Ques 1.

If India is the macrocosm that represents unity in diversity, Nagaland is the microcosm of that philosophy. A melting pot of different tribal culture and cuisines, Nagaland is place where primeval landscapes, ancient people can leave you floored. At the Hornbill Festival held from December 1 to 10 in the state capital Kohima. I discovered that the concept of Athithi Devo Bhava-‘Guest is God’, came naturally to the Nagas, the indigenous people of the region. The Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof, attracting visitors from across the world. It usually takes place in the first week of December at the Naga Heritage Village called Kisama, located 12 km from Kohima. The village gets its name from the two villages Kigwema (Ki) and Phesama (Sa), where the village is now established. The suffix ‘Ma’ means village. Seventeen major tribes including Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sum and Chakhesang take part in the festival. Besides reviving and protecting the rich culture of Nagaland, it helps visitors have a closer understanding of the people and their culture. According to Banuo Z Jamir, Nagaland’s first woman chief secretary, the festival is named after the hornbill, the bird eulogized in Naga tribal folklore. “Hornbill is central to the Naga tradition, finding symbolic representation in their faith and costumes,” She said. For Nagas, the bird exudes qualities of nobility, beauty and bravery and because of its roar-like call, its strength is believed to equal that of a tiger which personifies the quintessential Naga warrior. It is also a symbol of fertility-reproduction and agriculture-and is perceived to possess social values similar to those of humans.

1. What is the philosophy being referred to?
2. Why Nagaland is considered a ‘melting pot’?
3. The Hornbill Festival ‘showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof’. Discuss this statement in the light of the passage.
4. What does the Hornbill represent to the Nagas?
5. Give a suitable title to the passage.

Ques 2.

Use the following words in sentences of your own: (5x2=10) a. macrocosm b. cuisine c. melange d. eulogize e. folklo

Ques 3.

Make new words by adding suffix to the following words.  Educate, conclude, produce, construct, permit

Ques 4.

Complete the following sentences with the correct modals.
i. _______ you do me a favour?
ii. _______ I have a glass of water?
iii. The recipe I am trying ______ turn out to be a hit
iv. The hotel staff ______ behave politely.
v. One ______ not lead sedentary life.

Ques 5.

ii) Doctors were finding it difficult to cope with so many ……….passengers after the train
accident. (injure)
iii) Many people from India went to the African countries to start businesses. Soon they had a
………….. trade and decided to settle here. (flourish)
iv) The ……………. News of the Youth Festival in the university reached all colleges in no
time. (excite)
v) The guests were impressed with the pretty decorations and the neatly ………. furniture.
(arrange)
vi) One of the ………… principles of life is to be straightforward and honest. (abide)

Ques 6.

i) You will (lose, loose) __________ your money if you carry it in your hand.
ii) He spent his (Vocation, vacation) ________rock climbing.
iii) No one will address the audience (accept, except) _______ the Chief Guest.
iv) This is the (centre, middle) ________ of the circle.
v) My father is very (peculiar, particular) ________ about going for his early morning walk.

Ques 7.

You have been asked to give an inspiring speech about how one can achieve one’s dreams with courage and perseverance. Write out the speech in around 250 words

Ques 8.

Write an essay in around 250 words on the topic: Environment and Technology: Exploring the sustainable dynamics

Ques 9.

You and your friends have decided to visit Himachal in the last week of December this year.Write a dialogue in around 200 words between you and a Travel Agent enquiring for the required arrangements for this trip.