Q. 2. Write a précis of the following passage in about 120 words and also suggest a suitable title: (20)
It is in the temperate countries of northern Europe that the beneficial effects of cold are most manifest. A cold climate seems to stimulate energy by acting as an obstacle. In the face of an insuperable obstacle our energies are numbed by despair; the total absence of obstacles, on the other hand leaves no room for the exercise and training of energy; but a struggle against difficulties that we have a fair hope of over-coming, calls into active operation all our powers. In like manner, while intense cold numbs human energies, and a hot climate affords little motive for exertion, moderate cold seems to have a bracing effect on the human race. In a moderately cold climate man is engaged in an arduous, but no hopeless struggles and with the inclemency of the weather. He has to build strong houses and procure thick clothes to keep himself warm. To supply fuel for his fires, he must hew down trees and dig coal out of the earth. In the open air, unless he moves quickly, he will suffer pain from the biting wind. Finally, in order to replenish the expenditure of bodily tissue caused by his necessary exertions, he has to procure for himself plenty of nourishing food. Quite different is the lot of man in the tropics. In the neighbourhood of the equator there is little need of clothes or fire, and it is possible with perfect comfort and no danger to health, to pass the livelong day stretched out on the bare ground beneath the shade of a tree. A very little fruit or vegetable food is required to sustain life under such circumstances, and that little can be obtained without much exertion from the bounteous earth. We may recognize must the same difference between ourselves at different seasons of the year, as there is between human nature in the tropics and in temperate climes. In hot weather we are generally languid and inclined to take life easily; but when the cold season comes, we find that we are more inclined to vigorous exertion of our minds and bodies.
solution:
Title: The Stimulating Power of Cold Climate
Cold climates, especially in northern Europe, have a positive impact on human energy and productivity. Moderate cold acts as a healthy challenge that encourages effort, unlike extreme cold, which numbs energy, or hot climates, which provide little motivation for exertion. In moderately cold regions, people must work hard to survive—they build strong houses, wear warm clothing, gather fuel, and keep their bodies active to resist the cold wind. This continuous struggle strengthens their physical and mental abilities. In contrast, tropical climates demand little effort for survival, as people can live comfortably with minimal clothing, food, and exertion. Similarly, humans feel more active and energetic in winter, while hot weather makes them slow and lethargic.
Q. 3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (20)
The third great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its knowledge. Science has given us powers fit for the gods, yet we use them like small children. For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were made to be man’s servants; yet he has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his master. Already most men spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be fed with coal, and given petrol to drink, and oil to wash with, and they must be kept at the right temperature. And if they do not get their meals when they expect them, they grow sulky and refuse to work, or burst with rage, and blow up, and spread ruin and destruction all around them. So we have to wait upon them very attentively and do all that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult either to work or play without the machines, and a time may come when they will rule us altogether, just as we rule the animals. And this brings me to the point at which I asked, “What do we do with all the time which the machines have saved for us, and the new energy they have given us?” On the whole, it must be admitted, we do very little. For the most part we use our time and energy to make more and better machines; but more and better machines will only give us still more time and still more energy, and what are we to do with them? The answer, I think, is that we should try to become more civilized. For the machines themselves, and the power which the machines have given us, are not civilization but aids to civilization. But you will remember that we agreed at the beginning that being civilized meant making and liking beautiful things, thinking freely, and living rightly and maintaining justice equally between man and man. Man has a better chance today to do these things than he ever had before; he has more time, more energy, less to fear and less to fight against. If he will give his time and energy which his machines have won for him to making more beautiful things, to finding out more and more about the universe, to removing the causes of quarrels between nations, to discovering how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater, as it would be the most lasting that there has ever been.
Questions:- Instead of making machines our servants the author says they have become our masters. In what sense has this come about? (4)
- The use of machines has brought us more leisure and more energy. But the author says that this has been a curse rather than a blessing. Why? (4)
- What exactly is the meaning of ‘civilization’? Do you agree with the author’s views? (4)
- ‘Making more beautiful things’ – what does this expression mean? Make a list of the beautiful things that you would like to make and how you would make them. (4)
solution:
1. How have machines become our masters instead of our servants?
Machines were created to help man, but now human beings spend most of their time taking care of them. People must constantly provide fuel, oil, maintenance, and proper temperature for machines. If machines stop working, human life also stops. This dependence makes machines our “masters” because we cannot work or even enjoy life without them.
2. Why has leisure and energy given by machines become a curse?
Although machines save time and energy, people do not use this time wisely. Instead of improving life, learning, or becoming better human beings, they use the saved time to build even more machines. This creates a never-ending cycle and prevents true progress. Thus, extra leisure becomes a curse because it is wasted instead of being used for meaningful purposes.
3. What is the meaning of civilization? Do you agree with the author?
Civilization means living in a way that promotes beauty, knowledge, justice, and kindness. It means creating beautiful things, thinking freely, living morally, and treating people fairly.
Yes, I agree with the author because true civilization is not just about machines or power—it is about improving human character, relationships, and society.
4. What does “making more beautiful things” mean? What beautiful things would you like to make?
“Making more beautiful things” means creating things that improve life—such as art, knowledge, justice, peace, and inventions that benefit humanity.
Beautiful things I would like to make:
Art and writing that inspire people. (By learning creative skills.)
A peaceful environment at home and school. (By promoting kindness.)
Helpful inventions or ideas that reduce human suffering. (By using science positively.)
Strong relationships based on respect and honesty.
5. Plans to prevent poverty. Who would you focus on, and why?
To prevent poverty, I would:
Improve education for all children.
Create job training programs for unemployed people.
Support small businesses through loans.
Ensure fair wages and equal work opportunities.
Promote healthcare so people do not fall into poverty due to illness.
My main focus: poor children — because if they receive good education and opportunities, the next generation can escape the cycle of poverty permanently.
Q. 4. (a) Correct only FIVE of the following: (5)
(i) They only work when they have no money.
(ii) They left the hotel here they had been staying in a motor-car.
(iii) I cannot by no means allow you to do so.
(iv) My friend said he never remembered having read a more enjoyable book.
(v) Going up the hill, an old temple was seen.
(vi) One day the bird did not perform certain tricks which had thought it to his satisfaction.
(vii) I was rather impressed by the manner of the orator than by his matter.
(viii) What an awful weather!
(b) Use punctuation marks where needed in the following sentences: (5)
(i) There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish the slavery of caste
(ii) All that I am all that I hope to be I owe to my angel mother.
(iii) Take away that bauble said Cromwell pointing to the mace which lay upon the table.
(iv) There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces and that cure is freedom
(v) History it has been said is the essence of innumerable biographies.
Q. 4
(a) Correct ONLY FIVE of the following:
(i) They work only when they have no money.
(ii) They left the hotel where they had been staying in a motor-car.
(iii) I cannot by any means allow you to do so.
(iv) My friend said he did not remember having read a more enjoyable book.
(v) Going up the hill, I saw an old temple.
(vi) One day the bird did not perform certain tricks which he had taught it to his satisfaction.
(vii) I was impressed more by the manner of the orator than by his matter.
(viii) What awful weather
(b)
Add punctuation marks:
(i) There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish: the slavery of caste.
(ii) All that I am, all that I hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
(iii) “Take away that bauble,” said Cromwell, pointing to the mace which lay upon the table.
(iv) There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces, and that cure is freedom.
(v) History, it has been said, is the essence of innumerable biographies.
Q. 5.
(a) Fill the following blanks (any FIVE) appropriate preposition. (5)
(i) ___ a Ford he has a Fiat car
(a) in (b) before (c) besides (d) despite
(ii) I saw him felling a big tree ___ a hatchet.
(a) with (b) through (c) by (d) at
(iii) I must start ___ dawn to reach the station in time.
(a) on (b) at (c) by (d) after
(iv) I have known him ___ a long time.
(a) since (b) from (c) for (d) over
(v) “Will you walk ___ my parlour?”
(a) in (b) to (c) by (d) into
(vi) The public are cautioned ___ pickpockets.
(a) against (b) about (c) of (d) for
(b) Rewrite the following dialogue, written in direct speech, in a paragraph form. (5)
Jack: Hello, Swarup! Swatting away as usual. Come out, man; shut up your old books, and come and have a game of tennis.
Swarup: I am sorry I cannot do that, Jack. The examination is drawing near, and I want every hour I can get for study.
Jack: Oh! Hang all examinations! I do not worry about mine. What is the use of them, any way?
Swarup: Well, you can’t get a degree if you don’t pass the examination; and I have set my heart on being a graduate.
Jack: And pray what good will graduation do you? You may get a clerkship in a government office; but that’s all, and there are hundreds of fellows who have got their degrees, and are no nearer getting jobs of any sort.
Swarup: That may be so; but I am not studying so much to pass my examination and obtain my degree, as to store my mind with knowledge and develop my intellectual faculties.
.5 (a) Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition:
(i) Besides a Ford he has a Fiat car.
Correct option: (c) besides
(ii) I saw him felling a big tree with a hatchet.
Correct option: (a) with
(iii) I must start at dawn to reach the station in time.
Correct option: (b) at
(iv) I have known him for a long time.
Correct option: (c) for
(v) “Will you walk into my parlour?”
Correct option: (d) into
(vi) The public are cautioned against pickpockets.
Correct option: (a) against
(b)
Rewrite the following dialogue, written in direct speech, in a paragraph form. (5)
Jack greeted Swarup and jokingly remarked that he was studying hard as usual. He urged him to close his books and come out to play a game of tennis. Swarup apologized and said that he could not join him because the examination was approaching and he needed every hour for study. Jack impatiently exclaimed that examinations were useless and that he never worried about his own. Swarup replied that one could not earn a degree without passing examinations, and he was determined to become a graduate. Jack asked what benefit a degree would bring, saying that at most it might help him get a clerkship, and even graduates often failed to find jobs. Swarup admitted it might be true but explained that he was studying not merely to pass the examination but to gain knowledge and develop his intellectual abilities.
Q. 6
(a) Explain the difference between the following word pairs (Any FIVE) by using each word in your own sentences: (5)
(i) Callous, Callus
(ii) Born, Borne
(iii) Faint, Feint
(iv) Dinghy, Dingy
(v) Lose, Loose
(vi) Waiver, Waver
(vii) Shear, Sheer
(viii) Resister, Resistor
(b) Use ONLY FIVE of the following in sentences which illustrate their meaning: (5)
(i) Show and tell
(ii) Helter-skelter
(iii) To the death
(iv) Tilt at windmills
(v) Het up
(vi) The whole ball of wax
(vii) It’s about time
(viii) Punch-up
Q. 6 (a) Difference between word pairs (Use any FIVE)
(i) Callous / Callus
Callous = emotionally insensitive; unkind
Sentence: His callous remarks hurt everyone in the room.
Callus = a thick hard layer of skin
Sentence: A callus formed on his palm after weeks of hard work.
(ii) Born / Borne
Born = to come into life
Sentence: He was born in Karachi.
Borne = carried or endured
Sentence: The responsibility was borne by the whole team.
(iii) Faint / Feint
Faint = weak or to lose consciousness
Sentence: The heat made her feel faint.
Feint = a deceptive move in sports
Sentence: The boxer won by making a clever feint.
(iv) Dinghy / Dingy
Dinghy = a small boat
Sentence: They crossed the river in a dinghy.
Dingy = dirty, dull, not clean
Sentence: The room looked dark and dingy.
(v) Lose / Loose
Lose = to misplace or be unable to keep
Sentence: Be careful or you will lose your keys.
Loose = not tight or free
Sentence: The shirt is too loose for me.
(vi) Waiver / Waver
Waiver = an official permission not to follow a rule
Sentence: He signed a waiver before entering the competition.
Waver = to hesitate or be unsure
Sentence: She did not waver in her decision.
(vii) Shear / Sheer
Shear = to cut or trim (usually wool)
Sentence: They shear the sheep every spring.
Sheer = pure, complete, or steep
Sentence: It was sheer luck that he survived.
(viii) Resister / Resistor
Resister = a person who resists
Sentence: The protestors were strong resisters of injustice.
Resistor = an electrical component
Sentence: The circuit failed because the resistor burned out.
Q. 7. Translate the following Urdu paragraph into English by keeping in view figurative/idiomatic expressions. (10)
ﻻہﻮر ﺷہﺮ ﺳﯿﺎﺳﺖ ہی ﻧہﯿں ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺖ کﺎ ﺑﮭی ﻗﺪﯾﻢ ﻣﺮکﺰ ہے۔ ﻣﻐﻠﻮں کی ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺖ ﻧے ﻋﺮوج کﺎ زﻣﺎﻧہ اس ﺷﯿﺮ ﻣﯿں دﯾکﺎ۔ ﺳکﮭ ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺖ کﺎ ﺑﮭی ﯾہی ﻣﺮکﺰ ﺗﮭﺎ۔ ﻋﻠﻢ و ادب کی ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺖ ﺑﮭی اﺳی ﺷﺮ کے ﺣﺼہ ﻣﯿں آﺋی۔ اہﻞ ﺗﺼﻮف کﺎ ﺑﮭی ﯾہی ﻣﺮکﺰ ﺗﮭﺎ۔ ﺗﺼﻮف کی ﻣﺸہﻮر کﺘﺎب کﺸﻒ اﻟﻤﺠﻮب کے ﻣﺼﻨﻒ ﺣﻀﺮت ﻋﻠی ہﺠﻮﯾﺮی اﻟﻤﺸہﻮر ﺣﻀﺮتداﺗﺎگﻨﺞﺑﺨﺶ ﺑﮭی ﺷﯿﺮ ﻣﺮﻣﯿںﻣﺪﻓﻮن ہﯿں۔ اﻧﮕﺮﯾﺰوں کے دﻭرﻣﯿں ﺑﮭی ﻻہﻮر کﺎﻓﯿﺸﻦ پﻮرے ہﻨﺪوﺳﺘﺎن ﻣﯿں راﺋﺞ ﻫﻮﺗﺎ ﺗﮭﺎ۔ ﻗﯿﺎمپﺎکﺴﺘﺎن کے ﺑﻌﺪ ﺑﮭی ﺍس ﺷﯿﺮ کی ﻣﺤﻞ ﮐﯽ ﺍھﻤﯿﺖ کﻢ ﻧﮑﮭﺘﯿ ﮐﺮﻧﺎ
solution:
Lahore has long been not only a political centre but also an ancient cradle of culture. The city witnessed the golden age of Mughal culture, and it was equally the heart of Sikh cultural heritage. The traditions of learning and literature also found their home in this very city. It was likewise a centre for the saints and mystics. The renowned author of the famous Sufi classic Kashf-ul-Mahjoob, Hazrat Ali Hujwiri—widely known as Data Ganj Bakhsh—is also buried here. During the British era, the fashion and influence of Lahore spread throughout the entire subcontinent. Even after the creation of Pakistan, the importance of this city has never diminished.