Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 11 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 11 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- 15 Minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
- The Question Paper contains THREE Sectians-Reading, Grammar & Writing and Literature.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Question 1.
Read the passage given below. (1 x 10 = 10)
Phases of Grief
(1) There is a time when everyone has to face grief. When someone dear to oneself dies, one is left in a state in which grief and shock overcome the ordinary life. One is left in a situation when one feels there is nothing one can do. Grief and mourning are always associated with death. It also happens with other kinds of losses. It could be the loss of one’s job, loss of one’s house or the loss of a close friend.
(2) The best people able to cope with these are those, who come from cultures that have strict, formal and intensive mourning rituaL In India, we have diverse rituals which nowadays are being discarded. But these help in surmounting the crisis. The near and dear ones come to share the grief and apply balm with their words of solace.
In a modern society, one is expected to act as if nothing has happened, but research has shown that mourning is an essential part of coming to terms with loss. There comes a time when one has to give up one’s grief and rejoin the main stream of life. Mourning in itself passes through these phases. Firstly, it is in the nature of shock and disbelief. A feeling of numbness overtakes. The brain is not in a position to creeps in.
(3) Here, the affected person displays odd behaviour and has difficulty in activities like eating and sleeping. One may remain in this stage for weeks, months and sometimes years. In the next phase, one experiences relief from pain and negative feelings. This leads to the positive side. Then one feels one must make alternative arrangements or replacements. Here, one is ready to cope with the situation. One knows one cannot recover what one has lost, but is conscious of the future, accepts the loss and is ready for the alternative.
(4) On passing through all the stages of grief it seems that time has passed like a river under the bridge. This shows that mourning has been successful. One cannot forget the loss but one comes to terms with the reality..
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions:
(A) Complete the sentence with reference to the passage.
After one has passed all the phases of grief there is a relief from ……………….. [1]
Answer:
Pain
Explanation: To overcome grief one has to go through certain stages. After the Last stage, the affected person accepts reality and is relieved from the pain.
(B) “…rejoin the main stream of life” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘stream’ is NOT the same as it is in the passsge:
(a) After meeting her estranged sister she experienced a stream of emotions inside her.
(b) Since there was no internet, I couldn’t stream the movie.
(c) You can always see a stream flowing in the mountains.
(d) When her dog died she sat with tears streaming down her face. [1]
Answer:
(a) After meeting her estranged sister she experienced a stream of emotions inside her.
Explanation: In the passage stream means flow of feelings. In (b) stream means buffering, (c) stream means flowing water and (d) stream means flowing down of tears. Hence, (a) is correct as here stream means flow of emotions.
(C) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the phases of grief:
(I) The person has difficulty in activities like eating and sleeping.
(II) The person recollects the old moments and the memory of guilt creeps in.
(III) This leads to the positive side.
(IV) The person is ready to cope with the situation.
(V) A feeling of numbness overtakes.
(a) (IV), (II) (I), (III), (V)
(b) (I), (III), (II), (V), (IV)
(c) (IV), (I); (V), (III), (II)
(d) (V), (I), (II), (IV), (III) [1]
Answer:
(d) (V), (I), (II), (IV), (III)
Explanation: While going through grief firstly, one experiences a feeling of numbness. Then the affected person has difficulty inactivities like eating and sleeping After that, there is recollection of old memories. Then the person is ready to accept reality leading to positive thinking. Hence, (d) is correct.
(D) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the following:
(a) “When you are sorrowful, look again”. – Khalil Gibran
(b) “There is no grief like the grief that does not speak”. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(c) “The only cure for grief is action”. – George Henry Lewes
(d) “Tears are the silent language of grief”. – Voltaire [1]
Answer:
(a) “When you are sorrowful, look again”. – Khalil Gibran
Explanation: The central idea of the passage is that grief is inevitable and one has to face it to overcome it. Once you get over it, you realize that life still goes on. Hence, (a) is correct.
(E) The affected person lets go of grief:
(a) with time
(b) when he is distracted from grief
(c) when he forgets the lost one
(d) when he goes on an outing [1]
Answer:
(a) with time
Explanation: The person affected by grief gets over it with time doesn’t subside with distraction or by forgetting the lost one. Going on an outing is also not the solution. Hence, (a) is correct.
(F) According to the passage, ‘grief and ‘mourning’ are associated with death. True/False [1]
Answer:
True
(G) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘overcome’ as used in the passage.
(a) We need to overcome this reluctance to talk openly.
(b) She stopped struggling, overcome by fear.
(c) In order to move ahead in life, one has to overcome all the hurdles.
(d) Nature is hard to be overcome. [1]
Answer:
(c) In order to move ahead in life, one has to overcome all the hurdles.
Explanation: In the passage, overcome means to defeat. In (a) overcome means to get over, (b) overcome means overpower and (d) means succeed in dealing with a problem. In (c) overcome means to defeat all hurdles. Hence, (c) is correct.
(H) Pick out the option that states what DOES NOT happen before the third stage of grief.
(a) acceptance of reality
(b) feeling of numbness
(c) denial
(d) feeling of pain [1]
Answer:
(a) acceptance of reality
Explanation: First there is feeling of numbness. Then, follow denial and feeling of pain. In the last stage there is acceptance of reality. Hence, (a) is correct.
(I) Which people are able to cope with the loss better? [1]
Answer:
People who follow strict and formal mourning rituaLs
Explanation: The people who follow all the formal rituals are able to cope with loss better.
(J) Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the person in grief.
(I) frustrated
(II) remorse
(III) agitated
(IV) acceptance
(V) anguish
(VI) reconciliation
(a) (I) and (IV)
(b) (II) and (V)
(c) (IV) and (VI)
(d) (I) and (III) [1]
Answer:
(c) (IV) and (VI)
Explanation: A person in grief experiences a lot of emotions like pain, sorrow, acceptance and reconciliation. Hence, (c) is correct.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below: (1 x 10 = 10)
Looking For A New Clarity
(1) The Supreme Court, this past month, provided us with a useful reminder about its worth to our constitutional democracy. Its intervention in the imbroglio over government formation in Karnataka was flawless. The hearings conducted in the early hours of the morning may have been theatrical, but the court’s ultimate decision certainly helped avert a subversion of the Constitution.
Yet, much as its decision here deserves appreciation, we must be careful not to allow any ascription of credit to veil the deeper wounds that afflict it for a litany of problems continues to strike at the court’s independence.
(2) Three of these are especially salient The first involves the rejection by the government of the collegium’s recommendation of KM. Joseph, currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, for elevation to the Supreme Court The second concerns the need for a systemic mechanism to deal with allegations of corruption in the higher judiciary.
The third area of worry concerns the embroiled state of Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, his position as the master of the roster, and the critical question of whether such powers ought to be vested in the hands of one individual. Recurring problems:
(3) At first glance, these issues might strike us as unique to the times that we live in, as examples of crises that will eventually pass. But, on closer examination, it becomes clearer that these are, in fact recurring problems left unaddressed far decades. In trying to resolve the issues, therefore, we must ask ourselves how we got here. As AG. Noorani recently wrote in Frontline magazine fCrisis in Judiciary,” May 11, 2018): ‘V/e have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was long in process.”
(4) In his seminal book, America’s Unwritten Constitution: The Precedents and Principles We Live By, Akhil Reed Amar points to how the written constitution often invites us to heed what’s unwritten, which in turn, he writes, “refers us back in various ways to its written counterpart Like the Chinese symbols yin and yang, America’s written Constitution and America’s unwritten Constitution form two halves of one whole, with each half gesturing toward the other.”
(Source: The Hindu) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the followingquestions:
(A) According to the passage, the Supreme
Court has reminded us of ………………. [1]
Answer:
constitutional democracy
(B) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
(I) The current Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court is K.M. Joshi
(II) The hearings were conducted in the afternoon.
(III) The third area of worry concerns the embroiled state of Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra.
(IV) The court’s ultimate decision did not help avert a subversion of the Constitution.
(a) (I) and (II)
(b) (III) and (IV)
(c) (II) and (IV)
(d) (I) and (IV) [1]
Answer:
(c) (II) and (IV)
Explanation: The passage does not say that the hearings were conducted in the afternoon as they were conducted in the morning. The court’s ultimate decision helped to avert a subversion of the Constitution. Hence, (c) is correct.
(C) The word ‘veil’, as used in paragraph 1, can be SUBSTITUTED with ………………. [1]
Answer:
‘cover’
Explanation: In paragraph 1, veil means to cover.
(D) The third area of worry concerns
(a) Dipak Misra’s position as the master of the roster.
(b) The rejection by the government of the collegium’s recommendation of K.M. Joseph.
(c) The need for a systemic mechanism.
(d) How to deal with allegations of corruption in the higher judiciary. [1]
Answer:
(a) Dipak Misra’s position as the master of the roster.
Explanation: The third area of worry concerns Dipak Misra’s position as the master of the roster. Hence, (a) is correct.
(E) A.G. Noorani recently wrote what in Frontline magazine? [1]
Answer:
Crisis in Judiciary
Explanation: A.G. Noorani recently wrote in Crisis of Judiciary.
(F) What did A.G. Noorani recently write in Frontline magazine? [1]
(a) “We have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was short in process.”
(b) “We have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was long in process.”
(c) “We have reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was long in process.”
(d) “We have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The rise was long in process.” [1]
Answer:
(b) “We have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was long in process.’’
Explanation: A.G. Noorani recently wrote in Frontline magazine, “We have not reached the nadir all of a sudden. The decline was long in process.” Hence, (b) is correct.
(G) Who is the writer of the book ‘America’s Unwritten Constitution: The Precedents and Principles We Live By’? [1]
Answer:
Akhil Reed Amar
Explanation: The writer of the book is Akhil Reed Amar.
(H) How many salient problems are related to the given issue in the passage? [1]
Answer:
three
(I) Does the following statement agree with the information given in the passage.
The first problem involves the acceptance by the government.
True-if the statment agrees with the information.
False-if the statement contradicts with the information.
Not Given-If there is no information on this. [1]
Answer:
False
Explanation: The first problem involves the rejection by the government.
(J) The second problem concerns the need to deal with what of the following?
(a) Allegations of corruption in the lower judiciary
(b) Allegations of corruption in the higher judiciary
(c) An unsystemic mechanism
(d) None of these [1]
Answer:
(b) allegations of corruption in the higher judiciary
Explanation: The second problem concerns the need to deal with allegations of corruption in the higher judiciary. Hence, (b) is correct.
Section – B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)
Question 3.
Answer ANY ONE of the following
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
Your school, ‘Woodland College’ is going to have a class on ‘Social Distancing’ keeping in the mind, the pandemic and the precautions to be taken by the students. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words to be sent to the students digitally, inviting students to attend it online. Give all the necessary details. You are Roma/Romi, Head girl/Head boy of the school.
OR
You are Vaishnavi Dutt, a student of class XII, Aligarh Public School, Aligarh. You have found an expensive wrist watch in the school playground. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words for the school notice board. [5]
Answer:
Woodland College
Notice
12th August, 20XX
Online Class on Social Distancing
This is to inform the students that an online class on ‘Social Distancing’ is going to be held on 20th August 20XX. The students will be taught about the importance of the step taken by the government of India and the ways to maintain it along with carrying on the other necessary tasks of life. All of you are required to attend it online through the school web portal.
The students will receive the email regarding the details of the class soon. For any related query, contact the undersigned.
Roma/Romi
Head girl/Head boy
OR
ALIGARH PUBLIC SCHOOL, ALIGARH
NOTICE
27th August, 2OXX
Lost and Found
I have found a silver-colored ‘Casio’ wrist -watch in the school playground during the recess yesterday. The watch is analog with a black dial for males. Owner may please contact the undersigned during the school hours in her respective class.
Vaishnavi Dutt
Class XII-C
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Sarit Agarwal of 31-D, Kamala Nagar, Bhopal. You have purchased a new house and want to give a house warming party for the same. Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words.
OR
You have received an invitation from your friend to attend her birthday party. Write a reply in not more than 50 words accepting the invitation and expressing your excitement for the same. [5]
Answer:
Mr. Sarit Agarwal
requests your presence at
the House Warming Party
of his new home
at 9.00 p.m. on 24th September, 20XX
at his residence 31- D, Kamala Nagar,
Bhopal
RSVP
Mr. Sarit Agarwal 973296XXX
OR
25th September, 20XX
Dear Pinky,
Thank you for sending the lovely invitation to your birthday party. I am really excited to attend the party and meet all our friends. On this precious occasion, I want to wish you a healthy and a happy life. May you celebrate many more birthdays ahead.
Thank you once again for the kind invitation.
Best Wishes
XYZ
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Anirudh/ Anuradha. You come across the following advertisement. You consider yourself an ideal candidate for the same. Apply for the job giving all pertinent details in not more than 120-150 words.
Situation Vacant
Wanted a young energetic HR Manager for Gurgaon Office of Uber India Ltd. with degree from a reputed college and minimum three years’ experience. Contact, the Director, Uber, Ltd
OR
There have been increased reporting of cases of domestic violence during the period of nationwide lockdown. This shows a grave scenario that being forced to stay indoors is proving to be harmful for the mental health of many people. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily in not more than 120-150 words and create awareness about this issue. You are Ram/Rama of 12C, Sarita Vihar, Patna. [5]
Answer:
1204, AWHO
Ram Garden
Noida ( UP)
7th April, 20XX
The Director
Uber India Ltd
Gurgaon
Subject: Application for the Post of HR Manager
Madam/Sir
This is with reference to the advertisement published in The Times of India, dated 4th April 20XX, for the post of HR Manager. I wish to apply for the same.
My qualifications are as per your requirement. I have done my MBA in Human Resource from a reputed college and I am presently working with HR Solutions, Faridabad. I am willing to relocate as I am aware that your company is known to provide opportunities for employee growth.
If I am given the opportunity to serve your reputed company, I assure you that I would prove to be an asset. My bio data is attached for your kind perusal.
Yours sincerely
Anirudh/Anuradha
Enclosure : Bio-data
Bio-Data
Anirudh/ Anuradha
Father’s name : Narendra Nath
Date of birth : 02-12-19XX
Contact address : 1204-AWHO, Noida
Email: [email protected]
Educational qualifications :
| S. No. | Class/ Degree | Board/ University | Institution | Year | Percentage |
| 1. | Class X | CBSE | SDA School | 19XX | 84% |
| 2. | Class XII | CBSE | SDA School | 20XX | 94% |
| 3. | BBA | Delhi University | Mt Carmel College | 20XX | 88% |
| 4. | MBA | Delhi University | Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Management | 20XX | 80% |
Work Experience: HR Manager at HR Solutions from March 2015 to April 2020
References: (i) Mr Rohit Lowe, Addtl Director, HR Solutions 9925XXXXXX
(ii) Ms Asha Khana, HR Manager, Sapna Solutions 7654XXXXXX
Testimonials enclosed herewith
The information given above is true to the best of my knowledge.
Anirudh/Anradha
7th April 20XX
OR
12C,
Sarita Vihar,
Patna
21st May, 20xx
The Editor
The National Times Patna
Subject: Rising cases of domestic violence during lockdown Ma’am/ Sir,
I would like to draw the attention towards the rise in the number of cases of domestic violence during the period of nationwide lockdown through the medium of your prestigious newspaper.
Being locked up at homes is proving to be bothersome for some people. Their behavior is becoming erratic and restless, resulting in domestic violence. The situation is getting worse day by day. For those people who are finding it hard to deal with the current situations, there needs to be some sort of help given. It can be in the form of providing online counseling sessions or airing informative commercials on keeping good mental health on mass media so that they stay away from any such activity.
I request you to publish my letter in your newspaper to create awareness and motivate government authorities to step up and address this issue at the earliest.
Your faithfully
Ram/Rama
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Evaluation, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
There is a lot of talk on saving the environment but we are not doing enough as a society. Things will not change overnight and there is a need for the youth to take charge and bring about the much needed change. As Aditya/Aditi, write an article in 120-150 words to be published in the local daily on the need to change our approach towards the environment with the help of the given cues.
- Nature give us warning and reminders
- Youth are the leaders of the future
- Time has come to ensure the protection of the environment
OR
Your school sent you to attend a workshop organised by the Forum for Special Awareness on the use of smart phones by school going children. The workshop also informed the participants on the judicious use of smart phones. Write a report in 120150 words on the workshop to be published in your school magazine. You are Prakhar/ Siya, a student of Class XII, with the help of the given cues
- Workshop attended by students from all across the city.
- Students spend too much time surfing worthless sites or interacting on the social media.
- Use the smart phones judiciously so that it can be a boon and not a bane.
Answer:
The Time for Change Is Now
By Aditi/Aditya
Every day nature gives us warnings and reminders on how our callous and thoughtless attitude is destroying the environment. We take notes, conduct seminars and organise marches and then we go back to our old ways. But now the time has come to step up and get proactive.
The youth must lead by example, since they have long been called ‘the leaders of the future’, and now is the time for them to take charges of the situation. Taking care of the environment must be our duty and the youth must ensure that everyone performs this duty diligently.
The training and conditioning to care for the environment must be instilled in students’ right from the beginning. If this is made a part of the curriculum, where in each child is told that she/he is responsible for a tree, cleanliness of surroundings, preventing pollution, the child grows up with an attitude of nurturing nature.
We need to believe that the change begins with us, so let us reduce the use of air-conditioners, vehicles and, go back to the basics. Time has come to ensure all thoughts of protecting the environment are not just to show but for real. If the children grow up knowing their responsibility towards the environment, they will truly be the torchbearers of change and give the environment the nurturing it needs.
OR
Use the Smart Phone Smartly
By Prakhar/Siya, Class XII E
The workshop was conducted by the Forum for Special Awareness on the use of smart phones by school going children which was a wonderful learning experience. The workshop provided the participants an insight into how smart phones can become our best friends instead of the nuisance everyone thinks them to be.
The workshop was attended by 250 students from all across the city. The chief guest Mr Narayan Murthy told the students, “Smart phones can be your best friends if you know how to use them smartly. A smart phone can provide you all the information you need, provided you like in the right place.” The other speakers agreed that phones are meant to be means of communication, which can be perfect for that role.
The problem usually begins when students spend too much time surfing worthless sites or interacting on the social media. A presentation on how the very same social media sites can be used to gain information and update knowledge was not only informative but also helped the students understand their mistakes.
The speakers informed and guided the students on how they can use the smart phones judiciously so that it can be a boon and not a bane for then. The students went back armed with various tools to help and guide them use the smart phones to their advantage.
Section – C
Literature (40 marks)
Question 7.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given bg answering the questions that follow: (1 x 6 = 6)
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
(A) ‘When Aunt is dead.’ Who is the ‘aunt’ being talked about here?
(a) Poet’s aunt
(b) Aunt Jennifer
(c) Uncle’s wife
(d) Aunt in general [1]
Answer:
(b) Aunt Jennifer
Explanation: The aunt mentioned here is Aunt Jennifer, the protagonist of Adrienne Rich’s poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. It doesn’t refer to any of the options (a), (c) or (d). Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(B) Why is she “ringed with ordeals”?
(a) As she has been tied with a lot of marriage responsibilities.
(b) As she is burdened with a lot of rings and ornaments on her fingers.
(c) As she wearing a ring that spells ‘ordeals’.
(d) As she is a new bride. [1]
Answer:
(a) As she has been tied with a lot of marriage responsibilities.
Explanation: The ‘ring’ here refers to her wedding band or ring, which has brought with it a host of family responsibilities. She feels so opressed and tied by her marital liabilities that it seems like an ordeal to her. So, the correct option is (a).
(C) Complete the given sentence.
Aunt Jennifer is ……………….. but her tigers are ………………… [1]
Answer:
Coward; brave
(D) The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer reflects her:
(a) inner strength
(b) fantasy
(c) creativity
(d) deepest hidden desire [1]
Answer:
(d) deepest hidden desires
Explanation: The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer are an expression of her hidden desire to free herself from the constraints of her married life. She wants to be bold and fearless like her tigers. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(E) List the correct rhyme scheme of the given extract. [1]
Answer:
aabb
Explanation: The words ‘lie’ and ‘by’ sounds similar while the words ‘made’ and ‘unafraid’ sounds similar. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(F) Choose the correct option based on the given statements.
(1) Aunt Jennifer seems to be an suppressed lady.
(2) The tigers that Aunt creates are in contrast to her real personality.
(a) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.
(b) Statement 2 is true but 1 is false.
(c) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
(d) Both statements 1 and 2 are false. [1]
Answer:
(c) both statements 1 and 2 are true.
OR
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for searching.
(A) According to the poet, what are we doing every morning?
(a) weave a flowery band that bound us to the earth
(b) weave a flowery band that repels us from the earth
(c) weave a flowery band that bound us to life
(d) none of these [1]
Answer:
(a) weave a flowery band that bound us to the earth
Explanation: According to the poet, every morning we weave a flowery band that bound us to the earth. Hence, (a) is correct.
(B) ‘Spite of despondence’ evokes the feeling oft
(a) the loss of friendship
(b) the loss of hope
(c) the loss of love
(d) none of these [1]
Answer:
(b) the loss of hope
Explanation: ‘Spite of despondence’ refers to a mental state when we cannot see anything good about life. When we lose all hopes. Hence, (b) is correct.
(C) List the rhyme scheme of the above extract is: [1]
Answer:
abbcca
Explanation: The sound of the first and last line’s last word is the same, ‘earth’ and ‘dearth’ rhyme with each other and ‘days’ and ‘ways’ are rhyming words. Hence, (a) is correct.
(D) ‘unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways’ refers to
(a) unhygienic lifestyle
(b) dark roads
(c) harmful and illicit methods adopted by human beings
(d) beauty binds us to the earth [1]
Answer:
(c) harmful and illicit methods adopted by human beings
Explanation: The words refer to the harmful and illegal ways adopted by people. Hence, (c) is correct.
(E) List the correct synonym of the word ‘gloomy’. [1]
Answer:
sad
(F) By ‘wreathing’, the poet means ………………….
(a) To destroy
(b) To braid
(c) To pluck
(d) To snatch [1]
Answer:
(b) To braid
Question 8.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the questions that follow. (1 x 4 = 4)
The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an immersion that will force you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s geological history.
(A) Which of the given options means ‘microscopic to the mighty’?
(a) largest to the smallest
(b) smallest to the largest
(c) small to smaller
(d) large to larger [1]
Answer:
(b) smallest to the largest
Explanation: Anything that is ‘microscopic’ means very small while a ‘mighty’ thing is very big. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(B) Complete the given sentence.
A …………… and ……………… made author think about the Earth’s physicality.
(a) Breakage of iceberg; summer light in the Southern Hemisphere
(b) Breakage of stars; summer light in the Southern Hemisphere
(c) Droughttfoods
(d) Drought; earthquakes [1]
Answer:
(a) Breakage of iceberg; summer light in the Southern Hemisphere
(C) List the correct synonym for the word ‘immersion’. [1]
Answer:
absorption
(D) What does the author mean by Visual ‘ scales’?
(a) a measuring scale
(b) a vision board
(c) cinematic panorama
(d) artificial views [1]
Answer:
(c) cinematic panorama
Explanation: The phrase ‘visual scales’ refers to the cinematic views or panorama of the place. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
OR
“I wondered, Your Excellency,”Sadao murmured. “It was certainly very Ncareless of me,” the General said. “But you understand it was not ” lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty.” He looked anxiously at his doctor. ‘If the matter should come out you would understand that, wouldn’t you?”
‘Certainly, Your Excellency,” Sadao said. He suddenly comprehended that the General was in the palm of his hand and that as a consequence he himself was perfectly safe. “I swear to your loyalty. Excellency,” he said to the old General, “and to your zeal against the enemy.”
(A) Which of the given words refer to ‘dereliction’ as per the given context?
(a) irresponsibility
(b) negligence
(c) tolerance
(d) Performance [1]
Answer:
(b) negligence
Explanation: The term ‘dereliction’ means negligence or carelessness of something. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(B) At the end of the conversation with the General, what was the reaction of Sadao? [1]
Answer:
hopefully relaxed
Explanation: Sadao said that he felt like the General was ‘in his palms’. This shows that Sadao was relaxed and hopeful of the enemy being taken away without any issue.
(C) Pick the option that states the correct reason of Sadao being at the stake of General’s understanding.
(a) He saved an American soldier at his home.
(b) He killed the enemy.
(c) He refused to treat the old General
(d) He didn’t want to continue his service. [1]
Answer:
(a) He saved an American soldier at his home.
(D) Select a word that DOES NOT mean the same as ‘zeal’.
(a) enthusiasm
(b) passion
(c) excitement
(d) nervousness [1]
Answer:
(d) nervousness
Question 9.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the questions that follow. (1 x 6 = 6)
She still has bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes. “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya.” she says, in a voice drained of joy. She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime-that’s what she has reaped! Her husband, an old man with a flowing beard says, “I know nothing except bangles. All I have done is make a house for the family to live in.” Hearing him one wonders if he has achieved what many have failed in their lifetime. He has a roof over his head!
The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, not even enough to eat, rings in every home. The young men echo the lament of the elders. Little has moved with time, it seems in Firozabad, years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream.
(A) What does the phrase ‘She still has bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes’ implies about the girl?
(a) That she is married but blind.
(b) That she is a married and happy.
(c) That though she is married, her eyes are devoid of any clue of joy.
(d) That she is a married but lost her natural beauty. [1]
Answer:
(c) That though she is married, her eyes are devoid of any clue of joy.
Explanation: The given phrase means that though the girl is married, her eyes are devoid of happiness. Hence, (c ) is the correct answer.
(B) “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin ’ khaya.’ The tone of the speaker is ……………….. [1]
Answer:
disdainment
(C) The phrase ‘The young men echo the lament of their elders’ represents the …………….. between the generations.
(a) acceptance of poverty
(b) similarity of fate
(c) conclusion
(d) chaos [1]
Answer:
(b) similarity of fate
(D) ‘Years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream’. This shows that:
(a) The bangle makers are exhausted yet they are working continuously.
(b) The drudgery of work has destroyed their willingness to improve their lot.
(c) The daily grind has stolen the dreams of them.
(d) They have been working so hard that there’s no time to dream. [1]
Answer:
(b) The drudgery of work has destroyed their willingness to improve their lot.
Explanation: This shows that the drudgery of work has destroyed their willingness to improve their lot. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(E) The word that means the same as ‘toil’ is ……………….
Answer:
hardwork
(F) Choose the word that does NOT mean the same as ‘drained’.
(a) weary
(b) emptied
(c) full
(d) used [1]
Answer:
(c) full
OR
From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it This started when I was three or four years old and father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves. My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence.
(A) At which place did the incident in childhood of Douglas had taken place? [1]
Answer:
California
(B) Pick the word that means the same as ‘aversion’.
(a) Love
(b) inclination
(c) dislike
(d) influence [1]
Answer:
(c) dislike
Explanation: The word ‘aversion’ means to dislike something or to repel it. Hence, (ii) is the right answer.
(C) The writer decided to learn to swim when he was about:
(a) ten or eleven gears old
(b) fifteen or sixteen gears old
(c) twenty gears old
(d) eighteen gears old [1]
Answer:
(a) ten or eleven years old
(D) His mother warned him against swimming in the Yakima River because ………………. [1]
Answer:
many people had drowned there and lost their lives
(E) The pool’s depth at the deep end was ………………
(a) seven feet
(b) nine feet
(c) sixteen feet
(d) four feet [1]
Answer:
(b) nine feet
(F) The term that matches the meaning of ‘being scared’ from the extract is:
(a) stirred
(b) aversion
(c) frightened
(d) unpleasant [1]
Answer:
(c) frightened
Question 10.
Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 40-50 words each. (5 x 2 = 10)
(A) Neruda sags that he does not advocate total inactivitg and death. Whg did he sag so? [2]
(B) Explain the pain that Kamala Das speaks of when she sags she began ‘looking outside the car’. [2]
(C) Explain whg Danng Casey was popular among people in the storg ‘Going Places’. [2]
(D) Subbu was a very generous man but still he had rivals. Comment. [2]
(E) The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right from the beginning? Is it justified? State with a textual evidence. [2]
(F) What was the reason behind Umberto Eco’s writing a novel? [2]
Answer:
(A) Neruda makes it very clear that his call for keeping quiet should not be mistaken with inactivity and death because life is meant to be lived. Life is a continuous process and one needs to be involved with a positive attitude.
(B) The poet, Kamala Das, is in agony and pain when the realization hits her that her mother was getting old and might die. To distract herself from the fear she begins looking outside the car. The sight of merry children and the lush green trees present a sharp contrast, doing nothing but to make her feel better. It only draws her attention to the energy and life outside which is in direct contrast to her ageing mother.
(C) Danny Casey was a young football player from Ireland. He was popular among the people especially girls in the chapter ‘Going Places’ due to his playing skills, looks and his successful career. Teenage girls were his huge fans.
(D) Subbu was really an improvident man but his habit of pleasing the boss as a way of being successful in his career was disliked by the people in the Gemini Studios. Also, Suubu was a non-critical person and so, he was believed to be a clever person. This made people like office boy get envious of him as he would blame Subbu for the failure of his life at the studios.
(E) The rattrap peddler draws the reader’s sympathy because of his poverty and destitute state. The author’s description of his clothes and appearance like – ”his clothes are in rags, his cheeks are sunken and hunger gleams in his eyes” and his resorting to begging and petty thievery to keep his body and soul together evoke the reader’s sympathy.
(F) It was by an accident that Umberto Eco started writing a novel. As he explained in the interview that one day he was having nothing to do and so, he started writing a novel as a way to satisfy his taste to narrate his stories.
Question 11.
Attempt ANY TWO out of the three questions given below in 40-50 words: (2 x 2 = 4)
(A) When the psychiatrist says that Charley’s desire is an escape, Charley’s wife gets upset with him. Why do you think so? [2]
(B) Sadao was confident that despite his actions of treating a prisoner, nothing would happen to him. Support this statement with a rationale. [2]
(C) Bama’s brother made a huge impression on Bama. Which words of her brother influenced Bama to study hard? [2]
Answer:
(A) When the psychiatrist suggests that Charley’s desire to find the third level is an escape mechanism to get away from the stress and worries of the modern world, Charley’s wife considers it as an insult and a comment on their family life. Sam tries to tell her that contrary to the psychiatrist’s prognosis, Charley is trying to get away from the insecurity, wars, fears and worries of the modern world.
(B) Dr. Sadao informed the General about the prisoner in his house and the General promised that he would take care of him. Being a careless and self-centred person, the General forgot to send assassins to kill the prisoner. Since it was the General’s fault, combined with the fact that the General needed him for the surgery, this knowledge gave Dr. Sadao the power and also the confidence that he was safe and no action would be taken against him.
(C) Bama’s brother told her that they belonged to a family that was known as ‘untouchables’ which means the ones who were low caste. They were looked down upon by the society. And, it can be done only by studying hard, and eradicating this evil of untouchability from the society for people like them.
Question 12.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
The storg ‘The Lost Lesson’ talks about the realization regarding the perfect teaching-learning process. Elaborate with reference to the text.
OR
The storg ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Support your rationale with textual evidence. [5]
Answer:
Franz who always considers his books a nuisance and his bag a dead weight gets a new perspective on education and learning. Franz was not fond of his teacher, M Hamel, and always found an excuse to miss his lesson. The day he learns that French would not be taught again, he realises that he had taken his education and learning for granted. M Hamel explains the importance of one’s language. That day Franz is able to understand everything his teacher taught and he realises that the teaching-learning experience is a two¬way process. The student has to be interested and also should have a desire to learn.
The teachers must also be passionate about teaching and also be patient and sincere in his or her intent of teaching and bestowing knowledge. When both parties show similar enthusiasm, the teaching-learning process is perfect.
OR
The Rattrap deals with the issues of human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Not only the peddler but also other characters like the crofter, the ironmaster and Edla emphasize upon this fact. The peddler’s conscience had left him because he had been lonely in his predicament, for a long time.
But Edla’s kindness and hospitality changed him. The crofter, on the other hand, was a lonely fellow whose craving for a company led him to give shelter to a vagabond, and he ended up getting robbed. Even the ironmaster and his daughter suffer from loneliness. They crave for a company on Christmas Eve and were excited when they got the opportunity to serve a guest.
Question 13.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
After Mr. Lamb dies, will Derry get back to his old seclusion or will Mr. Lamb’s brief association with Derry lead to a change in the land of life he leads in the future?
OR
There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story ‘The Enemy’. [5]
Answer:
In the play, we have seen the huge impact that Mr. Lamb has created on Derry in a fraction of time. This impact of Mr. Lamb’s on Derry is evident through the scene where Derry’s mother stops him from meeting the former but Derry doesn’t pay heed to what his mother tells him about Mr. Lamb’s reputation in the area. The transformation that Mr. Lamb has successfully brought in Derry from negativity to positivity in life, will grow stronger after Mr. Lamb dies.
It is very unusual for Derry to connect to a person as he is an introvert who doesn’t like to get close to anyone especially due to his embarrassment from his burnt face. But when he meets, Mr. Lamb, he feels alive again. Mr. Lamb’s positive approach towards life and physical impairment is something Derry has just imagined. Derry starts to trust and confide in Mr. Lamb which shows that he is having a change of heart towards people. All these changes hints towards Derry becoming a motivated different person after Mr. Lamb dies.
OR
Life has many facets. We live it by maintaining a delicate balance between the various facets it offers to us as part of our existence as an individual in a society. Living for our own self, family, profession and country are just a few of them. However at times, it becomes difficult to maintain this balance, and one gets overpowered by confusion and dilemmas.
The story about Dr. Sadao, Hana and the war prisoner exemplified that. On finding a wounded war prisoner washed ashore, Dr Sadao and his wife were unable to decide what to do. They were confused whether they should save and treated the injured man, leave him to die or inform the army. Eventually, he struck the balance by deciding to save his life before handing him over to the army.
He and his wife sympathetically treated him but secretly hid a war prisoner in their home going against the rule of the law and subdued self conscience. In a bid to get rid of that burden, he revealed the fact to the General who promised to get the prisoner killed through assassins. His inner conscience did not allow him to get the war prisoner killed and he helped the enemy soldier flee to safety.