her front doorway? [1] (ii) How did her recurring observation of the passenger bus transform into an actionable aspiration? [2] (iii) Complete the sentence: The girl gathered travel details by listening carefully to conversations between regular passengers and her ________. [1] (iv) Which character trait is prominently displayed by the young protagonist in planning her journey? [1] (B) A wealthy neighbor arrives at a country estate dressed in formal evening attire, seeking permission for a matrimonial alliance with the landowner’s daughter. However, before the romantic proposal can be formally presented, a minor remark regarding boundary lines of grazing meadows sparks a fierce, obstinate dispute between the suitor and the household, completely derailing the original intent of the meeting. (i) What was the original purpose of the visitor’s arrival in formal evening dress? [1] (ii) How does a trivial topic regarding meadow boundaries derail the discussion? [2] (iii) Complete the sentence: The suitor’s physical hypochondria and anxious palpitations contrast comically with his argumentative ________. [1] (iv) Identify the central satirical target in this dramatic exchange: [1] (A) A young boy stands by the edge of a harbour, paralyzed by grief as his treasured plaything bounces away and plunges into the dark water. The poet observes the scene quietly, deciding not to intrude or offer monetary compensation for a replacement, understanding that this moment marks the child’s initial confrontation with loss, responsibility, and the transient nature of earthly possessions. (i) Why does the speaker choose not to intervene or offer money to buy another plaything? [2] (ii) What does the lost ball in the water symbolize in relation to the child’s life? [1] (iii) Identify the key psychological concept the boy begins to learn through this loss: [1] (iv) Complete the sentence: The harbour water represents the deep, irreversible passage of innocent ________. [1] (B) A whimsical household of boastful pets mocks their cowardly companion dragon for craving nothing more than a safe, peaceful cage. Yet, when an armed intruder breaks in through the window, the swaggering pets scatter in terror, leaving the timid dragon to charge forth bravely, defeat the threat, and restore peace to the dwelling. (i) Contrast the behavior of the boastful pets before and after the arrival of the intruder. [2] (ii) How does the dragon respond when faced with genuine danger? [1] (iii) Identify the underlying irony present in the ballad’s characterization: [1] (iv) Complete the sentence: The story demonstrates that true heroism is revealed through deeds during a crisis rather than through hollow ________. [1] (i) How did Lencho’s unwavering trust in divine assistance prevent him from appreciating the human kindness of the post office workers? (A Letter to God) (ii) What profound realization regarding the oppressor and the oppressed did Nelson Mandela articulate in his reflections on freedom? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) (iii) How did Anne Frank’s imaginative third essay regarding the three ducklings turn Mr. Keesing’s punishment into mutual respect? (From the Diary of Anne Frank) (iv) What message about environmental reclamation is conveyed through the active movement of trees in Adrienne Rich’s ‘The Trees’? (v) How did Gautama Buddha guide Kisa Gotami toward understanding the universal reality of death through the mustard seed task? (The Sermon at Benares) (i) How did Dr. Herriot’s sensible dietary control and physical activity routine cure Tricki without surgical intervention? (A Triumph of Surgery) (ii) Why did Hari Singh abandon his plan to flee with the stolen cash and choose to return to Anil’s home? (The Thief’s Story) (iii) How did Griffin’s brilliant discovery of invisibility lead to criminal desperation and alienation from society? (Footprints without Feet) (A) Conquering inner self-doubt is the first step toward personal empowerment. Compare the struggle of the young seagull in His First Flight with the independent journey undertaken by Valli in Madam Rides the Bus, highlighting how each protagonist confronts fear and expands their horizon. (B) The beauty and quiet interventions of nature hold profound power to shift human perspective. Analyze this theme with close reference to Robert Frost’s ‘Dust of Snow’ and the imagery of natural liberation in Adrienne Rich’s ‘The Trees’. (A) True honor and human reform are rooted in trust, education, and mutual respect rather than coercion. Discuss this idea by contrasting Anil’s quiet rehabilitation of Hari Singh in The Thief’s Story with the calculated exploitation of Horace Danby by a fellow thief in A Question of Trust. (B) Compassionate mentorship has the power to transform a marginalized, insecure individual into an assertive, self-reliant woman. Evaluate this statement in the context of Sulekha’s educational journey in Bholi, emphasizing the role played by her dedicated teacher.General Instructions:
According to sociologists, the ‘overview shift’ triggers a sudden realization of ______________________.
Reconnecting with cosmic perspective requires purchasing professional, high-cost laboratory apparatus.
The core principle of sponge-city urban design focuses on ________.
(a) paving every surface with impermeable concrete
(b) integrating natural bio-retention networks to absorb and store stormwater
(c) redirecting all rainwater straight into offshore oceans
(d) eliminating urban green corridors to widen roadways
The consortium of renewable energy engineers ________ (has inaugurated / have inaugurated / are inaugurating) a prototype tidal power turbine along the western coast.
Curator: Why did you select this terracotta artifact for your research paper?
Student: I wanted to explore its unique decorative glaze techniques.
The curator enquired why the student had selected that terracotta artifact for his research paper. The student replied that ______________________.
Industrial units ________ (must / may / might) treat their effluent water before discharging it into regional waterways.
“A diverse selection of heirloom vegetable seeds are available at the organic exchange desk.”Option No. Error Correction (a) diverse diversity (b) are is (c) available availability (d) at on
By the time the botanical survey concluded, the field researchers ________ (catalogue) over two hundred indigenous medicinal shrubs.
There was ________ (little / few / many / several) hesitation among the residents when adopting the new segregated composting protocol.
Instructor: Have you calibrated the digital air quality monitor?
Trainee: Yes, I set up the sensor calibration this morning.
The instructor asked whether the trainee had calibrated the digital air quality monitor. The trainee affirmed and stated that ______________________.
“The establishment of urban bird corridors help maintain biodiversity across metropolitan centers.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
The steering committee ________ (has submitted / have submitted / are submitting) its final environmental impact report to the ministry.
Applicants ________ (need not / must not / cannot) submit physical application forms if they have completed the verified online portal registration.
Conserve natural wetlands today, and clean water ________ (flows / flowed / flowing) for future generations.
“Every patrons are requested to return reference periodicals to the main desk after reading.”
Use the format: Error | Correction
(ii) The recurring sight of the bus sparked a strong wish to ride it, leading her to plan the trip, calculate fares, and monitor timings carefully. [2 Marks]
(iii) neighbors. [1 Mark]
(iv) (b) Meticulous calculation and determination [1 Mark]
OR
6. (B) (i) To propose marriage to Natalya Stepanovna. [1 Mark]
(ii) An argument regarding the ownership of Oxen Meadows erupts, escalating into shouting and obscuring the marriage proposal. [2 Marks]
(iii) stubbornness / obstinacy. [1 Mark]
(iv) (b) Landed aristocracy’s petty possessiveness [1 Mark]
(ii) The innocence and irreplaceable memories of the boy’s childhood. [1 Mark]
(iii) (a) The epistemology of loss and self-reliance [1 Mark]
(iv) childhood / youth. [1 Mark]
OR
7. (B) (i) Before the crisis, the pets boast about their bravery and mock Custard; when the armed pirate appears, they flee in fear. [2 Marks]
(ii) The dragon charges courageously at the intruder and defeats him to protect the household. [1 Mark]
(iii) (a) The self-proclaimed brave animals prove cowardly, while the coward acts heroically [1 Mark]
(iv) boasting / claims. [1 Mark]