CREST English Olympiad Class 7 Previous Year Paper

Q.1

Read the passage and answer the question:

In desert regions, you can find a plant called the cactus. These plants typically grow in hot, dry environments. Unlike most plants, cacti do not have traditional leaves — instead, they have spines (modified leaves) that protrude from their stems. These spines help reduce water loss and protect the plant from herbivores.

Cacti come in many shapes and sizes: some are small and round, others tall like columns or pillars. Some grow as tree-like structures or shrubs, while others spread along the ground. The flowers that bloom on cacti are often large and vibrant — and most open at night. This timing attracts nocturnal pollinators such as bats and moths, which carry pollen from one cactus to another.

Most cacti are native to North and South America, though some species are also found in North Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.

Since cacti lack broad leaves, they minimise water loss through transpiration. Water inside plant tissues can evaporate into vapour — a process that, in arid environments, would quickly dehydrate the plant. To combat this, many cacti have a waxy outer coating that seals in moisture. Additionally, some species can absorb water directly from fog — a crucial adaptation in areas where rainfall is scarce.

What is the definite shape of a cactus?

Q.2

Choose the word opposite to the given word from the given set of options:

terrible

Q.3

Choose the correct meaning of the proverb/idiom given in bold:

She has a peculiar habit of  'picking holes'.

Q.4

Fill the appropriate response to complete the conversation:

Lewis: "I must say a big thanks to you, as you really helped us out when we lost those passports."
Kiara: "_______"

Q.5

Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction:

Martha loves to cook _______ no one is there to taste her food.

Q.6

Read the passage and answer the question:

Mr Chang must know that the PM was addressing the whole country and not just the thinkers. In the speech that lasted about an hour, he talked on subjects that he felt the people would like to listen to and possibly act on his exhortations. On this, he scored one hundred percent.
The PM tore into the general psyche of being soft on male children as compared to female children. I am optimistic this will strike a chord in all sets of parents and, hopefully, they will teach their male children to behave responsibly. Every other issue he addressed would also directly affect the masses, and the PM wanted positive action from his citizens.
On internal security, defence, and space, what could the people contribute if the PM had mentioned his plans? There is not much that people can contribute directly to the space and defence sectors. However, on internal security, he did indirectly touch upon it by exhorting all sections of society to shun all forms of violence, including communal violence. A majority of internal security issues would be resolved if the communities lived in peace and harmony with each other. On defence and space, the PM would definitely engage with the persons involved in those sectors, which he has done extremely well so far. Also, there is a significant amount of risk in outlining your strategies in critical sectors such as defence.

When the PM said 'the general psyche of being soft', what did he mean?

Q.7

Complete the analogy:

A flute is to an instrument as a ______ is to ______

Q.8

Spot the error which has to be replaced to make the statement grammatically correct:

The child does whatever the father was done. It was cute and we were enjoying watching the child.

Q.9

Fill in the blanks with the most suitable option:

The doctors _______ a special course of antibiotics on the patient to ________ the disease. I am scared of medicines.

Q.10

Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction:

Mary drank a lot of water _______ she could not have the juice.