EXTRACT 1
Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.
SET-1
(i) Contradict the view that Coorg remains an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.
Answer: Coorg does not remain equally attractive to tourists throughout the year. During the monsoons, it rains heavily, which keeps many visitors away. The pleasant tourist season begins in September and continues until March.
(ii) Which of the following statements best explains why the period from September to March is described as the “season of joy”?
(a) Agricultural activities peak during these months.
(b) The climate becomes pleasant and suitable for visitors.
Answer: (b) The climate becomes pleasant and suitable for visitors.
Explanation: The extract says that the weather is perfect from September to March, with occasional showers. These pleasant conditions make Coorg an attractive place for tourists.
(iii) What effect does the phrase “the air breathes of invigorating coffee” have on the description of Coorg?
Answer: The phrase creates a vivid sensory image of Coorg. It suggests that the fresh, refreshing aroma of coffee fills the air. It helps readers imagine the pleasant atmosphere of the coffee plantations.
(iv) The following words and expressions occur in the extract.
- Season of joy
- Pours enough to keep many visitors away
- Colonial bungalows
- Perfect weather
- Evergreen rainforests
Select the option that correctly categorises (1)–(5) into ‘Visual Appeal’ and ‘Sensory Appeal’.
| No. | Visual Appeal | Sensory Appeal |
| (a) | 3, 4 | 1, 2, 5 |
| (b) | 1, 3 | 2, 4, 5 |
| (c) | 2, 5 | 1, 3, 4 |
| (d) | 3, 5 | 1, 2, 4 |
Answer: (d) 3, 5 — Visual Appeal; 1, 2, 4 — Sensory Appeal.
Explanation:
- Visual Appeal: Colonial bungalows (3) and evergreen rainforests (5) help readers picture the scenery.
- Sensory Appeal: Season of joy (1), heavy rainfall (2) and perfect weather (4) communicate experiences and feelings associated with the place.
(v) What can be inferred about the writer’s attitude towards Coorg from the overall description in the extract?
Answer: The writer has a positive and appreciative attitude towards Coorg. The writer admires its evergreen rainforests, coffee plantations, pleasant weather and beautiful colonial bungalows.
SET-II
(i) Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The extract presents Coorg as a destination that offers a balance between __________.
(a) modern development and urban life
(b) natural beauty and pleasant climate
Answer: (b) Natural beauty and pleasant climate.
Explanation: The extract describes Coorg’s evergreen rainforests, spices, coffee plantations and beautiful surroundings. It also mentions the pleasant weather from September to March. Therefore, Coorg offers natural beauty and a pleasant climate.
(ii) How does the “season of joy” contrast with the monsoon season in Coorg?
Answer: The “season of joy” begins in September and continues until March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and suitable for visitors. In contrast, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, which keeps many visitors away.
(iii) What is the tone the author is UNLIKELY to have used in the line, “Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district”?
(a) Informative
(b) Appreciative
(c) Dramatic
(d) Factual
Answer: (c) Dramatic.
Explanation: The sentence gives factual information about the area covered by evergreen rainforests. Its tone is mainly informative and factual. It is unlikely to be dramatic because it does not express intense emotions or create suspense.
(iv) How does the author’s use of descriptive imagery, such as “tucked under tree canopies,” enhance the narrative?
Answer: The descriptive imagery helps readers imagine the beautiful surroundings of Coorg. The phrase “tucked under tree canopies” creates a picture of coffee estates and colonial bungalows hidden beneath the trees. It makes the description more vivid and interesting.
(v) How do the references to coffee estates and colonial bungalows contribute to the setting of the extract?
Answer: The references to coffee estates and colonial bungalows highlight the unique beauty and charm of Coorg. The coffee estates show the importance of coffee cultivation in the region. The colonial bungalows add a historical character to the landscape.
(vi) What emotion is the narrator most likely expressing while describing Coorg in this extract?
Answer: The narrator is most likely expressing admiration and appreciation for Coorg.
EXTRACT 2
The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as ‘kuppia’, it resembles the ‘kuffia’ worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
SET-I
(i) Contradict the view that the people of Coorg share the same cultural practices as the Hindu mainstream.
Answer: The people of Coorg have cultural practices that are different from those of the Hindu mainstream. Their distinct traditions can be seen in their martial customs, marriage ceremonies and religious rites.
(ii) Which of the following statements best explains the reference to Alexander’s army in the extract?
(a) It suggests that Coorg was once ruled directly by the Greeks.
(b) It explains a possible historical origin of the Kodavus through migration and settlement.
Answer: (b) It explains a possible historical origin of the Kodavus through migration and settlement.
Explanation: According to one story, some soldiers from Alexander’s army moved south and settled in Coorg when returning became difficult. This suggests a possible Greek origin of the Kodavus. The extract does not state that Coorg was directly ruled by the Greeks.
(iii) What can be inferred about the identity of the Kodavus from the description of their traditions and attire?
Answer: The Kodavus have a distinct cultural identity. Their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites differ from those of the Hindu mainstream. Their traditional black coat, called the kuppia, also suggests a possible connection with Arab culture.
(iv) How does the description of the ‘kuppia’ strengthen the theory of Arab origin?
Answer: The kuppia is a long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Its resemblance to the kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds supports the theory that the Kodavus may have Arab origins.
(v) Why does the author include both Greek and Arab theories regarding the origin of the Kodavus?
Answer: The author includes both theories to explain the possible historical origins of the Kodavus. The Greek theory refers to the story of Alexander’s army settling in Coorg, while the Arab theory is supported by the similarity between the traditional dress of the Kodavus and that of Arabs and Kurds.
SET-II
(i) Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
The extract presents the Kodavus as a community shaped by __________.
(a) isolation from outside cultures
(b) interaction with foreign influences
Answer: (b) Interaction with foreign influences.
Explanation: The extract discusses the possible Greek or Arab origins of the Kodavus. It also describes how people from outside the region may have settled there and influenced local culture.
(ii) What tone does the author adopt while describing the origins and traditions of the Kodavus?
Answer: The author adopts an informative and objective tone.
(iii) What do the references to Greek and Arab origins mainly help to establish?
- The uncertain historical origins of the Kodavus
- The distinct cultural identity of the Kodavus
- The military achievements of Alexander’s army
- The uniqueness of Coorg’s social and religious customs
- The complete dominance of Arab culture in Coorg
(a) 1, 3 and 5
(b) 2 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) Only 2
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4.
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The Greek and Arab theories suggest possible origins, but neither is presented as certain.
- Statement 2 is correct: The extract highlights the distinct cultural identity of the Kodavus.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The reference to Alexander’s army explains a possible origin of the community, not its military achievements.
- Statement 4 is correct: The extract describes unique martial traditions, marriage customs and religious rites.
- Statement 5 is incorrect: The extract does not claim that Arab culture completely dominates Coorg.
(iv) According to the extract, ‘martial traditions’ are related to __________.
(a) Mars planet
(b) marriage
(c) war
(d) culture
Answer: (c) War.
Explanation: The word martial relates to soldiers, fighting and military activities. Therefore, martial traditions are associated with war and military customs.