Set 8

Grade 12                                                                                FM: 75

Compulsory English                                                               Time: 3 hrs.

 1. Read the given text and do the activities that follow: 15

Nepal, a nation nestled amidst the towering Himalayas, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and natural beauty. However, its sporting heritage, though not as globally recognized as its mountaineering exploits, plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s social fabric. From indigenous games rooted in historical traditions to modern international sports, Nepal’s sporting journey mirrors its societal evolution and aspirations.

For centuries, traditional games such as ghatta gheni, dhikichyau, andkabaddi have been integral to Nepalese communities. These sports, often played during festivals and communal gatherings, encapsulate the spirit of camaraderie and cultural continuity. Ghatta gheni, for instance, involves players simulating a traditional millstone’s circular movement, symbolizing the agrarian lifestyle predominant in rural Nepal. Similarly, kabaddi, a game requiring dexterity and endurance, thrives as a source of entertainment and local pride.

Despite their cultural resonance, these indigenous games face a gradual decline, overshadowed by the growing allure of Western sports. This cultural erosion underscores the need to preserve Nepal’s traditional sporting identity while integrating modern elements into its landscape.

In recent decades, football, cricket, and volleyball have emerged as dominant sports, transcending geographical and socioeconomic barriers. Football, in particular, enjoys immense popularity, with local leagues and clubs fostering a burgeoning talent pool. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has taken strides to professionalize the sport, though limited infrastructure and financial constraints continue to hinder its growth.

Cricket, initially introduced during the Rana regime, has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly after Nepal’s ascent to the international stage. The country’s qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2023 marked a watershed moment, galvanizing a new generation of aspiring cricketers. Similarly, volleyball, declared Nepal’s national sport in 2017, exemplifies a collective effort to promote inclusivity and gender equality within the realm of sports.

No discussion on sports in Nepal is complete without acknowledging mountaineering. Home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, Nepal serves as a magnet for adventurers and professional climbers. The summit of Mount Everest, locally known as Sagarmatha, represents the ultimate achievement for mountaineers worldwide. Beyond its international allure, mountaineering contributes significantly to the national economy, with permits and trekking-related tourism forming a vital revenue stream.

However, the sport is not without challenges. Environmental degradation, overcrowding on popular routes and the precarious working conditions of Sherpas highlight the need for sustainable practices and improved regulations. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining Nepal’s reputation as a premier mountaineering destination.

The development of sports in Nepal faces myriad challenges, ranging from inadequate funding and subpar infrastructure to a lack of systematic training programs. The uneven distribution of resources disproportionately affects athletes from rural areas, where access to proper facilities remains a distant dream. Furthermore, societal norms and stereotypes often restrict female participation, limiting the potential of half the population.

On the flip side, the growing influence of digital media and international collaborations offers a glimmer of hope. Grassroots initiatives and community-driven programs are gradually gaining momentum, emphasizing inclusivity and skill development. The government, along with non-governmental organizations, has also begun to invest in youth-centric sports academies, aiming to nurture talent from a young age.

Sports in Nepal are more than just recreational activities; they are a reflection of the nation’s resilience, diversity, and potential. As Nepal continues to navigate the complexities of modernization, its sporting culture stands at a crossroads. By striking a balance between preserving traditional games and embracing contemporary sports, Nepal can harness the transformative power of athletics to foster national unity and global recognition. Through strategic investments and collective effort, Nepal has the opportunity to carve its niche in the international sporting arena while uplifting its communities.

A. Fill in the gaps using the highlighted words from the text (two of them are not necessary): 5

a. It’s a game that has really lost its _______________.

b. Secondary head teachers said _______________ should be encouraged to collaborate with neighbouring schools.

c. They feel totally secure within a ____________ relationship.

d. I used a browser to ____________ around the Web.

e. Their friends are having a bad _____________ on them.

B. Read the text and write: 5
TRUE- if the statement agrees with the information given in the text.
FALSE- if the statement contradicts the information given in the text.
NOT GIVEN    – if there is no information in the text.

a. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is working to professionalize football in Nepal.

b. Nepal is home to all fourteen of the world’s highest peaks.

c. Cricket was introduced to Nepal during British colonization.

d. Volleyball is Nepal’s national sport, declared as such in 2017.

e. Traditional games in Nepal are often played during festivals and communal gatherings.

C. Answer the given questions: 5

a. What traditional games are mentioned as part of Nepal’s cultural heritage?

b. What significant achievement did Nepal’s cricket team accomplish in 2023?

c. How does mountaineering contribute to Nepal’s economy?

d. What efforts are being made to promote sports inclusively in Nepal?

e. Suggest a title to replace the given one.

2. Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each. 10

a. Rakesh is divided between a doctor and a son. As a son, he loves his father and worries about his weakening health but as a doctor he is strict on his father’s diet and medicine. In your view, what else could Rakesh have done to make his father’s final years more comfortable? [A Devoted Son]

b. Distinguish traditional marriage with unmarried cohabitation. [Marriage as a Social Institution]
OR,
Explain the plot of the play ‘Facing Death’.

3. Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each.                   5×2=10

a. How does the sun set? [A Day]
OR,
What do you understand by ‘the unwedded gardens of history’? [Soft Storm]

b. Why were the people in the neighbourhood surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family? [Neighbours]

c. Compare these two characters of the story, (Mr. Gaston and Gouvernail) from the story ‘A Respectable Woman’.
OR,
What makes the narrator nostalgic? What did he do with Runtu in the teenage? [My Old Home]

d. Describe the expository scene of the story ‘A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings’.

e. Why is wisdom needed not only in public ways, but in private life equally? [Knowledge and Wisdom]

4. Describe the given line graph: (Hetauda)                               7