1. What leads us to believe that this passage is from a science fiction story?
The passage involves a strange, alien creature emerging from a cylinder, with unusual features like tentacles, oily skin, and large eyes. The presence of a “Martian” and a mechanical cylinder being unscrewed implies an extraterrestrial encounter—common elements of science fiction.
2. How was the crowd behaving?
The crowd was restless and excited. People jostled and elbowed each other, trying to see into the pit. There were shouts, shrieks, and a general struggle to get closer or flee in panic once the creature appeared.
3. Why did the mood of the crowd alter?
Initially, the crowd was curious and excited, expecting something human-like to emerge. However, when the terrifying alien creature appeared with tentacles and other inhuman features, curiosity turned into horror and fear.
4. What was the narrator’s initial reaction to the “Thing”?
At first, the narrator was expectant and curious, thinking a man might emerge. But as the Martian emerged, he felt a sudden chill and was gripped by terror, eventually feeling disgust and dread
5. Why did the writer feel disgusted?
The writer was disgusted by the creature’s unnatural appearance—its oily skin, writhing tentacles, quivering mouth, and monstrous form. The movements and appearance were alien and repulsive, stirring a visceral reaction
✅ Q.4: Correct only FIVE of the following sentences (10 marks)
- ❌ He enjoyed during the holidays.
✅ He enjoyed himself during the holidays. - ✅ None of the boys had learnt their lesson. (Grammatically acceptable, though “learned” is also used in AmE.)
- ❌ He is abusing the money of his father.
✅ He is misusing his father’s money. - ❌ I regret at the delay.
✅ I regret the delay. - ❌ I could not help but laugh.
✅ I could not help laughing. - ✅ I always have and always shall be your friend. *(Grammatically unusual; better:)
✅ I have always been and shall always be your friend. - ❌ I was out walking when I saw the new moon in the garden.
✅ While I was out walking, I saw the new moon over the garden. - ✅ He cried as if he was mad. *(Better use subjunctive:)
✅ He cried as if he were mad.
✅ Q.5 (a): Punctuation (5 marks)
Corrected Passage:
A hungry lion slipped out of the forest into a barnyard one evening. When he saw a plump donkey, his mouth began to water. But just as he was ready to jump on the donkey, a rooster crowed. He was frightened and so turned away into the forest again.
“Hey! Look at that cowardly lion,” the donkey brayed to the rooster. “I am going to chase him!”
And the donkey ran after the lion.
“Wait!” the rooster shouted. “You don’t know that!”
But it was too late. The lion had turned and killed the donkey.
“Ah, my poor stupid friend,” the rooster said as he watched the lion eating the donkey. “The lion wasn’t afraid of you, but of my crowing.”
✅ Q.5 (b): Prepositions (5 marks)
- What time do we arrive at our destination?
- We are flying through some rough weather; please fasten your seat belts.
- It is warming up; by noon we should be able to go swimming.
- My parents are not responsible for my actions.
- This pan is for cooking omelettes.
- Due to poor attendance, this course is being cancelled.
- The police took the men in for questioning.
- The woman you gave the book to is my aunt.
✅ Q.6: Use ONLY FIVE of the following in sentences (10 marks)
- To cast pearls before swine – Giving him that expensive gift was like casting pearls before swine; he didn’t appreciate it.
- To step into one’s shoes – After the CEO retired, his son stepped into his shoes and took over the company.
- Stuff and nonsense – His excuses for being late were just stuff and nonsense.
- A wild goose chase – Looking for that old file in the entire office was a wild goose chase.
- To be ill at ease – He looked ill at ease during the job interview.
- Sit on the fence – Instead of supporting a side, she always sits on the fence during arguments.
- In a jiffy – I’ll be ready in a jiffy.
- To preen oneself – He kept preening himself in the mirror before the speech.
Translation:
The peace of Pakistan is linked to the peace of Afghanistan. Stability in Afghanistan is critically important for Pakistan. History bears witness that whenever there was unrest in Afghanistan, its flames reached Pakistan as well. The fate of both Pakistan and Afghanistan is tied together, and neither can remain unaffected by the other’s condition. The present moment is a test for both countries. Afghanistan stands at a crucial crossroads. The future of Afghanistan will be determined by what path it chooses today. It is hoped that the leadership of Afghanistan will make wise decisions through dialogue, because this is the only viable solution. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan must act with a sense of shared responsibility to ensure peace in the region.