Q1. Make a precis of the given passage, also give a suitable heading” (20)

“The official name of our species is homo sapiens; but there are many anthropologists who prefer to think of man as homo Faber—the smith, the maker of tools. It would be possible, I think, to reconcile these two definitions in a third. If man is a knower and an efficient doer, it is only because he is also a talker. In order to be Faber and Sapiens, Homo must first be loquax, the loquacious one. Without language we should merely be hairless chimpanzees. Indeed we should be something much worse. Possessed of a high IQ but no language, we should be like the Yahoos of Gulliver’s Travels — creatures too clever to be guided by instinct, too self-centered to live in a state of animal grace, and therefore condemned forever, frustrated and malignant, between contented apehood and aspiring humanity. It was language that made possible the accumulation of knowledge and the broadcasting of information. It was language that permitted the expression of religious insight, the formulation of ethical ideals, the codification of laws. It was language, in a word, that turned us into human beings and gave birth to civilization.”

Solution:

Heading: The Defining Role of Language in Human Civilization

Precis:

Although humans are known as Homo sapiens (the wise man) and also regarded as Homo faber (the tool-maker), both these qualities stem from one fundamental trait—language. Without language, humans would be little more than intelligent but directionless creatures, like the Yahoos in Gulliver’s Travels, unable to rely on instinct yet unfit for true humanity. Language enabled humans to store and share knowledge, express spiritual and moral ideas, and develop laws and culture. In essence, it is language that made us human and laid the foundation of civilization.

Q2. Read the given passage, then give brief answers, to the questions placed at
the end, in your own words: – (20)
There is indeed, something inexpressibly pleasing in the annual renovation of the world
and the new display of the treasures of nature. The darkness and cold of winter with the
naked deformity of every object, on which we turn our eyes, make us rejoice at the
succeeding season, as well for what we have escaped, as for what we may enjoy.
Every budding Flower, whLch a warm situation brings early to our view, is considered
by us a messenger to notify the approach of more joyous days.
The spring affords to a mind free from the disturbance of cares or passions almost
everything that our present state makes us capable of enjoying. The Variegated
Verdure of the fields and woods, the succession of grateful Odours, the Voice of
pleasure pouring out its notes on every side, with the gladness apparently conceived by
every animal from the growth of liis food and the clemency of the weather, throw over the whole.earth an air of gaiety, significantly expressed by Smile of nature.
(Samuel John Son)
Questions:
(a) Give meanings of the under lines expressions in the passage in your own words. (10)
(b) Say howr an early budding flower becomes a messenger of happy days? (3)
(c) Who, according to the writer can make the best of the spring season? (3)
(d) Why are all animals glad at the approach of spring9 (3)
(e) Suggest a title for the passage. (I)

Solution:

Q2 — Correct Solution

(a) Meanings of the underlined expressions (in your own words):

1. Annual renovation of the world
   → The yearly renewal and fresh growth of nature.

2. Naked deformity of every object
   → The bare, lifeless, and unattractive look of things in winter.

3. Messenger to notify the approach
   → A sign that tells us that happier days are coming.

4. Variegated verdure
   → The differently shaded green plants and trees in fields and woods.

5. Succession of grateful odours
   → A continuous flow of pleasant smells in the air.

6. Voice of pleasure pouring out its notes
   → Joyful sounds of birds singing everywhere.

7. Clemency of the weather
   → The mildness and pleasantness of the weather.

8. Smile of nature
   → The cheerful and bright appearance of the earth in spring.

(b) How does an early budding flower become a messenger of happy days?

Because it appears before other signs of spring, it tells us that joyful and pleasant days are approaching.

(c) Who, according to the writer, can make the best of the spring season?

A person whose mind is free from worries, cares, or strong emotions can enjoy spring the most.

(d) Why are all animals glad at the approach of spring?

They are glad because their food increases and the weather becomes gentle and favourable.

(e) Suggested title for the passage:

“The Beauty of Spring”

Q3. Write a Comprehensive note (250-300 words) on ONE of the following
subjects (20)
(a) The winds are always on the side of the ablest
navigator. ENGLISH (PRECIS AND COMPOSITION)
(b) Keep your face to the Sunshine and you cannot see the Shade.
(c) In strategy it is important to see distant things close, and take a distant view of close
things.
(d) You \vill find poetry nowhere unless you bring some with you.

Solution:

(a) The Winds Are Always on the Side of the Ablest Navigator

Life is like a vast ocean, and each person is a navigator steering through it. The proverb means that fortune favours those who are skilled, prepared, and determined. A good navigator uses every opportunity, studies the winds, and moves confidently toward his destination. Similarly, success in life comes to those who plan carefully, work hard, and use resources wisely. Challenges and difficulties are part of life, but capable individuals turn them into opportunities. Those who are careless or lazy miss chances and blame circumstances for their failure. The proverb teaches that success depends on ability, effort, and courage, not mere luck. By developing skills and making wise decisions, one can turn every obstacle into a guiding wind toward achievement.

(b) Keep Your Face to the Sunshine and You Cannot See the Shade

This proverb teaches the importance of optimism and focusing on the positive. Sunshine represents hope, happiness, and opportunities, while shade symbolizes problems and difficulties. By keeping attention on the good, a person avoids being overwhelmed by setbacks or negativity. Optimistic people face challenges with confidence and perseverance and inspire others with their positive attitude. In education, work, and personal life, focusing on solutions rather than complaints brings success and satisfaction. The proverb reminds us that life is shaped by attitude, and happiness comes to those who maintain hope and positivity, ignoring minor hardships.

(c) In Strategy It Is Important to See Distant Things Close, and Take a Distant View of Close Things

This proverb emphasizes foresight, perspective, and careful planning. Seeing distant things close means preparing for the future as if it is happening now. Taking a distant view of close things means not overreacting to small problems but keeping them in perspective. A successful strategist balances both views, anticipates challenges, and acts wisely. Whether in business, leadership, or personal decisions, strategic thinking helps avoid mistakes, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success. Patience, judgment, and perspective are key qualities for anyone applying this principle.

(d) You Will Find Poetry Nowhere Unless You Bring Some With You

This proverb highlights that beauty, inspiration, and creativity exist only in the mind of the observer. Poetry symbolizes imagination, sensitivity, and the ability to see meaning in ordinary experiences. Life is full of wonders, but only those who carry perception and creativity can appreciate them. A person with imagination can find beauty in nature, art, and daily life, while a rigid mind misses it entirely. The proverb teaches that happiness and inspiration are created by attitude, not discovered externally. To enjoy life fully, one must bring poetry, creativity, and perception within oneself.

Q4. Change the Voice of the verb following sentences (10)

1. The production of Cash Crops directly affects the economy of an agricultural country.
2. The accelerated car sped past the traffic signal and crashed into a van and killed two
   men.
3. The students were asked to submit the assignment
   before to end of day.
4. The new budget was being discussed.
5. The Manager has announced a bonus for all the workers.
6. The police chased the dacoit and finally arrested : . him
7. It was difficult to finish the work on time.
8. At last the Speech ended and prizes were distributed.
9. She manages her duties, without any help, despite her blindness.
10. I appreciate your efforts and hope you will continue in the same fashion.
    
    

Solution:

1. The production of cash crops directly affects the economy of an agricultural country.
   → The economy of an agricultural country is directly affected by the production of cash crops.
2. The accelerated car sped past the traffic signal and crashed into a van and killed two men.
   → Two men were killed when the accelerated car sped past the traffic signal and crashed into a van.
3. The students were asked to submit the assignment before the end of day.
   → The teacher asked the students to submit the assignment before the end of day.
4. The new budget was being discussed.
   → They were discussing the new budget.
5. The Manager has announced a bonus for all the workers.
   → A bonus for all the workers has been announced by the Manager.
6. The police chased the dacoit and finally arrested him.
   → The dacoit was finally arrested by the police.
7. It was difficult to finish the work on time.
   → The work was difficult to finish on time.
8. At last the Speech ended and prizes were distributed.
   → At last, the prizes were distributed after the speech ended.
9. She manages her duties, without any help, despite her blindness.
   → Her duties are managed by her without any help, despite her blindness.
10. I appreciate your efforts and hope you will continue in the same fashion.
    → Your efforts are appreciated, and it is hoped that you will continue in the same fashion.
    
    

Q5. Change the following sentences from direct speech to Indirect Speech: (10)

1. “Hurrah”! Said the captain of the team, “we won the match”.
2. “Please Sir, take pity on a poor beggar woman”, the wretched old woman asked for
3. alms
4. They say. “Is this the right time to arrive9 Aren’t you forgetting something”?
5. He often says, “I am always willing to help the needy, if I am assured they arc really
6. in need”.
7. The master said, “How long will you take in warming my
8. The boy said. “Alas’ I could not pass my examination”
9. “Come hare quickly and work out this problem on the blackboard” said the teacher.
10. “What a lovely evening!” Said Irum.
11. “What is the name of this beautiful building?” asked the visitor.
12. He said “Sit down over here and don’t move until I
13. allow you”.

Solution:
1). “Hurrah”! said the captain of the team, “we won the match”.
→ The captain of the team exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
2). “Please Sir, take pity on a poor beggar woman”, the wretched old woman asked for alms.
→ The wretched old woman pleaded with the Sir to take pity on her.
3). They say, “Is this the right time to arrive? Aren’t you forgetting something?”
→ They ask whether it is the right time to arrive and if I am forgetting something.
4). He often says, “I am always willing to help the needy, if I am assured they are really in need”.
→ He often says that he is always willing to help the needy if he is assured that they are really in need.
5). The master said, “How long will you take in warming my…?”
→ The master asked how long I would take in warming his…
6). The boy said, “Alas! I could not pass my examination”.
→ The boy exclaimed with sorrow that he could not pass his examination.
7). “Come here quickly and work out this problem on the blackboard,” said the teacher.
→ The teacher instructed me to come there quickly and work out the problem on the blackboard.
8). “What a lovely evening!” said Irum.
→ Irum exclaimed that it was a lovely evening.
9). “What is the name of this beautiful building?” asked the visitor.
→ The visitor asked the name of that beautiful building.
10). He said, “Sit down over here and don’t move until I allow you”.
→ He told me to sit down there and not to move until he allowed me.

Q6-Correct the following sentences: (10)

1. I shall not come here unless you will not call me.
2. He does not have some devotion for the project you
   have given him.
3. I went to either of the Four hill stations.
4. Who did you meet on your way to school?
5. You must remember that you are junior than Hamid.
6. Aslam, as well as, his Four friends were planning to visit the museum..
7. Where you went in the vacation?
8. This is the youngest and most intelligent of my two sons.
9. He is one of those who always succeed.
10. I congratulate you for your success.

Solution:

1. I shall not come here unless you will not call me.
   → I shall not come here unless you call me.

2. He does not have some devotion for the project you have given him.
   → He does not have any devotion for the project you have given him.

3. I went to either of the Four hill stations.
   → I went to either of the four hill stations. (or “I went to one of the four hill stations.”)

4. Who did you meet on your way to school?
   → Whom did you meet on your way to school?

5. You must remember that you are junior than Hamid.
   → You must remember that you are junior to Hamid.

6. Aslam, as well as, his Four friends were planning to visit the museum.
   → Aslam, as well as his four friends, was planning to visit the museum.

7. Where you went in the vacation?
   → Where did you go in the vacation?

8. This is the youngest and most intelligent of my two sons.
   → This is the younger and more intelligent of my two sons.

9. He is one of those who always succeed.
   → He is one of those who always succeed. (No correction needed if plural verb is acceptable. Otherwise: “He is one of those who always succeeds.”)

10. I congratulate you for your success.
    → I congratulate you on your success.
    
    
    

Q7-Make sentences with the given
Idiomatic phrases so that their meaning become clear: (10)
(1) take aback
(2) take after
(3) take for
(4) take ill
(5) take off
(6) take over
(7) take to
(8) take to task
(9) take to One’s heels
(10) take with a grain or pinch of salt  

Solution:

1. Take aback – to surprise or shock someone.
   → I was completely taken aback when my friends threw me a surprise birthday party.
2. Take after – to resemble someone in appearance or behavior.
   → Ali takes after his father in his love for reading.
3. Take for – to mistake someone or something for someone/something else.
   → I took him for a teacher because of his formal dress.
4. Take ill – to become angry, offended, or unwell.
   → She took ill when I pointed out her mistake in public.
5. Take off – to remove something or to rise into the air (for planes).
   → Please take off your shoes before entering the house.
   → The plane will take off in five minutes.
6. Take over – to assume control or responsibility.
   → After the manager resigned, his assistant took over the office work.
7. Take to – to develop a liking or habit for something.
   → After trying painting once, Sara has taken to it and now paints every day.
8. Take to task – to scold or reprimand someone.
   → The principal took the students to task for not following the school rules.
9. Take to one’s heels – to run away quickly.
   → When the dog chased him, the boy took to his heels.
10. Take with a grain/pinch of salt – to not fully believe something; to be skeptical.
    → You should take his promises with a pinch of salt because he often exaggerates.