Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions and marking scheme Term 2 Set 1 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Term 2 Set 1 with Solutions
General Instructions :
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Time : 2 Hours
Max. Marks : 40
Section – A
Reading (14 Marks)
Question 1.
Read the passage given below. [8]
I saw ‘Jaws’, the popular shark movie, the summer it came out, in 1975 and became paranoid about sharks. Though I kept swimming after Jaws, it was always with the vague fear that a shark’s teeth could tug on my leg at any moment. Never mind that there’d been only two shark bites since 1900 on the Connecticut coast, where I lived. (5)
So, when I got this assignment for the National Geographic magazine, I decided to accept and do what I’d never wanted to do: swim with the sharks. I had to go to a place in the Bahamas known as Tiger Beach and dive with tiger sharks, the species responsible for more recorded attacks on humans than any shark except the great white. It was to be my first dive 10 after getting certified-which meant it would be my first dive anywhere other than a swimming pool or a quarry-and without a diver’s cage. Most people who got wind of this plan thought I was either very brave or very stupid. (10)
But I just wanted to puncture an illusion. The people who know sharks 15 intimately tend to be the least afraid of them, and no one gets closer to sharks than divers. The divers who run operations at Tiger Beach speak lovingly of the tiger sharks, the way people talk about their children or their pets. In their eyes, these sharks aren’t man-eaters any more than dogs are. (15)
The business of puncturing illusions is never just black and white. My 20 fellow divers had hundreds of dives under their belt and on the two-hour boat ride to the site in the morning of our first dive, they kept saying things like, “Seriously, I really can’t believe this is your first dive.” All this was okay with me until I reached the bottom and immediately had to fend off the first tiger shark, I had ever laid eyes on. However, when I watched the 25 other divers feeding them fish and steering them gently, it became easy to see the sharks in a very benign light. (20)
I think it would be unfair not to mention that though tiger sharks are apex predators, they act as a crucial balancing force in ocean ecosystems, constraining the numbers of animals like sea turtles and 30 limiting their behavior by preventing them from overgrazing the sea grass beds. Furthermore, tiger sharks love warm water, they eat almost anything, have a huge litter and are the hardiest shark species. If the planet and its oceans continue to warm, some species will be winners and others will be losers, and tiger sharks are likely to be winners. (30)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions from the nine given below. [1 x 8]
i. Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the writer’s post-jams fear was not justified. (1)
Answer:
The writer’s fear of sharks, after watching the movie, was irrational. It has been stated in the passage that there were only 2 shark attacks reported in 75 years i.e, from 1900-1975, so it was highly unlikely that he had anything to fear.
ii. State any one trait of the writer that is evident from lines 5-10 and provide a reason for your choice. (1)
Answer:
The writer was adventurous, courageous, bold and experimental because he feared the tiger sharks and was well aware of the fact that they were dangerous, yet he accepted his first assignment that required him to face them.
iii. People thought the writer was ‘either brave or very stupid’. Why did some people think that he was ‘very stupid’? (1)
Answer:
Some people thought the writer ‘to be stupid ‘because he side lined the popular notion that tiger sharks were dangerous and did not pay any attention to the fact. He was walking into obvious danger without the required expertise.
iv. Why does the writer say that people who know sharks intimately tend to be least afraid of them? (1)
Answer:
The writer said that people who know sharks intimately tend to be least afraid of them because they find sharks harmless. These sharks feed on the food offered by them and seem as docile as pets,
v. Rewrite the given sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with another one, from lines 10-20. (1)
Some academicians think that reward, as a form of discipline, is a simple right or wrong issue.
Answer:
Some academicians think that reward, as a form of discipline, is a simple black and white issue,
vi. What does the use of the phrase ‘benign light’ suggest in the context of the writer’s viewpoint about the tiger sharks? (1)
Answer:
The phrase, ‘Benign light’ is viewed as benevolent/gentle/friendly. Tiger sharks did not seem to be that harmful or dangerous. They seemed fairly docile and less dangerous than the other sharks,
vii. Select a suitable phrase from lines 15-25 to complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
I agree the team will find this experience tough, but competing will be easier next time after they get this tournament ______________________.
Answer:
I agree the team will find this experience tough, but competing will be easier next time after they get this tournament under their belt.
viii. Apex predators serve to keep prey numbers in check. How can we say that tiger sharks are apex predators? (1)
Answer:
Tiger sharks are apex predators because they restrict the number of sea turtles by feeding on them, and act as a balancing force in the ocean ecosystem. If the numbers weren’t constrained, it would result in the depletion of sea-grass which supports other marine life forms,
ix. Analyse why having a large litter is one of the features that empower tiger sharks to emerge, winners, if global warming persists. (1)
Answer:
A large litter is one of the features that empowers tiger sharks to emerge winners if global warming persists. It reduces possibility of extinction or destruction due to harsh conditions, as large numbers would ensure that some definitely survive.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below.
Changing food preferences have brought about rapid changes in the structure of the Indian diet. The rapid proliferation of multinational fast-food companies and the influence of Western culture have replaced traditional home-cooked meals with ready-to-eat, processed foods thus increasing the risk of chronic diseases in urban Indians. Therefore, 5 nurturing healthy eating habits among Indians from an early age would help to reduce health risks.
To date, little is known about the quality and quantity of foods and beverages consumed by urban Indian adolescents. This lack of evidence is a significant barrier to the development of effective nutrition promotion 10 and disease prevention measures.
Therefore, a self-administered, semi-quantitative, 59-item meal-based, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed to assess the dietary intake of adolescents. A total of 1026 students (aged 14-16 years) attending private, English-speaking schools in Kolkata completed the survey. 15
A sample percentage of the food consumption pattern is displayed (Fig. 1)
The survey results report poor food consumption patterns and highlight the need to design healthy eating initiatives. Interestingly, while there were no gender differences in the consumption of legumes and fried snacks, the survey found more females consumed cereals, vegetables and fruits than their male counterparts. 20
In conclusion, the report suggested that schools ought to incorporate food literacy concepts into their curriculum as they have the potential of increasing the fruit and vegetable intake in teenagers. Additionally, healthy school canteen policies with improved availability, accessibility, variety and affordability of healthy food choices would support the 25 consumption of nutritious food in students.
Adapted from: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/sl2937-017-0272-3
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY SIX out of the seven questions given below. [1 x 6]
i. What does the researcher mean by ‘changing food preferences? (1)
Answer:
‘Changing food preferences ‘means the transition of the urban population from healthy home-cooked meals to ready-to-eat-processed foods.
ii. Why was this survey on the food consumption of adolescents undertaken? (1)
Answer:
This survey on the food consumption of adolescents is undertaken to understand the food consumption pattern of urban adolescents and to make recommendations based on the data.
iii. With reference to fig.l, write one conclusion about students’ consumption of energy-dense drinks. (1)
Answer:
It shows that close to 47% students drink three or more servings of energy-dense beverages while a mere 5% students said ‘no’ to more than one serving of the beverage. It highlights the fact that energy-dense beverages are greatly consumed by the adolescents.
iv. What can be concluded by the ‘no intake’ data of fruit consumption versus energy dense snacks, with reference to fig.l? (1)
Answer:
The conclusion drawn by the ‘no intake’ data of fruit consumption versus energy dense snacks is that half the respondents (45%) did not consume any servings of fruit in contrast to 95% that had some form of energy dense snack.
v. There were no gender differences observed in the consumption of healthy foods, according to the survey. Substantiate. (1)
Answer:
According to the survey, there were gender differences observed in the consumption of healthy foods wherein females had more nutritious dietary intake as they consumed more cereals, vegetables and fruits compared to their male counterparts.
vi. Why is ‘affordability’ recommended as a significant feature of a school canteen policy? (1)
Answer:
‘Affordability’ is recommended as a significant feature of a school canteen policy because the consumers are school children and therefore food should be affordable,
vii. Identify a word from lines 9-18 indicating that the questionnaire was specifically designed to be completed by a respondent without the intervention of the researcher collecting the data. (1)
Answer:
Self-administered
Section-B
Writing (8 Marks)
Question 3.
You are Natasha, residing in Pune. Your cousin, from the same city is hosting your grandmother’s eightieth birth anniversary and has extended an invite to you. He has also requested your assistance for arrangements needed. Draft a reply of acceptance, in not more than 50 words. [3]
Answer:
217 MIG Flats
Surya Vihar, Pune,
15 March, 20XX
Dear Aman,
I acknowledge with thanks your kind invitation to grandma’s eightieth birth anniversary on 25th March at 5pm at your place. I am extremely delighted to join this occasion and would like to confirm my participation. I would love to assist you for the arrangements, just let me know how I can help you. I assure you best of my services.
Looking forward to the momentous occasion.
Yours lovingly,
Natasha
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. [5]
(A) You are Shantanu, residing at Ghar B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. You come across the following classified advertisement in a local daily. Write a letter, in about 120-150 words, applying for the position of a volunteer for the Each One Teach One campaign.
|
Situation Vacant WANTED committed volunteers, aged 18 years and above, to teach underprivileged children, for one hour a week, in the district of Malkangiri. The ability to speak, read and write Odiya fluently, is important. Experience not necessary. All volunteers to receive training. Contact Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One), 4 Literacy, Ambaguda, Malkangiri, Odisha -764045 |
Answer:
Ghar B-94, Balimela Road,
Malkangiri
19th September, 20XX
Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One),
4 Literacy, Ambaguda,
Malkangiri, Odisha -764045
Subject: Application for volunteer for Each One Teach One campaign Madam,
In response to your advertisement in The Hindustan Times, dated 17 September 20XX, requiring young and committed volunteers for Each One Teach One campaign, I want to render my services for this noble cause.
I am quite enthusiastic about bringing a change in our society through education and teaching under¬privileged children can be a good start. I have reasonably good command over Odiya as it is my mother tongue.
Although I am just 18 and have finished my schooling this year, I have participated in such projects under SUPW. I have heard a lot about your prestigious campaign. I think it will be an honour for me to get associated with your esteemed organisation and contribute my bit for this noble cause. I do assure you of my dedicated service and wholehearted cooperation.
I am enclosing herewith my detailed resume for your kind reference.
Yours faithfully,
Shantanu
Resume
| Name | Shantanu Kaira |
| Father’s Name | Amit Kaira |
| Date of Birth | 4th October, 2003 |
| Address Ghar | B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Educational Qualifications | (i) High School, CBSE, Year-2018, 75% (ii) Senior Secondary, CBSE, Year-2020, 70% |
| Work Experience | No experience |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi, Odiy |
| Strengths | Good time management, hard-working |
| References | 1. Dr. S Purohit, Principal, Summer Fields Public School., 2. Mr. P.S. Dalmia, Director, Summer Fields Public School |
OR
(B) The efforts of 400 volunteers working with the NGO, 4 Literacy, in the district of Malkangiri, Odisha, was lauded by the District Collector, Shri V. Singh (IAS). As a staff reporter of ‘The Odisha Bhaskar’, write a report about this in 120-150 words covering all the details, such as training, teaching and infrastructure involved in the ‘Each One Teach One’ campaign, initiated by the district administration in association with the NGO.
Answer:
IAS PRAISE EACH ONE TEACH ONE CAMPAIGN
(Staff correspondent ‘The Odisha Bhaskar’)
2nd December, 20XX
The efforts of 400 volunteers in the Each One Teach One campaign was lauded by the District Collector, Shri V. Singh (IAS) in a felicitation ceremony organised by the district administration on 1st December, 20XX at the Community Hall.
The district administration of Malkangiri, Odisha initiated a literacy campaign Each One Teach One in association with an NGO, 4 literacy with the aim of teaching under privileged children. These children had come from the nearby localities. For educating these children, 400 volunteers were trained for one month.
The campaign started with the evening classes which were held in a local government school. Classrooms were used for conducting classes. These classes were taken by the volunteers to teach children reading and writing, numbers 1 to 100, addition and subtraction, and environmental studies related to health and hygiene. The method adopted to teach the above-mentioned syllabus was through skits, T.V shows, lectures and storytelling in their mother tongue, Odiya.
These volunteers worked hard to make these poor children learn basic numeric and reading competencies. Their efforts were greatly recognized and appreciated by the district collector who honored these volunteers with medals and certificates of appreciation.
Section-C
Literature (18 Marks)
Question 5.
Attempt ANY FIVE of the six questions given below, within 40 words each. [2 x 5 = 10]
i. A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him? (2)
Answer:
A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler because it gave him the power to clear his conscience. Having raised to the status of a Captain brought out his latent goodness which lent him conviction to become a better human being. He got a chance of elevating himself from being a thief and to behave in a dignified manner befitting that of a Captain,
ii. As the host of a talk show, introduce Rajkumar Shukla to the audience by stating any two of his defining qualities. (2)
You may begin your answer like this:
Meet Rajkumar Shukla, the man who played a pivotal in the Champaran Movement. He
Answer:
Meet Rajkumar Shukla, the man who played a pivotal role in the Champaran Movement. He was determined and resolute to meet Gandhiji and to complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar. His perseverance convinced Gandhiji to look into the matter and resolve the issue of sharecroppers.
iii. Adrienne Rich chose to express her silent revolt through her poem, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, just as Aunt Jennifer did with her embroidery. Explain. (2)
Answer:
Adrienne Rich, through her poem, criticizes the traditional institution of marriage, in her times, suggesting that it oppresses women. Similarly, Aunt Jennifer, a victim of an unhappy marriage, under a domineering husband, chooses embroidery to vent her angst. Both use their creative outlet as a form of protest against societal expectations.
iv. Rationalise why Keats uses the metaphor ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ in his poem, A Thing of Beauty? (2)
Answer:
Keats uses the metaphor ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ because things of beauty are just like the immortal drink of the gods that flow continuously and never die. Just as the endless fountain of immortality is an elixir of life, similarly things of beauty are constant/perennial in providing everlasting joy/motivation/bliss to the humans.
v. How do you think Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and isolation? (On the Face of It) (2)
Answer:
Derry’s mother is overprotective and doesn’t understand her son’s longing for companionship. She does not allow him to meet Mr. Lamb. She treats Derry with a sense of pity and robs him of his dignity by perpetually treating him like a helpless victim.
vi. Validate John Updike’s open-ended title, Should Wizard Hit Mommy? (2)
Answer:
The story’s title ‘Should Wizard hit Mommy?’ is a question that agrees either with Jo, who believes in justice for the skunk, or the father, who believes that mothers cannot err. Both seem right. The author leaves it open-ended for the reader to allow flexibility and creative insight. So that the reader can accept any view point.
Question 6.
Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120-150 words each. [4 x 2]
i. How does Keats’ poem, A Thing of Beauty appeal richly to the senses, stimulating the reader’s inner sight as well as the sense of touch and smell? Write your answer in about 120-150 words. (4)
Answer:
Keats’ descriptions allow for a deeper perception of the imaginary, converting it into a life-like experience. They stimulate the reader’s inner sight as well as the sense of touch and smell. Keats establishes this with powerful imagery and word play. The poem,’
A thing of Beauty’ talks about the cooling comfort of the bower, dancing daffodils in its green environs, the babbling stream and the mid-forest brake with the musk rose blooms. These descriptions evoke in our imagination, a sense of hearing, touch and smell. The stories of mighty and the doom that befalls them appeals to our intellect.
The endless fountain may be an allusion of .the fountain of youth, however, it has a sublimating effect on the reader. Therefore, Keats, poetic descriptions presents beauty that appeals to our senses and gives delight.
ii. Colin Dexter, the author of Evans Tries an O-level employs the red herring technique of intentionally misleading readers by placing false clues to keep the plot enigmatic. Substantiate with reference to text, in about 120-150 words. (4)
Answer:
Yes, it is true that Colin Dexter, the author of Evans Tries an O-level employs the red herring technique of intentionally misleading readers by placing false clues to keep the plot enigmatic. There are several loop holes in the story that create doubts in the mind of the readers.
Firstly, the story begins with a strange setting where the prison was shown to be equipped with maximum security and a kleptomaniac with a record of breaking out of prison. Then, this skeptical prisoner, Evans’ grubby appearance, jovial manner and friendly banter distracts us from his sharp intelligence and extraordinary talent for deception.
Apart from his appearance, his silly but filthy looking bobble hat (a knit beanie with a pom-pom on top) also distracts, giving readers the appearance of a comical character.
At one place the author wrote ‘Number Two Handkerchief’ neatly placed on the bed, there is no mention of the number one handkerchief.
Next, Reverend Stuart Me Leery was first seen exiting his bachelor flat in Broad Street and later was found gagged in the same flat. Then there is mention of the nail file in his suitcase and then reference to Me Leery’s meticulously manicured fingers, so there is no purpose of carrying the nail file.
It has been shown that Me Leery had grown thinner and then ‘Me Leery’ was found slumped in a chair. This is a complete confusion. Finally, with the help of clues in the question paper, a chase started all over the town which seems entirely meaningless.
These sudden jerks make us conclude that Colin Dexter’s Evan’s Tries an O-level is a creative and highly . complicated prison-break interspersed with twists in the plot.
iii. Biographies include features of non-fiction texts – factual information and different text structures such as description, sequence, comparison, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Examine Indigo in the light of this statement, in about 120-150 words. (4)
Answer:
The story is based on the interview taken by Louis Fischer of Mahatma Gandhi. In order to write on him he had visited him in 1942 at his ashram- Sevagram where he was told about the Indigo Movement started by Gandhiji. The story revolves around the struggle of Gandhi and other prominent leaders in order to safeguard sharecroppers from the atrocities of landlords.
Indigo, being an excerpt of a biography, has features of fiction as well as non-fiction texts. The chapter describes the facts and factual information. It also has text structure that is suitable for non-fiction.
The facts are taken from history- Pre Independence era. The incident of Champaran was an important part of freedom struggle. This factual information is beautifully described keeping in mind the sequence of the events.
The problem of sharecroppers is truthfully depicted. Gandhi took up the case of the Champaran farmers after ascertaining that their cause was just. He then employed the principle of civil disobedience to politely defy British orders to restrain him. This episode moved in Gandhi and he decided that the British must quit India.
The triumph of the Champaran case gave fillip to the Civil Disobedience Movement. So all that has been described in the chapter is non-fictional.