Class 11 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test Model Paper

Smart English Resources Academy

Class 11 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test

Subject: English Core Max Marks: 20
Class: XI Time Allowed: 45 Minutes

General Instructions:

  • This paper comprises two sections: Section A and Section B.
  • Section A: Reading Skills (10 Marks)
  • Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
  • Strictly adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the writing tasks.
Section A: Reading Skills (10 Marks)
1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

(1) For decades, academic institutions and corporate organizations placed immense value on cognitive intelligence, commonly measured by the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). High IQ was seen as the golden ticket to academic brilliance, career progression, and overall success in life. However, modern psychological research suggests that another metric—Emotional Intelligence (EQ)—plays a far more critical role in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

(2) Popularized in the mid-1990s by psychologist Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence is defined as the ability to understand, use, and manage one’s own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and overcome challenges. According to Goleman, EQ comprises four core domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

(3) In the contemporary collaborative workspace, raw intellect is rarely enough. A highly intelligent employee who lacks self-regulation may struggle to work in a team, alienating colleagues with an abrasive attitude. Conversely, an individual with average IQ but exceptional EQ can easily build strong networks, resolve workplace conflicts, and lead teams effectively through periods of high stress. This explains why many top-tier corporations now prioritize emotional resilience and adaptability over pure technical expertise during their hiring process.

(4) This does not mean that IQ is obsolete. Cognitive intelligence is essential for learning complex technical skills and processing intricate data. However, while IQ may get you hired for a job, it is your EQ that will determine how well you perform in a leadership role and how successfully you navigate the inevitable setbacks of life. Consequently, schools globally are increasingly integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into their curriculums to prepare students holistically for the future.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions: (1 x 10 = 10 Marks)
  1. What was traditionally believed to be the “golden ticket” to overall success in life?
    1. Social-emotional learning
    2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
    3. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
    4. Relationship management
  2. According to Daniel Goleman, what is the definition of Emotional Intelligence?
  3. Complete the sentence appropriately:
    According to the passage, while IQ might get a person hired for a job, it is their EQ that determines how well they __________.
  4. Select the word from Paragraph 3 that is an antonym for “cooperative” or “friendly”.
    1. Contemporary
    2. Abrasive
    3. Collaborative
    4. Exceptional
  5. State any two of the four core domains of Emotional Intelligence mentioned in Paragraph 2.
  6. Based on the passage, state whether the following statement is True or False:
    The author argues that IQ is now completely obsolete and useless in the modern world.
  7. Why do many top-tier corporations now prioritize emotional resilience over pure technical expertise?
  8. Why are schools globally starting to integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into their curriculums?
  9. Complete the analogy by choosing the correct word from Paragraph 4:
    Success : Progress :: Failure : ____________
  10. What is the overall tone of the author in this passage?
    1. Mocking and sarcastic
    2. Informative and analytical
    3. Aggressive and critical
    4. Nostalgic and emotional
Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word/determiner given in brackets. (3 Marks)

A good library (a) (is/are/has) a place where one can find absolute peace. A student (b) (ought/should/must) to visit the library regularly to expand their knowledge. Unfortunately, only (c) (a few / a little / much) students take full advantage of the resources available there.

3. Re-order the following jumbled words/phrases to make meaningful sentences. (2 Marks)

(a) health / is / wealth / considered / greatest / the / world / in / the

(b) global / a / warming / threat / poses / serious / to / humanity

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following writing tasks. (5 Marks)

A. Poster Making: Your school is organizing a “Save Water, Save Life” campaign. As the Secretary of the Eco Club, design an eye-catching poster in not more than 50 words urging students to conserve water. Include a catchy slogan and relevant details.

OR

B. Speech Writing: You are Amit/Amita, the Head Boy/Girl of Zenith Public School. Write a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic “The Importance of Mental Health Awareness among Students”.

Section A: Reading (10 Marks)

  1. (c) Intelligence Quotient (IQ) (1 mark)
  2. The ability to understand, use, and manage one’s own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize, and overcome challenges. (1 mark)
  3. perform in a leadership role / navigate the inevitable setbacks of life. (1 mark)
  4. (b) Abrasive (1 mark)
  5. Any two: self-awareness / self-management / social awareness / relationship management. (1 mark)
  6. False (The passage states “This does not mean that IQ is obsolete”). (1 mark)
  7. Because an employee with high EQ can easily build strong networks, resolve workplace conflicts, and lead teams effectively through periods of high stress. (1 mark)
  8. To prepare students holistically for the future, recognizing that EQ is vital for overcoming life’s challenges. (1 mark)
  9. Setbacks (1 mark)
  10. (b) Informative and analytical (1 mark)

Section B: Grammar & Writing (10 Marks)

2. Gap Filling (3 Marks)

  • (a) is (1 mark)
  • (b) ought (1 mark)
  • (c) a few (1 mark)

3. Sentence Reordering (2 Marks)

  • (a) Health is considered the greatest wealth in the world. (1 mark)
  • (b) Global warming poses a serious threat to humanity. (1 mark)

4. Writing Skills (5 Marks)

Format: 1 Mark | Content: 2 Marks | Accuracy & Expression: 2 Marks

  • Poster (A): Must be enclosed in a box. Should have a catchy title/slogan (“Save Water, Save Life”). Must use short phrases, not long paragraphs. Must state the issuing authority (Eco Club, XYZ School).
  • Speech (B): Must start with a formal salutation (Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends). Must introduce the speaker (Amit/Amita) and the topic. Tone should be conversational and engaging. Must conclude with “Thank you”.
Scroll to Top