RBSE Class 11th 2026 HALF-YEARLY-ENGLISH-1102-211125 Previous Year Papers

कुल प्रश्नों की संख्या : 48 | Total No. of Questions: 48

समय : 3 घंटे 15 मिनट | Time: 3:15 Hours

कुल मुद्रित पृष्ठ : 04 | Total No. of Printed Pages: 04

पूर्णांक : 70 | Maximum Marks: 70

कक्षा 11 अर्द्ध वार्षिक परीक्षा, 2025-26

Class 11 Half Yearly Examination, 2025-26

अंग्रेजी अनिवार्य / ENGLISH COMPULSORY

[ 1102 ]

सामान्य निर्देश: General Instructions:

1. परीक्षार्थी प्रश्नपत्र के पहले पृष्ठ पर अपना अनुक्रमांक अवश्य लिखें। Candidate must write his/her Roll Number on the first page of the Question Paper.
2. प्रत्येक प्रश्न के सामने उसका अंक भार अंकित है। Marks for every question are indicated alongside.

Instructions:

1. All the questions are compulsory.
2. Write the correct serial number of each question as mentioned in the question paper.
3. For questions having more than one part the answers to those parts must be written together in continuity.
4. Don't exceed the prescribed word limit.

Section – A (Reading)

Q1. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions:

"The most important day I remember in all my life is the one on which my teacher Anne Mansfield Sullivan came to me. I am filled with wonder when I consider the immeasurable contrast between the two lives which it connects. It was the third of March 1887, three months before I was seven years old."

On the afternoon of that eventful day, I stood on the porch, dumb, expectant. I guessed vaguely from my mother's signs and from the hurrying to and fro in the house that something unusual was about to happen, so I went to the door and waited on the steps. The afternoon sun penetrated the mass of honeysuckle that covered the porch and fell on my upturned face. My fingers lingered almost unconsciously on the familiar leaves and blossoms which had just come forth to greet the sweet southern spring. I did not know what the future held of marvel or surprise for me. Anger and bitterness had preyed upon me continually for weeks and a deep languor had succeeded this passionate struggle.

Questions [5×2=10]

1. What are the two lives that are being contrasted?

   • (A) Helen's and Anne's
   • (B) Helen's and her parents
   • (C) Before and after her education
   • (D) Before and after Anne came

   Explanation: The passage contrasts Helen's life before and after Anne Sullivan's arrival, describing the "immeasurable contrast" between the two lives that Anne's coming connected.

2. What was the similarity in the great ship that groped her way toward the shore and Helen?

   • (A) Both were directionless
   • (B) Both were waiting
   • (C) Both had a long life ahead
   • (D) Both were sinking

   Explanation: Helen compares herself to a great ship groping its way in a fog, indicating both were without direction or guidance before Anne came.

3. What is honeysuckle?

   • (A) A type of flower
   • (B) A type of plant
   • (C) A type of leaf
   • (D) A type of honey

   Explanation: Honeysuckle is a climbing plant with fragrant flowers, described in the passage as covering the porch.

4. Find from the passage the word similar in meaning to 'Vast'.

   • (A) Fake
   • (B) Emulate
   • (C) Immeasurable
   • (D) Real

   Explanation: 'Immeasurable' means too large or vast to be measured, similar in meaning to 'vast'.

5. What was something unusual that was about to happen?

   Answer: Something unusual that was about to happen was the arrival of Anne Mansfield Sullivan, who would become Helen Keller's teacher and change her life forever.

6. What about spelling the "doll" delighted Helen?

   Answer: Helen was delighted that she could spell the word "d-o-l-l" with her fingers, as it was her first experience of learning language through finger spelling, which gave her a sense of achievement and connection.

7. When do you think Helen was born?

   Answer: Helen was born around June 1880, because the passage states that Anne Sullivan came on March 3, 1887, three months before Helen was seven years old.

8. "Seizing the new doll ... floor". What emotion of the child does it reflect?

   Answer: This action reflects the child's frustration, anger, and helplessness. Helen, unable to communicate, expressed her pent-up emotions by throwing the doll on the floor.

9. What does "a deep languor had succeeded this passionate struggle" mean?

   Answer: It means that after weeks of intense anger and bitterness (the passionate struggle), Helen became exhausted and fell into a state of deep tiredness or lethargy (languor).

10. Find from the passage the word which is opposite in meaning to "Vigour".

    Answer: The word opposite in meaning to "Vigour" (energy/strength) is "Languor", which means tiredness or lack of energy.

[02-07] | Page 1 of 4

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions -

In the Mahabharat, there is an interesting episode to illustrate the nature of purity. The Pandavas and Kauravas were Drona's disciples. They were once summoned by the preceptor Drona for a test. The eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhisthira was asked to bring one bad person from the society. The eldest of the Kauravas, Duryodhana was asked to fetch one good person from the same society in Hastinapura. After a thorough search both the cousins returned empty handed. The pure minded Yudhisthira found everyone to be pious and pure. The impure mind of Duryodhana found everyone to be evil and impure. As in mind, so the vision.

Purity of mind makes our vision, words and deed pure. It has also the power to purify people. It promotes health - bodily and mental. Evil has no place in presence of purity. Nor can it face purity, as darkness cannot face the sun. It only gets changed into purity. Fools who came to scoff remain to pray in the presence of purity. Villains who come to harm stand in adoration in the presence of purity. The purity of body is physical health, of speech is unsullied truth and of heart is unselfish love.

Questions - [10×3½=7½]

1. What was Yudhisthira asked to fetch from Hastinapura?

   • (A) Something to offer to his guru
   • (B) One bad person
   • (C) One good person
   • (D) None of these

   Explanation: The passage states, "Yudhisthira was asked to bring one bad person from the society."

2. What was Duryodhana asked to fetch?

   • (A) Something to eat
   • (B) One bad person
   • (C) One good person
   • (D) None of these

   Explanation: The passage says, "Duryodhana was asked to fetch one good person from the same society."

3. Who becomes votaries of peace in the presence of purity?

   • (A) Villains
   • (B) Murderers
   • (C) Killers
   • (D) Fools

   Explanation: The passage mentions, "Fools who came to scoff remain to pray in the presence of purity," meaning they become peaceful.

4. Find from the passage the word similar in meaning to the following "Reverence".

   • (A) Pious
   • (B) Adoration
   • (C) Preceptor
   • (D) Fetch

   Explanation: "Adoration" means deep love and respect, similar to "reverence." The passage uses "adoration" for villains.

5. Why are we fond of purities?

   We are fond of purities because purity of mind makes our vision, words, and deeds pure. It promotes both bodily and mental health, and it has the power to purify others. Evil cannot exist in the presence of purity, just as darkness cannot face the sun.

6. What is the purity of body, speech and heart?

   The purity of body is physical health, the purity of speech is unsullied truth, and the purity of heart is unselfish love.

7. What changes are noticed in villains in the presence of purity?

   Villains who come to harm stand in adoration in the presence of purity. Instead of causing harm, they are filled with respect and reverence.

8. Why did both the cousins return empty handed?

   Yudhisthira returned empty handed because his pure mind found everyone to be pious and pure, so he could not find a bad person. Duryodhana returned empty handed because his impure mind found everyone to be evil and impure, so he could not find a good person.

9. Why did Drona summon his disciples once?

   Drona summoned his disciples for a test to illustrate the nature of purity. He wanted to show how a person's mind affects their vision and perception of others.

10. Find from the passage the word which is Opposite in meaning to "Impedes".

    The word opposite in meaning to "impedes" (which means hinders or obstructs) is "promotes" (as in "It promotes health").

Section - B (Writing)

Write a task in 80-120 words giving description of an event on "An Educational Tour" based on the hints given below - [4]

(1) An educational tour.
(2) Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Lake, Mandore Garden.
(3) Mumbai - Taj Hotel, Gateway of India, Shree Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Elephanta Caves.
(4) Knowledge and experience.

OR

Write a task in 80-120 words giving description of a process for "Planting A Sapling" on the hints given below - [4]

(i) To plant a sapling.
(ii) Dig a pit.
(iii) Treat the soil.
(iv) Fix the sapling.

Write an article on "Be Indian, Buy Indian" (in 80-120 words) [4]

Write a description in 80-120 words under the heading of "Morning Prayer Session in a School" [4]

You are Rajat Vihor, Jaipur. Write a letter to the Collector of your district complaining about the frequent electricity failure during examination time [4]

OR

Imagine that you are the prefect and monitor of your class XI reading in Govt. Senior Secondary School, Nimbali. There are poor library facilities in the school. Write an application of complaint to your Principal [4]

Section - C (Grammar)

Q6. Fill in the blanks with correct determiners:

1. Srilanka is an island. (a/an/the)
2. There is little oil, so you can't make tea. (little/a little/the little)
3. Many of the books in the library are worth reading. (Many/Many of)
4. She wore a ring on her finger. (a/an/the)

Q7. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct form of verbs given in the brackets:

1. An honest man always speaks the truth. (speak/speaks)
2. The baby is crying because it is hungry now. (is crying/was crying)
3. The train had stopped when she arrived. (had stopped/has stopped)
4. If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky. (was/were)

Q8. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals:

1. You need not have bought the horse. (Past inability)
2. You should take rest. (advice)
3. I will do better next time. (promise)
4. May I come in, Sir? (permission)

Q9. Fill in the blanks with correct preposition:

1. Pay attention to your studies. (to/for)
2. Shyam is fond of sweets. (of/off)
3. He is looking for a job. (at/for)
4. I bought a pen for ten rupees. (with/for)

Section - D (Text Book)

Q10. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Questions:

1. What did he eat in breakfast?
   He ate thick, stale chapatti with a little butter and sugar spread on it.
2. What made the author live with his grandmother in the village?
   The author's parents left him with his grandmother when they went to live in the city.
3. Why did the author's grandmother say her morning prayer in a sing-song manner?
   She said her morning prayer in a sing-song manner in the hope that the author would listen and get to know it by heart.
4. For whom did his grandmother carry stale chapattis with her?
   She carried stale chapattis for the village dogs.
5. How did the author's grandmother prepare him for school?
   She woke him up, bathed and dressed him, said her morning prayer, fetched his wooden slate (already washed and plastered with yellow chalk), a tiny earthen ink-pot and a red-pen, tied them in a bundle, and gave it to him. Then she gave him breakfast and they went to school together.
6. Find out the words from the passage which mean the following:
   • (A) continuously - constantly
   • (B) bring - fetch

OR

Questions:

1. What happened before the great disaster?
   Before the great disaster, at about 4 p.m., there was an ominous silence. The wind dropped and the sky grew dark. Then a growing roar was heard and an enormous cloud towered aft of the ship.
2. What kind of wave was it that struck the ship?
   It was a huge, terrifying wave that appeared perfectly vertical and almost twice the height of the other waves, with a frightful breaking crest.
3. How did the wave strike the ship?
   The wave struck the ship with a tremendous explosion that shook the deck. A torrent of green and white water broke over the ship.
4. What happened to the writer when the wave struck?
   The writer's head smashed into the wheel, and he was thrown overboard and sank below the waves.
5. How did the writer feel when he was face to face with death?
   The writer accepted his approaching death and was losing consciousness.
6. Find out the words from the passage which mean the following:
   • (A) Big - enormous
   • (B) Standing erect - vertical

Section A: Attempt Any Three Questions and Answer

1. Why did the grandmother hate music? (The Portrait of a Lady)

   The grandmother hated music because she associated it with the lives of beggars and prostitutes, not with gentlefolk. She believed that music was meant for people of low status and was not a suitable pursuit for a well-bred woman. This reflected her traditional and conservative mindset.

2. What was the Pharaoh's curse? (Discovering Tut)

   The Pharaoh's curse was a supposed ancient curse that would bring misfortune, illness, or death to anyone who disturbed the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh. In the context of Tutankhamun, it was believed that those involved in the discovery and examination of his mummy would suffer from the curse.

3. What is the condition of forests in India? (The Ailing Planet)

   The condition of forests in India is alarming. They are being depleted at an unsustainable rate due to deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial needs. This loss of forest cover is a major factor in the degradation of the earth's principal biological systems, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

4. What was the purpose of the workers' voyage? (We are not afraid to die)

   The purpose of the workers' voyage was to attempt a round-the-world sea voyage, following the footsteps of the famous explorer Captain James Cook. The narrator and his crew aimed to replicate Cook's journey, facing the challenges of the sea and testing their endurance and seamanship.

Section B: Answer These Questions in About 50-60 Words (Any Two)

1. Discuss the qualities of compassion in the author's grandmother. (The Portrait of a Lady)

   The author's grandmother was a deeply compassionate woman. She spent her days feeding sparrows and dogs, showing kindness to all creatures. She was patient and loving with her grandson, teaching him prayers and stories. Her compassion was also evident in her silent, selfless service to the family, never complaining and always caring for others.

2. Why was the mummy of Tut in very bad condition? (Discovering Tut)

   The mummy of Tutankhamun was in very bad condition primarily because of the hasty and careless handling during its initial discovery by Howard Carter in 1922. Carter used brutal methods, including chisels and heat, to remove the mummy from its coffin, causing significant damage. Additionally, the resins used in the mummification process had hardened over time, making the body brittle and fragile.

3. How are the earth's principal biological systems being depleted? (The Ailing Planet)

   The earth's principal biological systems—fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands—are being depleted through overexploitation and unsustainable practices. Overfishing depletes marine life, deforestation destroys forests, overgrazing degrades grasslands, and intensive farming exhausts croplands. This depletion is driven by human population growth and increasing consumption, leading to a decline in the planet's ability to sustain life.

4. What do you know about the valley of kings? (Discovering Tut)

   The Valley of the Kings is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. It is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes (modern Luxor). The valley is famous for being the burial site of Tutankhamun, among many other pharaohs.

Section C: Explain Any One of the Following Stanzas with Reference to the Context

Section D: Answer Any Two of the Following Questions

1. What is strange for the poet to tell? (The Voice of the Rain)

   The poet finds it strange to tell the rain about its own origin and cycle. The rain itself explains that it rises from the land and sea as vapor, ascends to the sky, forms clouds, and then falls back to earth to wash the dry dust and give life. The poet is surprised that he is recounting this natural process to the very entity that embodies it.

2. What shows that it is the autumn season? (The Laburnum Top)

   The poem "The Laburnum Top" shows it is autumn through several details. The laburnum tree is described as "silent" and "still," with its leaves turning yellow and beginning to fall. The tree is "barren" and "empty" of life, except for the brief visit of the goldfinch. The overall mood is one of decay and the end of the growing season, typical of autumn.

3. Explain the phrase 'laboured ease of loss' (A Photograph)

   The phrase 'laboured ease of loss' from the poem "A Photograph" refers to the poet's attempt to come to terms with her mother's death. The "ease" suggests a superficial acceptance, but the word "laboured" indicates the deep effort and pain involved in that acceptance. It captures the paradox of grief: the loss is permanent, and the poet must work hard to find a semblance of peace, which feels forced and unnatural.

Section E: Answer Any One from the Following Questions in 60-80 Words

Section F: Answer Any One from the Following Questions in About 50 to 60 Words

Section G: Answer Any Three from the Following Questions in About 20-30 Words

1. Who is Cyril? (The Mother's Day)

   Cyril is the son of Mrs. Pearson and Mr. George Pearson. He is a young man who is disrespectful and takes his mother for granted, expecting her to serve him without gratitude.

2. What kind of lady was Mrs. Dorling? (The Address)

   Mrs. Dorling was a greedy and opportunistic woman. She took advantage of the war situation to acquire the narrator's family's valuable possessions under the pretense of safekeeping, but later refused to return them.

3. Where did they hide the horse and why? (The Summer of Beautiful White Horse)

   They hid the horse in a deserted barn on a remote farm. They hid it to keep it safe and secret from John Byro, the owner, and from their own family, who would have disapproved of the theft.

4. How did Mrs. S become a victim of war? (The Address)

   Mrs. S, the narrator's mother, became a victim of war because she lost her life during the conflict. Her home was destroyed, and her valuable possessions were looted or taken by people like Mrs. Dorling, leaving her family with nothing.

Section H: Choose the Correct Alternatives

1. How far did John Byro walk to reach the author's house?

   • Correct Answer: (B) Ten miles
   • (A) Eight miles
   • (C) Five miles
   • (D) Thirteen miles

   Explanation: In the story, John Byro mentions that he walked ten miles to reach the author's house to complain about his missing horse.

2. How does the narrator describe the living room of "The Address"?

   • Correct Answer: (B) Muggy smell
   • (A) Lavish
   • (C) Well-arranged
   • (D) Pathetic

   Explanation: The narrator describes the living room as having a "muggy smell," indicating a stale, damp, and unpleasant atmosphere, which contrasts with the memories of her own home.

3. What metal was the cutlery of Mrs. S's house made of?

   • Correct Answer: (D) Silver
   • (A) Brass
   • (B) Stainless steel
   • (C) Copper

   Explanation: The narrator remembers that the cutlery in her mother's house was made of silver, which was one of the valuable items Mrs. Dorling took.