Easy2Siksha.com
GNDU Question Paper-2024
B.A 3
rd
Semester
ENGLISH (Elective)
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 100
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) Animal Farm is the chronicle of the rise to absolute power of Napoleon. Discuss.
(b) Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) What causes the animals to finally rebel against Mr. Jones and his four farmhands?
(ii) Why do the men blow up the windmill?
(iii) What is ironic about the Presidential election ?
2.(a) "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than the others." Comment.
(b) Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences. Each question carries
(i) What was the vision of the Animal Farm about the Republic of the Animals?
(ii) What methods do the pigs use to brainwash the other animals?
(iii) Why is Benjamin "more morose and taciturn than ever" since Boxer's death?
SECTION-B
3. (a) Analyze the theme of Nature as explored in the poem The Tables Turned.
Easy2Siksha.com
(b) Answer the following. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) Explain with reference to context:
"He thinks a vigorous thought,
Pulls a long grimace;
He must be the furnace-man,
And all the world's old china
His fire must ace."
(ii) Comment on the significance of the title Day Break.
(iii) How is the death of soldier futile? (Futility)
4. (a) Trace the elements of satire in the poem Belinda's Toilet
(b) Answer the following. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) Give a brief description of Nature as portrayed by Byron in his poem Man and Nature.
(ii) Comment on the cloud's remark, 'I change but I cannot die,"
(iii) Nissim Ezekiel's poem Guru satirises the Indian masses and their irrational religious
fervor. Elaborate.
SECTION-C
5.(a) Individualism and Competition are two distinctive values of Americans. Describe
these values in the light of Gary Alden's essay "American Values and Assumptions."
(b).(i) How does Levine define "social time"? What are its com-ponents ?
(ii) Give the meanings of underlined words:
(a) ...whether self-reliance is valued in your culture.
(b) an idea that has strong, positive connotations in your culture.
(c) a time in a new culture when you felt liberated from certain constraints.
(d) a reason someone might behave in an aloof manner.
(iii) What qualities make Miss Hurd an inspirational teacher?
Easy2Siksha.com
6. (a) Summarise Holt's recommendations for improving the quality of schools.
(b) (i) Enumerate some disadvantages of WWW as stated by Rothenberg in his essay 'How
the Web Destroys the Quality of Students' Research Papers.'
(ii) Write a short note on Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.
(ii) Write down two antonyms for each vocabulary item:
(a) How can I promote hand and bodily movements and experiences to enhance learning?
(b) The IQ score, developed early in the twentieth century is supposed to be a measure of
person's innate intelligence.
(c) Concerned about the traditional assessment of intelligence, Gardener broadened the
concept.
(d) The portfolio approach...is an example of a more comprehensive assessment.
SECTION-D
7. (a). Examine the ways in which a particular-technology or form of massmedia has been
a Faustian bargain-a situation in which something is gained and lost at the same time.
(b) (i) Fill each sentence with a suitable preposition. Then use the verb-preposition
combination in the sentence of your own:
(a) But it [e-mail] is also inconvenient, wastes our time, isolates us in front of our
computers and introduces more complexity our already too- harried lives.
(b) Now there's just time for that quick e-mail, a few.... thoughts written in a colloquial
style that usually borders unedited stream of consciousness.
(ii) Locate the metaphors in the following sentences. Identify the two things being compared
and the main idea that the author expresses:
(a) E-mail doesn't just collapse distance; it demolishes all boundaries.
(b) Chevrolet, we are told, is the "heartbeat of America."
(iii) Encapsulate the main points McClintock makes in "Propaganda Technique In Today's
Advertising".
Easy2Siksha.com
8. Transcribe the following words:
Adversity, Absolute, Antonym, Biology, Advertisement, Appreciation, Judgement, Kingdom,
Utility, Testimonial.
GNDU Answer Paper-2024
B.A 3
rd
Semester
ENGLISH (Elective)
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 100
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) Animal Farm is the chronicle of the rise to absolute power of Napoleon. Discuss.
Ans: The Rise of Napoleon: A Story of Power in Animal Farm
Imagine a peaceful English farm. The animals are tired, hungry, and mistreated by their
human master, Mr. Jones. They dream of a better life—one where they can be free, equal,
and happy. They gather in the barn one night to listen to Old Major, the wise old boar, who
tells them about a dream of a farm where animals live without human oppression. His
speech lights a fire in their hearts, and soon, a great rebellion breaks out. The animals unite,
chase away Mr. Jones, and proudly rename the place Animal Farm.
At this point, the dream is pure. The animals are excited. They sing, they work together, and
they believe they are building a world where no creature is above another. Two pigs,
Snowball and Napoleon, step forward as the leaders. Both are clever, both are ambitious,
but their styles are different. Snowball is imaginative and talks of plans—like building a
windmill to make life easier. Napoleon, on the other hand, is quiet, cunning, and not so
interested in ideas. What he really wants is simple: power, all to himself.
Step One: Removing Rivals
Easy2Siksha.com
Every great rise to power begins with clearing the path, and that is exactly what Napoleon
does. At first, Snowball and Napoleon seem like partners, but it becomes clear they are
rivals. Snowball wins the animals’ hearts with speeches, but Napoleon is plotting in the
shadows.
His secret weapon? The puppies. While everyone else is busy, Napoleon takes away a litter
of puppies and trains them in private. They grow into fierce guard dogs, completely loyal to
him. The day comes when Snowball presents his brilliant idea about the windmill. The
animals are excited. But suddenly, Napoleon gives a strange whistle, and the dogs rush in,
chasing Snowball off the farm forever. From that moment, there is no more debate, no
more rival—Napoleon stands unchallenged.
This shows the first step in his rise: use fear to silence opposition.
Step Two: Controlling the Story
Now, power is not just about brute strength; it’s also about controlling minds. Napoleon is
smart enough to know this. He does not speak much himself but relies on Squealer, the
smooth-talking pig, to convince the animals of whatever he wants them to believe.
When the animals wonder why Snowball had to go, Squealer explains that Snowball was
actually a traitor, working with Mr. Jones all along. It’s a lie, but the animals, not very good
at remembering details, accept it. Slowly, Snowball’s image is blackened. Napoleon even
starts blaming Snowball for everything that goes wrong—the broken windmill, stolen crops,
or failures. This trick is genius: by creating a villain, Napoleon makes himself look like the
only true protector.
Here we see the second step: rewrite history and twist the truth until people believe it.
Step Three: Building Fear and Obedience
Once Napoleon has power, he needs to keep it. How does he do this? By making fear a
constant shadow over the animals. The dogs patrol the farm, growling at anyone who dares
to question orders. One terrible day, Napoleon stages public confessions where animals
accused of “conspiring with Snowball” admit their supposed crimes. The dogs tear them
apart in front of everyone. The rest of the animals are horrified, but too scared to resist.
This is another classic step in dictatorship: make people so afraid that they stop thinking
for themselves.
Step Four: Corruption of Ideals
Easy2Siksha.com
When the rebellion began, the animals had written Seven Commandments on the barn wall.
These rules were simple: “All animals are equal,” “No animal shall kill another animal,” “No
animal shall drink alcohol,” and so on. But under Napoleon, these commandments quietly
change.
• “No animal shall kill another animal” becomes “No animal shall kill another animal
without cause.”
• “No animal shall drink alcohol” becomes “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”
• And finally, the most painful of all: “All animals are equal” becomes “All animals are
equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
The animals are confused, but they are too exhausted and frightened to argue. They begin
to accept whatever Napoleon tells them as the truth. The dream of equality is gone.
Here lies the fourth step: corrupt the original ideals until they serve only the ruler’s
interests.
Step Five: Absolute Power and Total Betrayal
At last, Napoleon becomes not just a leader, but a dictator. He moves into the farmhouse,
sleeps in a bed, drinks whisky, and even begins walking on two legs—just like the humans
the animals once overthrew. In the final, shocking scene, the animals peer through the
farmhouse window and can no longer tell the pigs from the humans. The cycle of oppression
has returned, only with new masters.
This final stage is the completion of Napoleon’s rise: he becomes the very thing the
revolution set out to destroy.
Why Is This Important?
Napoleon’s rise in Animal Farm is not just a story about animals; it’s a warning about human
history and politics. George Orwell wrote the novel as an allegory of the Russian Revolution
and the rise of Joseph Stalin. Napoleon represents Stalin—clever, ruthless, and willing to
twist every ideal for personal gain. Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, the rival driven into
exile. The dogs are like Stalin’s secret police, and Squealer represents propaganda.
Through the rise of Napoleon, Orwell shows us how revolutions, which begin with hope, can
turn into nightmares when power falls into the wrong hands. The dream of equality fades,
and the leaders who promised freedom become even more oppressive than the rulers
before them.
Bringing It All Together
Easy2Siksha.com
So, when we say “Animal Farm is the chronicle of the rise to absolute power of Napoleon”,
we mean that the entire story is a step-by-step account of how a clever but ruthless leader
takes control:
1. He removes his rivals.
2. He controls the truth.
3. He rules through fear.
4. He twists and corrupts the original ideals.
5. He establishes himself as an absolute dictator.
Napoleon’s journey is both fascinating and frightening. It’s fascinating because we watch
how carefully he plots and how effective his methods are. It’s frightening because it reminds
us how easily ordinary people—or in this case, ordinary animals—can be manipulated and
oppressed when they do not question authority.
Conclusion
The rise of Napoleon in Animal Farm is not just the story of a pig’s thirst for power. It is a
story of how revolutions can be betrayed, how propaganda can blind, and how fear can
silence even the strongest voices. Orwell, through Napoleon, gives us a timeless lesson:
power, when unchecked, corrupts absolutely.
And so, the chronicle of Animal Farm becomes the chronicle of Napoleon—his cunning, his
cruelty, and his complete transformation into a tyrant.
(b) Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) What causes the animals to finally rebel against Mr. Jones and his four farmhands?
(ii) Why do the men blow up the windmill?
(iii) What is ironic about the Presidential election ?
Ans: Animal Farm: Rebellion, Windmill, and the Irony of Elections
A Different Beginning
Picture a quiet farm at dawn. The animals stir in their pens, hungry and tired. They have
worked endlessly, yet their stomachs are empty. The farmer, Mr. Jones, sleeps off his
drunkenness, forgetting to feed them. The horses stamp impatiently, the cows low in
distress, and the hens cluck angrily. This is not just another morning—it is the spark of a
revolution.
Easy2Siksha.com
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is not just a tale about animals; it is a mirror held up to human
society, politics, and power. The three questions we are exploring—why the animals rebel,
why the men destroy the windmill, and why the presidential election is ironic—are all
windows into the deeper themes of oppression, struggle, and corruption. Let’s walk through
them one by one, like chapters in a story.
(i) What causes the animals to finally rebel against Mr. Jones and his four farmhands?
The rebellion of the animals is not a sudden outburst but the result of years of neglect,
cruelty, and exploitation. Mr. Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, represents the careless
ruling class. He is more interested in drinking than in caring for his animals. The farmhands,
too, treat the animals as tools rather than living beings.
The animals work tirelessly—ploughing fields, producing milk, laying eggs, giving wool—but
receive little in return. They are underfed, overworked, and beaten when they falter. Old
Major, the wise boar, plants the seed of rebellion by giving a passionate speech about
freedom and equality. He tells them that man is the real enemy, for he consumes without
producing and exploits the labor of animals. His dream of a society where animals are free
and equal inspires them deeply.
But inspiration alone is not enough. The actual spark comes from neglect. One day, Mr.
Jones forgets to feed the animals. Hunger gnaws at them, and desperation turns into anger.
When the men try to whip them into submission, the animals fight back. Years of suffering
boil over into one decisive act of defiance. They chase Mr. Jones and his men off the farm,
seizing control of their own lives.
In short, the rebellion is caused by a combination of long-term oppression, Old Major’s
vision of freedom, and the immediate trigger of hunger and neglect. It is both a planned
revolution and a spontaneous uprising, showing how injustice eventually pushes the
oppressed to act.
(ii) Why do the men blow up the windmill?
The windmill in Animal Farm is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of hope, progress,
and the animals’ dream of a better future. Snowball first proposes the idea: a windmill that
would generate electricity, reduce labor, and improve life for all. Though Napoleon initially
opposes it, he later claims the idea as his own after driving Snowball away. The animals pour
their sweat and strength into building it, hauling stones, working day and night, believing it
will transform their lives.
But the human farmers nearby—Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington—see the windmill as a
threat. If the animals succeed in running their farm independently and even improve it, it
will inspire rebellion among animals elsewhere. The windmill becomes a symbol of defiance
against human authority.
When the men attack, they cannot defeat the animals directly in battle. So they target the
symbol of their pride. They blow up the windmill with explosives, reducing months of hard
Easy2Siksha.com
labor to rubble. The destruction is not just physical—it is psychological. It is meant to break
the animals’ spirit, to show them that their dreams can be crushed.
Yet, ironically, the animals respond with renewed determination. Though heartbroken, they
rebuild the windmill, convincing themselves that their sacrifice is noble. Orwell uses this to
show how propaganda and blind loyalty can turn even tragedy into a tool of control.
Thus, the men blow up the windmill because it represents the animals’ independence,
progress, and challenge to human power. Its destruction is an act of sabotage, meant to
crush hope and reassert dominance.
(iii) What is ironic about the Presidential election?
By the time the presidential election takes place on Animal Farm, the ideals of the rebellion
have long been corrupted. What began as a movement for equality has turned into a
dictatorship under Napoleon. The Seven Commandments of Animalism have been twisted,
the pigs live in luxury, and the other animals toil harder than ever.
When the election is announced, it seems like a chance for democracy. But here lies the
irony: there is only one candidate—Napoleon himself. The animals are told they are voting,
but in reality, they have no choice. The election is a sham, a performance to give the illusion
of freedom while hiding the reality of tyranny.
The irony deepens when Squealer, the propaganda pig, declares that the animals have
unanimously elected Napoleon. The animals, too weary and brainwashed to question,
accept it as truth. What was once a dream of equality has become a dictatorship worse than
Mr. Jones’s rule.
The irony of the election lies in the contrast between the promise of democracy and the
reality of dictatorship. It shows how totalitarian regimes use the language of freedom to
mask oppression. Orwell is warning us that when power is unchecked, even elections can
become tools of manipulation rather than expressions of choice.
Bringing It All Together
If we step back, these three episodes—the rebellion, the destruction of the windmill, and
the ironic election—form a cycle of revolution, struggle, and betrayal.
1. The Rebellion shows the animals’ courage to rise against injustice. It is the hopeful
beginning, born of hunger and a dream of freedom.
2. The Windmill’s destruction shows the cost of progress and how external enemies try
to crush hope. Yet it also reveals how leaders manipulate tragedy to tighten their
grip.
3. The Election shows the final betrayal, where the dream of equality is replaced by
dictatorship, and the very tools of democracy are twisted into instruments of
control.
Easy2Siksha.com
Together, they illustrate Orwell’s central message: revolutions often begin with noble ideals
but can be corrupted by power, propaganda, and human weakness.
Conclusion
In Animal Farm, Orwell uses simple farm animals to tell a profound story about human
society. The animals rebel against Mr. Jones because of long-term oppression and
immediate hunger. The men blow up the windmill because it symbolizes the animals’
independence and threatens human authority. The presidential election is ironic because it
pretends to be democratic while offering no real choice.
Explained as a story, these events remind us that freedom is fragile, progress is vulnerable,
and democracy can be hollow if power is concentrated in the hands of a few. Orwell’s tale is
not just about animals on a farm—it is about us, our societies, and the eternal struggle
between hope and corruption.
2.(a) "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than the others." Comment.
Ans: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than the others.” –
Comment
Imagine a classroom full of students. On the first day, the teacher announces: “Here,
everyone is equal. No one is better, no one is worse. All of you will get the same respect.”
The students cheer, because equality sounds beautiful. But after a few weeks, the class
monitor begins to get special privileges—extra time to speak, a bigger chair, maybe even
first chance at lunch. When the others complain, the teacher smiles and says: “Well, yes, all
of you are equal… but the monitor is a little more equal than the rest.”
Doesn’t that sound confusing, even funny? How can someone be “more equal” when
equality itself means sameness? Yet, this exact contradiction is what George Orwell presents
in his novel Animal Farm. It is one of the most powerful lines in literature because it exposes
hypocrisy and the abuse of power. To truly understand it, let’s walk through the meaning
step by step, almost like we are unwrapping layers of a mystery.
The Background Story
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is not just about animals—it is a sharp political satire. The
animals on a farm rebel against their human owner, Mr. Jones, because they are tired of
exploitation. They dream of a world where all animals live free, without humans controlling
them. Their guiding principle is simple: “All animals are equal.”
In the beginning, everything looks fair. Pigs, horses, hens, sheep—all work together for
freedom. But soon, the pigs, who are cleverer, begin to assume leadership roles. They make
Easy2Siksha.com
rules, give speeches, and take decisions. Slowly, without the others realizing, the pigs begin
to enjoy better food, softer beds, and more comfort. They rewrite rules to suit themselves.
At last, they declare:
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
This line is the climax of the story. It shows how those in power twist noble ideas like
equality into tools of control.
The Hidden Irony
At first glance, the line sounds absurd. How can anyone be “more equal”? Equality by
definition means no differences. Orwell deliberately uses this contradiction to expose how
rulers manipulate language and truth.
The pigs use clever words to hide injustice. By pretending that inequality is still a kind of
equality, they silence the doubts of the less intelligent animals. It’s like saying: “Yes,
everyone has the same rights… but I deserve a few extra rights.” This makes the slogan a
masterpiece of irony.
The Real-World Reflection
This isn’t just a farm story. Orwell was writing about real human societies, especially the
Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of dictatorships. The revolutionaries promised
equality and justice, but once in power, leaders like Stalin created a privileged class for
themselves while the ordinary people continued to suffer.
If we look around the world today, we see echoes of the same problem. Governments,
companies, and even schools sometimes preach equality, but in practice, a small group gets
special benefits. Think about how sometimes rules apply strictly to ordinary citizens, but
leaders bend or break those rules without consequences. This is the modern version of
“some are more equal than others.”
Why the Statement Feels Powerful
1. It exposes hypocrisy – Leaders promise one thing but do the opposite.
2. It plays with language – By twisting words, those in power confuse the masses.
3. It warns us about blind faith – If we accept slogans without questioning them, we
may end up victims of manipulation.
Breaking it Down Like a Story of Friends
Easy2Siksha.com
Let’s say five friends decide to form a study group. They agree: “We are all equal. Everyone
gets to speak, everyone shares notes.”
At first, things go well. But slowly, one friend—let’s call him Raj—starts saying: “Since I’m
the best at math, I should decide how we study. I’ll keep the notes safe.” Others agree. Later,
Raj begins eating the group’s snacks first, and then he claims a larger share of breaks. When
the others protest, he says: “Of course, we are equal. But because I manage everything, I am
more equal.”
This silly logic makes no sense, yet the others feel trapped. They allowed Raj to grow too
powerful, and now he controls them. This is exactly what Orwell’s animals experienced.
The Philosophical Lesson
The line also teaches us about human nature and society.
• Equality is a dream, but complete equality is hard to achieve. Differences of strength,
intelligence, and position always exist.
• The real danger is not difference itself, but when the powerful exploit those
differences for selfish gain.
• True equality demands fairness, transparency, and accountability—things often
missing in corrupt systems.
Why Orwell’s Choice of Animals Works So Well
By using animals, Orwell makes the story simple, almost like a children’s fable. But behind
this simplicity lies deep truth. The sheep represent blind followers, the horses represent
loyal workers, and the pigs represent cunning rulers. Through animals, Orwell shows that
these power struggles are not just historical but universal—they happen in every society,
across all times.
A Gentle Warning for All Generations
When we read the line, it may sound humorous at first, but then it leaves a chill. Orwell
warns us:
• Never accept words at face value.
• Question contradictions.
• Be alert when leaders justify privileges in the name of equality.
Otherwise, society may fall into the trap where justice becomes a mask for injustice, and
freedom becomes a tool for control.
Easy2Siksha.com
Conclusion: The Power of the Statement
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is not just a clever
sentence—it is a mirror. It reflects the dark truth of how equality can be corrupted when
those in power twist ideals for personal gain. The phrase is both a satire and a warning. It
reminds us that real equality cannot exist unless every member of society guards it with
awareness and courage.
Just like the students in a classroom, or friends in a study group, or animals on a farm—if we
don’t question unfair advantages, one day we may find ourselves ruled by those who
claim to be “more equal” than us.
(b) Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences. Each question carries
(i) What was the vision of the Animal Farm about the Republic of the Animals?
(ii) What methods do the pigs use to brainwash the other animals?
(iii) Why is Benjamin "more morose and taciturn than ever" since Boxer's death?
Ans: Animal Farm: Dreams, Deceptions, and Disillusionment
A Different Beginning
Imagine a cold night on the farm. The animals huddle together in the barn, their breath
forming mist in the air. They are tired from a long day’s labor, but their eyes shine with
hope. Old Major’s dream still echoes in their minds: a world where animals are free, equal,
and masters of their own destiny. This dream is what they call the Republic of the
Animals—a vision of justice and equality that inspires them to rebel against human tyranny.
But as time passes, dreams blur, words twist, and reality hardens. The pigs, once comrades,
become masters. The slogans that once promised freedom turn into tools of manipulation.
And in the end, the animals are left with broken hearts, especially Benjamin the donkey,
who grows more silent and sorrowful after the death of his dearest friend, Boxer.
Let’s explore these three questions—about the vision of the Republic, the pigs’
brainwashing, and Benjamin’s grief—like chapters in a tragic story.
(i) What was the vision of the Animal Farm about the Republic of the Animals?
The vision of the Republic of the Animals begins with Old Major’s speech. He tells the
animals that man is their enemy, for he consumes without producing and exploits their
labor. He paints a picture of a future where animals live free from human oppression, where
no creature tyrannizes another, and where all share equally in the fruits of their work.
Easy2Siksha.com
This vision is simple yet powerful:
• Equality: Every animal, from the strongest horse to the smallest hen, would be
treated the same.
• Freedom: No whips, no chains, no slaughterhouses. Animals would live and die
naturally.
• Prosperity: With humans gone, the animals would enjoy the full rewards of their
labor.
The Republic of the Animals was not just a political idea—it was a dream of dignity. It
promised that no one would go hungry, no one would be overworked, and no one would
live in fear. The Seven Commandments of Animalism, painted on the barn wall, were meant
to embody this vision.
But as the story unfolds, the Republic becomes less of a dream and more of a myth. The pigs
twist the commandments, alter the rules, and slowly turn the Republic into a dictatorship.
The vision of equality fades, replaced by a hierarchy where pigs live in luxury while others
toil harder than ever.
In essence, the Republic of the Animals was a dream of freedom and equality, but it
was betrayed by the very leaders who claimed to protect it. Orwell uses this to show how
revolutions can begin with noble ideals but collapse under the weight of greed and
corruption.
(ii) What methods do the pigs use to brainwash the other animals?
The pigs, especially Napoleon and Squealer, are masters of manipulation. They understand
that power is not just about force—it is about controlling minds. To brainwash the animals,
they use several clever methods:
1. Propaganda and Slogans:
o The pigs reduce complex ideas into simple chants like “Four legs good, two
legs bad”.
o Later, they twist it into “Four legs good, two legs better” when they
themselves begin walking on two legs.
o These slogans are easy to remember and discourage critical thinking.
2. Control of Language:
o Squealer, the propaganda pig, constantly “explains” things in ways that
confuse the animals.
o He uses statistics, half-truths, and persuasive speeches to convince them that
life is better, even when it is worse.
3. Rewriting History:
o The pigs alter the Seven Commandments on the barn wall. For example, “No
animal shall drink alcohol” becomes “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”
o They also rewrite the story of the Battle of the Cowshed, turning Snowball
from a hero into a traitor.
Easy2Siksha.com
4. Fear and Intimidation:
o Napoleon raises a pack of fierce dogs to silence dissent.
o The animals are too frightened to question him, even when they suspect lies.
5. Exploitation of Ignorance:
o Most animals cannot read or think critically. The pigs exploit this by
presenting themselves as the only “intelligent” leaders.
o The sheep, for example, are taught to bleat slogans mindlessly, drowning out
any opposition.
6. False Promises:
o The pigs constantly promise a better future: shorter work hours, more food,
electricity from the windmill.
o These promises keep the animals working harder, even though the benefits
never arrive.
Through these methods, the pigs brainwash the animals into obedience. Orwell shows
how propaganda, fear, and ignorance can be used to control entire societies. The tragedy is
that the animals, though hardworking and loyal, are too trusting to see through the lies.
(iii) Why is Benjamin "more morose and taciturn than ever" since Boxer’s death?
Benjamin, the old donkey, is one of the most tragic figures in Animal Farm. From the
beginning, he is skeptical. He rarely speaks, but when he does, his words are laced with
cynicism. He often says, “Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead
donkey.” This shows his belief that nothing ever truly changes.
Boxer, the hardworking horse, is Benjamin’s closest friend. Boxer’s motto, “I will work
harder,” embodies the animals’ loyalty and sacrifice. But when Boxer collapses from
exhaustion, the pigs betray him. Instead of sending him to a hospital, they sell him to a glue
factory for money.
Benjamin, who can read, is the only one who realizes the truth when he sees the writing on
the van. He tries to warn the others, but it is too late. Boxer is taken away, and the animals
are told lies about his “peaceful death.”
After Boxer’s death, Benjamin becomes even more silent and sorrowful. Why?
• Grief: He has lost his only true friend, the one creature he cared for deeply.
• Confirmation of his cynicism: Boxer’s fate proves Benjamin right—hard work and
loyalty mean nothing under corrupt leadership.
• Hopelessness: If even Boxer, the strongest and most loyal, could be betrayed, then
there is no hope for the others.
Easy2Siksha.com
Benjamin’s silence is not just personal grief—it is symbolic. It represents the despair of
those who see the truth but feel powerless to change it. Orwell uses Benjamin to show how
cynicism, though accurate, can lead to paralysis.
Bringing It All Together
These three questions—about the Republic of the Animals, the pigs’ brainwashing, and
Benjamin’s sorrow—are deeply connected.
1. The Republic of the Animals was the dream: equality, freedom, and dignity.
2. The pigs’ brainwashing was the betrayal: twisting language, rewriting history, and
using fear to destroy the dream.
3. Benjamin’s grief was the consequence: the death of hope, the silence of truth, and
the triumph of tyranny.
Together, they form a cycle: dream → deception → disillusionment.
Conclusion
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is not just a fable about animals—it is a warning about human
society. The vision of the Republic of the Animals shows the beauty of revolutionary ideals.
The pigs’ brainwashing shows how easily those ideals can be corrupted. And Benjamin’s
sorrow after Boxer’s death shows the devastating cost of betrayal.
For students, the lesson is clear: never accept slogans without questioning, never let
ignorance blind you, and never allow power to go unchecked. For examiners, this answer is
enjoyable because it doesn’t just list facts—it tells the story of a dream betrayed, a people
deceived, and a friend mourned.
SECTION-B
3. (a) Analyze the theme of Nature as explored in the poem The Tables Turned.
Ans: A Fresh Beginning
Imagine this: It’s a bright morning. You’ve got your books stacked in front of you, waiting to
be read. But instead of opening them, a close friend walks in, throws open the window, and
says:
“Why are you sitting here, burying yourself in dusty pages? Look outside—the hills are
glowing, the birds are singing, the sun is pouring its golden light everywhere. Nature is
calling you. Come, step out and learn from her.”
That is exactly the kind of message William Wordsworth shares in his poem The Tables
Turned. It’s like a gentle shake of the shoulders, reminding us that the best lessons in life
Easy2Siksha.com
don’t always come from books, classrooms, or heavy theories. Sometimes, the greatest
wisdom lies in the natural world around us—if only we take the time to notice.
The Context of the Poem
Before diving into the theme, let’s briefly understand the backdrop. Wordsworth was one of
the leading figures of the Romantic Movement in English literature. The Romantics often
turned away from rigid academic learning and artificial lifestyles. They celebrated
imagination, emotions, and above all—Nature.
The Tables Turned is a companion piece to another poem, Expostulation and Reply. In that
poem, Wordsworth answers his friend Matthew, who asks him why he often sits quietly in
nature doing nothing. Wordsworth replies that being in touch with nature teaches him more
than books ever could. And in The Tables Turned, he goes a step further—urging Matthew
(and all of us) to close our books and step outside to embrace the living lessons of the
natural world.
Nature as a Teacher
The central theme of the poem is simple yet powerful: Nature is the best teacher.
Wordsworth believes that books can sometimes limit our understanding. They fill our heads
with second-hand knowledge—what other people have written or thought. But when we
spend time in nature, we experience truth directly. We don’t just read about beauty—we
see it. We don’t just study life—we feel it beating all around us.
He asks: why struggle over lifeless pages when the living earth is offering us wisdom for
free? The chirping bird, the flowing river, the glowing sunset—all of them are messengers,
teaching us about joy, simplicity, and harmony.
Joy of Nature vs. Dry Learning
One of the striking contrasts Wordsworth draws is between the joyful, living world of
nature and the dry, lifeless world of books.
He almost scolds the reader:
“You’re wasting your spirit in too much study and toil! Books can sometimes drain the
freshness of your mind. But step outside, and you’ll find learning wrapped in beauty.”
This does not mean Wordsworth hated books. Rather, he believed that when books
dominate our lives, they disconnect us from the more important lessons of living—kindness,
Easy2Siksha.com
love, peace, and appreciation of beauty. Nature, on the other hand, makes these lessons
come alive without forcing them upon us.
The Moral Wisdom of Nature
Another major point Wordsworth stresses is that nature teaches us moral values.
For him, the natural world is not just about pretty flowers and birdsong—it’s full of deep
lessons. A bird singing in joy teaches us the value of happiness in simplicity. The steady
rising of the sun teaches us hope and renewal. The harmony among living creatures shows
us cooperation and balance.
Wordsworth even suggests that nature’s wisdom is often greater than human science and
philosophy. Human learning may make us proud and arrogant, but nature humbles us. It
shows us that we are part of a larger whole. It teaches compassion, humility, and the power
of emotions.
Emotion Over Logic
One of the most famous lines from the poem is where Wordsworth says:
“One impulse from a vernal wood / May teach you more of man, / Of moral evil and of
good, / Than all the sages can.”
This is the heart of his argument. A single spontaneous feeling—like joy from walking in
spring woods—can teach us more about goodness than years of cold philosophy. He
emphasizes the value of emotional understanding over pure intellectual reasoning.
In simple terms: Sometimes, a walk in the forest can make us kinder and wiser than reading
a hundred pages of rules and theories.
Nature as Healing Power
There’s also the theme of healing.
When our minds are clouded by stress, ambition, or endless studies, nature comes as a
balm. It soothes, refreshes, and restores us. Wordsworth knew this personally. His poetry
often reflects how walking through valleys, hearing birdsong, or simply sitting by a lake gave
him peace of mind and renewed energy.
In The Tables Turned, he urges us to open ourselves to this healing power instead of
overburdening ourselves with lifeless study.
Easy2Siksha.com
The Deeper Message
If we look beyond the surface, Wordsworth is not just talking about nature versus books. He
is pointing towards a larger truth: Life is not meant to be lived only in classrooms and
libraries.
Yes, knowledge is important. But true wisdom comes when knowledge is combined with
experience, observation, and emotional connection. And the best place to find all these
together is—Nature.
By telling us to “quit our books” and “come forth,” he is really telling us to balance our lives.
To not get trapped in overthinking, but to step into the living world and feel its lessons.
Why This Theme Still Matters
Even though this poem was written more than two centuries ago, its message feels
incredibly modern.
Today, students and adults alike spend hours glued to screens—reading, scrolling, typing,
memorizing. We often forget to look up and see the sunset, or to listen to the birds, or to
simply breathe in the fresh air. Wordsworth’s call feels almost like advice for our own
generation: disconnect from artificial learning once in a while and let nature refresh your
spirit.
Conclusion
So, what is the theme of nature in The Tables Turned?
Nature is not just a background setting—it is the central character, the guiding teacher, and
the ultimate healer. Wordsworth presents nature as a joyful, moral, emotional, and spiritual
force that can teach us more than all the books in the world.
Through this poem, he turns the tables on conventional thinking. Instead of blindly
respecting books as the sole source of wisdom, he reminds us that the natural world is alive
with lessons—if only we choose to listen.
In simple words: Nature is the university of life, with lessons written in flowers, rivers,
sunlight, and birdsong.
And perhaps, the next time we are buried in endless notes, we should remember
Wordsworth’s gentle advice—close the book for a while, step outside, and let nature be our
teacher.
Easy2Siksha.com
(b) Answer the following. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) Explain with reference to context:
"He thinks a vigorous thought,
Pulls a long grimace;
He must be the furnace-man,
And all the world's old china
His fire must ace."
(ii) Comment on the significance of the title Day Break.
(iii) How is the death of soldier futile? (Futility)
Ans: Poetry, Context, and Meaning: Three Questions Explored
A Different Beginning
Imagine walking into a quiet classroom where the teacher has just written three lines of
poetry on the blackboard. The words look simple, but they carry hidden worlds inside them.
Some lines make you smile, some make you think, and some make you feel the weight of
sorrow. Literature is like that—it takes ordinary words and turns them into mirrors of
human life.
The three questions we are exploring today—about a strange image of a “furnace-man,” the
significance of the title Day Break, and the futility of a soldier’s death—are not just exam
questions. They are doors into three very different moods: humor, hope, and despair. Let’s
open them one by one.
(i) Explain with reference to context:
"He thinks a vigorous thought, Pulls a long grimace; He must be the furnace-man, And all the
world's old china His fire must ace."
Context and Explanation
These lines come from a poem that humorously describes the act of sneezing. The poet
paints a vivid picture of a man preparing to sneeze, comparing him to a “furnace-man” who
is about to stoke a great fire. His face twists into a grimace, his body tenses, and then—like a
furnace bursting into flame—the sneeze explodes.
The reference to “all the world’s old china” is a playful exaggeration. It suggests that the
sneeze is so powerful it could shatter delicate porcelain across the globe. The poet uses this
Easy2Siksha.com
comic imagery to show how something as ordinary as sneezing can feel dramatic and world-
shaking in the moment.
Meaning
• “He thinks a vigorous thought”: The sneeze begins with a tickle, a sudden sensation
that makes the man pause.
• “Pulls a long grimace”: His face contorts as he prepares for the sneeze.
• “He must be the furnace-man”: The sneeze is compared to a furnace being stoked,
with the man as the worker controlling the fire.
• “All the world’s old china / His fire must ace”: The sneeze is so violent it could
smash fragile objects everywhere.
Significance
The poet uses humor and exaggeration to turn a simple bodily action into a grand
performance. The lines remind us that poetry doesn’t always have to be serious—it can also
celebrate the comic side of human life. In exams, this answer shows that you understand
both the literal meaning (a sneeze) and the figurative imagery (furnace, china, destruction).
(ii) Comment on the significance of the title Day Break.
Context
Day Break is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It describes the coming of dawn
through the voice of the sea-wind, which moves across land and sea, waking everything it
touches. The poem is filled with personification: the wind speaks to ships, forests, birds, and
even church bells, urging them to rise and begin their day.
Significance of the Title
The title Day Break is simple but deeply meaningful. It refers to the moment when night
ends and day begins, but in the poem, it symbolizes much more than just sunrise.
1. Literal Meaning:
o Daybreak is the time when darkness gives way to light. The poem captures
this transition vividly, showing how the world slowly awakens.
2. Symbol of Renewal:
o Daybreak represents new beginnings, fresh energy, and the chance to start
again. Just as the wind calls the world to wake up, the poem calls readers to
embrace life with vigor.
3. Messenger of Hope:
o The sea-wind acts as a herald of hope, reminding us that after every night of
silence and stillness, there is always a morning of activity and promise.
4. Spiritual Dimension:
o At the end of the poem, the wind passes through a churchyard and sighs,
saying, “Not yet! in quiet lie.” This shows respect for the dead, who will not
Easy2Siksha.com
wake at daybreak. Here, daybreak becomes a metaphor for life itself, while
eternal sleep represents death.
Why the Title is Appropriate
The title Day Break perfectly captures the theme of the poem: the triumph of light over
darkness, activity over silence, and hope over despair. It is not just about the rising of the
sun—it is about the renewal of life and the eternal rhythm of nature.
In exams, you can emphasize that the title is significant because it reflects both the
literal dawn and the symbolic awakening of life and spirit.
(iii) How is the death of a soldier futile? (Futility by Wilfred Owen)**
Context
Wilfred Owen’s poem Futility is one of the most poignant war poems ever written. Owen,
himself a soldier in World War I, witnessed the horrors of the battlefield. In this poem, he
describes the death of a young soldier whose body is moved into the sunlight in the hope
that its warmth might revive him. But the sun, which once gave life to seeds and awakened
the earth, cannot bring him back.
Explanation
The poem begins gently, almost tenderly:
“Move him into the sun— Gently its touch awoke him once, At home, whispering of fields
half-sown.”
The sun, described as “kind” and “old,” once gave life to the soldier and to the fields he
worked on. But now, in the cold snow of the battlefield, the sun is powerless. The soldier’s
body is still warm, but lifeless.
The poet then asks a haunting question:
“Was it for this the clay grew tall?”
Here, “clay” refers to human beings, created from the earth. Owen wonders if life itself was
created only to end in meaningless death on the battlefield.
The poem ends with despair:
“O what made fatuous sunbeams toil To break earth’s sleep at all?”
The poet questions the very purpose of creation. If life ends in such waste, why did the sun
bother to give life in the first place?
Why the Death is Futile
Easy2Siksha.com
1. No Purpose in War:
o The soldier’s death achieves nothing. It does not bring victory, peace, or
honor—only grief.
2. Contrast with Nature:
o The sun, symbol of life and renewal, cannot revive him. This contrast
highlights the unnaturalness of war.
3. Unfinished Life:
o The soldier is compared to “fields half-sown.” His life, like the crops, was full
of potential but cut short before it could ripen.
4. Existential Question:
o The poem questions not just war but the meaning of life itself. If creation
leads only to destruction, what is the point?
Significance
The futility of the soldier’s death lies in its wastefulness. Unlike heroic poems that glorify
war, Owen’s poem strips away illusions and shows the stark truth: war destroys life without
reason. The soldier’s death is not noble—it is futile.
In exams, emphasize that Owen uses imagery of the sun, seeds, and clay to show the
contrast between life-giving nature and life-destroying war. The soldier’s death is futile
because it serves no purpose and raises painful questions about the meaning of existence.
Bringing It All Together
These three questions, though from different poems, share a common thread: they all
explore the human condition through vivid imagery.
1. The sneeze poem shows the comic side of life, turning an ordinary act into a
dramatic performance.
2. Day Break shows the hopeful side of life, celebrating renewal and the promise of
each new day.
3. Futility shows the tragic side of life, confronting us with the waste and
meaninglessness of war.
Together, they remind us that literature is not just about words—it is about capturing the
full range of human experience: laughter, hope, and sorrow.
Conclusion
• In the first poem, the furnace-man image exaggerates a sneeze, showing how poetry
can find humor in the everyday.
• In Day Break, the title is significant because it symbolizes renewal, hope, and the
eternal rhythm of life.
• In Futility, the soldier’s death is futile because it achieves nothing and raises painful
questions about the purpose of life itself.
Easy2Siksha.com
Explained as a story, these answers become more than exam notes—they become a journey
through the comic, the hopeful, and the tragic. For students, this makes the poems easier to
remember. For examiners, it makes the answers a pleasure to read.
4. (a) Trace the elements of satire in the poem Belinda's Toilet
(b) Answer the following. Each question carries 4 marks:
(i) Give a brief description of Nature as portrayed by Byron in his poem Man and Nature.
(ii) Comment on the cloud's remark, 'I change but I cannot die,"
(iii) Nissim Ezekiel's poem Guru satirises the Indian masses and their irrational religious
fervor. Elaborate.
Ans: Part A: Satire in the poem Belinda’s Toilet
Imagine a scene: a grand lady, Belinda, sitting before her dressing table early in the morning.
Instead of preparing herself for something noble or wise, she is preparing for a day of
showing off her beauty in society. Alexander Pope, the poet, paints this picture in a playful
but also mocking way.
Now, satire means using humor, exaggeration, or irony to point out human weaknesses. In
Belinda’s Toilet (which is part of Pope’s larger mock-epic poem The Rape of the Lock), satire
shines everywhere.
• Mock seriousness: Pope treats Belinda’s act of putting on make-up as if it were some
kind of holy ritual. He describes the mirror like a sacred altar, the powders and
perfumes as sacred offerings, and the brushes and pins as priestly tools. Imagine
someone praying with full devotion—but instead of praying to God, Belinda is
praying to her own beauty! That’s where the fun lies.
• Vanity exposed: The satire is really about the emptiness of high-society ladies of that
time, who gave more importance to their looks than to wisdom or moral values.
Pope pokes fun at the fact that a woman could spend hours dressing up as though
the whole world depended on her curls being perfect.
• Irony of values: What makes it even more satirical is that Pope describes this “toilet
ceremony” in the same grand style that epic poets like Homer or Milton used when
describing heroes preparing for battle. But here, instead of swords and shields, we
see hairpins, powders, and lipsticks! The contrast makes us laugh and think at the
same time.
So, satire in Belinda’s Toilet works by exaggerating the seriousness of a trivial matter and
exposing the shallow priorities of fashionable society.
Easy2Siksha.com
Part B
(i) Nature in Byron’s Man and Nature
Lord Byron had a deep love for nature, but he didn’t see it as just pretty scenery. For him,
nature was alive, powerful, and eternal, while human life was temporary and fragile.
In the poem, Byron portrays mountains, oceans, and skies as grand and eternal presences
that remain long after human beings are gone. He shows how mighty empires rise and fall,
kings come and go, but nature doesn’t fade. For example, the ocean roars as it did
thousands of years ago, and the mountains still stand tall.
The description is not soft or flowery; it is majestic, even frightening at times. Byron almost
personifies nature as a godlike force—something far greater than mankind. The message is
clear: humans may boast of their achievements, but in front of nature’s eternity, they are
like passing shadows.
(ii) “I change but I cannot die” – The Cloud
Let’s think about a cloud in the sky. At one moment, it looks fluffy and white; then it
becomes grey, then it breaks into rain, then it disappears. Later, it returns in another form.
This is exactly what Percy Bysshe Shelley captures in The Cloud.
When the cloud says, “I change but I cannot die,” it’s teaching us something about the
eternal cycle of nature. Clouds take many forms—they become rain, mist, snow, or
thunder—but they never really vanish. Their form changes, but their essence remains part
of the endless water cycle.
On a deeper level, this line also symbolizes the immortality of nature itself. While individual
creatures (including humans) may die, nature continues, always renewing itself. The cloud’s
remark is both scientific (about the water cycle) and philosophical (about eternal existence).
(iii) Satire in Nissim Ezekiel’s Guru
Now, let’s move to India and step into Nissim Ezekiel’s poem Guru. Imagine a so-called holy
man surrounded by a crowd of followers who blindly obey him, never questioning what he
says. Ezekiel observes this scene and satirizes it sharply.
• Blind faith: The poem exposes how masses of people often follow “gurus” without
reason. They don’t use logic or independent thought; they simply believe whatever is
told to them.
• Irrational practices: The followers often get lost in rituals, chants, and superstitions.
Instead of seeking real spiritual growth or truth, they cling to empty gestures. Ezekiel
satirizes this by showing how ridiculous such blind faith can look.
Easy2Siksha.com
• Mass psychology: The poem is not just about one guru, but about a wider issue in
Indian society—the tendency of people to surrender their individuality and
intelligence to authority figures. Ezekiel, being a modern rationalist poet, wanted
people to wake up and think for themselves.
Through humor and irony, Ezekiel criticizes this irrational religious fervor. His aim is not to
insult faith itself, but to mock the misuse of faith by self-proclaimed gurus and the blind
obedience of masses.
Wrapping it all together
If you look carefully, all these poems—whether Pope’s Belinda’s Toilet, Byron’s Man and
Nature, Shelley’s The Cloud, or Ezekiel’s Guru—are connected by one thread: they use
poetry not just for beauty, but to point out truths about human life.
• Pope uses satire to show us the foolishness of vanity.
• Byron uses grandeur to remind us that nature is eternal, and we are not.
• Shelley uses symbolism to show how life may change form but never truly ends.
• Ezekiel uses irony to expose how people often surrender their reason to blind faith.
Together, these poems make us laugh, wonder, and reflect. They prove that poetry isn’t just
about rhymes and pretty words; it’s about holding up a mirror to life, showing both its
beauty and its flaws.
So, when you write this as an answer, remember: don’t treat it as four separate chunks.
Imagine you’re telling your examiner a little story about how different poets, across
countries and centuries, used their art to comment on human weaknesses, eternal truths,
and society’s flaws. That way, your answer won’t just be correct—it will also be delightful to
read.
SECTION-C
5.(a) Individualism and Competition are two distinctive values of Americans. Describe
these values in the light of Gary Alden's essay "American Values and Assumptions."
Ans: Individualism and Competition in American Values and Assumptions
A Different Beginning
Imagine you are a student from India who has just landed in the United States for higher
studies. You walk into your first classroom, expecting the professor to lecture while students
quietly take notes. Instead, you see students interrupting the professor with questions,
Easy2Siksha.com
openly disagreeing, and even cracking jokes. Later, when group work is assigned, you notice
something else: everyone wants to make their own point, everyone insists on their own
perspective, and when grades are announced, students compare scores as if they are in a
race.
At first, this might feel strange—even rude or competitive to the point of discomfort. But to
Americans, this is normal. It is part of their cultural DNA. Gary Althen, in his essay American
Values and Assumptions, explains that two of the most distinctive values shaping American
behavior are Individualism and Competition. These values are not just abstract ideas; they
are lived realities that influence how Americans study, work, make friends, and even see
themselves.
Let’s explore these two values in detail, like two characters in a story—one called
Individualism and the other Competition—who walk hand in hand through American life.
(i) Individualism: The Story of the Independent Self
The Core Idea
Gary Althen explains that Americans are taught from childhood to see themselves as
separate individuals, responsible for their own lives, choices, and destinies. Unlike in many
cultures where family, community, or tradition define identity, Americans are encouraged to
“stand on their own two feet.”
From a very young age, children are told:
• “Think for yourself.”
• “Be independent.”
• “Follow your dreams.”
This training shapes their worldview. They see themselves not primarily as members of a
group, but as individuals with unique rights, responsibilities, and goals.
Everyday Examples
1. Family Life:
o At 18, many American children leave home to live independently, even if
their parents are financially comfortable. This is not seen as abandonment
but as a natural step toward adulthood.
o Parents encourage children to earn pocket money through part-time jobs,
teaching them self-reliance.
2. Education:
o In classrooms, students are expected to express their own opinions, even if
they differ from the teacher’s.
o Plagiarism is considered a serious offense because it violates the principle of
individual thought and ownership of ideas.
3. Workplace:
o Employees are praised for initiative and creativity, not just obedience.
Easy2Siksha.com
o Resumes highlight personal achievements rather than family background.
Cultural Contrast
For someone from a collectivist culture (like India, China, or Japan), this can feel unusual. In
collectivist societies, identity is tied to family, caste, or community. Decisions are often
made with the group in mind. But in America, the individual comes first.
Althen notes that this individualism can sometimes appear selfish to outsiders. But to
Americans, it is a moral duty: to take responsibility for oneself rather than depend on
others.
The Deeper Meaning
Individualism is not just about independence—it is about freedom. Americans believe that
each person has the right to choose their career, religion, lifestyle, and even political
opinions without interference. This belief is rooted in the country’s history, where
immigrants left behind old hierarchies to build new lives.
(ii) Competition: The Race That Never Ends
The Core Idea
If individualism is about standing alone, competition is about proving yourself against
others. Gary Althen explains that Americans see life as a race where everyone must strive to
be the best. Success is measured not just by personal satisfaction but by comparison: who
scored higher, who earned more, who achieved faster.
Competition is not hidden—it is celebrated. From sports to academics to business,
Americans believe competition brings out the best in people.
Everyday Examples
1. Sports Culture:
o From childhood, children are encouraged to play competitive games. Winning
trophies and medals is seen as a mark of character.
o Even in schools, sports are not just recreation—they are training grounds for
ambition and teamwork.
2. Education:
o Students compete for grades, scholarships, and admission to top universities.
o Class rankings, honor rolls, and awards are common.
3. Workplace:
o Employees compete for promotions, bonuses, and recognition.
o Companies compete fiercely in the market, and this competition is seen as
the engine of innovation.
Cultural Contrast
Easy2Siksha.com
In many cultures, cooperation is valued more than competition. For example, in Japan,
harmony within the group is prized, and standing out too much can be frowned upon. But in
America, standing out is the goal.
Althen points out that Americans often assume competition is natural and healthy,
while outsiders may see it as stressful or aggressive.
The Deeper Meaning
Competition is tied to the American belief in achievement. Success is not inherited—it must
be earned. And the way to prove you have earned it is by competing and winning. This belief
fuels the American Dream: the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can rise to the
top through hard work and determination.
(iii) How Individualism and Competition Work Together
It’s important to see that individualism and competition are not separate—they reinforce
each other.
• Individualism says: “You are responsible for your own life.”
• Competition adds: “And you must prove your worth by being better than others.”
Together, they create a culture where people are constantly striving to improve, innovate,
and achieve. This has led to many American strengths: technological progress,
entrepreneurial spirit, and a dynamic economy.
But there are also downsides: stress, loneliness, and a tendency to measure self-worth only
by success.
(iv) A Story to Illustrate
Imagine two students, John and Priya. John is American, Priya is Indian. Both are in the same
university.
• When the professor asks a question, John immediately raises his hand, even if he is
not fully sure of the answer. Priya hesitates, thinking it might be disrespectful to
interrupt.
• When grades are announced, John compares his score with his classmates and feels
motivated to do better. Priya feels uncomfortable with this open competition,
preferring quiet improvement.
• When asked to write an essay, John proudly emphasizes his personal experiences
and opinions. Priya, trained in a collectivist culture, focuses more on established
knowledge.
Through this story, we see how individualism and competition shape John’s behavior, while
Priya’s collectivist background shapes hers. Neither is right or wrong—they are simply
different cultural values.
Easy2Siksha.com
(v) Why These Values Matter
Gary Althen’s essay is not just about describing American culture—it is about helping
outsiders understand it. For international students, workers, or visitors, knowing about
individualism and competition can prevent misunderstandings.
• If you know Americans value individualism, you won’t be surprised when they expect
you to speak your mind.
• If you know they value competition, you won’t mistake their constant comparisons
as arrogance—it is simply their way of measuring progress.
Conclusion
In American Values and Assumptions, Gary Althen shows that Individualism and
Competition are two pillars of American culture.
• Individualism teaches Americans to see themselves as independent, responsible for
their own lives, and free to make their own choices.
• Competition drives them to prove themselves, to achieve more, and to measure
success by comparison.
Together, these values explain much of American behavior—from the way students learn, to
the way businesses innovate, to the way society celebrates success.
For students writing exams, the key is to remember:
• Individualism = independence, self-reliance, personal responsibility.
• Competition = striving to be the best, measuring success against others.
Explained as a story, these values become easy to understand and enjoyable to read. For
examiners, this answer is not just a summary—it is a narrative that shows how cultural
values shape real lives.
(b).(i) How does Levine define "social time"? What are its com-ponents ?
Ans: A Different Beginning
Imagine you are walking through a busy railway station. Trains are coming and going, clocks
are ticking loudly, and people rush around with luggage. Now, step outside the station and
walk into a village marketplace just a few kilometers away. Here, no one is running. People
sit under trees, chatting casually, sipping tea, and bargaining over vegetables.
In both places, time is passing in the same way—seconds, minutes, and hours—but the way
people experience time feels very different. In the station, time seems like a race. In the
village market, time feels like a slow dance.
Easy2Siksha.com
This difference between the mechanical ticking of the clock and the human experience of
time is exactly what Robert Levine tried to explain when he introduced the idea of “social
time.”
Levine’s Definition of Social Time
Robert Levine, a social psychologist, defined social time as the way people in different
cultures, communities, or groups organize, experience, and value time.
In other words, social time is not just about the hands of the clock. Instead, it is about how
societies decide what is “fast” or “slow,” what is “on time” or “late,” and what kinds of
activities deserve more or less time.
Levine wanted to show that time is not only a scientific measure but also a cultural product.
Just like food, clothes, or language, every society shapes its own style of time.
The Components of Social Time
To make this clearer, Levine broke down social time into three main components:
1. Clock Time
2. Event Time
3. Pace of Life
Let’s explore each of them like characters in a story.
1. Clock Time – The Rule of the Watch
Think of a student rushing to school in the morning. His eyes are glued to the watch: 7:45
AM, 7:50 AM, 7:55 AM. If he reaches by 8:01, he’s considered late. This is clock time—life
ruled by minutes and seconds.
In societies that value clock time, punctuality is treated like a form of respect. Meetings,
transport systems, schools, and offices all depend on strict schedules. Countries like
Switzerland, Germany, and Japan are famous for this. A bus scheduled for 7:03 often really
arrives at 7:03.
Clock time makes life more organized but also more stressful. When every action is tied to
the ticking of a watch, people feel they are racing against time.
Easy2Siksha.com
2. Event Time – Life Moves with the Flow
Now, imagine you are invited to a wedding in a small village. The invitation says the
ceremony will start at 6 PM. You arrive at 6 sharp, but the bride, groom, and guests are still
arriving. The actual ceremony begins at 8, and no one seems to mind. Why? Because this
culture runs on event time.
In event time, people are not tied to the clock. Instead, they allow activities to unfold
naturally. A meeting starts when everyone has arrived, a festival begins when preparations
feel complete, and a conversation ends only when people have said what they wanted to
say.
This kind of time is common in many traditional and rural societies. It allows for flexibility
and togetherness but may feel “slow” or “unreliable” to those used to strict schedules.
3. Pace of Life – The Speed of Everyday Living
The third component, pace of life, refers to how quickly or slowly people carry out their
daily activities.
Levine actually conducted studies in different cities around the world to measure this. He
looked at how fast people walked on sidewalks, how quickly postal clerks sold a stamp, or
how long it took for a bank teller to complete a simple transaction.
He found that places like Tokyo or New York had a very fast pace of life. People walked
quickly, talked quickly, and often seemed impatient. On the other hand, places like Mexico
City or small towns in the Middle East had a slower pace of life, where people valued
relaxation and relationships more than speed.
The pace of life shapes how people feel about time. A faster pace often leads to greater
efficiency but also higher stress. A slower pace can bring more peace but sometimes less
productivity.
Why is Social Time Important?
At this point, you might wonder: why does Levine’s idea of social time matter?
Well, imagine a businessperson from Japan visiting Brazil. The Japanese guest expects a
meeting to start exactly at 9:00 AM, but the Brazilian hosts arrive at 9:45, smiling warmly
and offering coffee. If the Japanese visitor only thinks in terms of clock time, he might feel
disrespected. But if he understands the concept of social time, he realizes it’s just a cultural
difference, not an insult.
This shows how social time helps us understand:
Easy2Siksha.com
• Cultural diversity – Different societies organize time differently.
• Human behavior – Whether we rush or relax depends on how we view time.
• Social harmony – By respecting other people’s sense of time, we can reduce conflict
and misunderstandings.
Story Connection
Think again about the railway station and the village marketplace from the beginning. The
station represents clock time and a fast pace of life—precise, structured, but stressful. The
marketplace represents event time and a slower pace of life—flexible, human-centered,
and relaxed.
Neither is “better” or “worse.” They are just different expressions of social time. Levine’s
real message was that we must recognize these differences and adapt accordingly.
Wrapping Up
So, to sum up in a clear way:
• Levine defines social time as the way people in different cultures experience and
organize time.
• Its three components are:
1. Clock Time – living by minutes and hours.
2. Event Time – letting events decide when things start or end.
3. Pace of Life – the overall speed at which people live their daily lives.
By studying these, Levine showed that time is not just a scientific measurement but a social
and cultural experience.
Closing Thought
The next time you feel stressed because your friend is “late,” pause and think: maybe they
are living by event time while you are living by clock time. Neither of you is wrong—you are
just tuned into different rhythms of social time.
And that’s the beauty of Levine’s idea: it reminds us that time isn’t only ticking on the
clock—it’s also beating in the hearts of people and cultures across the world.
Easy2Siksha.com
(ii) Give the meanings of underlined words:
(a) ...whether self-reliance is valued in your culture.
(b) an idea that has strong, positive connotations in your culture.
(c) a time in a new culture when you felt liberated from certain constraints.
(d) a reason someone might behave in an aloof manner.
(iii) What qualities make Miss Hurd an inspirational teacher?
Ans: Words, Worlds, and a Teacher Who Inspired
A Different Beginning
Imagine you are sitting in a classroom, and the teacher writes four words on the board: self-
reliance, connotations, liberated, aloof. At first glance, they look like ordinary vocabulary
words. But as the teacher begins to explain, you realize each word is not just a definition—it
is a window into human experience.
One word speaks of independence, another of hidden meanings, another of freedom, and
another of distance. Together, they tell a story about how people live, think, and relate to
one another. And then, as if to tie it all together, the teacher tells you about Miss Hurd, a
real-life teacher who embodied the power of words and the spirit of inspiration.
Let’s walk through this story step by step.
(ii) Meanings of the Underlined Words
(a) Self-reliance
Meaning: Self-reliance means depending on yourself rather than on others. It is the ability
to trust your own judgment, make your own decisions, and take responsibility for your life.
In simple terms: It is standing on your own feet.
Example:
• A student who studies hard without waiting for constant reminders from parents is
practicing self-reliance.
• In American culture, as Gary Althen explains, self-reliance is highly valued. Children
are encouraged to leave home early, earn their own money, and make independent
choices.
Deeper sense: Self-reliance is not just about survival—it is about confidence. It means
believing that you can face challenges without always leaning on others.
(b) Connotations
Easy2Siksha.com
Meaning: Connotations are the feelings, associations, or ideas that a word carries beyond its
literal meaning.
In simple terms: It is the “emotional color” of a word.
Example:
• The word home literally means a place where you live. But its connotations include
warmth, safety, family, and love.
• The word snake literally means a reptile. But its connotations may include danger,
betrayal, or evil.
Deeper sense: Connotations remind us that language is not neutral. Words carry histories,
emotions, and cultural baggage. What sounds positive in one culture may sound negative in
another. For example, individualism has positive connotations in America (freedom,
independence) but may have negative connotations in collectivist cultures (selfishness,
isolation).
(c) Liberated
Meaning: Liberated means freed from restrictions, limitations, or control.
In simple terms: It is the feeling of being free.
Example:
• A student who moves to a new country and feels free to dress, speak, or study in
ways not possible back home feels liberated.
• Women gaining the right to vote in history felt liberated from political exclusion.
Deeper sense: Liberation is not only physical but also mental. Sometimes we are liberated
from fear, prejudice, or self-doubt. It is the joy of realizing that chains—visible or invisible—
have been broken.
(d) Aloof
Meaning: Aloof means distant, detached, or not friendly in manner.
In simple terms: It is when someone keeps themselves apart from others.
Example:
• A person at a party who stands in a corner, not talking to anyone, may seem aloof.
• A teacher who never smiles or interacts warmly with students may be described as
aloof.
Easy2Siksha.com
Deeper sense: Aloofness can come from pride, shyness, or even pain. Sometimes people are
aloof because they feel superior; other times because they are afraid of rejection. It is a
word that carries both negative and sympathetic connotations, depending on context.
(iii) What Qualities Make Miss Hurd an Inspirational Teacher?
Now that we’ve explored the words, let’s turn to Miss Hurd, the teacher described by
Nicholas Gage in his essay The Teacher Who Changed My Life.
The Story
Nicholas Gage was a young immigrant from Greece who came to America after his mother
was killed in the Greek Civil War. He was angry, bitter, and struggling to adjust. Then he met
Miss Hurd, his English teacher. She saw his pain but also his potential. Instead of pitying him,
she challenged him. She pushed him to write about his experiences, to use his grief as fuel
for expression.
Through her encouragement, Gage discovered his talent for writing. He went on to become
a journalist and author, but he always credited Miss Hurd as the one who lit the spark.
Her Qualities
1. Empathy:
o Miss Hurd understood the trauma Nicholas carried. She did not dismiss his
pain but gave him a safe space to express it.
2. High Expectations:
o She did not lower standards for him because he was an immigrant. Instead,
she demanded excellence, showing that she believed in his ability.
3. Encouragement:
o She praised his efforts and gave him confidence. Her encouragement turned
his anger into creativity.
4. Vision:
o She saw beyond the troubled boy in front of her. She saw the writer he could
become.
5. Dedication:
o She invested time and energy in her students, proving that teaching is not
just a job but a calling.
6. Inspiration through Example:
o She lived the values she taught: discipline, passion, and integrity.
Why She Was Inspirational
Miss Hurd was inspirational because she transformed lives. She showed that a teacher’s role
is not just to teach grammar or literature but to awaken the human spirit. For Nicholas, she
turned tragedy into triumph. For us, she stands as a reminder that one good teacher can
change the course of a life.
Easy2Siksha.com
Bringing It All Together
Now, let’s connect the two parts of the question.
• Self-reliance is what Miss Hurd taught Nicholas—to depend on his own voice.
• Connotations remind us that words carry power, and Miss Hurd taught Nicholas to
use words with depth and meaning.
• Liberated describes how Nicholas felt when he discovered writing as a way to free
himself from grief.
• Aloof is what Miss Hurd was not—she was the opposite, warm and engaged,
reaching out to her students.
In this way, the vocabulary words are not just abstract—they come alive in the story of Miss
Hurd.
Conclusion
Words are more than definitions; they are experiences. Self-reliance is the courage to stand
alone. Connotations are the hidden colors of language. Liberated is the joy of freedom. Aloof
is the pain of distance. And Miss Hurd is the teacher who showed how words, when used
with empathy and vision, can change a life.
For students, this makes the lesson easy to remember: vocabulary is not just about
memorizing meanings—it is about connecting words to life. For examiners, this answer is
enjoyable because it doesn’t just define terms—it tells a story of culture, freedom, and
inspiration.
6. (a) Summarise Holt's recommendations for improving the quality of schools.
(b) (i) Enumerate some disadvantages of WWW as stated by Rothenberg in his essay 'How
the Web Destroys the Quality of Students' Research Papers.'
(ii) Write a short note on Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.
(ii) Write down two antonyms for each vocabulary item:
(a) How can I promote hand and bodily movements and experiences to enhance learning?
(b) The IQ score, developed early in the twentieth century is supposed to be a measure of
person's innate intelligence.
(c) Concerned about the traditional assessment of intelligence, Gardener broadened the
concept.
(d) The portfolio approach...is an example of a more comprehensive assessment.
Easy2Siksha.com
SECTION-D
7. (a). Examine the ways in which a particular-technology or form of massmedia has been
a Faustian bargain-a situation in which something is gained and lost at the same time.
(b) (i) Fill each sentence with a suitable preposition. Then use the verb-preposition
combination in the sentence of your own:
(a) But it [e-mail] is also inconvenient, wastes our time, isolates us in front of our
computers and introduces more complexity our already too- harried lives.
(b) Now there's just time for that quick e-mail, a few.... thoughts written in a colloquial
style that usually borders unedited stream of consciousness.
(ii) Locate the metaphors in the following sentences. Identify the two things being compared
and the main idea that the author expresses:
(a) E-mail doesn't just collapse distance; it demolishes all boundaries.
(b) Chevrolet, we are told, is the "heartbeat of America."
(iii) Encapsulate the main points McClintock makes in "Propaganda Technique In Today's
Advertising".
Ans : The Story of a Faustian Bargain in Technology
Imagine for a moment that you are given a magical lamp. When you rub it, a genie appears
and offers you a wonderful gift—say, the ability to talk to anyone in the world instantly. But
then, the genie adds a condition: while you gain this power, you will also lose something
equally precious, like peace, privacy, or human closeness. Would you still take it?
This is exactly what we call a Faustian bargain—a situation where something is gained but
something valuable is lost at the same time. When we look at e-mail as a technology, we
see a perfect example of this.
On the one hand, e-mail makes life unbelievably easy. You can communicate with someone
sitting across the world in just a few seconds. Business deals are signed, friendships are
maintained, and families are kept connected, all thanks to e-mail. It removes the barriers of
distance and time.
But here’s the bargain: while it connects us, it also chains us. It isolates us in front of glowing
screens, steals our leisure time, and makes our lives more complex. Instead of reducing
stress, e-mail often increases it. Imagine waking up in the morning and the first thing you
see is a mountain of unread messages—instantly your day begins with anxiety. So, e-mail
has given us speed and convenience but has taken away simplicity and peace of mind.
That’s why it is truly a Faustian bargain—we win and lose at the same time.
Easy2Siksha.com
Part (b) (i): Prepositions and Practice
Now let’s move to the grammar part. The sentences here need the right prepositions, and
then we’ll build our own examples using those verb-preposition combinations.
(a)
“But it [e-mail] is also inconvenient, wastes our time, isolates us in front of our computers
and introduces more complexity into our already too-harried lives.”
• Example sentence: The teacher introduced new concepts into the discussion.
(b)
“Now there's just time for that quick e-mail, a few…. thoughts written in a colloquial style
that usually borders on unedited stream of consciousness.”
• Example sentence: His jokes often border on rudeness, though he means no harm.
So here, the correct prepositions are of, into, and on.
Part (b) (ii): Metaphors Explained
Metaphors are like little shortcuts in language. Instead of explaining something long and
complicated, a writer compares it to something familiar so we understand it quickly. Let’s
decode the ones given.
(a) “E-mail doesn’t just collapse distance; it demolishes all boundaries.”
• Here, e-mail is compared to something like a bulldozer or a wrecking ball that
“demolishes.”
• The main idea is that e-mail doesn’t just make communication easier; it completely
removes barriers between people, whether they are physical (like countries apart) or
social (like time zones and hierarchies).
(b) “Chevrolet, we are told, is the ‘heartbeat of America.’”
• Here, Chevrolet (a car brand) is being compared to the heartbeat of a nation.
• The main idea is that Chevrolet is not just a company; it symbolizes the spirit, energy,
and identity of America, just like a heartbeat symbolizes life.
Part (b) (iii): Encapsulating McClintock’s Ideas
Now let’s talk about McClintock’s essay, “Propaganda Technique in Today’s Advertising.”
Instead of making this sound like a boring summary, let’s imagine we’re peeling back the
clever tricks of advertisers like magicians exposing their secrets.
Easy2Siksha.com
McClintock says that advertising today is not just about showing a product—it is about
manipulating emotions and creating illusions. Advertisers use propaganda techniques to
make people buy things they may not even need.
Some of the key points include:
1. Glittering Generalities – Ads often use fancy, feel-good words like “freedom,”
“progress,” or “happiness” without actually explaining what they mean. These words
shine like glitter, but they don’t hold any real substance.
2. Name Calling and Transfer – Sometimes, ads attach negative words to competitors
while transferring positive emotions to their own product. For example, calling one
brand “cheap” while associating theirs with “luxury.”
3. Testimonial – This is when celebrities or influential people endorse products. It tricks
us into thinking, “If they use it, it must be good.”
4. Bandwagon Technique – Advertisers often say, “Everyone is buying this, so should
you!” This creates peer pressure, making people feel left out if they don’t join in.
5. Plain Folks Appeal – Ads sometimes show “ordinary people” using the product to
make it feel relatable and trustworthy.
6. Card Stacking – This is when advertisers only present the good sides of a product
while hiding the negative aspects. Like showing a burger dripping with cheese but
never mentioning the calories!
The main idea McClintock wants us to see is that advertising is not just innocent
persuasion—it’s a form of propaganda that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and even our
identities. It’s not just about products; it’s about controlling how we see the world.
Wrapping It All Together
If we connect all the parts of this question, we see one big theme: modern technologies and
media are double-edged swords.
• E-mail is a blessing but also a curse—a Faustian bargain.
• Language, through prepositions and metaphors, helps us express these complex
ideas vividly.
• Advertising, as McClintock explains, is not just about selling things but about shaping
our minds using propaganda.
When we put this together, it feels like a story of human progress: we invent tools like e-
mail, we describe them using rich metaphors, and then we sell them using clever
propaganda. At every stage, there’s something gained and something lost.
Final Thought
Easy2Siksha.com
So, if an examiner were to read this, I’d like them to feel that this answer is not just ticking
off points mechanically but telling a meaningful story about human life with technology and
media. Because after all, whether it’s a Faustian bargain, a metaphor, or a propaganda trick,
all of them show us one truth: progress is never free—it always asks for a price.
8. Transcribe the following words:
Adversity, Absolute, Antonym, Biology, Advertisement, Appreciation, Judgement, Kingdom,
Utility, Testimonial.
Ans: Phonetic Transcriptions
1. Adversity
o BrE: /ədˈvɜː.sə.ti/
o AmE: /ədˈvɝː.sə.t
i/ (Stress on the second syllable: ad-VUR-si-ty)
2. Absolute
o BrE & AmE: /ˈæb.sə.luːt/ (Stress on the first syllable: AB-so-lute)
3. Antonym
o BrE: /ˈæn.tə.nɪm/
o AmE: /ˈæn.t
ə.nɪm/ (Stress on the first syllable: AN-to-nym)
4. Biology
o BrE: /baɪˈɒl.ə.dʒi/
o AmE: /baɪˈɑː.lə.dʒi/ (Stress on the second syllable: bi-OL-o-gy)
5. Advertisement
o BrE: /ədˈvɜː.tɪs.mənt/
o AmE: /ˌæd.vɚˈtaɪz.mənt/ (BrE stress on 2nd syllable: ad-VUR-tis-ment; AmE
stress on 3rd: ad-ver-TIZE-ment)
6. Appreciation
o BrE & AmE: /əˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/ (Stress on the “-ay” syllable: ap-pre-shee-AY-
shun)
7. Judgement
o BrE & AmE: /ˈdʒʌdʒ.mənt/ (Stress on the first syllable: JUDGE-ment)
8. Kingdom
o BrE & AmE: /ˈkɪŋ.dəm/ (Stress on the first syllable: KING-dom)
9. Utility
o BrE: /juːˈtɪl.ɪ.ti/
o AmE: /juːˈtɪl.ə.t
i/ (Stress on the second syllable: you-TIL-i-ty)
10. Testimonial
o BrE: /ˌtes.tɪˈməʊ.ni.əl/
o AmE: /ˌtes.təˈmoʊ.ni.əl/ (Stress on the “-mo” syllable: tes-ti-MOH-ni-al)
“This paper has been carefully prepared for educational purposes. If you notice any mistakes or
have suggestions, feel free to share your feedback.”
