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2/2/1 [] 1 P.T.O. Candidates must write the Q.P. Code on the title page of the answer-book. Series : MNL2K SET~1 Q.P. Code Roll No. ENGLISH (Language and Literature) Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80 NOTE : (I) Please check that this question paper contains 19 printed pages. (II) Q.P. Code given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate. (III) Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. (IV) Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer-book at the given place before attempting it. (V) 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the candidates will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period. General Instructions : Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them : (i) This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory. (ii) The question paper contains three sections : Section A – Reading Skills Section B – Grammar and Creative Writing Skills Section C – Literature (iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. 2/2/1 *212F4*2/2/1 2 [] SECTION A Reading Skills 20 marks 1. Read the following passage carefully : 10 (1) In the fast-evolving landscape of the present age, digital saturation and algorithmically curated lives, the phenomenon of FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — has progressed from a fleeting psychological discomfort into a pervasive cultural condition. Initially, the term was coined to describe the anxiety provoked by the perception that others are participating in rewarding experiences from which one is absent. FOMO now pervades virtually in every dimension of contemporary existence, fuelled largely by the continuous updates of edited content on social media platforms. Significantly, it is the anxiety that others are experiencing something more fulfilling, exciting, or meaningful. (2) The roots of FOMO lie in the interplay between the evolutionary instincts of an individual and modern technology. It may be traced as a fundamental human trait — the innate desire to belong. Man — being a social creature naturally, always tries to seek inclusion and belonging as a means of survival. Albeit, nowadays social media has escalated this instinct by bothering individuals with real-time updates of others’ lives — carefully edited vacations, career milestones or even temporal joys framed as extraordinary. Each notification becomes a reminder of what we are not doing, a mirror reflecting our perceived inadequacies. (3) FOMO is not solely a personal affliction; it is a cultural artifact also, shaped by the values of a society that equates busyness with worth and novelty with happiness. Moreover, consumerism fuels this fire with brands exploiting FOMO through limited time offers, exclusive events, and influencer-driven trends that promise belonging or status. The rise of the ‘experience economy’, where memories and moments are commodified, intensifies the pressure to participate in everything from music festivals to viral food craze. 2/2/1 [] 3 P.T.O. (4) Furthermore, FOMO has created profound shifts in behaviour also. Due to this, the decision-making process has become increasingly worrisome, with people hesitating to commit to plans for fear of a better alternative emerging later. It often leads to impulsive choices, such as overspending on unnecessary products, overcommitting to events or making hasty life decisions to avoid feeling excluded. People, due to FOMO, struggle to focus on their priorities because they are distracted by what others are doing. Even highlighted reels of professional journeys shared online by others breed discontent and cause anxiety and dissatisfaction, where no experience feels complete. (5) The gloomy side of FOMO manifests in lowered self-esteem, impaired concentration and in severe cases, depression. Ironically, the more one tries to engage with multiple activities to ‘keep up’, the greater it leads to emotional exhaustion. The illusion of missing out on something ‘better’ elsewhere robs individuals of their ability to engage themselves fully in their present experiences. (6) To overcome the Fear of Missing Out we require intentional strategies. To avoid constant comparison, specific timings for checking the apps and social media should be set. One can also engage oneself in mindful breathing or meditation to stay grounded to the present. By prioritizing self-awareness and authentic experiences, one can take the edge off FOMO’s grip and cultivate a richer, more satisfying life without chasing external validation. Finally, we need to recognize that carefully selected online portrayals, which are essentially selective, generate emotional resilience. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage : (i) What is the primary psychological trigger behind FOMO in the context of social media usage ? 1 Paragraph (1) (A) physical fatigue (B) fear of rejection from loved ones (C) need of privacy to keep oneself safe (D) fear of being left out of rewarding experiences 2/2/1 4 [] (ii) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given below : 1 FOMO has entered every dimension of a person’s existence because _____________. (A) more exciting events are taking place nowadays (B) of constant edits and updates on the social media platforms Paragraph (1) (iii) What is the impact of the ‘experience economy’ on individuals ? 1 Paragraph (3) (iv) How does FOMO affect an individual’s decision-making ability ? 2 Paragraph (4) (v) Support the writer’s viewpoint that FOMO leads to emotional consequences. Paragraph (4) 1 (vi) List two effective ways to deal with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). 2 Paragraph (6) (vii) State whether the following statement is True or False : 1 People need to make an effort to come out of their FOMO state of mind. Paragraph (6) (viii) Complete the following with the correct option from the ones given below. 1 In the phrase ‘generate emotional resilience’, the word ‘resilience’ refers to the ability to Paragraph (6) (A) support and create more social content. (B) withstand emotional anxiety of FOMO. (C) accelerate the notifications on social media. (D) give in to digital social pressure.2/2/1 [] 5 P.T.O. 2. Read the following passage carefully : 10 (1) The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising ‘disposable incomes’, increased urbanization, and changing lifestyles. In contemporary times, people are more aware about their personal grooming. (2) In the year 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore and is projected to reach around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028. This robust performance is driven as a result of strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings due to increasing awareness of personal grooming, skin care routines among consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, who are the dominant demographic in cosmetics purchase, as they seek trendy and innovative solutions. (3) The cosmetics industry is broadly divided into various segments such as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. Skincare leads the segments, accounting for nearly 35% of the market, followed by hair care at 25%. Colour cosmetics — including make-up products have seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic, due to the rise of e-commerce and social media. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding access to cosmetics especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. In fact, online sales contribute to around 25% of total cosmetics sales in India. (4) Over and above that, men’s grooming has emerged as a significant segment, valued at around ₹ 25,000 crore in the year 2024 with increasing demand for beard care, skin care and fragrances customized to men. This growth is fuelled by social media influencers, coupled with the increase of gender-neutral cosmetic formulations. This shows an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance augments confidence, dismantling archaic stereotypes associated with male cosmetics consumption.2/2/1 6 [] (5) Though the cosmetics industry plays a vital role in the Indian economy, it faces several challenges including managing intense competition, complying with regulations, ensuring product quality, and addressing ethical sourcing concerns. In addition, the industry struggles with copied products, adapting to changing consumer preferences and navigating the complexities of the supply chain. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage : (i) Complete the sentence with a reason : The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of ____________. 1 Paragraph (1) (ii) What does the phrase ‘thrives on innovation’ tell us about the cosmetic industry ? 1 (A) The industry is slow-growing. (B) The industry is growing and evolving by the day. (C) The industry is becoming popular in rural areas. (D) The industry is gradually becoming more expensive. Paragraph (1) (iii) Identify the word that indicates that the cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow. 1 Paragraph (2) (iv) Given that teenagers and young adults form the primary group for cosmetics purchases, what are the key factors that shape their buying decisions ? 1 Paragraph (2)2/2/1 [] 7 P.T.O. (v) Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. Paragraph (2) 1 Assertion : The Indian cosmetics market generated a profit of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore in 2024. Reason : It became possible due to strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings. (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. (B) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. (D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true. (vi) How has the rise of e-commerce platforms impacted the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry ? Explain in 30 – 40 words. Paragraph (3) 1 (vii) Based on your understanding of Paragraph (3), fill in the blank with suitable options : 1 The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is _________ (20%, 25%, 35%) approximately. (viii) Complete the sentence suitably. 1 That men’s grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes ____________________________. Paragraph (4) (ix) Mention any two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present. Paragraph (5) 22/2/1 8 [] SECTION B Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20 marks Grammar 3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed. 101=10 (i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a report. 1 The group __________ (walk) for hours through forests and hills in Mexico before it reached the barbed wire fence, marking the boundary of the forest. (ii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option given in the brackets : 1 ____________ (Several/Both/All) people attended the convention because the entry was open to all at a very nominal fee. (iii) Read the given sentence from a story, identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. 1 The farmer told his sons that he had hidden a treasure in the fields but he had forget the actual place. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction (iv) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence : 1 Harry : Good morning Bobby, how do you do ? Bobby : Quite well, thank you; but these are hard times. Harry wished Bobby good morning and enquired about his well-being. Bobby thanked him and said that he was quite well, but remarked ___________. 2/2/1 [] 9 P.T.O. (v) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the line given below : 1 I don’t know what it is. It feel like an incredibly lucky day for me. Option No. Error Correction (A) don’t doesn’t (B) is have (C) feel feels (D) lucky luckily (vi) Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the dialogue given below : 1 Sahil said to Shekhar, “Which are your books ?’’ (A) Sahil asked Shekhar which his books were. (B) Sahil asked Shekhar which books are yours. (C) Sahil asked Shekhar which has been his books. (D) Sahil asked Shekhar which are his books. (vii) Complete the given sentence with the correct form of the verb by selecting the correct option : 1 A case ___________ against the unidentified truck driver for causing damage to the street poles due to negligence and rash driving. (A) was registered (B) is register (C) have been registered (D) may registered (viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option from the brackets : 1 Anita __________ (ought to/would/have to) likely complete the project on time as her team is collaborating effectively. 2/2/1 10 [] (ix) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in a hair salon’s instruction manual : 1 All tools and frequently touched surfaces must be disinfect after each client’s treatment. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction (x) Suhani and Sneha decided to purchase books to focus on ‘Reading Skills’ in their summer vacations. 1 Report the question asked by Suhani to Sneha. Which books are we going to purchase today from the Book Fest ? Suhani asked Sneha ____________. (xi) Replace the underlined word used in the sentence with the best option given below : 1 Since Sheenam study diligently for months, she will clear the competitive exam. (A) studying (B) was studied (C) has been studying (D) have been studied (xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following sentence. 1 True tradition is not in celebrations, but in the culture we carries forward. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction