1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
A close look at the facts relating to political interference in administration shows that it is not a one-way process. There is often a nexus between power hungry and corrupt politicians and civil servants with convenient principles. Many civil servants are only too anxious to oblige the politicians, and then cash the obligation when they need a special favour. So the attitude of self-righteousness adopted by the civil service is sometimes only a way of covering their own flaws by blaming others.

Every now and then some retired civil servant comes out with his memoirs, painting a glorious picture of the heights of administrative efficiency reached during his reign. There is often the suggestion that had there not been so much political interference, things would have been even more fantastic. It is not unusual for the self-styled hero to blame not only interfering politicians but also fellow civil servants who are idiots or crooks, for his failures. This attitude of smug self-satisfaction is, unfortunately, developed during the years of service. Self-preservation rather than service is encouraged by our whole system of rules and procedures.

The remedy has to be drastic and quickly effective. The overprotection now granted to civil servants must end. Today to remove an erring civil servant is just not possible. And the only thing that the highest authority in the Government, both in the State and at the Centre, can do is to transfer an official from one job to another. The rules for taking disciplinary action are so complicated that, in the end, the defaulting civil servant gets away, and gets his full emoluments even for the period of the disciplinary proceedings, thus making it a paid holiday for him.

The result is that the administration has become rule-oriented and not result-oriented. Action is possible against the official who takes some interest in his work, but no action is ever taken against a person who does not deliver the goods. If the country is to adopt a result-oriented approach, it is necessary to link job performance with job retention.

Answer in your own words:

Is there really a problem of political interference?

What sort of an attitude do civil servants adopt, according to the writer?

Why do you suppose civil servants write their memoirs after retirement?

What, according to the writer, is a major cause for concern?

Match the words from the passage with their meanings

interference A. a binding promise/ contract/sense of duty

self-righteousness B. profit/salary/ compensation for services

obligation C. failing to act/ neglectful

erring D. confident of one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behaviour of others

emoluments E. an act, fact, or instance of interfering

Find the opposites of the following words from the text

flaws A. incapability

efficiency B. modest

smug C. straightforward

drastic D. strength

complicated E. collected/calm

3. Write an essay (200 -250 words) on anyone of the following:

Dowry Deaths

Can politics be de-linked from Indian sports?

Is India really shining?

Rural Healthcare


Convert the following into active/passive voice

An email has been sent to Ramesh.

A new chance will be given to me.

Millions of books are bought for students each year.

Bad news was told to her.

His place will be offered to Deepak.

Complete the following text, using a/an/the:

When I drive to work, usually, highways are really busy.

If there's accident during rush hour, it can be chaos on the roads.

I don't watch TV. I get information and news, etc. from Internet.

I usually fly to Narita airport when I go to Japan.

I heard Euro is gaining value, compared to US Dollar.

5. Write a letter of complaint to the manufacturers of some ophthalmic equipment that is not working properly.

6. Summarise the following article in not more than 120 words and give a suitable title.

The childhood years are supposed to be the best times of one's life; playing and having fun. Yet, there are many children who are deprived of this childhood. They are tortured and verbally and physically abused.

There is no reason or excuse for child abuse. Abusers claim they do it because of the stress of work. Child-abusing housewives say they feel harassed by a crying child and are unable to curb their own fury, especially if no support is received from anyone. This is not surprising since support is extended to a victim of child abuse more readily than to the perpetrator. Occasionally, parents may vent their frustrations on their child if they fight and quarrel with each other. In cases like these, it is the children who are the victims.

In this modern age where both parents are usually holding jobs, children are left with babysitters and in day care. Abuse by these carers may occur where there are too many children to be minded. The disappearance of the extended family system is partly to be blamed for these incidents.

Crowded homes and financial problems can also lead to child abuse. When there are too many mouths to feed, parents feel the pressure and vent their anger on a child.

Substance abuse is another factor which increases the incidents of child abuse. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a parent may not know what he or she may be doing. Or, rather, knows what he or she is doing but is not bothered at all. A drug addict may experience mood swings and is easily provoked by a crying child. Thus, we see and.read horrifying reports of a child being savagely tortured and dumped elsewhere, like garbage.

Psychologists believe that child abusers may have been victims of abuse themselves. Thus, in anger and hatred, they repeat the vicious cycle of abuse. Some have no love for the children they abuse. Some have been brought up to believe that children need to be beaten to maintain control. These are troubled people who need help.

A home is supposed to be a haven where a child ought to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, more often than not, the home is also where a child is abused. Whatever the reasons for the abuse, something must be done to stop the cruelty and help these parents who simply cannot cope with parenting. Parents-to-be should be counselled and inculcated with parenting skills. The Child Protection Act passed in the Parliament in 1991 does not effectively prevent child abuse. Stricter enforcement is necessary. Thus, it requires a commitment from each individual to help families with victims and troubled parents, the perpetrators.