Roll No.
Q.P. Code 1/2/1
English (Core) (Term II)
CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2022 (Term 2) — with answers
Time allowed: 2 hoursMaximum Marks: 40
General Instructions:
- The paper has 6 questions in three sections: A (Reading), B (Writing) and C (Literature).
- Section A: two unseen passages with short questions (14 marks).
- Section B: one short writing task and one long writing task with an internal choice (8 marks).
- Section C: short and long answer questions on the prescribed texts (18 marks).
- Follow the instruction given with each question on how many parts to attempt and the word limit.
SECTION A
Reading (14 marks): Q1 – attempt any eight of nine (8 × 1 = 8); Q2 – attempt any six of seven (6 × 1 = 6).
1.
Unseen passage — simple everyday steps each of us can take for a cleaner environment (reusing paper and cloth, proper garbage disposal, online awareness groups, turning kitchen waste into manure) — not reproduced. Q1 (i)–(ix): short comprehension and vocabulary questions, 1 mark each; attempt any eight.
8
2.
Unseen passage with a line graph — the growth of the plastics industry and plastic waste in India, bans on single-use plastic and how States reuse plastic waste; the graph shows global plastic production from 1950 to 2020 — not reproduced. Q2 (i)–(vii): short comprehension questions including two on the graph, 1 mark each; attempt any six.
6
SECTION B
Writing (8 marks): Q3 carries 3 marks; Q4 carries 5 marks (attempt A or B).
3.
Formal invitation card (about 50 words): M/s Aggrawal and Sons are opening a new general store called 'Super Saver Mart' in Geeta Enclave, ABC Nagar, Delhi. The opening ceremony will be held on Sunday, 19 June 2022 at 11:00 a.m., and the local councillor Mr. Roshan Seth will inaugurate it. Draft an invitation card addressed to the residents, giving the day, date, time and other details.
Answer
Formal invitation in third person: host (M/s Aggrawal and Sons), occasion (inauguration of Super Saver Mart), chief guest (Mr. Roshan Seth, councillor), day/date/time (Sunday, 19 June 2022, 11:00 a.m.), venue (Geeta Enclave, ABC Nagar, Delhi), RSVP.
Model answer:
M/s Aggrawal and Sons
request the pleasure of the company of all residents
at the grand opening of their new general store
SUPER SAVER MART
to be inaugurated by Mr. Roshan Seth, Councillor of the area,
on Sunday, 19th June 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Geeta Enclave, ABC Nagar, Delhi
RSVP: Mr. R. Aggrawal (phone number)
Marking (3 marks):
Format (½): formal invitation layout, written in the third person, no salutation or signature, RSVP at the end.
Content (2): name of host, occasion/event, date, day, time, venue and the chief guest – every input from the question must appear.
Expression (½): accuracy and fluency, within the word limit.
Common mistake: writing it as a letter ('Dear residents...') or using 'I/we' – a formal card is impersonal.
M/s Aggrawal and Sons
request the pleasure of the company of all residents
at the grand opening of their new general store
SUPER SAVER MART
to be inaugurated by Mr. Roshan Seth, Councillor of the area,
on Sunday, 19th June 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Geeta Enclave, ABC Nagar, Delhi
RSVP: Mr. R. Aggrawal (phone number)
Marking (3 marks):
Format (½): formal invitation layout, written in the third person, no salutation or signature, RSVP at the end.
Content (2): name of host, occasion/event, date, day, time, venue and the chief guest – every input from the question must appear.
Expression (½): accuracy and fluency, within the word limit.
Common mistake: writing it as a letter ('Dear residents...') or using 'I/we' – a formal card is impersonal.
3
4.
Job application letter (120–150 words): You are Pawan/Preeti Gupta of Uttam Vihar, New Delhi. Nav Vihar Public School has advertised urgently for part-time counsellors who can handle online queries and support students' mental and emotional needs. Requirements: post-graduation in Psychology, at least 5 years' experience, and computer literacy. Applications go to the Principal. Write a letter to the Principal applying for the post.
Answer
Formal letter: covering letter referring to the advertisement and offering candidature + bio-data/resume (personal details, M.A./M.Sc. Psychology, 5+ years counselling experience, computer skills, references).
Model answer (outline):
Uttam Vihar, New Delhi | date
The Principal, Nav Vihar Public School, New Delhi
Subject: Application for the post of part-time counsellor
Sir/Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in 'The Delhi Today', I wish to apply for the post of part-time counsellor. I hold a postgraduate degree in Psychology and have been counselling school students for six years, both in person and online. I am comfortable with computers and video platforms, so I can handle students' online queries and help them with stress, anxiety and emotional issues. My bio-data is enclosed for your consideration. I would be glad to attend an interview at your convenience.
Yours faithfully, Preeti Gupta
Bio-data: Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications – M.A. Psychology, diploma in guidance and counselling; Experience – 6 years as school counsellor; Skills – MS Office, online counselling tools, good listening and communication; Languages; References – two referees.
Marking (5 marks):
Format (1): sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, complimentary close.
Content (3): reference to the advertisement, suitability for the job, qualification (PG in Psychology), experience (minimum 5 years), computer literacy, bio-data with profile, qualifications, experience, skills, references.
Expression (1): coherence, accuracy and fluency.
Note: the resume may be inside the letter or under a separate heading; mixing the two format styles is not penalised.
Uttam Vihar, New Delhi | date
The Principal, Nav Vihar Public School, New Delhi
Subject: Application for the post of part-time counsellor
Sir/Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in 'The Delhi Today', I wish to apply for the post of part-time counsellor. I hold a postgraduate degree in Psychology and have been counselling school students for six years, both in person and online. I am comfortable with computers and video platforms, so I can handle students' online queries and help them with stress, anxiety and emotional issues. My bio-data is enclosed for your consideration. I would be glad to attend an interview at your convenience.
Yours faithfully, Preeti Gupta
Bio-data: Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications – M.A. Psychology, diploma in guidance and counselling; Experience – 6 years as school counsellor; Skills – MS Office, online counselling tools, good listening and communication; Languages; References – two referees.
Marking (5 marks):
Format (1): sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, complimentary close.
Content (3): reference to the advertisement, suitability for the job, qualification (PG in Psychology), experience (minimum 5 years), computer literacy, bio-data with profile, qualifications, experience, skills, references.
Expression (1): coherence, accuracy and fluency.
Note: the resume may be inside the letter or under a separate heading; mixing the two format styles is not penalised.
OR
Newspaper report (120–150 words): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a Health Mela on the theme 'Child Obesity – a Growing Concern'. The day-long programme had a free BMI check-up, a poster-making contest and a talk on healthy eating habits; the local MLA Mr. Lal inaugurated it. As Sandhya/Sohan Ahuja, Staff Correspondent of 'The Star', write a report mentioning the date, time, venue, events and how the participants responded.
Answer
Report with heading + byline + place/date line; content: organiser, theme, date/time/venue, inauguration by MLA Mr. Lal, BMI check-up, poster making, talk on healthy eating, participants' response/quote.
Model answer (outline):
HEALTH MELA HIGHLIGHTS CHILD OBESITY
By Sohan Ahuja, Staff Correspondent
New Delhi, (date): A day-long Health Mela on 'Child Obesity – a Growing Concern' was organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at (venue) from 9 a.m. onwards. Local MLA Mr. Lal inaugurated it and urged parents to watch their children's diet and screen time. Doctors carried out free BMI check-ups for hundreds of children and shared diet charts. A poster-making contest let students express ideas on fitness, and a nutritionist's talk explained the harm of junk food and the value of fruits, vegetables and daily exercise. Parents and children took a keen interest and many said they would change their eating habits. The Mela ended with prizes for the best posters.
Marking (5 marks):
Format (1): title/heading and byline (name, designation; place and date).
Content (3): event, organiser, date, time, venue and all the inputs given (theme, BMI check-up, poster making, talk, inauguration, response).
Expression (1): coherence, past tense, reported style, accuracy.
HEALTH MELA HIGHLIGHTS CHILD OBESITY
By Sohan Ahuja, Staff Correspondent
New Delhi, (date): A day-long Health Mela on 'Child Obesity – a Growing Concern' was organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at (venue) from 9 a.m. onwards. Local MLA Mr. Lal inaugurated it and urged parents to watch their children's diet and screen time. Doctors carried out free BMI check-ups for hundreds of children and shared diet charts. A poster-making contest let students express ideas on fitness, and a nutritionist's talk explained the harm of junk food and the value of fruits, vegetables and daily exercise. Parents and children took a keen interest and many said they would change their eating habits. The Mela ended with prizes for the best posters.
Marking (5 marks):
Format (1): title/heading and byline (name, designation; place and date).
Content (3): event, organiser, date, time, venue and all the inputs given (theme, BMI check-up, poster making, talk, inauguration, response).
Expression (1): coherence, past tense, reported style, accuracy.
5
SECTION C
Literature (18 marks): Q5 – attempt any five of six in about 40 words each (5 × 2 = 10); Q6 – attempt any two of three in about 120–150 words each (2 × 4 = 8).
5.
Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each.
(a)
The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlöf): Why did Edla Willmansson invite the peddler to her home? (about 40 words)
Answer
Her father had sent her to fetch him, and in the Christmas spirit she, being kind, wanted to give the lonely man a day of peace and warmth.
Value points (any one, well expressed):
• Her father, the ironmaster, mistook the peddler for an old friend and sent her to bring him home.
• It was Christmas time and she wanted to share the festive spirit.
• She was kind and compassionate and felt pity for the poor, frightened man.
• She wished to give him a day of rest and peace.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
• Her father, the ironmaster, mistook the peddler for an old friend and sent her to bring him home.
• It was Christmas time and she wanted to share the festive spirit.
• She was kind and compassionate and felt pity for the poor, frightened man.
• She wished to give him a day of rest and peace.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(b)
A Thing of Beauty (John Keats): According to Keats, what casts a pall (a dark cover of gloom) over our spirits? (about 40 words)
Answer
The sorrows of life – despondence, the lack of noble people, gloomy days and the unhealthy, dark paths we follow – cover our spirits with gloom.
Value points (any one, explained):
• Despondence (despair/loss of hope) and depression.
• The scarcity of noble-natured people.
• Gloomy days and the unhealthy, over-darkened ways we choose; evil and negativity around us.
Keats says beautiful things remove this pall and bring back joy.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
• Despondence (despair/loss of hope) and depression.
• The scarcity of noble-natured people.
• Gloomy days and the unhealthy, over-darkened ways we choose; evil and negativity around us.
Keats says beautiful things remove this pall and bring back joy.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(c)
Aunt Jennifer's Tigers (Adrienne Rich): Why does the poet call the tigers 'chivalric'? (about 40 words)
Answer
Because they move with knightly pride and confidence – brave, sure of themselves and unafraid of the men under the trees.
Value points (any one):
• 'Chivalric' suggests the qualities of a knight – brave, fearless, powerful, dignified (and respectful to women).
• The tigers prance proudly across the screen in a sleek, certain manner.
• They do not fear the men beneath the tree – unlike Aunt Jennifer, who is timid.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
• 'Chivalric' suggests the qualities of a knight – brave, fearless, powerful, dignified (and respectful to women).
• The tigers prance proudly across the screen in a sleek, certain manner.
• They do not fear the men beneath the tree – unlike Aunt Jennifer, who is timid.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(d)
Should Wizard Hit Mommy? (John Updike): Why did telling stories on Saturdays wear Jack out in particular? (about 40 words)
Answer
Jo, now four, no longer fell asleep easily and kept questioning and challenging his stories, so Jack had to keep inventing fresh ideas.
Points that earn marks (any one, plus clear expression):
The Saturday nap-time story had become a struggle because Jo, at four, did not drop off to sleep quickly any more.
She had grown curious and argumentative, questioning the plot and even wanting the ending changed.
So Jack had to stretch his imagination and invent new twists each time, which drained him.
Write it as 2–3 connected sentences; content 1 mark, expression 1 mark.
The Saturday nap-time story had become a struggle because Jo, at four, did not drop off to sleep quickly any more.
She had grown curious and argumentative, questioning the plot and even wanting the ending changed.
So Jack had to stretch his imagination and invent new twists each time, which drained him.
Write it as 2–3 connected sentences; content 1 mark, expression 1 mark.
(e)
On the Face of It (Vistas): How did his handicap (the face burnt by acid) affect Derry's life? (about 40 words)
Answer
He became bitter, defiant and withdrawn, avoided people, suffered from an inferiority complex and self-pity, and developed a negative outlook on life.
Value points (any one, explained):
• Became defiant, bitter and resentful.
• Withdrew from people, avoided going out, lived in isolation.
• Developed an inferiority complex and wallowed in self-pity.
• Formed a negative view of life and distanced himself even from his mother.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
• Became defiant, bitter and resentful.
• Withdrew from people, avoided going out, lived in isolation.
• Developed an inferiority complex and wallowed in self-pity.
• Formed a negative view of life and distanced himself even from his mother.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(f)
Evans Tries an O-level (Colin Dexter): What picture of Evans does the Governor give the Secretary of the Examination Board? (about 40 words)
Answer
A likeable, harmless fellow — a bit of a joker and a gifted mimic who starred in the Christmas concert, a habitual thief by nature, but genuinely keen to earn an academic qualification.
Points that earn marks (any two, plus clear expression):
The Governor calls Evans a pleasant, rather amusing chap — 'a bit of a card'.
He was the star of the prison Christmas concert and an expert mimic.
He is a born kleptomaniac rather than a violent criminal, and has escaped from prison several times.
Yet he is very eager to get some academic qualification, which is why the O-level exam is being arranged in his cell.
Content 1 mark, expression 1 mark.
The Governor calls Evans a pleasant, rather amusing chap — 'a bit of a card'.
He was the star of the prison Christmas concert and an expert mimic.
He is a born kleptomaniac rather than a violent criminal, and has escaped from prison several times.
Yet he is very eager to get some academic qualification, which is why the O-level exam is being arranged in his cell.
Content 1 mark, expression 1 mark.
10
6.
Answer any two of the following three questions in about 120–150 words each.
(a)
Indigo (Louis Fischer): How did civil disobedience win its first victory in India? (120–150 words)
Answer
At Motihari Gandhi disobeyed the order to leave Champaran, pleaded guilty, refused bail; thousands of peasants gathered, officials felt powerless, the case was dropped – civil disobedience triumphed for the first time.
Value points (any three, developed into a paragraph):
• Gandhi was ordered to leave Champaran but refused, and was summoned to court at Motihari.
• Thousands of peasants gathered spontaneously around the court; the officials felt helpless and needed Gandhi's help to control the crowd.
• Gandhi pleaded guilty, said he was obeying the higher law of conscience, and refused to furnish bail.
• The judge postponed the judgement; Gandhi was allowed to remain free – proof that British might could be challenged.
• The lawyers, inspired, agreed to follow him to jail; Gandhi said 'The battle of Champaran is won.'
• Soon the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the case dropped – civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.
Marks: content 3 + expression 1.
• Gandhi was ordered to leave Champaran but refused, and was summoned to court at Motihari.
• Thousands of peasants gathered spontaneously around the court; the officials felt helpless and needed Gandhi's help to control the crowd.
• Gandhi pleaded guilty, said he was obeying the higher law of conscience, and refused to furnish bail.
• The judge postponed the judgement; Gandhi was allowed to remain free – proof that British might could be challenged.
• The lawyers, inspired, agreed to follow him to jail; Gandhi said 'The battle of Champaran is won.'
• Soon the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the case dropped – civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.
Marks: content 3 + expression 1.
(b)
A Thing of Beauty (John Keats): Justify the title of the poem. (120–150 words)
Answer
The title fits because the poem's central idea is that a beautiful thing gives joy for ever – its loveliness grows, it never fades, and it lifts our spirits in sorrow like an endless elixir.
Value points (any three):
• The opening line states the theme: a thing of beauty is a joy for ever; its loveliness increases and never passes into nothingness.
• Keats lists such things – sun, moon, old and young trees, sheep, daffodils, clear streams, forest thickets full of musk-roses, grand destinies of the mighty dead and lovely tales.
• They remove the pall of gloom, give us shelter, sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in sad moments.
• Beauty is compared to an endless fountain of immortal drink pouring from heaven – it binds us to the earth and makes us love life despite despondence.
Thus the whole poem develops the idea in its title.
Marks: content 3 + expression 1.
• The opening line states the theme: a thing of beauty is a joy for ever; its loveliness increases and never passes into nothingness.
• Keats lists such things – sun, moon, old and young trees, sheep, daffodils, clear streams, forest thickets full of musk-roses, grand destinies of the mighty dead and lovely tales.
• They remove the pall of gloom, give us shelter, sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in sad moments.
• Beauty is compared to an endless fountain of immortal drink pouring from heaven – it binds us to the earth and makes us love life despite despondence.
Thus the whole poem develops the idea in its title.
Marks: content 3 + expression 1.
(c)
On the Face of It (Vistas): Examine the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb in the light of the themes of loneliness and alienation in the play. (120–150 words)
Answer
Both are lonely and cut off because of disability, but Derry reacts with bitterness and withdrawal while Mr. Lamb accepts it with openness and optimism, and helps Derry change.
Value points:
Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are lonely and alienated because of physical disability.
Derry (any three):
• Isolates himself; hates the way people react to his burnt face.
• Dislikes false sympathy and becomes cynical.
• His mother's over-protection (forbidding him to return to Mr. Lamb's) deepens his isolation, leading to bitterness and anger.
• Has a negative view of life.
Mr. Lamb (any three):
• Lives alone but keeps his garden gate open to all and has no curtains.
• Faces challenges with a positive attitude; is unaffected when children call him 'Lamey-Lamb'.
• Is lonely yet resigned to his fate; keeps company with books.
• Offers jellies and toffees to visitors, though few return.
Conclusion: Mr. Lamb's outlook helps Derry overcome his alienation.
Marks: 1½ (Derry) + 1½ (Mr. Lamb) + 1 expression.
Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are lonely and alienated because of physical disability.
Derry (any three):
• Isolates himself; hates the way people react to his burnt face.
• Dislikes false sympathy and becomes cynical.
• His mother's over-protection (forbidding him to return to Mr. Lamb's) deepens his isolation, leading to bitterness and anger.
• Has a negative view of life.
Mr. Lamb (any three):
• Lives alone but keeps his garden gate open to all and has no curtains.
• Faces challenges with a positive attitude; is unaffected when children call him 'Lamey-Lamb'.
• Is lonely yet resigned to his fate; keeps company with books.
• Offers jellies and toffees to visitors, though few return.
Conclusion: Mr. Lamb's outlook helps Derry overcome his alienation.
Marks: 1½ (Derry) + 1½ (Mr. Lamb) + 1 expression.
8
— END —
Questions restated from the CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2022 (set 1/2/1) for practice. Reading passages and map items are described, not reproduced.