Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
‘A great mass’ of something means a great amount. When the new method of manufacturing articles in great numbers was introduced, a new name was wanted for it and ‘Mass production’ was the one that came into use.
In what ways does mass production differ from the older methods of manufacture? Formerly a craftsman, or skilled workman, often made the whole of an article himself by hand. He put into his work all his skill, all his experience. He was proud of the fruits of his labour. His reputation, his standing among his fellows, depended on his skill and on his character. He would have been ashamed if any serious fault had appeared in his work. He was envied and admired by fellow-craftsmen whose skill was not equal to his own. Articles made in this way could not be mass-produced. Each article differed slightly from the others; in every one there was something of the maker’s individuality. The finished article was sold at a high price, the price representing the time and the skill of the craftsman who had made it.
Many such articles, made long ago with loving care, possess a quality and a beauty that mass-produced goods cannot equal. The wonderful pottery of ancient China, the lovely carpets of Persia, the engraved sword of Damascus, the silver-ware of the Middle Ages _ all these things show the individual craftsmanship of their long-dead makers.
These articles were made for the rich and for those who were moderately well off. The poorer classes could not hope to possess works of art. Their household utensils, their clothes and their farm tools were roughly and cheaply made, though very practical in serving the purposes for which they were designed. [Mass Production by G. C. Thornley]
a) How did the term ‘mass production’ come into use? 2
The term 'mass production' came into use when a new method of manufacturing articles in great numbers was introduced and a new name was needed for it.
b) Why are handmade articles dearer than mass-produced goods? 3
Handmade articles are dearer than mass-produced goods because they are made by skilled craftsmen who put all their skill, experience, and individuality into their work. Each article is unique and possesses a quality and beauty that cannot be matched by mass-produced goods. The high price of handmade articles represents the time and skill of the craftsman who made it.
c) Enumerate the qualities of a craftsman in older times. 3
The qualities of a craftsman in older times included:
Skill: They were skilled in their craft and had years of experience.
Pride in their work: They put all their effort and care into their work, and were proud of the finished product.
Individuality: Each craftsman had their own style and technique, which made each article unique.
d) Give a suitable title to the passage. 2
"Handmade vs Mass-Produced Goods: A Look at the Differences in Manufacturing Methods and Product Quality"
Use the following words in sentences of your own.
a) Pottery b) Envied c) Individuality d) Mass-produced e) Engraved
Answer:
a) The pottery on display at the museum was breathtaking.
b) She envied her friend's new car and wished she could afford one like it.
c) His paintings showed a great deal of individuality and creativity.
d) The company switched to mass-produced goods to meet the growing demand.
e) The trophy was engraved with the winner's name and the date of the competition.
SECTION B
Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech. 10
i) The passenger said, “Will you leave the compartment immediately?”
The passenger asked if he would leave the compartment immediately.
ii) Gandhi said, “Haven’t I the right to travel first class?”
Gandhi asked if he hadn't the right to travel first class.
iii) The constable said, “Don’t you understand simple instructions?”
The constable asked if he didn't understand simple instructions.
iv) Gandhi said, “Shall I not try to root out the disease of colour prejudice?”
Gandhi asked if he should not try to root out the disease of colour prejudice.
v) The general manager said, “Hasn’t justice been given to you?”
The general manager asked if justice had not been given to him.
vi) The merchants said, “Isn’t this injustice to be treated badly?”
The merchants asked if it wasn't injustice to be treated badly.
vii) Gandhi said, “Can’t we lodge a strong protest?”
Gandhi asked if they couldn't lodge a strong protest.
viii) The official said, “Don’t you know this is a different country?”
The official asked if he didn't know that it was a different country.
ix) The official said, “Do you want me to throw you out?”
The official asked if he wanted him to throw him out.
x) The official said, “Shall I call the police?”
The official asked if he should call the police.
Rewrite these sentences using the correct form of the verb given in brackets. 10
i) Did you remember (lock) the safe.
ii) Rita hoped (get) a bucket of clean water.
iii) The boss refused (accept) my resignation.
iv) Usha hopes (draw) your portrait before the end of this month.
v) My sister’s afraid of heights. She refused (go) rock climbing.
vi) My American friend invited me (spend) my summer holidays with her.
vii) The air hostess asked the passengers (fasten) their seat belts.
viii) The women had come (draw) water from the well.
ix) They arranged (meet) after office hours.
x) The Sherpa warned the mountaineers not (smoke) while using oxygen masks.
Answer:
i) Did you remember to lock the safe?
ii) Rita hoped to get a bucket of clean water.
iii) The boss refused to accept my resignation.
iv) Usha hopes to draw your portrait before the end of this month.
v) My sister’s afraid of heights. She refused to go rock climbing.
vi) My American friend invited me to spend my summer holidays with her.
vii) The air hostess asked the passengers to fasten their seat belts.
viii) The women had come to draw water from the well.
ix) They arranged to meet after office hours.
x) The Sherpa warned the mountaineers not to smoke while using oxygen masks.
SECTION C
Draft a biographical sketch of your favourite sportsperson in about 250 words. 20.
Answer:
Serena Williams is my favourite sportsperson. She was born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. Serena is one of the most successful tennis players of all time, and she has won numerous Grand Slam titles in her career. She started playing tennis at the age of four, coached by her father, Richard Williams. Her sister, Venus Williams, is also a professional tennis player.
Serena turned professional in 1995 and won her first Grand Slam singles title at the age of 17, defeating Martina Hingis in the final of the US Open in 1999. She has since won a total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is the most by any tennis player in the Open Era. Serena is known for her powerful serve, aggressive playing style, and mental toughness.
Serena has also won four Olympic gold medals, including one in singles at the 2012 London Olympics. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles on eight different occasions between 2002 and 2017. Serena has also won numerous other titles, including the WTA Tour Championships, the Fed Cup, and the Hopman Cup.
Apart from her achievements on the court, Serena is also a role model and an inspiration to many people around the world. She has been an advocate for women's rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as gender equality and racial discrimination. Serena has also established the Serena Williams Fund, which supports initiatives to promote education and empowerment.
In conclusion, Serena Williams is not only an accomplished tennis player but also a remarkable person who has made a significant impact both on and off the court. Her achievements and contributions to society continue to inspire people around the world, and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Write a report in about 250 words on ‘Gender Discrimination’ that is still prevalent in our societies. 20.
Answer:
Gender discrimination has been a persistent issue in our society for a long time, despite efforts to eradicate it. It is an unfair practice that undermines the value and abilities of individuals based on their gender, creating a biassed and unequal society.
In most parts of the world, including developed and developing countries, women face gender discrimination on a daily basis. This takes various forms, including denial of education, lack of job opportunities, unequal pay, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. In many cultures, gender roles and stereotypes are deeply ingrained, and women are often viewed as inferior to men.
Despite the progress that has been made towards gender equality, there is still a long way to go. Many women still do not have access to education, which limits their opportunities and stifles their potential. The gender pay gap persists in many industries, with women earning significantly less than men for doing the same job. Sexual harassment in the workplace is still a common occurrence, with women often facing retaliation for reporting it. Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, with women and children being the primary victims.
Gender discrimination is not just a women’s issue; it affects men as well. Men who do not conform to traditional gender roles, such as those who choose to be stay-at-home dads or who work in traditionally female-dominated fields, are often stigmatised and discriminated against.
In order to eliminate gender discrimination, it is crucial to raise awareness and educate people about the harmful effects of such practices. Governments and organisations need to implement policies and laws that promote gender equality and punish those who engage in discriminatory practices. It is also important to challenge gender roles and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and work towards creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and rights.
Write a dialogue between a student wishing to seek admission in IGNOU and an Admission Help Desk Incharge. (250-300 words).
Answer:
Student: Good morning, I am interested in seeking admission to IGNOU. Can you guide me through the process?
Admission Help Desk Incharge: Good morning. Sure, I can assist you with the admission process. Firstly, may I know which course you are interested in?
Student: I am interested in pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
Admission Help Desk Incharge: Alright, the first step would be to check the eligibility criteria for the course on our website. Once you ensure that you meet the requirements, you can fill the online application form and submit it along with the required documents.
Student: Okay, what are the documents that are required?
Admission Help Desk Incharge: You will need to submit your educational certificates, passport-sized photographs, and identity proof. You will also need to pay the registration fee online.
Student: What is the duration of the course?
Admission Help Desk Incharge: The duration of the Bachelor's degree in Psychology is 3 years. You can choose to study at your own pace by selecting the mode of study - either online or offline.
Student: How much is the fee for the course?
Admission Help Desk Incharge: The fee for the Bachelor's degree in Psychology is around Rs. 15,000 per year. However, the fee may vary depending on the course and mode of study.
Student: Can I apply for a scholarship to fund my education?
Admission Help Desk Incharge: Yes, you can apply for a scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check the details of the scholarship scheme on our website.
Student: Thank you so much for your assistance. I will go through the details and apply for the course soon.
Admission Help Desk Incharge: You're welcome. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us. Good luck with your admission!
