General Instructions:
1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Section A: 6 × 1 = 6 marks (comprehension — short answer).
3. Section B: 5 × 2 = 10 marks (comprehension — detailed & vocabulary).
4. Section C: 4 × 3 = 12 marks (story & descriptive writing).
5. Section D: 2 × 5 = 10 marks (extended writing).
6. Bonus: 1 × 2 = 2 marks.
7. Write in complete sentences. Neatness and presentation carry marks.
Passage for Sections A & B
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the “Missile Man of India,” was one of the most loved and respected Presidents our country has ever had. Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he came from a humble family. His father, Jainulabdeen, was a boat owner, and his mother, Ashiamma, was a homemaker. Despite their limited means, his parents always encouraged education.
As a young boy, Kalam sold newspapers to support his family’s income. He was a curious and hardworking student who dreamed of flying. He studied physics at St. Joseph’s College and later aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He joined ISRO and then DRDO, where he played a key role in developing India’s first satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III) and the Agni and Prithvi missiles.
In 2002, he became the 11th President of India. Unlike other politicians, he loved spending time with children and students. He believed that young people had the power to transform India. His famous book, “Wings of Fire,” inspired millions of readers. He often said, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
Dr. Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015 while giving a lecture at IIM Shillong — doing what he loved most: teaching. He remains an eternal inspiration for every Indian who dares to dream big.
Section A — Short Answer Questions [6 × 1 = 6]
Q1.1What was Dr. Kalam’s nickname?
Q2.1Where and when was he born?
Q3.1What did young Kalam do to support his family?
Q4.1Name the two organisations where Dr. Kalam worked before becoming President.
Q5.1Which number President of India was he?
Q6.1What was he doing when he passed away?
Section B — Detailed & Vocabulary Questions [5 × 2 = 10]
Q7.2What role did Dr. Kalam play in India’s space and defence programmes? Mention specific achievements from the passage.
Q8.2What did Dr. Kalam mean when he said: “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep”? Explain in your own words.
Q9.2Find words from the passage that mean: (a) simple and not rich (b) change completely
Q10.2Why was Dr. Kalam different from other politicians? What does this tell us about his character?
Q11.2What lessons can students learn from Dr. Kalam’s life story? Write in 3–4 sentences.
Section C — Story & Descriptive Writing [4 × 3 = 12]
Q12.3Write a complete short story (100–120 words) using the hints below. Give it a title and a moral.
Hints: a greedy dog … finds a bone … crossing a bridge … sees his reflection in the water … thinks it is another dog with a bigger bone … barks … loses his own bone.
Q13.3Write a descriptive paragraph (80–100 words) about “A Morning in My School”.
Hints: assembly bell, students gathering, prayer, national anthem, principal’s speech, marching to class, sounds and smells, your feelings.
Q14.3Read the beginning and the end of the story. Write the middle part (80–100 words):
Beginning: Priya and her brother Rohan were exploring their grandfather’s old house when they found a mysterious old box in the attic.
End: They realised that the greatest treasure was not gold or jewels, but the memories and love their grandfather had left behind.
Q15.3Write a story (80–100 words) that ends with the moral: “Unity is strength.” Give it a suitable title.
Section D — Extended Writing [2 × 5 = 10]
Q16.5Write a diary entry (120–150 words) about the best day of your life. It could be a birthday, a trip, an achievement, or a surprise. Include: what happened, who was there, how you felt, and why it was special.
Q17.5Write a short story (120–150 words) inspired by Dr. Kalam’s life. Your story should be about a child from a poor family who works hard and achieves something great. Give it a title and end with a moral.
Bonus [1 × 2 = 2]
Q18.2If you could ask Dr. Kalam one question, what would it be and why? Write in 3–4 sentences.