Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 12 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 12 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
Section – A
Reading Skills [22 Marks]
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages
Question 1.
Read the following text. (12 Marks)
1. Globalisation, since World War II, is largely the result of planning by statesmen to break down borders hampering trade to increase prosperity and interdependence, thereby decreasing the chance of future war. Their work led to the Bretton Woods Conference, an agreement by the world’s leading statesmen to lay down the framework for international commerce and finance and the founding of several international institutions intended to oversee the process of globalisation. These institutions include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
2. Globalisation, the integration of the world economy, has been a persistent theme of the past thirty years. Growth of cross border economic activity has changed the structure of economics and the political and social organisation of countries. Not all effects of globalisation can be measured directly. But the scope and pace of change can be monitored along four key dimensions – trade in goods and services, financial blows, movement of people and communication.
3. In the last two decades of the 20th century, developing countries have adopted globalisation and liberalisation as the medium to strengthen their poor economic condition and to increase foreign investment. This worldwide change brought social and cultural calamity in India. The worst effect was on Indian culture, the transition being from traditional to modern, national to global, old to new. Another unfortunate effect is the alienation of the younger generation as expressed in their rejection of culture and tradition and loss of faith in the social, political and cultural tradition.
4. Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel Laureate for Economics in 2001, says in his book Globalisation and Its Discontents, “Western countries acting through the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation have failed. They have mismanaged the process of privatisation, liberalisation and stabilisation.” He further says, “Globalisation today is not working, it is not working for many of the world’s poor. It is not working for much of the environment. It is not working for the stability of the global economy.”
5. The most drastic impact of globalisation has been the drifting away of modern youth from familial ties. They wish for independence, privacy and space. As a result, the traditional joint family system has given way to a nuclear family system.
6. Globalisation, which has become a worldwide phenomenon, has brought different cultures closer to each other. The foreign channels propagate violence, vulgarity and promiscuity in the name of entertainment for gaining wide viewership. The Indian media blindly and blatantly copies their eroticism better than them. As a result, the national channels defining Indian culture and broadcasting education-oriented programmes have been sidelined.
7. Another impact of globalisation is associated with the problem of unemployment as well. It has brought machines, new factories and new approaches into the Indian market. Everything is computerised. The most vulnerable section of society, that is women, are being exploited continuously. It is a sterile world, where parents consider the girl child a burden.
8. Over the past five decades, the world has seen several models and paradigms which have failed to provide concrete results. What we really need is a globalised economy, but one which is placed in a human context. The policies should be introduced in such a way that they boost the economy and do not affect the very essence of Indian culture. The developing countries need to improve healthcare, literacy rate, education and most importantly, restore the cultural heritage, because it is culture which identifies a country. If we want to reap the merits of globalisation, it should be implemented in this manner. The Western culture should not be viewed as an alternative to our own culture, but only as a supplement.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) The developing country have adopted globalisation recently. Why has this happened? (1)
This has happened because …………….. .
(a) it is a newly defined term
(b) it is recommended by the US President
(c) they wanted to strengthen their poor economy
(d) they wanted to support their neighbours
Answer:
(c) they wanted to strengthen their poor economy
(ii) List one way in which globalisation has impacted family structure. Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
One way in Which globalisation has impacted family structure is that due to it, joint family system has given way to nuclear families.
(iii) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘weaken’ from words used in Paragraph 3. (1)
(a) adopted
(b) increase
(c) calamity
(d) strengthen
Answer:
(d) strenglnen
(iv) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on EXCEPT (1)
(a) The Western culture should be regarded as an alternative to Indian culture.
(b) The girl child is not considered a burden anymore.
(c) The modern youth wish for interdependence.
(d) Globalisation has brought different cultures together.
Answer:
(d) Globalisation has brought different cultures together.
(v) Which two institutions oversee the process of globalisation? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development oversee the process of globalisation.
(vi) How has globalisation affected familial ties? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Globalisation has affected familial ties in the following ways
- Individuals wish for independence and privacy.
- Individuals have no time for traditional family.
- Individuals want to get free from the oppression.
(vii) Complete the given sentence. (1)
The concept of globalisation means …………….. .
Answer:
a movement towards oneness by all countries
(viii) Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the writer with reference to the process of globalisation. (1)
1. Happy
2. Satisfied
3. Disillusioned
4. Regretful
5. Enlightened
6. Frustrated
Codes
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 5
(c) 4 and 6
(d) 1 and 4
Answer:
(b) 3 and 5
(ix) The word …………….. from Paragraph 7 is an antonym of ‘resilient’. (1)
Answer:
‘vulnerable’
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
1. India is one of the few former colonies of the world that has progressed so far as to become the second-fastest growing economy in the world, along with being projected as a future superpower. Socially, however, India’s progress has not been as steep and stark. Its society continues to remain in the tight grip of patriarchy and caste – two dominant features that continue to determine how far one can go socially, economically and politically. However, unlike patriarchy that is finally being challenged, caste still remains that dirty laundry in modern India which no one likes to acknowledge publicly.
2. Through a Video Volunteers Survey conducted by its Community Correspondents with 490 people from the SC/ST community in nine states, it was recorded that 64% of the respondents have experienced discrimination or atrocities in some form.
3. The survey confirms that there is no space for us to assume that untouchability and other discriminatory practices ended when the Constitution abolished it as a practice in 1950 through Article 17. In order to actualise the intention of the law, it is necessary for law enforcement and social sensitisation to work concurrently.
4. The survey was rolled out to relay to a wider audience that caste-hierarchy and discrimination continue to fuel inequality in Indian society. When the SC/ST Act was enacted and amended, it was done in order to slowly eliminate the roadblocks placed in front of the SC/ST communities to support them in leading an equal and dignified life as citizens of India. However, the survey provides a compact glimpse into the ground realities.
5. The survey in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh reveals that 45% people from the SC/ST communities have experienced untouchability – the crassest form of discrimination. The survey also reveals that 15% faced verbal abuse, 12% had experienced physical violence, 10% were denied access to public places, 7% were denied an economic opportunity and 1% had been raped or had experienced other forms of sexual assault.
6. The survey on caste-based discrimination and atrocities also reveals that only 21% of those who had faced some form of discrimination filed a report with the police. This doesn’t come as a shocking revelation because raising one’s voice corresponds to vulnerability to social boycott, physical violence or losing one’s source of income. The top-tier position in most organisations are held by ‘upper-caste’ men, which can place people from ‘lower-castes’ and women in a disempowered position.
7. Of the small number of people who did report going to the police, 63% said that the response of the police was not helpful. Just as both the formal and informal sector is dominated by ‘upper-caste’men who mostly lack sensitisation, one of the building blocks of a democracy, the police too is dominated by ‘upper-caste’ men and they may refuse to support a person from the SC or ST communities.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) State True or False. (1)
High caste males working at the top positions ot an organisation empower the women working in their organisation.
Answer:
False
(ii) Which two factors determine the social, economic and political growth of a country? Answer in about 40 words. (1)
Answer:
Patriarchy and caste determine the social, economic and political growth of a country.
(iii) Which of the following is highlighted in the given passage? (1)
(a) Problems related to caste in India
(b) How the country’s growth is hindered
(c) Apathy of modern India towards discrimination
(d) Corruption of the law-enforces
Answer:
(a) Problems related to caste in India
(iv) Why do people who have faced discrimination refuse to raise their voices? (2)
Answer:
People who have faced discrimination refuse to raise their voices because of the fear of social boycott, physical violence or losing one’s income.
(v) Which article abolished discrimination on the basis of caste? (1)
(a) Article 13
(b) Article 17
(c) Article 15
(d) Article 19
Answer:
(c) Article 15
(vi) Complete the sentence based on the following statement. (1)
India is being projected as a future superpower.
This is because …………….. .
Answer:
it has become the second-fastest growing economy in the world
(vii) What needs to be done to make the laws against discrimination efficient? (1)
(a) People from discriminated communities must have reservations in all fields.
(b) Stricter law enforcement needs to be implemented.
(c) The law enforcement and social sensitisation needs to work concurrently.
(d) Social change must be initiated through awareness.
Answer:
(b) Stricter law enforcement needs to be implemented.
(viii) Why is the law enforcement or any other top authority not responsible towards discrimination? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The law enforcement or any other top authority is not responsible towards discrimination because they belong to upper caste who refuse to support any other castes.
Section – B
Creative Writing Skills [18 Marks]
Note: 11 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 Deepak/Dorothy, the Secretary of the Dance and Drama Society of the Sanskirit School, Patna. A Talent Competition is going to be organised by the society in your school. Write a notice for your school notice board inviting the students to give their names for it.
OR
B. You are Tanisha, the School Captain of Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Delhi. You wish to call a meeting of the students to discuss the measures to be taken to check the bursting of crackers in the school premises during Diwali time. Draft a notice, to be displayed on your school notice board, regarding the meeting giving all the necessary details.
Answer:
A.
Sanskriti School, Patna 9th August, 20XX Talent Hunt Competition All the students are hereby informed that the Dance and Drama Society of the school is organising a Talent Hunt Competition to celebrate the festival of Christmas. All interested students must submit their names to their respective class teachers. For further details, please contact the undersigned. |
OR
B.
Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Delhi 15th October, 20XX Strict No to Crackers All the members of the student council are requested to attend the meeting to discuss the measures to be taken to check the bursting of crackers in the school premises during the festival of Diwali. The details of the meeting are as follows |
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)
A. You have been invited by Mrs. and Mr. Chawla to attend the birthday of their son. However, you cannot go due to prior engagements. Write a formal reply for the same.
OR
B. You are Anuj /Anuja Goel of 23, Yojna Vihar, Delhi. Write an invitation to invite all your friends for the surprise party you are giving to bid a farewell to your best friend.
Answer:
A.
2/23, Pandey House Rohini, Delhi 12th May, 20XX Mrs. and Mr. Manoj Pandey thank Mrs. and Mr. Chawla for inviting them on the occasion of the 5th birthday of their son, Rahul on Monday, 28th May, 20XX at Imly. However, they regret that they will not be able to attend the function due to a prior engagement. Best wishes Pandeys |
OR
B.
23, Yojna Vihar Delhi 10th January, 20XX My dear friends I have much pleasure in inviting you to the surprise farewell party for my best friend, Bindu. She is leaving for the Netherlands to pursue further studies. Reach Cafe Hashtag at 7:30 p.m. on 16th January, 20XX to join all our friends and have fun. Yours truly Anuja |
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Aman/Aditi studying in Bharat School, Delhi. In the situation of the pandemic, you have noticed that many people, presumably educated, are roaming in the streets without masks and are not taking proper measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Write a letter to the Editor of The Indian Chronicler drawing the attention of the government to this problem. You can use the following clues.
Clues
• Freedom after lockdown • People becoming careless • The purpose of mask reduced • No social distancing • Need for Stricter laws and punishments |
OR
B. You are Ramesh/Ritika. You have seen the following advertisement in a leading daily newspaper. Write an application for the job and attach your bio data with it.
Western Railway, Ajmer Applications are invited for the post of LDC Pay : As per the grade Age : Not exceeding 35 years Qualifications : (i) BA in English, (ii) About 2 years of experience Send to the Director, Western Railway, Ajmer |
Answer:
A.
42, Sector A, Pocket B
Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi
28th July; 20XX
The Editor
The Indian Chronicler
New Delhi
Subject : Carelessness of People in the Situation of a Deadly Pandemic
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the common masses towards the situation of a deadly pandemic like the Covid-19.
After 3 months of lockdown, dud to the contagious disease called Covid-19, the country started to run again with the hope that the threat of the pandemic will reduce. However, the situation seems to be going out of control. As things went back to normal, people became careless. They either don’t wear the mask or wear it in a manner that does not serve its purpose. It does not cover their mouths or nose. Even when the government has been constantly telling people to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, people are coming out of their houses without any reason. Consequently, we see the number of cases rising.
Hence, it is essential that stricter measures are imposed and stringent punishments are meted out to the offenders; otherwise, the situation will only worsen.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Adit/Aman
OR
B.
XYZ, Apartments
Ajmer
16th March, 20XX
The Director
Western Railway
Ajmer
Subject : Application for the Post of LDC
Sir/Ma’am
In response to your advertisement in The Hindustan Times’ dated 24th February, 20XX for the post of LDC, I hereby offer my candidature.
I possess requisite qualifications and experience required for the post. In addition to a postgraduate degree in English from the Delhi University, I have 7 years of experience working with a reputed company in Jaipur. I am physically fit and mentally energetic to do the job.
I am enclosing my detailed resume for your perusal. You may call me for an interview on any date as per your convenience. I shall be able to join my duties in one month if appointed.
Thank You
Yours faithfully
Ramesh/Ritika
Encl: Detailed Resume
Resume
Name : Ramesh/Ritika
Father’s Name : Mr, MN Chowdhary
Date of Birth : 13th May, 1985
Address : XYZ Road, Jaipur
E-mail : [email protected]
Nationality : indian
Educational Qualification
Name of the Exam | Name of the Institute | Year | Percentage/GPA |
MA English | Delhi University | 2008 | 77% |
BA English | Delhi University | 2006 | 65% |
Hobbies : Music, Net Surfing, Photography, Reading and Writing
Languages Known : Hindi, English and Spanish
Experience • Working at Mohan Lai Chandra and Sons Corporation
References • Dr. Priya Aggarwal, Professor at Delhi University • Mr. Ashok Kumar, Mohan Lai and Sons Corporation
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Shweta, Head of the History Club of ASN Public School, Janakpuri, Delhi. Your school organised Heritage Awareness Program in your school to create awareness regarding our monuments. Write a report on this program in about 120 – 150 words using the following clues.
Clues
• Organised in school auditorium • Decoration with posters • Around 2000 participants • Skit on importance of heritage and monuments • Documentary by History Club |
OR
B. ‘Make in India’ is an initiative by Government of India. It intends to create employment for the youth of India and help bring best practices to Indian business. Write an article for a business magazine on its impact to create employment for the youth of India. You can use the following clues.
• To give more incentive to business • To lure businessmen • Create employment opportunities. • Attract capital and technological investment • Results already visible • Suggestions for improvement |
Answer:
A. Heritage Awareness Programme
by Shweta
Heritage Awareness Programme was organised by the History Club of ASN Public School, Janakpuri,
Delhi on 9th August, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. The school was well decorated with posters of various historically important monuments. Mr. Deep Dayal, Dean of the History Department of JNU was the Chief Guest. Around 2000 students and parents attended the program.
The programme began by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest. Following that, a
skit was presented by the students of Class XI showing the importance of our heritage and :
monuments. The history club presented an engrossing documentary giving a brief detail of 100
monuments from different parts of India.
In the end, the Chief Guest gave a very motivating speech about the role of youth in preserving our National Heritage. The Principal presented Vote of Thanks after which light refreshment was served.
OR
B. Make in India
by-Neha
‘Make in India’ is an initiative by the Government of India taken to give more incentive to business (both in India and abroad) to manufacture goods in Indian shores. To lure businesses to set shop in India, the Government of India plans to cut excessive formality and routine which involve while setting a business in India.
‘Make in India’ intends to create employment for the youth of India and help bring the best practices
to Indian business. The initiative hopes to attract capital and technological investment in India.
Already, we have observed that India’s rank in ease-in-doing business has improved. Further, manufacturing sector has seen a rise with key sectors such as defence seeing huge participation from foreign investors.
The success of ‘Make in India’ lies in making the small and medium enterprises foster. Thus, ’Make in India should not only focus on big business but also the neglected small and medium enterprises so that rural India can reap the benefit just as much as the developed parts of India. Further, domestic businesses must be protected from big multinational chain, so that an equitable growth is ensured at all fronts.
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)
It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness. (Keeping Quiet)
(i) Choose the option that uses the same poetic device as used in the last line of the extract. (1)
(a) I’m as happy as I can be
(b) Life is a roller coaster ride
(c) Nature is God’s gift to us
(d) The dazzling divas encounted us all
Answer:
(d) The dazzling divas encounted us all
(ii) What does the use of the word ‘sudden’ indicates …………….. . ? (1)
(a) confusion
(b) unexpectedness
(c) anguish
(d) desperateness
Answer:
(b) unexpectedness
(iii) In the given passage, the poet promotes ……………….. . (1)
Answer:
fraternity
(iv) The moment of ……………… is described as’Exotic’. (1)
Answer:
complete silence and stillness
(v) State True or False. (1)
The moment will be exotic because, in this moment, we will all self-introspect.
Answer:
True
(vi) Explain ‘without rush, without engines’. (1)
Answer:
The phrase ‘without rush, without engines’ indicate that, in the moment of complete silence there would be no hurry to complete our activities. There will be no chaos or noise as no machine would be working.
OR
B. The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for same of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint. (A Roadside Stand)
(i) Who are referred to as ‘the flower of cities’? (1)
(a) The poor people
(b) The powerful people
(c) The rich people
(d) City dwellers
Answer:
(d) City dwellers
(ii) The poet says “It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread”. This indicates that (1)
(a) They wanted food
(b) They were not begging
(c) They did not expect any help
(d) They wanted money
Answer:
(b) They were not begging
(iii) The literary device used in the given lines is …………….. . (X)
Answer:
Metaphor
(iv) Where was the new shed put up? What was its purpose? (1)
Answer:
A little house at one side of the road was extended and a shed was added to it to put up a road stand. It was set up to attract passersby to buy things from them so that they could earn some money.
(v) By using the word ‘pathetic’, the poet emphasis ……………… . (x)
Answer:
on the fact that the condition of the shed was most humble and that it presented a rater pitibale sight.
(vi) State True or False.
About the power of money, the poet says that it is essential for maintaining one’s life. (1)
Answer:
True
Question 8.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (4)
A. MR LAMB: Real one got blown off, years back. Lamey-Lamb, some kids say. Haven’t you heard them? You will. Lamey-Lamb. It fits. Doesn’t trouble me. DERRY: But you can put on trousers and cover it up and no one sees, they don’t have to notice and stare.
MR LAMB: Some do. Some don’t. They get tired of it, in the end. There’s plenty of other things to stare at.
DERRY: Like my face. (On the Face of It)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately with reference to the extract.
‘Real one’ in the extract refers to ………………. . (1)
Answer:
Mr Lamb’s tin leg
(ii) In the above extract, what does’other things’not refer to? (1)
Answer:
In the given extract, ‘other things’ does not refer to ‘lemons’.
(iii) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer Mr Lamb’s acceptance of kids calling him ‘Lamay-Lamb’. (1)
Answer:
‘It fits. Doesn’t trouble me’ from the extract allows the readers to infer Mr. Lamb’s acceptance of him being called ‘Lamey Lamb’ by kids.
(iv) Why did children call Mr Lamb ‘Lamey Lamb’? (1)
(a) Because of his tin leg
(b) Because he spoke rudely
(c) Because they didn’t like him
(d) Because he stopped them from taking apples
Answer:
(a) Because of his tin leg
OR
B. Everyone stood transfixed in stupefaction. They looked wildly at each other and blinked. “O wise prophets! It was I who spoke. ” This time there were no grounds for doubt. It was the infant born just ten days ago who had enunciated the words so clearly. The chief astrologer took off his spectacles and gazed intently at the baby. ‘All those who are born will one day have to die. We don’t need your predictions to know that. There would be some sense in it if you could tell us the manner of that death, ‘the royal infant uttered these words in his little squeaky voice.’ (The Tiger King)
(i) Which word in the extract shows the great power possessed by the astrologers? (1)
Answer:
The word ‘prophets’ shows the great power possessed by the astrologers.
(ii) Complete the following sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. (1)
What was the infant interested in knowing ………………… .?
(a) time of his death
(b) the date of his death
(c) the place of his death
(d) the way in which he would die
Answer:
(d) the way in which he would die
(iii) Everyone was stupefied because ………………… . (1)
Answer:
they had come across an infant who was speaking-fluently
(iv) On the basis of the given extract, do you think that the story of the tiger king is a work of fantasy? (1)
Answer:
On the basis of the extract, I believe that the given extract is a work of fantasy as an infant of 10 days would never be able to speak any language fluently.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)
A. Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to understand better and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their places and M Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. (The Last Lesson)
(i) Why was Franz afraid to enter the class? (1)
(a) He was not prepared
(b) He was not dressed appropriately
(c) He was late
(d) He had not done his homework
Answer:
(c) He was late
(ii) Franz could not succeed in entering the class without getting noticed because ……………… . (1)
Answer:
he expected the class to be noisy but it was very quiet.
(iii) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader the infer that M. Hamel was a strict teacher. (1)
Answer:
‘the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table’ is the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that M Hamel was a strict teacher.
(iv) Based on the extract choose the statement that is TRUE. (1)
(a) It was always quiet when the school began.
(b) The teacher used to strike the ruler on the chair.
(c) Franz’s classmates were not sitting in their usual places.
(d) Franz often relied on the noisy atmosphere to enter the classroom.
Answer:
(d) Franz often relied on the noisy atmosphere to enter the classroom.
(v) How would you judge the atmosphere of the class on the day of the last lesson? (1)
Answer:
The atmosphere of the day of the last lesson was strange and quite was expected, it was the last French lesson and everyone in the school was sad and sombre which was reflected in its atmosphere.
(vi) What was observed when the school began usually? (1)
Answer:
A lot of activity leading to noise was observed when the school usually began.
OR
B. She entered, followed by a valet, carrying on his arm a big fur coat. She was not at all pretty, but seemed modest and quite shy. In the forge everything was just as it had been earlier in the evening. The master blacksmith and his apprentice still sat on their bench, and iron and charcoal still glowed in the furnace. The stranger had stretched himself out on the floor and lay with a piece of pig iron under his head and his hat pulled down over his eyes. (The Rattrap)
(i) In the extract, who does ‘she’ refer to? (1)
(a) The stranger’s estranged daughter
(b) A servant from the captain’s house
(c) Edla
(d) The croner’s relative
Answer:
(c) Edla
(ii) Replace the underlined word with its synonym from the extract. (1)
The moon shone brightly on the full moon’s day.
Answer:
‘Glowed’ from the extract can replace ‘shone’.
(iii) Why has ‘she’ come there? (1)
Answer:
‘She’ has come there to invite the stranger for Christmas.
(iv) What does the presence of the blacksmith and his apprentice tell us? (1)
(a) They were suspicious of the stranger
(b) The stranger was still at the iron mill
(c) They were waiting for the young female
(d) They wanted to help the stranger
Answer:
(a) They were suspicious of the stranger
(v) What does the term ‘pig iron’ in the extract refer to? (1)
Answer:
The term ‘pig iron’ refers to impure iron.
(vi) On the basis of extract, complete the following sentence. (1)
The stranger used a piece of pig iron as a
Answer:
pillow
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) How did Franz find teaching and learning on the last day? (The Last Lesson) (2)
Answer:
Franz found teaching and learning very interesting on the last day. He was very attentive and careful. He also realised that M. Hamel had never explained anything with so much patience. To him, it seemed almost as if this lesson was the most important lesson for his teacher and he wanted to give them all he knew before going away.
(ii) Explain ‘wan, pale as a late winter’s Moon’ in the poem My Mother at Sixty-Six. (2)
Answer:
In the given phrase, the poet compares her mother’s pale and withered face with the winter’s moon. The moon seems to lose its brightness in the winter season as it is veiled behind fog and mist. Winter symbolises death and the waning Moon symbolises decay. Her mother’s face also seemed to have lost its radiance which was now wrinkled due to her age. It represents the realisation that her mother would die very soon.
(iii) In the story The Rattrap, who was a keen observer, the ironmaster or his daughter Edla. Substantiate your answer with an example. (2)
Answer:
In the story The Rattrap’, the ironmaster’s daughter (Edla) is a keen observer. The father mistook the peddler to be one of his regimental comrades but Edla could recognise the fear in the peddler’s eyes at the very first sight. She then concluded that he was either a thief or a fugitive.
(iv) What do the symbols ‘tigers’, ‘fingers’ and ‘ring’ stand for in the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers? (2)
Answer:
In the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ the ‘tigers’ are symbols of bravery and courage and also of Aunt Jennifer’s desire for freedom. The ‘fingers’ are symbolic of the nervousness and fear experienced by Aunt Jennifer and the ’ring’ symbolises a binding marriage that is full of oppression and curtails one’s freedom.
(v) “In all instances of frustration, you will always find the anger directed towards a single person openly or covertly ……………… .” (2)
Do you think it is right to direct our anger towards someone who is not responsible for the cause of anger? Justify. (Poets and Pancakes)
Answer:
No, I feel that it is not justified to direct one’s anger towards someone who is not responsible for the cause of anger. It clearly shows that the person who does so simply needs someone to blame for his/her failures.
(vi) The world has become a global village and people across boundaries, nationalities and communities are now connected to one another. With the advancement of technology and the advent of social media, do you think that the task of keeping guiet as visualised by Neruda has become easier or complicated? Justify. (2)
Answer:
The fact that we are more connected than ever before makes the task ot keeping quiet more complicated. Earlier, it was possible to separate day and night activities but now everything can be done twenty four-seven, i.e. at any time.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 2 = 4)
(i) Do you think Mr. Lamb was equally lonely and dejected as Derry? Why? (On the Face of It) (2)
Answer:
No, Mr. Lamb was not equally lonely and dejected as Derry. This was because he had learnt to overcome his loneliness by keeping his gates open for people to come and visit. He never curtained his windows and imagined people walking all over his garden. In fact, he seems to be a considerate man with a positive attitude towards life, people and things.
(ii) Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global warming will have on Antarctica. (Journey to the End of the Earth) (2)
Answer:
Following are the three consequences that global warming will have on Antarctica were
(i) Scientists warn that a further depletion of the ozone layer will affect the lives of the sea-animals and birds of the region.
(ii) It will also affect the global carbon cycle. The burning of fossil fuels has polluted the atmosphere. It has created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world. It is increasing the global temperature which is visible at Antarctica when we see icebergs melting away.
(iii) It shows how minor changes in the atmosphere can cause huge effects. If the global temperature keeps on increasing the human race may be in peril.
(iii) At the beginning of the story, Sam is sceptical of Charley’s discovery of the third level. By the end of the story, the reader is told that he found the third level and travelled back in time. How would Sam diagnose himself? (The Third Level) (2)
Answer:
I believe that Sam had already diagnosed himself as one of the modern men w \o faced the difficulties, stresses, anxieties of modern life. Even if he had not diagnosed himself earlier, Sam would later diagnose himself as exhibiting the same urge to escape the anxious contemporary life as Charley did.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. ‘Bah! I’ve got plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow.’ Franz was shocked when he heard that it was the last lesson and he hardly knew French, his mother tongue. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations and regret when all is over. Write, with reference to the lesson The Last Lesson from your text, the lesson learnt from this situation.
OR
B. It could be said that the poem Keeping Quiet presents the poet’s philosophy for a different kind of world.
If you were asked to highlight elements of Neruda’s vision that resonate in your specific social, political and cultural context, which three main ideas would you engage with? Use relevant textual details to support your analysis.
Answer:
A. Franz is a school-going child who keeps on postponing his learning for the next day. He is not serious about learning his own mother tongue as he says ‘Bah, I’ve got plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow’. Unfortunately, that ‘tomorrow’ never comes as the students keep neglecting the learning of their language.
The day Franz comes to know that his French teacher was leaving the village forever and that there would be no teaching of French from the next day, he was shocked and surprised. He felt guilty that he had not bothered to learn French, his mother tongue when M. Hamel was trying to teach.
Many of us do the same thing and keep postponing our learning or action for some other day. However, everyone must remember that it should be now or never. If we are reluctant to learn something new, we will continue our reluctance and one day the opportunity to do something or learn something will be no more.
So, from Franz’s example, we must learn that ‘today’ is important for all. If we postpone doing or learning for another day, it will keep getting postponed unless we receive a thunderbolt.
So, all of us should try to use every minute of our life. Do not linger or waste time as opportunity to learn new things may not knock at your door many times. Live in present and do not keep postponing actions for some other day or tomorrow.
OR
B. Pablo Neruda imagines a beautiful world in which silence and stillness becomes a regular part of one’s life and which increases understanding of oneself and reduces environmental conflict and war. Neruda’s vision can be adopted into a social, political and cultural context in the following ways.
(i) Neruda’s suggestion of keeping quiet can be adopted into the social context of a school curriculum. Students can devote 30 minutes of silence a week which could be spent in a library or meditation hall. They would be taught to be still and silent under any circumstances.
(ii) Neruda’s suggestion of stillness can be suggested to political parties who can incorporate them into their political doctrine.
(iii) At a cultural level, stillness and silence can be adopted at a grassroot level movement starting with Stillness Clubs (where people go to stay still and be silent) for the public which can then be replicated in companies and neighbourhoods.
Ideally, stillness and silence should be taught at home and, from there, it should spread all across the world.
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our duty as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story The Enemy.
OR
B. Why did the Tiger King decide to kill a hundred tigers? Describe the efforts he made to attain his target.
Answer:
A. As a patriotic citizen of Japan, Dr. Sadao was duty bound to hand over the American soldier to the Japanese police. However, Dr. Sadao was a surgeon and his duty towards his profession was to save a human life if he could do so. He resolved this clash of values in a creative manner.
He treated the American by operating on him to remove the bullet thus fulfilling his duty towards his profession and his role as an individual. Simultaneously, he informed the General about the presence of the American thus fulfilling his patriotic duty towards his country.
In fact, he was reassured by the General that the American would be ’taken care of’ (i.e. assassinated) very soon. However, when this assurance was not backed up by any action on the General’s part, the humanitarian aspect of the situation made Dr. Sadao help the American escape from the doctor’s home.
OR
B. The Tiger King decided to kill a hundred tiger because there was a prophecy, according to which, he would be killed by the 100th tiger. He, then, spent a significant time and made numerous efforts to fulfill his target of killing a hundred tigers. He stayed in the forest for many days.
He fired many of his officers for not getting him tigers to kill. The Tiger King even married a girl from another kingdom which had a large tiger population when the tiger population become extinct in his own kingdom. The Tiger King also banned tiger hunting in his state and did not permit a high-ranking British officer who visited Pratibandapuram to shoot tigers as he feared that other British officers would turn up for similar expeditions.
Later, he realised the danger to his,throne and had to spend a sum of three lakh rupees to impress the British officer’s wife and discourage him from killing tigers. All these efforts were made to fulfil his target of killing a hundred tigers.