Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 7 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 7 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE section-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills [22 Marks]
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages
Question 1.
Read the following text. (12 Marks)
1. It was the city’s first indoor play park of its kind. Like a good mother, I was sceptical of virtually every aspect of it. How could it succeed? Why should it succeed? How would a set of contraptions in a room hold the attention of today’s children? Don’t call me paranoid: I stood with dozens of mothers in similar states of quandary while the cheerful staff whisked away the curious kids for an hour. “I thought she blew the whistle after 15 minutes,” huffed the pre-teen when she returned.
2. The manager came up to me. “I told you, the child would have a blast,” she laughed. And explained, “There are hardly any parks in our cities.” She meant, hardly anywhere children can be themselves and like a Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’, where they could climb a tree, scrap their knees and tear their dresses. Most of the recreation now is limited to electronic activity and given half a chance, children would jump for something more physically explorative. Even if it is simple stuff like climbing, whizzing down and jumping on a trampoline.
3. Latest research shows that computer games slow down brain development. The ‘in’ thing till yesterday, they are ‘out’ today. Says Nandita Sharma, parent of a well-adjusted teenager, “Any mother can tell that standing at a console juggling a joy-stick isn’t conducive to physical relaxation. I rationed Karan’s hours at the video games and made sure he spent evenings with his friends in the little space outside the house.” Nandita was also afraid that the bright lights of computer games could hurt young eyes. Nor did she like the topic most of the games are based on. “There’s just too much violence and fast activity. I know my kid can’t lag behind in today’s world and computer games certainly sharpen reflexes, but I wish the games would be more interactive and socially inclusive.”
4. Indeed, apart from making a zombie out of the child, research indicates that computer games only stimulate activity in the parts of the brain associated with vision and movement. It can also lead the child to be more violent. The lack of mental calisthenics curbs their agility in controlling their response to an unsavoury situation.
5. Moreover, most electronic games isolate the child from the group fun of playing outdoors. Playing with peers and taking a toss or two appreciably strengthens the child’s tolerance of others. This behaviour is governed by the frontal lobe, which continues to develop in humans till about 20 years. The more this lobe is exercised during moments of restraint, the more the fibres connecting the neurons in this part of the brain thicken, improving the individual’s control of reactions. Playing electronic games, research shows does not encourage the development of this lobe.
6. So now parents know what to do-put away the placebos. After school and home assignment hours, the best thing they could do for their kid is invite his friends home and roll the carpet away!
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) The author was paranoid about the indoor play park because ……………… . (1)
(a) she felt that the children may not like it
(b) it would not engage the children
(c) it could never provide the feeding of playing in a real park
(d) she was worried about her child
Answer:
(c) it could never provide the feeding of playing in a real park
(ii) The writer would not agree with the given statements, based on paragraph 4, EXCEPT. (1)
(a) Computer games make a child more violent.
(b) A child becomes a zombie if he/she plays computer games.
(c) Computer games aid a child’s agility in controlling their response to an unsavoury situation.
(d) Computer games stimulate activity in the brain associated with vision and movement.
Answer:
(c) Computer games aid a child’s agility in controlling their response to an unsavoury situation.
(iii) Comment on the writer’s reference to computer games in paragraph 3, as a health problem for children. Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
As per the writer, computer games slow down brain development. There is a lot of violence in computer games which adversely affects the children. Apart from this, the bright light of these games also hurt the eyes of the young children.
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
Most computer games isolate a child from the group fun of playing outdoor games. As a result, the child becomes …………………. .
Answer:
less tolerant of others
(v) Select the option that conveys the synonym of ‘doubtful’ from words used in paragraph 1. (1)
(a) Quandary
(b) Aspect
(c) Paranoid
(d) Sceptical
Answer:
(d) Sceptical
(vi) List two reasons why parents prefer outdoor physical activity for their children in comparison to video games. Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Parents prefer outdoor physical activity in comparison to video games because
(a) Most of the games are full of violence.
(b) The computer games slow down brain development.
(vii) In the line, “…behaviour is governed by the frontal lobe …….”, describe the role of the frontal lobe as explained in the passage. (1)
Answer:
The frontal lobe helps in strengthening a child’s tolerance and helps in controlling his/her reactions.
(viii) The given passage posits that the ‘indoor play park’ was a hit. Based on your understanding, state the reason for this success. (2)
Answer:
The ‘indoor play park’ was a hit among parents as well as children because it not only kept the children away from computer games but also made sure that children play with their peers in the midst of nature.
(ix) Select the most suitable title for the above passage. (1)
(a) The Indoor Park
(b) The Side Effects of Computer Games
(c) Say No to Overindulgence in Gadgets
(d) The Play Park
Answer:
(a) The Indoor Park
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
A number of citizens suffer from a variety of diseases that can be linked to tobacco addiction. In a recent check-up camp organised by the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), 830 street children were examined and the following grim picture was established
• All the boys, young and old, smoked ganja.
• Girls consumed supari or burnt tobacco powder.
• ‘Solutions’ or ‘white ink’ or ‘erasing fluids’ are also inhaled by these children to get a ‘high’.
• These substances are easily accessible, legal and cost a mere ₹ 2.
But this trend is not only confined to any particular segment of society. According to doctors, consumption of gutkha and smoking is quite rampant amongst children from higher income groups.
According to CPAA officials, consumption of gutkha has gone up considerably in the last few years. Since there is no restriction on the advertisements of this product, even during Ganesh festivals, companies producing gutkha sponsor events and display huge ads.
Over 50% of the people screened so far are addicted to tobacco. The most common form of tobacco use is gutkha and chewing tobacco. Gutkha is being consumed by people of all ages, upto 22 times a day.
4 million people die every year due to tobacco related causes. Unparalleled expansion of tobacco production and its aggressive and unrestricted promotion, especially in our country, confirms the fears that by the year 2030, approximately 10 million people will die every year of tobacco related causes.
Even though governments are now recognising and accepting the fact that tobacco harms their economies and kills their countrymen prematurely, not all governments are able to or want to introduce strong effective legislation and contribute in other ways to tobacco control.
More and more young smokers are being recruited into the ranks of the tobacco habituated by deceptive and manipulative advertising. Though the industry claims that use of tobacco is a decision made by informed individuals, the true picture is that today’s youth is making an uninformed choice when it comes to tobacco consumption.
This is because the promotion of tobacco by the industry hides the truth about the effects of tobacco and goes to great lengths to make tobacco use seem to be the key to a healthy, happy, social life.
Report of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA)
The Association in its survey gave the following information:
– Children between ages of 7 and 8 smoked bidis.
– The youngest smoker was 6 yea’s old.
– 87 children had already acquired pre-cancerous ics’ons.
– Over 50% of people are addicted to tobacco.
– 4 million people die every year due to tobacco related causes.
– By the year 2030, approximately 10 million people will die every year of tobacco related causes.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) Do you think that putting a stop on manipulative advertising regarding tobacco can help in reducing its consumption? Support your answer with reference to text in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Yes, I think that putting a stop on manipulative advertising regarding tobacco can help in reducing tobacco. This is so because it is the manipulative advertising that attracts many people towards it. By putting a stop on it, we can ensure that more people are not afflicted by tobacco addiction.
(ii) Which of the following assumptions does the passage negate? (1)
(a) Consumption of tobacco is considered illegal
(b) Consumption of tobacco is limited to only lower income families
(c) With the ban of tobacco, its consumption has decreased
(d) Tobacco consumption is rampant in only males
Answer:
(b) Consumption of tobacco is limited to only lower income families
(iii) According to the CPAA, what is main cause of increasing consumption of Gutkha? (1)
(a) Lack of restrictions on its consumption
(b) Lack of restriction on its production
(c) Lack of restrictions on its advertisements
(d) Lack of economic stability in the poor groups
Answer:
(c) Lack of restrictions on its advertisements.
(iv) Based on the reading of the text, complete the following statement. (1)
As a part of manipulative advertising, youngsters are made to believe that tobacco is …………………. .
(a) a key to happy and healthy life
(b) a key to a reclusive life
(c) a symbol of higher status
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(a) a key to happy and healthy life
(v) How are people attracted towards tobacco? (1)
Answer:
People are attracted towards tobacco through deceptive advertisements that snow tnat tobacco consumption is good for a healthy life.
(vi) Complete the sentence approximately with one/two words. (1)
The government knows the effects of tobacco consumption but it does not ……………. its consumption.
Answer:
restrict
(vii) State True or False. (1)
The promotion of tobacco by the industry reveals the ill-effects of tobacco consumption.
Answer:
False
(viii) Based on the theoretical reading of the text, state two points to challenge the given statement in about 40 words. (2)
Addiction of tobacco afflicts only the elder (18+) stratum of the society.
Answer:
The given statement is incorrect as the report from CPAA posits that it is chMdren wno are most affected by tobacco addicticn are children between 7 and 8 years who smoke Dials with the youngest being only 6 years old.
Section – B
Creative-Writing Skills [18 Marks]
Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
Question 3.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)
A. You are Asma/Ashish, Head Girl/Boy of Aryabhatta International School. Your school is soon going to publish its annual magazine next month. Draft a notice, for the school notice board, addressing students of Classes IX to XII informing them, to submit their write ups for the magazine.
OR
B. You are the librarian of Crescent International School, Gwalior. The annual examination is going to commence soon. Draft a notice for your school notice board in not more than 50 words asking all the students and teachers to return the library books they have borrowed two days before the commencement of the examination.
Answer:
A.
Aryabhatte international School 31st August. 20XX Call For Submissions All the students are hereby informed that the school is going to publish its annual magazine next month. |
OR
B.
Crescent Internationa! School, Gwalior 20th February, 20XX Return of Library Books This is to remmo everyone to submit the books borrowed from the library latest by 1st March. 20XX. Failure to do so will result in students not being allowed to sit for their annual examination similarly, a fine wili be imposed on the teachers. Your prompt action is appreciated. Neelima Pradhan |
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)
A. You are Ashish/Ritika. You have received a letter from your close friend inviting you to attend the marriage of his sister. However, unfortunately, you cannot attend it due to your previous commitments. Write a reply to the invitation regretting your inability to attend the marriage ceremony.
OR
B. Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Raj Karan of 38, Kamal Kunj, Varanasi, which they may use to invite their friends and relatives on the wedding of their son Nikhil at their residence on 28th December, 20XX.
Answer:
A.
65 Engineer’s Enclave Jaipur-303004 4th May, 20XXDear Hitesh How are you? I hope you are well. I am fine as well. Thanks a lot for your invitation to Srishti’s wedding, I am really happy for her and for your family. However, as l have my college final exams during the same time, I won’t be able to participate in the wedding festivities.I wish all the best to the newlywed couple for their happy married life and thank you once again for your kind invitation.Yours truly Ashish |
OR
B.
Mr. and Mrs. Raj Karan R.S.V.P. With best compliments from |
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Anu/Arun, 13 WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi. You see all around that people buy pets of foreign breed for hefty amount and then also boast that they really care for animals. You strongly feel that people should instead adopt stray animals and then take care of them to be called animal lovers in the true sense. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily giving your views on the issue. You can take help from the following visuals.
OR
B. You are Karan/Kiran. Draft an application for the post of an Accountant in HMT Ltd., Gwalior in response to an advertisement given below. Also, enclose your bio-data.
Answer:
A.
13 WEA, Karol Bagh
Now Delhi-110005
27th July, 20XX
The Editor
The Times Express
New Delhi-110005
Subject : Adopt Stray Anime’s Instead of Buying Pets
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns oi your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw society’s attention, and especially that of aH animal lovers, towards a common scenario regarding pets.
Most of the animal lovers buy pets at a high price and then say that they are true animal lovers. People indulging in such activities should stop and think that if they really love animals, they should instead adopt stray animals and take care of them as pets. In this way, they will be giving a healthy life to an innocent soul. Surely, the stray animal too would bestow unconditional love on the adopter.
NGOs and volunteers too should come forward and encourage people to do this so that the problem of stray dogs gets solved conveniently and efficiently. I hope that the animal lovers as well as the concerned authorities take notice and act accordingly.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Arun
OR
B.
2, Judges Court Road
Bhopal – 462003
12th August, 20XX
The HR Manager
HMT Limited
Gwalior
Subject : Application for the Post of Accountant
Sir/Ma’am
In response to your advertisement in the The Navbharat Samay’ dated 10th August, 20XX, I wish to be considered for the pest of Accountant in your organisation. My qualifications and experience are as required in your advertisement. My special experience in auditing of accounts will be an additional expertise which may be of use to your Accounts Department.
I am enclosing my bio-data in support of my application. I am available for interview at your convenience. I hope to receive a positive response from your side.
Thanking you in advance.
Yours sincerely
(Karan Bhardwaj)
Enclosed : Bio-data
Bio-data
Name : Karan Bhardwaj
Father’s Name : Mr. Nishant Bhardwaj
Address : 2, Judges Court Road, Bhopal – 462003
Contact No : 98930XXXXX
E-mail : [email protected]
Date of Birth : 12th October, 19XX
Educational Qualification
S. NO | Name of Exam | College/Board/University | Year of Passing | Percentage/GPA received |
1. | M. Com | Barkatullah University, Bhopal | 20XX | 65% |
2. | B. Com | Barkatulla University, Bhopal | 20XX | 67% |
3. | Senior Secondary | CBSE | 19XX | 72% |
4. | Secondary | CBSE | 19XX | 75% |
Languages Known : English, Hindi, Urdu
Work Experience : Working as an Accountant with M/s Parvati Foods Ltd, Jabalpur since July, 2009 in the Internal Audit Section of their Accounts Department.
References : 1. Dr. Shravan Kumar (Mobile no. 99876XXXXX)
HOD (Commerce)
Barkatullah University, Bhopal
2. Mr. RN Yadav (Mobile no. 96438XXXXX)
General Manager (Accounts)
Parvati Foods Ltd, Jabalpur
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Swati/Sandeep, a member of the Environmental Club of your School. After visiting many places in and around the city, you noticed activities being carried out that harm the environment. Post this visit, you have realised that it is the need of the hour to protect the environment.
As a columnist for your school magazine, write an article using the following clues.
• Maintain ecological balance
• Reduce deforestation
• Plant trees
• Stop dumping industrial waste in rivers
• Reduce pollution
OR
B. You notice that a lot of youngsters today are connecting to social networking sites for one reason or the other. At times, it brings more evils than good to the young students. Write a report for your school magazine on ‘Bad effects of Social Networking Sites’. You are Reema/Rakshit of Class XII-C. You can take help from the following clues.
• Mania of sitesn
• Keeps one distracted
• Information that is fake or distortedn
• Necessity of counselling
Answer:
A. Environmental Degradation
by Sandeep, Class XII-A
The present world is not unaware of the degradation of the environment since its effects can be see far and wide in the form of disasters, diseases and what not. Yet, the degradation of the environment continues unabated. We have accepted rapid deforestation in the name of progress and urbanisation. Many forest belts have been cleaned to establish industrial units. The greed and increasing needs of man is slowly swallowing the remaining green belts.
The price of the ‘so called’ progress has been rather heavy. Deforestation on a large scale has led to disastrous results. Famines, floods and land erosion have destroyed environmental balance. Our rivers and lakes have become dumping grounds for industrial waste, garbage and dirt. Our cities are becoming more polluted every year. Delhi, the capital of India, has earned the notoriety (ill fame) of being the fourth most polluted city in the world. The emission of smoke from factories has converted our cities into big gas chambers.
The need of the hour is to protect and preserve the environment and maintain the ecological balance. This environmental degradation can be stopped only by creating awareness among people. We need to plant more and more trees as they bring rain and keep the upper soil intact. Further, we need a system which effectively disposes of waste and does not cause pollution. Only a concerted effort by all can help in making this vast country a pleasant and clean place to live in.
OR
B. Bad Effects of Social Networking Sites
byReema, Class XII-C
Today, people are not known as being social by the number of people they meet but by knowing how active they are on various social networking sites. There is a mania for these social networking sites amongst people especially teenagers who get addicted to them without understanding their pros and cons. These sites keep students distracted for hours together. As a result, students not only get academically weak but also suffer from various physical and psychological after effects. While it is accepted that some of these sites are good and knowledgeable, others give information in a disorted form. No doubt, social media gives the youngsters a voice; however, at the same time, it results in increasing hostility among them. Verbal attacks and argument do not limit to these sites but also spill into real life. As a result, it sends a negative message to society and adversely moulds the psychology of innocent youngsters.
Parents should take a strong step in this regard by talking to their children openly and discussing the adverse effects of using these sites for long hours. Schools should also counsel their students on this issue by arranging special sessions with counsellors; instead of ignoring the issue, it should be dealt with by all concerned in a positive manner.
Section – C
Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text [40 Marks]
Question 7.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)
A.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing. (Keeping Quiet)
(i) What does the phrase “victory with no survivors” mean? (1)
(a) The bloodshed caused by the result of wars.
(b) Nobody would be able to celebrate the victory of wars.
(c) Degradation of human life.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False, with reference to the extract. (1)
Pablo Neruda mentions that fisherman fish for whales resulting in violence against the environment.
Answer:
True
(iii) Which of the following, poetic devices has been used in ‘clean clothes’? (1)
(a) Metaphor
(b) Alliteration
(c) Oxymoron
(d) Assonance
Answer:
(b) Alliteration
(iv) Fill the blank with an appropriate word(s), with reference to the extract. (1)
The world presented in the given lines can be said to be ………………… .
Answer:
Ideal and peaceful
(v) What do ‘green wars’ refer to? (1)
Answer:
Green wars refer to wars between nations causing damage to the natural landscape.
(vi) Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following.
The poet does not promote inactivity or death but wants fraternity. (1)
Answer:
The phrase “Walk about with their bodies/ in the shade, doing nothing” suggests the given statement.
OR
B.
“The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint
So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid:
Here far from the city we make our roadside stand
And ask for some city money to feel in hand
To try if it will not make our being expand,
And give us the life of the moving-pictures’ promise
That the party in power is said to be keeping from us.” (The Roadside Stand)
(i) In the extract, what does ‘hurt to the scenery’ imply? (1)
(a) The mismatching paint of the roadside stand
(b) Harm caused to the natural scenery
(c) The painting of the mountains
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(b) Harm caused to the natural scenery
(ii) What was the promise made by the government? (1)
Answer:
The government promised to give a comfortable life to the poor.
(iii) Answer in ONE word. (1)
The poet seems to be ………………. towards the rural people.
Answer:
sympathetic
(iv) State whether the given statement is True or False. (1)
The moving pictures promises refer to the scenes of upliftment and financial betterment.
Answer:
True
(v) Who made the roadside stand and where? (1)
Answer:
The poor people made the roadside stand, away from the city.
(vi) Which of the following is an apt title for the extract? (1)
(a) Manipulation
(b) The Broken Promise
(c) Sympathy
(d) The Agony of the Rural
Answer:
(b) The Broken Promise
Question 8.
Read the given extracts and anser the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (4)
A. From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram. The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated.
The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition.
Not that he faced no dangers. There were times when the bullet missed its mark, the tiger leapt upon him and he fought the beast with his bare hands. Each time it was the Maharaja who won. (The Tiger King)
(i) The tone of the author when he says ‘it was celebration time for all tigers’ is ……………….. . (1)
Answer:
sarcastic
(ii) Select the option that enumerates the characteristics of the king. (1)
(a) Gullible and scrupulous
(b) Wilful and arrogant
(c) Aggressive and apathetic
(d) All of these
Answer:
(b) Wilful and arrogant
(iii) Why did the Maharaja want to kill tigers specifically? (1)
Answer:
The Maharaja wanted to kill tigers specifically because of the prediction that he would be killed by the hundredth tiger.
(iv) What does the proclamation show us about the authority possessed by the Maharaja? (1)
Answer:
The proclamation shows us that the Maharaja posses’sed immense power and authority over the masses. No one disobeyed him due to the fear of his anger.
OR
B. I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since they day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a phrase wooden puppet. (The Cutting of My Long Hair-Memories of Childhood)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The speaker/author was averse to the idea of cutting hair because ……………… .
Answer:
in her community, shingled hair signified cowardice
(ii) What were the extreme indignities faced by the speaker? (1)
Answer:
The extreme indignities faced by the speaker were the tight fitting clothes and shingling of her hair.
(iii) Which of the following will not be an act of ‘humiliation’ for the author? (1)
(a) Wearing short clothes
(b) Eating with friends and family
(c) Not following an eating order
(d) Being unable to struggle against the oppressor
Answer:
(b) Eating with friends and family.
(iv) Give an apt title for the above extract. (1)
Answer:
The Day I Lost my Spirit’ is an apt title for the given extract.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)
A. The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzaffarpur and to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot and by conveyance to see their champion. Muzaffarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him; they frequently represented peasant groups in court, they told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee. (Indigo)
(i) What was the nature of Gandhi’s mission as mentioned in the passage? (1)
Answer:
The nature of Gandhi’s mission as mentioned in the passage was to help the poor peasants.
(ii) What does ‘their cases’ refer to in the extract? (1)
Answer:
In the given extract, ‘their cases’ refers to the case that the lawyers are fighting for the share-croppers against the tyrannical British landlords.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank.
The cases referred to in the extract were the cases fought against …………….. . (1)
(a) East India Company
(b) the British Landlords
(c) the Lawyers
(d) the Indian Zamindars
Answer:
(b) The British Landlords
(iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the lawyers. (1)
(a) The lawyers wanted to help the poor.
(b) The lawyers stood with Gandhiji in his mission.
(c) The lawyers were apathetic to the condition of the poor.
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
(v) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the lawyers did not care for the condition of the poor. (1)
Answer:
‘Reported the size of their fee’ indicates that they had asked for a huge amount without thinking about the condition of the poor.
(vi) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation. (1)
The fact that the sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot shows that …………….. .
Answer:
they were becoming aware of the rights and powers they possessed
OR
B. The stranger must have seemed incredulous, for the old man got up and went to the window, took down a leather pouch which hung on a nail in the very window frame and picked out three wrinkled ten-kronor bills. These he held up before the eyes of his guest, nodding knowingly and then stuffed them back into the pouch. (The Rattrap)
(i) Why did the old man show him his ten-kronor bills? (1)
(a) To give to the stranger
(b) To make him believe in his statement
(c) To let him know where he has kept it
(d) To make the stranger jealous
Answer:
(b) To make him believe in his statement
(ii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference. (1)
The stranger must have seemed incredulous for the old man.
Answer:
The stranger must have not believed the old man.
(iii) Which of the following is an antonym of the word ‘knowingly’ in the above extract?
(a) Apparently
(b) Unknowingly
(c) Purposefully
(d) Deliberately
Answer:
(b) Unknowingly
(iv) Rationalise, to support the given opinion.
The old man trusted the stranger enough to share his secrets.
Answer:
The given statement is correct as it presents that the old man was gullible and trusted the stranger enough to share his secrets- even where he kept his money.
(v) How did the stranger behave with the old man?
Answer:
The stranger broke the old man’s trust and faith as he stole the money the old man had shewed him.
(vi) The old man got the money ……………… .
Answer:
by selling the milk given by his cows
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) What did garbage mean to the children of Seemapuri and to their parents? (Lost Spring) (2)
Answer:
Garbage mean ‘gold’ to the poor ragpickers because some of it could be sold for cash, thus. becoming a means of wonder for the children of Seemapuri and a means of surv for their parents. It provided them their daily bread and a roof over their heads.
(ii) Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, Keeping Quiet is essential to allaining a better, more peaceful world. (Keeping Quiet) (2)
Answer:
In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, the poet Pablo Neruda suggests counting up to twelve and keeping still as a way to attain a better, more peaceful world. The suspension of our activities for some time will give people time to introspect and analyse their actions. This will help us in solving our conflicts and promoting brotherhood among men by changing our destructive ways.
(iii) A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him? (2)
Answer:
It is true that a mistaken identity led to the discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. The mistaken identity of a captain and the resultant goodness received by the peddler gave him the power to clear his conscience. It brought out the latent goodness hidden in him and made him change his ways.
(iv) What do you think is the significance of the parting words of the poet and her smile? (My Mother at Sixty-Six) (2)
Answer:
The parting words of the poet and her smile at the airport are crucial to understanding the poets emotions. The parting words of the poet are used by her to reassure herself as well as her mother that they would meet again. The poet uses her smile to hide her true feelings of fear of losing her mother to old age and death.
(v) Aunt Jennifer’s efforts to get rid of her fear proved to be futile. Comment. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers) (2)
Answer:
It is true that Aunt Jennifer’s attempt to fight male domination and acquire freedom proved to be futile. All her life, Aunt Jennifer had been suppressed in her marriage. She is trapped under the burden of responsibilities of marital life. Even after death, she would be a wife or a mother by the system. She will never be able to get the freedom or the bravery that she desires.
(vi) Jansie discouraged Sophie from entertaining thoughts about the sports-star, Danny Casey. Why? (Going Places) (2)
Answer:
Unlike Sophie, Jansie was a realist and not a daydreamer. Hence, she discouraged Sophie from entertaining thoughts about Danny Casey or about leading an affluent life because she knew that her dreams were far from reality and would never be fulfilled.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 2 = 4)
(i) It’s all relative ‘Beauty and the Beast’. What does Mr. Lamb mean by this statement? (On the Face of It) (2)
Answer:
By this statement, Mr. Lamb means to say that different people have different view-points of looking at the same thing. Some find one thing beautiful, others find it ugly. It all depends on one’s outlook and attitude. It is therefore, it is important to adopt a positive attitude towards everything in He just like the princess. A Beauty who loved the monstrous Beast in the fairy tale.
(ii) What made Louisa, Charley’s wife, believe that the third level was a reality? (The Third Level) (2)
Answer:
Louisa, like Charley’s friends, believed whatever explanations the psychiatrist friend had given. But later, when she received a mail from Sam htmself from the old Galesburg, Louisa believed that Charley was true to his claims and even began to search for the third level with him.
(iii) Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement. (Journey to the End of the World) (2)
Answer:
Antartica is unlike any other place on Earth. There has never been a human existence on Antarctica. There is 24 hours austral light on the planet. The visual scale ranges from microscopic to the mighty a different phenomenon. There are no trees, no billboards, no buildings. Only vast stretches of ice can be seen around.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. The peddler’s story speaks on a general level to society, urging for a different outlook towards those maligned individuals who can be redeemed by compassion and understanding.
Write a diary entry mentioning how do you think society can help individuals, specially juvenile delinquents, from falling prey to petty crimes and bad habits. Remember to refer to the story The Rattrap.
You may begin like this:
In the fast paced world of today, we have left behind innumerable people who because of the life of deprivation have started indulging in petty and criminal activities. The only solution that we find for them is law enforcement. But is it really the case.
OR
B. Feminism refers to a collection of movements and ideologies that advocate women’s rights and seeks to establish equal opportunities for women in all spheres. With reference to Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, highlight the poet’s views on feminism
Answer:
A. In the fast paced world of today, we have left behind innumerable people who because of the life of deprivation have started indulging in petty and criminal activities. The only solution that we find for them is law enforcement. But is it really the case? We often forget that we can easily transform these people with a little empathy, compassion and understanding.
Recently, I read the lesson The Rattrap’ in class wherein we saw a similar petty rattrap seller. The peddler in tne story, The Rattrap’, used to earn his living by selling small rattraps. Since his business was not profitable, he resorted to petty thefts. Nobody treated him with kindness or respect. But when he was showered affection and respect by Edla, he was highly touched and left the stolen money at her home This shows that goodness is latent in the human heart which can be brought out by love, care and understanding.
The peddler’s instance, thus, urges society to change its outlook towards those maligned individuals who can be redeemed by compassion and understanding. Society can help such individuals by being sympathetic and compassionate. It should treat these individuals, particularly juvenile delinquents. with love and kmdness and help them from falling prey to petty crimes and bad habits. Society should thus develop an empathetic attitude towards them and try to understand human nature.
OR
B. All of us live in a patriarchal society wherein a male is considered superior to female. Women have had to suppress their deskes and emotions for a long time. The poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ is the presentation of all such females. In the poem, the poet expresses the inner feelings of Aunt Jennifer. She is embroidering a motif comprising of energetic, fearless tigers moving freely around the bright greenery.
However, her life is the exact opposite of the tigers. She is living a life of submissiveness to her husband’s command. Her acts are dominated by him and she fears him constantly. The wedding ring on her hand is a constant reminder that she belongs to her husband. This torments her and it will not end until her death.
Even after her death, the ring will remain on her hand and she will never be free. Thus, Adrienne Rich 1 is expressing her solidarity with the movement while presenting the pitiable conditions of women through this poem.
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are at an event which tests your knowledge of literature. In the event, you have chosen the short story The Enemy as your discussion topic and this following question was put forward in it.
“Do you think Dr Sadao’s final decision was the best possible one in the circumstances? Why/Why not? Explain with reference to the story, The Enemy.” How will you answer this question?
B. In the same contest, You friend chose The Tiger King as his discussion topic and the following question was asked-
In The Tiger King, the author indirectly comments on subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness of human beings. Comment.
You found your friend’s answer for the same to be unsatisfactory. Write up an answer for how would you have answered the question.
Answer:
A. Yes, I think Dr. Sadao’s final decision to save the prisoner’s life was the best possible decision in the circumstances. When Dr. Sadao came across the prisoner of war. the first thing he did was to save his life. As a doctor, he fulfilled the moral and ethical obligation of saving a human life. Next, he proved himself ioyai to his country by informing the General about the enemy soldier. When the General assured Sadao of sending private assassins to eliminate the American, Dr. Sadao felt ‘ restless and guilty of betraying the same person whose iife he had saved. After spending three sleepless nights waiting for the assassins who never came, he finally worked out a plan to let Tom, the American prisoner of war, escape.
By letting him escape, Dr. Sadao proves that even if two countries are at war, the religion of humanity does not change. Its basic principle is saving a human life which Sadao does with success. In a way, Dr, Sadao echoes the author’s views against war and the hatred that it generates among men. Through Dr. Sa’dao, the author conveys the message of universal brotherhood, peace and amity.
OR
B. The author wants to tell his readers that killing innocent animais for fulfilling one’s whims and fancies is morally wrong. The Tiger King goes on a hunting spree and interferes with the course of nature by indulging in the heinous slaughter of tigers.
It is ironic that fate has other plans for a conceited man like him. The Tiger King does not honour other beings’ right to live. Fate pays him in the same coin by awarding him death through a wooden toy tiger. The author wants to drive home the point that all of us are subject to death.
Death is common to all and all beings have the right to life; we are nobody to take away other’s lives. The Tiger King breaks the divine law and so is severely punished by the divine power for his misdeeds.