1. Write an essay (of 800–1000 words) on any one of the following topics:
(a) The role of education in shaping a better society.
(b) The digital age: A personal boon or a social bane?
(c) The role of youth in shaping the future of society.
(d) We are the change we seek.
Ans:
(a) The role of education in shaping a better society.
Education stands as one of humanity’s most powerful tools for transformation, serving as both the foundation and catalyst for societal progress. Throughout history, the societies that have invested most heavily in education have consistently emerged as leaders in innovation, economic prosperity, and social harmony. The relationship between education and societal improvement operates through multiple interconnected pathways, creating a ripple effect that touches every aspect of human civilization.
Economic Development and Social Mobility
Education serves as the primary engine of economic development in modern societies. Countries with robust educational systems consistently demonstrate higher levels of productivity, innovation, and economic growth. When individuals acquire knowledge and skills through formal education, they become more valuable contributors to the workforce, driving technological advancement and entrepreneurial activity. South Korea’s transformation from a war-torn nation in the 1950s to a technological powerhouse today exemplifies how strategic investment in education can reshape an entire economy within a generation.
Beyond aggregate economic benefits, education provides the most reliable pathway for individual social mobility. It breaks the cycle of poverty by equipping people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the tools necessary to improve their circumstances. When education is accessible and of high quality, it serves as a great equalizer, allowing merit and effort to triumph over inherited disadvantage. This individual advancement collectively strengthens society by maximizing human potential and reducing inequality.
Fostering Critical Thinking and Democratic Values
A well-designed educational system cultivates critical thinking skills that are essential for democratic participation. Citizens who have learned to analyze information, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence are better equipped to make informed decisions about complex social and political issues. They are less susceptible to manipulation by demagogues and more likely to engage constructively in democratic processes.
Education also transmits and reinforces democratic values such as tolerance, respect for diversity, and commitment to the rule of law. Through exposure to different perspectives and historical examples, students develop an appreciation for pluralism and human rights. Classroom discussions and debates provide practical experience in democratic deliberation, teaching young people how to disagree respectfully and find common ground despite differences.
Promoting Social Cohesion and Understanding
Educational institutions serve as crucial spaces for social integration, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering mutual understanding. In well-integrated schools, students learn to appreciate different cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reducing prejudice and building social bonds that strengthen community fabric. This interaction is particularly valuable in increasingly diverse societies where education can help bridge divides that might otherwise lead to social fragmentation.
Furthermore, education promotes empathy and global citizenship by exposing students to literature, history, and perspectives from around the world. This broader understanding helps create societies that are more compassionate, internationally minded, and capable of addressing global challenges collectively.
Addressing Social Problems and Injustices
Education plays a vital role in identifying and addressing social problems. Educational institutions serve as centers for research and analysis, generating the knowledge needed to understand complex social issues and develop effective solutions. Universities and research institutions conduct studies on everything from public health to environmental sustainability, providing the evidence base for informed policy-making.
Moreover, education raises awareness about social injustices and inequality, creating informed advocates for positive change. Students who learn about historical and contemporary examples of discrimination, environmental degradation, or economic exploitation are more likely to become engaged citizens working toward solutions. The civil rights movement, environmental activism, and other social reform movements have consistently drawn strength from educated populations who understood both the moral imperative and practical pathways for change.
Innovation and Scientific Progress
The advancement of human knowledge through education drives scientific and technological progress that improves quality of life for entire societies. Educational institutions, particularly universities, serve as centers of research and innovation, developing new technologies, medical treatments, and scientific understanding that benefit everyone. The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, advances in renewable energy technology, and breakthroughs in digital communication all stem from educational investments made decades earlier.
This innovative capacity becomes increasingly important as societies face complex challenges like climate change, aging populations, and technological disruption. Only through sustained investment in education can societies develop the human capital necessary to address these emerging challenges effectively.
Challenges and Considerations
While education’s potential for positive social transformation is immense, realizing this potential requires addressing significant challenges. Educational inequality remains a persistent problem, with quality often varying dramatically based on socioeconomic status and geographic location. When educational opportunities are unequally distributed, education can perpetuate rather than reduce social inequality.
Additionally, educational systems must continuously evolve to remain relevant and effective. Rapid technological change and shifting economic conditions require ongoing adaptation of curricula and teaching methods. Traditional approaches to education may not adequately prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Conclusion
Education’s role in shaping a better society operates through multiple interconnected mechanisms: driving economic development, fostering democratic participation, promoting social cohesion, addressing social problems, and advancing human knowledge. However, education’s transformative power can only be fully realized when it is accessible, high-quality, and continuously adapted to meet evolving societal needs.
Investing in education represents one of the most effective strategies for building better societies. The benefits extend far beyond individual advancement to encompass economic prosperity, democratic stability, social harmony, and innovative capacity. As societies face increasingly complex global challenges, the importance of education in developing informed, capable, and engaged citizens becomes ever more critical. The quality of our educational systems today will largely determine the character and capabilities of our societies tomorrow.
2. Identify the most appropriate word to be used in the sentences below:
(a) You must (accept / except) responsibility for your actions.
(b) The (affect / effect) of the medicine will be noticeable after a week.
(c) The author made nuanced (allusions / illusions) to historical events.
(d) She received many (complements / compliments) on her presentation.
(e) He offered legal (council / counsel) to those in need.
(f) The engineers had to (device / devise) a way to make it work.
(g) The teacher tried to (elicit / illicit) responses from the students.
(h) Please (ensure / insure) that you have prepared well for the exam.
(i) It is against my school’s (principle / principal) to lie.
(j) The bird remained (stationary / stationery) near its dead pair.
Ans:
(a) You must accept responsibility for your actions.
Answer: accept
Explanation: “Accept” means to receive or take responsibility. “Except” means to exclude.
(b) The effect of the medicine will be noticeable after a week.
Answer: effect
Explanation: “Effect” is a noun meaning the result or outcome. “Affect” is usually a verb meaning to influence.
(c) The author made nuanced allusions to historical events.
Answer: allusions
Explanation: “Allusion” refers to an indirect reference. “Illusion” means a false perception.
(d) She received many compliments on her presentation.
Answer: compliments
Explanation: “Compliments” are words of praise. “Complements” means something that completes or goes well with something else.
(e) He offered legal counsel to those in need.
Answer: counsel
Explanation: “Counsel” means advice, especially legal. “Council” refers to a group of people assembled for discussion.
(f) The engineers had to devise a way to make it work.
Answer: devise
Explanation: “Devise” means to create or invent. “Device” is a noun meaning a tool or gadget.
(g) The teacher tried to elicit responses from the students.
Answer: elicit
Explanation: “Elicit” means to draw out or bring forth. “Illicit” means illegal.
(h) Please ensure that you have prepared well for the exam.
Answer: ensure
Explanation: “Ensure” means to make certain. “Insure” usually refers to taking an insurance policy.
(i) It is against my school’s principle to lie.
Answer: principle
Explanation: “Principle” is a rule or moral belief. “Principal” can mean head of a school or main/primary.
(j) The bird remained stationary near its dead pair.
Answer: stationary
Explanation: “Stationary” means not moving. “Stationery” refers to paper, pens, and writing materials.
3. Correct the Errors:
(a) She don’t like apples.
(b) The cat chased it’s tail.
(c) He go to school every day.
(d) There is many books on the table.
(e) The movie was more better than I expected.
(f) She has been working since two hours.
(g) Each of the students are responsible.
(h) I didn’t saw him yesterday.
(i) This is the worse day of my life.
(j) She is used to wake up early.
Ans:
(a) Incorrect: She don’t like apples.
Correct: She doesn’t like apples.
Explanation: Use “doesn’t” with third person singular subjects (he, she, it).
(b) Incorrect: The cat chased it’s tail.
Correct: The cat chased its tail.
Explanation: “It’s” means “it is”; “its” is the possessive form.
(c) Incorrect: He go to school every day.
Correct: He goes to school every day.
Explanation: Use “goes” with third person singular.
(d) Incorrect: There is many books on the table.
Correct: There are many books on the table.
Explanation: Use “are” with plural nouns like “books”.
(e) Incorrect: The movie was more better than I expected.
Correct: The movie was better than I expected.
Explanation: “Better” is already a comparative adjective; “more” is unnecessary.
(f) Incorrect: She has been working since two hours.
Correct: She has been working for two hours.
Explanation: Use “for” with a duration of time; “since” is used with a point in time.
(g) Incorrect: Each of the students are responsible.
Correct: Each of the students is responsible.
Explanation: “Each” is singular, so it takes “is”.
(h) Incorrect: I didn’t saw him yesterday.
Correct: I didn’t see him yesterday.
Explanation: After “did”, use the base form of the verb, not the past tense.
(i) Incorrect: This is the worse day of my life.
Correct: This is the worst day of my life.
Explanation: “Worse” is a comparative; “worst” is the superlative form.
(j) Incorrect: She is used to wake up early.
Correct: She is used to waking up early.
Explanation: “Used to” (meaning accustomed to) is followed by a gerund (verb+ing).
4. Fill in the Blanks with the Appropriate Prepositions:
(a) She is allergic ___ peanuts.
(b) We are excited ___ the concert.
(c) He is interested ___ learning French.
(d) The meeting will take place ___ Monday.
(e) The gift was made ___ hand.
(f) She excels ___ problem-solving.
(g) They are resistant ___ change.
(h) I find no solution ___ hand.
(i) We went ___ a hike last weekend.
(j) The keys are ___ my pocket.
Ans:
(a) She is allergic to peanuts.
(b) We are excited about the concert.
(c) He is interested in learning French.
(d) The meeting will take place on Monday.
(e) The gift was made by hand.
(f) She excels at problem-solving.
(g) They are resistant to change.
(h) I find no solution at hand.
(i) We went on a hike last weekend.
(j) The keys are in my pocket.
5. Rewrite or Fill in the Bold Word in Each Sentence According to the Directions Given in Brackets:
(a) The bottle is empty. (Use antonym)
(b) The descend took us three hours. (Use antonym)
(c) His honest behavior cost him promotion. (Use suffix to form antonym)
(d) He has MBA from Harvard University. (Use the correct article)
(e) The man saved the child is a hero. (Use the correct pronoun)
(f) His flexible won us the project. (Use the correct form)
(g) Her approach to the proposal was ambiguity. (Use the correct form)
(h) Brunch = Breakfast + ___. (Identify the blended word)
(i) Infomercial = Information + ___. (Identify the blended word)
(j) The company to be expanding. (Use the present tense form)
Ans:
(a) The bottle is full. (Antonym of “empty”)
(b) The ascent took us three hours. (Antonym of “descend”)
(c) His dishonest behavior cost him promotion. (“dis-” suffix to form antonym)
(d) He has an MBA from Harvard University. (Correct article before “MBA”)
(e) The man who saved the child is a hero. (Correct relative pronoun)
(f) His flexibility won us the project. (Correct noun form)
(g) Her approach to the proposal was ambiguous. (Correct adjective form)
(h) Brunch = Breakfast + Lunch. (Blended word)
(i) Infomercial = Information + Commercial. (Blended word)
(j) The company is expanding. (Correct present tense form)
6. Rewrite the Sentences According to the Directions Given in the Brackets:
(a) Parvati asked, “Will you visit me here tomorrow?”
(Rewrite in reported speech)
(b) The ___ of the children was evident from their smiles.
(Use the appropriate form of the word ‘happy’)
(c) By the time we arrive, the movie ___.
(Use the correct form of the verb ‘to start’)
(d) If I ___ about the meeting, I would have attended.
(Use the correct form of the verb ‘to know’)
(e) I wish I ___ more time to complete the project.
(Use the subjunctive mood using ‘to have’)
Ans:
(a) Parvati asked, if I would visit her there the next day.
(Reported Speech)
(b) The happiness of the children was evident from their smiles.
(Appropriate form of the word ‘happy’)
(c) By the time we arrive, the movie will have started.
(Correct form of the verb ‘to start’)
(d) If I had known about the meeting, I would have attended.
(Correct form of the verb ‘to know’)
(e) I wish I had more time to complete the project.
(Subjunctive mood using ‘to have’)
7. Rewrite the Sentences According to the Directions Given in the Brackets:
(a) The chef cooked the meal.
(Rewrite the sentence in passive voice)
(b) Lion is a large animal. Elephant is a large animal.
(Combine the sentences using the comparative degree)
(c) The doctor came. The patient was already dead.
(Combine the sentences using the past perfect tense)
(d) The suitcase is heavy. She cannot carry it.
(Combine the sentences using ‘too’)
(e) She completed the task. She exceeded expectations.
(Combine the sentences using ‘not only… but also’)
Ans:
(a) The meal was cooked by the chef.
(Passive voice)
(b) The elephant is larger than the lion.
(Comparative degree)
(c) The patient had already died when the doctor came.
(Past perfect tense)
(d) The suitcase is too heavy for her to carry.
(Using ‘too’)
(e) She not only completed the task but also exceeded expectations.
(Using ‘not only… but also’)
8. Supply the Missing Word in Each of the Following Sentences:
(a) At the meeting, he told a joke to ___ the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
(b) Sarah hit the nail on the ___ when she identified the main issue in the project.
(c) I accidentally let the ___ out of the bag about the surprise party.
(d) The old man joked that he wasn’t ready to kick the ___ just yet.
(e) To finish the assignment on time, he had to ___ the midnight oil for three days straight.
Ans:
(a) At the meeting, he told a joke to break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
(b) Sarah hit the nail on the head when she identified the main issue in the project.
(c) I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
(d) The old man joked that he wasn’t ready to kick the bucket just yet.
(e) To finish the assignment on time, he had to burn the midnight oil for three days straight.
9. Frame Sentences Using the Following Idioms:
(a) Call off
(b) Give up
(c) Put off
(d) Look into
(e) Take after
Ans:
(a) Call off – They had to call off the match due to heavy rain.
(b) Give up – She refused to give up despite all the difficulties.
(c) Put off – We decided to put off the meeting until next week.
(d) Look into – The manager promised to look into the complaint immediately.
(e) Take after – He really takes after his mother in both looks and behavior.
10. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Space exploration has long been a frontier of human curiosity and ambition. Since the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union in 1957, humanity has made remarkable strides in exploring the cosmos. The Apollo 11 Mission in 1969 marked a historic milestone when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. Today, space exploration is driven by both Government agencies, such as NASA and ESA and private companies like SpaceX, which aim to push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability.
One of the most significant achievements in recent years is the exploration of Mars. NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which landed on Mars in February 2021, is tasked with searching for signs of ancient microbial life and collecting rock samples for future return to Earth. Similarly, the Ingenuity helicopter, the first aircraft to achieve powered flight on another planet, has demonstrated the potential for aerial exploration in extraterrestrial environments. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency’s ExoMars program aims to further investigate the Red Planet’s surface and subsurface for evidence of past or present life.
Beyond Mars, the exploration of the outer solar system has yielded groundbreaking discoveries. NASA’s Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, launched in 1977, have travelled beyond the heliosphere and entered interstellar space, providing invaluable data about the outer planets and the boundaries of our solar system. More recently, the New Horizons mission captured detailed images of Pluto in 2015, revealing a complex and dynamic world with icy mountains and a thin atmosphere.
Space exploration also extends to the study of distant galaxies and the origins of the universe. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has revolutionized astronomy by capturing stunning images of distant stars, galaxies and nebulae. Its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in December 2021, is designed to peer even further into the cosmos, studying the formation of the first galaxies and the atmospheres of exoplanets.
Despite these achievements, space exploration faces significant challenges, including high costs, technological limitations, and the risks posed to human life. However, international collaborations and advancements in technology continue to drive progress. The future of space exploration holds immense promise, with plans for crewed missions to Mars, the establishment of lunar bases, and the search for habitable exoplanets. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, the quest to understand our place in the universe remains as compelling as ever.
(a) What is the significance of the Ingenuity helicopter in the context of space exploration?
(b) What have the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes achieved since their launch in 1977?
(c) How has the Hubble Space Telescope contributed to our understanding of the universe?
(d) What are the primary goals of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and how does it differ from the Hubble?
(e) What challenges does space exploration face, and how are these being addressed?
(f) Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the role of private companies like SpaceX in the future of space exploration?
(g) What does the passage imply about the importance of studying exoplanets and distant galaxies in humanity’s quest to understand the universe?
Ans:
(a) The Ingenuity helicopter is significant because it is the first aircraft to achieve powered flight on another planet, demonstrating the potential for aerial exploration in extraterrestrial environments.
(b) Since their launch in 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have traveled beyond the heliosphere and entered interstellar space, providing invaluable data about the outer planets and the boundaries of our solar system.
(c) The Hubble Space Telescope has contributed to our understanding of the universe by capturing stunning images of distant stars, galaxies, and nebulae, revolutionizing astronomy.
(d) The primary goals of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are to study the formation of the first galaxies and the atmospheres of exoplanets. It differs from the Hubble by being designed to peer even further into the cosmos.
(e) Space exploration faces challenges such as high costs, technological limitations, and risks to human life. These are being addressed through international collaborations and advancements in technology.
(f) The passage implies that private companies like SpaceX aim to push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability, indicating their important and growing role in the future of space exploration.
(g) The passage implies that studying exoplanets and distant galaxies is important in the quest to understand our place in the universe, highlighting the deep curiosity and ambition driving space exploration.
11. Make a Precis of the Following Passage. You Need Not Add a Title:
The Kalinga War (262–261 BCE), fought between the Maurya Emperor Ashoka and the kingdom of Kalinga, represents a significant turning point in Ashoka’s reign and personal philosophy. This conflict stemmed from Ashoka’s ambition to expand his empire, but the brutal consequences of the war drastically altered his perspective on power and governance. Historical accounts suggest that the battle resulted in tremendous devastation, with approximately 100,000 casualties and widespread suffering among civilians. The horrors witnessed by Ashoka during and after the war led him to a transformative realization: true leadership should not be attained through violence or the subjugation of others.
Ashoka experienced a profound moral awakening, renouncing his previous ambitions for territorial conquest. He turned to the teachings of Buddhism, embracing its core principles of ahimsa (non-violence), compassion, and respect for all living beings. This philosophical shift had immediate implications for his governance. Ashoka prioritized welfare, justice, and the well-being of his subjects over militaristic endeavours. He enacted policies aimed at protecting individuals’ rights, abolished capital punishment, and promoted religious tolerance, fostering harmony among the diverse populations of his empire.
Ashoka demonstrated his commitment to non-violence and ethical governance through edicts promoting peace, mutual respect, and moral conduct. His efforts aimed to create a more enlightened and harmonious society. His transformation played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism, as he supported the faith by establishing monasteries, sending missionaries, and fostering peaceful relations with neighboring states, thereby influencing the cultural and spiritual fabric of Asia.
Ashoka’s transition from a warrior king to a compassionate ruler underscores the power of introspection and moral awakening in leadership. The Kalinga War profoundly shaped his legacy, highlighting the link between personal transformation and societal progress, and emphasizing compassion over conquest in governance and human interactions. His story remains relevant to contemporary discussions on peace, ethics, and the lasting impact of leadership choices.
Ans: The Kalinga War marked a turning point in Emperor Ashoka’s life, transforming him from a conqueror to a compassionate ruler. Deeply moved by the war’s devastation and suffering, Ashoka renounced violence and adopted Buddhist principles of non-violence, compassion, and respect for life. His governance shifted towards welfare, justice, and religious tolerance. Through his edicts, he promoted ethical conduct and peace, aiming to build a harmonious society. Ashoka’s efforts significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism across Asia. His legacy illustrates how moral awakening can lead to societal progress and remains a timeless example of ethical leadership.
Read: OPSC Notes