FBISE paper questions

The verb phrase is "have been preparing" (present perfect continuous). "Have" and "been" are auxiliary verbs that make the tense; the main verb is the last word of the verb phrase, preparing, which carries the meaning. "Exam" is a noun, the object of the preposition "for".

Because begins the dependent clause because it was raining and joins it to the main clause I stayed home, so it is the subordinating conjunction (reason). I is a pronoun, home an adverb/noun and raining a verb form.

Turn off means to stop a light, machine or tap, which is what we do to lights when we leave a room. Turn up means to arrive or to increase (volume, heat); turn into means to become.

when I arrive home has a subject (I) and a finite verb (arrive), so it is a clause. It begins with when and cannot stand alone, so it is dependent. It tells when about the verb call, and there is no noun before it for it to describe, so it is an adverb clause of time, not a relative clause. It is not a noun clause: I will call you it makes no sense.

The future continuous is will + be + V-ing, used for an action in progress at a future moment (8 pm tonight): I will be studying.

A is past simple, C is future simple and D is past perfect.

before the deadline has no finite verb, so it is a phrase (a prepositional phrase: before + the deadline). It tells when she completed the assignment, so it describes the verb completed: an adverbial phrase. It does not describe the noun assignment (not which assignment?), so it is not adjectival, and it has no verb, so it is not a verb phrase.

A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with its object. Under is the preposition and the old tree is its object. They sat and Sat contain the verb, and The old has no preposition.

Devastating means causing great damage and destruction. Wrecking (destroying) has the same meaning and is also an -ing adjective.

Improving and beautifying are opposite in feeling, and designing only looks similar because it begins with de-.

The exposition is the opening stage of the plot that introduces the characters and the setting. The climax, falling action and resolution all come later.

if you need me has a subject (you) and a finite verb (need), so it is a clause. It cannot stand alone, so it is not the main clause. If means on the condition that: the clause tells on what condition I will help, so it is an adverb clause of condition. It is not a noun clause because it is not the object of a verb such as ask or know (if cannot be replaced by whether here).

The blank comes after the adjective careful and before the preposition of, so it must be a noun: her careful analysis of the problem.

Analyze is a verb and Analytical an adjective. Analyzing is a gerund, but a gerund takes its object directly and is described by an adverb (carefully analyzing the problem), so it does not fit careful ... of.

Determined (firmly deciding to succeed) is praise, so it has a positive connotation.

Stubborn, aggressive and bossy all describe the same strength of will in a disapproving way, so they are negative.

Bank is a multiple-meaning word. "Of the river" and "covered with grass" show it is the land along the side of a river.

A river bed is the bottom of the river, under the water, so grass cannot cover it.

The man is not a real reptile. The word is used for its connotation (danger, betrayal), so it is used connotatively, that is figuratively.

Denotatively would mean the dictionary meaning, a real snake.

As a verb, draft means to write the first, rough version of a document. A report is written, so "write a first version" fits the context.

Draw a picture is a trap based on the similar word "draw".

D, Euphemism. "Under the weather" means slightly ill. It is a mild, polite way of saying "he has been sick", and a gentle word used in place of an unpleasant one is a euphemism.

"Under the weather" is also an idiom: a fixed phrase whose meaning (ill) cannot be worked out from its words. "Idiom" is not among the options, so the question asks what the idiom does, and it softens the fact of illness. The other options fail: there is no exaggeration (hyperbole), no pair of opposite words (oxymoron) and no comparison with like or as (simile).

A, Living dead. An oxymoron puts two words of opposite meaning side by side. Living and dead are opposites. In "beautiful flower", "quiet room" and "dark night" the adjective agrees with the noun, so there is no contradiction.

According to is a compound preposition and the teacher is its object, so the group is a prepositional phrase. It has no verb (not a verb phrase), it does not describe a noun (not an adjective phrase), and it is not built round a head noun doing a noun's job (not a noun phrase).

Exposition introduces the characters, setting and basic situation. Conflict is the struggle that starts after it, with the inciting incident.

Setting is the time and place (and social environment) of a story. The message is the theme, personality is characterization, and the sequence of events is the plot.

Central idea

Overpopulation harms Pakistan's economy, farming, society and environment, and it must be controlled through education, awareness and practical reforms.

Main points (rough work)

1. Overpopulation has slowed the country's economic growth: buying power falls, demand drops and investment suffers.
2. A stagnant economy closes factories and businesses, so unemployment, poverty and hunger increase.
3. Farms become smaller and less productive, so farmers move to cities.
4. Rapid urban growth brings social evils such as crime and corruption.
5. More vehicles cause pollution; sewage problems and a shortage of clean water follow.
6. Remedies: raise the literacy rate (the government has done little) and use electronic and print media to spread awareness.
7. Conclusion: the problem causes frustration and disorder, so practical, wide-ranging reforms are necessary.

Final answer

Overpopulation: Effects and Remedies

Overpopulation has seriously damaged the country's economy. As people's buying power falls, demand and investment decline, forcing factories and businesses to close and increasing unemployment, poverty and hunger. Agriculture also suffers, because land is divided into small, less productive farms, and farmers move to cities. This rapid urban growth breeds crime and corruption, while more vehicles pollute the air and pressure grows on sewage and clean water. The writer therefore stresses raising the literacy rate and using the media to spread awareness, since the government has done little. The writer concludes that this serious problem must be tackled practically through wide reforms.

(Word count: 102)

Alternative title: The Curse of Overpopulation

What was left out and why

• The "demand and supply" law: a technical aside; the idea (lower demand, lower investment) is kept.
• The list "lawlessness, crime and corruption" is shortened to two words.
• "Print media too": electronic and print media are covered by one word, media.
• The metaphors "stands at a crossroads" and "not just an option: it's a necessity" become "wide reforms".
• The frustration and chaos point is covered by "this serious problem" to keep the length near one-third.

Conflict: the driving force of The Pearl

Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces in a story. It can be internal, inside a character's mind, or external, against another person, society or nature. Conflict is significant because it creates the plot, builds suspense and reveals character. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, Kino first faces nature when a scorpion stings his son, Coyotito. He then fights society: the doctor refuses to treat a poor Indian, and the pearl buyers try to cheat him. He also fights himself, torn between love for his family and his proud dream of wealth. These conflicts lead to violence, the loss of his canoe and house, and Coyotito's death. Without conflict, there would be no story.

Exposition: the foundation of The Pearl

Exposition is the opening part of a story. It introduces the main characters, the setting and the basic situation, and gives the background the reader needs to understand the conflict. A strong exposition prepares the ground for everything that follows. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the exposition shows Kino waking at dawn in his brush house by the sea near La Paz. We meet his wife, Juana, and their baby, Coyotito, and hear the peaceful Song of the Family. We learn that they are poor Indians who live by pearl diving and that the rich colonial town looks down on them. This calm, simple life makes the later greed, violence and loss more shocking.

Youth Unemployment

Every year, thousands of young Pakistanis leave universities with degrees in their hands, but many cannot find work. Unemployment is a condition in which a person who is able and willing to work cannot find a job. When the young are unemployed, a nation wastes its greatest asset. Youth unemployment is, therefore, one of the most serious challenges facing Pakistan today.

Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in the world, as nearly two-thirds of its people are under thirty. Yet many young people are either jobless or working far below their qualifications. Many graduates spend years sending applications, and frustration is spreading.

Young people are struggling in several areas. Firstly, they cannot find jobs that match their degrees. Secondly, many lack practical skills such as computer use and communication. Thirdly, those in villages have few opportunities outside farming. Moreover, young women face extra barriers, such as limited mobility.

The causes of youth unemployment are deep-rooted. Our education system produces degree holders rather than skilled workers, so what students learn does not match what employers need. In addition, slow economic growth and rapid population increase have reduced the number of new jobs. Nepotism in hiring also denies talent a fair chance.

Serious measures are required. The government should link education with the job market by expanding vocational training through bodies such as NAVTTC. Free online programmes like DigiSkills can train young people in freelancing. Easy loans can help them start small businesses, and merit must be the only standard in recruitment.

In conclusion, our youth can have a bright future if their energy is directed wisely. With skills and fair opportunities, today's jobless graduates can become tomorrow's job creators. As Allama Iqbal reminds us, "Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain": there are worlds beyond the stars. A nation that invests in its youth invests in its own future.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: What is unemployment?): hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Current conditions of youth): the present situation.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Areas where youth are struggling): three areas, listed with Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Causes of youth unemployment): causes with reasons.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Measures required): solutions with Pakistani examples (NAVTTC, DigiSkills).
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Future prospects): restated thesis, future hope, Iqbal's line as the strong ending.

The Most Historic Place I Have Visited

Some places are made of stone, yet they speak like books. The Lahore Fort, known locally as the Shahi Qila, is one such place. Last winter, I visited it with my class and felt as if I had walked into the pages of history. Of all the places I have seen, the Lahore Fort is the most historic.

The fort stands at the northern edge of the Walled City of Lahore. Its present form was built mainly by the Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. In 1981, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site together with the Shalimar Gardens.

The fort covers a vast area enclosed by massive walls of brick. Visitors enter through the grand Alamgiri Gate, built by Aurangzeb. Inside are marble halls, green lawns and elegant pavilions. The most famous is the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, whose ceiling is covered with tiny pieces of glass that sparkle like stars. The long Picture Wall shows elephants and horsemen in colourful tiles.

The atmosphere and environment of the fort are calm and majestic. Pigeons flutter over the courtyards, and a cool breeze blows. Its cultural and human side is equally rich. Just outside stand the Badshahi Mosque, the tomb of Allama Iqbal and the Minar-e-Pakistan, so the whole area feels like a living museum. Families and foreign tourists listen as guides tell stories of Mughal kings.

Standing inside the Sheesh Mahal, I was deeply moved. I imagined Shah Jahan holding court there nearly four hundred years ago. I felt proud of the skill of our ancestors, but I also felt sad to see names scratched on some ancient walls.

In conclusion, the Lahore Fort is a treasure of our history and culture, and its future depends on us. If restoration work continues and visitors respect its walls, this great monument will keep telling its story to generations yet to come.

Word count: 316 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): hook (a striking statement), the place named, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: General Description): location, builders, status.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Physical Features): sight details, from the gate to the halls inside.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Atmosphere and Environment ... Cultural and Human Elements): sound and touch details, then the people and nearby landmarks.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Personal Experience/Feelings): what I felt, in the first person.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, future of the monument, strong last line.

Corrected paragraph (corrections in bold; underline them on the answer sheet)

A girl went to the park every evening. She saw a butterfly and chased it across the flowers. The butterfly flew high in the sky, and the girl ran happily to follow it. Everyone in the garden watched them with interest.

Corrections to list under the paragraph

1. an girl : A girl
2. She sawed : She saw
3. chased them : chased it
4. across the flowers The butterfly : across the flowers. The butterfly
5. the girls runs : the girl ran
6. gardun : garden

Answers

(1) on; (2) beside; (3) between; (4) in front of; (5) behind; (6) inside.

Completed paragraph

Sara was preparing for her art project today. First, she placed her sketchbook on the table so she could reach it easily. Then, she sat beside her friend, ready to start drawing. When she needed a pencil, she found it between the two books on the shelf. Later, she stood quietly in front of the window, watching the rain outside. While arranging her colors, she discovered a paintbrush behind her bag. Finally, when she finished, she stacked all her supplies neatly inside the cupboard.

Reason for each blank

Answer (as written on the answer sheet)

• (i) had completed
• (ii) jogging
• (iii) had bought
• (iv) writing
• (v) talking
• (vi) trying
• (vii) before
• (viii) always

Completed sentences

1. She had completed her homework before dinner yesterday.
2. I prefer jogging early in the morning when it is quiet.
3. By the time the train arrived, we had bought our tickets.
4. "Reading books helps to learn; writing helps to remember."
5. "Stop talking loudly in the library; people are studying!"
6. He enjoys trying new recipes during the weekend.
7. The meeting started exactly five minutes before schedule.
8. I always drink coffee before starting my work.

Why each answer is right

Completed paragraph

The manager's professional approach during the meeting impressed the entire board. He spoke clearly about the company's future goals. His main priority was to ensure that every team member felt valued. To achieve this, he organized a creative workshop to encourage new ideas. He believed that constant improvement was the key to staying competitive. The staff praised him for his decisiveness and his ability to handle pressing situations with a calm mind.

Why each answer is right

Answers (any five; all six given): (1) Afterwards; (2) moreover; (3) however; (4) because; (5) Finally; (6) indeed.

Completed passage: The team lead started the day by reviewing the monthly targets. Afterwards, the staff began their individual tasks. The workload was quite heavy this week; moreover, two team members were on leave. The employees felt pressured; however, they remained focused on their goals. They collaborated closely on the main project because they wanted to finish before the deadline. Finally, they submitted the final report to the director. Everyone felt a sense of relief; indeed, it was the most successful project of the year.

Courage is a quality. It cannot be seen, touched, heard, smelt or tasted, so it is an abstract noun. It is not a group (collective), not a particular name (proper) and not a physical thing (concrete).

Neither is a distributive word: it takes the students one at a time ("not this one and not that one"), so it is singular, and a pronoun that refers to it must also be singular. The formal rule gives his (or "his or her" for a mixed group). "Her" is also singular, but it fits only if we are told the students are girls; the sentence gives no such clue, and traditional grammar uses "his" for an unknown or mixed group. "Their" is plural (it is used informally as a "singular they" in modern English), and "them" is an object pronoun, never a possessive before a noun.

Fragile means easily broken; "carefully" is the context clue. Delicate has the same meaning.

Strong is the antonym, and cheap or expensive are about price, not strength.

Wolves (and hounds) hunt in a pack. A herd is used for cattle or elephants, a bunch for keys, grapes or flowers, and a swarm for bees or locusts.

A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a full stop: I enjoy reading novels.

(A) asks a question (interrogative), (C) shows strong feeling (exclamatory) and (D) makes a request (imperative).

on the table begins with the preposition on and ends with its object table, and it describes the book (which book?). It is the prepositional phrase the question is built round.

There is no finite verb in the group, so it is a phrase. It tells how he spoke, so it describes the verb spoke: an adverbial phrase of manner. It could be replaced by the single adverb politely.

Because of is a group of two words used as one preposition, which is what FBISE calls a compound preposition (Wren and Martin call it a phrase preposition). Beside, near and across are one-word prepositions.

If the traditional meaning were used, both beside and across would count as compound and the question would have two answers, so the only possible key is A.

wearing is a participle with no helping verb, so there is no finite verb and the group is a phrase: this rules out C and D. It does not begin with a preposition, so A is wrong. It is a participial phrase that describes the noun boy (which boy? the one wearing a red shirt), so it works as an adjectival phrase.

Happily tells how the children played, so it is an adverb of manner. "In the garden" is the place and no word tells when or how often.

A heart of stone is a figurative phrase (a metaphor): a heart that feels nothing, like a stone, so the person has no pity or sympathy. The first sentence ("She always scolds the poor") is the context clue. Option A is the literal trap.

Advocacy is the abstract noun (public support for a cause), made with the suffix -acy. The FBISE framework itself gives the pair advocate, advocacy.

Advocating is the -ing form of the verb; advocateful and advocative are not English words.

The main verb had finished is had + V3: the past perfect. It shows the action completed before another past action (the teacher arrived).

Arrived is simple past, but it is only the reference point in the by the time clause; the tense of the sentence is named from the main clause.

Climate is the general pattern of weather in a place over a long time. A desert climate is dry year after year.

"Temperature of a day" describes weather, not climate; this is the trap.

Stubborn describes someone who refuses to change even when wrong, so it shows disapproval.

Confident, determined and persistent all praise a strong will, so they are positive.

A, Personification. Roaring (a loud, angry cry) is given to the wind, which is not a living being, so the wind is treated like a raging person. There is no like or as (not simile), and the wind is not called something else (not metaphor).

B, Hyperbole. "Around the clock" means all day and all night without stopping, which no one can literally do. The exaggeration stresses how hard the team is working, and deliberate exaggeration for emphasis is hyperbole. There is no double meaning (pun), no repeated first sound (alliteration) and no sound-word (onomatopoeia).

The exposition opens the story and introduces the characters and the setting. This is the same question as Set B MCQ 9.

C. "He worked hard" is the cause and "he succeeded" is the effect, joined by the result connector "so". A and B are questions, and D is a simple statement with no reason or result.

The climax is the turning point and the moment of greatest tension. The introduction of characters is the exposition, and the settling of the conflict is the resolution.

Central idea

Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, seriously damages the heart and lungs, and it is addictive and hard to give up.

Main points (rough work)

1. Experts now know that tobacco smoke contains poisons that harm the body; pipes and cigars are as harmful as cigarettes (the packet warning is only the lead-in).
2. Within seconds, smoking speeds up the heart, raises blood pressure, lowers oxygen and fills the lungs with cancer-causing chemicals.
3. Nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are the most dangerous substances.
4. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and overworks the heart; carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen in the blood.
5. Tar damages lung tissue; smoke inflames the breathing tubes and causes chronic bronchitis (mucus blocks the airways).
6. Over the years, tar can cause lung cancer, a major killer of smokers (the treatment detail is dropped).
7. Quitting is hard because the body becomes addicted to nicotine; it needs strong willpower.
8. Chewing tobacco is also harmful: it speeds up the heart and causes mouth cancer and damage to the gums and teeth.

Final answer

The Dangers of Smoking

Experts now know that tobacco smoke, whether from cigarettes, pipes or cigars, contains poisons that harm the body. Within seconds of smoking, the heart beats faster, blood pressure rises and cancer-causing chemicals enter the lungs. Nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are the most dangerous of these substances. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels and overworks the heart, while carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen in the blood. Tar damages the lungs, and smoke inflames the breathing tubes, causing chronic bronchitis, in which mucus blocks the airways. Over the years, tar can also cause lung cancer, a major killer of smokers. Moreover, quitting is difficult because the body becomes addicted to nicotine. Finally, the writer warns that chewing tobacco is also harmful, as it causes mouth cancer and damages the gums and teeth.

(Word count: 130)

Alternative title: Tobacco: A Slow Poison

What was left out and why

• The opening address to the reader ("The next time you see a packet...") is an introduction, not a main idea.
• "Three seconds after" becomes "within seconds"; the exact figure is a detail.
• The cilia and the bronchial tubes: technical details; "breathing tubes" covers them.
• The coughing and the treatment by removing the lung are details of the diseases.
• "Second-highest cause of death" becomes "a major killer".
• "The body tells the brain that it wants nicotine" repeats the addiction point.
• "e.g mouth cancer or damage the gums and teeth" is kept briefly because it is the evidence that chewing tobacco is harmful.

Setting as the background for the action of The Pearl

Setting is the time, place and social conditions in which a story takes place. It makes the characters' actions believable. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the story is set in La Paz, a Mexican town on the Gulf of California. Kino, a poor Indian diver, lives in a brush house outside the town, while the rich colonial doctor, the priest and the pearl buyers live in the town. This unfair social setting explains the main action: the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito, and the buyers cheat Kino because he is poor. The sea gives Kino the pearl, and the dry mountains become the scene of the final chase. So the setting shapes the whole action.

Role of the main character: Kino in The Pearl

The main character, or protagonist, is the central figure of a novel. The plot moves through his choices and struggles, and the theme is shown through his fate. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, Kino, a poor Indian pearl diver, is the main character. At first he is a content family man who loves Juana and their baby, Coyotito. When he finds the great pearl, he dreams of a church wedding, a rifle and schooling for his son. He refuses the pearl buyers' low offer, fights attackers and even strikes Juana. His pride and determination drive every event, and his loss of Coyotito carries the message that greed destroys. Thus the whole story revolves around Kino.

Women Empowerment

Quaid-e-Azam once said, "No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you." Empowerment means giving people the power and resources to make decisions about their own lives. Women empowerment, therefore, means that women can learn, earn and take part in public life as equals. For Pakistan, it is not a choice but a necessity.

The current conditions of women present a mixed picture. On the one hand, women serve as doctors, pilots and judges, and Benazir Bhutto became the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country. On the other hand, millions of women, especially in villages, still live without education, income or a voice. Pakistan ranks near the bottom of the Global Gender Gap Index.

Women are struggling in several areas. In education, many girls leave school early because of poverty, long distances and early marriage. In terms of financial independence, most women depend on male relatives for money, and many work in fields and homes without any pay.

Health is another area of concern. Poor nutrition and a shortage of trained midwives put many mothers at risk during childbirth. In politics, although sixty seats are reserved for women in the National Assembly, few women hold real power.

Several measures are required to restore women to a respectable status. Girls' schools should be built closer to villages. The Benazir Income Support Programme and small loans can help women earn and save. Laws against harassment must be enforced strictly. Above all, society must accept that Islam gives women the right to education, property and respect.

The future prospects are encouraging. Malala Yousafzai, Arfa Karim and Samina Baig have shown the world what Pakistani women can achieve. With equal opportunities, women will change not only their own lives but also the fortunes of the nation. An empowered woman builds an empowered nation.

Word count: 310 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: What is empowerment): quotation hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Current conditions of women): both sides of the picture.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Areas where women are struggling: education, financial independence): the first two areas.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: ... health and politics): the other two areas.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Measures required to restore women to a respectable status): solutions with Pakistani examples.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Future prospects): role models, future hope, strong last line.

The Most Beautiful Place on Earth

John Keats wrote, "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever." Whenever I remember the Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, I understand those words. I have seen many lovely places, but for me, Hunza is the most beautiful place on earth.

Hunza lies in the far north of Pakistan along the Karakoram Highway, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. Its main towns, Karimabad and Aliabad, sit on terraced slopes above the Hunza River. The valley can be reached by road from Islamabad in about two days.

The physical features of Hunza are breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks such as Rakaposhi and Ultar tower over green fields and orchards of apricots, cherries and apples. In spring, the whole valley turns pink and white with blossoms. Further up the valley lies Attabad Lake, whose turquoise water shines like a precious stone.

The atmosphere and environment are peaceful and pure. The air is crisp, the streams are crystal-clear, and the silence is broken only by the sound of water and birds. The cultural and human elements are equally charming. The people are educated, polite and hospitable, and they speak languages such as Burushaski and Wakhi. Ancient forts like Baltit and Altit tell stories of the old rulers of Hunza, the Mirs.

When I visited Hunza with my family, I stood on the terrace of Baltit Fort at sunset and watched Rakaposhi turn golden and then pink. At that moment, I forgot the noise and stress of city life. I felt calm, grateful and closer to my Creator.

In conclusion, Hunza is a gift of nature and a jewel of Pakistan. Its future depends on responsible tourism. If visitors keep it clean and the government protects its environment, this paradise will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Word count: 295 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): quotation hook (Keats), the place named, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: General Description): where it is and how to reach it.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Physical Features): sight details, from the peaks down to the lake.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Atmosphere and Environment ... Cultural and Human Elements): sound, touch and people.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Personal Experience/Feelings): one moment, described with feeling.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, responsible tourism, strong last line.

Corrected paragraph (corrections in bold; underline them on the answer sheet)

A boy was walking to school yesterday morning. He saw a stray dog and ran quickly to catch it. The dog was very friendly and wagged its tail happily. Every student in the street watched them with curiosity.

Corrections to list under the paragraph

1. a boy were walking : a boy was walking
2. He seen : He saw
3. runs quickly : ran quickly
4. A dog was very friendly : The dog was very friendly
5. wag its tail : wagged its tail
6. cureasety : curiosity

Answers

(1) inside; (2) on; (3) behind; (4) in front of; (5) next to; (6) under.

Completed paragraph

Sparky, the puppy was very playful today. First, he hid inside a large cardboard box so no one could see him. Then, he jumped out and ran to sit on his favorite soft rug. When he got tired, he crawled behind the sofa to take a nap in the dark. After his nap, he stood in front of the door, wagging his tail because he wanted to go outside. While waiting, he found a tennis ball next to his water bowl. Finally, when it started to rain, he hid under a big umbrella to stay dry.

Reason for each blank

Answer (as written on the answer sheet)

• (i) ran
• (ii) stay
• (iii) had finished
• (iv) to do
• (v) whistling
• (vi) listening
• (vii) ago
• (viii) usually

Completed sentences

1. He ran the marathon in under four hours last year.
2. I would rather stay at home tonight.
3. By the time the movie started, we had finished our popcorn.
4. "To see is to believe; to do is to understand."
5. "Please quit whistling; I am trying to study!"
6. They really love listening to jazz music on rainy days.
7. The school bell rang exactly ten minutes ago.
8. I usually eat breakfast before I leave for work.

Why each answer is right

Completed paragraph

The explorer's curiosity about the ancient ruins led him deep into the jungle. He walked cautiously through the thick vines, aware of the hidden dangers. His preparation for the journey included studying old maps and packing reliable equipment. He believed that discovering the lost city would bring him great happiness. His team admired him for handling every challenge.

Why each answer is right

Answers (any five; all six given): (1) Eventually; (2) however; (3) because; (4) Then; (5) indeed; (6) and.

Completed passage: The student spent weeks researching her project on climate change. Eventually, the day of the presentation arrived and she felt quite nervous. She had practiced her speech many times; however, she still worried she might forget her lines. She took a deep breath because she wanted to stay calm. Then, she stood up and began to speak. Her message was clear; indeed, it was the most important speech of her life. She finished by sharing a hopeful quote and thanked the audience for their time.

under the table is preposition under + object the table. The other sentences have no preposition: quickly is a single adverb, and a book is the object of a verb.

Conflict is a struggle between two opposing forces. "Choosing between right and wrong" names both forces in the struggle (an internal conflict). A quiet end and the victory of the protagonist are outcomes, not struggles.

Running is the -ing form of a verb used as the subject of improves (It improves health), so it works as a noun: a gerund.

It does not describe a noun (not an adjective or participle) and does not help another verb (not auxiliary).

Simultaneously means at the same time. "Very busy" and "two projects" show she is doing both together.

One after another and seriatim (in a series) mean the opposite.

The pattern What a + adjective + noun, ending with an exclamation mark, shows strong feeling (wonder), so it is exclamatory.

With a singular subject (she) the negative helping verb is does not, and after does the main verb is in the base form (like).

(B) has no helping verb, (C) uses do with she, and (D) adds -s to the verb after does.

A complex sentence has one main clause and at least one dependent clause. because she was happy is a dependent (adverb) clause attached to She sang.

(A) has a compound verb but only one clause, so it is simple; (B) and (C) are simple.

B, Hyperbole. Nobody can sleep for a year; the speaker exaggerates to show how very tired he is. There is no like or as (simile), no comparison of one thing to another (metaphor) and no sound-word (onomatopoeia).

The group has no subject and no finite verb, so it is a phrase, not a clause (A and B go). It tells how he ran, so it describes the verb ran: an adverbial phrase of manner (it means quickly). It does not describe a noun, so it is not adjectival.

C, Imagery. Imagery is descriptive language that appeals to the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Assonance is repeated vowel sounds, euphemism a mild word for a harsh one, and onomatopoeia a word that imitates a sound.

A dynamic character goes through an important change, like Kino in The Pearl. A static character stays the same.

Wow is an interjection: it shows sudden surprise and admiration, stands apart from the grammar of the sentence and is followed by an exclamation mark. The other sentences contain only nouns, verbs and adverbs.

Massive means very large and heavy. "Ten strong men could not lift" is the context clue, so heavy is the synonym.

Light is the antonym.

Each is singular even when it is followed by of + a plural noun, so it takes the singular verb has passed.

(A) has no finite verb (a fragment); (B) and (D) use plural verb forms.

Who refers back to its antecedent "the boy" and joins the clause "who won the race" to it, so it is a relative pronoun. It does not ask a question, so it is not interrogative. There is no such class as a "correlative pronoun" (correlatives are conjunction pairs such as either ... or).

After the possessive Her, the blank is the subject of the verb helped, so it must be a noun: determination.

Determines and determine are verbs and determinedly is an adverb; none can follow Her as a subject.

Arrogant means proud in an unpleasant way, thinking you are better than others, so it is negative.

Confident is the positive word for self-belief; courageous and determined are also positive.

in accordance with is a compound preposition and the instructions is its object, so the whole group is the prepositional phrase. He completed and completed the task contain the verb, and the instructions alone is only the object (a noun phrase) without its preposition.

D, Personification. Opportunity is an idea, not a person, yet it is given a human action: knocking at a door like a visitor. Giving human actions to a non-human thing is personification. There is no like or as (simile) and no pair of opposite words (oxymoron).

Because of is the only preposition of more than one word in the options, and FBISE uses compound preposition for such multi-word prepositions. Under and near are simple prepositions, and beside is a one-word preposition.

Central idea

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain with coal and steam power, replaced muscle and nature with machines and created modern industrial society.

Main points (rough work)

1. Modern life depends on machines (the opening invitation to count them is dropped).
2. Before the Industrial Revolution, people used direct energy: sun, biomass, wind.
3. From the mid-eighteenth century, fossil fuels (stored ancient solar energy) greatly increased productivity.
4. The revolution began in Britain: forests were used up, so people mined coal; flooded mines were slow to drain.
5. In the early nineteenth century, steam-powered spinning and weaving machines out-produced India and moved workers into factories.
6. Steam trains and steamships transformed travel; the first world's fair showed Britain as the leading maker of machines.
7. Result: smoky factories, crowded cities and railways became features of British life.

Final answer

The Industrial Revolution in Britain

Modern life depends heavily on machines. Before the Industrial Revolution, people used only direct sources of energy such as the sun and wind, but from the mid-eighteenth century fossil fuels, which store ancient solar energy, greatly increased human productivity. The revolution began in Britain, where people had used up their forests and therefore started mining coal, although draining the flooded mines was slow. In the early nineteenth century, steam-powered spinning and weaving machines produced more cotton cloth than India and drew workers from their homes into factories. Steam trains and ships also transformed travel, and the first world's fair showed that Britain led the world in machinery. Consequently, smoky factories, crowded cities and railways became common in Britain.

(Word count: 118)

Alternative title: The Rise of the Machine Age

What was left out and why

• The invitation to list the machines in your household (second person, a command) becomes one statement: modern life depends on machines.
• "Sunlight, biomass, and wind" becomes "the sun and wind"; the list of fossil fuels becomes "fossil fuels".
• The dates 1750 and 1851 become "the mid-eighteenth century" and "the first world's fair".
• "Hunks of black stone" and "horses pulling up bucketfuls" are descriptive details.
• The North American colonies and "one steam engine could power many spindles" are details of the cotton point.
• The list of exhibits at the fair becomes "machinery".

The importance of the climax in The Pearl

The climax is the turning point. It is the moment of greatest tension, where the main conflict reaches its peak and the fate of the hero is decided. After the climax, the story moves towards its end. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the climax comes at night beside a mountain pool. Kino, hunted by three trackers, creeps down to attack them. Coyotito cries, and one tracker, thinking it is a coyote pup, fires his rifle towards the cave. Kino kills all three men, but then hears Juana's cry of death: Coyotito has been shot. This moment is vital because it shows the terrible price of the pearl and turns Kino away from his dream.

"Conflict is the soul of tragedy": The Pearl

A tragedy is a serious story in which the main character suffers and falls, often because of a weakness or forces beyond his control. Conflict is called the soul of tragedy because without a struggle between opposing forces there can be no suffering and no downfall. John Steinbeck's The Pearl proves this. Kino struggles against nature when a scorpion stings Coyotito, and against society when the doctor and the pearl buyers cheat him. He fights night attackers and trackers. Inside, he struggles between love for his family and his proud dream of wealth. These conflicts lead to violence, the loss of his home and Coyotito's death, which make the story a tragedy.

Digital Literacy and Economic Empowerment

In the twenty-first century, a smartphone can be a shop, a classroom and an office at the same time. Digital literacy is the ability to use digital devices and the internet to find, judge, create and share information safely and wisely. It includes skills such as using email, searching online, protecting personal data and spotting fake news. Today, digital literacy has become a key to economic empowerment.

However, a wide digital gap still exists in Pakistan. Many people in rural areas cannot afford smartphones or reliable internet, and women are far less likely than men to use mobile internet. Closing this gap means providing cheap internet, computer labs in schools and basic training for those left behind. Without these steps, technology will make the rich richer and leave the poor further behind.

Once the gap is closed, the global marketplace opens its doors. A young graduate in Multan can design logos for a company in London, and a woman in Swat can sell handmade shawls to customers all over the country through online stores. Pakistan has already become one of the fastest-growing freelance markets in the world. In this way, digital skills turn talent into income without the need to migrate.

Both government and private initiatives are helping. The government's DigiSkills.pk programme has trained large numbers of young people in freelancing, graphic design and digital marketing free of cost. Software technology parks and national incubation centres support new start-ups. Private companies and universities also offer online courses, while e-commerce platforms such as Daraz allow small sellers to reach millions of customers.

In conclusion, digital literacy is no longer a luxury; it is a basic survival skill. If every young Pakistani learns to use technology productively, the country can increase its IT exports, reduce unemployment and empower women and villagers alike. A digitally literate nation is an economically strong nation.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Defining Digital Literacy): striking statement hook, definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Closing the gap): the digital divide and how to close it.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: The Global Marketplace): how digital skills earn money, with Pakistani examples.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Government & Private initiatives): named programmes on both sides.
5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion (outline: Future Prospects/Conclusion): restated thesis, future benefits, strong last line.

Drug Addiction among Youth

Drug addiction is a slow poison that destroys the addict, the family and the nation. According to a UNODC survey published in 2013, about 6.7 million Pakistanis use drugs, and many of them are young. Drug addiction among youth is therefore a serious threat to Pakistan's future.

There are many causes of this evil. Peer pressure and curiosity lead many young people to try drugs for the first time. Others turn to drugs to escape stress, family problems, unemployment or exam pressure. The easy availability of drugs, including "ice", near some schools and colleges makes the problem worse.

Drugs have terrible effects on physical and mental health. They damage the brain, lungs, heart and liver, and shared needles spread diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Mentally, addicts suffer from anxiety, depression, memory loss and mood swings. In severe cases, an overdose can cause death.

Addiction also ruins education and career. Addicted students lose interest in their studies, miss classes and fail examinations. Later, they cannot keep a steady job because they are unreliable and unhealthy. In this way, a bright future is exchanged for a moment of false pleasure.

The social and economic consequences are equally serious. Addicts often turn to theft and crime to pay for drugs, and their families suffer shame, conflict and financial ruin. The state spends large sums on treatment and law enforcement, while the nation loses productive young workers.

Preventive measures must begin at home. Parents should give time to their children and notice changes in their behaviour. Schools should teach drug education and refusal skills. The Anti-Narcotics Force must cut off the supply, and affordable rehabilitation centres should treat addicts as patients, not criminals.

In conclusion, drug addiction is a preventable disaster. If families, schools, the media and the state work together, Pakistan's youth can be saved from this menace. A drug-free youth will build a healthy, strong and prosperous Pakistan.

Word count: 317 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): striking fact hook (UNODC survey), thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Causes): four causes.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Adverse effects on Physical and Mental Health): body first, then mind.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Impact on Education and Career): studies first, then jobs.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Social and Economic consequences): family, society, state.
6. Paragraph 6: Body 5 (outline: Preventive measures and solution): home, school, state.
7. Paragraph 7: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion/Future Prospects): restated thesis, joint effort, strong last line.

Corrected paragraph (corrections in bold; underline them on the answer sheet)

An office manager worked hard to complete the report yesterday. He checked all the files and put them in the desk drawer. The workers were very happy because the project finished quickly. Everyone in the building celebrated the success.

Corrections to list under the paragraph

1. A office manager : An office manager
2. work hard ... yesterday : worked hard ... yesterday
3. He check : He checked
4. put it : put them
5. The workers was : The workers were
6. buldin : building

Answers

(1) on top of; (2) next to; (3) between; (4) in front of; (5) inside; (6) on.

Completed paragraph

Ali was organizing his study desk today. First, he placed his laptop on top of the books so he could start working. Then, he sat next to his brother, who was also studying. When he looked for a pen, he found it between the notebooks. Later, he stood quietly in front of the door, listening to the sound outside. While arranging his papers, he discovered a ruler inside his drawer. Finally, when he finished, he stacked all his files neatly on the shelf.

Reason for each blank

Answer (as written on the answer sheet)

• (i) checked
• (ii) remove
• (iii) will have completed
• (iv) to try
• (v) talking
• (vi) to help
• (vii) often
• (viii) drink

Completed sentences

1. The teacher checked the test papers yesterday.
2. You must remove your shoes before entering the hall.
3. By next Monday, we will have completed the project.
4. "It is better to try than never."
5. Please avoid talking loudly in the library.
6. She promised to help me with the assignment.
7. We often visit our grandparents on weekends.
8. You should drink more water daily.

Why each answer is right

Completed paragraph

The athlete's dedication to training was evident in her focus during the competition. She maintained a disciplined approach to her diet and exercise routine, knowing that achieving success required hard work and commitment. Her coach praised her for showing such dedication and devotion.

Why each answer is right

Answers (any five; all six given): (1) Immediately; (2) however; (3) because; (4) Next; (5) Above all; (6) and that.

Completed passage: The principal entered the school hall and noticed the decorations were incomplete. Immediately, she asked the students for an explanation. The decorations looked vibrant on other occasions; however, today they seemed dull and unfinished. The banners were torn because the students had rushed through the work. Next, she instructed the students to fix everything before the morning assembly. Above all, she reminded them that teamwork was important and that they could complete tasks efficiently in the future.

The group has a subject (it) and a finite verb (was raining), so it is a clause. It begins with the subordinating conjunction because and cannot stand alone, so it is a subordinate clause (an adverb clause of reason). The main clause is I stayed inside. It does not describe a noun (not adjective) and is not a subject or object (not noun).

Going to bed early is the result of being tired, and the blank follows a semicolon, so a conjunctive adverb of result is needed: therefore (strictly written ; therefore, I went). Whereas shows contrast, Least is not a connective and Gradually is an adverb of manner.

C, Alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning (initial position) of nearby words, as in "busy bees buzzed". The other three are comparison devices, not sound devices.

The antecedent "book" is a thing, so the relative pronoun is which ("that" would also be correct, but it is not offered). Who and whom are used for persons, and "when" is a relative adverb of time, not a pronoun.

we went for a walk is the main clause; After the rain stopped is a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction after. One main + one dependent clause = complex.

It is not compound, because after is not a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

After a verb of motion (ran) we need a preposition of direction. Towards means in the direction of: The thief ran towards the room. Between needs two objects, and on and under show position, not movement, so they make no sense with the room.

which has three bedrooms has a subject (which) and a finite verb (has). It comes right after the noun house and gives extra information about it, so it is an adjective (relative) clause, non-defining, which is why it has commas. There is no adverb clause in the sentence.

B, Imagery. Imagery uses vivid, sense-based description so that the reader can picture the scene. Symbolism makes an object stand for an idea, and personification and metaphor are comparisons.

Mesmerized means so fascinated that one cannot look away, as if under a spell. Spellbound is the exact synonym.

Thrilled and excited are close in feeling but do not carry the sense of being held by the beauty; dejected (sad) is opposite.

In the second-person point of view the narrator speaks directly to the reader as "you". First person uses "I"; third person uses "he", "she" and "they".

Swimming is the subject of the verb is; an -ing word working as a noun is a gerund.

A present participle would describe a noun or be part of a continuous verb; the linking verb here is is.

Will have learned is will + have + V3: the future perfect. By the end of the year is its typical signal: the action will be complete before that future point.

C. "Nice" is a personal judgement, and "looks" signals how something seems to the speaker; another person may disagree. A, B and D report events that can be checked, so they are facts.

Triumph (a great victory or success) is spelt tri + umph: the vowel after tri is u, and the final sound "f" is written ph, as in phone and photograph. Related words keep the same spelling: triumphant, triumphantly, triumphal.

Triemph and Triamph change the vowel, and Trimph drops it.

Ask "sold what?": their house. The verb has an object, so it is a transitive verb. It is not a modal (can, may, must ...) and not a linking verb (it shows an action, not a state). "Have" is the auxiliary; "sold" is the main verb.

The relationship is animal : home. A bird lives in a nest; a bee lives in a hive.

Honey, flower and buzz are connected with bees but do not keep the "lives in" relationship.

"Most intelligent" is a superlative, and superlatives take the definite article the: the most intelligent boy. The sound rule for a/an does not apply here, because a superlative points to one particular person.

Dense means closely packed; sparse means thinly scattered, so it is the antonym.

Thick and compact are synonyms of dense, placed as traps.

The helping verb Is comes before the subject this bat, and the sentence asks a direct question ending with a question mark: interrogative.

Flock names a group of birds (or sheep) taken as one whole, so it is a collective noun. A collective noun is also a kind of common noun, but "collective" is the exact answer the question wants.

Central idea

Pakistan's technical and vocational education is weak and out of touch with the market, and reforming it is essential for jobs and economic growth.

Main points (rough work)

1. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Pakistan is in a poor state.
2. The country has far fewer skilled workers than industry needs (statistics become general words).
3. Very few young people finish secondary school, so most of the workforce lacks education and skills.
4. Quality TVET is therefore vital for economic development.
5. The system neglects vocational education, so the skills available do not match those required; most workers are untrained.
6. Courses do not meet market needs because industry has little role in designing them; links with industry and the service sector are weak.
7. Remedies: vocational training at school level, subsidies and scholarships, regularly revised, market-oriented and computer-based courses.
8. Sincerely implemented, sound policies can bring high employment and lasting growth.

Final answer

Reforming Technical Education in Pakistan

The writer says that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Pakistan is in a poor state. The country has far fewer skilled workers than it needs, and since very few young people complete secondary school, most of the workforce lacks both education and skills. Quality TVET is therefore vital for economic progress. However, the system neglects vocational education, so the skills available do not match those required. Moreover, courses do not meet market needs because industry has little say in designing them. Vocational training should therefore begin at school, be supported by subsidies and scholarships, and offer updated, market-oriented and computer-based courses. If sound policies are sincerely implemented, they can bring high employment and lasting economic growth.

(Word count: 119)

Alternative title: Skills for Economic Growth

What was left out and why

• All the statistics (a million workers, 300,000, 16.3 percent, three-quarters) become general words: far fewer, very few, most.
• "We" and "our industry" become "the country" and "its industries".
• "Tattered economy" and the service-sector linkages are details of the mismatch point.
• The idioms "in letter and spirit" and "sail the country through current rough waters" become "sincerely implemented" and "bring".

Climax and anticlimax in The Pearl

The climax is the turning point of a story, the moment of highest tension when the main conflict comes to a head. An anticlimax is a sudden fall from high expectation to something weak, trivial or disappointing. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the climax comes at the mountain pool, where Kino kills the three trackers but Coyotito is shot dead. The scene with the pearl buyers is an anticlimax. The whole town expects Kino to become rich, but the buyers say the great pearl is too large to be valuable and offer only a thousand pesos. The ending is also anticlimactic, as "the greatest pearl in the world" simply sinks back into the sand.

Role of the main character: Kino in The Pearl

The main character, or protagonist, is the central figure of a novel. The plot moves through his choices and struggles, and the theme is shown through his fate. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, Kino, a poor Indian pearl diver, is the main character. At first he is a content family man who loves Juana and their baby, Coyotito. When he finds the great pearl, he dreams of a church wedding, a rifle and schooling for his son. He refuses the pearl buyers' low offer, fights attackers and even strikes Juana. His pride and determination drive every event, and his loss of Coyotito carries the message that greed destroys. Thus the whole story revolves around Kino.

The Role of Education in National Progress

Nelson Mandela called education "the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Education is not merely reading books and passing examinations; it is the process that trains the mind, builds character and prepares people for life. No nation in history has progressed without it.

The importance of education can hardly be overstated. Islam makes seeking knowledge a duty for every Muslim, and the first word revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was "Iqra", which means "Read". Education teaches people to think clearly, earn a respectable living and know their rights and duties.

Teachers are the architects of civilization. Just as a builder shapes bricks into a building, a teacher shapes young minds into responsible citizens. Great civilizations, from Baghdad in the age of the Abbasids to modern Europe, rose on the work of scholars and teachers. When teachers are respected and well trained, society flourishes.

Every nation needs educated doctors, engineers, scientists and honest leaders, and only education can provide them. Education brings moral development by teaching honesty, tolerance and discipline. It brings social development by reducing crime, poverty and discrimination. It also drives technical development, because modern industry, agriculture and information technology all depend on trained minds.

The impact of education on the fortunes of nations is clear from history. Japan was ruined in the Second World War, yet it became an economic giant by investing in education and technology. South Korea, once one of the poorest countries in Asia, followed the same path. On the other hand, nations with low literacy remain trapped in poverty and dependence.

In conclusion, education is the backbone of national progress. Pakistan, where the literacy rate is still only about sixty percent, must spend more on schools, teachers and technical training. The Constitution promises free education to every child from five to sixteen. If we keep this promise, we will build a strong and prosperous nation.

Word count: 317 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): quotation hook (Mandela), definition, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Importance of education): religious and practical importance.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Teacher and civilization): the teacher's role, with a historical example.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Need of a nation ... Moral, social and technical development): what a nation needs, then the three kinds of development.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Impact of education on the fortunes of nations): evidence from Japan and South Korea, then the contrast.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: Conclusion): restated thesis, what Pakistan must do, strong last line.

Rural vs Urban Life

Pakistan lives in two worlds: the quiet villages of Punjab and Sindh, and the crowded cities of Karachi and Lahore. Rural life is life in villages, close to fields and nature, while urban life is life in cities, close to markets and modern facilities. A fair comparison shows that each has its own charms and problems.

The lifestyles of the two are very different. Villagers rise early, work in the fields and sleep soon after sunset. Their life is simple and tied to the seasons. City dwellers, on the other hand, live by the clock. They rush to offices, spend hours in traffic and often stay awake late.

There is also a wide difference in living standards. Cities offer better hospitals, universities and clean drinking water, while many villages still lack these basic facilities. Economic life follows the same pattern. Most villagers depend on farming, and their income rises and falls with the weather. Cities offer a variety of jobs, although living costs are much higher.

Yet rural life has its own attraction. The air is fresh, the food is pure, and the green fields soothe the eyes. People know one another, share each other's joys and sorrows, and live with strong family bonds. There is little noise, pollution or crime.

People move to cities for several reasons. The main attractions are jobs, better schools and modern health care. Floods and small landholdings also push farmers out of their villages. According to the 2023 census, nearly two out of five Pakistanis now live in urban areas, and cities keep growing.

In conclusion, both rural and urban life have advantages and disadvantages. The best solution is to bring city facilities such as schools, hospitals and small industries to the villages, so that people do not have to leave their homes. Balanced development of villages and cities will make Pakistan truly prosperous.

Word count: 310 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction): striking statement hook, the two terms defined, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Comparison of life styles): village routine against city routine.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Difference of living standards ... Economic life): facilities first, then income.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: attraction in rural life): what villages do better.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: Why people move to cities?): push and pull reasons, census evidence.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: conclusion): balanced view, solution, strong last line.

Corrected paragraph (corrections in bold; underline them on the answer sheet)

Protecting the environment is important for our survival. Everyone needs to plant trees and reduce pollution. People must act responsibly and avoid wasting water. If we don't, climate change will worsen and affect future generations greatly.

Corrections to list under the paragraph (the paper asks you to underline them)

1. a environment : the environment
2. important on : important for
3. Everyone need : Everyone needs
4. act responsible : act responsibly
5. gernations : generations

Completed passage: I was over the moon when I got my dream job. Although the work was tough, I always kept my chin up and went the extra mile. Challenges came, but I rolled with the punches, and burnt the midnight oil to succeed.

To: The Director, Prices Regulatory Authority, Islamabad

From: A.B.C., Analyst, Prices Regulatory Authority

Date: 12 March 2026

Subject: Report on the rising prices of eatables during Ramadan

1. Introduction

As directed by you, I investigated the rise in the prices of eatables during the holy month of Ramadan. I visited wholesale markets, retail shops and Ramadan bazaars in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, compared current prices with those of the previous month, and interviewed shopkeepers, wholesalers and consumers. My findings are given below.

2. Importance of the holy month of Ramadan and fasting

Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, which teaches self-control, patience and sympathy for the poor. It is a month of worship, charity and sharing. Because of sehri and iftar, the demand for dates, fruit, flour, gram flour, sugar and cooking oil rises sharply.

3. Increased prices of goods, especially eatables

Prices rose sharply in the first week of Ramadan. Fruit, dates, tomatoes, onions, chicken and gram flour were the most affected, and some items cost 30 to 50 percent more than a month earlier. Many shops did not display the official price list, and some shopkeepers charged different customers different prices.

4. Hoarding of eatables to create an artificial shortage

Several wholesalers had stored large quantities of sugar, flour, gram flour and dates in godowns before Ramadan. They released small amounts into the market to create an artificial shortage and then sold at higher rates. Weak and irregular checking by price magistrates encouraged this practice.

5. Conclusion

The rise in prices is caused less by a real shortage than by profiteering and hoarding. It hurts low-income and middle-class families most and goes against the very spirit of Ramadan.

6. Suggestions to control prices during Ramadan

1. Price magistrates should make daily surprise visits and fine or seal shops that overcharge.
2. Official price lists should be displayed in every shop and announced daily in the media.
3. Godowns should be inspected before Ramadan, and hoarded stock should be seized under the law.
4. Government Ramadan bazaars should sell essential items at subsidised rates.
5. A helpline should be provided so that consumers can report overcharging immediately.
6. Religious scholars and the media should remind traders that profiteering in Ramadan is a sin.

A.B.C.

Analyst, Prices Regulatory Authority

Answers (any five; all six given): (1) In other words; (2) but; (3) Furthermore; (4) while; (5) otherwise.

Completed passage: Drawing is all about taking the time to master each step. In other words, mastering the art of drawing doesn't happen in a day, but it's a skill that needs daily practice. Furthermore, it is important not to burn yourself out, while you need to stick to it; otherwise, you can't achieve the desired goal.

The subject is "little chips" and the object is "great fires". Light comes between them and shows what the chips do (they set fire to great fires), so it is a verb here. The same word is a noun in "Switch on the light" and an adjective in "a light bag".

Those points to the books and stands alone as the subject (no noun follows it), so it is a demonstrative pronoun. "Which" is a relative pronoun, "I" is a personal pronoun (subject form) and "her" is a personal pronoun (object form).

The feeling of the interjection must match the sentence. Ouch shows sudden pain, and stepping on a thorn is painful. "Wow" (surprise, delight) does not suit sadness, "Oops" (a small mistake) does not suit congratulations, and "Alas" (sorrow) does not suit praise.

In spite of is a group of three words working as one preposition (= despite). It is not simple (one word), not double (two prepositions joined, like into), and not participial (an -ing form, like during). FBISE calls such a group a compound preposition.

In Wren and Martin it is a phrase preposition, but that label is not among the options.

It was raining heavily is the reason for staying home, and it comes second, so the reason conjunction because is needed. So and therefore would introduce a result (the wrong direction), and but shows contrast.

on the shelf describes the noun book (which book? the one on the shelf), so it is adjectival. in the morning is also a prepositional phrase, but it tells when the book was sold, so it is adverbial. the book is a noun phrase and has been sold is a verb phrase.

with dedication describes the manner of working: he worked dedicatedly. Ask the verb: worked how? With dedication. So it answers how (manner).

with the blue cap describes the noun boy (which boy?), so it acts as an adjective. In the other sentences the phrases describe verbs: during the show (sang when?), to the market (went where?), after lunch (will leave when?). These are adverbial.

The question already says it is a prepositional phrase, so it wants the function. across the field tells where the dog ran, so it describes the verb ran: an adverbial phrase of place. It is not a phrasal verb (across is followed by its object, not joined to the verb), and it has no participle.

There are two independent clauses (I went to the market, I bought some fruit), joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction and. No dependent clause, so the sentence is compound.

Elevate means to raise to a higher level. Hard work improves a reputation, so raise fits.

Lower and diminish are antonyms.

Diligent means hard-working and careful; "always completes his homework in time" is the clue.

Lazy is the antonym.

Generous means willing to give freely; its opposite is stingy (unwilling to spend or give).

Kind and giving are synonyms, planted as traps.

Down + pour: rain pouring down. Dark clouds rolling in point to heavy rain.

A drizzle is light rain, the opposite; hail and snow are not rain.

Friend 2 explains the word: "easy to talk to and always listens" (a definition clue). Approachable means friendly and easy to go to, so "easy to access" is the only fitting option.

The other three options describe the opposite kind of manager.

D. "Her eyes sparkled like emeralds" compares eyes to emeralds using "like", which makes it a simile. Option A is a metaphor (life IS a rollercoaster), B is alliteration (with the sound-word "buzzed"), and C is tactile imagery.

B. Shadows cannot creep; creeping silently is a human action, so the shadows are personified. Option A is a metaphor with a human subject, C is a simile (like moonlight), and D is literal visual imagery because light really does illuminate a room.

B, metaphor. Life is said to BE a riddle, with no like or as, because both are puzzling and hard to solve. Life is not given a human action (not personification), and there is no repeated first sound (not alliteration).

Isolation means being cut off from other people and help. A remote, abandoned cabin far from town creates that feeling; the other places are crowded and bright.

Standing up to a bully is a struggle between two people (man vs man), so it is external. Guilt, the soldier's hesitation and choosing between right and wrong all happen inside the mind, so they are internal.

Central idea

Digital marketing, through targeting, personalization, social media and email, has become the most important marketing tool for modern business.

Main points (rough work)

1. Digital marketing is now essential to business; unlike traditional marketing (physical media), it uses online platforms and gives direct, constant access to customers.
2. Key benefit: precise targeting; search engine optimization helps customers find businesses.
3. Data analysis lets companies personalize messages for individual customers.
4. Social media builds personal relationships and brand loyalty; paid advertisements reach particular groups.
5. Email marketing keeps customers informed about products and offers and builds long-term relationships.
6. Because it is cheap, global and measurable, it is vital for success, and its role will keep growing.

Final answer

Digital Marketing in Modern Business

Digital marketing has become essential to modern business. Unlike traditional marketing, which relies on physical media, it uses online platforms that give companies direct access to customers at all times. Its main advantage is precise targeting: search engine optimization helps customers find businesses, and data analysis allows messages to be shaped to individual tastes. Social media platforms strengthen customer relationships and brand loyalty, while paid advertisements reach particular groups. Similarly, email marketing keeps customers informed about products and offers. Being cheap, global and measurable, digital marketing is now vital for business success, and its role will keep growing.

(Word count: 98)

Alternative title: The Power of Digital Marketing

What was left out and why

• "Television, print, and billboards" becomes "physical media"; "Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter" becomes "social media".
• "Anytime, anywhere" becomes "at all times".
• "New products, special offers, and promotions" becomes "products and offers".
• "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" is kept as a key term but without capitals and the abbreviation.

Setting and its influence on theme in The Pearl

Setting is the time, place and social environment in which a story happens. It creates the mood and can shape the theme by showing the conditions of the characters' lives. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the setting is La Paz, a Mexican town on the Gulf of California. The poor Indian divers live in brush houses by the beach, while the rich colonial class lives in stone houses in the town. This divided setting supports the theme of oppression: the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino is poor. The misty Gulf, where sights look unreal, supports the theme of false dreams. The harsh mountains, where Coyotito dies, show that greed brings destruction.

Rising action and resolution in The Pearl

Rising action is the chain of events after the inciting incident that builds tension towards the climax. Resolution is the final part, where the conflict is settled. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, the rising action starts when Kino finds the great pearl. The town becomes greedy, the doctor tricks him, thieves attack at night, and the pearl buyers offer only 1,500 pesos. Kino beats Juana when she tries to throw the pearl away, kills a man, and loses his canoe and house. The family flees to the mountains, chased by trackers. In the resolution, after Coyotito is shot, Kino and Juana return to La Paz, and Kino throws the pearl back into the sea.

My Native Town

Every person carries a small piece of home in the heart. For me, that home is Abbottabad, a green and peaceful town in the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was founded in 1853 and named after James Abbott, a British officer. Although I now study in Islamabad, my heart still belongs to my native town.

Abbottabad lies in a wide valley surrounded by pine-covered hills, and its climate is pleasant for most of the year. Summers are mild, and winters sometimes bring snow. Its famous landmarks include Shimla Hill, which offers a view of the whole town, the Ilyasi Mosque with its natural spring, and the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, which trains the officers of our army.

I have many sweet memories of this town. As a child, I climbed Shimla Hill with my cousins every Eid and raced them to the top. On rainy evenings, my father took us to the Ilyasi Mosque, where we ate hot pakoras beside the cold, clear stream. These small moments still bring a smile to my face.

The people of Abbottabad are simple, hospitable and hard-working. Most of them speak Hindko, and they welcome guests with warm tea and generous meals. The town is also known for its good schools and colleges, so education is valued in almost every home.

Over the years, Abbottabad has changed a great deal. The Hazara Motorway has made travel faster, and new markets, restaurants and housing schemes have appeared. However, heavy traffic, the cutting of trees and rising pollution have taken away some of its old charm.

In conclusion, Abbottabad is special to me because of its natural beauty, its kind people and the happy memories of my childhood. I hope its forests and streams will be protected for the next generation. Wherever I go, it will remain the place my heart calls home.

Word count: 309 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: Introduction of your native town): hook, name, location, one fact, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: physical features, places of interest / landmarks): setting and climate, then three landmarks.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: your past memories associated with the town): two specific memories.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: people and culture): language, hospitality, values.
5. Paragraph 5: Body 4 (outline: changes over the years): good changes, then bad ones.
6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion (outline: summarizing what makes your native town so special and memorable to you): three reasons, strong last line.

Uses and Abuses of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning and understanding language. From the voice assistants in our phones to tools like ChatGPT, AI has entered almost every part of modern life. Like every powerful invention, however, it can be used for great good or for serious harm.

The uses of AI are many. In healthcare, AI systems can read X-rays and scans quickly and help doctors detect diseases such as cancer at an early stage. In business, AI helps banks detect fraud, answers customers round the clock and predicts what people will buy. In education, AI tutors can explain difficult lessons at each student's own pace. Farmers can even use AI-based apps to identify crop diseases.

On the other hand, AI brings serious dangers. Machines may replace workers in offices, factories and call centres, causing job loss. AI systems collect huge amounts of personal data, which raises privacy issues. There are also ethical concerns: deepfake videos can spread lies, students may use AI to cheat, and biased programmes can treat people unfairly. Stephen Hawking even warned that full artificial intelligence "could spell the end of the human race".

These concerns can be addressed with wise planning. Governments should make laws to protect personal data and punish the misuse of AI, as the European Union has done through its AI Act. Pakistan took a step in this direction by approving its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy in 2025. Workers should be retrained in new digital skills, and students must learn to use AI honestly, as a helper rather than a replacement for thinking.

In conclusion, AI is neither a blessing nor a curse in itself; everything depends on how we use it. With responsible use, clear regulation and human values at its centre, AI can become one of the greatest servants of mankind.

Word count: 316 words (title not counted).

Paragraph purposes

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction (outline: AI and its significance): definition, everyday examples, thesis.
2. Paragraph 2: Body 1 (outline: Benefits in healthcare, business, education): one example for each field named in the outline.
3. Paragraph 3: Body 2 (outline: Job loss, privacy issues, ethical concerns): the three abuses in the outline's order, a quotation as evidence.
4. Paragraph 4: Body 3 (outline: Addressing concerns and proposing solutions): laws, retraining, honest use.
5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion (outline: Emphasizing responsible use and regulation of AI): restated thesis, strong last line.

Corrected paragraph (corrections in bold; underline them on the answer sheet)

Every morning, Saleem wakes up early to go to school. He quickly brushes his teeth and packs his bag before he leaves. His mother always says that it is important for him to do his best in studies, and she also believes that education is the key to success. However, he feels that it is difficult at times to concentrate during class because the teacher explains things too fast. He needs to be more focused if he wants to achieve his goals.

Corrections to list under the paragraph

1. before she leaves : before he leaves
2. Always his mother says : His mother always says
3. but she also : and she also
4. she also I that : she also believes that
5. However; : However,
6. the teacher explain : the teacher explains

Answers

(1) by the side of; (2) in front of; (3) in the morning; (4) at the edge of; (5) on the top of; (6) away from.

Completed paragraph

Over the weekend, our family decided to go for a picnic by the side of the lake. We packed our lunch in front of our house and set out early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. When we arrived at the edge of the lake, we found a perfect spot underneath a large oak tree. My brother and I played games near the water while our parents set up a picnic on the top of a small hill within sight of the lake. It was a peaceful day spent away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Reason for each blank

Answer (as written on the answer sheet)

• (i) played
• (ii) take
• (iii) had finished
• (iv) to forgive
• (v) kidding
• (vi) reading
• (vii) ago
• (viii) usually

Completed sentences

1. She played the piano beautifully at the concert last night.
2. You had better take rest.
3. I had finished my homework before I watched TV.
4. "To err is human, to forgive divine."
5. "Stop kidding; I am no more a child."
6. She enjoys reading novels in her free time.
7. The couriers delivered my parcel just two days ago.
8. We usually go to the gym in the evenings in summer.

Why each answer is right

Completed paragraph

The athlete's dedication to training was evident in her focus during the competition. She maintained a disciplined approach to her diet and exercise routine, knowing that achieving success required hard work and commitment. Her coach praised her for showing such determination throughout the season.

Why each answer is right

Answers (any five; all six given): (1) Afterwards; (2) however; (3) because; (4) Finally; (5) Indeed; (6) and.

Completed passage: The psychiatrist informed the mother that her daughter was addicted to drugs. When the psychiatrist left, the mother went into her room to plan how to handle the crisis. Afterwards, she walked into her daughter's room, and she was overwhelmed with sorrow. She saw her daughter; however, she didn't say anything. She loved her daughter because they were best friends. Finally, the mother broke the ice: "Dearest daughter, don't ruin your life. Indeed, life is beautiful if you keep your hope alive and do not give up."

Black and blue means covered with bruises, the colours of injured skin: "He was beaten black and blue." In black and white means in writing, tooth and nail means fiercely, and bag and baggage means with all one's belongings. The official key is A.

All seven are answered below; in the exam write any five.

• (i) Once in a blue moon (very rarely): My uncle is so busy with his business in Dubai that he visits us only once in a blue moon.
• (ii) A bird's eye view (a view from high above): From the Pir Sohawa viewpoint in the Margalla Hills, we had a bird's eye view of the whole of Islamabad.
• (iii) A dead letter (a rule no longer obeyed): The law against child labour has become a dead letter in many places, as children still work in hotels and workshops.
• (iv) A broken reed (someone who cannot be relied on): I had counted on my partner to support me, but when the crisis came he proved a broken reed and left me alone.
• (v) A bluestocking (a highly educated woman devoted to learning): Our principal is a bluestocking who has written three books on Urdu poetry and reads for hours every day.
• (vi) At sea (confused): When the examiner asked about a chapter I had not revised, I was completely at sea.
• (vii) Rank and file (the ordinary members, not the leaders): The party leaders accepted the deal, but the rank and file were angry about it.