Madhyamik 2022 English Question Paper

It is always lovely on the Big Half Moon in summer. When it is fine, the harbour is blue and calm, with little wind and ripples. Every summer, we had some hobby. The last summer before Dick and Mimi came, we were crazy about kites. A boy on the mainland showed Claude how to make them. Back on the island we made plenty of kites. Claude would go around to the other side of the island and we would play shipwrecked mariners signalling to each other with kites.

We had a kite that was big and covered with lovely red paper. We pasted gold tinsel stars all over it and had written our names full on it - Claude Leete and Philippa Leete, Big Half Moon lighthouse.

One day there was a grand wind for kite-flying. I'm not sure how it happened, but as I was bringing the kite from the house, I tripped and fell over the rocks. My elbow went clear through the kite, making a big hole.

We had to hurry to fix the kite if we wanted to send it up before the wind fell. We rushed into the lighthouse to get some paper. We knew there was no more red paper. We took the first thing that came handy - an old letter lying on the bookcase in the sitting room. We patched the kite up with the letter, a sheet on each side and dried it by the fire. We started out, and up went the kite like a bird. The wind was glorious and it soared. All at once - snap! And there was Claude, standing foolishly with a piece of cord in his hand, looking at his kite sailing away over to the mainland.

The conservation of forests has become a burning issue globally. Forests cover about 30 percent of the earth's land surface and play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Furthermore, forests provide habitat for millions of species of plants and animals, making them essential for biodiversity.

However, deforestation remains a major threat. Every year, vast areas of forest are cleared for agriculture, logging, and urban development. This not only destroys natural habitats but also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. The loss of forests also disrupts water cycles, leading to altered rainfall patterns and soil erosion.

Efforts to conserve forests include reforestation and afforestation programmes. Many governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are actively involved in planting trees and restoring degraded lands. In addition to planting new trees, protecting existing forests through strict regulations and sustainable management practices is crucial. Community involvement is also a key factor in successful forest conservation. Local communities, who often depend on forests for their livelihood, can act as guardians of the forest if they are educated about sustainable practices and provided with alternative sources of income.

Education and awareness campaigns are essential to highlight the importance of forests. By understanding the vital role forests play in our survival, people can make informed choices and support conservation initiatives.