Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 4 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 4 with Solutions
Time: 2 Hrs.
Max. Marks: 40
General Instructions :
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING, and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
Section-A
Reading Skills (20 marks)
1. The titanic, in its watery grave, is a great museum of human history and is at risk of being lost forever because of curious voyagers and treasure hunters, fears Bob Ballard, who first discovered the remains of the iconic ship in 1985. Famous for discovering the great ship, Ballard is a former US Navy Officer and a professor of oceanography.
2. “Titanic is a museum of human history without door and guard. I am deeply concerned about not only the Titanic but all the ancient history that is now at risk. If we cannot save this iconic ship, then there is a very little hope we can save ancient ships.
The world should realise that you don’t have to go down and take everything and you do not have to do a treasure hunt. This is a common heritage of all pf us and if we really want to take steps to preserve human history in the ocean, we need to start with Titanic,” Ballard said in a telephonic interview from London.
3. Ballard, as part of a tie-up, is presenting a documentary called “Save the Titanic” on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship – April 15, 1912. The ship and her fate continue to fascinate, largely because of the horror that took place that night, with 1,522 passengers and crew losing their lives.
4. Ballard says that despite being on the ocean floor for 100 years, the ship is full of human footprints. “You will find pairs of shoes everywhere. The sea and the life below has claimed everything but they do not know what to do with shoes so you will find a pair of mother’s shoes next to her little daughter and that’s their gravestone. At her wreckage, we almost felt that we were surrounded by the lifeboats of all the people that were in the water at that spot”.
5. Ballard says that the fate of Titanic continues to fascinate so many years after it sank because it is “irony personified in history”. “The story has all the ingredients to make it timelessly fascinating. You have this revolutionary ship that’s unsinkable and carrying a cross-section of people in society. And then, it goes and hits an iceberg and sinks on its maiden journey. It’s an irony personified in history”.
6. Talking about his discovery, which came after great research and 75 years later, Ballard, says it was a somber moment went they first spotted the boiler of the Titanic. “In the 90s, advanced technology gave us double diving capabilities in the Atlantic Ocean. I knew that the Titanic was sitting at almost 12,000 feet. What led me to her discovery was a simple technique that I followed. We decided to look for the debris trail instead of the ship”.
7. Ballard says the ship, if preserved well and not subjected to constant submarine journeys, will last for a long time on the Atlantic floor. “The deep sea, because of its darkness, its cold temperatures and its great pressure, creates a high state of preservation. With a little caution, we can protect the Titanic for future generations to visit.”
8. Ballard has also connected to the people of Belfast, who refused to talk about the tragedy. “The ship’s construction took place at Belfast. After the tragedy, families of the workers refused to talk about it because of the shame and sadness in the loss of life involved”. (Source: archive. Indian express. com)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.
The Titanic continues to attract attention because
A. it is irony personified in history
B. its advanced technology gave double diving technologies
C. it is a treasure hunt
D. it is a common need
Answer:
A. it is irony personified in history
ii. From the first paragraph, what is the gist of ‘learning experience’ that the article wants to expound on?
Answer:
The Titanic, in its watery grave, is a great museum of human history that needs to be saved at all costs.
iii. List any two reasons why preservation of the ‘Titanic’ is so imperative for posterity.
Answer:
(i) The ‘Titanic’ is a museum of human history without a door and guard. It is open to pilferage with the danger of being lost forever.
(ii) if the remains of the ‘Titanic’ are lost forever then there will be little hope of preserving other ancient ships as well.
iv. Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘negligible’, from words used in paragraph two.
A. history
B. iconic
C. ancient
D. heritage
Answer:
C. ancient
v. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the CORRECT sequence of the given sentence.
1. Ballard says that despite being on the ocean floor for 100 years, the ship is full of human footprints.
2. Ballard has also connected to the people of Belfast, who refused to talk about the tragedy.
3. Famous for discovering the great ship, Ballard is a former US Navy Officer and a professor of oceanography.
4. Ballard says that the fate of Titanic continues to fascinate so many years after it sank because it is “irony personified in history”.
(i) 1, 2, 3, 4
(ii) 4, 2, 1, 3
(iii) 3 1, 4, 2
(iv) 1, 4, 2, 3
Answer:
(iii) 3, 1,4,2
vi. What are some of the fascinating records that the ‘Titanic’ has left for us that will always attract us to its presence on the ocean floor of the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer:
(i) The ship on the ocean floor still is full of human footprints. A pair of mother’s shoes can be seen next to her little daughter. It is their grave-stone.
(ii) The story of the so-called unsinkable ship has a fascinating tale to tell about its sinking under the sea special circumstances for which it wasn’t prepared at all despite all the claims of it being unsinkable.
vii. Is it proper to say that the discovery of the ‘sunken Titanic’ was simply a victory of modem technology
against the vagaries of nature?
Answer:
The discoverer Bob Ballard is frank and forthright when he tells that he decided to follow a simple technique of the trail of debris instead of the ship. So more than technology it was hard common sense that led them to the sunken ship on the ocean floor.
viii. Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason:
Even with little precaution, we can protect the Titanic for future generations to visit because
Answer:
the deep Atlantic floor can create a high state of preservation due to its darkness, its cold temperatures and great pressure.
ix. How does the fascination for the ‘Titanic’, as suggested in paragraph five be best described?
A. A ship described as unsinkable sinks on its maiden journey
B. An obsession to know how an unsinkable ship hits an iceberg and sinks.
C. It has become timelessly appealing to understand its sinking
D. All of the above
Answer:
D. All of the above
x. Select the most suitable title for the above passage.
A. Titanic
B. Save the Titanic
C. Save ancient ships from treasure hunters
D. Making of museums undersea
Answer:
B. Save the Titanic
II. Read the passage given below.
1. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles, according to a 2018-19 survey by an online internship and training platform. This survey reveals that India had 80% more internship applications – with 2.2 million applications received in 2018 compared to 1.27 million in the year before.
The trend was partly due to more industries looking to have fresh minds and ideas on existing projects for better productivity. What was originally seen as a western concept, getting an internship before plunging into the job market, is fast gaining momentum at Indian workplaces.
2. According to the survey data, India’s National Capital Region has been the top provider of internships, with a total of 35% internship opportunities, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru at 20% and 15%, respectively. This includes opportunities in startups, MNCs and even government entities.
The survey also revealed popular fields to find internships in (Fig. 1). There has been growing awareness among the students about the intern profiles sought by hiring companies that often look for people with real-time experience in management than B- schoolmasters.
3. The stipend has been an important factor influencing the choice of internships. The survey data reveals that the average stipend offered to interns was recorded as 7,0O0 while the maximum stipend went up to 85,000. According to statistics, a greater number of people considered virtual internships than in-office internships. Virtual internships got three times more applications than in-office, since a large chunk of students were the ones already enrolled in various courses, or preferred working from home.
4. Internship portals have sprung up in the last three to four years and many of them already report healthy traffic per month. Reports suggest that on an average, an internship portal company has around 200,000-plus students and some 8,000 companies registered on it. It gets around two lakhs visits online every month.
The Managing Director of a leading executive search firm says that though these web platforms are working as an effective bridge between the industry and students, most established companies are still reluctant to take too many interns on board for obvious reasons. (355 words)
Source:
(1) https://iowiv.businessinsider.in/internships-in-india~on-the-rise-with-startups-leading-theivay/ articleshow167655265. cms
(2) https://ivww.businesstoday.in/magazine/features/story/online-portals-helpmg-coUegestudents-paid- internships-46215-2014-06-03
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Assess whether the following statement provides a support to the information that we get in the first paragraph?
The increase in the intake of fresh minds by f lie existing industries is with an aim to augment more qualitative
productivity.
Select from the following:
True – If the statement agrees with the information.
False – if the statement contradicts with the information.
Not Given – if there is no information on this.
Answer:
True
ii. Over the last five years, more companies have been activeli looking for intern profiles.
Support your answer with a reference to the text.
Answer:
There were lesser companies searching for intern profiles earlier, as compared to those in the recent five years.
iii. Select the option that displays the true statement with reference to Fig. 1.
A. internships for Engineering and Management are the top two favorites.
B. Design and Architecture internships are significantly more popular than others.
C. Internships for Media and others have nearly equal popularity percentages.
D. Management internships’ popularity is more than twice that for Media.
Answer:
D. Management internships popularity is more than twice that for Media.
iv. Complete the statement based on the following assertion.
A great number of people preferred virtual internships to in-office internships.
This is evidently true because
Answer:
Virtual internships got three times more applications than in-office as most of the applicants were already enrolled in various courses or preferred working from home.
v. Select the option that displays the maximum urgency in the startups, MNCs and even government entities (pie chart-fig.1)
A. Hiring companies look for people with real-time experience in management
B. Need for more B- schoolmasters
C. To popularise all the fields like Management, Media, engineering, etc.
D. None of the above
Answer:
A. Hiring companies look for people with real-time experience in management
vi. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.
The 2018-19 survey attempts to understand the trend in internship applications based on
A. online internship and training platform
B. need for intern profiles
C. why more industries are looking for fresh minds and ideas on existing projects
D. candidate’s preference for different fields to find internships in.
Answer:
C. why more industries are looking for fresh minds and ideas on existing projects
vii. What has helped the students to be aware that they still have a chance of employment even without masters in management?
Answer:
Increasing number of hiring companies are looking for candidates with real-time experience in
management than those having a master’s degree in management from B- schools.
viii. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.
The concluding sentence of the text attempts to clarify tkaf the web platforms are working for the aspiring interns and the industry.
A. being an effective bridge
B. work out pay packets
C. better service conditions
D. none of these
Answer:
A. being an effective bridge
ix. The phrase ‘healthy traffic’ refers to the ……………..
A. updates from portals about health and road safety.
B. statistics about adherence to traffic rules by the portals.
C. sizeable number of visitors to the portal per month.
D. monthly data about the health of internship applicants.
Answer:
C. sizeable number of visitors to the portal per month.
x. Which statement from the passage could be contrary to the statement that is given below.
The future of internship portals that haz,e sprung up in the last three to four years show a healthy traffic per month.
Answer:
The statement that managing Director of a leading executive search firm affirms that though these web platforms are serving as an effective bridge between industry and students, most established companies are not willing to take too many interns on board.
Section-B
Creative Writing Skills
III. AU the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.
1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. The Sports Club of your school is going to organise an Interciass Volleyball Tournament for classes
VII to XII. Draft a notice in about 50 words inviting the names of the students who want to participate in it. Give all the necessary details. You are Shubham/Shubhi, Secretary, Sports Club, Akash Public School, Gurugram.
Answer:
Akash Public School, Gurugrani
NOTICE
14th August, 2OXX
Interciass Volleyball Tournament
This is to inform all the students of class VII to XII that the Interciass Volleyball Tournament will be played on the school playground on 25th August, Wednesday. The match will start at 10 a.m. sharp. Those who are interested should give their names to the undersigned by the 20th of this month.
Shubhi/Shubham
Secretary
Sports Club
OR
B. You are Deepak Kumar, the Police Commissioner of Kanpur. It is the month of January and there is dense fog on the roads. Write a notice in about 50 words advising the residents to drive carefully and use fog lights to prevent accidents.
Answer:
XYZ PUBLIC SCHOOL, MADURAI
NOTICE
14th March, 2OXX
Traffic Advisory
In view of the dense fog, vehicle drivers are cautioned to show extreme restraint and alertness while driving. Please drive slowly and keep the blinkers/fog lights on to prevent accidents. You are advised to travel only for necessary and unavoidable reasons.
Deepak Kumar
Commissioner-Traffic
2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. You are Ranjan/Ranjana. You have got a good job with excellent package in another city. Write a suitable invitation in about 50 words to your friends inviting them for a party at your house to celebrate the success.
Answer:
72, Mayur Vihar
New Delhi
4th December 2OXX
Dear Sumit,
You will be glad to learn that I have got a good job with excellent package in Bengaluru. Soon I would be shifting to Bengaluru but before going, I want to share some happy moments and celebrate my success with my best friends. I hope to meet you at dinner at my house on 10th December, 2OXX
at 8:00 p.m.
Please join the celebration.
Yours sincerely
Ran jan/Ranjana
OR
B. You are Gaurav/Garvita. You have been invited to attend the wedding function of your friend’s sister Amisha. Send a reply confirming your acceptance in about 50 words.
Answer:
Pune
21st October, 2OXX
Dear Anshuk,
I am so happy to hear the wonderful news of Amisha’s wedding. Thank you for the cordial invitation on the occasion of your sister’s wedding function. I will be delighted to attend the function as per the schedule.
Yours sincerely,
Gaurav/Garvita
3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. You are very perturbed to see the increasing cases of road accidents, rash driving and overspeeding. As a concerned citizen, write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of the “The Times of India”, New Delhi, drawing the attention of the concerned authorities and offering your suggestions. You are Karun/ Karuna, 56, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter.
The following proscriptions should be brought in:
1. Installation of high resolution CCTV cameras on roadside electricity poles.
2. Immediate summons to habitual offenders for imposing prohibitive penalty.
3. Mandatory seizure of the vehicle after two successive penalties.
4. Putting more speed-breakers on the busy thoroughfares.
5. Getting every vehicle linked to the Aadhar card, so that in future habitual offenders find it difficult to register for new vehicles.
Answer:
56, Malviya Nagar
New Delhi
5th June, 2OXX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Increasing rate of road accidents
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to share my views regarding the rash driving and over-speeding vehicles which are causing road accidents every now and then. It is disturbing to see the sudden flood of accidents in the past few days and all are the result of over speeding. It seems as if traffic rules are being sidelined and people have no fear of challan or any mishap.
They violate the rules as if the rules are meant to be broken. In spite of speed detectors and interceptors at many places, the people ignore them and often jump red lights or drive at a very high speed. As a consequence, the innocent walkers, children and old people often fall prey to them. This is high time when traffic police should take strict action and instead of levying heavy challan, they should cancel the driving license of such motorists. I hope the concerned authorities would look forward into the matter and take a prompt action to avoid road accidents.
Thanking you
Your sincerely
Karun/Karuna
B. Bal Bharti School, Pilani, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to teach History for which they have placed an advertisement in ‘The Fast Express’. You are Arpit/Arpita from A-321, Han Marg, Pilani. Draft a letter in 120- 150 words including bio-data, applying for the advertised post.
Bal Bharti School, Pilani
Required Post-graduate History Teacher
Good command over the subject, Concept clearing capability, enthusiastic in teaching, minimum five years teaching
experience in a reputed C.B.S.E. School. Apply within seven days of the advertisement to the Principal.
Answer:
A-321, Han Marg
Pilani
12th March, 2OXX
The Principal
Bal Bharti School
Pilani
Subject: Application for the post of a postgraduate teacher
Sir/Madam
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Fast Express’, dated March 01, 2OXX for the post of a History teacher in your renowned school, I wish to offer my candidature for the same. I am endosing a copy of my bio-data for your perusal and kind consideration. I am available for the interview on any day of your convenience. If given a chance to serve you, I assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity and dedication up to your satisfaction.
Thank you.
End: Bio-data
BIO-DATA
Name: Arpit/Arpita
Father’s Name: Sagar Sharma
Date of Birth: 17th April, 1990
Communication Address: A-321,Hari Marg, Pilani-000009
: Phone- 98XXXXXXXX
E-Mail Address: Arp321@gmail.com
Nationality: Indian
Academic Qualifications: (i) B.A.(Hons)Rajasthan University with 88% marks
(ii) MA (History) Rajasthan University with 86% marks
: B.Ed. Rajasthan University
Experience: 5 years as History Lecturer in Hansraj College
Strengths: Good communication skills, computer literate
Languages: Good command over spoken and written Hindi & English.
Hobbies: Reading and Travelling
References: 1. Sanjay Mathur, Principal, D.A.V School, Delhi. Ph-XXXXXXX)CXX
: 2. Ronak Sharma, HOD,History, Rajasthan University. Ph-XXXXXXXXX
Looking forward to a favourable response.
Yours faithfully,
Arpit/Arpita
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. The increasing prices of essential commodities like gas, pulses, vegetables, etc., are a matter of worry for all. Write an article on the topic ‘Rising Prices in the market’ in 120-150 words. You are Mohan/ Mohini. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
- Varying demand and supply proportion
- Increasing population
- Government’s limp policies
- Need of stabilizing prices
Answer:
Rising Prices in the Market
By Mohan/Mohini
The rising prices of almost all the things including essential commodities have become a regular common feature nowadays. The rise in prices is basically due to the increasing population and also partly due to varying demand and supply proportion.
Another reason for rapidly increasing prices is due to the lack of effective measures taken by government departments to check malpractices of unscrupulous traders who are responsible for manipulated shortages and charge huge prices from needy persons.
A lot of hoarding and black marketing is taking place. India is a country where majority of the population resides in villages and most of the people live below poverty line, therefore, these poor people can’t even afford the basic commodities. Money has lost its value and the worst affected is the middle-class, especially salaried working class who have a fixed income. They have to maintain a reasonable standard of living and at the same time, manage to pay increasing prices for the essential commodities.
The time has come that the government should have a regular effective system to control on the rising prices of at least essential commodities and life saving drugs. Black marketeers, hoarders and profiteers must be brought to book. Overpopulation should be checked. More fair-price shops should be opened in different localities. The people who buy things in black should be punished.
Production of food should be increased to meet the demand. Sincere efforts should be made to stabilise prices of essential commodities. Evils of corruption bribery, smuggling and illegal gratification that are deep-rooted in the society, must be rooted out.
OR
B. You are Sanjay/Sanjana. Write a report in 120-150 words for publication in a magazine about a campaign that has been organised in your locality on ‘Say No to Polythene Bags’. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same.
- Campaign to create awareness among people
- Led by local M.L.A.
- Motivational speech given by him
- Oath taken by the people to avoid polythene
- Successful campaign
Answer:
Say No to Polythene Bags
A Report by: Sanjay/Sanjana
Last week, I joined a campaign organised in my locality to create awareness among people to stop using polythene bags. The M.L.A. of the area led the campaign. Besides, there were many elite members of society who had come to give their tremendous support to this programme. The campaign carried many activities. As usual, the programme started with the motivational and informative lecture from the M.L.A.
He told that the 21st century is surrounded by the numerous polythene bags which not only cause a waste disposal problem but also counted as non-biodegradable waste because they cannot be decomposed by the bacteria. We should pledge to say no to polythene bags and insist on using paper bags.
We also have other better choices over polythene bags. Use of polythene bags creates irreparable and hazardous environmental pollution. It seems as if we are doing it deliberately and do not want to save our environment for the future generations.
He further added that polythene bags cause drainage problems and make the city ugly. About 80% of the total garbage is made out of polythene bags. Afterwards we all took the oath that we would not use polybags.Small plants were distributed to the people in beautiful decorative pots. It seemed to be a very successful campaign.
Section-C
Literature
IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
1. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
A. “Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt . would look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing. What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.”
i. What is the tone of the poet in these lines?
(i) Rebellious
(ii) Angry
(iii) Advising
(iv) Sad
Choose the appropriate option:
A. (i) and (iv)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. Only (iv)
D. Only (i)
Answer:
B. (ii) and (iii)
ii. Identify the phrase/s from the extract that suggests the following:
Those who do not fight in the frontline but wage wars are not the sufferers.
Answer:
Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing
iii. What idea of mankind do you get from the lines?
A. Caring
B. Devastated
C. Selfish
D. Ferocious
Answer:
C. Selfish
iv. Complete the following analogy correctly.
wars with gas, wars with fire: anaphora:: …………..: alliteration.
Answer:
hurt hands, clean clothes
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (i) and (ii) given below.
(1) The poet complains about those who wage wars.
(2) He doesn’t want us to be lazy.
A. (1) is the reason for (2).
B. (2) is the reason for (1).
C. Only (1) is true but has no relation to (2).
D. Both (1) and (2) are true and are unrelated.
Answer:
D. Both (1) and (2) are true and are unrelated.
vi. Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
His ultimate ……………. is to stop seeing trucks carrying dead bodies.
Answer:
desire
OR
B. “Or f ever aside a moment, then out of sorts At having the landscape marred with the artless paint Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts, Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts, Or beauty rest in a beautful mountain scene, , You have the money, but f you want to be mean, Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along.” (A Roadside Stand)
i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the second line of the extract.
A. Ageless beauty
B. Voiceless words
C. Timeless sequence
D. Beautiful mountain
desire
B. Voiceless words
ii. What does the phrase “golden squash with silver warts” indicate?
A. Squash balls lined with gold
B. Silverine showpieces
C. Juices in bottles
D. Gold and silver
Answer:
C. Juices in bottles
iii. What was the reason for the disgust of the travellers?
(i) The shop of the poor villagers
(ii) The poorly painted N-S signs
(iii) The messy roads
(iv) The shops blocking the roads
(v) The smelly juices
(vi) All of these
Choose the most appropriate option.
A. (i), (iii) and (iv)
B. only (i) and (iii)
C. Only (iii)
D. Only (ii)
Answer:
D. Only (ii) .
iv. Answer in ONE word.
When the poet says that the rich people in cars cast a disgusted look at the stalls, he means they are …………..
Answer:
heartless
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
(1) The rich people in cars are disgusted at the wrong signs.
(2) The poor stall owner offered fresh juice.
A. (2) is the reason for (1).
B. (1) is not true and but is reason for (2).
C. Both are false but related.
D. Both are true and are unrelated.
Answer:
D. Both are true and are unrelated.
vi. Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?
A. Selfish cars
B. The heartless rich
C. The scorned poor
D. Neglected sights
Answer:
B. The heartless rich
2. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.
A. DERRY: What do you do all day?
MR LAMB: Sit in the sun. Read books. Ah, you thought it was an empty house, but inside, it’s fr11. Books and
other things. Full.
DERRY: But there aren’t any curtains at the windows.
MR LAMB: I’m not fond of curtains. Shutting things out, shutting things in. X like the light and the darkness,
and the windows open, to hear the wind.
DERRY: Yes. I like that. When it’s raining, I like to hear ít on the roof.
MR LAMB: So you’re not lost, are you? Not altogether? You do hear things. You listen. (On the face of if)
i. List the playwright’s purpose of putting an exchange of questions as if in a play between Deny and Mr. Lamb.
Answer:
The paranoid boy is obsessively concerned with his ugly acid burned face which makes him scared of people coming near him, whereas, the lame Mr. Lamb is nonchalant about what people think of him as a lame person. He is very optimistic and brings about a behavioral change in the boy to think of the world in an optimistic way.
ii. Mr. Lamb tries to make Derry realise through analogies/stories that shutting oneself in is not a solution to any problem. Which one do you think it is?
A. An analogy of buzzing bees.
B. A story of beauty and beast.
C. A story of falling picture.
D. All of these.
Answer:
C. A story of falling picture.
iii. Soon after this dialogue Derry refers to something else he hears. What is it?
A. His mother’s sympathetic words.
B. People directly commiserating with him.
C. People whispering behind his back.
D. Tongues lashing at him.
Answer:
C. People whispering behind his back.
iv. “So you’re not lost, are you? Not altogether?” What does the connotation of the word ‘lost’ suggest in the context?
Answer:
The connotation of the word ‘lost’ suggests that Derry is not totally impervious to the outside world.
OR
B. From my hiding place I peered out, shuddering with fear whenever I heard footsteps nearby. Though in the hail loud voices were calling my name, and I knew that even Judewin was searching for me, I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. (The Cutting of My Long Hair)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.
The girl was hiding because …………………
Answer:
she was scared that her braids would be shorn of.
ii. What is symbolised by the persisting search for the missing girl?
A. That the authorities were concerned about her safety.
B. The rigidity of the system had to be upheld.
C. It was a matter of ego for all to find the girl.
D. None of the above
Answer:
B. The rigidity of the system had to be upheld.
iii. Select the most suitable title for the given extract.
A. Innocence violated
B. Horrors of Childhood
C. A real hide and seek game
D. Failed Attempt to Escape
Answer:
B. Horrors of Childhood
iv. What happened soon after this extract?
Answer:
Soon after this, the girl was dragged out and tied fast.
3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.
A. This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five per cent of the fiLm was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the girls and boys to be made to look ugly in order to look presentable in the movie. A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make up department. (Poets and Pancakes)
i. Select the option that completes the given statements appropriately.
The gang of makeup men is formed as ‘nationally integrated’ because ……………
Answer:
the heads of the makeup department had come from different states of India.
ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:
Attractive: hideous:: indecorous: ……………..
Answer:
presentable
iii. How could the gang of makeup men turn a decent-looking person into a hideous monster?
A. By beating them black and blue
B. By putting them in a drum of paint
C. By using truckloads of pancakes
D. Using local potions and lotions which is true
(a) A.
(b) A. and B.
(c) A, B, and C
(d) C and D
Answer:
(d) C and D
iv. Why did the studio lights and sets needed the girls and boys to look ugly:
A. So that they could act in more films.
B. So that they did not get many movies.
C. So that they were hated by the audience.
D. So that they looked presentable in the movie.
Answer:
D. So that they looked presentable in the movie.
v. Identify the textual clue that needed to show that the writer is disgusted that the girls and boys were to be made to look ugly so that they looked presentable in the movie. (Clue: a phrase)
Answer:
I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the girls and boys to be made ugly (so that )! in order to (they) look(ed) presentable in the movie.
vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract. The writer uses the phrase ‘nationally integrated’ to refer to the make-up men because just like motley crowd .
Answer:
they were people from different states and different mother tongues who served as make-up men.
OR
B. At that point, at the age of 22, I understood scholarly books should be written the way I had done.
This is why my essays always have a narrative aspect. (The Interview)
i. According to one professor how are the other researchers a contrast to Eco?
A. They make false hypotheses and correct them.
B. They talk about their trials and errors.
C. They adopt a narrative style.
D. They write depersonalized boring stuff.
(a) A and D
(b) B and D
(c) C and B
(d) A and C
Answer:
(a) AandD
ii. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
The author’s essays always have a narrative aspect.
Answer:
The author’s essays always have a descriptive feature.
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.
The scholarly books having a narrative aspect means.
A. to include every trial and error to arrive at correct conclusions
B. to tell a story about the research done on the subject matter
C. to make the reader convinced of his facts produced
D. None of the above
Answer:
B. to tell a story about the research done on the subject matter
iv. Rationalise, to support the given opinion:
At that point, at the age of 22,1 understood scholarly books should be written the way I had done.
Answer:
Here he intention is to say that even before putting in conclusions in a descriptive story one has to put all the ‘thais and errors’ in the story. This makes the story interesting and gripping for the reader to read it till the end.
v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader that the professor is more inclined to capture the interest
of the reader. (clue: a phrase)
Answer:
Telling the story of research captures the imagination of the reader captivating him/her till the end. Apart from the conclusions, it is the narrative of the story of how the research was conducted that keeps the reader hooked on.
vi. What is the secret of the huge success of his novel?
A. He combined many topics.
B. It is still an enigma.
C. He wrote for the audience.
D. It is his lucky streak.
Answer:
B. It is still an enigma.
V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each.
i. How did Douglas conquer his fear of water or swimming? (Deep Water)
Answer:
Douglas conquered his fear of water by firm resolution and taking the services of a professional swimming instructor. He remembered the words of Roosevelt that “All we have to fear is the fear itself.” Douglas learnt to exhale under water and inhale above water.
ii. What were Kamala Das’ fears as a child? Why did the fears resurface when she was going to the airport? (My Mother At Sixty-Six)
Answer:
Kamala Das feared that one day her mother would die and leave her alone. When she was going to the airport, these fears resurfaced because when she looked at her mother with her open mouth in the car, she realised that her mother was nearing old age.
iii. Why did the ironmaster invite the peddler home? Why did the peddler refuse to come? (The Rattrap)
Answer:
The ironmaster took the peddler for an old regimental comrade. He invited him to home because he thought him to be an old acquaintance. The peddler refused to come because he had stolen the ironmaster’s money. The peddler knew that ironmaster had mistaken him for an old regimental comrade and feared that he would send him to the police.
iv. Why did. Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel? (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
Answer:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolise not only beauty but also boldness, courage, gracefulness and freedom. She wanted to express the hidden desire of a free and fearless life and forget her miserable life. She also wanted to escape from the harsh realities of life. That’s why she wanted to embroider tigers on the panel.
v. Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poet condemns violence? (Keeping Quiet)
Answer:
The images of fishermen not harming the whales in the sea and wars leaving behind no survivors show that the poet condemns violence. The poet wants the warmongers to change their blood-stained clothes to clean ones. The poet’s refusal to have any relationship or dealing with death also shows that he is not in favour of any form of violence.
vi. Everybody during the last lesson is filled with regret. Comment. (The Last Lesson)
Answer:
According to the order from Berlin, only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. This order left M. Hamel, the village people and M. Hamel’s students in deep regret. The villagers regretted not having made utmost use of the French lessons that had been given by M. Hamel. They had engaged themselves in their profession to earn a living and had not taken their French lessons seriously.
The children and the villagers sitting in the class had always thought that they had enough time to learn the language. But now, during the last French lesson, everybody realised their mistake. They realised how little they knew of their native language. They all attended the last lesson to mark their respect towards their teacher and their country, which was no longer theirs.
VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each.
i. Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection. Discuss. (The Third Level)
Answer:
The human being is known to be the most intelligent among all the creatures that possess an imaginative brain. Sometimes, the human brain can visualize things which are unbelievable for the rest of the world. All the inventions might have sprouted in some brains of the people in the past and have now taken a deep root and have become a part of our daily life. But another truth is that all the illogicality can’t become reality as projected in the story as a person can not move from one era to another, in order to escape from the harsh realities of life.
ii. ‘It is better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all’. How would you relate this observation to the author of the episode ‘The cutting of my Long Hair.’? (Memories of Childhood)
Answer:
This indicates her revolt against the practice. Knowing that she could not prevail against the authorities, she struggles against the injustice. She clearly believed that even if she doesn’t succeed in resisting the injustice, she should not have the regret of never having tried.
iii. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent along with the troops? (The Enemy)
Answer:
Dr. Sadao was a famous surgeon and a scientist. The old general of Japan had full faith in his abilities as a surgeon and he did not believe in any other doctor. He was not well and could need a surgery any time. Therefore Dr. Sadao was not sent along with the troops.
VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words each.
i. The prose selections, The Rattrap and Indigo brings out the ‘fall in character’ of humans due to hardships faced in life. To regain self- respect one has to mend his debased ways which is only possible if there is no hesitancy to root out evil, personal or social. Imagine that you have been invited to make the students strong enough in character, not to lose strength of character against anyone, howsoever he/she/they might be powerful.
Answer:
Dear All,
Today I welcome all the students of XII standard to attend an event called ‘International Character Building Day’. Let me draw your attention to two chapters from your book Flamingo, The Rattrap and Indigo. The intention of these two chapters is to create awareness of how ‘good social behaviour’ and ‘down-to-earth’ empathy with the benumbed and poverty ridden people can work wonders for all, individually and collectively.
For it is ‘individual character’ and ‘collective responsibility’ that makes a strong nation. While I was going through the story of Rattrap I really came to know that how very often we are beguiled by short cut to success. The methods and tactics involved are unfortunately unethical for most of those who take recourse to unprincipled ways.
For instance, the rattrap maker, falls in disgrace to think that the world is a big rattrap which sets bait for people. So he starts to ensnare gullible people in his trap to earn quick money.
He lets himself get stuck in a trap that could land him in jail. Had it not been for the good natured Edla, he wouldn’t have been able to reform himself. Much in the same way it was the tenacity of purpose of a relatively unknown peasant who accompanied Gandhiji everywhere to make him agree to visit his district Champaran.
It was the strength of character of the peasant and Gandhiji that help the crushed and fear-stricken peasants to make a spontaneous demonstration that made the powerful British bow to their demands. It helped the peasants to get aware of their rights. A wonderful strength of character, both on an individual basis, as well as collective basis comes out beautifully in the story.
The moral is to be brave and steadfast against oppressors. That is the central idea of these two anecdotes. Never give in to injustice, whatever be the circumstances.
Wish you a good day children. Have a nice day.
OR
ii. “I like the game,” he hums, content to watch it standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no one is around,” he admits. “The gatekeeper lets me use the swing.” The prose selection, Lost Spring includes an innocent remark by Saheb-e-Alam to the author Anees Jung. In Keeping Quiet, we get acquainted with themes of appealing the hearts of the readers rather than their intellect:
‘Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive’. Imagine a conversation between Saheb-e-Alam and the poet Pablo Neruda. Create an exchange with reference to the extracts given above.
Answer:
Pablo Neruda: Hello, boy what is your name?
Saheb-e-Alam: Saheb-e-Alam, sir.
Pablo Neruda: Why do you walk without chappals?
Saheb-e-Alam: I cannot buy one and my mother has not been able to steal it from the shelf.
Pablo Neruda: Steal ? Why steal ?!!
Saheb-e-Alam: She doesn’t have money to buy. I am from a family of ragpickers…
Pablo Neruda: Can’t you even afford to buy one, what a pity!
Saheb-e-Alam: (A bit ashamed, blushing) Sir, it is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot,
Pablo Neruda: (to himself) Oh my god, an excuse to explain away a perpetual state of poverty,..what a pity!
Saheb-e-Alam: You said something, sir?
Pablo Neruda: Oh no! Er, do you belong to this place, dear?
Saheb-e-Alam: No sir, I am from Bangladesh.
Pablo Neruda: How is that possible?
Saheb-e-Alam: (scratching his head) My mother can tell
Pablo Neruda: Can I meet your mother?
Saheb-e-Alam: (scared) Are you from the police, sir?
Pablo Neruda: No, why do you ask? [at this point Saheb-e-Alam starts to run away]
Pablo Neruda: Hey just wait!
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words.
i. In The Enemy we are introduced to Dr. Sadao Hoki who has an encounter with an American soldier who N
is his enemy and also a patient in need of doctor. Imagine you were Dr. Hoki and describe in 120-150 words how would you react if you were in a position similar to his.
Answer:
The situation of Dr. Hoki described in The Enemy is a particularly disturbing situation to be in. The American soldier that was found by the Japanese is an immediate enemy of the doctor as well as his country and it is the time of war. Even normal relations are disturbed during times of war. So it was obvious that Dr. Hoki should hand over the soldier to the Japanese army and show loyalty to his country.
If I were in Dr. Hold’s place, I would have done the same as him and saved the soldier. My human kindness would overcome my patriotism because before anything I am a human being. Sure it would not be an easy decision to make in the heat of the moment. I must be confused like Dr. Hoki too but eventually, I am sure humanity would win over other duties.
OR
ii. In ‘Tiger King’, the Tiger King is a person who has no regard for the life of the tigers he hunts and is hell bent on using their deaths as a medal of bravery for himself. In the lesson, On the Face of It we find Mr. Lamb is a person who is caring about nature and has a garden that he maintains and nurtures with care and love. Compare the similarities and contrasts between the two character’s relation with nature and its components to make a short note of 120-150 words.
Answer:
The king in The Tiger King is actually a person who needs to brag about his greatness in spite of being bom without any trace of it. In or der to show his bravery he aims to hunt down and kill tigers eventually emptying the forest of all tigers. The king’s thinking is vague and lacks concern for the environment and nature.
Mr. Lamb from On the Face of It has a garden where he meets a boy of reserved nature. He established a friendly relationship with the boy. due to his caring nature. His cultivation and maintenance of his garden shows his relation with nature and concern for the environment. Both the king and Mr. Lamb are lonely in their individual lives and both use the medium of nature for their different whims.