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

Read the passage and answer the question:

The helicopter is one of my favourite toys. Compared to aeroplanes, it differs in three key ways:

1. Have you ever watched an aeroplane take off? It must accelerate down a runway before lifting into the air. A helicopter, however, can ascend vertically without moving forward.
2. An aeroplane cannot fly backwards, but a helicopter can.
3. Helicopters can hover — that is, remain stationary in midair — a manoeuvre aeroplanes cannot perform.

One major advantage of helicopters is that they do not require runways or large airport spaces. They help extinguish fires by dropping water — made possible by their ability to hover — and are used to lift logs harvested from forests. Police departments deploy helicopters to pursue suspects and locate vehicles from the air. In medical emergencies, they airlift patients quickly, bypassing traffic congestion.

An aeroplane should _________________________.

Q.3

Choose the correct adjectives and complete the sentence:

This is a ________ movie which has won many critic awards this year.

Q.4

Read the sentence and identify the tone of the author:

I am tired. I think I'll skip the party.

Q.5

Read the passage and answer the question:

Mr. Chang must realise that the Prime Minister was addressing the entire nation — not just intellectuals. In his hour-long speech, the PM spoke on topics he believed would resonate with the public and inspire them to act on his appeals. On this front, he scored a perfect hundred.

The PM strongly criticised the societal tendency to be lenient with male children compared to female children. I am optimistic this message will strike a chord with parents across the board, encouraging them to teach their sons to behave responsibly. Every other issue he raised directly impacts the general public, and the PM clearly sought positive action from citizens.

Regarding internal security, defence, and space — what direct contribution could ordinary citizens make if the PM had detailed his plans in these areas? There is little the public can do directly in the fields of defence and space. However, on internal security, the PM indirectly addressed the issue by urging all sections of society to reject all forms of violence, including communal strife. Most internal security challenges would be resolved if communities lived together in peace and harmony. As for defence and space, the PM has — and will continue to — engage directly with experts and stakeholders in those sectors, which he has done very effectively so far. Moreover, revealing strategic plans in critical areas like defence carries significant risk.

The PM felt that the people could not contribute directly to which sectors?

Q.6

Complete the sentence using the most suitable article:

Q: What did you buy for me from your trip?
A: I got _________________ lot of chocolates for you.

Q.7

Fill the appropriate response to complete the conversation:

Terry: "Thank you very much for showing me the way."
Susan: "_______"

Q.8

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.

According to the author who was being addressed by the PM?

Q.9

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.10

Choose the correct meaning of the proverb/idiom:

The speaker gave a 'bird's eye view' of the political conditions in the country.