Roll No.
Q.P. Code 1/1/1
English (Core)
CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2024 — with answers
Time allowed: 3 hoursMaximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The paper has 13 questions; all are compulsory.
- It has three sections: 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.
SECTION A
Reading Skills (22 marks).
1.
Unseen passage — a factual piece on how Artificial Intelligence is entering everyday life (education, industry, transport, healthcare, personalised services) — not reproduced. Q1 (i)–(ix) are based on it: MCQs, word meaning, sentence completion, a headline-matching item (1 mark each) and short answers of about 40 words (2 marks each).
12
2.
Unseen passage — a survey on the happiness and well-being of young people aged 16–24 in seven countries, with data on family support, purpose, stress and loneliness — not reproduced. Q2 (i)–(viii) are based on it: short answers using the data (2 marks each), plus MCQ, True/False, fill-in and ordering items (1 mark each).
10
SECTION B
Creative Writing Skills (18 marks). Each question has an internal choice: attempt (a) or (b).
3.
Notice writing (about 50 words): You are Raghav/Ragini, Secretary of the Trekking Club, Amar Bahadur School. To get students outdoors, the school is organising a 7-day trek to Rohtang Pass for Classes VIII–X in the summer vacation. Draft a notice for the school notice board with all the necessary details.
Answer
Notice format: school name, NOTICE, heading, date; content: 7-day trek to Rohtang Pass, who can join (VIII–X), dates, cost, last date and contact; name + designation at the end.
Model answer (own words):
AMAR BAHADUR SCHOOL
NOTICE
Trek to Rohtang Pass
15 April 20XX
The Trekking Club is organising a 7-day trek to Rohtang Pass from 1 to 7 June 20XX for students of Classes VIII to X. The trip includes travel, stay, meals and trained guides. Charges: ₹6,000 per student. Interested students should submit their names with a parental consent form to the undersigned by 30 April. Only medically fit students may apply.
Raghav
Secretary, Trekking Club
Marking points:
• Format (1): issuing body, the word NOTICE, heading, date, name and designation.
• Content (2): what (7-day trek), where (Rohtang Pass), for whom (VIII–X), when, cost/requirements, how and by when to register.
• Expression (1): grammar/spelling ½ + coherence ½.
Common mistake: going far beyond 50 words or leaving out the date of issue.
AMAR BAHADUR SCHOOL
NOTICE
Trek to Rohtang Pass
15 April 20XX
The Trekking Club is organising a 7-day trek to Rohtang Pass from 1 to 7 June 20XX for students of Classes VIII to X. The trip includes travel, stay, meals and trained guides. Charges: ₹6,000 per student. Interested students should submit their names with a parental consent form to the undersigned by 30 April. Only medically fit students may apply.
Raghav
Secretary, Trekking Club
Marking points:
• Format (1): issuing body, the word NOTICE, heading, date, name and designation.
• Content (2): what (7-day trek), where (Rohtang Pass), for whom (VIII–X), when, cost/requirements, how and by when to register.
• Expression (1): grammar/spelling ½ + coherence ½.
Common mistake: going far beyond 50 words or leaving out the date of issue.
OR
Notice writing (about 50 words): Parking by residents has become a growing worry in Goodwill Flats, Shripur, and often ends in small quarrels. As Secretary of the Goodwill Flats Welfare Association, draft a notice telling residents about a meeting to discuss the issue and agree on a fair solution. Invent the necessary details.
Answer
Notice format; content: purpose (parking problem/quarrels), meeting date, time, venue, request for all residents to attend with suggestions; name, Secretary.
Model answer (own words):
GOODWILL FLATS WELFARE ASSOCIATION, SHRIPUR
NOTICE
Meeting on Residents' Parking
10 March 20XX
Parking of vehicles inside the society has led to frequent disputes among residents. To find an acceptable solution, a meeting will be held on Sunday, 17 March 20XX at 6 pm in the community hall. All residents are requested to attend and bring their suggestions. Your cooperation is valued.
Anita
Secretary
Marking points:
• Format (1): name of association, NOTICE, heading, date, signature/name and designation.
• Content (2): inform residents, the topic (parking problem), date/time/venue, request to attend.
• Expression (1).
GOODWILL FLATS WELFARE ASSOCIATION, SHRIPUR
NOTICE
Meeting on Residents' Parking
10 March 20XX
Parking of vehicles inside the society has led to frequent disputes among residents. To find an acceptable solution, a meeting will be held on Sunday, 17 March 20XX at 6 pm in the community hall. All residents are requested to attend and bring their suggestions. Your cooperation is valued.
Anita
Secretary
Marking points:
• Format (1): name of association, NOTICE, heading, date, signature/name and designation.
• Content (2): inform residents, the topic (parking problem), date/time/venue, request to attend.
• Expression (1).
4
4.
Formal invitation (about 50 words): You are the Student Head of the Cultural Affairs Club, Newton Public School. The school's annual function is on Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 11 am, and the Hon'ble Education Minister, Dr. Shah, has agreed to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card for parents and other guests with the necessary details.
Answer
Card format (third person); content: name of school/host, occasion (annual function), Chief Guest Dr. Shah, date 20 April 2024, 11 am, venue, RSVP.
Model answer (own words):
Newton Public School
requests the pleasure of your company
at its
ANNUAL FUNCTION
on Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 11:00 am
in the School Auditorium.
Chief Guest: Hon'ble Education Minister Dr. Shah
RSVP: Student Head, Cultural Affairs Club (Ph. 98XXXXXXXX)
Marking points:
• Format (1): card form, third-person style, RSVP.
• Content (2): occasion, chief guest, date, time, venue, invitees.
• Expression (1).
Common mistake: writing it as a letter in first person instead of a card.
Newton Public School
requests the pleasure of your company
at its
ANNUAL FUNCTION
on Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 11:00 am
in the School Auditorium.
Chief Guest: Hon'ble Education Minister Dr. Shah
RSVP: Student Head, Cultural Affairs Club (Ph. 98XXXXXXXX)
Marking points:
• Format (1): card form, third-person style, RSVP.
• Content (2): occasion, chief guest, date, time, venue, invitees.
• Expression (1).
Common mistake: writing it as a letter in first person instead of a card.
OR
Formal reply (about 50 words): You are a well-known doctor. The alumni of your old school invited you as Chief Guest at the Annual Graduation Ceremony of Green School on Sunday, 24 March 2024. Write to the President of the Alumni Association declining because of an earlier commitment, and send your congratulations to the graduating students.
Answer
Formal letter of regret: thank for the invitation, decline with reason (prior commitment), congratulate graduates, good wishes.
Model answer (own words):
(Sender's address, date, receiver's address)
Subject: Inability to attend the Annual Graduation Ceremony
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for inviting me as Chief Guest at the Graduation Ceremony of Green School on 24 March 2024. I feel honoured. Unfortunately, I have a prior professional commitment that day and will not be able to attend. Please convey my heartiest congratulations to the graduating students and my best wishes for their future.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Arun Mehta
Marking points:
• Format (1): addresses, date, subject, salutation, close.
• Content (2): acknowledge invitation, express thanks, decline with reason, congratulate students.
• Expression (1).
(Sender's address, date, receiver's address)
Subject: Inability to attend the Annual Graduation Ceremony
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for inviting me as Chief Guest at the Graduation Ceremony of Green School on 24 March 2024. I feel honoured. Unfortunately, I have a prior professional commitment that day and will not be able to attend. Please convey my heartiest congratulations to the graduating students and my best wishes for their future.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Arun Mehta
Marking points:
• Format (1): addresses, date, subject, salutation, close.
• Content (2): acknowledge invitation, express thanks, decline with reason, congratulate students.
• Expression (1).
4
5.
Job application (120–150 words): You are Amar/Anita, a fresh MBA graduate of Singla Institute of Management, Khushbagh. India Helptel Company has advertised for Management Trainees in its India-wide Logistics Department, wanting fresh MBAs with a Marketing specialisation, excellent written and spoken communication, and knowledge of English and the State language. Write a letter applying for the post, with your bio-data.
Answer
Covering letter (reference to the ad, suitability, offer of candidature) + bio-data (personal details, qualifications, experience, skills, references).
Model answer outline (own words):
Covering letter: sender's address, date, Personnel Manager, India Helptel Company; Subject: Application for the post of Management Trainee.
• Para 1: refer to the advertisement (name of newspaper, date) and offer candidature.
• Para 2: I have just completed my MBA (Marketing) from Singla Institute of Management; I speak and write English and Hindi fluently; I did a summer internship in sales.
• Para 3: request an interview; enclose bio-data.
Bio-data: Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications: MBA (Marketing), B.Com; Experience: 2-month internship; Skills: communication, MS Office, team work; Languages: English, Hindi; References: two names.
Marking points:
• Format (1): sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, complimentary close, name.
• Content (3): reference to the ad, suitability, offer of candidature + resume details.
• Expression (1).
Note: no marks are lost if the bio-data is written inside the letter.
Covering letter: sender's address, date, Personnel Manager, India Helptel Company; Subject: Application for the post of Management Trainee.
• Para 1: refer to the advertisement (name of newspaper, date) and offer candidature.
• Para 2: I have just completed my MBA (Marketing) from Singla Institute of Management; I speak and write English and Hindi fluently; I did a summer internship in sales.
• Para 3: request an interview; enclose bio-data.
Bio-data: Name, date of birth, address, phone/e-mail; Qualifications: MBA (Marketing), B.Com; Experience: 2-month internship; Skills: communication, MS Office, team work; Languages: English, Hindi; References: two names.
Marking points:
• Format (1): sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, complimentary close, name.
• Content (3): reference to the ad, suitability, offer of candidature + resume details.
• Expression (1).
Note: no marks are lost if the bio-data is written inside the letter.
OR
Letter to the editor (120–150 words): More vehicles on the roads have led to more traffic jams, road rage and accidents. As Brinda/Bharat, write to the editor of a national daily expressing concern, examining the causes of such behaviour and suggesting ways to manage it. Cues — causes: more vehicles, several cars per family, cheap cab services, people ignoring traffic rules; suggestions: better peak-hour traffic management, stricter enforcement of laws, media creating awareness.
Answer
Formal letter format; content: concern, reasons (rise in vehicles, many cars per family, budget cabs, rule-breaking), suggestions (peak-hour management, strict laws, media awareness).
Model answer outline (own words):
Subject: Rising traffic chaos and road rage
Sir, through your newspaper I wish to draw attention to the daily traffic snarls and road-rage incidents in our cities.
• Causes: the number of vehicles has shot up; many families own more than one car; low-cost cab services add to congestion; and many drivers simply ignore traffic rules, which leads to tempers flaring and accidents.
• Suggestions: traffic police should manage peak hours better (signals, diversions); fines and licence suspension must be strictly enforced; the media can run campaigns on road manners; people should use public transport and car-pool.
Conclude with a hope that authorities act soon. Yours truly, Brinda.
Marking points: Format 1, Content 3 (any three cue points + own ideas), Expression 1.
Subject: Rising traffic chaos and road rage
Sir, through your newspaper I wish to draw attention to the daily traffic snarls and road-rage incidents in our cities.
• Causes: the number of vehicles has shot up; many families own more than one car; low-cost cab services add to congestion; and many drivers simply ignore traffic rules, which leads to tempers flaring and accidents.
• Suggestions: traffic police should manage peak hours better (signals, diversions); fines and licence suspension must be strictly enforced; the media can run campaigns on road manners; people should use public transport and car-pool.
Conclude with a hope that authorities act soon. Yours truly, Brinda.
Marking points: Format 1, Content 3 (any three cue points + own ideas), Expression 1.
5
6.
Article writing (120–150 words): India is becoming one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. As Leela/Laksh, write an article on India as a popular choice of foreign visitors. Cues — importance: jobs for local people, promotion of local culture, food and crafts, medical/religious/eco-tourism putting India on the world map; what is needed: stronger efforts by authorities, media awareness, information centres for tourists.
Answer
Title + byline; content: why tourists come, benefits (jobs, culture, crafts, medical/religious/eco-tourism), what must be done (authorities, media, information centres).
Model answer outline (own words):
Title: India – The World's Favourite Destination
By Leela
• Intro: from the Himalayas to Kerala's backwaters, India offers variety few countries can match.
• Importance: tourism creates jobs for guides, drivers, hotels; local food, culture and handicrafts reach a world market; India is a hub for affordable medical treatment, pilgrimages and eco-tourism.
• What is needed: authorities must improve safety, cleanliness and connectivity; media should spread awareness about responsible tourism and good behaviour towards guests; information centres at airports and stations should help every tourist.
• Conclusion: 'Atithi Devo Bhava' must be practised to keep tourists coming.
Marking points: Format 1 (title, byline), Content 3, Expression 1.
Title: India – The World's Favourite Destination
By Leela
• Intro: from the Himalayas to Kerala's backwaters, India offers variety few countries can match.
• Importance: tourism creates jobs for guides, drivers, hotels; local food, culture and handicrafts reach a world market; India is a hub for affordable medical treatment, pilgrimages and eco-tourism.
• What is needed: authorities must improve safety, cleanliness and connectivity; media should spread awareness about responsible tourism and good behaviour towards guests; information centres at airports and stations should help every tourist.
• Conclusion: 'Atithi Devo Bhava' must be practised to keep tourists coming.
Marking points: Format 1 (title, byline), Content 3, Expression 1.
OR
Report writing (120–150 words): Senior residents of your colony have started a Reading Club for children of a nearby slum. As Ramesh/Ranjita, local correspondent of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report on the project. Cues: senior citizens' initiative, 2 hours of voluntary service on Sunday mornings, help with reading school texts, comprehension quizzes, newspaper reading to share information and encourage discussion.
Answer
Title + byline (place, date); content: who started it, when it runs (Sunday mornings, 2 hours), activities (school texts, quizzes, newspaper reading/discussion), response and impact.
Model answer outline (own words):
Title: Seniors Light the Lamp of Reading
By Ranjita, Local Correspondent
Green Park, 12 March: A group of senior residents of our colony has launched a Reading Club for children from the neighbouring slum.
• Every Sunday morning the volunteers give two hours of their time.
• They help children read their school textbooks, hold comprehension quizzes and read newspapers with them, sharing news and encouraging discussion.
• About 30 children attend regularly; parents say reading habits and confidence have improved.
• The organisers appealed to more residents to donate books and join as volunteers.
Marking points: Format 1 (title, byline, place/date), Content 3, Expression 1.
Title: Seniors Light the Lamp of Reading
By Ranjita, Local Correspondent
Green Park, 12 March: A group of senior residents of our colony has launched a Reading Club for children from the neighbouring slum.
• Every Sunday morning the volunteers give two hours of their time.
• They help children read their school textbooks, hold comprehension quizzes and read newspapers with them, sharing news and encouraging discussion.
• About 30 children attend regularly; parents say reading habits and confidence have improved.
• The organisers appealed to more residents to donate books and join as volunteers.
Marking points: Format 1 (title, byline, place/date), Content 3, Expression 1.
5
SECTION C
Literature (40 marks).
7.
Extract from 'A Thing of Beauty' (John Keats): the opening lines, where the poet says a beautiful thing gives lasting joy, never fades away, and keeps for us a quiet shady retreat full of sweet dreams, health and calm breathing.
(i) Which theme does the extract best show? (A) Beauty provides security and peace (B) Beauty lies in owning expensive things (C) Beauty means power and riches (D) Beauty lies in our heritage, palaces and temples
(ii) Complete: A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it is ______.
(iii) A 'quiet bower' is a peaceful, shady spot under trees. It creates a sense of ______.
(iv) True or False: the quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
(v) Lines 3 and 4 end in 'keep' and 'sleep'. Which word rhymes with them? (A) please (B) sweep (C) help (D) self
(vi) The word 'health' suggests beautiful things give a happier, more wholesome life. It creates an image of: (A) rejuvenation (B) attachment (C) long life (D) eternity
(i) Which theme does the extract best show? (A) Beauty provides security and peace (B) Beauty lies in owning expensive things (C) Beauty means power and riches (D) Beauty lies in our heritage, palaces and temples
(ii) Complete: A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it is ______.
(iii) A 'quiet bower' is a peaceful, shady spot under trees. It creates a sense of ______.
(iv) True or False: the quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
(v) Lines 3 and 4 end in 'keep' and 'sleep'. Which word rhymes with them? (A) please (B) sweep (C) help (D) self
(vi) The word 'health' suggests beautiful things give a happier, more wholesome life. It creates an image of: (A) rejuvenation (B) attachment (C) long life (D) eternity
Answer
(i) A (ii) eternal / a joy forever (iii) peace and harmony (iv) True (v) B sweep (vi) A rejuvenation
(i) (A) – the poet stresses that beauty gives us a calm shelter and peace, not wealth or monuments.
(ii) eternal / everlasting – its loveliness keeps increasing and never fades.
(iii) peace and harmony (also accepted: good health, sweet dreams, quiet breathing).
(iv) True – a true thing of beauty keeps its loveliness forever.
(v) (B) sweep – the rhyme sound is '-eep'.
(vi) (A) rejuvenation – beauty refreshes body and mind.
(ii) eternal / everlasting – its loveliness keeps increasing and never fades.
(iii) peace and harmony (also accepted: good health, sweet dreams, quiet breathing).
(iv) True – a true thing of beauty keeps its loveliness forever.
(v) (B) sweep – the rhyme sound is '-eep'.
(vi) (A) rejuvenation – beauty refreshes body and mind.
OR
Extract from 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' (Adrienne Rich): the opening stanza, describing the bright yellow tigers that Aunt Jennifer has embroidered on a screen, moving proudly through a green jungle, unafraid of the men under the tree.
(i) Which of these are symbolised by the tigers? I. masculine world II. feminine world III. world of bold, fearless creatures IV. world of beautiful handicrafts — (A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV (C) III and IV (D) I, III and IV
(ii) True or False: the creator of the tigers was fearless and assertive like the tigers.
(iii) Complete: the word 'topaz' suggests that the image of the tiger on the screen is ______.
(iv) The tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree because they are: (A) tamed (B) in a cage (C) fearless (D) kings of the jungle
(v) Lines 1 and 2 end in 'screen' and 'green'. Which of these rhymes: mean, akin, cream?
(vi) 'Chivalric certainty' is an example of which poetic device? (A) Alliteration (B) Metaphor (C) Simile (D) Repetition
(i) Which of these are symbolised by the tigers? I. masculine world II. feminine world III. world of bold, fearless creatures IV. world of beautiful handicrafts — (A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV (C) III and IV (D) I, III and IV
(ii) True or False: the creator of the tigers was fearless and assertive like the tigers.
(iii) Complete: the word 'topaz' suggests that the image of the tiger on the screen is ______.
(iv) The tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree because they are: (A) tamed (B) in a cage (C) fearless (D) kings of the jungle
(v) Lines 1 and 2 end in 'screen' and 'green'. Which of these rhymes: mean, akin, cream?
(vi) 'Chivalric certainty' is an example of which poetic device? (A) Alliteration (B) Metaphor (C) Simile (D) Repetition
Answer
(i) D (ii) False (iii) bright yellow / lifelike (iv) C fearless (v) mean (vi) A Alliteration
(i) (D) I, III and IV – the tigers stand for a bold, fearless, masculine world, and they are also her handwork.
(ii) False – Aunt Jennifer herself is timid and oppressed; the tigers are what she cannot be.
(iii) bright yellow, glowing (also accepted: real / a perfect creation).
(iv) (C) fearless.
(v) mean – same '-een' sound as screen/green.
(vi) (A) Alliteration – repeated 'c/ch' sound at the start (the marking scheme also accepted Metaphor).
(ii) False – Aunt Jennifer herself is timid and oppressed; the tigers are what she cannot be.
(iii) bright yellow, glowing (also accepted: real / a perfect creation).
(iv) (C) fearless.
(v) mean – same '-een' sound as screen/green.
(vi) (A) Alliteration – repeated 'c/ch' sound at the start (the marking scheme also accepted Metaphor).
6
8.
Extract from 'On the Face of It' (Susan Hill): Derry has climbed into what he thought was an empty garden and is startled to find Mr. Lamb there; he stammers, Mr. Lamb calmly reassures him that the house is 'empty' only while he is outside, and Derry panics and wants to leave.
(i) Derry was stammering because of: (A) a speech defect (B) excitement (C) anger (D) fear
(ii) Complete: Derry insisted on going back because ______.
(iii) Mr. Lamb was trying to tell Derry that: (A) it was a matter of perception (B) Derry could stay with him (C) he spent all his days in the garden (D) he was fond of company
(iv) From the extract one can infer that Mr. Lamb was a/an: (A) compassionate man (B) mysterious character (C) new neighbour (D) unreasonable man
(i) Derry was stammering because of: (A) a speech defect (B) excitement (C) anger (D) fear
(ii) Complete: Derry insisted on going back because ______.
(iii) Mr. Lamb was trying to tell Derry that: (A) it was a matter of perception (B) Derry could stay with him (C) he spent all his days in the garden (D) he was fond of company
(iv) From the extract one can infer that Mr. Lamb was a/an: (A) compassionate man (B) mysterious character (C) new neighbour (D) unreasonable man
Answer
(i) D fear (ii) he panicked on seeing Mr. Lamb / thought the place was empty (iii) A (B also accepted) (iv) A compassionate man
(i) (D) fear – he was caught trespassing by surprise.
(ii) he was shocked and panicked on finding someone there when he believed the house was empty.
(iii) (A) it was a matter of perception – 'empty' depends on how you look at it; (B) was also accepted in the marking scheme.
(iv) (A) compassionate – he puts the frightened boy at ease instead of scolding him.
(ii) he was shocked and panicked on finding someone there when he believed the house was empty.
(iii) (A) it was a matter of perception – 'empty' depends on how you look at it; (B) was also accepted in the marking scheme.
(iv) (A) compassionate – he puts the frightened boy at ease instead of scolding him.
OR
Extract from 'The Third Level' (Jack Finney): Charley describes how, after working late one summer night, he took the subway at Grand Central to get home faster, and calls himself an ordinary 31-year-old man dressed like a dozen others he passed.
(i) List any two details of how Charley was dressed.
(ii) Charley chose the subway because it was: (A) quicker (B) cheaper (C) more fashionable (D) safer
(iii) Complete: landing at the third level was due to Charley's flight of ______.
(iv) Which period does his outfit represent? (A) pre world war era (B) the present times (C) the eighteenth century (D) the future
(i) List any two details of how Charley was dressed.
(ii) Charley chose the subway because it was: (A) quicker (B) cheaper (C) more fashionable (D) safer
(iii) Complete: landing at the third level was due to Charley's flight of ______.
(iv) Which period does his outfit represent? (A) pre world war era (B) the present times (C) the eighteenth century (D) the future
Answer
(i) tan gabardine suit; straw hat with a fancy band (ii) A quicker (iii) imagination / fantasy (iv) B the present times
(i) a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy band.
(ii) (A) quicker – he was in a hurry to get uptown.
(iii) imagination / fantasy (the marking scheme also accepted 'stairs').
(iv) (B) the present times – he was dressed like many other men of his own day.
(ii) (A) quicker – he was in a hurry to get uptown.
(iii) imagination / fantasy (the marking scheme also accepted 'stairs').
(iv) (B) the present times – he was dressed like many other men of his own day.
4
9.
Extract from 'Lost Spring' (Anees Jung): the author describes the Seemapuri ragpickers who have lived there for over thirty years without identity or permits but with ration cards; women explain that food matters more than identity, and that they set up their tents wherever they find food.
(i) The ragpickers have been living there for ______ decades: (A) three (B) four (C) two (D) five
(ii) Why do these people have ration cards?
(iii) What do you infer about their lifestyle from the phrase 'pitch their tents'?
(iv) Complete: in spite of hardships they are unwilling to return home because ______.
(v) The women had a/an ______ approach to life: (A) idealistic (B) passive (C) indifferent (D) practical
(vi) What does going to bed 'without an aching stomach' indicate?
(i) The ragpickers have been living there for ______ decades: (A) three (B) four (C) two (D) five
(ii) Why do these people have ration cards?
(iii) What do you infer about their lifestyle from the phrase 'pitch their tents'?
(iv) Complete: in spite of hardships they are unwilling to return home because ______.
(v) The women had a/an ______ approach to life: (A) idealistic (B) passive (C) indifferent (D) practical
(vi) What does going to bed 'without an aching stomach' indicate?
Answer
(i) A three (ii) to get on voters' lists and buy grain (iii) nomadic, poverty-stricken life (iv) there was no food there; survival matters more than identity (v) D practical (vi) not going to sleep hungry
(i) (A) three – more than thirty years = three decades.
(ii) The cards put their names on voters' lists and let them buy grain.
(iii) They live like nomads/refugees, moving wherever food is available – a poor, unsettled life.
(iv) their fields gave them no grain; food for survival matters more than identity.
(v) (D) practical – they choose food over land and identity.
(vi) Having enough to eat, so that they do not sleep hungry.
(ii) The cards put their names on voters' lists and let them buy grain.
(iii) They live like nomads/refugees, moving wherever food is available – a poor, unsettled life.
(iv) their fields gave them no grain; food for survival matters more than identity.
(v) (D) practical – they choose food over land and identity.
(vi) Having enough to eat, so that they do not sleep hungry.
OR
Extract from 'Indigo' (Louis Fischer): thousands of peasants gather around the Motihari courthouse during Gandhi's trial; the officials need Gandhi's help to control the crowd, which shows that British power can be challenged, and the puzzled government asks for the trial to be postponed.
(i) Complete: the result of the demonstration was that ______.
(ii) The people in the spontaneous demonstration were: (A) Gandhi's lawyers (B) people of Champaran (C) indigo landowners (D) Indian soldiers
(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by: (A) not going to the court (B) remaining quiet when accused (C) helping to manage the crowd (D) leaving Champaran for Delhi
(iv) The authorities wanting to consult their superiors showed the British officials' ______.
(v) 'Baffled' most nearly means: (A) strengthened (B) disgusted (C) frightened (D) confused
(vi) Whose might did this demonstration question?
(i) Complete: the result of the demonstration was that ______.
(ii) The people in the spontaneous demonstration were: (A) Gandhi's lawyers (B) people of Champaran (C) indigo landowners (D) Indian soldiers
(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by: (A) not going to the court (B) remaining quiet when accused (C) helping to manage the crowd (D) leaving Champaran for Delhi
(iv) The authorities wanting to consult their superiors showed the British officials' ______.
(v) 'Baffled' most nearly means: (A) strengthened (B) disgusted (C) frightened (D) confused
(vi) Whose might did this demonstration question?
Answer
(i) the government was baffled / officials felt powerless (ii) B (iii) C (iv) bafflement / helplessness (v) D confused (vi) the British government's
(i) the government was baffled and the officials felt powerless without Gandhi – proof that Indians could challenge British might.
(ii) (B) the people (peasants) of Champaran.
(iii) (C) he helped the officials regulate the crowd.
(iv) confusion/bafflement – they did not know how to deal with the situation on their own.
(v) (D) confused.
(vi) The might of the British rulers/officials, which had been feared and unquestioned till then.
(ii) (B) the people (peasants) of Champaran.
(iii) (C) he helped the officials regulate the crowd.
(iv) confusion/bafflement – they did not know how to deal with the situation on their own.
(v) (D) confused.
(vi) The might of the British rulers/officials, which had been feared and unquestioned till then.
6
10.
Answer any five of the following six questions in 40–50 words each (2 marks each).
(a)
What can you infer about Sophie's relationship with her father from the story 'Going Places'? (40–50 words)
Answer
Distant and strained: Sophie wants his approval, but he is dismissive of her stories and she avoids him.
Value points (any one, well explained):
• Sophie longs for her father's approval and support.
• He is practical and blunt, and treats her imaginative stories with disdain.
• Their relationship is not warm or friendly; she is wary of his temper and tries to avoid facing him.
• He is realistic while she is a dreamer, so they hardly understand each other.
Marks: content 1, grammar/spelling ½, coherence ½.
• Sophie longs for her father's approval and support.
• He is practical and blunt, and treats her imaginative stories with disdain.
• Their relationship is not warm or friendly; she is wary of his temper and tries to avoid facing him.
• He is realistic while she is a dreamer, so they hardly understand each other.
Marks: content 1, grammar/spelling ½, coherence ½.
(b)
We value a thing most when we fear losing it. With two examples from 'The Last Lesson', show how the people suddenly realised how precious their language was. (40–50 words)
Answer
Franz regrets not learning French; the villagers (old Hauser, ex-mayor, postmaster) attend the last lesson, sad and tearful; M. Hamel praises French.
Value points:
• Franz feels sorry for having wasted time; his books now seem like old friends.
• Old Hauser, the former mayor and the former postmaster sit quietly at the back to attend the last lesson; Hauser's voice trembles with emotion.
• M. Hamel speaks of French as the most beautiful language and gives new copybooks that look like little flags.
• Everyone is sad and regretful for not learning French earlier.
The order from Berlin made them realise its value only when it was being taken away.
• Franz feels sorry for having wasted time; his books now seem like old friends.
• Old Hauser, the former mayor and the former postmaster sit quietly at the back to attend the last lesson; Hauser's voice trembles with emotion.
• M. Hamel speaks of French as the most beautiful language and gives new copybooks that look like little flags.
• Everyone is sad and regretful for not learning French earlier.
The order from Berlin made them realise its value only when it was being taken away.
(c)
In 'The Rattrap', what did the peddler say in his defence once it was clear he was not the person the ironmaster had taken him for? (40–50 words)
Answer
He had never pretended to be anyone else; he was only a poor trader, had asked only to stay in the forge, and was ready to put on his rags and leave.
Value points:
• He had not tried to cheat or hide anything.
• He never claimed to be anything but a poor peddler.
• He had begged to be allowed to stay in the forge; it was the ironmaster who insisted on taking him home.
• He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.
• He had not tried to cheat or hide anything.
• He never claimed to be anything but a poor peddler.
• He had begged to be allowed to stay in the forge; it was the ironmaster who insisted on taking him home.
• He was willing to put on his rags again and go away.
(d)
In 'Poets and Pancakes', what does 'The God That Failed' refer to? (40–50 words)
Answer
A book of essays by six famous writers (incl. Stephen Spender) on their disillusionment with communism.
Value points:
• It is a collection of essays by six eminent writers, including Stephen Spender, describing how they turned away from communism – the 'god' that failed them.
• The author found it in a cheap student edition brought out around the 50th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, which made him realise who Spender was.
• It is a collection of essays by six eminent writers, including Stephen Spender, describing how they turned away from communism – the 'god' that failed them.
• The author found it in a cheap student edition brought out around the 50th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, which made him realise who Spender was.
(e)
In 'The Interview', what belief do most journalists and publishers hold, according to Umberto Eco? (40–50 words)
Answer
That people want light, easy reading ('trash') and dislike difficult books.
Value points:
• They believe readers prefer trash and easy reading and avoid demanding books.
• So they were puzzled by the huge success of his serious novel 'The Name of the Rose'. Eco disagrees – he thinks there are many readers who enjoy a challenging read.
• They believe readers prefer trash and easy reading and avoid demanding books.
• So they were puzzled by the huge success of his serious novel 'The Name of the Rose'. Eco disagrees – he thinks there are many readers who enjoy a challenging read.
(f)
The face is said to reflect our emotions. In 'My Mother at Sixty-six', why did the poet keep smiling at her mother at the airport? (40–50 words)
Answer
To hide her fear of losing her ageing mother and to reassure both her mother and herself.
Value points:
• She wanted to hide her anxiety and pain at seeing her mother look old and pale.
• The smile reassured her mother, and herself, that all would be well.
• It was a brave front to conceal her childhood fear of separation/losing her mother.
• She wanted to hide her anxiety and pain at seeing her mother look old and pale.
• The smile reassured her mother, and herself, that all would be well.
• It was a brave front to conceal her childhood fear of separation/losing her mother.
10
11.
Answer any two of the following three questions in 40–50 words each (2 marks each).
(a)
In 'The Tiger King', what confusion does the Dewan have when the Maharaja raises the subject of his marriage? (40–50 words)
Answer
He thinks the king wants to marry him (the Dewan), or perhaps a tigress.
Value points:
• The bewildered Dewan wonders whether the king wants to marry him.
• Or he thinks the obsessed king might want to bring home a tiger as queen.
In fact the king only wanted to marry into a royal family whose state had many tigers.
• The bewildered Dewan wonders whether the king wants to marry him.
• Or he thinks the obsessed king might want to bring home a tiger as queen.
In fact the king only wanted to marry into a royal family whose state had many tigers.
(b)
In 'Journey to the End of the Earth', Tishani Doshi says her time in Antarctica was full of moments of sudden insight. Which experience does she rate as the best, and why? (40–50 words)
Answer
Walking on the frozen ocean after climbing down the gangplank – endless whiteness with 180 m of living salt water below; seeing crabeater seals sunbathing.
Value points:
• The best was when the ship was stuck in ice and the passengers walked down the gangplank onto the frozen sea.
• She stood on endless white ice with about 180 metres of living, breathing ocean beneath her feet.
• Crabeater seals lay stretching and sunning themselves on the ice floes – a powerful sense of nature's balance.
• The best was when the ship was stuck in ice and the passengers walked down the gangplank onto the frozen sea.
• She stood on endless white ice with about 180 metres of living, breathing ocean beneath her feet.
• Crabeater seals lay stretching and sunning themselves on the ice floes – a powerful sense of nature's balance.
(c)
In 'Memories of Childhood', Zitkala-Sa says that eating 'by formula' was not her hardest trial on the first day. What does she mean by eating by formula? (40–50 words)
Answer
Eating to a fixed routine controlled by bells – one to enter, one to pull out chairs and pray, one to sit and eat with knife and fork.
Value points:
• Meals followed a rigid pattern regulated by bells.
• First bell: march into the dining hall; second bell: draw the chair and say grace; third bell: sit down and start eating with fork and knife.
• For a Native American girl used to freedom, this mechanical routine felt strange.
• Meals followed a rigid pattern regulated by bells.
• First bell: march into the dining hall; second bell: draw the chair and say grace; third bell: sit down and start eating with fork and knife.
• For a Native American girl used to freedom, this mechanical routine felt strange.
4
12.
Imagine you are John Keats, poet of 'A Thing of Beauty'. Write a letter (120–150 words) to Robert Frost, poet of 'A Roadside Stand', advising him how to deal with the sadness he describes lurking near the roadside stand's open window. Begin by saying you recently read his poem, and end by saying that though life is full of sorrow, the beautiful things around us give us strength to bear it. Sign off as John Keats.
Answer
Letter linking both poems: life has sorrow (the neglected roadside sellers), but beauty in nature and hope give lasting joy and strength.
Model outline (own words):
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem 'A Roadside Stand' and was moved by the poor country folk waiting in vain for city customers.
• Life is full of sorrow, suffering and gloomy days – I have written about this too.
• Yet life has ups and downs; despair is not the end.
• Nature offers comfort: the sun, trees, flowers, streams and the fresh produce of the countryside are things of beauty.
• Such beauty gives eternal joy and keeps us bound to the earth; being close to nature brings peace.
• So let your readers keep hope and an optimistic view even while they work for change.
(Use the given ending), Warmly, John Keats
Marking: content 3 (any three points, both poems referred to), fluency 1, spelling ½, grammar ½.
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem 'A Roadside Stand' and was moved by the poor country folk waiting in vain for city customers.
• Life is full of sorrow, suffering and gloomy days – I have written about this too.
• Yet life has ups and downs; despair is not the end.
• Nature offers comfort: the sun, trees, flowers, streams and the fresh produce of the countryside are things of beauty.
• Such beauty gives eternal joy and keeps us bound to the earth; being close to nature brings peace.
• So let your readers keep hope and an optimistic view even while they work for change.
(Use the given ending), Warmly, John Keats
Marking: content 3 (any three points, both poems referred to), fluency 1, spelling ½, grammar ½.
OR
Compare the themes of 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' and 'My Mother at Sixty-six', especially how each poem presents struggle and resilience. (120–150 words)
Answer
Aunt Jennifer: struggle against patriarchal marriage, resilience through her art (fearless tigers). Kamala Das: struggle with mother's ageing and fear of loss, resilience in hiding emotions, smiling and promising to return.
Value points (any three, from both poems):
Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
• She is crushed by a dominating husband and a heavy marriage.
• She longs for strength and freedom.
• Her resilience shows in her art – she creates proud, fearless tigers that will outlive her.
My Mother at Sixty-six
• The poet struggles between worldly duties and duty as a daughter, and with the fear of losing her ageing mother.
• She hides her pain behind a smile, reassures her mother and promises to see her soon.
• The mother's ageing body itself shows a lifetime of struggle and endurance.
Conclusion: one poem shows resistance through creativity, the other through emotional courage.
Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
• She is crushed by a dominating husband and a heavy marriage.
• She longs for strength and freedom.
• Her resilience shows in her art – she creates proud, fearless tigers that will outlive her.
My Mother at Sixty-six
• The poet struggles between worldly duties and duty as a daughter, and with the fear of losing her ageing mother.
• She hides her pain behind a smile, reassures her mother and promises to see her soon.
• The mother's ageing body itself shows a lifetime of struggle and endurance.
Conclusion: one poem shows resistance through creativity, the other through emotional courage.
5
13.
In 'The Enemy', Dr. Sadao is torn after deciding to help a wounded enemy soldier. As Dr. Sadao, write a diary entry (120–150 words) describing his inner conflict and the problems he faced.
Answer
Diary format; conflict between duty as a patriot and duty as a doctor; servants leave, letter to police unsent, tells General, waits for assassins, finally helps the soldier escape.
Model outline (own words):
Date, Day, time; Dear Diary,
• I could not leave a bleeding man to die, even an American prisoner of war; my duty as a doctor overcame my duty as a patriotic Japanese.
• My servants were scared, refused to help the 'enemy' and left the house.
• I wrote to the police but never sent the letter.
• I told General Takima everything; he promised his private assassins would quietly remove the man, but I waited three nights in vain.
• Finally I gave the soldier my boat, food and a torch and helped him escape to a nearby island.
• I still wonder why I could not simply hand him over.
Marking: content 3, fluency 1, spelling ½, grammar ½.
Date, Day, time; Dear Diary,
• I could not leave a bleeding man to die, even an American prisoner of war; my duty as a doctor overcame my duty as a patriotic Japanese.
• My servants were scared, refused to help the 'enemy' and left the house.
• I wrote to the police but never sent the letter.
• I told General Takima everything; he promised his private assassins would quietly remove the man, but I waited three nights in vain.
• Finally I gave the soldier my boat, food and a torch and helped him escape to a nearby island.
• I still wonder why I could not simply hand him over.
Marking: content 3, fluency 1, spelling ½, grammar ½.
OR
In 'The Third Level', reality and fantasy are woven together. Justify. (120–150 words)
Answer
Reality: post-WWII stress, Grand Central has only two levels, psychiatrist calls it a waking-dream wish fulfilment, Charley buys old currency, never finds it again; Fantasy: the 1894 third level, gas lights, spittoons, old dresses, 'The World' of 11 June 1894, Sam's letter.
Value points (any three, both sides):
Reality
• Set in mid-20th-century New York, after World War II, a time of fear and stress – Charley wants to escape it.
• Grand Central officially has only two levels.
• His psychiatrist friend Sam calls it a waking-dream wish fulfilment.
• Charley draws money to buy old-style currency, but never finds the third level again.
Fantasy
• His detailed picture of the third level: smaller rooms, fewer ticket windows, old locomotive, open gas-flame lights, brass spittoons, men with gold pocket watches and old-fashioned clothes.
• A copy of 'The World' dated 11 June 1894.
• Sam disappears, and a letter from Sam turns up in grandfather's first-day covers, posted from Galesburg in 1894.
The blending keeps the reader unsure where reality ends.
Reality
• Set in mid-20th-century New York, after World War II, a time of fear and stress – Charley wants to escape it.
• Grand Central officially has only two levels.
• His psychiatrist friend Sam calls it a waking-dream wish fulfilment.
• Charley draws money to buy old-style currency, but never finds the third level again.
Fantasy
• His detailed picture of the third level: smaller rooms, fewer ticket windows, old locomotive, open gas-flame lights, brass spittoons, men with gold pocket watches and old-fashioned clothes.
• A copy of 'The World' dated 11 June 1894.
• Sam disappears, and a letter from Sam turns up in grandfather's first-day covers, posted from Galesburg in 1894.
The blending keeps the reader unsure where reality ends.
5
— END —
Questions restated from the CBSE Class XII Board Examination 2024 (set 1/1/1) for practice. Reading passages and map items are described, not reproduced.