Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 7 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 7 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)
Mother Teresa’s death on 5th September, 1997 has created a huge void. It was a tragic loss to Calcutta (Kolkata) and India in particular and the entire humanity in general With her death, a chapter of history has come to an end, and m unfortunately an era happened to be closed. However, it gives some satisfaction that she chose India, the land of Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, as the country of her work, service and life.
The demise of this ‘saint of the gutters’ at the age of 87 years plunged millions of people into sorrow and mourning and orphaned thousands of people. Physically, she is no more but her spirit of love, service, charity and compassion is always there to guide and help us.
Mother Teresa believed in the eternity of the soul. Although she was a Catholic Christian, her love and compassion was all inclusive and pervading. Her spirit of service and kindness transcended all barriers of caste, creed, sex, nations, etc., and she reached to all those who needed her love, compassion and service.
She saw God in all the people and served the poor, the deprived, the destitute and the helpless regarding them as her own brothers and sisters and mostly the children of God. It is this deep compassion, charity and generosity of heart that make her a great saint and savior of humanity at large. She believed that God had sent her to serve the poor, the weak and the deprived.
The message from God came to her one fine day when she was travelling to Darjeeling from Calcutta and then at once she plunged into the selfless service of the suffering humanity. She saw the manifestation of God in every human being and felt that was serving the Lord when she served a leper or a dying person.
Her concern, care and compassion for the leper, the suffering, the deprived, the dying and living in abject poverty was limitless. She served the aged and the destitute, the slum- dwellers throughout her life in a way in which only she could have done.
She reached out to all those who needed her the most-the lowest the unwanted and the weakest of the society. She saw in them the dying suffering and the abandoned Christ She served even the faithless because her own faith in humanity, God and his creation was too deep to be expressed. Her mission was only to serve the poorest of the poor in the best possible way.
Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions given below: Choose the correct option.
(A) Mother Teresa was known as the ‘Saint of the Gutters’. List a reason behind it.
(a) She helped the poor and the rich.
(b) She helped the old and weak.
(c) She helped the unwell and unfit.
(d) She helped the old, under-privileged and the destitute. [1]
Answer:
(d) She helped the old, under-privileged and the destitute.
Explanation: Mother Teresa was called as the ‘saint of the gutters’ because she used to love and help the old. the poor, the under-privileged and the backward people of the society. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(B) Select an option that reflects why Mother Teresa’s death a great loss to mankind.
(a) She served millions of needy people.
(b) She was a popular personality.
(c) She was a great orator.
(d) She was a saint. [1]
Answer:
(a) She served millions of needy people
Explanation: Mother Teresa served a lot of people and so, her death plunged millions of people into sorrow and mourning and orphaned thousands of people. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(C) What did she see in the lowest, the unwanted and the weakest of the society?
(1) the dying
(2) the suffering
(3) the old
(4) the women
(5) the abandoned Christ
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (2) and (5)
(d) (1), (2) and (5) [1]
Answer:
(d) (1), (2) and (5)
(D) What qualities of Mother Teresa makes her alive even after death? [1]
Answer:
Compassion, generosity, and humanity
(E) According to the passage, when did Mother Teresa hear the message from God?
(a) When she came to India.
(b) When she started helping the poor and the destitute.
(c) When she was travelling to Darjeeling.
(d) When she was travelling to Calcutta. [1]
Answer:
(c) When she was travelling to Darjeeling.
(F) Does the following statement agree with the information given in the passage? Mother Teresa did not serve or help the elite class.
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. [1]
Answer:
True.
(G) Mother Teresa’s death on 5th September,
1997 has created a huge void. What does the word ‘void’ mean? [1]
Answer:
Empty space
Explanation: The word ‘void’ means to be empty or null.
(H) Choose a word from the passage that means “to pass’ or ‘cross’.
(a) Mourning
(b) Eternity
(c) Compassion
(d) Transcended [1]
Answer:
(d) Transcended
(I) Complete the given analogy correctly with a word.
Rich: ………………..:: poor: destitute [1]
Answer:
affluent
(J) How did Mother Teresa help the poorest of the poor?
(a) With great expenditure on them.
(b) By big physical efforts.
(c) As best as one would have done.
(d) In an inhumane way. [1]
Answer:
(c) As best as one would have done
Explanation: It is given in the passage that Mother Teresa had helped the poorest of the poor “in the best possible way’ which means the same as (c). Hence, (c) is the right answer.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below. (1 x 10 = 10)
India’s elephant habitat has expanded with the jumbo population stable at 27,000, according to a census of the animals released by the Union ministry of environment, forests and climatic changes on Saturday, 12th August, World Elephant day.
The report, ‘Synchronized elephant population estimation India, 2017′, pegs the exact population of jumbos at 27,312 with Karnataka accounting for the biggest share followed by Assam. The figures show a decline in the overall population, from 29, 391 to 30, 711 in 2012, but this has been attributed to a difference in the counting method. “There is no question of a decline,” said elephant expert and head of Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, R.Sukumar. Experts termed the ‘expansion’ trend worrying because it could lead to an increase in human-animal conflicts.
Jumbos have been reported for the first time in Manipur, Mizoram, Bihar, MP, Haryana, HP and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, indicating disturbance in the wild animals’ original areas or climatic changes impact like temperature and precipitation modification.
“This expansion has been happening gradually over 30 years. It is worrying because it will be difficult to manage. The real challenge is that elephants are moving to other forest areas, which could increase the potential for conflicts with humans’, Sukumar said, adding that the last mass translocation was reported from Tamil Nadu in 1983, following a major drought Herds of elephants had moved to Andhra Pradesh where the Jumbo population had been absent for over two centuries.
The ministry carries out the annual survey by employing two methods-direct and indirect In the direct method, forest blocks of 4 to 5 sq. km. are sampled by state forest department staff. The indirect method helps validate the direct method by mapping elephant distributions in a GIS domain by analysing dung count and compiling photographs.
“This year all states employed the direct method as there was no time to complete the indirect count method, once we finish that, we will get more accurate picture. A more detailed report”, said Sukumar.
Based on your reading of the passage, answer the following questions.
Choose the correct option to complete sentence.
(A) ………………… reported the stable condition of jumbo population.
(a) Census of the animals by the Union ministry of environment
(b) Census of the animals by the Chief ministry of environment
(c) Census of the animals released by the Union ministry of Animals
(d) Census of the animals released by the Government [1]
Answer:
(a) Census of the animals by the Union ministry of environment
(B) Which states have satisfactory population of jumbos?
(1) Assam
(2) Odisha
(3) Uttar Pradesh
(4) Maharashtra
(5) Karnataka
(a) (1) and (3)
(b) (2), (4) and (5)
(c) (1) and (5)
(d) Only (4) [1]
Answer:
(c) (1) and (5)
(C) According to statistical data given in the passage, what is the report of the population of the elephants?
It went ………………… [1]
Answer:
Down
Explanation: The data in the passage suggests that the population of the jumbos ‘declined’ which means it ‘went down’ on the graph. Hence, (b) it the right answer.
(D) Why is the ‘expansion’ worrying?
(a) It will lead to human-animal conflict.
(b) It will be difficult to manage them.
(c) It will lead to forest destruction.
(d) Both (a) and (b). [1]
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(E) Which Indian state has seen a miraculous jumbo migration? [1]
Answer:
Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Clearly, it is given in the passage that ‘Herds of elephants had moved to Andhra ‘ Pradesh where the Jumbo population had been absent for over two centuries.’ Hence, is the right answer.
(F) Select a possible reason for the human-animal conflict due to the rise of jumbo population.
(a) They will move into other forest areas.
(b) They will take over humans.
(c) They will create ruckus.
(d) They will destroy human abodes. [1]
Answer:
(a) They will move into other forest areas.
(G) What is the major issue which could be a reason for the translocation of elephants, as per the given data? [1]
Answer:
climate change
(H) Does the following statement agree with the given information in the passage? The ministry carries out the annual survey by employing two methods which are direct and indirect.
True: if the statement agrees with the information
False: if the statement contradict with the information.
Not given: if there is no information on this. [1]
Answer:
True.
(I) Select an option that states the correct detailed report of the number of elephants in a state.
(a) By counting properly
(b) By using high technology
(c) By being accurate
(d) By using direct method [1]
Answer:
(d) By using direct method.
(J) Choose the word that states the CORRECT meaning of the term ‘pegs’.
(a) Opposite
(b) State
(c) Clear
(d) Vague [1]
Answer:
(b) State
Explanation: To ‘peg’ a fact means to ’state’ a fact. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
Section – B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
You are Amit Singh, Head boy of St Mary’s High School Pune. A charitable trust is coming to your school to distribute books to the needy students. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words and ask the students to drop-in the names of the books that they want to get for free.
OR
You had lost your wallet in the school canteen. Draft a notice, in not more than 50 words, to be placed on your school notice board about the same. You are Joy/Jessica, student of Class XII of D.P.S.Mathura. [5]
Answer:
ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
17th July, 20XX
Free Book Distribution by ‘Help Pune’
This is to inform all the students that ‘Help Pune’, a charitable trust, will distribute free books to the under-privileged students of the school on 25th July, 20XX from 10.00 am onwards. Stu¬dents may write the names of the books they want and drop the list in the box kept outside the classrooms. For further inquiries, please contact the under signed.
Amit Singh
Head boy
OR
D.P.S. MATHURA
NOTICE
13th May, 20xx
Lost! Lost! Lost
Lost a faux leather, bLack wallet in the school canteen during the recess yesterday. It was lost near the windows to the field. Anyone who finds it may please contact the undersigned. Finder will be rewarded with a new pencil box
Joy/Jessica
XII-A
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
The literary Club of your school is putting up the play ‘Macbeth’. As a head of the Club, invite the famous author Sabama Roy to attend the same as the Guest of Honour, in not more than 50 words.
OR
Your friend has invited you to attend the wedding of her brother. You find that you have an important paper of pre-board examination on the day of the wedding. Thus, you cannot attend the event. Write in about 50 words an informal reply to the invitation expressing your regret. You are Geet/Geetika Rastogi, 1/22, Anand Vihar, Bangalore. [5]
Answer:
The Principal, Staff & Students
Of
Holi Public School, Jaipur
invite you as
The Guest of Honor
At the rendition of the play ‘Macbeth’ by the Literary Club
on Wednesday, 18th August 20XX at 11:00 a.m. in the school auditorium
RSVP
xyz
Head
(Literary Club)
Ph. 96781xxxxx
OR
1/22
Anand Vihar
Bangalore
12th January, 20XX
Subject: Reply to the invitation of the wedding
Dear Pooja,
Thank you for your kind invitation for the wedding of your brother. I am extremely happy for him. However, I am sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the wedding as I have to appear in an important Pre-Board exam on the wedding day. I wish him all the best for his future.
With warm regards
Yours lovingly
Geet/Geetika Rastogi
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Bangalore is badly hit by floods due to heavy rains. The victims are suffering financially, physically and mentally. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor of ‘The Hindu’ giving details of the loss of life and property. Also, make an appeal to the people and the Government to provide help and relief to the afflicted. You are Sameer/Sadia, 13-F, Gokul Apartments, Bangalore.
OR
You are Jagdeesh Rathore, a resident of 12/24, Karol Bagh, New Delhi. Write an application along with a personal resume in 120-150 words in response to the following advertisement in a local daily.
Wanted an experienced tennis coach having B.P.Ed Degree for our schooL Apply to the Principal, Welham Girls School, New Delhi by 17th October, – 20XX. [5]
Answer:
13-F, Gokul Apartments
Bangalore
6th September, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindu
Bangalore
Subject: Helping Flood Victims in Bangalore
Dear Sir/ma’am,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to raise my concern over the present condition of the people afflicted by the floods that devastated the city of Bangalore.
The devastating floods caused a lot of havoc in the lives of several innocent people. There are families left with no food, shelter or elders. Some of them are snatched of their basic necessities. They can’t survive longer in this state. Their jobs and other modes of work had been lost due to the calamity.
I request you to highlight their plight in the newspaper. They are in need of the basic necessities and more. Any help offered by the government and the people reading this, would make a world of change in their lives.
Yours faithfully,
Sameer/Sadia
OR
12/24, Karol Bagh,
New Delhi
14th October, 20XX
The Principal
Welham Girls School
New Delhi
Subject: Application for the post of tennis coach. .
Sir/Ma’am,
In response to yoyr advertisement in The National Times, dated 13th October, 20XX, for the position of a tennis coach for your school, I hereby offer my candidature for the same. I believe that my experience and background fit your requirements for the position.
I have a good seven-year experience as a tennis coach for St Peter’s College, New Delhi. Apart from being a tennis coach, I also run my training institute for tennis enthusiasts. I am a Bachelor degree holder in Physical Education. I am sure that I can work well with the students of your prestigious school You may call me for an interview on any date as per your convenience. I shall be able to join my duties at one month’s notice if appointed.
Yours sincerely,
Amit/Amita
Enel: Bio-DATA
BIO-DATA:
Name: Jagdeesh Rathore
Father’s Name: Mr. Bipin Rathore
Age: 38 years
Address: 12/24, Karol Bagh, New Delhi
Hobbies: Playing, training, boxing, tennis
Languages Known: Hindi and English
Nationality: Indian
Educational Qualifications: Graduation in Physical Education(B.P.Ed) from Ramjas College, New Delhi
Diploma in Tennis Training from Ramjas College, New Delhi
Experience: Tennis Coach in St Peter’s College, New Delhi for seven years
Salary Expected: Negotiable
References: (i) Mrs. Sunanda Sharma (M.D.), St Peter’s College, New Delhi, 91723xxxxxx
(ii) Mr. Vikas Shah (Co-Coach), St Peter’s College, New Delhi, 9984xxxxxx
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
You are Alka Misra, the head girl of Sunrise Public SchooL A seminar on “Water Conservation” was held in your school recently and you have to write a report about the same in 120-150 words for the school magazine. You can use the cues given below:
- Attended by different school students
- Water Board Chief Officer and IG city present
- Skits on water scarcity by students
- Tips to save water by the special guests
OR
You are Aman/Ananya Dutt, a student of class XII, Delhi Public School, BhopaL You want to highlight the need for helping society by the students. Write a speech on ‘Social service should be made mandatory for students’ to be delivered in the school assembly. [5]
Answer:
Water Conservation Seminar Held at
Sunrise Public School
By Alka Misra, Head Girl
Sunrise Public School organized a seminar on ‘Water Conservation’ in the school on 24th September, 20XX. The seminar was attended by students of different schools of the city. The honorable guests were IG city and the eminent chief officers from the Municipal Water Board. Saksham Natraj, the head boy of the school delivered the opening address.
The seminar was followed by skits showing various ways how people waste water and how it leads to the scarcity. At last, the honorable guests gave ways of saving water by rainwater harvesting, optimal use of water, taking shorter showers, – turning off the faucets and pipes when not in use, etc. It was a very enlightening seminar with all the students learning a lot
OR
Good morning everyone! Today I Aman/Ananya Dutt, stands before you to share my views on the topic ‘Social service should be made mandatory for students’. Helping someone is a very considerate act It makes a person stronger, empathetic and giving.
An adult knows the importance of helping others but a child is not that mature. It only learns when it sees others doing it A child needs to be taught humanity and motivated to fulfill his moral duties as a good human. So, for making children understand the need of ‘social service’, it has to be done mandatory for them in schools.
A mandatory service to society will allow each and every student to practice genuine acts of kindness and help. It will make them socially and morally more responsible human beings, keeping them away from violence and other vices. Such students will grow up to be adults with humility, confidence and problem-solving skills.
Hence, there is no doubt that making social service mandatory in schools would be a notable step for increasing the sense of helpfulness and consideration in students from young age.
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)
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 our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
(A) “Therefore on every morrow, are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the Earth”. Choose an option that states the correct meaning of the given phrase.
(a) We fill ourselves with joy.
(b) We attach ourselves with beautiful things.
(c) We make garlands of flowers to be happy.
(d) We bind the flowers to the Earth. [1]
Answer:
(b) We attach ourselves with beautiful things.
Explanation: The given line means that (b) we get attached to the beautiful things around us and bind ourselves with it. We make it the reason for us to live. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(B) By ‘inhuman dearth Of noble natures’, the poet means that ………………..
(a) There is a shortage of inhumanity in the current world.
(b) There is a shortage of men on earth.
(c) There is a shortage of noble men in the current world.
(d) There is no inhuman men on earth. [1]
Answer:
(c) There is a shortage of noble men in the current world
(C) A thing of beauty takes away all our ………………….
(1) Pain
(2) Joy
(3) Excitement
(4) Suffering
(5) Beauty
(a) (1), (3) and (5)
(b) (1) and (4)
(c) Only (2)
(d) Only (3) [1]
Answer:
(b) (1) and (4)
(D) Choose the option that, reflects the correct meaning of the phrase: ‘the pall From our dark spirits’.
(a) The gloom from our spirits.
(b) The darkness from our rooms.
(c) The happiness from our life.
(d) The soul from our dark spirits. [1]
Answer:
(a) The gloom from our spirits.
Explanation: The given phrase means that a beautiful thing removes the darkness of gloom from our spirits and make us happy despite all the hardships of life.
(E) Identify the poetic device in ‘A flowery band to bind us to the earth.’ [1]
Answer:
Imagery.
Explanation: In the line ’A flowery band to bind us to the earth’ imagery is used. Imagery refers to the visual description of a thing so as to create a image.
(F) List the correct rhyme scheme of the given stanza. [1]
Answer:
abbccdde
OR
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) Select the correct options from the given statements, based on your reading of the extract.
(1) Aunt Jennifer’s trembling hands were a result of her oppressed married life with her dominating husband.
(2) Aunt Jennifer’s trembling hands were a result of her old age.
(a) (1) is false but (2) is true
(b) (2) is false but (1) is true
(c ) Both (1) and (2) are false
(d) Both (1) and (2) are true [1]
Answer:
(d) Both (1) and (2) are true.
Explanation: In the poem, ‘trembling hands’ is used both literally and ‘ metaphorically. Literally, Aunt Jennifer is an old lady who embroids with trembling hands. Metaphorically, her married life has been difficult and suppressive as she has to cater to her husband’s commands all the time. This has made her anxious and scared of him. So, her trembling hands were a result of both her old age and suppressive married life. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(B) List the poetic device in the line – ‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’. [1]
Answer:
Imagery
Explanation: Imagery is a visual description of things that makes it look alive. Here, the massive weight of uncle’s wedding band describes visually how heavy the band with responsibilities is. Hence, imagery is the right answer.
(C) Identify the quality that was present in the tigers that aunt created but lacked in her own self. [1]
Answer:
fearlessness
Explanation: In the poem, Aunt Jennifer was an old lady who was being oppressed in her domestic life by her husband. She was scared and timid while her tigers were not.
(D) The ‘wedding band’ was a symbol of ……………… for Aunt Jennifer.
(a) the misery of her married life
(b) the love for her husband
(c) the proof of her marriage
(d) the style sense [1]
Answer:
(a) the misery of her married life
Explanation: The ‘wedding band’ here is used metaphorically to symbolize the heavy stressful relationship of her marriage to her husband. It doesn’t represent (b), (c) or (d). Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(E) Identify Aunt Jennifer’s qualities from the phrase- “fluttering fingers’’.
(1) happy
(2) old
(3) scared
(4) mature
(5) nervous
(a) (1) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (5)
(c) (3) and (5)
(d) (2) and (4) [1]
Answer:
(c) (3) and (5)
Explanation: The phrase, ‘fluttering fingers’ shows us that aunt was (3) scared and (5) nervous due to the difficulties that she had to face in her married life. Her husband oppressed and dominated her. Options (1), (2) and (4) are not relevant to the line. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
(F) Choose the word that means the same as ‘fluttering’.
(a) Stiff
(b) Creative
(c) Trembling
(d) Dilated [1]
Answer:
(c) Trembling
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)
DERRY: Aren’t you interested?
MR LAMB: You’re a boy who came into the garden. Plenty do. I’m interested in anybody. Anything. There’s nothing God made that doesn’t interest me. Look over there-.over beside the far walL What can you see?
DERRY: Rubbish.
MR LAMB: Rubbish? Look, boy, looL..what do you see?
DERRY: Just grass and stuff. Weeds.
MR LAMB: Some call them weeds. If you like, then.-.a weed garden, that. There’s fruit and there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there-weeds. I grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference. It’s all lifegrowing. Same as you and me.
DERRY: We’re not the same.
(A) From the statement “I’m interested in anybody”, what can you infer about Mr.Lamb?
(a) His big area of interest.
(b) His longing for a company.
(c) His disregard for Derry.
(d) His closeness to strangers. [1]
Answer:
(b) His longing for a company.
Explanation: Mr. Lamb was a person who used to live alone. So, he craved and (b) longed for people’s company and was interested in anybody who comes to his garden. Options (a), (c) and (d) aren’t suggesting the true meaning of the line. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(B) Identify Derry’s approach in life from the given extract. [1]
Answer:
negative
Explanation: Derry called the grass and weeds ‘rubbish’. This shows his negative approach in life.
(C) List is one of the characteristic of Mr.
Lamb as suggested from the extract.
1. …………………. [1]
Answer:
Optimistic
Explanation: Mr. Lamb was an optimistic or a person with a positive attitude towards life. In the extract, he said “Where’s the difference. It’s all life-..” looking at the weeds and the flowers. This shows his positivity towards everything.
(D) Where’s the difference. It’s all life™. From the given line, Mr. Lamb wanted to say that:
(a) Nothing is interesting.
(b) Everything is identical
(c) Everything has its own beauty.
(d) Nothing is positive. [1]
Answer:
(c) Everything has its own beauty
Explanation: With the given phrase, Mr. Lamb wanted to say that things like weed and flowers are not different in what they provide people – ‘beauty of nature’. Their appearance doesn’t make them lesser than other things. He doesn’t mean any of (a), (b) or (d). Hence, (C) is the right answer.
OR
But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!
We discussed our fate some moments, and when Judewin said, “We have to submit, because they are strong,” I rebelled.
(A) By ‘eating by formula’, Zitkala-Sa means to eat ……………… [1]
Answer:
scheduled by a bell
Explanation: The way western culture eats was tiresome for Zitkala-Sa since she did not know how to adjust to eating by the bell.
(B) Choose an option that reflects Zitkala- Sa’s people’s attitude to long hair.
(1) Long hair symbolised good health and strength.
(2) They prized their long hair and wore them long.
(3) Having long hair did not mean anything much.
(4) They were old fashioned and backward.
(a) (1), (2)
(b) (2), (3)
(c) (2), (4)
(d) (1), (3) [1]
Answer:
(a) (1), (2)
Explanation: From the way Zitkala-Sa reacted, it can be inferred that long hair was associated with good health and strength and so her people prized their hair and wore them long. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Options (b), (c) and (d) are all partially correct answers. They are therefore not the correct answer.
(C) Select the option with correct opposite ideas that are explored in the given extract.
(a) long hair and short hair
(b) strength and submission
(c) freedom and oppression
(d) trials and rebellion [1]
Answer:
(c) freedom and oppression
Explanation: The pair of opposite ideas explored in this extract is the freedom to follow one’s own beliefs and not be oppressed by anyone. Option (c) is therefore the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (d) are not the accurate pairs of ideas explored in the extract Hence, they are not the correct answer.
(D) Which word is the opposite of the word ‘rebelled’?
(a) Obliged
(b) Revolted
(c) Despised
(d) Opposed [1]
Answer:
(a) Obliged
Question 9.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of them by answering the questions: (1 x 6 = 6)
I went to the pool when no one else was there. The place was quiet The water was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a bathtub. I was timid about going in alone, so I sat on the side of the pool to wait for others I had not been there long when in came a big bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen years old. He had thick hair on his chest He was a beautiful physical specimen, with legs and arms that showed rippling muscles. He yelled, “Hi, Skinnyl How’d you like to be ducked?”
(A) Choose the term that SUBSTITUTE the term ‘bruiser’ as given in the extract.
(a) charmer
(b) exciter
(c) aggressor
(d) enthusiast [1]
Answer:
(c) aggressor
(B) The ‘bruiser’ was ……………….. years old. [1]
Answer:
18
(C) Select a reason why the narrator sat on the edge of the pooL
(a) because he was afraid entering pool alone.
(b) because he was waiting for the bruiser.
(c) because he was waiting far her mother to come.
(d) because he did not know how to enter the pool. [1]
Answer:
(a) because he was afraid entering pool alone.
(D) Identify the state of the pool when the narrator went there. [1]
Answer:
Still and clean
(E) What activity of the boy led Douglas to panic?
(a) The boy picked up Douglas and tossed him into the deep end.
(b) The boy helped Douglas to swim in the pool
(c) The boy jumped into the pool alone.
(d) The boy gave Douglas instruction about how to swim. [1]
Answer:
(a) The boy pickedup douglas and tossed him into the deep end.
(F) What did the narrator mean by -’Beautiful physical specimen’?
(a) Hard-muscled body
(b) Loose-muscled body
(c) Soft and tender body
(d) Skinny and fit body [1]
Answer:
(a) Hard-muscled body
OR
Under an ancient arrangement the Champaran peasants were sharecroppers. Rajkumar Shukla was one of them. He was illiterate but resolute. He had come to the Congress session to complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar, and somebody had probably said, “Speak to Gandhi.” Gandhi told Shukla he had an appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed to go to other parts of India.
Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Then Gandhi returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla followed him to the ashram. For weeks he never left Gandhi’s side. “Fix a date,” he begged. Impressed by the sharecropper’s tenacity and story Gandhi said, “I have to be in Calcutta on such-and-such a date. Come and meet me and take me from there.”
(A) Identify a quality of Rajkumar Shukla evident from the given extract. [1]
Answer:
resolute
Explanation: Rajkumar Shukla was resolute because he followed Gandhi everywhere in order to convince him to go to Champaran for addressing the oppressed peasants.
(B) The extract has a word that was used in the old era. Identify it. [1]
Answer:
Cawnpore
Explanation: ‘Cawnpore’ was used for the present city Kanpur in the old era.
(C) “Fix a date,” he begged. For what did Rajkumar Shukla wanted a ‘date’ from Gandhi?
(a) To visit his house at Champaran as a guest.
(b) To help his poor family.
(c) To visit Champaran to help poor peasants.
(d) To give him a job in his Ashram. [1]
Answer:
(c) To visit Champaran to help poor peasants.
Explanation: Rajkumar Shukla requested Gandhi to take some time out of his busy schedule and visit Champaran to help the poor peasants. For this, he wanted Gandhi to ‘fix a date’.
(D) Why was Gandhi impressed by Rajkumar Shukla?
(a) Due to his determination
(b) Due to his personality
(c) Due to his intelligence
(d) Due to his strength [1]
Answer:
(a) Due to his determination.
Explanation: Clearly, it is given in the extract that Rajkumar Shukla’s ‘tenacity’ impressed him. He was a resolute and a determined person who wanted Gandhi to help the poor peasants.
(E) Champaran peasants were sharecroppers. Which word means the same as ‘peasants’?
(a) Landlords
(b) Workers
(c) Farmers
(d) Teachers [1]
Answer:
(c) Farmers
(F) Complete the given sentence.
Rajkumar Shukla was ……………… but obstinate. [1]
Answer:
uneducated
Explanation: It is given in the extract that Rajkumar Shukla was ‘illiterate but resolute’. This means that he was uneducated but obstinate.
Question 10.
Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 40-50 words each. (5 x 2 = 10)
(A) What is Umberto Eco’s concept of ‘interstices’? Explain how he uses them. [2]
(B) Did Geoff believe Sophie’s story of meeting Danny Casey or not? Explain. [2]
(C) The peddler signed himself as ‘Captain von Stahle’. Identify the reason behind peddler’s decision with respect to the context. [2]
(D) What was the reason behind Gandhiji’s agreement to the planters’ offer of a 25 percent refund to the farmers? [2]
(E) Life provides many charms yet it too causes suffering and pain’. Expound with reference to the statement based oh your reading of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. [2]
(F) How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes? [2]
Answer:
(A) According to Umberto Eco, a person has a lot of empty spaces between activities like travelling in an elevator. It is in these ‘interstices’ that one can utilize it to do something he loves. He uses these interstices to write articles and other works.
(B) No, Geoff did not believe Sophie’s story of meeting Danny Casey at all. He questioned Sophie about how Danny looks’ in person, just to know if Sophie was being honest. Still, he didn’t believe her and thought her to be making a story.
(C) The Peddler was a destitute rattrap seller. He was never treated with respect and compassion by anyone earlier. So, when Edla Willmanson treated him with the honour that was meant for a real Captain, even after knowing that the peddler was not the one, the peddler returned the similar respect to Edla behaving like a Captain. Thus, he signed himself as Captain von Stahle.
(D) Gandhiji asked the indigo planters for a 50 per cent refund to the farmers but the planters offered only 25 per cent to him. However, Gandhiji accepted their offer because for him, the amount of the refund was of less importance but the fact that the planters had been forced to surrender a part of their rights was more important This is the reason why he agreed to their settlement.
(E) Life is a journey that has both good and bad included in it Each one of us complains of failures, the failings of human nature, the hardships and the diseases that we come across through life. Still, we love life against death as it has many charms and goodness in it
(F) The poet has used the term ‘denizens’ for tigers to say that they are the citizens of the world of green forest She has also used the term ‘chivalric’ to describe the strength, bravery and might as qualities of the tigers.
Question 11.
Attempt ANY TWO out of the three questions given below, in 40-50 words each. (2 x 2 = 4)
(A) Mr. Lamb told Derry the story of a man who hid himself in his room. Why did the man do so and with what result? State with a rationale. [2]
(B) Who spread the rumour of the fabled speaking ten-day-old infant, the future Tiger King? [2]
(C) Zitkala-Sa got terrified when Judewin told her that her hair would be shingled. Comment. [2]
Answer:
(A) Mr. Lamb told Derry the incident of a timid man who hid himself in his room and refused to come out as he didn’t want to face any fatal accident because he didn’t want to die. But in the end, he died inside his room because a picture hanging on the wall fell on his head and killed him.
(B) A king is considered to be the extraordinary person who posses unbelievable strengths in a monarchy. It is possible that he or his loyal courtiers would have spread the rumour about the vocal ten-day-old infant in order to create an awe among his people for the mighty king.
(C) Zitkala-Sa was extremely scared to hear that her hair was about to be shingled as her origin was Indian and in her culture, shingled hair were worn by only mourners and cowards. Hence, she didn’t want her ’ hair to be shingled.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the questions given below.
‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a life of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not?
OR
Imagine Sophie meets Danny Casey after several years.
Write a dialogue exchange between them where Sophie explains what that meeting means to her. [5]
Answer:
‘Lost Spring’ surely represent the miserable life of the destitute adults and children that live by abject poverty and get involved into thoughtless traditions in order to survive. They work extremely hard in the most pathetic conditions and accept poverty and exploitation as their destiny. Through the lives of Saheb-e-Alam who was a ragpicker, and Mukesh who was a bangle maker, the author highlights the vicious circle of social stigma and poverty running around them.
The characters of Saheb and Mukesh represent a growing number of refugee migrants and people who are forced to live a life of penury. No one shows any kind of compassion or sensitivity to their pathetic plight and there is also no initiative or commitment for the upliftment of these downtrodden people.
OR
Sophie spots an older Danny Casey in the same mall where she had imagined their meeting.
Sophie: Excuse me?
Danny: Yes?
Sophie: Are you Danny Casey?
Danny: Yes, I am.
Sophie: I am so glad. How are you? We haven’t ‘seen you play in a while.
Danny: You must know I have retired now. The injury made it impossible for me to continue. Sophie: That is sad. We miss your game – my brothers, my father and I..
Danny: Have you seen me play?
Sophie: Yes, we used to go religiously to watch United every Saturday.
Danny: How nice!
Sophie: (extends paper and pen) Autograph please?
Danny: (signs) Oh sure.
Sophie: Do you know I once told my family that I met you?
Danny: (gives back the paper and pen) Oh why? I don’t think I met you.
Sophie: I wanted to get my brother Geoff’s attention. He is your big fan.
Danny: Hmm. it’s not a good idea to lie. Sophie: I know, I am older now and know better. Back then, I was a teenager.
Danny: Don’t worry! It’s a long time ago. Sophie: Thanks for the autograph!
Danny: Anytime. Bye!
Sophie: Bye!
Question 13.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
Flash fiction is a fictional work of extreme brevity. Imagine that you are a flash fiction writer. Write a piece of flash fiction involving the research vesseL
OR
Both Derry and Mr. Lamb were diflferently- abled people and yet they differed in their perceptions and attitudes. What according to you could be the reason far their different opinions on their disabilities? [5]
Answer:
Nikhil walked into the Russian research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy and promptly tripped and felL His fellow student, Justine helped him up. He felt so clumsy in this sophisticated crowd of international people. But everyone smiled kindly at him. He introduced himself as Nikhil from India. She was Justine from France. Putting away his backpack, he spotted Tishani Doshi, the poet talking to Geoff Green, the founder of Students on Ice programme.
He had dashed off an application in his attempt to get out of the stifling atmosphere at home. He did not expect to get in. But he did. He had read Tishani Doshi’s poetry. He wanted to go talk to her. So, he was about to move towards her when an announcement boomed out from the speaker asking for everyone’s attention. They would soon be given an introduction. Geoff Green picked up the microphone and said, ‘Hello and welcome to Akademik Shokalskiy!’
OR
According to me, the core difference in the opinions of both Derry and Mr. Lamb was of their age and experience. Derry was a very young boy in his teens. The way he looked at life was way different than Mr. Lamb who was quiet old and experienced than him. For Derry, a teen need to look good on the outside as it would be his identity and the source to attract the opposite sex as welL Derry, had a long life left to live in front of him. It was too early for him to handle such a big loss and this is why I feel he couldn’t handle it with positivity.
Mr. Lamb on the other hand was an old man with a lot of maturity. He had seen the world. Physical appearance didn’t matter to him as he was not in his ‘teenage’ or ’youthful’ phase of the life. Mr. Lamb has experienced over time that in the end, what matters the most is the internal beauty of the person. So, the difference in both of their opinions was of their age and experience of life.