Passage:
One morning in a small apartment in Bombay, a girl of about sixteen looked up from the newspaper and said excitedly, "Pandit Ravi Shankar's playing tomorrow at Shanmukhananda auditorium."
"Sh-sh," said her mother, pointing to the figure sleeping on the bed. "You'll wake him up. You know he needs all the sleep and rest he can get."
But the boy on the bed was not asleep. "Pandit Ravi Shankar!" he said. "Pandit Ravi Shankar, the sitar maestro?" He raised himself up on his elbows for one second and then fell back. But his eyes were shining. "We mustn't miss the chance," he said. "I've - I've always wanted to hear him and see him ..."
Smita bit her lip in self-reproach. She had been so excited at seeing the announcement that she had not remembered that her brother was very ill. She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely. Somewhere deep inside, Smita had known the frightening truth—that Anant was going to die.
State whether the given statements are true or false:
(i) The age of the girl was six.
(ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep.
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro.
(iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely.
(i) The age of the girl was six.
(ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep.
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro.
(iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely.
Show Hint
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Verifying Statement (i)
- The passage states that the girl was about"sixteen", not six.
- Correct Answer: False.
Step 2: Verifying Statement (ii)
- The passage mentions that "the boy was not asleep" but was excited about Pandit Ravi Shankar.
- Correct Answer: False.
Step 3: Verifying Statement (iii)
- The passage states that "Pandit Ravi Shankar was a sitar maestro, not a tabla maestro."
- Correct Answer: False.
Step 4: Verifying Statement (iv)
- The passage confirms that "Smita had seen the doctors shaking their heads gravely", indicating her brother was seriously ill.
- Correct Answer: True. "
Complete the following statements giving reasons:
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing sitar because \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}.\)
(ii) The girl was excited because \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\).
Complete the following statements giving reasons:
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing sitar because \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}.\)
(ii) The girl was excited because \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\).
Show Hint
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding why Anant was better at playing sitar
- The passage mentions that Anant was learning to play sitar along with his sister.
- However, he was more skilled and could compose his own tunes, which surprised their Guru.
- Final Answer: Anant had more talent and astonished their Guru with his compositions.
Step 2: Understanding why the girl was excited
- The passage states that Smita (the girl) read about Pandit Ravi Shankar's concert.
- She knew that Anant always wanted to see him perform, so she became excited.
- Final Answer: The girl saw the concert announcement and knew how much it meant to Anant.
(i) Find any two adverbs from the passage ending with 'ly'.
(ii) Find any two compound words from the passage.
(ii) Find any two compound words from the passage.
Show Hint
Compound Words: These are formed by joining two words to create a new meaning (e.g., classroom, sunlight, newspaper).
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identifying adverbs ending with 'ly'
The passage contains the words "gravely" and "endlessly", both of which are adverbs ending in 'ly'.
Step 2: Identifying compound words
The passage contains "newspaper" (news + paper) and "self-reproach" (self + reproach).
Do as directed:
(i) "I've always wanted to hear him and see him," he said.
(Change into indirect speech.)
(ii) His mother sprang to his side.
(Add a question tag.)
(i) "I've always wanted to hear him and see him," he said.
(Change into indirect speech.)
(ii) His mother sprang to his side.
(Add a question tag.)
Show Hint
Present Perfect → Past Perfect.
Question Tags:
- Positive statements take negative tags.
- Negative statements take positive tags.
- Past tense verbs use "did" in question tags.
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Converting Direct to Indirect Speech
- The given sentence is in direct speech.
- Rules for conversion:
- Remove quotation marks.
- Change present perfect tense (I've wanted) into past perfect tense (he had wanted).
- Keep the meaning intact.
-
Final Answer: He said that he had always wanted to hear him and see him.
Step 2: Adding a Question Tag
- The sentence"His mother sprang to his side. is an affirmative statement in the past tense.
- Rules for question tags:
- Use a negative question tag after a positive statement.
- The helping verb for past simple tense is "did".
- Convert "sprang"to "did" in the tag form.
-
Final Answer: His mother sprang to his side, didn't she?
Describe your experience of any musical concert that you have attended.
Show Hint
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Choosing a Musical Concert Experience
- Think about a real or imaginary concert that left a strong impact.
- Mention the artist, venue, and type of music performed.
Step 2: Describing the Experience
- Talk about the ambience and audience's reaction.
- Describe the music, instruments used, and performance quality.
- Mention your feelings and emotions during the concert.
Step 3: Concluding the Experience
- Express how the experience changed or inspired you.
- End with a memorable takeaway from the concert.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
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- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
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Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
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Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
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Questions Asked in Maharashtra Class X Board exam
- Out of the following which is a Pythagorean triplet ?
- Complete the word chain of nouns:
Podium, m .........., .........., .........., .......... - \(\triangle\)ABC \(\sim\) \(\triangle\)PQR. In \(\triangle\)ABC, AB = 3.6 cm, BC = 4 cm and AC = 4.2 cm. The corresponding sides of \(\triangle\)ABC and \(\triangle\)PQR are in the ratio 2 : 3, construct \(\triangle\)ABC and \(\triangle\)PQR.
- Maharashtra Class X Board - 2025
- Constructions
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Foucault called his method, ‘the archaeology of knowledge’.- Maharashtra Class X Board - 2025
- History Writing and Historiography of Ancient India
- If radius of cone is 5 cm and its perpendicular height is 12 cm, then the slant height is ...................... .