Practice Paper – 1

Time allowed: 3 hours                                                                                   Maximum Marks: 80

SECTION A: READING (20 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (12 marks)

PASSAGE 1

We live in an age of wonders and miracles. It is rightly called the ‘Age of Science’. Various aspects of our lives have undergone significant changes, owing to scientific advancements over the centuries. However, this is just one side of the story. As we progress in technology, some core human values—such as empathy and concern for others—are slowly eroding, affected by our ever-changing, fast-paced lifestyles facilitated by technological marvels.

Consider the Internet: it provides instant access to vast information and knowledge, simplifying lives, especially for students. Yet, it has notably reduced direct contact with teachers, friends, and elders. As a result, individuals may miss the guidance offered by personal experience and knowledge.

Children today use the internet with striking ease, impressive to older generations. Sadly, this comes at the cost of neglecting fundamental human connections—friendship, family, and relationships. Technological advancements and devices often deprive children of rich childhood joys like outdoor games, which not only entertain but also foster teamwork and discipline at an early age.

Now, with the concept of ‘friends’ limited to interactions on social networking sites, concerns arise over the holistic development of children. Time spent on computers or mobile phones can never truly substitute the benefits of outdoor play. Such examples are not rare today.

A comparison between bustling city life and peaceful village life reveals that city dwellers constantly engage in a never-ending race, trying their utmost but failing to truly ‘win’. Rapid development, in my view, has spawned as many problems as solutions. The pursuit of happiness has now been replaced by the pursuit of money. Society often equates money with happiness, though they are not the same. In chasing wealth, people no longer appreciate simple joys—such as kind gestures in times of need.

Therefore, we must pause and reflect: Are we heading towards development or destruction? Should we wait until people become so detached that they ignore human suffering born of greed, or can we still change course? Hope remains—if humanity takes genuine responsibility and charts a wise path forward, ensuring that our progress doesn’t erase our human essence.

A. Choose the most appropriate option. Write the correct option in your answer sheet: (1×6=6)

1. Why is it insufficient to say that science has changed lives?
   (a) Science has brought wonders and miracles.
   (b) Life has changed only due to science.
   (c) There is another side of the coin to consider.
   (d) This is the only side worth seeing.
2. Which statement is not true about the Internet?
   (a) It allows easy access to information.
   (b) It has made life simpler.
   (c) It has increased actual contact with others.
   (d) It limits face-to-face interaction.
3. How does Internet usage hamper a child’s holistic growth?
   (a) By fostering friendships and relationships.
   (b) By providing virtual friends and gadgets.
   (c) By enhancing outdoor play.
   (d) By enhancing discipline and teamwork.
4. Where, according to the writer, does true happiness lie?
   (a) In acts of kindness.
   (b) In rapid development.
   (c) In large skyscrapers.
   (d) In monetary gain.
5. The word ‘veritable’ in para 2 means –
   (a) Actual
   (b) Big
   (c) Latest
   (d) Perfect
6. The antonym of ‘holistic’ is –
   (a) Agonistic
   (b) Individualistic
   (c) Optimistic
   (d) Pessimistic

B. Answer the following questions briefly: (1×5=5)

1. It has severely limited actual contact with _____________.
2. Money and ____________ are considered analogous in our society, but they are not so.
3. We cannot see the suffering of our species due to our _____________.
4. I take the help of that most magnificent of human feelings – ____________.
5. Find words from the passage which mean the same as:
   (a) Trembles (para 4)
   (b) Similar (para 6)

2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (5+3 = 8 marks)

PASSAGE 2

Everybody wishes to achieve success in life. For some, success means fulfilling desires or realising dreams. For others, it is the attainment of name, fame, or social status. Whatever its form, success is what makes a person popular.

All great individuals were successful, remembered for their significant achievements. Undoubtedly, success smiles on those who are sincere, hardworking, loyal, and committed to their goals. It acts as a powerful motivator and plays a vital role in all aspects of life. It brings pride and fulfilment and leads to overall development. However, it favours those with the right approach, vision, planning, and stamina.

To start any endeavour, clarity of objectives is crucial. Only those with focus and proper planning succeed, while indecision and insincerity are major obstacles. One should possess adequate capability, resources, and determination to turn dreams into reality. Desire alone is not enough—it must be supported by ability and eagerness. This internal drive forms the ‘ladder’ to success.

Pursuing goals with dedication and high spirit is essential. A weak spirit prompts an inferiority complex and blocks progress. Time management is equally critical; only the punctual and committed have truly succeeded, as evidenced by great personalities who possessed these traits.

Hard work, above all, is indispensable. There is no substitute for it. Success is five percent inspiration and ninety-five percent perspiration. Patience, persistence, and perseverance are keys. Even failures play a role—they act as stepping-stones, teaching us to rise again.

Note-making:
A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes using headings and sub-headings.

B. Use proper abbreviations wherever necessary and provide a summary in about 50 words.

SECTION B: GRAMMAR (20 marks)

3. There is an error in each of the following lines. Write the incorrect word and the correct word in the space provided. The first one has been done as an example:

4. There is an error in each of the following lines. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided. The first one has been done as an example.

5. In the following passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it.

6. In the following passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it.

SECTION C: WRITING (20 marks)

7. You are Renu/Rohit, living at F-15, Kamla Nagar, Delhi. Write a letter to the Editor of a leading newspaper expressing concern about the rise of crimes against women in the city and suggesting prompt steps to ensure women’s safety.

(Word Limit: 120-150 words) (8 marks)

8. You are Ravi/Raveena, Sports Secretary, ABC Matriculation School, Civil Lines, Pune. Write a letter to M/s Lightways Sports, Amrapalli, Thane, placing an order for at least four sports items for your school.

(Word Limit: 120-150 words) (7 marks)