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41. (a) Dr. Barnard's realization:
Dr. Christiaan Barnard learned a profound lesson about life from a casual incident in a hospital. He witnessed two severely mutilated boys—one blind and the other with only one arm—joyfully racing a hospital trolley. Their immense happiness and completely carefree attitude, despite their immense physical suffering, made Dr. Barnard realize that the "business of living is the celebration of being alive." They taught him that one should not focus on what has been lost, but rather appreciate and celebrate what is left.
OR
41. (b) Edmund Hillary and Tenzing's feelings:
Upon reaching the summit of Mount Everest, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay felt an overwhelming sense of relief and quiet joy. The arduous and dangerous climb had finally ended in success. They shook hands and, in a burst of emotion, thumped each other on the back. As they looked out over the vast Himalayas, recognizing other towering peaks, their primary emotion was a deep, satisfying realization of their monumental achievement and gratitude for their survival and success.
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42. (a) Human greed and the fall of the citadel:
In the poem "The Castle," the citadel was physically impregnable. The soldiers felt completely secure behind thick walls, with plenty of food and arms. However, human greed proved to be their ultimate downfall. A wizened, greedy warder was bribed with gold to open a small, hidden "wicked wicket gate." The enemies entered not through force or bravery, but through treachery. The poem illustrates that a fortress is only as strong as the integrity of its defenders; physical strength is useless against internal corruption and greed.
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42. (b) Sandburg's advice to his son:
In "Father to Son," Carl Sandburg advises his son to embrace solitude and quiet introspection to bring about change. He warns against following the crowd or merely chasing money, which deadens the soul. By spending time alone, the son can tap into his inner imagination and form independent thoughts. This mental freedom and unique perspective are what allow a person to innovate and introduce meaningful changes to a rigid world that typically resents anything new or different.
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43. (a) Aksionov's Story (God Sees the Truth, But Waits):
Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov, a young merchant, ignores his wife's bad dream and sets off for the Nizhny Fair. On the way, he is falsely arrested when a bloodstained knife is found in his luggage. Imprisoned in Siberia for 26 years, he transforms into a pious, respected man known as "The Saint." Eventually, the real murderer, Makar Semyonich, arrives at the same prison. Makar digs an escape tunnel, which Aksionov discovers but refuses to report. Overcome by guilt, Makar confesses to the authorities. However, by the time the release order arrives, Aksionov has already died, having found his ultimate peace with God.
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43. (b) Ausable the Detective (The Midnight Visitor):
Ausable is a fat, sloppy secret agent who shatters the young writer Fowler's romantic illusions of espionage. During a dull evening in a French hotel, they are confronted in Ausable's room by Max, a rival spy wielding a gun, demanding sensitive missiles documents. Showing immense presence of mind, Ausable fabricates a convincing story about a non-existent balcony outside the window and claims the sudden knocking at the door is the police he requested for protection. Panicked, Max jumps out the window, expecting a balcony, but falls to his death. The knocker is merely a waiter with drinks, proving Ausable's brilliance.
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44. (a) Summary of GPRS Passage:
Summary: General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), established in the early 2000s, is an extension of global mobile communication. It efficiently transmits data by storing it in "packets," making it faster than standard cellular networks and usable worldwide. GPRS devices are highly versatile, enabling mobile communication, internet browsing, and email access. Additionally, they can monitor environmental changes like temperature and motion, and provide real-time vehicle tracking to optimize travel routes.
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44. (b) Paragraph: Need for Moral Education in Schools:
In today's highly competitive and technology-driven world, moral education in schools is more crucial than ever. While academic excellence equips students with skills for a career, moral education builds character. It instills fundamental human values such as empathy, honesty, respect, and tolerance. Schools are the primary socializing institutions after the family; therefore, integrating ethics into the curriculum helps mold students into responsible, compassionate citizens. It acts as a deterrent against bullying, dishonesty, and anti-social behavior, ultimately fostering a harmonious society where individuals value humanity alongside progress.
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45. (a) Letter to a sick friend:
[Sender's Address]
[Date]
Dear [Friend's Name],
I was deeply concerned to hear about your admission to the hospital for jaundice. Please don't worry too much about the illness; with proper rest and medication, you will bounce back in no time. Keep your spirits up and stay positive, as a cheerful mind heals faster.
I also want you to know that you are not alone in this. If you or your family need any financial assistance for the treatment, please do not hesitate to ask me. I am always here for you. Focus solely on your recovery right now. I will come visit you this weekend.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery.
Yours affectionately,
[Your Name]
OR
45. (b) Letter inquiring about Pilot Training:
[Your Address]
[Date]
The Principal / Admission Officer
[College Name]
[City]
Subject: Enquiry regarding Pilot Training Course
Respected Sir/Madam,
I recently completed my 12th standard and am highly interested in pursuing a career in aviation. I came across your esteemed institution and would like to apply for the Pilot Training Course.
Could you please provide me with the detailed prospectus? Specifically, I would like to know the exact duration of the course, the complete fee structure, and if there are any scholarship opportunities available for meritorious students. Additionally, please let me know about the availability of hostel facilities on campus.
I look forward to your prompt response so I can proceed with the admission process.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
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46. (a) Error Correction:
(i) Ramya is neither a singer nor a dancer.
(ii) The sparrow is a unique bird. (Removed 'the most')
(iii) This is not your dad's car, is it?
(iv) Can you tell me where the gymnasium is?
(v) All the information he gave me was false. (Removed 's' from informations)
OR
46. (b) Fill in the blanks:
(i) You must / should switch off the lights...
(ii) Everyone was sleeping when the earthquake hit...
(iii) As / Since I got up early, I managed to reach school...
(iv) The rich man's heir went to the treatment for his hair.
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47. (a) Story Construction:
The Deceitful Doctor
Once, a wealthy old lady lost her eyesight. She called upon a renowned doctor and made an agreement: she would pay him a handsome fee if he cured her completely, but nothing if he failed. The doctor began his daily visits. However, he was a greedy man. Coveting the lady's exquisite antique furniture, he deliberately delayed the cure. Every day, he secretly stole a piece of her furniture.
Eventually, he cured her blindness and demanded his hefty fee. The old lady looked around her empty house and refused to pay, claiming her sight was not completely restored. Furious, the doctor filed a court case. During the trial, the judge asked the lady why she refused to pay. She cleverly replied, "Before I went blind, I could see all the beautiful furniture in my house. Now that he claims I am cured, I cannot see any of it!"
Realizing the doctor's theft, the judge gave the verdict in her favour and punished the doctor.
Moral: Dishonesty never pays. / Greed leads to ruin.
OR
47. (b) Reading Comprehension (Sparrows):
(i) Lack of nesting places / Lack of food.
(ii) We celebrate World Sparrow Day on March 20th.
(iii) Dust bathing (scratching a hole in the ground, lying in it, and flinging dirt over their bodies).
(iv) True.
(v) enchanting.
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