NEB Class 12 Science Compulsory English (NEB Released Items) Question Paper 2081 (Set A) Nepal

Read the following text and do the tasks that follow. [15]

The credit for the invention of examinations goes to one person – Henry Fischel. However, there's a catch! Some sources credit Henry Fischel, the American businessman and philanthropist who lived in the 19th century with inventing examinations.

In India, it is believed that the first official treatise that established the concept of public servant recruitment, or the Kautilya Arthashastra, was written by Chanakya or Vishnugupta in 313 BC. However, it is not considered an official introduction to examinations.

There is no official source that clarifies who invented examinations for the first time. So, take this information with a grain of salt.

Throughout history, there have been several instances of informal examinations. For example, soldiers would be examined on their strengths before being assigned to ranks. But academic exams are another ball game.

Going back through time, the first instance of an official nationwide examination took place in Ancient China in 605 AD during the Sui Dynasty. The exam was also called the Imperial Examination or the Keju and was adopted by the Chinese government to select the top scholars from the literary elite of society for government jobs.

The merit system was first introduced in China and gradually got popular worldwide. However, with the fall of the Empire in 1905, this method of appointment to government posts was abolished.

The Civil Service Examinations evolved from the Chinese Imperial examinations. Initially, in 1806, England adopted this form of examination to select capable candidates for serving under the Majesty's Civil Service. But later on, this form of merit-based evaluation was extended to academics.

In the 19th century, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge were tasked with coming up with standardised testing for males.

The primary purpose of examination is evaluation. Now, the simple answer here would be – "to evaluate a student's understanding of a particular subject."

The concept of examinations has evolved drastically from the times of Ancient China. Nowadays, students are constantly evaluated on their performance through all kinds of assessments and tests. These include periodicals, term papers, dissertations, research papers, case studies, projects, essay evaluations, etc.

The three major types of assessments you're most likely to encounter in academia are diagnostic assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment. Diagnostic assessment involves taking pre-tests to determine a student's prior knowledge of a particular topic to be taught. Formative assessment involves quizzing students on the topic being taught so educators can adjust their instruction level according to the students' retentive capabilities. Summative assessment involves testing a student's knowledge on a topic once that unit is complete.

Once an educator compares the results of the diagnostic assessment with the summative assessment, it becomes easier to understand how students' knowledge has expanded on the topic. Based on the results, the educator can opt for a revision session or proceed to the next stage.

Cambridge assessments are acclaimed and recognised internationally for being one of the top standardised tests globally. The tests are specifically tailored to meet global education standards and support the recruitment of students across multiple educational institutions.

A. Complete the sentences using the words highlighted in the text. Two of the words are not necessary. [5×1=5]

a. The journalist carefully verified her ............... before publishing the story.

b. Shakespeare is the greatest ................ figure of the Renaissance period.

c. Our school's greatest ................. lies in teamwork.

d. Nepal Rastra Bank was ...................... in 1956.

e. The writer .................. on the main idea by providing several supporting details.

B. Read the text again and write: [5×1=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. Sources prove that India officially introduced examinations for the first time.

b. Imperial Examination was adopted by the Chinese government to select government officials.

c. Diagnostic assessment involves taking pre-tests to determine a student's prior knowledge.

d. Oxford university is renowned for its assessment system.

e. The main purpose of examination is evaluation.

C. Answer the following questions. [5×1=5]

a. What is the contribution of Chanakya in evaluation system?

b. Why was the merit system abolished in China in 1905?

c. How were the capable candidates selected for serving under the Majesty's Civil Service in England?

d. How is summative assessment different from diagnostic assessment?

e. Do you think we can apply Cambridge assessment system in the context of Nepal? Give a reason.

Write a news story in about 150 words using the clues given below. [7]

Artudio … announced … 22nd edition of its "Little Araniko: Winter Art Camp" … children aged 6 to 14 … scheduled from January 2 to 11, 2025 … Artudio's premises, Swayambhu, Kathmandu … the bi-annual event … a cornerstone of Artudio … providing children with an artistic experience … the camp led by modern artists, designers, and authors from Nepal … allow exploration of diverse art forms … develop creative skills … foster imagination … psychological growth … self-expression through hands-on activities … supportive environment

Choose and copy the correct alternative.

How many syllables does the word 'education' have?

Which of the following words refers to the writing on the lives of saints?

Which of the following words comes before the word 'mosaic'?

Which of the following pair of words has the same vowel sound?

The girl takes after her mother. Which of the following words or phrase is similar in meaning with the phrase 'take after'?