Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 9 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 9 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)
1. The idea of ‘couch potatoes’ tends to conjure up images of overweight lazy unkempt slacker-types. We’ve heard about the research that has shown that the more hours of television watched per day, the higher the risk for overweight or obesity. The long-held belief was that television junkies weighed more because they snacked more while glued to the tube. But did you know that the actual position of lying down for long periods of time is actually dangerous to your health.
2. In simple terms, being inactive causes your body to create more fat within your already-existing fat cells, so the cells themselves become larger. What’s more alarming is that more and more research is finding that the detrimental effects that prolonged leisure time has on your body can’t be “cancelled out” by exercising, even if you do vigorous exercise such as running or cycling. Even an hour at the gym will not counteract the irreversible, harmful effects that hours of inactivity have on your body.
3. A study published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men who reported spending two or more hours per day sitting in front of a television had twice the risk of having a heart attack or cardiac “event” than the men who reported watching less television.
4. In the meantime, experts currently recommend limiting sedentary activity – such as time spent watching television, playing video games, or surfing the Internet – to one hour a day or less. Food entertainment shows are dominating our TVs. And you might think that having so many shows would provide us with a surplus of creative new recipes and cooking ideas.
5. Popular TV shows commonly expose us to decadent tantalizing dishes that may be tempting us to eat more junk food. Instead of these foodie shows inspiring us to cook more, they may simply be enticing us to eat more. To prevent this irreparable damage to your body, aim to cut back your tube time by several hours each week until you are viewing no more than an hour per day.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the questions by choosing given below:
(A) Complete the given sentence.
The phrase ‘couch potatoes’ is used to refer to ………………… [1]
Answer:
An overweight Lazy unkempt person watching TV for a long time.
Explanation: An overweight lazy person who watches TV for long period of time is a couch potato.
(B) “…they snacked more while glued to the tube.” Pick the option in which the meaning of‘tube’ is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) I pressed the tube of toothpaste too hard.
(b) If you keep watching the tube, you’ll become fat.
(c) The plastic tube is connected with a larger tap.
(d) I wore a tube top inside my jacket. [1]
Answer:
(b) If you keep watching the tube, you’ll become fat.
Explanation: In the passage, the word tube means teLevision. In (a) tube means a cyLinder of pLastic for hoLding a paste, (b) tube means teLevision, (c) tube means the same as (b) and (d) tube means a woman’s close-fitting garment. Hence, (b) is correct.
(C) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the flow of the passage.
(I) Watching too much television can cause heart attack.
(II) Couch potatoes are overweight people.
(III) Food entertainment shows are dominating our TVs.
(IV) Inactivity causes obesity.
(a) (IV), (II), (I), (III)
(b) (I), (III), (II), (IV)
(c) (II), (IV), (I), (III)
(d) (I), (II), (III), (IV) [1]
Answer:
(c) (II), (IV), (I), (III)
(D) Obesity is the result of inactivity. NOT BEING obese means, being ………………….. [1]
Answer:
thin
Explanation: Being obese means being fat, overweight. Not being obese means thin, skinny etc.
(E) Does the following statement agree with the information given in the passage. According to the article, watching too many cooking shows increases food cravings.
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
Explanation: Watching too many cooking shows does not improve cooking skills, does not make one learn about different cuisines or is helpful in passing time. It increases food cravings.
(F) What does the article suggest? [1]
Answer:
The article suggests that watching too much television is the reason for obesity and health problems.
Explanation: The article is not about television related health problems, on how to limit the hours spent on television or about active life is a result of reduced TV watching hours.
It is about watching excessive television being the cause of obesity and health problems.
(G) According to the passage, the fact that watching too much television causes health ailments, so the author suggests:
(a) to stop watching television completely.
(b) to exercise more.
(c) drastically decrease time spent watching television.
(d) to spend moderate time watching television. [1]
Answer:
(d) to spend moderate time watching television.
Explanation: The author suggests not to spend too much time watching television. He does not advise to stop watching TV, to exercise more or drastically decrease time spent watching television. Hence, (d) is correct.
(H) The author’s tone appears to be …………………. [1]
Answer:
disparaging
Explanation: The author’s tone is disparaging.
(I) Pick the option that correctly states what ‘layabout’ means:
(a) the higher the risk for overweight or obesity
(b) “couch potatoes” tends to conjure up images of overweight
(c) television junkies weighed more
(d) lazy unkempt slacker-types [1]
Answer:
(d) lazy unkempt slacker-types.
Explanation: Layabout means a lazy unkempt slacker-type person. Hence, (d) is correct.
(J) The author’s suggestion is:
(a) imaginary
(b) practical
(c) worthless
(d) immature [1]
Answer:
(b) practical
Explanation: The author’s suggestion is practical and can be done easily. Hence, (b) is correct.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below: (1 x 10 = 10)
1. On August 4, the United Nations (UN) released the secretary-general’s policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on the world’s education system. The policy brief points to the fact that the closure of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94% of the world’s student population (up to 99% in low and lower-middle income countries).
It suggests that despite the delivery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and parents, many students still do not have access to education. It highlights how learners with disabilities, those from marginalised communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind. And it warns that the knock-on effects on child nutrition, child marriage and gender equality could be enormous.
2. The cumulative impact of all these on children may lead to a “generational catastrophe” that could waste human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities. This is not good news for any nation, more so for those in the low and lower-middle income segments such as India. According to UNESCO, nearly 321 million Indian children have been at home since March- end. There is no clarity on when schools will reopen.
(3) In the Last few decades, especially since the enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, India has seen a surge in school enrolments and infrastructure development in the primary and secondary segments. But the learning outcomes have not kept pace. The pandemic has now exacerbated this existing challenge. In addition, the extended period of closure means students don’t have access to midday meals and with parental incomes under strain, there could be a spike in drop-out rates, especially among girls.
(4) While the focus must be now be ensuring the safety of students, teachers and staff, and putting in place protocols for school reopening, there has to be an extensive assessment of the learning loss and well- thought-out plans to bridge the learning gap, and schemes to retain students. This entails tweaking the syllabus and changing pedagogy.
This forced break must also be used to align the sector to the National Education Policy (NEP), which was released last week, especially to its foundational learning goals. Last but not least, governments will have to arrange for funds required for the sector. This will be a challenge post-Covid-19, but starving the education sector of finances will be irresponsible, for it is crucial to meeting India’s development goals and creating an inclusive society.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions:
(A) Complete the given sentence with reference to the information in the passage.
According to the passage, on August 4th, the UN released. [1]
Answer:
its brief on the World Education Survey.
Explanation: August 4th was when the UN released its brief on the World Education Survey.
(B) The United Nation’s General Secretary’s brief talks are about ………………. [1]
Answer:
The impact of Covid-19 on world education
Explanation: The United Nation’s General Secretary’s brief talks are about the impact of Covid-19 on world education.
(C) According to the UN, the closure of schools and other learning spaces have impacted ……………… of the worlds student population.
Answer:
94%
Explanation: According to the UN, the closure of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94% of the world’s student population.
(D) The report mentions that:
(a) Radio, TV and Internet are helpful in spreading education.
(b) Radio, TV and internet are not helpful in spreading education.
(c) Radio, TV and online education have no impact on education.
(d) None of these [1]
Answer:
(b) Radio, TV and internet are not helpful in spreading education.
Explanation: The report suggests that despite the delivery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and parents, many students still do not have access to education. Hence, (b) is correct.
(E) Those who run the highest risk of not having access to education during this pandemic are women, children, the poor and the less – priledged.
True/False. [1]
Answer:
False
Explanation: Learners with disabilities, those from marginalised communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in remote areas are at the highest risk of being left behind with reference to education.
(F) The phrase “generational catastrophe” refers to ………………… [1]
Answer:
whole generation denied education
Explanation: The cumulative impact
of all these on children may lead to a “generational catastrophe” that could waste human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities. The phrase “generational catastrophe” means a whole generation denied education.
(G) The Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education was enacted in ………………. [1]
Answer:
2009
Explanation: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education was enacted in 2009.
(H) According to the graph, students of which country were impacted the most?
(a) India
(b) China
(c) Japan
(d) United States of America [1]
Answer:
(b) China
Explanation: The Coronavirus impacted China the most. Hence, (b) is correct.
(I) The passage says that if we are to achieve development goals and become an inclusive society, then a crucial aspect is:
(a) Providing safety for students teachers and staff.
(b) Tweaking the syllabus and change pedagogy.
(c) Providing adequate funding for education.
(d) Aligning the sector to the NEP. [1]
Answer:
(c) Providing adequate funding for education
Explanation: Starving the education sector of finances will be irresponsible, for it is crucial to meeting India’s development goals and creating an inclusive society. Hence, (c) is correct.
(J) According to the pie-chart, which level of education in India has been affected the most?
(a) Pre-primary level
(b) Secondary level
(c) Primary level
(d) Tertiary level
Answer:
(c) Primary level
Explanation: According to the Pie-chart, Primary level of education in India has been affected the most as it is 45%. Hence, (c) is correct.
Section – B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following :
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are the Society Secretary of Panchvati Apartments, Agra. After the increasing cases of COVID-19, you have decided to take strict actions as precautions for the safety of ‘ the people. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words to call a meeting of the society members to discuss upon the same issue.
OR
Draft a notice in about 50 words, informing the students of your school that the debate competition scheduled for tenth of this month has been postponed. Sign yourself as Aditya/Aditi Sharma, Cultural Secretary of the School. [5]
Answer:
PANCHVATI APARTMENTS, AGRA
NOTICE
2nd May, 20XX
Meeting Regarding COVID-19 Precautions
This is to inform all the members of the Panchvati Apartments that a meeting has been organized by the Society Secretary to discuss the ways to control the spread of the pandemic as it is at its peak currently. The details of the meeting are:
Date/Time: 4th May, 20XX, 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Club Hall
XYZ
(Secretary)
OR
MPD High School, Indore
1st February, 20XX
NOTICE
Debate Competition Postponed
This is to inform all the students of our school that the debate scheduled for the 15th of this month has been postponed due to some un-avoidable reasons. It shall now be held in the next month. The time and date for the same shall be notified soon.
Aditya/Aditi Sharma
Cultural Secretary
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
You are the President, Literary Society of Marks International School. Draft an invitation to the author, Ms. Smita Poli, requesting her to conduct a workshop on creative writing in your school. You are Amit/ Amita.
OR
You have received the wedding invitation of your colleague. As Eshani, draft a reply giving a reason for your inability to attend the function in not more than 50 words. [5]
Answer:
Ms. Smita Poli
To encourage literary skills among students, our school is celebrating Tolstoy Week from August 1st – August 7th, 20XX. We would be grateful if you could grace the occasion and conduct a workshop on creative writing in our school.
For any further clarification, please contact Mr.
Adar Jain, the Principal at 95432XXXXX.
Venue
School Conference Hall,
Marks International School,
New Delhi
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: 3rd August, 20XX
Amit/Amita
President
Literary Society
Marks International School
New Delhi
OR
Dear Swati
Thanks for your kind invitation to your marriage on 20th January, 20XX. However, due to some prior engagements, I am unable to attend the function. I wish you all the best for your married life and wish you all the happiness .
Eshani
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
Recently you went to your native village to visit your grandparents. You saw that some of the children in the age group 5-14 years (the age at which they should had been at school), were working in the fields or simply loitering in the streets. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in 120-150 words, analyzing the problem and offering solutions to it. You are Garvit/Garvita, A-2, Link Road, Ajmer.
OR
You are Amesh/Ameesha Arora. You have read an advertisement for the post of Librarian given by Lords Public School, Patna. Write a job application in 120-150 words to apply for the post. Also give your detailed bio-data separately.
LORDS PUBLIC SCHOOL
Librarian Wanted
Librarian required; should have served in a school earlier. M.LIB/B.LIB. Salary inclusive of PF. Apply with a bio-data addressed to the Principal, Lords Public School, Patna [5]
Answer:
A-2, Link Road,
Ajmer
3rd March, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Ajmer
Subject: Pathetic condition of children
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the government and the NGOs towards the large population of children not attending school.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this valuable resource suffers Later. A successful nation is one which makes its youth strong enough to lift this mighty responsibility on their shoulders. Unfortunately, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a luxury here. Poor people hesitate to send their children to school. On a recent visit to a village, I couldn’t help but notice a large number of children, who should have been in school, were either working in the fields or loitering around in the streets. Children of the age group of 5-14 years are supposed to attend school for their brighter future.
It is high time that the government and the NGOs take up the issue seriously and implement measures to solve it. Besides, educated villagers can also help by starting makeshift schools to educate the children till reforms are made by the government.
Yours sincerely,
Garvit/Garvita
OR
6-C, Shanti Nagar
Patna-25XXXX
30th July, 20XX
The Principal
Lords Public School
Patna-25XXXX
Subject: Application for the Post of Librarian.
Sir,
With reference to your advertisement in ‘Times of India’ dated 25th July 20XX for the post of Librarian, I wish to apply for the same in your reputed institution.
I am currently working with a convent school as a Librarian for the past 3 years and have a good knowledge of keeping a library. I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration. I shall be available for interview any day at your convenience.
If selected, I assure you that I will work to the best of my ability with dedication and sincerity.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Ameesha/Amesh Arora
Enclosure: Bio-data
Name: Ameesha/Amesh Arora
Address: 6-C, Shanti Nagar Patna, 250001
Phone: 95XXXXXXXX
E-mail: [email protected]
Date of Birth: 14th March, 19XX
Marital Status: UnMarried
Nationality: Indian
Academic Qualifications: (i) B.Lib. from Delhi University, 1st
(ii) M.Lib. from Delhi University, 1st
Work Experience: Worked in RR Public School, Delhi for 3 yrs
Currently working with St. Marks School, Patna
Hobbies: Travelling and watching old movies
References: Shri Arun Lal, Principal, RR Public School, Patna
Shri CK Gupta, Head Librarian, St. Marks, Patna
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following:
Analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone.
The fake news of an impending earthquake in the national capital sent ripples of terror among people who started fleeing the city in droves. As Prateek Gowda/ Preeti Ayappa, a reporter with the daily, “National News”, you have been asked to file a report on this event. Write the report in 120-150 words. You can use the following cues:
- Panic spread
- Exodus of people
- Need to verify information
- Fine for those guilty
OR
The news of an educated woman being killed by her husband while on their honeymoon over dowry has sent waves of shock in the society and also showing that despite tall claims the evil of dowry practice is still rampant. As Tavleen Singh, Senior Correspondent, CNN News, write an article with the help of the given cues in 120-150 words to be published in The Hindu.
- Need to educate girls.
- Government rules not implemented.
- Money should not bend rules.
- Speaking up is important to save lives.
Answer:
Fake News Create Panic
By Prateek Gowda/Preeti Ayappa, Reporter National News
The sight of people fleeing Delhi in droves sent waves of panic across the national capital. The fake news of a major earthquake measuring 9.4 on the Richter scale spread like wildfire and people began packing their things to flee.
The mass movement created massive traffic jams and scenes of chaos across the city. The extent of damage that one piece of false information can lead to was evident in chaos across the capital. The roads leading out ofDelhi were jam packed and unruly scenes greeted reporters, ‘What is the government doing? Why have they not taken any precautionary measure’ said Mr Sunil. As the events unfolded, the agencies were able to pinpoint the source of the rumour and the message was sent as a prank by a class 9th student.
The mad rush to get to safety resulted in three major accidents with 3 people Losing their lives and three seriously injured. At 12 noon, the Chief Minister’s office issued an advisory informing people that the news of the impending earthquake was fake and was posted as a prank.
The events of the day just go to show how forwarding unsubstantiated information can cause a lot of trouble for people. By evening, everything was back to normal, the Government has also decided to bring in a law making spreading fake news a criminal offense.
OR
Dowry- A Slur on Humanity
By Tavleen Singh
There are so many things that we put down to customs and traditions but none is as unsavoury and inhuman as the evil of dowry. The news of a young educated woman being killed by her husband on their honeymoon just goes to show that in the recesses of the society this practice still exists.
For years we believed that it was because of illiteracy and lack of awareness that made people ask for dowry. Despite repeated cases of educated women becoming victims of this practice, nothing changed. The government brought in strict laws to act as a deterrent but dowry just refuses to go away.
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)
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen
bright topaz denizens of a world of green
they do not fear the men beneath the tree:
they pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(A) What does The Aunt Jenifer’s tigers’ refer to? [1]
Answer:
It refers to the tigers she has created on the embroidery panel.
(B) What do prancing tigers symbolize?
(a) They are independent.
(b) They roam freely.
(c) The spirit of freedom the Aunt wants
(d) The majesty of the animal. [1]
Answer:
(c) The spirit of freedom the Aunt wants
Explanation: The prancing tigers are a symbol of the free spirit that the aunt wants. Hence (c) is correct.
(C) What does ‘denizens of a world of green’ imply?
(a) They are green in colour.
(b) The forest is green.
(c) They inhabit the forest.
(d) They live freely. [1]
Answer:
(c) They inhabit the forest.
Explanation: ‘denizens of a world of green’ implies that the tigers are the dwellers of the forest. Hence, (c) is correct.
(D) In the extract, ‘they pace in sleek chivalric certainty’ means:
(a) The tigers are free to face the men.
(b) The tigers are confident and brave.
(c) The tigers exceptional.
(d) The tigers are sure of themselves. [1]
Answer:
(b) The tigers are confident and brave.
Explanation: ‘they pace in sleek chivalric certainty’ means that the tigers are confident and brave. Hence, (b) is correct.
(E) List the correct rhyme scheme of the poem. [1]
Answer:
aabc
(F) What do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers do on the screen?
(a) Sprinting
(b) Sitting
(c) Hopping
(d) Dancing [1]
Answer:
(c) hopping
Explanation: To prance means to walk in a manner of springing at the hind legs. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
OR
……….and looked at young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
Out of their homes….
(A) The trees are described as sprinting because:
(a) They seem to be running.
(b) They seem to run and also to show fast moving changes.
(c) To convey how the trees look.
(d) To show how fast the car was moving. [1]
Answer:
(a) They seem to be running.
Explanation: The young trees are ‘sprinting’ that is rushing past the poet as she is travelling in a very fast moving car. Hence, (a) is correct.
(B) The trees signify:
(a) Fast pace of life
(b) Speed of the car
(c) Fast changes in human life from childhood to old age.
(d) The change in her mother. [1]
Answer:
(d) The change in her mother.
Explanation: The trees signify happiness, strength, vigour which are characteristics of youth in contrast to the dullness of old age. Hence, (d) is correct.
(C) Identify the figure of speech in ‘trees sprinting’. [1]
Answer:
Metaphor
Explanation: The trees sprinting have been used to depict the fast pace of life from childhood to old age. Hence, (d) is correct.
(D) The distinctive feature of the poet’s style of writing is:
(a) use of metaphors
(b) free verse
(c) rhyme scheme
(d) narrative in a single sentence [1]
Answer:
(b) Free verse
Explanation: Free verse is a poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular rhythm. The distinctive feature of the poet’s style of writing is the use of free verse. Hence, (b) is correct.
(E) The merry children were ……………….. of their homes.
(a) moving in
(b) moving out
(c) moving side to side
(d) moving back and forth [1]
Answer:
(b) moving out
(F) What emotion do the ‘merry children’ bring to the poet?
(a) Optimism
(b) Pessimism
(c) Negativity
(d) Hatred [1]
Answer:
(a) optimism
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: Everyone is. It doesn’t matter who they are, or what they say, or how they look. How they pretend. I know. I can see.
MR LAMB: See what?
DERRY: What they think.
MR LAMB: What do they think, then?
DERRY: You think…. ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look at me… and then you see my face and you think ‘That’s bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever saw.’ You think ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me.
(A) “What they think”. In the given line, who does ’they’ refer to?
(a) Derry’s friends
(b) Derry’s parents
(c) Derry’s playmates
(d) People who look at Derry’s face [1]
Answer:
(d) People who look at Derry’s face.
Explanation: ‘They’ refer to the people who look at Derry’s face. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(B) Derry’s face a ‘terrible thing’. It was due to ……………….. [1]
Answer:
an acid accident
Explanation: Derry’s one side of the face was burnt by acid accidently in childhood and that made him look ‘terrible’.
(C) “You think, ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not. Not poor”. What do Derry mean by, ‘Poor boy’?
(a) He belonged to a poor family.
(b) People used to show him sympathy.
(c) People used to say it in dislike.
(d) He was not talented. [1]
Answer:
(b) people used to show him sympathy. Explanation: With this phrase, Derry means that people only pretend to feel sympathy for his face while in reality, they are afraid of him. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(D) Derry was aware of his ‘terrible’ reality. Which line from the extract shows it.
(a) When I look in the mirror, and see it. I’m afraid of me.
(b) But I’m not. Not poor.
(c) What they think.
(d) You look at me… and then you see my face. [1]
Answer:
(a) When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me
Explanation: In the extract, Derry said that “When I Look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me”. This shows that Derry was aware of his ‘terrible’ reality. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
OR
“The white man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught him and wounded him with her rocks.lf the master heals what the gun did and what the sea did they will take revenge on all of us.
(A) Identify the speaker in the given lines. [1]
Answer:
The speaker in the above Lines is the old gardener
(B) What emotion of the speaker do the lines convey? [1]
Answer:
fear
Explanation: In the given Lines, the speaker seems to be afraid of the consequence of Sadao treating the white man.
(C) What ‘healing’ is being referred to here?
(a) The General’s treatment.
(b) The doctor treating foreigners.
(c) The doctor treating the enemy.
(d) The doctor treating the servants harshly. [1]
Answer:
(c) the doctor treating the enemy.
Explanation: The doctor treating the enemy is the ‘healing’ referred to here. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
(D) What kind of revenge is the speaker afraid of?
(a) The sea will harm them.
(b) They will be prosecuted by their masters.
(c) They will be killed as a consequence of saving an enemy.
(d) They will be thrown out of their homes. [1]
Answer:
(c) They will be killed as a consequence of saving an enemy.
Explanation: The speaker is afraid that they will be killed as a consequence of saving an enemy. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
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)
‘Of laws were to be enforced it would bring about change and relief in the lives of ….’
(A) How many lives will change if these laws are enforced?
(a) A thousand children
(b) Twenty thousand children
(c) Hundred children
(d) Ten thousand children [1]
Answer:
(b) Twenty thousand children
Explanation: Lives of twenty thousand chiLdren will change if these Laws are enforced. Hence, (b) is correct.
(B) Whose lifo will be changed if the law is enforced? [1]
Answer:
The Life of children working in the bangle-making industry.
(C) List the law that needs to be enforced? [1]
Answer:
Child labour laws
(D) Who doesn’t follow the law?
(a) The slum dwellers
(b) The rag pickers
(c) The middlemen, police, sahukars
(d) All of these [1]
Answer:
(c) The middlemen, police, sahukars
Explanation: If the middlemen, police, sahukars follow the Law then no child wouLd work at their schooL-going age. Hence, (c) is correct.
(E) The people whose ‘lives’ are being talked about here are ……………….
(a) Affluent
(b) Destitute
(c) Productive
(d) Entrepreneurs [1]
Answer:
(b) destitute
Explanation: The peopLe whose ‘Lives’ are being taLked about here are destitute or poor bangle-makers. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(F) Show was the speaker’s attitude towards the concerned people?
(a) Arrogant
(b) Ill-mannered
(c) Empathetic
(d) Indifferent [1]
Answer:
(c) empathetic
OR
‘On the roof the pigeons cooed very low, and I thought to myself’, Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?
(A) Who are ‘they’? [1]
Answer:
They are Germans.
Explanation: With the new set up after the defeat of France, the Germans were imposing their Language on the peopLe of Alsace. Hence, ‘they’ are the Germans.
(B) Who is speaking these lines and what is his mood?
(a) M Hamel, sad
(b) Franz, thoughtful
(c) M Hamel, rebellious
(d) Franz, happy [1]
Answer:
(b) Franz, thoughtful
Explanation: Franz heard the pigeons cooing and thought that the Germans can impose their Language on the peopLe but not on birds Hence, (b) is correct.
(C) What do the pigeons symbolize? [1]
Answer:
The pigeons symbolized untameable spirit
Explanation: Pigeons cannot be ensLaved as the Germans have no authority over them. They cannot tame the birds. Hence, (b) is correct.
(D) What does the speaker feel about them?
(a) He thinks they will not be able to coo in German.
(b) He thinks they are not under the purview of manmade boundaries.
(c) They are free.
(d) They don’t speak any language. [1]
Answer:
(b) He thinks they are not under the purview of man-made boundaries.
Explanation: The pigeons are free birds and they cannot be encapsuLated by the man-made boundaries. Hence, (b) is correct.
(E) Choose the correct option based on the given statements.
(1) The speaker was happy that he would not be reading French any¬more.
(2) The speaker was pondering over the latest news.
(a) Statement (1) is true but (2) is false
(b) Both statements (1) and (2) are true
(c) Statement (2) is true but (1) is false
(d) Both statements (1) and (2) are false. [1]
Answer:
(c) statement (2) is true but (1) is false.
Explanation: It is cLear from the Lines that the speaker was in thought about the Latest news of teaching German instead of French in the schooLs but he wasn’t happy about it. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
(F) Identify the speaker’s tone in the given lines. [1]
Answer:
disappointed
Question 10.
Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 40-50 words each. (5 x 2 = 10)
(A) The poet calls the cars passing by as
‘selfish’ in the poem ‘The Roadside Stand’. Comment. [2]
Answer:
The poet has used a poetic device known as transfer epithet. He had used it to share his opinion that the owners of the cars were really selfish as they would never stop at a roadside stand to buy anything from them.
(B) Describe the makeup room of the Gemini Studios in the chapter ‘Poets and Pancakes’. [2]
Answer:
The makeup room of Gemini Studios resembLed to a hair-cutting saLon. There were big mirrors that had haLf a dozen incandescent Light around them which made the temperature of the room so hot. The heat from the Lights made the makeup experience of the people a ‘fiery misery’.
(C) ‘What was the aim of the programme ‘Students on Ice’? [2]
Answer:
The aim of the programme ‘Students on Ice’ was to make the young Learners experience the changing cLimate of Earth cLoseLy. Mr. Geoff Green wanted the students to understand the pLight of the pLanet and thus, deveLop a sense of responsibiLity to act amongst them.
(D) What comic incident did Bama narrate to her brother? Why did he not laugh? [2]
Answer:
Bama told her brother about an old man who was walking towards the Landlord with a food packet, which he held with the strings without touching the packet. Her brother didn’t Laugh at it as he knew the reaLity that the oLd man had to do it as he was an untouchable.
(E) Why does Neruda advise against the use of language and what does he mean by an ‘exotic moment1? [2]
Answer:
Neruda considers Language to be a divisive factor which creates barriers among peopLe. Rather than being a tooL for unification, it creates misunderstandings which lead to strife and wars. He feels when peopLe stop using any Language and are siLent; it wiLL create an exotic moment of unity and oneness which wiLL generate peace and understanding.
(F) Explain the instance of personification that Keats has employed in relation to rills. [2]
Answer:
Keats used personification as a poetic device in the poem to give a message that various objects of nature, Like the sun, the moon, old and young trees in forests, daffodils and clear rills or water streams give us joy. Clear rills in green surroundings and the shade of trees in forests gives us respite from the heat and brings joy to the mankind.
Question 11.
Attempt ANY TWO out of the questions given below in 40-50 words: (2 x 2 = 4)
(A) Why was Charley convinced that Sam will be unable to go back to his old profession? Are you convinced that Charley is right in his conviction? [2]
Answer:
People over the Third level had no tensions, stresses or embedded fears in their minds. Sam, being a psychiatrist, would not find any patient there, that is why, Charley was sure that Sam certainly can’t go back to his old business in Galesburg of 1894. Yes, Charley is right in his conviction as people in the olden times had no mental issues due to stress free lives.
(B) The soldier refuses to leave the doctor’s house even though he is aware of the risk to both of them. Support this statement with a rationale. [2]
Answer:
The enemy soldier refused to leave the doctor’s house even though he was aware of the risk to both of them as he felt safe at the couple’s mercy and the fact that they won’t let him die. He knew he was vulnerable in the outside world so he didn’t want to risk his life again by leaving the house.
(C) What causes Derry to shout, ‘I haven’t got a tin leg’? Explain with reference to the chapter ‘On The Face of It’. [2]
Answer:
Derry was a pessimist. He stayed away from people because they were scared of him due to the fact that one side of Derry’s face was burnt due to acid falling on it. When Lamb showed his tin leg to Derry to share his misfortune, he shouted that he haven’t got a tin leg as a tin leg could be hidden by a trouser but a face could not be hidden.
Question 12.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
The crofter revealed his private earnings to a stranger. Do you agree that this confidence shown by the crofter in the peddler had a strong impact on him?
Expound the reckless reciprocation by the peddler.
OR
Saheb and Mukesh were both bom as under-privileged children. They spent their lives in extreme poverty and filth. Both the kids had many dreams which they were forced, by fete, to turn them down.
Imagine a conversation between Saheb and Mukesh. Create this exchange with reference to the context given above.
You may begin the conversation like this- Saheb: Oh! Look at those golden shoes Mukesh. How beautiful are they! [5]
Answer:
In the chapter, the crofter was a person who was a lonesome retired man. He craved for a company of human being. So, when the peddler, who was a complete stranger to the crofter, landed on his door, the crofter welcomed him in his house quite warmly. The crofter took good care of him, served him supper, shared his tobacco, and played a card game ‘mjolis’ with him until bedtime.
The crofter had shown a tremendous confidence in the peddler as he told the latter that he had been a crofter at the Ramjso ironworks but now retired, and that he had earned thirty kroners by selling his cow’s milk. However, despite receiving such compassion and trust, the peddler showed a reckless behavior by stealing the thirty Kronors that the crofter had shown him. The peddler clearly strangled the crofter’s confidence in him.
OR
Saheb: Oh! Look at those golden shoes Mukesh. How beautiful are they!
Mukesh: Woah! They are amazing. Shining like a bright star.
Saheb: I really want to wear them. I have nothing to wear on feet. My feet are bruised
from all the walking and searching for scraps in garbage.
Mukesh: Don’t worry my friend. One day, I will get a car for myself and a new pair of shoe for you. We will work hard to earn a living and then, we will fulfill our desires. Till then, lets forget about them. Come let’s go!
Saheb: You are right. The more we will look at things like this….the more we will feel bad about not having them. Let’s go.
Question 13.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words.
In the play ‘On the Face of It’, Derry has his own interpretation of the story ‘Beauty and the Beast*. What was it and what does it teach you about Derry’s attitude towards life?
OR
Dr. Sadao and Hana become torch bearers for humanity when they rise above prejudice to help an enemy. Do you think so? Justify your view. [5]
Answer:
Derry has his own understanding of the story ‘Beauty and the Beast’. According to Derry, the story is not related to the real life. It teaches us that outward appearance does not matter. It is the person’s characteristics that are important. As Beauty loved the monstrous beast for his good self and when she kissed him, he got changed into a handsome prince. But in reality, no one except Derry’s mother kisses him. And the worst part for him was that even his mother kisses him on the other side of the face which is not ‘burnt’.
This reference of Derry to his mother love in regard to the story tells us that Derry sees thing from a very negative and demotivated view. He has developed a negative attitude towards his life and people around him. He also says in thee play that he does not care “if nobody ever kissed” him. This exemplifies Derry’s frustration towards the people who think him to be ugly and scary due to his physical appearance.
He ensures that he fulfils his duty as a doctor and as a patriot, without living in to the evils of prejudice and discrimination, making him a man of ethics and principles.
OR
Dr Sadao and Hana hold the Americans in contempt and have a very low opinion of them, therefore they find the thought of an American in their house repulsive.
Like all human beings they too harbour feelings of intense dislike and are suspicious of others. Dr Sadao and Hana both are unable to see beyond the fact that he is an American and so find him repulsive. They are reminded of the prejudice they faced in America. The servants were also against the doctor giving shelter to an enemy.
The doctor is able to overcome these petty emotions and he decides to follow humanity. He treats the prisoner of war and takes care of him like any other sick person. Each time the ugly feelings of prejudice raises its head, both Sadao and Hana nip it and they follow the path of humanity. Thus proving that if one really wishes to and one is sincere, prejudice and hatred can be defeated.