Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 2 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 2 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. 1×10=10 The Measles Resurgerce
(1) Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of psychological conditions characterized by abnormalities in social interaction, behaviour, interests, and communication. The five forms of ASD include Classical autism, Asperger syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Rett syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Although the number of reported cases of ASD have experienced a dramatic increase in the past 25 years, the majority of doctors agree that this increase is due to changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health.
(2) While there is no general consensus among medical professionals about the underlying causes of ASD, theories range from genetic inheritance to environmental factors. One of the most controversial theories to have emerged in recent times is the hypothesis that ASD could be caused by the MMR vaccine, which is an immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella that was first developed in the 1960’s.
The vaccine is a mixture ‘of three live viruses and is administered via injection to children when they are one year old. By the late 1990’s, this vaccination had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation. However, a combination of spurious scientific data and alarmist media attention led to an entirely preventable resurgence in measles cases in the early 21st century.
(3) The first claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism were made in 1998, when an article in The Lancet, a. respected British medical journal reported on eight cases of autism that could possibly be traced back to the administration of an MMR vaccine.
The parents of the children in this study contended that the symptoms of autism in their children developed within days of vaccination. During a press conference, Andrew Wakefield, one of the authors of the article, called on British doctors to stop giving combined MMR vaccines, instead advocating for individual inoculations against measles, mumps, and rubella.
(4) Following the publication of this article, Wakefield published several follow-up papers that further questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine. An onslaught of media coverage then began. Parents appeared on television sharing anecdotal evidence linking their child’s inoculation to the onset of ASD.
The popular press quidkly seized upon this story; in 2002, over 1200 articles were written about the link between MMR vaccines and ASD. Less than 30% of these articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely . safe.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions:
(A) Complete the given sentence. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is addressed as ‘a range’ of psychological conditions because …………………. [1]
Answer:
There is a wide variation in the type of the severity of the symptoms people experience.
Explanation: According to the passage, people experience a wide variety in the type of severity of the symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) thus, it is known as ‘a range’ of psychological conditions.
(B) “The five forms of ASD include ………………..
Disintegrative Disorder”. Pick the option in which the meaning of the word ‘forms’ is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) Coconut for its purpose may be secured in number of forms.
(b) Work opportunities are equally rich in other forms of engineering.
(c) Central, state and district levels are run by three different forms of government.
(d) The forms of suitable engineering program would be out in the month of May. [1]
Answer:
(d) The forms of suitable engineering program would be out in the month of May.
Explanation: The word ‘forms’ here, means ‘types’. Options (a), (b) and (c) means the same as type whereas in option d ‘forms’ refers to the exam forms which is not the same. Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
(C) Based on your understanding of the passage’, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the information delivered to the readers about various concerns.
(I) Possible causes of ASD
(II) Published articles questioning the safety of MMR Vaccine
(III) Most controversial hypothesis of the cause of ASD – MMR Vaccine
(IV) ASD and its various forms
(V) Very few articles mentioning that the vaccine was completely safe
(VI) Dramatic increase in ASD cases
(a) (I), (VI), (IV), (III), (V), (II)
(b) (VI), (I), (IV), (III) (V), (II)
(c) (IV), (VI), (III), (I), (II), (V)
(d) (IV), (VI), (I), (III), (II), (V) [1]
Answer:
(c) (IV), (VI), (III), (I), (II), (V)
(D) The author informs that by the late 1990’s, this vaccination had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation. What does the word ‘Inoculation’ mean? [1]
Answer:
Vaccination
(E) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the following:
(a) MMR vaccine is one of the most controversial hypotheses of the cause of ASD.
(b) According to scientific data, MMR vaccine is diagnosed to be one of the causes of dramatic increase in the cases of ASD in late 90’s.
(c) in less than 30% of 1200 articles, it was mentioned that the scientific evidence suggest that MMR vaccinations are completely safe.
(d) Parents appeared on television sharing anecdotal evidence linking their child’s inoculation to the onset ofASD. [1]
Answer:
(b) According to scientific data, MMR vaccine is diagnosed to be one of the causes of dramatic increase in the cases of ASD in late 90’s.
Explanation: Out of the given options, (a) does not give a complete idea of the passage as it lacks a fact, (d) is definitely not what the passage is about Hence, (a) and (d) are ruled out. Option (c) only describes a part of the theology for the MMR vaccine as it does not tell the other facts about it whereas (b) gives a gist of what the passage is all about Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(F) According to the passage, if less than 30% of 1200 published articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe, means that MMR vaccines were ……………….. [1]
Answer:
completely safe according to few published articles
Explanation: As 30% of the 1200 published articles is a low ratio so it means only a few published articles suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe.
(G) According to passage, there is no general consensus among medical professionals about the underlying causes of ASD, means that cause of ASD is diverse in nature. [True/False.] [1]
Answer:
True
Explanation: As the medical professionals say that there is not a single or general underlying cause of ASD, it means that the nature of cause of ASD is diverse.
(H) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘overwhelming’.
(a) I have evidence, he is an overwhelming criminal.
(b) She had not thought of anything else, but this disaster, which came overwhelming.
(c) Smitten by love at the first sight, . Jerry was speechless overwhelming.
(d) The family members of the patient surrounded the doctor, overwhelming him wRh their questions. [1]
Answer:
(d) The family members of the patient surrounded the doctor, overwhelming him with their questions.
Explanation: The word ‘overwhelming’ means ‘to be Loaded with’. Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
(I) Select the option which correctly states what DID NOT happen during claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.
(a) Television soaps
(b) Press conference
(c) Media coverage
(d) Article publication [1]
Answer:
(a) Television soaps
Explanation: During claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism, press conference, media coverage and article publication all happened leaving television soaps. Hence, (a) is the correct answer.
(J) What does the abbreviation MMR stand for? [1]
Answer:
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Question 2.
Read the passage given below: (1 x 10=10)
(1) Cricket is a passion for peopte around the globe. It is played everywhere from test match arenas to village greens, tropical beaches, and dusty backlots. Cricket is the world’s second most popular spectator sport after soccer.
(2) The origin of cricket can be traced back to the Dark Ages. All research concedes that the game is derived from a very old, popular, and uncomplicated pastime by which one player served up an object, be it a small piece of wood or a ball, and another hit it with a suitably fashioned club. The game of cricket was first recorded in 16th-century England, and it was played in grammar schools, farming communities, and everywhere in between. But things really took off when 18th-century nobles realized it was a great sport.
(3) The oldest surviving set of cricket laws dates to 1744, which was printed on a handkerchief. Naturally, it’s now in the MCC Museum at Lord’s in London. The oldest permanent fixture is the annual Eton l/s Harrow match, played since 1805. A young Lord Byron turned out for Harrow in the first match, though history doesn’t record how poetic – or “mad, bad, and dangerous” – his bowling was.
(4) The first international match was held in 1877 when Australia beat England in Melbourne. The match was dubbed a ‘Test’, since the grueling nature of playing over five days was deemed the ultimate test for any side. However, it was Australia’s first win on the English soil – in 1882 at The Oval in London – that led to matches between the two nations being christened as the ‘Ashes’. Following the defeat, newspapers published an obituary mourning “the death of English cricket,” adding that “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
(5) A One Day International (ODI) is a form of limited overs cricket, played between two teams with international status, in which each team faces a fixed number of overs, usually 50. The Cricket World Cup is played in this format. The international one-day game is a late twentieth-century development. The first ODI was played on 5 January 1971 between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
(6) Table 1 represents the list of Cricket world cup winning countries as well as the runners-up for every Cricket World Cup played until 2015.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
| 2015 | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2011 | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2007 | Australia | Sri Lanka |
| 2003 | Australia | India |
| 1999 | Australia | Pakistan |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka | Australia |
| 1992 | Pakistan | England |
| 1987 | Australia | England |
| 1983 | India | West Indies |
| 1979 | West Indies | England |
| 1975 | West Indies | Australia |
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions:
(A) Complete the given sentence.
According to the passage, cricket is played everywhere as it is ………………. [1]
Answer:
Logistically feasible
Explanation: Cricket needs only a few equipments to play which makes it logistically feasible.
(B) Pick the option listing statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
(I) The game of cricket was first recorded in 18th-century England, and., it was played in grammar schools, farming communities, and everywhere in between.
(II) The first international match was held in 1877 when Australia beat England in Melbourne.
(III) The first ODI was played on 5 January 1971 between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
(IV) The origin of cricket can be traced back to the Old Ages.
(a) (I) and (III)
(b) (I) and (IV)
(c) (II) and (IV)
(d) (III) and (IV) [1]
Answer:
(b) (I) and (IV)
Explanation: Statement (l) is false as the game of cricket was first recorded in 16th century and statement (IV) is also false as the origin of cricket can be traced back to Dark Ages. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(C) The word “grueling”, used in paragraph 4, can be SUBSTITUTED with ……………….. [1]
Answer:
Exhausting
Explanation: The word ‘grueling’ means the same as ‘exhausting’.
(D) Based on the data in Table 1, choose the option that correctly depicts the performance of Australia in Cricket World Cup as winner and as runner-up.
(a) Option (I)
(b) Option (II)
(c) Option (III)
(d) Option (IV) [1]
Answer:
(a) Option (I)
Explanation: According to the table, the winning-runner up ratio of Australia is 5:2 which is depicted in option (I). Hence, (a) is the correct answer.
(E) According to the passage, “Following the defeat, newspapers published an obituary mourning “the death of English cricket”,” because …………….. [1]
Answer:
The defeat happened on the English land.
Explanation: The newspapers published an obituary mourning “the death of English cricket”, because England lost his national game in his home country.
(F) Based on the data in the Table 1, choose the option listing the statements that are TRUE.
(I) England won the runners-up trophy thrice between 1975 to 2015 during Cricket World Cup.
(II) The Table 1 records all the countries who participated in the Cricket World Cup from the year 1975 to 2015.
(III) Australia was the winning country for five consecutive Cricket World Cups.
(IV) The most recent Cricket World Cup was played in the year 2015.
(a) (1) and (II)
(b) (II) and (III)
(c) (III) and (IV)
(d) (IV) and (I) [1]
Answer:
(b) (II) and (III)
Explanation: Out of the given options, only (II) and (III) are true. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(G) Does the following statement agree with the information given in passage.
Based on the information in Table 1, both the winning country as well as the runner-up country were Asian countries in the year 2011.
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:
True
(H) How did newspapers react to the defeat of England by Australia in Cricket World Cup in the year 1882?
(a) Mourned the death of England Cricket team
(b) Published the obituary
(c) Mourned the death of English Cricket
(d) Published the obituary of English [1]
Answer:
(c) Mourned the death of English Cricket
Explanation: The newspapers published an obituary mourning “the death of English cricket” as their reaction to the defeat. Hence, (c). is the correct answer.
(I) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 3?
(a) The oldest surviving set of cricket laws dates to 1744, which was printed on a handkerchief.
(b) MCC Museum is at Lord’s in London.
(c) The oldest permanent fixture is the annual Eton Vs Harrow match, played since 1805.
(d) The first international match was held in 1877 when Australia beat England in Melbourne. [1]
Answer:
(d) The first international match was held in 1877 when Australia beat England in Melbourne.
Explanation: The statement given in option d is not substantiated by information given in paragraph 3. Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
(J) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct timeline of the events in the history of Cricket.
(I) In 18th-century nobles realized that cricket was a great sport.
(II) The oldest surviving set of cricket laws dates to 1744, which was printed on a handkerchief.
(III) The game of cricket was first recorded in 16th-century in England.
(IV) Australia’s first win on the English soil – in 1882.
(V) The first international match was held in 1877 when Australia beat England in Melbourne.
(a) (III), (I), (V), (IV), (II)
(b) (III), (I), (IV), (V), (II)
(c) (I), (III), (V), (IV), (II)
(d) (III), (I), (II), (V), (IV) [1]
Answer:
(d) (III), (I), (II), (V), (IV)
Section – B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANYONE of the following.
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Ayan Khan, Secretary, St. Paul’s School, Coimbatore. Write a notice in not more than 50 words for the school notice board informing the students about the Children’s Day celebration to be held in your school.
OR
You are Nivedita, Sports Captain, St John’s School, Delhi. Write a notice in about 50-60 words for the school notice board informing the students about an Inter school Tennis match to be played in your school. Invite them to watch and cheer the teams. [5]
Answer:
ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL, COIMBATORE NOTICE
12th November, 20XX
Children’s Day Celebration
This is to bring to the notice of all the students that Children’s Day celebration is to be held by the schooL Students are informed to join the event as per the details given below:
Date: 14th November, 20XX
Time: 11:00 AM onwards
Venue: Lawrence ground
All the Students are invited to enjoy the celebra¬tion. For any query, contact the undersigned.
Ayan Khan
Secretary
OR
St John’s School, Delhi
NOTICE
23rd April 20XX
Inter School Tennis Match
This is to bring to the notice of all the students that an Inter-school Tennis match is being organized by the school, as per the details given below:
Date : 4th April 20XX
Time: 11 AM onwards
Venue: School football ground All the students are invited to attend the match and cheer for the teams.
Nivedita
Sports Captain
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Anuj/Anuja. As an educationist, you want to invite the people to increase the habit of reading. Write an invitation in not more than 50 words.
OR
You are Priya Malik. You have received an invitation from your friend Mrs. Arti. Write a reply in not more than 50 words accepting the invitation and expressing your excitement to attend the same. [5]
Answer:
Mr/Mrs Anuj/Anuja
request your presence at
PR reading hall
Link street abc road, Bhopal
at 8.00 a.m. on 10th September, 20XX
to the Reading fest to celebrate books
RSVP
Anuj/Anuja
973296xxx
OR
Nita Enclave
Bhopal
4th March 20XX
Mrs Arti
Link street
New Delhi
Subject: Accepting Invitation
Dear Aarti,
Thank you for your kind invitation to your son’s wedding. I am grateful for the same and appreciate the gesture. I am excited to accept your invitation. Please accept my best wishes for the event
Thank you once again for the kind invitation.
Yours sincerely
Priya Malik
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Rani Sharma, Lodhi Marg, Indore. You have seen an advertisement in The Hindustan Times for the post of a Marketing Manager. Apply with complete bio-data for the same to the General Manager, Janta Pvt. Limited, Bangalore.
Janta Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
Marketing Manager Wanted
MBA/M.Com (marketing) required; Experienced manager preferred. Should have a good knowledge of the market tactics. Apply with a bio- data addressed to General Manager, Janta Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore
OR
You are Shafique/Seema. You strongly believe that not enough is being done to promote tourism on a PAN-India scale. Tourists are shown a few places while the rest of the country remains unknown. Even handicrafts are not exhibited. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily, stating your views.
Answer:
Lodhi Marg
Indore
12th November, 20XX
The General Manager
Janta Pvt Ltd
Abc road,
Bangalore
Sub : Application for the Post of Marketing Manager.
Dear Sir,
In response to your advertisement in the The Hindustan Times’ dated 8th November 20xx, I. wish to be considered for the post of Marketing Manager. I am confident that my qualifications and experience are suitable for the post mentioned above.
I am enclosing my biodata, all testimonials and attested copies of my certificates along with this letter.
I hope to receive a positive response from your company.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Rani Sharma
End: biodata, testimonials, attested copies of certificates.
Bio-Data:
Name : Rani Sbarma
Father’s Name : Mr. Ramesh Sharma
Date of Birth : 10th December, 1994
Age : 28 Years
Marital Status : Single
Nationality : Indian
Educational qualification : (i) MBA, Marketing, College of Business Management, Indore
(ii) B.Com from Janki College, New Delhi
Experience : One year at WP Limited as a Marketing Manager
Languages known : English and Hindi
Hobbies : Reading, Travelling & Playing
Permanent Address : Lodhi Marg, Indore
Contact No. : 9825678xxx
References : (i) Prof. Armaan Jain
Adarsh College, New Delhi
(ii) Dr. B.M. Gupta
CBM Indore
OR
25, Mall Road
New Delhi
2nd April 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
BSG Marg New Delhi
Subject: Poor Tourism Promotion
Dear Sir,
Through the esteemed columns of your daily newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the poor planning and attention being given to promote tourism.
India is a country with a diverse and rich culture and heritage. It is a nation that boasts of the beautiful Taj Mahal, the wondrous Khajuraho and many other places of tourist attraction and yet India is not a tourist’s first choice. Nothing concrete has been is done towards tapping the immense potential the tourism industry has. The North Eastern region has been left untouched and no effort is made to promote Indian handicrafts even though the tourism industry can get valuable revenue for the country.
The government must allocate additional funds towards promoting tourist destinations using the print as well as social media sites. Promoting handicrafts will not only bring revenue but will also help artisans earn more. I hope that the concerned officials take due note and take steps towards promoting tourism on a PAN India level.
Yours sincerely
Shafique/Seema
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Evaluation, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are Sparsh/ Netra, Secretary of the Edutainment Club of your school. You are deeply distressed to see the lack of interest displayed by students in reading the newspaper.
The school subscribes to the newspaper but instead of reading the papers, students just throw them or use them to make paper planes and play with them. Write an article in not more than 150 words, for classes IX-XII on the importance of reading newspapers and subscribing to them with the help of the given cues.
- No other source of information is better than newspaper.
- Provides a lot of information on various topics.
- Helps to enhance language skills.
OR
Your school recently organised the inter-state athletics meet. As the cultural captain, you have been asked to write a report for the school magazine. Write the report in not more than 150 words with the help of the given cues. Sign yourself as Anushree/Rudra Pratap.
- Young athletes from all over the country showcased their talents.
- Responsibilities given to the members in advance.
- Opening ceremony included dignitaries from different state. [5]
Answer:
The Importance of Reading Newspapers
By Sparsh/Netra
In the words of Arthur Sulzberg Jr, “Newspaper cannot be defined by the second word- paper. They have to be defined by the first word – ’news’ and this is why we all should be an avid reader of newspapers as they provide us with the worldwide news.
In the present times, where technology dictates terms, there are numerous sources of news like television, radio and the electronic media, but no other source could ever live up to the high standard set up by newspapers. A newspaper gives us a lot of information encompassing a plethora of topics like current affairs, politics, science and technology, health, sports, education and industry and additional help for students in the form of courses and career options.
It saddens to see most of the students tossing away the newspaper given to them each day in school when reading newspapers is the best way to enhance language skills.
The schools shall make efforts to join everyone in spreading awareness about the growth and the enlightenment one gains by reading newspapers every day. When the teachers read the newspaper, the students get motivated to follow suit Make the most of this wonderful source as a newspaper seeks not only to inform but also to interest stimulate and excite.
OR
Young Athletes Shine
By Anushree, Class XII D
Young talented athletes from all over the country showcased their talent in the week- long inter state athletics meet, hosted by the school The meet was a success on all fronts, right from the organisation to the level of competition. The preparations for the mega event began a month in advance. A committee headed by principal Ms Alka and comprising of seven members was responsible for all the planning. Responsibilities were assigned and each member was informed of what needed to be done within the given time frame.
The opening ceremony was a gala affair with dignitaries from all states gracing the occasion. Inaugurating the meet. Chief Guest Mr Kiren Riiju, congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to practice hard and strive for excellence. The events began with the contingents of all states marching smartly. Manipur won the best marching contingent trophy.
Records tumbled in the tack event on the first day with Binu Joseph of Karnataka, breaking the long standing 100 m record. The closing ceremony was another glittering event with the Governor of the state giving away medals to the winners. “We should have these meets regularly, so that we get to learn from each other,” said Joshua, from Bombay.
If India is to become a force to reckon in the field of sports, then meets like this should be made an annual affair to identify talent and give them the platform to hone their skills.
Section – C
Literature (40 marks)
Question 7.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the questions that follow: (1 x 6 = 6)
For once on the face of the Earth
Let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(A) Identify the common figure of speech in the lines, “let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second,” and “without rush, without engines.” [1]
Answer:
Repetition
Explanation: As the sounds in the lines “let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second,” and “without rush, without engines” are similar, hence they are repetitive.
(B) The extract from the poem evokes the . emotions oft
(a) Equity
(b) Unity
(c) Equality
(d) Prosperity [1]
Answer:
(b) Unity
(C) The expression, “we would all be together, in a sudden strangeness,” is an example of:
(a) Personification
(b) Metaphor
(c) Irony
(d) Simile [1]
Answer:
(c) Irony
Explanation: Irony is used to show two different lands of emotions together. Here, ‘together’ and ‘a sudden strangeness’ shows irony. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
(D) The phrase ’exotic moment’ means:
(a) Exemplary moment
(b) Unusual moment
(c) Familiar moment
(d) Extreme moment [1]
Answer:
(b) Unusual moment
(E) List the correct rhyme scheme of the extract. [1]
Answer:
There is no rhyme in the given extract, hence it is free verse.
(F) The phrase ‘lets not move our arms so much’ means ……………….
(a) To become inactive
(b) To become dull
(c) To be in a relaxed state
(d) To be paralysed [1]
Answer:
(c) To be in a relaxed state
OR
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens ofo world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(A) List the rhyme scheme of the above extract:
(a) ababcdcd
(b) aabbccdd
(c) aaabccdc
(d) bbbacddc [1]
Answer:
(a) ababcdcd
(B) The characteristic feature of Aunt Jennifer’s tiger is:
(a) Careless
(b) Selfless
(c) Fearless
(d) Flawless [1]
Answer:
(c) Fearless
Explanation: Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are nothing but fearless. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
(C) Identify the figure of speech in the line,
“Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.” [1]
Answer:
Metaphor
Explanation: Here, the tigers are compared to the ‘Bright topaz denizens’ and forest is compared to ‘a world of green’ as a metaphor.
(D) In the above extract, ‘prancing tigers’ are contrastingly symbolized to:
(a) Fortunes of married life
(b) Constraints of married life
(c) Gifts in a married life
(d) Responsibilities in a married life [1]
Answer:
(b) Constraints of married life
Explanation: Here, the image of ‘prancing tigers’ is used to show it in contrast to the restricted woman in a married life. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(E) The tigers are called ‘Chivalric’ in the extract. This means that they are …………………
(a) mighty
(b) strong
(c) angry
(d) peaceful [1]
Answer:
(a) mighty
(F) Choose the correct option based on the given statement.
(1) There was a huge contrast of personality in Aunt and tigers.
(2) Aunt seemed to be an oppressed lady.
(a) Statement (1) can be inferred from the extract but not statement (2).
(b) Statement (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
(c) Both statement (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
(d) Both statement (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract. [1]
Answer:
(c) Both statement (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
Question 8.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the questions that fbUow. (1 x 4 = 4)
It was at this moment that both of them saw something black come out of the mists. It was a man. He was flung up out of the ocean – flung, it seemed, to his feet by a breaker. He staggered a few steps, his body outlined against the mist his arms above his head. Then the curled mists hid him again. “Who is that?” Hana cried. She dropped Sadao’s arm and they both leaned over the railing of the veranda.
Now they saw him again. The man was on his hands and knees crawling. Then they saw him fall on his face and lie there. “A fisherman perhaps,” Sadao said, “washed from his boat” He ran quickly down the steps and behind him Hana came, her wide sleeves flying.
(A) Hana cried, “Who is that?” This revels her …………….
(a) Concern
(b) Anger
(c) Anxiety
(d) Hope [1]
Answer:
(a) Concern
(B) The phrase, “his body outlined against the mist,” means:
(a) that his body was covered with mist
(b) that his body seemed flowing in the mist
(c) that his body was going against the direction of the mist
(d) that his body was slightly visible in the mist [1]
Answer:
(d) that his body was slightly visible in the mist
Explanation: The phrase, “his body outlined against the mist,” means that the soldier’s body was barely visible in the mist. Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
(C) What does the expression -flung up out of the ocean – suggest?
(a) pulled out of the ocean
(b) crawling out of the ocean
(c) thrown out of the ocean
(d) walked out of the ocean [1]
Answer:
(c) thrown out of the ocean
Explanation: The phrase ‘flung up’ means ‘thrown out’. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
(D) “It was at this moment that both of them saw something”, the tone of the sentence suggests that they saw:
(a) A casual sight
(b) A usual sight
(c) A rare sight
(d) An unbelievable sight [1]
Answer:
(c) A rare sight
OR
A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.
(A) Choose the correct option based on the given statements.
(1) Zitkala-Sa wasn’t comfortable with harsh noises.
(2) Zitkala-Sa felt full of freedom at her hostel
(a) (1) is true but (2) is false
(b) Both (1) and (2) are true
(c) (2) is true but (1) is false
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false [1]
Answer:
(a) (1) is true but (2) is false
Explanation: It is clearly given in the extract that Zitkala-Sa felt tied to the harsh noises which made her uncomfortable. So, 1 is true. However, she struggled for her lost freedom.
(B) The annoying clatter of shoes refers to ………………… [1]
Answer:
loud repeated noise
(C) Identify the emotion in the lines, “The constant clash of harsh noises, with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I was securely tied”. [1]
Answer:
annoyed
Explanation: In the given extract, Zitkala- Sa felt as if she were ‘tied’ with harsh noises and murmuring voices. This shows that she was annoyed. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(D) Pick the correct meaning of the word ‘bedlam’.
(a) A place full of people.
(b) A place full of beds.
(c) A place full of immoral activities.
(d) A place full of noise. [1]
Answer:
(a) A place full of people
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)
While I was wondering about it all M. Hamel mounted his chair, and, in the same grave and gentle tone which he had used to me, said, “My
children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”
What a thunderclap these words were to me!Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up atthe town-hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write! I should never learn anymore! I must stop there, then! Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding on the Saar! My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn’t give up. And M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going away, that I should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler and how cranky he was.
(A) What feelings does the phrase, “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” evoke? [1]
Answer:
(A) Shock
Explanation: The phrase “What a thunderclap these words were to me!” depicts the feeling of shock. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
(B) Identify the figure of speech in the underlined phrase in the sentence, “My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy, to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn’t give up.” [1]
Answer:
Metaphor
Explanation: Metaphor is a figure of speech that compares the similarities between two different objects. Here, the ‘books’ are compared to the ‘old friends’.
(C) Identify the characteristic features of M. Hamel before and after (respectively) the orders to discontinue to teach French language in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine were declared.
(a) Attentive and disciplined to cranky and rude
(b) Cranky and strict to serious and gentle
(c) Angry and mean to kind and sweet
(d) Generous and attentive to cranky and strict [1]
Answer:
(b) Cranky and strict to serious and gentle
Explanation: M.Hamel was cranky before the orders to stop teaching French in the school came but got gentle and serious after the declaration of the orders. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
(D) Identify the type of sentence. “Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-hall!”
(a) Assertive sentence
(b) Interrogative sentence
(c) Imperative sentence
(d) Exclamatory sentence [1]
Answer:
(d) Exclamatory sentence Explanation: As there is an exclamation in the sentence, hence (d) is the correct, answer.
(E) When Frank learned about M. Hamel going away, he forgot how cranky he was. What do you mean by ‘cranky’? [1]
Answer:
weird
(F) Why was M. Hamel leaving the school?
(a) There was an order to teach only French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
(b) The school was being closed.
(c) He was retiring.
(d) There was an order to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. [1]
Answer:
(d) There was an order to teach only French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
OR
The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate. . In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, “All we have to fear is fear itself’ Because I had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live somehow grew in intensity. At last I felt released – free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.
(A) identify the figure of speech in the phrase, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” [1]
Answer:
Proverb
Explanation: A proverb is an idiom or a saying. The phrase, “All we have to fear is fear itself” is a proverb.
(B) Identify the type of sentence. “In death there is peace.”
(a) Assertive sentence
(b) Interrogative sentence
(c) Imperative sentence
(d) Exclamatory sentence [1]
Answer:
(a) Assertive sentence
Explanation: The sentence is making an assertion which ° makes it an assertive sentence. Hence, (a) is the correct answer.
(C) The narrator said, “At last I felt released.”
This means that the narrator felt ……………… [1]
Answer:
Liberated
Explanation: The word ‘liberated’ means • ‘to be free or released’.
(D) The narrator says, “The experience had a deep meaning for me,” because the narrator
(a) Faced his fear and feared it.
(b) Encountered his fear and dominated it.
(c) Confronted his fear and released it.
(d) Detected his fear and encouraged it. [1]
Answer:
(b) Encountered his fear and dominated it.
(E) The narrator conquered his stark terror. Which terror is he talking about?
(a) Hiking
(b) Drowning
(c) Claustrophobia
(d) Nosophobia [1]
Answer:
(b) Drowning
(F) List the correct synonym of the word , ‘brush’ in context with the extract. [1]
Answer:
remove
Question 10.
Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 30-40 words each. 5×2=10
(A) Why does Pablo Neruda advise against the use of language? [2]
(B) Explain the irony in the name Saheb- e-Alam and its significance with the change in Saheb’s life after getting a job. [2]
(C) ‘Champaran’s episode served as a learning episode for the peasants’. Comment on the given statement with reference to the chapter ‘Indigo’. [2]
(D) Comment on the poet’s reference to Aunt Jennifer as ‘Aunt’ in the end of the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers.’ [2]
(E) The city folk who drove through the countryside hardly paid any heed to the roadside stand or to the people who ran it. If at all they did, it was to complain. Briefly state their complaint with it. [2]
(F) The writer says that the actors had to go through ‘the fiery misery’ of makeup. What does this mean? [2]
Answer:
(A) The poet considers language to be a divisive factor which creates barriers among people. Language can generate misunderstandings that result in strife and wars. Silence can bring about a universal feeling of unity, thus generating peace and understanding.
(B) At first, it appears ironical that a ragpicker ’ who owns nothing is named Saheb-e-Alam, meaning Lord of the universe. When he gets a job, we begin to understand that as a ragpicker he enjoyed the freedom of being the master of his own world. With the job, he has lost his freedom and now someone else controls his life, making his name even more ironical
(C) The peasants learned that the landlords who had hitherto subjected them to oppression, could be brought down, made to surrender and to accept defeat The peasants realised that they had rights and also there were leaders who would support them. The most important lesson was that they learnt the power of courage, fearlessness and unity.
(D) The poet wishes to highlight that the woman does not have any identity as an individual her identity is linked with her husband. With death she will lose her identity as an individual and will only be remembered as his wife, that is, Uncle’s wife, Aunt Jennifer.
(E) The city folk who were urban used to drive through the countryside and would only stop there to get some pictures of the scenic beauty around. However, they complaint that the artless paint board shows both N and S signs wrong ways, spoils all the rich natural beauty of the place.
(F) By ‘fiery misery’ of makeup, the writer used to state that the actors in the make-up room were very uncomfortable due to the heat produced by the lights in the make-up room. This heat was the actors’ ’fiery misery’.
Question 11.
Attempt ANY TWO out of the three questions given below, in 30-40 words each. (2 x 2 = 4)
(A) Explain briefly why Zitkala-Sa resisted the shingling of her hair? [2]
(B) Was the doctor’s final solution in ‘The Enemy’, the best in the circumstances? Support your answer with a rationale. [2]
(C) ‘One night, while fussing with his stamp collection, Charley comes across a first day cover’. State the meaning of a first day cover with reference to the story ‘The Third Level’. [2]
Answer:
(A) The place from where Zitkala-Sa had come, the hair of only prisoners of war, mourners and cowards were cut short Hence, she didn’t want to get her hair shingled. Thus, she tried to escape it in vain by hiding herself under the bed.
(B) Given the circumstances, the doctor’s decision to let the prisoner escape is the most appropriate one. As a doctor, he saves the prisoner’s life, as a patriot and a dutiful citizen, he informs the General about the prisoner. As a human being, he obeys his conscience as handing him over, to authorities would have meant certain death for the prisoner.
(C) When a new stamp is issued, stamp collectors buy them and use them to mail envelops to themselves on the very first day of the sale where the postmark proves the date. That envelope is called a first day cover.
Question 12.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
The poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger’, is also a description of the life of a typical housewife. Elaborate with reference to the text.
OR
How does M. Hamel prove to be an ideal teacher? Support your rationale with textual evidence. [5]
Answer:
In this poem, the poet narrates the life and situations of an old woman named Aunt Jennifer. She is a typical housewife who is embroidering tigers on a frame. Aunt Jennifer has suffered all her life because of male- dominance. The tigers she is embroidering are in fact symbolic of her husband. They can also be seen as a symbol of the aunt’s inner strength as welL The women give birth to men and the same men tyrannise women when they grow up. The poet says that Aunt is crushed due to male chauvinism and it appears she won’t be free from the bondage of her household chores even after her death.
OR
M. Hamel was given respect not only by his students but even by the village elders. He was . totally dedicated to the cause of teaching. He had been teaching for forty years in the same school The village elders came to pay their respect to such a grand teacher. They sat on the back benches to listen to his last lesson.
M. Hamel loved France and French from the depth of his heart He regarded French as the most beautiful language in the world. He told the people to guard it among themselves and never to forget it On hearing the sound of trumpets of the Prussian soldiers under his window, patriotic feelings overpowered him. He mounted the chair and tried to speak, .. however something choked him. He wrote “Vive La France” with a piece of chalk on the blackboard and dismissed the class.
Question 13.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
The third level pushed the narrator back in time. Which old fashioned things did he see there? Support your answer with reference to the instances from the text.
OR
Critically examine the kind of indication that one gets while visiting Antarctica to save Earth. [5]
Answer:
The third level at the Grand Central was old fashioned. The rooms were smaller; there were fewer ticket windows and train gates. The information booth in the center was made up of wood and was shabby. The man in the booth wore green eyeshades and long black sleeve protectors.v There were flickering gas lights and brass spittoons on the floor.
A man was having an old watch with a cover. Every man in the station had a beard, sideburn and a fancy moustache. Women were wearing dresses with leg-of-mutton sleeves, skirts and high-buttoned shoes. People were looking really old fashioned with all the retro styled clothing.
OR
The experience to visit Antarctica for anyone is quite a revelation. In the chapter ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ too, Tishani Doshi’s entire experience of visiting Antarctica was nothing short of a revelation. The ones who visit the place, see the real effects that things like global warming and deforestation are reflecting on the nature and harming it The visit helps understand the planet better and save it from annihilation.
One gets knowledge about facts like the planet’s ecosystem and its balance that took millions of years to form can be soon destroyed Scientists too warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer will affect the activities of the phytoplankton. The lives of the marine animals and birds of the region will also be affected.Thus, the visit to Antarctica is eye-opening.