Roll No.
Q.P. Code 1/1/1
English (Core)
CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2023 — with answers
Time allowed: 3 hoursMaximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The paper has 13 questions in three sections; all questions are compulsory.
- Section A – Reading Skills, Section B – Creative Writing Skills, Section C – Literature.
- Follow the specific instructions given with each question or part, and write the correct question number and part in the answer sheet.
- Keep to the word limit stated for each answer.
- 15 minutes are given for reading the paper before writing begins.
SECTION A
Reading Skills (20 marks): two unseen passages, 10 questions of 1 mark each on each passage.
1.
Unseen passage — a prose extract about a seagull who cares more for the art of flying than for food, ignores his flock and parents, and keeps practising high-speed dives despite repeated failure — not reproduced. Q1 (i)–(x), 1 mark each, are based on it: MCQs (sentence completion, opposite of a word, statement the writer would agree with, character trait) and short answers (reasons, inferences, sentence completion, opinion with reason).
10
2.
Unseen passage — a factual passage on India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector: its segments and their shares (with a pie chart), urban/rural revenue, growth after the pandemic, government investment and incentive schemes, and rising rural demand for branded goods, plus a table of FMCG product types — not reproduced. Q2 (i)–(x), 1 mark each, are based on it: True/False/Not Given, MCQs, sentence completion, reading the pie chart, and correcting a statement from the passage.
10
SECTION B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks): Q3–6 carry 5 marks each; attempt any one of (A) and (B) in each.
3.
Notice writing (about 50 words): A severe sea storm is likely to strike the East Coast states within the next 72 hours. You are Rohit/Reema, Director General, Coast Guard, Odisha. Draft a notice warning fishermen, tourists and the general public to stay away from the sea and take all safety measures. Add the relevant details.
Answer
Format: issuing body (Coast Guard, Odisha), the word NOTICE, heading, date; body with warning, expected time of the storm, do's and don'ts; name, signature and designation (Director General).
Model answer (in brief):
COAST GUARD, ODISHA — NOTICE — Date: 10 May 20XX — CYCLONE ALERT
A strong sea storm is expected to hit the East Coast within 72 hours (from 12 to 14 May). Fishermen must not go out to sea and boats already out should return at once. Tourists should keep away from beaches. People in coastal areas should store water, food and medicines, keep phones charged and follow official advisories. Emergency helpline: 1554.
Rohit, Director General
Marking: Format 1 (issuing authority, NOTICE, date, heading, name/designation); Content 3 (who is warned, when the storm is expected, safety precautions / not venturing into the sea); Expression 1 (accuracy, brevity, within word limit).
COAST GUARD, ODISHA — NOTICE — Date: 10 May 20XX — CYCLONE ALERT
A strong sea storm is expected to hit the East Coast within 72 hours (from 12 to 14 May). Fishermen must not go out to sea and boats already out should return at once. Tourists should keep away from beaches. People in coastal areas should store water, food and medicines, keep phones charged and follow official advisories. Emergency helpline: 1554.
Rohit, Director General
Marking: Format 1 (issuing authority, NOTICE, date, heading, name/designation); Content 3 (who is warned, when the storm is expected, safety precautions / not venturing into the sea); Expression 1 (accuracy, brevity, within word limit).
OR
Notice writing (about 50 words): You are Anuj/Anu, Secretary of the Resident Welfare Association, Saket Kunj, Saket, Navi Mumbai. Draft a notice for all residents telling them that the colony will have no water supply for two days because of essential repair and maintenance work. Give the dates and the hours when water tankers will be available in the RWA premises.
Answer
Format: Saket Kunj RWA, NOTICE, heading (e.g. Suspension of Water Supply), date; body: no supply, two dates, reason (repair/maintenance), tanker timings and place; name and designation.
Model answer (in brief):
SAKET KUNJ RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATION, SAKET, NAVI MUMBAI — NOTICE — 5 March 20XX — NO WATER SUPPLY FOR TWO DAYS
Residents are informed that water supply will remain suspended on 8 and 9 March due to urgent repair and maintenance of the main pipeline. Water tankers will be stationed in the RWA premises from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both days. Please store water in advance and use it carefully.
Anu, Secretary
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (information about no supply, dates/timings of tankers, reason – repair work); Expression 1.
SAKET KUNJ RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATION, SAKET, NAVI MUMBAI — NOTICE — 5 March 20XX — NO WATER SUPPLY FOR TWO DAYS
Residents are informed that water supply will remain suspended on 8 and 9 March due to urgent repair and maintenance of the main pipeline. Water tankers will be stationed in the RWA premises from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both days. Please store water in advance and use it carefully.
Anu, Secretary
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (information about no supply, dates/timings of tankers, reason – repair work); Expression 1.
5
4.
Formal invitation (about 50 words): You are Amita/Amit, Secretary of the Student Council, Holy Mother Convent School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. The school is holding a Diwali Mela. Write a formal letter of invitation to the Chairman of the school requesting him to inaugurate the Mela. Mention the day, date, time and venue.
Answer
Format: formal letter of invitation (sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, body, complimentary close, name/designation). Content: formal request to the Chairman, purpose = inauguration of Diwali Mela, day/date/time/venue.
Model answer (in brief):
Subject: Invitation to inaugurate the Diwali Mela
Respected Sir, The Student Council of our school is organising a Diwali Mela on Saturday, 28 October 20XX, from 10 a.m. onwards in the school playground. We would be honoured if you could inaugurate the Mela at 10 a.m. and bless our efforts with your presence. Kindly confirm your availability. Yours sincerely, Amit, Secretary, Student Council.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (formal invitation to Chairman, purpose – inauguration, date/time/venue); Expression 1.
Subject: Invitation to inaugurate the Diwali Mela
Respected Sir, The Student Council of our school is organising a Diwali Mela on Saturday, 28 October 20XX, from 10 a.m. onwards in the school playground. We would be honoured if you could inaugurate the Mela at 10 a.m. and bless our efforts with your presence. Kindly confirm your availability. Yours sincerely, Amit, Secretary, Student Council.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (formal invitation to Chairman, purpose – inauguration, date/time/venue); Expression 1.
OR
Reply to an invitation (about 50 words): You are Vineeta/Vinay Sharma. Major J.P. Gautam has invited you to a dinner on 28th February at the Army Parade Grounds. Write a formal reply declining the invitation. Mention the day, date, time and venue.
Answer
Format: formal letter of reply to an invitation. Content: acknowledge the invitation, thank the host, decline politely, give a reason, refer to day/date/time/venue.
Model answer (in brief):
Dear Major Gautam, Thank you for your kind invitation to the dinner on Wednesday, 28th February at 8 p.m. at the Army Parade Grounds. I regret that I shall not be able to attend, as I have to be out of town that day for an urgent family matter. Please accept my best wishes for a pleasant evening. Yours sincerely, Vinay Sharma.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (acknowledgement, thanks, refusal with reason, details of the event); Expression 1.
Dear Major Gautam, Thank you for your kind invitation to the dinner on Wednesday, 28th February at 8 p.m. at the Army Parade Grounds. I regret that I shall not be able to attend, as I have to be out of town that day for an urgent family matter. Please accept my best wishes for a pleasant evening. Yours sincerely, Vinay Sharma.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (acknowledgement, thanks, refusal with reason, details of the event); Expression 1.
5
5.
Letter to the editor (120–150 words): A survey shows that people of all ages are attracted by advertisements — by big discounts and by the promises made by manufacturers. You are Carol/Philip. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily giving your views on how advertisements can mislead consumers and suggesting how buyers can make informed choices. Cues: read with care; inaccurate facts; exaggerated features; heavy discounts; products of unproven value; distracting visuals.
Answer
Format: sender's address, date, editor's address, subject, salutation, body, complimentary close, name. Content: impact of ads, how they mislead (false facts, exaggeration, discounts, unproven claims, flashy visuals) + suggestions (read carefully, check facts, demand proof, consumer awareness).
Model answer outline:
Subject: Misleading advertisements and the need for alert consumers
Para 1 – Advertisements now influence young and old alike; attractive offers push people to buy things they do not need.
Para 2 – How they mislead: wrong or half facts, exaggerated features, 'heavy discounts' on inflated prices, products with unproven benefits, glamorous visuals and celebrities that distract from the actual quality.
Para 3 – Suggestions: read labels and terms carefully, compare prices, check reviews and certification, ask for proof of claims, avoid impulse buying, use consumer forums; the media and government should spread consumer awareness.
Close – Yours sincerely, Philip.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (impact, ways ads mislead, suggestions); Expression 1 (coherence, accuracy, word limit).
Subject: Misleading advertisements and the need for alert consumers
Para 1 – Advertisements now influence young and old alike; attractive offers push people to buy things they do not need.
Para 2 – How they mislead: wrong or half facts, exaggerated features, 'heavy discounts' on inflated prices, products with unproven benefits, glamorous visuals and celebrities that distract from the actual quality.
Para 3 – Suggestions: read labels and terms carefully, compare prices, check reviews and certification, ask for proof of claims, avoid impulse buying, use consumer forums; the media and government should spread consumer awareness.
Close – Yours sincerely, Philip.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (impact, ways ads mislead, suggestions); Expression 1 (coherence, accuracy, word limit).
OR
Job application (120–150 words): Mansi/Manu of Viewside Road, Kanpur, sees an advertisement from India Book House, Mall Road, Kanpur, for a Marketing Executive. Requirements: graduate in Marketing and Sales, 3–5 years' experience, fluency in English and the local language, basic computer skills; the job involves setting targets and timelines and supervising sales. Write a letter of application with biodata to the Personnel Manager.
Answer
Format: sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, covering letter, complimentary close, name; enclosed biodata/CV. Content: reference to the advertisement, offer of candidature, suitability; CV with personal details, qualifications, experience, skills, references.
Model answer outline:
Subject: Application for the post of Marketing Executive
Covering letter – refer to the advertisement (newspaper, date); offer candidature; state graduation in Marketing and Sales, 4 years' experience in sales, fluency in English and Hindi, computer skills; request an interview.
Biodata – Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications (B.B.A. Marketing & Sales, computer course); Experience (4 years as Sales Executive, handled targets and supervised a sales team); Skills (communication, MS Office, team leadership); Languages; References.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (reference to advt, suitability, offer of candidature + complete biodata); Expression 1.
Subject: Application for the post of Marketing Executive
Covering letter – refer to the advertisement (newspaper, date); offer candidature; state graduation in Marketing and Sales, 4 years' experience in sales, fluency in English and Hindi, computer skills; request an interview.
Biodata – Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications (B.B.A. Marketing & Sales, computer course); Experience (4 years as Sales Executive, handled targets and supervised a sales team); Skills (communication, MS Office, team leadership); Languages; References.
Marking: Format 1; Content 3 (reference to advt, suitability, offer of candidature + complete biodata); Expression 1.
5
6.
Report writing (120–150 words): The primary wing of Global Public School held a special assembly to mark National Integration Day, with Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary, Education Department, as Guest of Honour. You are Mira/Majid, student reporter. Write a report for the school magazine. Cues: welcome; Guest of Honour's speech; cultural items – play and dance; inauguration of an art exhibition; vote of thanks.
Answer
Format: title + byline (Reported by Majid, student reporter). Content: what, when, where, who (Guest of Honour), sequence of events (welcome, speech, play/dance, art exhibition, vote of thanks), impact.
Model answer outline:
Title: National Integration Day Celebrated with Fervour — by Majid, Student Reporter
Para 1 – On 19 November, the primary wing of Global Public School held a special assembly in the school auditorium to celebrate National Integration Day.
Para 2 – The Principal welcomed the Guest of Honour, Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary, Education Department. In his speech he stressed unity in diversity. Students presented a play on the freedom struggle and a dance showing costumes of different states. He then inaugurated an art exhibition of students' paintings on 'One India'.
Para 3 – The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Head Girl; the event left everyone with a sense of oneness.
Marking: Format 1 (title, byline); Content 3 (date/time/venue, guests, event details); Expression 1.
Title: National Integration Day Celebrated with Fervour — by Majid, Student Reporter
Para 1 – On 19 November, the primary wing of Global Public School held a special assembly in the school auditorium to celebrate National Integration Day.
Para 2 – The Principal welcomed the Guest of Honour, Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary, Education Department. In his speech he stressed unity in diversity. Students presented a play on the freedom struggle and a dance showing costumes of different states. He then inaugurated an art exhibition of students' paintings on 'One India'.
Para 3 – The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Head Girl; the event left everyone with a sense of oneness.
Marking: Format 1 (title, byline); Content 3 (date/time/venue, guests, event details); Expression 1.
OR
Article writing (120–150 words): After a Pollution Awareness Drive in your school, where students presented causes and remedies, you, Bela/Bharat, President of the Environment Club, made notes. Using them and your own ideas, write an article for an e-magazine. Notes – causes: vehicle exhaust, loss of green cover, high-rise construction, open sewage, poor drainage, industrial emissions; remedies: effort of every citizen, government measures, media's role in spreading awareness.
Answer
Format: title + byline. Content: pollution as a serious problem, its causes (from the notes), need for awareness, solutions by citizens, government and media, concluding appeal.
Model answer outline:
Title: Let Us Breathe Clean Air — by Bharat
Intro – Pollution has become one of the biggest threats to health in our cities.
Causes – exhaust from vehicles, cutting of trees, high-rise construction raising dust, open sewers and poor drainage, smoke from factories.
Solutions – citizens: use public transport, plant trees, avoid littering; government: strict emission norms, proper sewage and drainage, green belts; media: campaigns to create awareness.
Conclusion – A cleaner environment is possible only if everyone acts together, starting today.
Marking: Format 1 (title, byline); Content 3 (problem, causes, need for awareness, solutions); Expression 1.
Title: Let Us Breathe Clean Air — by Bharat
Intro – Pollution has become one of the biggest threats to health in our cities.
Causes – exhaust from vehicles, cutting of trees, high-rise construction raising dust, open sewers and poor drainage, smoke from factories.
Solutions – citizens: use public transport, plant trees, avoid littering; government: strict emission norms, proper sewage and drainage, green belts; media: campaigns to create awareness.
Conclusion – A cleaner environment is possible only if everyone acts together, starting today.
Marking: Format 1 (title, byline); Content 3 (problem, causes, need for awareness, solutions); Expression 1.
5
SECTION C
Literature (40 marks): extract-based questions (Q7–9), short answers (Q10–11) and long answers (Q12–13).
7.
Extract from 'My Mother at Sixty-Six' (Kamala Das): the poet, at the airport, looks once more at her pale, tired mother, feels her childhood fear of losing her, but only says goodbye and keeps smiling.
(i) The poem captures the ____ of the narrator. I. happiness II. fear III. dismay IV. anxiety — (a) Only I (b) I and IV (c) II and IV (d) Only III
(ii) Which phrase in the extract shows that the poet was overcome by emotion and could say very little?
(iii) The word 'wan' here most nearly means (a) pale (b) old (c) unwell (d) anxious
(iv) Complete the analogy (do not repeat the example): Trees sprinting : personification :: ____ : simile
(v) Statement I: The poet accepts the reality of her mother's failing health and old age. Statement II: She is nostalgic about childhood days spent with her mother. (a) I is true, but II is false (b) Both I and II are true (c) II is the reason for I (d) II cannot be inferred from the extract
(vi) Explain the line about the poet only smiling again and again.
(i) The poem captures the ____ of the narrator. I. happiness II. fear III. dismay IV. anxiety — (a) Only I (b) I and IV (c) II and IV (d) Only III
(ii) Which phrase in the extract shows that the poet was overcome by emotion and could say very little?
(iii) The word 'wan' here most nearly means (a) pale (b) old (c) unwell (d) anxious
(iv) Complete the analogy (do not repeat the example): Trees sprinting : personification :: ____ : simile
(v) Statement I: The poet accepts the reality of her mother's failing health and old age. Statement II: She is nostalgic about childhood days spent with her mother. (a) I is true, but II is false (b) Both I and II are true (c) II is the reason for I (d) II cannot be inferred from the extract
(vi) Explain the line about the poet only smiling again and again.
Answer
(i) (c) II and IV; (ii) 'all I said was, see you soon, Amma'; (iii) (a) pale; (iv) 'pale as a late winter's moon'; (v) (a); (vi) she hides her fear and pain behind a brave smile.
(i) The poet is afraid of losing her mother and anxious about her ageing – fear and anxiety, option (c).
(ii) Her short goodbye – telling her mother she will see her soon – shows she was too moved to say more.
(iii) 'Wan' describes the colourless, pale face of the old mother – (a).
(iv) The simile in the extract compares the mother's face to a late winter's moon ('pale as a late winter's moon').
(v) The poet realises her mother is old and weak (I true); the extract mentions her childhood fear, not happy memories, so II is false – (a).
(vi) The repeated smiling shows she is masking her emotions/putting up a brave front, hiding the fear of separation and giving her mother hope of meeting again (any one point).
(ii) Her short goodbye – telling her mother she will see her soon – shows she was too moved to say more.
(iii) 'Wan' describes the colourless, pale face of the old mother – (a).
(iv) The simile in the extract compares the mother's face to a late winter's moon ('pale as a late winter's moon').
(v) The poet realises her mother is old and weak (I true); the extract mentions her childhood fear, not happy memories, so II is false – (a).
(vi) The repeated smiling shows she is masking her emotions/putting up a brave front, hiding the fear of separation and giving her mother hope of meeting again (any one point).
OR
Extract from 'Keeping Quiet' (Pablo Neruda): the poet asks everyone to count to twelve and stay still, not speak any language or move their arms for a moment, imagining a rare moment free of hurry and machines when all would be together.
(i) The poet counts to twelve as a countdown to (a) lift arms (b) speak in different languages (c) stop all activities (d) be without engines
(ii) The poet appeals to people to I. keep quiet II. not move III. celebrate festivals IV. not hibernate — (a) Only II (b) I and II (c) Only I (d) I and IV
(iii) Which option shows the same poetic device as the line 'For once on the face of the Earth'? (a) lightning danced across the sky (b) greedy good doers (c) children spilling out of their homes (d) fight like cats and dogs
(iv) The benefits of 'Keeping Quiet' include I. harmony II. non-violence III. brotherhood IV. meditation — (a) I and II (b) II and IV (c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III and IV
(v) Complete: The poet suggests we will all be together when ____.
(vi) The word 'exotic' in the extract most nearly means (a) unique (b) luxurious (c) rich (d) illusive
(i) The poet counts to twelve as a countdown to (a) lift arms (b) speak in different languages (c) stop all activities (d) be without engines
(ii) The poet appeals to people to I. keep quiet II. not move III. celebrate festivals IV. not hibernate — (a) Only II (b) I and II (c) Only I (d) I and IV
(iii) Which option shows the same poetic device as the line 'For once on the face of the Earth'? (a) lightning danced across the sky (b) greedy good doers (c) children spilling out of their homes (d) fight like cats and dogs
(iv) The benefits of 'Keeping Quiet' include I. harmony II. non-violence III. brotherhood IV. meditation — (a) I and II (b) II and IV (c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III and IV
(v) Complete: The poet suggests we will all be together when ____.
(vi) The word 'exotic' in the extract most nearly means (a) unique (b) luxurious (c) rich (d) illusive
Answer
(i) (c); (ii) (b) I and II; (iii) (a) lightning danced across the sky; (iv) (c) I, II and III; (v) we stop all activity and keep still/silent; (vi) (a) unique.
(i) Counting to twelve marks the moment when everyone stops all activity – (c).
(ii) He asks people to be silent and stay still – I and II, option (b).
(iii) 'Face of the Earth' gives a human feature to the Earth – personification; 'lightning danced' is also personification – (a).
(iv) Silence and stillness would bring harmony, an end to violence and a sense of brotherhood – (c).
(v) We will be together when we stop all movement and activity, keep still and become silent (any one).
(vi) 'Exotic' here means unusual/unique – (a).
(ii) He asks people to be silent and stay still – I and II, option (b).
(iii) 'Face of the Earth' gives a human feature to the Earth – personification; 'lightning danced' is also personification – (a).
(iv) Silence and stillness would bring harmony, an end to violence and a sense of brotherhood – (c).
(v) We will be together when we stop all movement and activity, keep still and become silent (any one).
(vi) 'Exotic' here means unusual/unique – (a).
6
8.
Extract from 'Memories of Childhood' (part II, Bama – 'We Too are Human Beings'): an elder member of the family advises Bama that people of their community are denied dignity, and that only by studying hard and staying ahead can they throw off this humiliation and win people's respect.
(i) Who is the speaker and who is being addressed? (a) Appa; Bama (b) Bama; Amma (c) Bama; the Zamindar (d) Annan; Bama
(ii) Which words best describe the speaker? I. marginalized II. practical III. idealistic IV. curious V. aggressive — (a) I and II (b) III and IV (c) II and IV (d) IV and V
(iii) Complete: The treatment given to the community was ____.
(iv) Which option sums up the author's opinion about studying? (a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning (b) Studying is better than playing (c) Studying is essential to the nation's development (d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress
(i) Who is the speaker and who is being addressed? (a) Appa; Bama (b) Bama; Amma (c) Bama; the Zamindar (d) Annan; Bama
(ii) Which words best describe the speaker? I. marginalized II. practical III. idealistic IV. curious V. aggressive — (a) I and II (b) III and IV (c) II and IV (d) IV and V
(iii) Complete: The treatment given to the community was ____.
(iv) Which option sums up the author's opinion about studying? (a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning (b) Studying is better than playing (c) Studying is essential to the nation's development (d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress
Answer
(i) (d) Annan; Bama; (ii) (a) I and II; (iii) unjust/discriminatory/biased; (iv) (d).
(i) Bama's elder brother (Annan) gives this advice to her – (d).
(ii) He belongs to a marginalised community and gives practical advice to rise through education – (a).
(iii) The community was treated unfairly – with prejudice, discrimination and suppression (any one word).
(iv) Education is shown as the way to overcome indignity and bring progress and reform – (d).
(ii) He belongs to a marginalised community and gives practical advice to rise through education – (a).
(iii) The community was treated unfairly – with prejudice, discrimination and suppression (any one word).
(iv) Education is shown as the way to overcome indignity and bring progress and reform – (d).
OR
Extract from 'On the Face of It' (Susan Hill): Derry tells Mr. Lamb that people who see his burnt face first think it is the ugliest thing and pity him, but underneath they are scared — and that he himself is scared when he sees his face in the mirror.
(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to? (a) Derry; his mother (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb (c) Derry; ladies at the bus stop (d) Mother; Mr. Lamb
(ii) According to the speaker, how do people feel about him? (a) They are empathetic (b) They are repulsed by his appearance (c) They are annoyed by his presence (d) They dislike his association with neighbours
(iii) Complete: When I look in the mirror and see it, I'm afraid of me ____.
(iv) Explain, with reference to the extract, Derry's remark that people pity him but he is not 'poor'.
(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to? (a) Derry; his mother (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb (c) Derry; ladies at the bus stop (d) Mother; Mr. Lamb
(ii) According to the speaker, how do people feel about him? (a) They are empathetic (b) They are repulsed by his appearance (c) They are annoyed by his presence (d) They dislike his association with neighbours
(iii) Complete: When I look in the mirror and see it, I'm afraid of me ____.
(iv) Explain, with reference to the extract, Derry's remark that people pity him but he is not 'poor'.
Answer
(i) (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb; (ii) (b); (iii) …and of my burnt face/the way I look; (iv) he does not want pity – 'poor' is not about money; he is frightened by his own scar.
(i) Derry is speaking to Mr. Lamb in his garden – (b).
(ii) People find his scarred face ugly and are put off by it – (b).
(iii) He is afraid of himself because of his burnt face/his appearance (any relevant ending).
(iv) Derry rejects pity; by 'not poor' he means he does not want sympathy (it is not about money), and he admits that he too is afraid of his scar.
(ii) People find his scarred face ugly and are put off by it – (b).
(iii) He is afraid of himself because of his burnt face/his appearance (any relevant ending).
(iv) Derry rejects pity; by 'not poor' he means he does not want sympathy (it is not about money), and he admits that he too is afraid of his scar.
4
9.
Extract from 'Poets and Pancakes' (Asokamitran): the author describes the make-up department of Gemini Studios, whose staff came from many regions of India, and who used huge amounts of 'pancake' and local lotions to turn ordinary faces into ugly, crimson monsters.
(i) How did the make-up department show national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan? (a) Its staff came from many regions – Bengali, Maharashtrian, Kannadiga, Andhra, Madras Christian, Anglo-Burmese and Tamils (b) They recited slogans of national integration (c) They studied make-up techniques of various states (d) Their clients came from various states
(ii) Pick a word from the extract: front : rear :: ravishing : ____
(iii) Fill in: The make-up artists could turn ____ looking people into ____ looking men and women. (a) ordinary; pleasant (b) ugly; good (c) pleasant; ugly (d) monstrous; beautiful
(iv) The word 'pancake' in the extract most nearly means (a) brand name (b) lemon cake (c) savoury (d) preservative
(v) Which statement is true of the make-up department? (a) Actors welcomed the artists (b) The artists were poorly paid (c) Their work was not appreciated (d) The department exhibited national integration
(vi) Bring out the irony in the extract.
(i) How did the make-up department show national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan? (a) Its staff came from many regions – Bengali, Maharashtrian, Kannadiga, Andhra, Madras Christian, Anglo-Burmese and Tamils (b) They recited slogans of national integration (c) They studied make-up techniques of various states (d) Their clients came from various states
(ii) Pick a word from the extract: front : rear :: ravishing : ____
(iii) Fill in: The make-up artists could turn ____ looking people into ____ looking men and women. (a) ordinary; pleasant (b) ugly; good (c) pleasant; ugly (d) monstrous; beautiful
(iv) The word 'pancake' in the extract most nearly means (a) brand name (b) lemon cake (c) savoury (d) preservative
(v) Which statement is true of the make-up department? (a) Actors welcomed the artists (b) The artists were poorly paid (c) Their work was not appreciated (d) The department exhibited national integration
(vi) Bring out the irony in the extract.
Answer
(i) (a); (ii) hideous; (iii) (c) pleasant; ugly; (iv) (a) brand name; (v) (d); (vi) make-up meant to beautify actually made decent faces look like hideous monsters.
(i) The staff themselves came from different parts of India – (a).
(ii) Front/rear are opposites; the opposite of ravishing (very beautiful) in the extract is 'hideous'.
(iii) Decent-looking people were turned into ugly ones – (c).
(iv) Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material – (a).
(v) The mix of people from many regions shows national integration – (d).
(vi) Irony: the department existed to make actors presentable, yet the heavy make-up turned any decent-looking person into a hideous, crimson-hued monster.
(ii) Front/rear are opposites; the opposite of ravishing (very beautiful) in the extract is 'hideous'.
(iii) Decent-looking people were turned into ugly ones – (c).
(iv) Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material – (a).
(v) The mix of people from many regions shows national integration – (d).
(vi) Irony: the department existed to make actors presentable, yet the heavy make-up turned any decent-looking person into a hideous, crimson-hued monster.
OR
Extract from 'The Interview' (Part II – Mukund Padmanabhan's interview with Umberto Eco): Eco explains that life has many small empty gaps, which he calls interstices – for example while waiting for a visitor's lift to come up – and that he works in these gaps, even writing an article in that time.
(i) Umberto Eco was (a) a professor of semiotics, an author (b) an interviewer, a novelist (c) a journalist, a professor (d) a publisher, an author
(ii) Give a reason that supports Eco's claim that our lives have many empty spaces.
(iii) Rewrite 'I call them interstices', replacing 'interstices' with what it means.
(iv) Statement I: Eco works even in the spare time between activities. Statement II: Eco does not like to be interviewed. (a) I can be inferred, but II cannot (b) I cannot be inferred, but II can (c) I and II are true (d) II is the reason for I
(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract: Eco does not waste time; he writes an article while he is 'proceeding' to the elevator.
(vi) Eco's views on his way of working are based on ____ (a) facts (b) an interview (c) his blog (d) hypothesis
(i) Umberto Eco was (a) a professor of semiotics, an author (b) an interviewer, a novelist (c) a journalist, a professor (d) a publisher, an author
(ii) Give a reason that supports Eco's claim that our lives have many empty spaces.
(iii) Rewrite 'I call them interstices', replacing 'interstices' with what it means.
(iv) Statement I: Eco works even in the spare time between activities. Statement II: Eco does not like to be interviewed. (a) I can be inferred, but II cannot (b) I cannot be inferred, but II can (c) I and II are true (d) II is the reason for I
(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract: Eco does not waste time; he writes an article while he is 'proceeding' to the elevator.
(vi) Eco's views on his way of working are based on ____ (a) facts (b) an interview (c) his blog (d) hypothesis
Answer
(i) (a); (ii) he uses free moments between tasks productively; (iii) I call them empty spaces; (iv) (a); (v) waiting; (vi) (a) facts.
(i) Eco was a professor of semiotics and a well-known author/novelist – (a).
(ii) He makes the best use of spare/free time between activities to do a lot of work.
(iii) 'Interstices' means empty spaces/gaps: 'I call them empty spaces.'
(iv) The extract shows him working in gaps (I), but says nothing about disliking interviews – (a).
(v) The word in the extract that fits as opposite is 'waiting' (he writes while waiting, not moving).
(vi) He speaks from his own real experience – facts, (a).
(ii) He makes the best use of spare/free time between activities to do a lot of work.
(iii) 'Interstices' means empty spaces/gaps: 'I call them empty spaces.'
(iv) The extract shows him working in gaps (I), but says nothing about disliking interviews – (a).
(v) The word in the extract that fits as opposite is 'waiting' (he writes while waiting, not moving).
(vi) He speaks from his own real experience – facts, (a).
6
10.
Answer any five of the following in about 40–50 words each (2 marks each).
(a)
The Last Lesson: How did Franz feel as he started for school that morning, and why?
Answer
He was scared to go to school because he was late and had not learnt his lesson on participles, and feared M. Hamel's scolding.
Value points: what – Franz was afraid/dreaded going to school (even thought of skipping it); why – he was late, had not prepared the lesson on participles and expected a scolding from M. Hamel.
Marks: content 1 (½ + ½) + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 (½ + ½) + expression 1.
(b)
Lost Spring: What vicious circle are the bangle-makers of Firozabad caught in?
Answer
A web of sahukars, middlemen, policemen, keepers of law, bureaucrats and politicians who exploit them.
The bangle-makers are trapped by a chain of powerful people – moneylenders (sahukars), middlemen, the police, law-keepers, bureaucrats and politicians – who together keep them poor and burdened. They cannot break free, so poverty passes from one generation to the next.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(c)
Deep Water: What did Douglas first think when the big boy threw him into the YMCA pool?
Answer
He was frightened but not out of his wits; he planned to spring up from the bottom, come to the surface, lie flat and paddle to the edge.
Value points: he was scared but kept his head; he planned to jump up when his feet touched the bottom, rise to the surface, lie flat and paddle to the side of the pool (any two).
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(d)
The Rattrap: Who was Edla Willmansson, and why did she go to the forge at night?
Answer
She was the ironmaster's daughter; she went to persuade the stranger (whom her father took for his old comrade) to come home with them.
Who – the daughter of the ironmaster of Ramsjö. Why – her father, believing the peddler was his old regimental comrade, sent her (after his own attempt failed) to persuade him gently to come home and spend Christmas with them.
Marks: content 1 (½ + ½) + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 (½ + ½) + expression 1.
(e)
Going Places: Why did Sophie want to probe deeper into her brother Geoff's 'affections'?
Answer
She was fascinated by Geoff's private world, which she could not reach and imagined to be full of exciting people.
Value points: Geoff was silent about his life; Sophie was curious about his secret world, which was out of her reach; she imagined it full of exotic, interesting people and wanted to be part of it (any one).
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(f)
Aunt Jennifer's Tigers: Why are the tigers in Aunt Jennifer's tapestry not afraid of the men under the tree?
Answer
They are fearless and chivalric – the opposite of timid Aunt Jennifer; they express the courage she lacks.
The tigers she embroiders are confident, fearless and chivalric. They are a stark contrast to their creator, who is meek and dominated by her husband; through them she expresses her longing for freedom and courage.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
10
11.
Answer any two of the following in about 40–50 words each (2 marks each).
(a)
The Tiger King: How did the baby Tiger King astonish the astrologer?
Answer
When only ten days old, the infant spoke and asked an intelligent question about how he would die.
The astrologers predicted the prince's death; the ten-day-old baby suddenly spoke and asked how he would die – a baby talking and asking such a clever question amazed them all (any one point).
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(b)
On the Face of It: How does Mr. Lamb make Derry feel at ease when the boy enters his garden?
Answer
He is not angry, speaks kindly, warns him about fallen apples, jokes and says his gate is always open.
Value points: Mr. Lamb does not scold him for trespassing; he calms Derry's fear; he warns him not to trip over the fallen apples; he chats and jokes to make him comfortable; he says his gate is always open to everyone (any one/two).
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
(c)
The Third Level: What did Charley find in his collection of first-day covers?
Answer
A first-day cover that should not have been there – with a letter inside, addressed to his grandfather, from Sam.
Charley found an envelope that had not been in his collection before; instead of blank paper it held a letter posted to his grandfather in Galesburg in 1894 – a note from Sam saying he had reached Galesburg through the third level (any one point).
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
Marks: content 1 + expression 1.
4
12.
Answer any one of the following in about 120–150 words.
The Enemy: Show how Dr. Sadao is caught between his duty as a doctor and his loyalty as a patriotic Japanese citizen.
Answer
As a doctor he saves the wounded American POW; as a patriot he reports him to the General and later helps him escape – a conflict resolved by humanity.
Value points:
As a doctor – finds a wounded, bleeding white man washed ashore; faces the dilemma whether to save an enemy; knows he could be arrested as a traitor; still operates and nurses him in a detached, professional way.
As a patriot – is aware of his duty to Japan; tells the General about the prisoner; waits for the promised action (the assassins who never come); finally helps the man escape.
Conclusion – professional ethics and humanity win over narrow patriotism.
Marks: content 3 (any three points) + expression 2.
As a doctor – finds a wounded, bleeding white man washed ashore; faces the dilemma whether to save an enemy; knows he could be arrested as a traitor; still operates and nurses him in a detached, professional way.
As a patriot – is aware of his duty to Japan; tells the General about the prisoner; waits for the promised action (the assassins who never come); finally helps the man escape.
Conclusion – professional ethics and humanity win over narrow patriotism.
Marks: content 3 (any three points) + expression 2.
OR
Journey to the End of the Earth: How has human civilisation affected the environment? Comment with reference to the lesson.
Answer
Humans have dominated nature – growing population, limited resources, pollution, global warming, melting ice caps and climate change threaten all life.
Value points: humans have created a 'ruckus' and stamped their dominance on nature; rapidly growing population fights over limited resources; burning fossil fuels raises global temperature; polar ice caps are melting; tiny organisms (phytoplankton) and bigger animals are affected; pollution and climate change endanger the planet; Antarctica shows both the damage and the need to protect the Earth.
Marks: content 3 (any three) + expression 2.
Marks: content 3 (any three) + expression 2.
5
13.
Answer any one of the following in about 120–150 words.
Indigo: 'Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.' When and how did this happen?
Answer
At Motihari, when Gandhi defied the order to leave Champaran; mass peasant support, his refusal of bail and the government's helplessness led to the case being dropped.
When – Gandhi was summoned to court at Motihari for disobeying the order to quit Champaran.
How – thousands of peasants gathered spontaneously to support him; they were freed from fear of the British; officials found themselves powerless without Gandhi's help to control the crowd; the government was baffled; Gandhi pleaded guilty and refused to furnish bail; the judge postponed the judgment; the lawyers decided to follow him to jail; finally the case was dropped.
Marks: content 3 (when + any two 'how' points) + expression 2.
How – thousands of peasants gathered spontaneously to support him; they were freed from fear of the British; officials found themselves powerless without Gandhi's help to control the crowd; the government was baffled; Gandhi pleaded guilty and refused to furnish bail; the judge postponed the judgment; the lawyers decided to follow him to jail; finally the case was dropped.
Marks: content 3 (when + any two 'how' points) + expression 2.
OR
Poets and Pancakes: The author uses gentle humour to expose human weaknesses. Give examples and show how this makes the lesson engaging.
Answer
Make-up men turning decent faces into monsters, an English poet addressing a baffled Tamil audience, a forty-year-old 'office boy' angry with Subbu, the lawyer losing his job – humour keeps the narrative lively.
Value points: the make-up department could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson monster; the incongruity of an English poet speaking to a Tamil film studio crowd who understood nothing; a middle-aged man still called the 'office boy', directing his anger at Subbu; the legal adviser who lost his job when the story department was closed; humorous sketches of people at the studio. The light, self-mocking tone makes the account amusing and readable while gently pointing at human foibles.
Marks: content 3 (any three) + expression 2.
Marks: content 3 (any three) + expression 2.
5
— END —
Questions restated from the CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2023 (set 1/1/1) for practice. Reading passages and map items are described, not reproduced.