SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT – II
ENGLISH
(Language and Literature)
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum marks : 80
General Instructions :
(i) The Question paper is divided into four sections :
Section A — Reading 15 marks
Section B — Writing 15 marks
Section C — Grammar 15 marks
Section D —Text Books and Long Reading Text (25+10) = 35 marks
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Marks are indicated against each question.
SECTION A — (Reading) 15 Marks
1. Read the passage given below and complete the statements that follow by choosing the most appropriate options. 1X5=5
Cheraw is the most colourful Mizo dance. Bamboos are used in this dance. Hence the dancer moves by stepping alternately in and out from between and across a pair of horizontal bamboos, held against the ground by people sitting face to face at either side. They tap the bamboos open and close in rhythmic beats. Two bases support the bamboos, placed horizontally, one at each end. The bamboos, when clapped, produce a sharp sound, which forms the rhythm of the dance. It indicates the timing of the dance as well. The dancers step in and out to the beats of the bamboos with ease and grace. The patterns and stepping of the dance have many variations. Sometimes the steppings are made in imitation of the movements of birds, sometimes the swaying of trees and so on.
Little is known about the origin of Cheraw. It may be possible that the forefathers of the Mizos brought it with them when they left home in Far-East Asia. Cheraw is performed on any occasion these days. But, so goes the legend. It used to be performed in earlier times only to ensure a safe passage for a dead child to paradise. Cheraw is, therefore, a dance of sanctification and redemption performed with great care, precision and elegance.