Population Growth – India & China (2000–2050)

The graph shows that in 2000, China’s population was higher than India’s. China’s growth rate slows after 2025, while India’s continues to rise, overtaking China around 2030. By 2050, India is projected to have a significantly higher population. This suggests India will face greater challenges related to resources, infrastructure, and employment compared to China.

Division of Household Tasks – Great Britain

The chart reveals that women perform a larger share of household chores compared to men. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, and washing are mostly done by women, while men are more involved in maintenance and gardening. This indicates persistent gender disparity in domestic work distribution, despite societal progress towards equality.

Internet Activities by Age Group

The table shows that younger age groups spend more time on social networking, online gaming, and entertainment, while older groups focus on emails, news, and online banking. The 18–24 group dominates social media use, whereas the 55+ group leads in online news and finance. Age clearly influences online behaviour and preferences.

Letter of Complaint – Bad Customer Service

Ms. Geeta Sood
New Delhi
Date: __/__/2025

The Customer Care Manager
Fresh and Cool
New Delhi

Subject: Complaint against Poor Customer Service

Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service provided during the installation of my new refrigerator. The employee was unprofessional, delayed the work, and refused to answer queries properly. Such behaviour tarnishes the company’s image.

I request that you look into the matter and ensure better training for your staff to avoid recurrence.

Yours sincerely,
Geeta Sood
        

Letter to Editor – Deteriorating Law & Order

Kusum
459, Rajouri Garden
New Delhi
Date: __/__/2025

The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
New Delhi

Subject: Concern over Deteriorating Law and Order

Sir/Madam,
Through your esteemed daily, I wish to draw attention to the rising cases of theft, chain-snatching, and assaults in our city. Residents feel unsafe even during the day. Police patrolling is insufficient and streetlights are non-functional in many areas.

I urge the authorities to take immediate action to restore safety.

Yours sincerely,
Kusum
        

Order Letter – Computers & Hardware

Rahul
Softpoint Innovations
110–111, Nehru Place
New Delhi
Date: __/__/2025

The Sales Manager
The Computer Hub
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Subject: Order for Computers and Hardware

Sir,
Please supply the following items with 20% discount as advertised:
1. 5 Desktop Computers (i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
2. 3 Laser Printers
3. 10 Wireless Keyboards & Mice sets

Kindly deliver within 7 days with invoice.

Yours faithfully,
Rahul
        

Order Letter – Stationery Items

Padam
Office In-charge
Vayusena School
Sant Colony, Vishakhapatnam
Date: __/__/2025

The Manager
Modern Store
New Market, Vishakhapatnam

Subject: Order for Stationery Items

Sir,
Kindly supply the following items:
- A4 Paper Reams – 50
- Blue Ink Pens – 200
- Staplers – 10
- Registers – 100

Please deliver by 15th August with bill.

Yours sincerely,
Padam
        

Edited Passage 1

The International Monetary Fund maintained its forecast on weak global growth and warned that further stagnation could fuel more populist sentiment for trade and immigration that would stifle activity, productivity, and innovation. In the latest update of their World Economic Outlook, the IMF said a drop in US growth for 2016 was due to a weak first-half performance.

Edited Passage 2

Your voice has remained very subdued and others’ voices are very loud and commanding, because they were orders and you had followed them despite yourself. Naturally, only one voice is missing within you, and that is yours; otherwise there is a whole crowd. And that crowd is constantly driving you mad, because one voice says, “Do this,” another voice says, “Never do that! Don’t listen to that voice!”

Edited Passage 3

The issue of capital punishment involves determining whether the execution of criminals is ever justified, and if so, under what circumstances it is permissible and how to determine the limits of a crime demanding execution. It also involves the issue of whether society believes in corrective justice or retributive justice. The basic assumption from the retributive notion of punishment generally is that a criminal deserves punishment.

Edited Passage 4

We live in times when incomes are rising. The economic boom of the last 25 years has created a growing tribe of erstwhile middle-class-turned-HNIs who earn much more than they can spend. Born in the inflation and scarcity-stricken 1960s and 70s, these well-paid adults enjoy their new wealth, but are conservative in their spending and investing habits. They swing between confidence and caution when it comes to money.

MCQ Answers

1. (i) d – is an important, (ii) b – celebrated to mark, (iii) a – leads the youngsters
2. (i) b – is celebrated, (ii) c – gather, (iii) a – are invited
3. (i) d – is the second largest, (ii) b – spread in the, (iii) a – have a special place

Poetic devices in ‘The Tiger in the Zoo’

Rhyme scheme, personification, metaphor, imagery, and contrast.

Mandela on systems of government

First decade: White supremacy, racial segregation. Final decade: Democratic, non-racial, equal rights for all.

Seagull’s flight end

It ended successfully when he overcame fear and landed on the sea, supported by his family.

Black aeroplane rescue

It guided the first pilot safely through a storm to the runway, then mysteriously disappeared.

Why Anil let Hari Singh stay

Anil valued companionship and was willing to teach Hari despite not affording to pay him.

Presence of mind in Ausable’s case

Ausable used wit to mislead the intruder about a police visit, avoiding violence without a gun.

Tiger’s mood: zoo vs forest

Zoo: Helpless, confined, frustrated. Forest: Free, alert, in control.

Meaning of “I hold with those who favour fire”

Poet supports belief that human desires (fire) can lead to destruction of the world.

Tricky going home

Yes, happy to be with owner. Likely to return to old pampered habits.

Poet saving part of the day

Refers to the joy and positivity gained from a small happy incident in “Dust of Snow”.

Ausable’s personality

Strengths: Clever, resourceful, calm. Weakness: Physically unfit, dependent on wit alone.

Mandela on learning to hate

Hatred is learned, not innate; if people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.

Contrast in seagull’s flights

Initial: Fearful, hesitant. Final: Confident, graceful, driven by hunger and encouragement.