English Precis, Comprehension & Translation 2023

Write a Paragraph of 200 words on any ONE of the following topics:

Use any FIVE of the following idiomatic expressions in your own words.

Write the antonym of the following words:

Change the narration of any FIVE of the following:

Change the Voice of any FIVE of the following.

Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.

Make a précis of the following passage and suggest a suitable title.

Benedict Anderson's definition of nationalism as an "imagined political community" resonates with Muhammad Iqbal's vision of a unified and vibrant national identity. Iqbal's nationalism was a dynamic and inclusive force, like an electrician harnessing diverse energies to power a single, cohesive whole. He believed that Islam was not only a religion but also a dynamic and inclusive worldview that could accommodate diverse cultures and traditions, much like a master electrician integrates various wires to create a harmonious circuit. Iqbal's nationalism was deeply rooted in his Islamic faith, but also engaged with modern Western ideas, reflecting the reciprocally enriching dialogue between different intellectual traditions. He argued that Muslims needed to transcend their sectarian and regional differences and come together as a single, homogeneous nation, much like a skilled electrician merges disparate wires into a single, functioning unit. This was a call to joindre les deux bouts bridging the gaps between different communities and creating a unified whole. Iqbal was heavily influenced by Western thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson, and Oswald Spengler, whose ideas on individualism, creativity, and cultural evolution he incorporated into his nationalist thought. This synthesis of Islamic values and modern principles of self-determination and democracy gave Iqbal's nationalism a unique vibrancy, like a spark of electricity illuminating the path to progress. However, Iqbal was critical of Hindu nationalism, which he saw as exclusivist and oppressive, like a mordant acid corroding the fabric of society. He argued that Hindu nationalism was based on a narrow and sectarian definition of Indian identity, which marginalized Muslim and other minority communities, making them feel like malleable, expendable components in a larger machine. In contrast, Iqbal's nationalism was inclusive and pluralistic, recognizing the diversity of Indian cultures and traditions. He believed that expediency and pragmatism should not guide nationalist movements, but rather a commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of all citizens. By embracing this vision, Iqbal's nationalism continues to inspire and illuminate the path to a more harmonious and vibrant national community, where l'union fait la force is the guiding principle.

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end.

Every day we experience one of the wonders of the world around us, without even realizing it. It is not the amazing complexity of television, nor the impressive technology of automated transport. They are indeed wonders which we often take for granted. No, the universal wonder we share and experience is our ability to make noises with our mouths, and so transmit ideas and thoughts to each other's minds. In other words, that wonder is our ability to fashion language. This ability comes so naturally we are apt to forget what a miracle it is.

Obviously, the ability to talk is something that marks humans off from animals. Of course some animals have powers just as amazing. Bats home in on flying insects that are their food by means of a sophisticated sound system. Birds can navigate thousands of miles by observing positions of the stars in the sky in relation to the time of day and year. In Nature's talent show, humans are a species of animal that have developed their own special act. If we reduce it to basic terms, it's a knack for communicating information to others, by varying sounds we make as we breathe out.

Not that we do not have other powers of communication. Our facial expressions convey our emotions, such as anger, or joy, or disappointment. The way we hold our heads can indicate to others whether we are happy or downcast. This is so-called 'body language', and to some extent we are no different from animals in this respect. Bristling fur is an unmistakable warning of aggression among many creatures. Similarly, the bowed head or drooping tail shows a readiness to take second place in any animal gathering.