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GNDU Question Paper-2022

B.A 1

Semester

ENGLISH (Compulsory)

Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 50

Note: Attempt Five questions in all, selecting at least One question from each section. The

Fifth question may be attempted from any section. All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION-A

1.(A) Put the Verb into the correct form, Past Continuous or Past Simple:

"(1) We were in a very difficult position.

We __________ (not/know) what to do.

(2) 'What _______ (you/do) at this time yesterday?"

'I was asleep'.

(B) Put the Verb in correct form, Present Simple or Present Continuous:

(1) Don't put the dictionary away ________ (I/use) it.

(2) Don't put the dictionary away________ (1/need) it.

(3) Who is that man? What ________ (he/want)?

(4) Who's that man? Why ________ (he/look) at us ?

block, depart, park, phone, start

Use the negative (not supposed to) where necessary:

(1) My flight _____ at 11.30, but it was an hour late.

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(2) We______ work at 8.15, but we rarely do anything before 8.30

(3) Oh, I ______ Helen last night, but I completely forgot.

(4) This door is a fire exit. You______ it.

II. (A) Complete the sentences with can/can't/could/ couldn't + the following:

wait, speak, eat, run, hear, come

(1) _______ you speak a little louder ? I ______ you very well.

(2) When Dan was 16, he hundred_________ meters in 11 seconds.

(3) I am afraid I________ to your party next week.

(4) Are you in a hurry? No, I've got plenty of time. I ________

(B) Put in must or can't:

(1) You got here very quickly. You__________ have walked very fast.

(2) Bill and Sue always stay at luxury hotels, so they__________ be short of money.

(3) I am sure I gave you the key. You______ have it. Have you looked in your bag?

(1) I rarely eat ice-cream now, but I________ it when I was a child.

(2) Jackie ________ my best friend, but we aren't good friends any more.

(3) We moved to Spain a few years ago. We ________ in Paris.

SECTION-B

III. (A) Write a paragraph on any One of the following topics:

(1) Balanced Diet

(2) Noise Pollution.

(B) Complete each sentence with a verb (one or two words):

(1) Sarah knows a lot about films. She must _________to the cinema a lot

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(2) Their house is very near the motorway. It must _________ very noisy.

(3) I didn't hear the phone ring. I must ________ asleep.

(1) We can eat at home or __________ your prefer, we can go to restaurant.

(2) I am going to Rome next week. ___________ I am there, I hope to visit a friend of mine. I

am there, I hope to

(3) _________ I don't see you tomorrow when will I see you again

(4) I am going away for a few days. I'll call you________ I get back.

IV. (A) Write a paragraph on any one of the following topics:

(1) Technology and Education

(2) Youth Power.

(B) Put the verb into correct form:

(1) I'd be very scared if somebody ________ (point) a gun at me.

(2) Don't lend Amy your car. If she._______ (ask) me, I wouldn't lend her mine

(3) If the computer factory closed down, many people________ (lose) their jobs.

(4) I don't think Gary and Emma will get married. I ______ (be) amazed if they did.

(5) I can't afford to buy a car. If I ______ (buy) a car . I'd have to borrow the money.

SECTION-C

V. Write a character sketch of Iona Potapov.

VI. Write an essay on criticism of social system and social customs in the story The Shroud.

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SECTION-D

VII. What common points between the miser and the spendthrift does the author point

out?

VIII. What does the declaration say about marriage and family?

GNDU Answer Paper-2022

B.A 1

Semester

ENGLISH (Compulsory)

Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 50

Note: Attempt Five questions in all, selecting at least One question from each section. The

Fifth question may be attempted from any section. All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION-A

1.(A) Put the Verb into the correct form, Past Continuous or Past Simple:

"(1) We were in a very difficult position.

We __________ (not/know) what to do.

(2) 'What _______ (you/do) at this time yesterday?"

'I was asleep'.

Ans: (1). We were in a very difficult position.

We didn't know what to do. (Past Simple — for a state in the past)

(2). "What were you doing at this time yesterday?"

"I was asleep." (Past Continuous — asking about an ongoing action at a specific time in the

past)

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(B) Put the Verb in correct form, Present Simple or Present Continuous:

(1) Don't put the dictionary away ________ (I/use) it.

(2) Don't put the dictionary away________ (1/need) it.

(3) Who is that man? What ________ (he/want)?

(4) Who's that man? Why ________ (he/look) at us ?

Ans:( 1). Don't put the dictionary away — I'm using it. (Present Continuous – action

happening right now)

(2). Don't put the dictionary away — I need it. (Present Simple – expressing a general need

or state)

(3). Who is that man? What does he want? (Present Simple – asking about someone's

intention or desire)

(4). Who's that man? Why is he looking at us? (Present Continuous – action happening at

the moment)

block, depart, park, phone, start

Use the negative (not supposed to) where necessary:

(1) My flight _____ at 11.30, but it was an hour late.

(2) We______ work at 8.15, but we rarely do anything before 8.30

(3) Oh, I ______ Helen last night, but I completely forgot.

(4) This door is a fire exit. You______ it.

Ans: 1 .My flight was supposed to depart at 11.30, but it was an hour late.

2. We are supposed to start work at 8.15, but we rarely do anything before 8.30.

3. Oh, I was supposed to phone Helen last night, but I completely forgot.

4. This door is a fire exit. You are not supposed to block it.

II. (A) Complete the sentences with can/can't/could/ couldn't + the following:

wait, speak, eat, run, hear, come

(1) _______ you speak a little louder ? I ______ you very well.

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(2) When Dan was 16, he hundred_________ meters in 11 seconds.

(3) I am afraid I________ to your party next week.

(4) Are you in a hurry? No, I've got plenty of time. I ________

Ans: (1) Can you speak a little louder? I can’t hear you very well.

(2) When Dan was 16, he could run 100 meters in 11 seconds.

(3) I am afraid I can’t come to your party next week.

(4) Are you in a hurry? No, I’ve got plenty of time. I can wait.

(B) Put in must or can't:

(1) You got here very quickly. You__________ have walked very fast.

(2) Bill and Sue always stay at luxury hotels, so they__________ be short of money.

(3) I am sure I gave you the key. You______ have it. Have you looked in your bag?

Ans: (1) You got here very quickly. You must have walked very fast.

(2) Bill and Sue always stay at luxury hotels, so they can't be short of money.

(3) I am sure I gave you the key. You must have it. Have you looked in your bag?

(1) I rarely eat ice-cream now, but I________ it when I was a child.

(2) Jackie ________ my best friend, but we aren't good friends any more.

(3) We moved to Spain a few years ago. We ________ in Paris.

Ans: (1) I rarely eat ice-cream now, but I used to eat it when I was a child.

(2) Jackie used to be my best friend, but we aren't good friends any more.

(3) We moved to Spain a few years ago. We used to live in Paris.

SECTION-B

III. (A) Write a paragraph on any One of the following topics:

(1) Balanced Diet

(2) Noise Pollution.

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Ans: So when we talk about a balanced diet, we’re basically talking about eating the right

kinds of food in the right amounts so that our body gets everything it needs to stay healthy

and function properly. It’s not just about eating less or cutting carbs or skipping meals –

that’s where a lot of people get it wrong. A balanced diet is about balance, like the name

says. It’s about making sure we’re not missing out on any of the important nutrients our

body needs, like proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber.

Now, think about it like this – our body is kind of like a machine, and food is the fuel. If we

keep putting in only one type of fuel, or worse, junk fuel, the machine won’t work right.

Same goes for us. If all someone eats is fast food or only snacks on chips and cola all day,

sure they’ll survive, but after a while, they’ll start feeling tired, weak, maybe gain too much

weight or even fall sick more often. That’s because their body’s not getting the proper fuel it

needs to keep everything running smoothly – from the brain to the heart to the skin and

everything in between.

A balanced diet usually includes a mix of the major food groups: carbohydrates (like rice,

chapati, bread, potatoes), proteins (like eggs, meat, dal, paneer, or even soya), healthy fats

(from nuts, seeds, fish, or even small amounts of oil), along with fruits and vegetables.

Water is super important too – a lot of us don’t drink enough of it, especially during exam

time or winter, but staying hydrated affects everything from energy levels to digestion.

One thing I’ve personally noticed is how much better I feel when I eat properly. Like, when I

eat breakfast with eggs or fruits, I feel more active in the morning lectures. But on days I

skip breakfast or just have tea and biscuits, I’m usually half-asleep by second period. That

just goes to show how real the effects of food are. It’s not just about eating to fill your

stomach – it’s about eating to give your brain and body what they need.

Also, it’s kind of wild how our food habits are shaped by our environment. In Indian

households, we usually have dal, rice, sabzi, roti – which honestly is a pretty balanced plate

if you think about it. But what’s changed over time is the increase in packaged and

processed foods. Maggi, chips, soft drinks – all these things are fine once in a while, but if

they become your daily diet, then the balance goes totally off. These foods are often high in

salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and don’t really give the nutrients your body needs.

Another thing people forget is that everyone’s balanced diet can look a little different. Like,

someone who’s an athlete will need more proteins and energy than someone who’s not

very active. Growing kids, elderly people, pregnant women – all have different dietary

needs. Even for students like us, the diet we follow during exams might need to be different

– more brain food like nuts, fruits, and enough water – because we’re under stress and

studying for long hours.

But yeah, it’s not about being super strict either. I mean, it’s okay to eat your favorite

biryani or have ice cream once in a while. What matters is that you don’t make that your

everyday habit. It's more about consistency than perfection. Try including a variety of foods,

don’t skip meals (especially breakfast), and be mindful of how food makes you feel. If you're

tired all the time or falling sick too often, it might actually be because you're not eating

right.

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Schools and colleges could do a better job of promoting this too. Like, canteens usually

serve stuff like samosas, chowmein, or cold drinks. They taste great, no doubt, but if we had

more healthy options around – say, fruit bowls or sprouts chaat – more students might

actually choose better options without even thinking twice.

I also think social media plays a big role. Sometimes it's helpful, like seeing healthy recipe

reels and all, but other times it creates confusion. So many influencers promote these crazy

diets or "detox" routines that aren’t even balanced or healthy. People start skipping meals

or cutting out entire food groups because someone online said it helped them lose weight.

But that’s not sustainable. A proper balanced diet is way better and safer in the long run.

In conclusion, a balanced diet is not just a fancy health term – it’s something we should all

be practicing in real life. It helps in maintaining energy, focus, immunity, and even mood.

Especially for students, it’s super important because we’re constantly using our brains,

attending classes, writing papers, and dealing with stress. Eating right doesn’t have to be

complicated – just aim for variety, freshness, and moderation. And yeah, drink lots of water.

You’ll feel the difference.

(2) Noise Pollution.

Ans: 󷆫󷆪 What is Noise Pollution?

Noise pollution refers to unwanted or harmful sounds in the environment that disturb

normal activities like sleeping, conversation, concentration, or work. It’s like garbage, but in

the form of sound. While a little noise is part of daily life, excessive and continuous noise

becomes a problem — that’s when it turns into pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise

pollution. For comparison:

• A normal conversation is about 60 dB.

• City traffic from inside a car is around 85 dB.

• A rock concert or loud speaker can go up to 120 dB or more!

󹵪󹵧󹵨󹵩 Sources of Noise Pollution

Let’s look at where all this noise is coming from. Noise pollution can be divided into two

types of sources: natural and man-made. Natural sources (like thunderstorms or volcanic

eruptions) are rare and short-term. The real problem is man-made sources, which are

continuous and everywhere.

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1. Traffic and Transportation

This is the biggest culprit. Honking horns, engines, brakes, and crowded roads all contribute

to noise, especially in cities. Airports and railways also add to the problem with loud take-

offs, landings, and engine roars.

2. Construction Activities

In growing cities, construction is constant — roads, buildings, bridges — all involve heavy

machinery, drilling, and hammering. These sites create high decibel noise daily.

3. Industrial Noise

Factories and manufacturing units use heavy machines that produce loud sounds. These

noises often continue throughout the day and night and affect nearby residents and

workers.

4. Loudspeakers and Music Systems

Especially during festivals, weddings, political rallies, or protests, loudspeakers are used

irresponsibly, disturbing the peace of an entire neighborhood.

5. Household Gadgets

Even at home, items like TVs, music systems, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines

create noise, especially when many homes are close together like in apartments.

󼿰󼿱󼿲 Effects of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution doesn’t just annoy us — it has real, harmful effects on our health, mind, and

even animals.

󼨐󼨑󼨒 1. Effect on Human Health

Hearing Loss: Continuous exposure to high decibel sounds can damage our hearing

permanently.

Sleep Disorders: Noise interrupts sleep, which affects our mood, memory, and productivity.

Stress and Anxiety: Loud noise increases stress hormones in the body, causing irritability

and restlessness.

Heart Problems: Studies show a connection between noise pollution and increased blood

pressure, leading to heart diseases.

Lack of Concentration: Students and professionals find it hard to focus in noisy

environments.

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󷱜󷱝󷱞󷱟 2. Effect on Animals and Nature

Wildlife is extremely sensitive to sounds. Loud human noises can disturb their

communication, feeding, and mating habits.

Birds may abandon their nests, and some animals may stop reproducing due to stress

caused by noise.

Underwater noise (like ship engines and sonar) affects marine animals like whales and

dolphins.

󷅤󷨉󷅔󷅥󷅦󷅗󷨊󷅘󷨋󷨌󷨍󷅙󷨎󷅚󷆃 Noise Pollution in Cities vs. Rural Areas

Noise pollution is most serious in urban areas, where population, traffic, and construction

are constantly increasing. In contrast, rural areas are quieter, with fewer vehicles and

industries. But with increasing development, even small towns are facing this problem now.

󹳣󹳤󹳥 Why is Noise Pollution Increasing?

Here’s a story to understand this:

Twenty years ago, a town had a few cars, small markets, and open spaces. People traveled

on bicycles, spoke softly, and lived peacefully. But today, the same town has become a mini-

city — full of vehicles, flyovers, shopping malls, construction sites, and traffic jams.

As human activity grows, so does noise. Population growth, urbanization, technological

advancement, and lack of awareness are key reasons for the rise in noise pollution.

󺪸󺪹 How Can We Control Noise Pollution?

The good news is: Noise pollution is preventable. We just need better planning, stricter

laws, and more awareness.

󷃆󼽢 1. Government Measures

• Enforce noise control laws (e.g., banning loudspeakers after 10 PM).

• Create silent zones near hospitals and schools.

• Regular monitoring of noise levels in cities.

• Use sound barriers on highways or flyovers.

󷃆󼽢 2. Urban Planning

• Design cities with green zones that reduce noise naturally.

• Use noise-absorbing materials in construction.

• Limit the construction timings to reduce disturbance.

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󷃆󼽢 3. Individual Responsibility

• Avoid unnecessary honking.

• Keep the volume of TVs and music systems low.

• Use headphones instead of loudspeakers.

• Plant more trees, as they absorb sound and act as natural barriers.

󼨐󼨑󼨒 Awareness is the Key

Think about this: we fight against water pollution and air pollution because we can see or

feel them. But noise pollution is invisible — and that makes it more dangerous. We must

educate people, especially the younger generation, about the effects of noise and how to

reduce it.

Schools, colleges, and community centers should hold awareness campaigns, seminars, and

workshops about this growing threat.

󹴷󹴺󹴸󹴹󹴻󹴼󹴽󹴾󹴿󹵀󹵁󹵂 Conclusion

Noise pollution is not just a problem of cities — it’s a problem of our lifestyle. If we continue

to ignore it, we’re not only damaging our ears but also our health, peace of mind, and future

generations.

We can’t avoid all noise, but we can control unnecessary and harmful noise through good

habits, laws, and collective effort. A quieter environment is a healthier one — for us, for

animals, and for the planet.

(B) Complete each sentence with a verb (one or two words):

(1) Sarah knows a lot about films. She must _________to the cinema a lot

(2) Their house is very near the motorway. It must _________ very noisy.

(3) I didn't hear the phone ring. I must ________ asleep.

Ans: (1) Sarah knows a lot about films. She must go to the cinema a lot.

(2) Their house is very near the motorway. It must be very noisy.

(3) I didn't hear the phone ring. I must have been asleep.

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(1) We can eat at home or __________ your prefer, we can go to restaurant.

(2) I am going to Rome next week. ___________ I am there, I hope to visit a friend of mine. I

am there, I hope to

(3) _________ I don't see you tomorrow when will I see you again

(4) I am going away for a few days. I'll call you________ I get back.

Ans: (1) We can eat at home or if you prefer, we can go to a restaurant.

(2) I am going to Rome next week. When I am there, I hope to visit a friend of mine.

(3) If I don't see you tomorrow, when will I see you again?

(4) I am going away for a few days. I'll call you when I get back.

IV. (A) Write a paragraph on any one of the following topics:

(1) Technology and Education

Ans: Imagine walking into a classroom where instead of chalk and blackboard, there are

smartboards and tablets. Where instead of heavy textbooks, students carry all their learning

materials in a tiny device. This is not science fiction—this is today’s reality, all thanks to

technology in education.

Let’s go on a small journey to understand how technology and education have come

together to create a powerful learning experience for students and teachers alike.

󹴷󹴺󹴸󹴹󹴻󹴼󹴽󹴾󹴿󹵀󹵁󹵂 What Is Technology in Education?

Technology in education simply means the use of modern tools like computers, the internet,

smartphones, projectors, and software to help in teaching and learning. Earlier, students

had to go to the library for information, but now Google can provide answers in seconds.

Learning is no longer limited to the classroom—it can happen anywhere, anytime.

󼨐󼨑󼨒 How Has Technology Changed Learning?

1. Access to Information

Earlier, students had to rely only on textbooks and teachers. Now, websites, e-books,

YouTube videos, and online courses provide 24/7 access to any topic. Platforms like Khan

Academy, Coursera, and BYJU’S have made learning easier and more engaging.

2. Smart Classrooms

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Many schools and colleges now use smartboards, projectors, and digital attendance

systems. Teachers can show animations, presentations, or educational videos to make

boring subjects interesting.

3. Online Learning

Due to platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, students can attend classes

even from home. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, online education became a

lifesaver for millions of students.

4. Self-Paced Learning

Every student learns differently. Some are fast learners, while others need time. Technology

allows students to pause, rewind, and replay lessons. They can also choose the topics they

want to study more deeply.

5. Interactive Tools

Apps and educational games like Duolingo (for languages) or Quizlet (for revision) make

learning fun. Students can test themselves through quizzes and interactive exercises.

󷽰󷽱󸾁󸠳󷽲󷽳󷽴󷽵󷽶󸾂󸾃󸾄󸾅󸾆󸾇󸠴󸠵󸠶󸽾󸽿󸾈󸾀󸠻󸠼󸾉󸾊󸾋󸠽󸠾󸠿󸡀󷾄󷾅󷾆󷾇󷾈󷾉󸾌 Role of Teachers in Tech-Based Education

Some people think technology might replace teachers, but that’s not true. In fact, teachers

are more important than ever. Technology helps them explain better, track students’

progress, and create personalized learning experiences.

For example, a teacher can use an app to see which student is struggling with a topic and

give them extra help. They can also share assignments online and provide instant feedback.

󷆫󷆪 Bridging Gaps Through Technology

Technology is helping students from rural and remote areas get the same quality education

as those in big cities. With just a smartphone and internet, a student in a small village can

attend lectures from world-famous universities.

Also, students with disabilities benefit greatly. For example, screen readers help blind

students read, and subtitles help deaf students watch videos.

󼿍󼿎󼿑󼿒󼿏󼿓󼿐󼿔 Challenges We Must Address

While technology has many benefits, there are a few challenges:

Digital Divide: Not everyone has access to smartphones, laptops, or good internet.

Distractions: Students can get distracted by social media or games during online classes.

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Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: Online learning cannot fully replace the emotional

connection and discipline of traditional classrooms.

󺫼󺫽󺫾󺫿󺬀󺬁󺬂 The Road Ahead

Technology is not a magic wand, but it is a powerful tool. If used correctly, it can transform

education, making it more inclusive, efficient, and enjoyable.

As university students, we should embrace technology smartly. Use it to enhance learning,

not to escape it. Balance screen time, engage in real discussions, and never stop being

curious.

󽄻󽄼󽄽 In Conclusion

Education and technology together are like a perfect team. One gives purpose, the other

provides power. When combined, they help students become independent thinkers,

problem-solvers, and global citizens.

(2) Youth Power.

Ans: Imagine a bright morning in a college campus. Students are walking around with books

in their hands, discussing ideas, dreaming about the future, and trying to figure out how to

bring change in their own ways. That energy, that spirit – this is Youth Power.

󷇴󷇵󷇶󷇷󷇸󷇹 What is Youth Power?

Youth power means the strength, energy, creativity, and passion that young people have.

It's the ability of the youth to shape the future of a country with their fresh ideas, fearless

attitude, and willingness to change things for the better.

Youth are not just "tomorrow's leaders" — they are today's force. Whether it's in education,

politics, science, technology, or social work, youth play a crucial role in developing a nation.

󹴷󹴺󹴸󹴹󹴻󹴼󹴽󹴾󹴿󹵀󹵁󹵂 A Story to Understand Youth Power

Let’s take a short story.

In a small town, there was a school that lacked clean drinking water. No one cared for years.

But one day, a group of college students decided to act. They raised funds, contacted NGOs,

and brought in a water purifier for the school. Within weeks, the problem was solved.

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Now imagine this same energy at a national level — when millions of young people join

hands for a cause — that is the true Power of Youth.

󼨐󼨑󼨒 Characteristics of Youth Power

Energy & Enthusiasm

Youth have tremendous energy. They are physically active and mentally sharp. This energy

can build nations or, if misguided, cause harm. That’s why channeling youth power in the

right direction is important.

Creative Thinking

Young minds are full of new ideas. Unlike older generations, they are not afraid to question

old ways or try something different. This innovation is what drives progress.

Courage to Take Risks

Youth often take bold decisions. From starting startups to joining protests for justice — they

dare to act.

Desire for Change

Young people want a better world. They are not satisfied with injustice, poverty, or

corruption. They believe they can change things — and that’s where real power lies.

󷆫󷆪 Role of Youth in Society

In Nation-Building

History has shown that revolutions and changes were mostly led by youth. The Indian

freedom struggle had young heroes like Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed his life for the country.

Today, youth can fight against unemployment, inequality, and environmental problems.

In Technology & Innovation

Think about tech giants like Facebook and Apple — they were started by young people. This

shows how youth can create jobs, not just seek them.

In Politics and Leadership

Youth must participate in politics to ensure honest leadership. Today’s corrupt systems can

only be cleaned if educated youth step into leadership roles.

In Social Services

Youth often join NGOs, awareness campaigns, blood donation drives, etc. Their enthusiasm

can solve many social problems if used well.

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󼿰󼿱󼿲 Challenges Facing Youth Power

But all is not perfect. Youth today face several issues:

Unemployment – Even after good education, many struggle to find jobs.

Drug Abuse & Distractions – Many fall into bad habits due to peer pressure or lack of

guidance.

Lack of Opportunities – Not every talented youth gets the chance to show their potential.

Political Manipulation – Some leaders use youth only for rallies or votes, not giving them

real power.

󷃆󼽢 What Can Be Done?

Better Education & Skill Training

Education should focus on real-world skills, not just rote learning.

More Youth Programs & Startups

Governments and private sectors should support youth with funding, mentorship, and

opportunities.

Encouraging Leadership at a Young Age

Colleges should promote leadership roles — student unions, debate clubs, projects — to

build confidence.

Positive Media & Role Models

Show stories of young achievers in media to inspire others.

󼩎󼩏󼩐󼩑󼩒󼩓󼩔 Final Thoughts

Youth power is like fire — it can light up the world or burn it down. The choice depends on

how we use it. As university students, you are not just reading books or writing exams. You

are future doctors, engineers, artists, teachers, leaders — the very foundation of tomorrow.

So ask yourself — what will I do with my youth?

Because when youth rise, nations shine.

(B) Put the verb into correct form:

(1) I'd be very scared if somebody ________ (point) a gun at me.

(2) Don't lend Amy your car. If she._______ (ask) me, I wouldn't lend her mine

(3) If the computer factory closed down, many people________ (lose) their jobs.

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(4) I don't think Gary and Emma will get married. I ______ (be) amazed if they did.

(5) I can't afford to buy a car. If I ______ (buy) a car . I'd have to borrow the money.

Ans:1. I'd be very scared if somebody pointed a gun at me.

2. Don't lend Amy your car. If she asked me, I wouldn't lend her mine.

3. If the computer factory closed down, many people would lose their jobs.

4. I don't think Gary and Emma will get married. I would be amazed if they did.

5. I can't afford to buy a car. If I bought a car, I'd have to borrow the money.

SECTION-C

V. Write a character sketch of Iona Potapov.

Ans: Imagine a snowy winter night in Russia. The streets are cold and silent. In the middle of

this chilling atmosphere, a poor, old man named Iona Potapov sits on a sleigh, waiting for

passengers. He is the central character of Anton Chekhov’s heart-touching short story

“Misery.” Through Iona, Chekhov paints a powerful picture of human loneliness, grief, and

the desperate need to be heard. Iona may appear to be just an ordinary cabman (horse

carriage driver), but his character goes deep into the human soul.

Let us now understand who Iona Potapov is, and what makes his character so memorable

and moving.

1. A Simple, Poor Man

Iona is a poor Russian cabman. His job is to drive a horse-drawn sleigh through the streets of

St. Petersburg. He earns his livelihood by giving people rides. Life has always been tough for

him. His clothes are ragged, his body is weak, and he seems like he is fading into the

background of the city. People see him as just another old man on the street. But there’s

something important that they don’t see — Iona is broken inside.

2. A Father in Deep Grief

What breaks Iona’s heart is the death of his son. His son has recently died after an illness.

Iona is shattered. He is not just sad — he is carrying unbearable emotional pain. But here is

the tragedy: no one wants to listen to him. He wants to talk about his son. He wants to

share the weight of his grief. But the world is too busy, too cold, and too uncaring.

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Think about this: When someone you love dies, don’t you feel the need to talk about them?

To remember them with someone? That’s exactly what Iona wants. But no one gives him

that chance.

3. Desperately Seeking Someone to Listen

All through the story, Iona meets different people — a military officer, three drunken men,

and a young man. He tries to talk to each of them about his son. But they are either in a

hurry or just don’t care. One of them even yells at him for being slow. Another jokes around

and ignores his pain. Iona’s heart is crying silently, but the world around him is deaf to his

suffering.

This part of the story shows a very important truth about human nature: People often fail to

notice the pain of others. In Iona’s world, no one has the time or empathy to understand

him. He is invisible to them, even though he is suffering so deeply.

Kind Heart 4. A Man with a

Even though the world is unkind to him, Iona never gets angry. He doesn’t shout, doesn’t

argue. He quietly accepts the rudeness and moves on. This shows that Iona is a man of

gentle and kind nature. He carries his grief with dignity. He doesn’t seek revenge; he only

wants someone to talk to.

5. His Only Companion – The Horse

At the end of the story, we see something deeply touching. When no human is ready to

listen to him, Iona finally talks to his horse. He tells the horse about his son — how he died,

how he suffered, and how empty life feels now.

This moment is symbolic. It shows the depth of Iona’s loneliness. A human being, full of

pain, ends up talking to an animal because there is no one else. It’s not just sad; it’s a

powerful message about how society often ignores the emotional needs of the elderly, the

poor, and the suffering.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Human Misery

Iona Potapov is not just a character; he represents millions of lonely souls around the world.

He is a father who has lost his son, a man ignored by society, and a symbol of the emotional

isolation many people face. Chekhov, through Iona, gives us a message: We must learn to

listen, to care, and to see the pain hidden behind someone’s silent eyes.

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Iona’s story is simple, but it carries profound emotions. His character teaches us empathy,

the importance of human connection, and the tragedy of emotional neglect. He remains

one of the most heart-breaking yet meaningful characters in modern literature.

VI. Write an essay on criticism of social system and social customs in the story The Shroud.

Ans: Munshi Premchand, one of India’s greatest writers, is known for his realistic portrayal

of Indian rural life. In his short story "The Shroud" (Kafan), he presents a powerful and

emotional criticism of the Indian social system and its deeply rooted customs. The story

explores the themes of poverty, inequality, hypocrisy of religious and social customs, and

the failure of society to uplift the marginalized.

To understand the depth of this story, let’s enter the world of Ghisu and Madhav—the main

characters—and see how their lives reflect the cracks in the Indian social structure.

The Story at a Glance

The Shroud tells the story of a father and son duo—Ghisu and Madhav—who belong to the

lower caste and live in extreme poverty. They are landless laborers but avoid work due to

laziness and hopelessness. Their poverty is not just economic but also social and

psychological. They are trapped in a life of hunger, neglect, and disrespect.

Madhav's wife, Budhiya, is pregnant and seriously ill. But instead of helping her or seeking

medical attention, the two men sit outside the hut by the fire, indifferent to her pain.

Eventually, Budhiya dies during childbirth. Shocked at first, Ghisu and Madhav cry and wail,

not out of love but because they fear what society will say. They now need money to

perform her funeral rites and buy a kafan (shroud) to cover her body.

They go begging in the village, and to their surprise, people give them money out of

sympathy. But instead of buying the shroud, Ghisu and Madhav use the money to eat and

drink at a liquor shop. They justify their actions with twisted logic: What’s the point of

covering a dead body when the living are still suffering?

This shocking yet tragic ending forces the reader to reflect on deeper issues—how poverty

can erode human values, how social customs can become meaningless, and how society

itself plays a role in sustaining this tragic cycle.

Criticism of Social System in The Shroud

Let’s now explore how The Shroud criticizes different aspects of the social system.

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1. Extreme Poverty and Its Effects

Ghisu and Madhav’s condition reflects the reality of millions in India’s lower caste and lower

class communities. They are poor not just because they are lazy—as some may argue—but

because the system never gave them a fair chance. They have no land, no stable job, and no

respect in society.

Example:

Even when they do want to work, no one trusts them. Society labels them as "useless," and

this pushes them deeper into their hopeless state. It’s a vicious cycle of poverty and social

rejection.

2. The Caste System and Class Divide

Though not openly mentioned, the story hints at the caste system. Ghisu and Madhav

belong to a so-called "lower caste," and this reflects in how they are treated. People don’t

see them as full human beings with feelings; they are only remembered when there’s work

to be done—or when someone dies.

Reflection:

Premchand shows that caste and class are closely tied. These characters are born into

suffering and die in suffering, and no one tries to change this reality.

3. Hypocrisy of Religious and Funeral Customs

The funeral customs, which are supposed to show respect for the dead, are exposed as

meaningless rituals. Society gives Ghisu and Madhav money for a shroud, but they spend it

on food and alcohol. Strangely, the reader cannot fully blame them.

Why?

Because Premchand wants us to ask: What is more important—honoring a dead body or

feeding two living souls who have suffered all their lives?

The shroud becomes a symbol of society’s fake morality. People give money to look good

and fulfill their "duty," but no one ever helped Budhiya when she was alive and in pain.

4. Lack of Compassion and Real Help

The story shows that society only reacts after a tragedy. When Budhiya was alive and

suffering, nobody came to help her. But once she dies, people are eager to donate for her

funeral.

Criticism:

Premchand is pointing out a real flaw: we are more concerned about rituals and

appearances than real kindness or compassion.

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Powerful Symbolism in the Story

The Shroud (Kafan):

Symbol of false morality and the emptiness of social rituals.

The Fire (Bonfire):

Symbol of the warmth that the living need, contrasting with the cold customs for the dead.

Liquor and Food:

Represent the hunger and suffering of the living, which society always ignores.

Premchand’s Message

Through this powerful and disturbing story, Premchand is not just blaming Ghisu and

Madhav for their actions. He is blaming the system—a system that creates inequality,

neglects the poor, and worships dead customs instead of helping the living.

He asks us to think:

• Why are people forced to live like this?

• What is the use of customs that do not bring real comfort?

• Is it better to honor the dead with cloth or feed the hungry with love?

Conclusion

The Shroud is not just a story of two poor men. It is the story of millions who suffer silently

in the name of fate, caste, and customs. It forces us to question the social system, the

economic divide, and the religious hypocrisy that exists even today.

Premchand’s genius lies in telling a simple story that touches the deepest parts of our

conscience. He makes us uncomfortable—but only so that we can become better human

beings and build a more just society.

SECTION-D

VII. What common points between the miser and the spendthrift does the author point

out?

Ans: The Tale of Ram and Shyam: A Miser and a Spendthrift

In a small village lived two men: Ram and Shyam. Ram was a miser — he was so careful with

money that he wouldn't even light an oil lamp at night to save oil. He wore torn clothes, ate

stale food, and kept counting his coins again and again. On the other side of the village lived

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Shyam, a spendthrift. He loved to show off. He spent all his earnings on new clothes, parties,

and expensive gadgets. At the end of every month, he had nothing left.

The villagers would laugh at both of them. "Ram is too tight-fisted. He has so much but lives

like a beggar," they said. About Shyam, they said, "He spends like a king but borrows like a

pauper." While they appeared to be opposites, they had more in common than they

realized.

And that’s where the author’s point comes in.

Understanding the Two Extremes: Miser vs Spendthrift

Before we dive into the common points, let’s first understand what each of these terms

really means.

Miser: A person who hoards money and avoids spending, even when necessary. Misers

often deprive themselves and others of basic comforts, driven by the fear of losing money.

Spendthrift: A person who spends money carelessly and wastefully. They often live beyond

their means and ignore the value of savings and planning.

You might think that a miser and a spendthrift are completely different. After all, one never

spends money, and the other spends too much! But here’s the twist: both are ruled by

money.

The Common Points Between a Miser and a Spendthrift

According to many thinkers and authors — especially those with philosophical or moral

insights — the miser and the spendthrift, despite appearing opposite, share some deep

similarities.

Let’s explore these common points one by one.

1. Both Are Slaves to Money

Think of money like a powerful king. A wise man uses money as his servant — he makes it

work for him. But both the miser and the spendthrift become slaves to money.

The miser is obsessed with keeping his money. He serves money by guarding it, never using

it.

The spendthrift is obsessed with using money — to gain pleasure, status, or fun — but

money still controls his actions.

In both cases, money becomes the master. Neither of them controls money with wisdom.

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2. Lack of Balance and Wisdom

Both characters lack moderation. One goes to the extreme of not spending at all, while the

other goes to the extreme of spending recklessly. True wisdom lies in balance.

For example, a balanced person:

• Saves for the future,

• Spends on needs and a few comforts,

• Helps others in need, and

• Plans financially with discipline.

Neither the miser nor the spendthrift follows this balanced approach. Their decisions are

based on emotion or fear, not wisdom.

3. Both Fail to Enjoy Life Properly

Yes, you read that right. Both suffer, though in different ways.

The miser may have wealth, but he does not enjoy it. He denies himself joy, comfort, and

sometimes even health.

The spendthrift enjoys temporarily but later suffers from debt, regret, and stress.

In both cases, happiness is missing. The miser fears losing money. The spendthrift fears

running out of money. Neither has peace of mind.

4. Both Harm Relationships

Let’s go back to our story. Ram, the miser, had no friends because people felt

uncomfortable around him. He was too stingy to share. Shyam, the spendthrift, was popular

for a while, but when his money was gone, so were his friends. He even started borrowing

and hurting relationships.

So, both kinds of people often end up lonely and misunderstood. Money, instead of

becoming a tool for connection and generosity, becomes a barrier.

5. Both Have a Wrong Attitude Towards Money

The key issue is not money itself, but the attitude.

The miser sees money as something sacred that must never be touched.

The spendthrift sees money as something meant to be spent without thought.

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In both cases, there is a misunderstanding of the purpose of wealth. Money is a means to an

end, not the end itself. It is meant to provide security, comfort, and opportunity, but not to

become the center of life.

6. Both Live in Fear

Oddly enough, both are driven by fear:

The miser fears poverty, even if he has more than enough.

The spendthrift fears judgment or wants to escape pain, so he spends to feel good or

impress others.

So fear — not logic or wisdom — drives both types of people.

Conclusion: What Should We Learn?

The author wants us to look beyond appearances. Though a miser and a spendthrift look like

opposites, both waste the true value of money.

The best way is the middle path — a life of wise spending, thoughtful saving, and purposeful

living. Just like how a well-tuned musical instrument sounds perfect, a balanced financial life

leads to inner peace and lasting happiness.

So next time you see a miser or a spendthrift, don’t just laugh. Understand that both are

warning signs of what happens when money controls us instead of us controlling money.

Moral of the Story

Money is like water. If you store it all, it becomes stale and unusable. If you let it flow

carelessly, it dries up too soon. But if you channel it wisely, it nourishes life.

Be neither Ram nor Shyam. Be someone wiser — someone who respects money, uses it

well, and never lets it become your master.

VIII. What does the declaration say about marriage and family?

Ans: Imagine a world where every person is treated with respect, love, and fairness. A world

where people can live happily, form relationships, and raise families in peace. This ideal

world is the vision that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) tries to promote.

Created in 1948 by the United Nations, just after the horrors of World War II, the UDHR was

like a promise made by countries all over the world to protect the dignity of every human

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being. Among its many important messages, one of the most heart-touching and meaningful

is what it says about marriage and family.

Now, let’s go step by step, like a story, and understand what exactly the Declaration says

and what it means for us.

󷉥󷉦 1. Family is the Foundation of Society (Article 16)

Let’s begin with a beautiful thought.

The UDHR, in Article 16, says:

“The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to

protection by society and the State.”

Think of a family as the roots of a tree. A tree grows tall and strong only when its roots are

healthy and firm. In the same way, a healthy society can grow only when families are strong

and supported.

Whether it’s a small family of two or a big joint family of ten, the idea is the same — family

is the first place where love, care, and moral values are taught. It’s where a child learns right

from wrong, where elders are respected, and where members support each other in times

of trouble.

That’s why the Declaration says that governments must protect families, not just in terms of

money or food, but also through laws, safety, and equal rights.

󹨼󹨽󹨾 2. Right to Marry and Start a Family

The Declaration doesn’t stop there. It goes on to say that:

“Men and women of full age... have the right to marry and to found a family.”

This means that every adult man and woman has the freedom to choose to get married. No

one can be forced into marriage. It must be a free choice of both individuals.

Let’s understand with an example:

Imagine Rani and Aman are two adults in love. According to the UDHR, they have the right

to marry if they want to — and no one, not even family or society, should force them into or

out of marriage.

In some parts of the world, child marriages or forced marriages still happen. But such

practices are against the UDHR. Marriage is considered a serious life decision, and it must be

based on free will, maturity, and mutual understanding.

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󹂳󹂴󹃑󹂵󹂶󹂷󹂸󹂹󹂺󹂻󹃒󹃓󹂼󹂽󹂾󹂿󹃀󹃁󹃔󹃂󹃃󹃄󹃅󹃕󹃖󹃆󹃇󹃗󹃘󹃙󹃚󹃛󹃜󹃈󹃝󹃞󹃟󹃠󹃉󹃊󹃋󹃌󹃍󹃎󹃏󹃡󹃢󹃐󹃣󹃤󹃥 3. Equal Rights in Marriage

The Declaration also says:

“They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.”

Let’s break that down simply.

Before marriage: Both man and woman should have equal freedom to agree or say no.

During marriage: They should be treated equally — whether it’s about work, decisions,

property, or parenting.

At the end of marriage (if it happens): Even during divorce, both must be treated with

respect and fairness. For example, decisions about child custody, property, or support must

be equal and just.

It’s not about one person ruling the other. It’s about partnership, teamwork, and balance.

Marriage, in the eyes of the UDHR, is not ownership, but a relationship based on love,

respect, and equality.

󷉃󷉄 4. Protection of Family by Society and State

The Declaration doesn’t just stop at giving rights. It also says that families must be protected

by the law.

What does that mean?

Governments must make laws that prevent domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect.

Families in need must get help — for example, maternity benefits, childcare support, or

housing.

Orphans, widows, and poor families should get social welfare.

So, if a single mother is struggling to raise her child, the State must help. If a family is living

in dangerous conditions, the government must provide safety.

This is because families are not just private matters. They are part of a bigger system —

society. If one family breaks down, it affects the whole tree of society.

󷆫󷆪 Why is This Important for University Students to Know?

As young adults, students are at the stage where they begin to form their own ideas about

relationships, love, and marriage. Understanding what the UDHR says about marriage and

family helps in many ways:

It teaches respect — for others’ choices, for equality, and for the right to say no.

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It promotes awareness — so students can recognize unfair practices like forced marriage or

gender inequality.

It shapes future families — students today will be parents tomorrow. Knowing their rights

and responsibilities helps them build strong, happy families.

󹰤󹰥󹰦󹰧󹰨 Conclusion: Love, Respect, and Freedom

In short, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sees marriage and family not as private

deals, but as social treasures. Marriage should be based on free will and equality, and

families must be protected and respected by the law.

This isn’t just legal talk — it’s about real people, real relationships, and real lives. Whether

you’re single, dating, married, or planning for the future, these rights are there for you — to

protect your dignity, your freedom, and your family.

So let us remember:

Strong families build a strong society. And strong societies build a peaceful world.

“This paper has been carefully prepared for educational purposes. If you notice any mistakes or

have suggestions, feel free to share your feedback.”