English Class - XII 1997(CBSE)
You are on question 2- 4

2. Read carefully the following passage and answer the questions that follow it:
        In democratic countries any efforts to restrict the freedom of the Press are rightly condemned . However, this freedom can be easily abused. Stories about people often attract far more public attention than political events. Though we may enjoy reading about the lives of others, it is extremely doubtful whether we would equally enjoy reading about ourselves. Acting on the contention that facts are sacred, reporters can cause untold sufferings to individuals by publishing details about their private lives. Newspapers exert such tremendous influence that they can not only bring about major changes to the lives of ordinary people but can even overthrow a government.

       The story of the poor family that acquired fame and fortune overnight, dramatically illustrates the power of the Press. The family lived in Aberdeen, a small two of 25,000 inhabitants in South Dakota. As the parents had five children, life was a perpetual struggle against poverty. They were expecting their sixth child and were faced with even more pressing economic problems. If they had only one more child the fact would have passed unnoticed. They would have continued to struggle against economic odds and would have lived in obscurity. But they suddenly became the parents of quintuplets, four girls and a boy, an event which radically changed their lives. The day after the birth of the five children, an aero plane arrived in Aberdeen bringing sixty reporters and photographers. The news was of national importance, for the couple had become the parents of the only quintuplets in America.

       The rise to fame was swift. Television cameras and newspapers carried the news to everyone in the country. Newspapers and magazines offered the family huge sums for the exclusive rights to publish their photographs. Gifts poured in not only from unknown people, but from baby food and soap manufacturers who wished to advertise their products. The old farmhouse the family lived in was to be replaced by a new $100,000 home. Reporters kept pressing for interviews so lawyers had to be employed to act as the spokesmen of the family at press conference. The event brought serious changes to the town itself. Plans were announced to build a huge new highway, as Aberdeen was now likely to attract thousands of tourists. Signposts erected on the outskirts of the town directed tourists. Signposts erected on the outskirts of the town directed tourists not to Aberdeen, but to 'Quint-City U.S.A.' The local authorities discussed the possibility of erecting a 'quint museum' to satisfy the curiosity of the public and to protect the family from inquisitive tourists. While the five babies were still quietly sleeping in oxygen tents in a hospital nursery, their parents were paying the price for fame. It would never again be possible for them to lead normal lives. They had become victims of commercialization, for their names had acquired a market value. The town itself received so much attention that almost every one of the inhabitants was affected to a greater or less degrees.

(i)  On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable. Supply a suitable title. (5 Marks)


(ii) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (3 Marks)


(3) (a) You are Nikhil/Natasha of 91, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi and wish to let out a portion of your newly built house. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words for publication in the 'To let' column of The Hindustan Times, giving all necessary details like location, type of accommodation to be rented out, rent expected, contact address, including telephone number etc.(3 Marks)


(b) Your school has just completed 25 years of its meritorious services to society. The Students' Council of your school has decided to celebrate its Silver Jubilee. As President of the Council write a notice in not more than 50 words for the students of your school, informing them about the Council's decision and seeking their cooperation for the success of the proposed silver jubilee celebrations. (5 Marks)

4. You are Rajani Kant/Rashmi of Gandhi Memorial Sr. Secondary School of Bangalore. Your school has recently conducted a benefit show in aid of the flood-affected people of Andhra. As cultural Secretary of the Student's Council of your school write a brief report in not more than 100 words on this activity of the school for publication in 'The Hindu'. (5 Marks)

OR

You are Vivek/Sulakshna working as a correspondent for 'The Indian Express' at Mumbai. You are invited by the organizers to cover the much awaited programme of Pop Star Michael Jackson in Mumbai. Write a report on this historic event, giving necessary details in not more than 100 words, for the benefit of the fans of Mikchael Jackson.