Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 4 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 4 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. Given the standing of some of its institutions of higher learning, the IITs and IIMs, India is a potential knowledge power. Realising the potential, however, is not going to be easy. The impressive strides made by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) notwithstanding, universal access to quality school education- a minimum necessary condition for any progress towards making India a knowledge society’, as the 2006 report of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) puts it-remains a distant goal.
2. There is as yet no legislation at the national level to affirm the right to education, a fundamental right under the Constitution. The number of school buildings for elementary and secondary education falls far short of requirements and so does the number of qualified teachers. The pressure on government budgets, which forces governments to hire teachers on contract paying a pittance of a salary, is playing havoc with quality. While the incursion of the private sector in the field is providing some competition, mechanisms to enforce the required standards are lacking.
3. Not that there are no national standards or standards-enforcing agencies. We have the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to bring out textbooks in various subjects for school education. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts examinations for schools affiliated to it across the country. The states too have their school boards to conduct exams and enforce minimum standards. How even the standards vary widely. In their anxiety to show spectacular performance, some states are overly lenient-in marking answer papers.
4. Questions arise even over the standards applied by CBSE. Going by the number of students securing 90% or more in their higher secondary exam, it would appear India is on the brink of a knowledge revolution. The numbers are so large that the cut-off point for admission to top colleges is now above 90%. However, admissions to IITs and medical colleges are not based only on CBSE or State Board Exam results. Leading undergraduate colleges offering non-professional degree courses hold their own admission tests. Obviously, Higher Secondary School results are not taken to be a reliable index of the quality of a student’s learning capability or potential.
5. The numbers seem to be growing every year. The standards applied by Higher Secondary Boards like CBSE seem to have been diluted to the point that leaves a big gap between what students learn at school and what they have to face on entering institutions of higher learning.
6. In an attempt to remedy the situation, NCERT had recently commissioned experts to rewrite textbooks on economics. Though not entirely free from blemishes, these new texts should go some way in helping beginners get acquainted with the basic concepts in the subject and their applications.
7. Not surprisingly, their introduction is facing roadblocks. Teachers do not like to be compelled to look at textbooks they are not familiar with. Those who revel in seeing students score 90% are reluctant of ushering in something that may stop the rush of such scores.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.
Governments have to hire teachers on contract basis due to ………………. . (1)
(a) the non-availability of regular teachers
(b) abundance of teachers in an area
(c) the guidelines issued by the Central Government
(d) the pressure on government budgets
Answer:
(d) the pressure on government budgets
(ii) What is the tone of writer when he remarks “India is on the brink of a knowledge revolution?”
(a) Sarcastic
(b) Optimistic
(c) Imaginative
(d) Presumptuous
Answer:
(a) Sarcastic
(iii) List the reason as why India is referred as a potential knowledge power. (2)
Answer:
India is referred as a potential knowledge power due to the excellent rankings of its institutions of higher leanings like the IITs and IIMs.
(iv) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inferences with respect to the following.
The main factor that has affected the quality of education is ……………… .
Answer:
shortage of well-qualified teachers.
(v) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘plenty’ from words used in Paragraph 2.
(a) Incursion
(b) Mechanisms
(c) Looking
(d) Pittance
Answer:
(d) Pittance
(vi) Why do leading undergraduate colleges hold their own admission tests? (2)
Answer:
The leading undergraduate colleges hold their own admission tests because they distrust the school results.
(vii) Based on the information given in the last paragraph, why do you think that teachers are opposing the introduction of new textbooks?
Answer:
Teachers are opposing the introduction of the new textbooks as they are not familiar with them.
(viii) The writer would not agree with the following statements based on Paragraph 4 EXCEPT (1)
(a) a large number of students score more than 90% in their higher secondary school exams.
(b) the cut-off point for admission to top colleges is above 85%.
(c) admissions to IITs are based only on CBSE or state board results.
(d) higher secondary school exam results are taken to be a reliable index of the quality of a student’s learning capabilities.
Answer:
(a) a large number of students score more than 90% in their higher secondary school exams
(ix) State the feelings of the writer with reference to the topic concerned in the passage. (1)
Answer:
The writer of the passage feels frustrated and disillusioned with the education system of India.
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
1. In recent years, India has seen manifold increase in crimes committed by minors. While analysing the factors responsible for the spurt in crime rate the experts believe that the rural-urban conflict is at the core of these crimes in cities (‘especially underage crimes. The largely rural and semi-urban background of most of the offenders point to that direction. According to the researchers, these young people are not benefitting from the economic reforms in comparison to the educated and professional counterparts in the cities. They feel neglected, frustrated and distressed which leads to crimes such as murder etc.
2. An increase in number of rural people migrating to cities in search of better life opportunities however do not prepare them for the urban value system. The children are often neglected, as both parents are working and unable to spend time with them. The children do not get the attention and right values essential for upbringing.
3. The report ‘Why Children Commit Offences’ published by Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) in June, 2015, focused on children in conflict with the law in Delhi. The report looks at multiple issues like the socio-economic profile of children with a criminal record, the nature of offence that these children were accused of and analysed the factors that push children towards deviant behaviour. The report highlighted the role of the family, the community, the school and education as well the peer influence.
The report after studying 182 children in observation homes, special homes found that poverty is one of the biggest contributing factors in children taken to crimes. Most of the children had undergone multiple deprivations with low economic households, uneducated parents; disrupted families. The children were dropouts and working independently to support their families.
4. A first step would be for the government to support those families that have poor economic status. In addition, universal education among children is absolutely necessary to eradicate crime among teens. However, only passing legislation is not enough. Society has to ensure that every family sends its children to school, rather than making them work at home or outside, or simply neglecting them. The problem has to be nipped in the bud. A good family atmosphere and proper counselling are needed at all stages for children belonging to vulnerable social groups.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) What was the conclusion of the survey conducted by the DCPCR? (2)
Answer:
The conclusion of the survey conducted by the DCPCR was that most minor criminals came from deprived backgrounds.
(ii) How can the solutions, suggested in the last paragraph, be described? (1)
(a) Practical
(b) Presentable
(c) Popular
(d) Prejudiced
Answer:
(a) Practical
(iii) What do you understand by the term ‘peer influence’ mentioned in the third paragraph of the passage? (1)
Answer:
‘Peer influence’ means when you are influenced by other people to act in a certain way.
(iv) What can be done to eradicate crimes? (1)
(a) A good family atmosphere
(b) Proper counselling
(c) Universal education
(d) Passing legislation
Answer:
(c) Universal education
(v) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. (1)
The people migrating to cities for better opportunities are unaware of the ……………….. .
(a) urban value system
(b) corruption prevalent is the city
(c) level of exploitation in the city
(d) deprivation that they would face in the city
Answer:
(a) urban value system
(vi) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. (2)
Passing legislation is enough to eradicate crime among teens.
Answer:
As per the information given in the passage, only creating laws will not help in eradicating crimes among teens. The government and the society have to make concerted efforts in order to solve the issue of teenage crime.
(vii) Complete the sentence based on the information given in the passage. (1)
As a result of the neglection of children, they do not inculcate …………….. .
Answer:
human values
(viii) State True or False. (1)
Researchers believe that neglection, frustration and distressment makes makes the offender commit crimes.
Answer:
True
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 Sameer/Sarla, Head Boy/Girl of JP Public School. Your school is organising a ‘Blood Donation Camp’ is association with the Red Cross Society of India. Draft a notice for the school notice board, addressing students of classes XI-XII, informing them about this camp and urging them to donate blood.
OR
B. As the School Captain of Meerut Public School, Varanasi draft a notice is not more than 50 words for the school notice board, informing the students of class XII about a guest lecture by Mr. Rajiv, an environmentalist, on the topic ‘Conservation of Water’.
Answer:
A.
JP Public School 10th October, 20XX Blood Donation Camp in School All the students are hereby informed our school is organising a ‘Blood Donation Camp’ on 15th October, 20XX, in the school campus in association with the Red Cross Society of India. The students of Class XI and XII along with teachers and staff who want to donate blood should carry their blood group report. In addition, students must have their parent’s consent letter. The timings are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the school dispensary. Sameer |
OR
B.
Meerut Public School, Shastri Market, Varanasi 31st October, 20XX Guest Lecture by Environmentalist All the students of Class XII are informed that a guest lecture on the topic ‘Conservation of Water’ by a renowned environmentalist Mr. Rajiv is being organised by the school. Vikram |
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words (4)
A. You are Divesh Rana, a resident of Haryana. Invite your friend Mohak Chhabra who lives in old Delhi to spend a part of his summer vacations with you at your farm house in Dehradun. (50 words)
OR
B. You are Saurab/Samaira Chaturvedi living at C-404, Adharsila Apartments, New Delhi. You decide to hold a dinner party to congratulate your grandfather on his 100th birthday. Draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words to all family members to attend a grand dinner at home.
Answer:
Shivalik Farms, Dehradun 24th March, 20XXDear Mohak Finally, the days of stress are done. Our exams are over and our summer vacations will begin soon. So, I would like to invite you to spend at least a fortnight with me at my farm house. It is a pollution free place with lots of trees and greenery all around. The serene surroundings will have a refreshing effect on your heart and mind. We shall also visit Nainital and all the nearby places. Looking forward to your arrival.Yours sincerely Divesh Rana |
OR
B.
Samaira Chaturvedi requests the pleasure of your graceful presence at the grand dinner on the auspicious occasion of the 100th Birthday of her Grandfather At her residence C-404, Adharsila Apartments, New Delhi At 8:30 pm On 26th February, 20XX RSVP |
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Rita/Rajesh Arora from 29 – D, Shanti Park, Bengaluru. You have read an advertisement in ‘The Times of India’ for the post of Assistant librarian given by St. Darwin Convent Library, Bengaluru. Write an application to apply for the post. Also, give your detailed bio-data separately.
St. Darwin Convent Library, Bengaluru, invites applications from well qualified and experienced person for the post of Assistant Librarian. Eligibility Criteria • A Master degree in Library Science with at least 55% marks • Minimum 2 years of work experience in a leading academic • Institute or University • Language proficiency in English and Hindi |
OR
B. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper drawing attention of the authorities to the rash driving and over charging habits of auto-rickshaw drivers. Use the following clues and invent the necessary details. (120 – 150 words)
Clues
• Indispensable part of transport
• Run helter-skelter
• Charge different price for the same journey
• Misbehave with the passengers
Answer:
A.
29-D, Shanti Park
Bengaluru
11th June, 20XX
St. Darwin Convent Library
Bengaluru
Subject : Application for the Post of Assistant Librarian
Sir/Ma’am
With reference to your advertisement in The Times of India’ dated 10th August, 20XX for the post of Librarian, I wish to apply for the same.
I possess requisite qualifications and experience. Having my Master degree in Library Science from Delhi University with first class division. I am currently working with a convent school as a Librarian for the past 3 years and have earned respect from my seniors for my work. I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration. I shall be available for interview on any day at your convenience. If selected, I assure you that I will work to the best of my ability with dedication and sincerity.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Rita Arora
Encl: Bio-data
Bio-Data
Name : Mrs. Rita Arora
Husband’s Name : Mr. Jai Arora
Address : 29-D, Shanti Park, Bengaluru
Phone : 956212XXXX
E-mail : [email protected]
Date of Birth : 14th March, 19XX
Marital Status : Single/Unmarried
Nationality : Indian
Academic Qualification
Name of the Examination | Name of the Board/Institution | Year of Passing | Percentage |
Masters in Library Science | Delhi University | 2017 | 73% |
Bachelors in Library Science | Delhi University | 2015 | 54% |
Work Experience : • Currently working with St Anslem School, Delhi for the past 2 years
Hobbies : Reading and watching old movies
References : • Shri CK Gupta, Head Librarian, St. Anslem School, Delhi
OR
B.
B-18, Lajpat Nagar
Delhi-110024
2nd May, 20XX .
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Delhi
Subject : Letter Concerning the Rash Driving and Overcharging Habits of Auto-rickshaw Drivers
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority towards the rash driving and over-charging habits of auto-rickshaw drivers. Although the auto-rickshaws are indispensable for the commuters, it has become a constant source of frustration for them. The auto-rickshaw drivers are rapidly becoming a menace as they openly violate traffic rules. They run helter-skelter when it suits them and draw constant flak from the traffic police. They charge different fares from different people for covering the same distance. They do not follow the systematic meter system and often run unchecked all over the city. Moreover, they overcharge the commuters for a small journey and behave rudely with the passengers.
Understating that most of the working population uses public transport, it has become necessary to take strict action so as to curb such habits of the auto-rickshaw drivers. I hope that the concerned authorities will take impromptu action towards solving the issue.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Kavita
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Places of pilgrimage have turned into tourist spots. As a result of this, they are losing their importance and grace, thereby disturbing nature too.
You are Swati/Sandeep, a columnist for an e-zine. Draft an article in about 120-150 words on the theme of maintaining the grace of places of pilgrimage.
Explore possible reasons for the prevailing situation and include suggestions for addressing it.
You may use the clues given below.
• Flooded with tourists
• Located on high mountains
• construction of roads, hotels, etc
• Excess footfall
• Litter and pollute pilgrimages
• Realise the real essence
OR
B. Once women were worshipped as goddesses in India but gradually their status has deteriorated. The crime against women are increasing day by day and today, the greatest number of crimes are committed against them.
Write a report on ‘Crime Against Women’. You are Varsha/Siddhartha, the junior correspondent of a Local Daily. The following clues may be used to frame the report.
• Due to patriarchal nature of society
• Burnt for dowry
• Female foeticide
• Eve-teasing
• Abduction and rape
• Exploitation at workplace
• Remedies are women’s education and economic independence
Answer:
A. Maintain the Grace of Pilgrimages
by Sandeep Sharma
In the present world with tourism and travel spreading like wildfire, temples or places of pilgrimages have become a great place for satisfying the wanderlust. All times of the year, the location of the temples and its nearby places are flooded by tourists from all over the world to marvel the ancient beauties of the Indian culture.
These epitomes of grace were popular places earlier as well. However, they were not easily approachable as most of them are located on high mountains. Without proper roads and any other facilities, people used to visit these pilgrimages after facing a lot of hardships. In complete contrast, is today’s scenario wherein with the construction of roads, hotels, etc., reaching these places have become a lot easier.
Known for its holy and sacred nature, the pilgrimages are full of natural bounty. But, with excess footfall, this nature is also exploited. The grace and dignity of the temples are polluted by the littering left behind by the tourists. At such a juncture, it is our moral responsibility to understand the real essence of our architectural bounty and appreciate its true worth.
OR
B. Crime Against Women
by Varsha Malik
In a country wherein a woman is worshipped as goddess, it comes as a great surprise when we get to know that the rate of crimes against women are increasing day by day. Due to the patriarchal nature of the society, one half of the population of the country is subjected to the worst of crimes. They are harassed, tortured and ill-treated. Brides are burnt alive and constantly traumatised for not fulfilling the outrageous demands of dowry.
Families do not desire a female child because of the sheer responsibilities the society has attached to the birth of a girl child. As a result, female foeticide and even infanticide has become common in the country.
The notion that women are the weaker section of the society results in cases of eve-teasing, abduction, rape and even molestation taking place openly and in broad daylight. In fact, even when a female desires to work, they are exploited and assaulted at their workplaces.
The only solution to this problem is upliftment and empowerment of the female stratum of the society. Women education and the following economic independence makes a female aware enough to retaliate and live a dignified life.
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.
“But after the airport’s
Security check, standing a few yards
away, f looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s Moon.” (My Mother at Sixty-Six)
(i) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the last line of the extract. (1)
(a) As white as snow
(b) The lanky lad troubled all.
(c) Life is full of ups and downs.
(d) Nature is god’s gift to us.
Answer:
(a) As white as snow
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the extract.
When the poet looks at her mother again, she is trying to be hopeful. (1)
Answer:
True
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The poet looked at her mother again in order to ……………….. .
Answer:
bid her good bye
(iv) The line ‘I looked at her, wan and pale as a late winter’s moon’ indicates that ……………. . (1)
Answer:
the poet’s mother is old
(v) Answer in one word.
The figure of speech used in the lines ‘the young trees sprinting is …………………… . (1)
Answer:
Personification
(vi) What were the reasons for mother’ s pale face? (1)
(a) Her old age
(b) Her depleting energy
(c) Her illness
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (b)
OR
B.
Therefore on every morrow, are we wreathing.
A flowery band to bi nd us to the E arth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, oi the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. (A Thing of Beauty)
(i) Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include (1)
(a) selflessness
(b) enthusiasm
(c) judiciousness
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(ii) What makes our life full of inhuman dearth? (1)
Answer:
According to the poet, we ourselves make our lives full of inhuman dearth due to our selfish and self-centered nature.
(iii) Pick the option that is NOT an example of ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.’ (1)
(a) A person who is egoistic and looks down open others.
(b) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems .
(c) A person who uses evil ways to deceive others.
(d) A person who is corrupt and ma nipulative.
Answer:
(b) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems.
(iv) State whether the given statemen t is True or Fals e. (1)
The Earth without the beautiful tilings is a place full of despair and unpleasantness.
Answer:
True
(v) Explain the reference to ‘every morrow’. (1)
The reference to ‘every morrow’ in the poem indicates the poet feels that beauty impacts us ………………. .
Answer:
The reference to ‘every marrow’ in the poem indicates the poet feels that beauty impacts us every day.
(vi) The poet says that we wreath a flowery band that binds us to Earth. (1)
He means to state that nature’s beauty fills man with ……………… .
Answer:
a spirit of living
Question 8.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (4)
A. Things were quite different then: humans hadn’t arrived on the global scene, and the climate was much warmer, hosting a huge variety of flora and fauna. For 500 million years Gondwana thrived, but around the time when the dinosaurs were wiped out and the age of the mammals got under way, the landmass was forced to separate in to countries, shaping the globe much as we know it today.
(Journey to the End of Earth)
(i) ‘Shaping the globe much as we know it today’ means the world with ……………… . (1)
(a) the continents and countries
(b) the rivers and mountains
(c) the flora and fauna
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(ii) What is the author’s tone when !;he talks of Gondwana? (1)
Answer:
The author shows wonder when she talks of Gondwana.
(iii) Complete the sentence approprite1y with reference to the extract.
Then’ in the extract refers to ………………. . (1)
Answer:
the birth of Earth
(iv) Why do you think Gondwana is important? (1)
Answer:
Gondwana is important as it represents the one landmass that existed in the past.
OR
B. When I heard this, I didn’t want to laugh any more, I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretch ed vadais myself straightaway. Why should we fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch s nacks and hands them reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth. The thought of it infuriated me. (We too are Human beings-Memories of Childhood)
(i) The elder handing snacks reverently, bowing and shrinking to the fellow indicates Lat the ‘fellow’ was (1)
(a) condessending
(b) disdainful
(c) domineering
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(ii) When does the incident referred to in the extract refer to? (1)
Answer:
The incident referred to in the extract refers to the event that Bama saw then she was in class 3.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. (1)
The narra or got sad because ……………… .
Answer:
she had just been told that the event the found hilarious was actually very oppressive and resulting for her community.
(iv) How will you characterise Bama on the basis of the given extract? (1)
Answer:
The given extract posits that Bama was a head strong and a confident girl who had a good understanding of right and wrong.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answe r the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (6)
A. “My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”
“What a thunderclap these words were to me!
Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town hall! (The Last Lesson)
(i) How would you describe Franz’s tone when he says- “What a thunderclap these words were to me”? (1)
Answer:
Franz was shocked and perplexed when he makes the given statement.
(ii) Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately. (1)
“What a thunderclap these words were to me!”
The words were
(a) loud and clear
(b) pleasant and welcome
(c) startling and unexpected
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(c) startling and unexpected
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
‘They’ in the given lines refer to ……………… . (1)
Answer:
the Russian officials who has gained control over the people of Alsace and Lorraine.
(iv) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that Franz realised that the order was put up on the bulletin board. (1)
Answer:
“That was what they put up in the town hall” is the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that Franz realised that the order was put up on the bulletien board.
(v) What do you M. Hamel is feeling in the given lines? (1)
Answer:
M. Hamel’s feelings cannot be clearly pointed out from the given lines. However.we as readers, know that he is feeling sad and depressed at the thought of leaving his nation, profession and language behind.
(vi) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the speaker of the given lines. (1)
(a) The speaker is angry at the Prussian kingdom.
(b) The speaker does not want to leave Alsace.
(c) The speaker is angry at the villagers.
(d) The speaker does not want to take the lesson.
Answer:
(b) The speaker does not want to leave Alsace.
OR
B. “Why do I refuse to be interviewed? Because it is immoral! It is a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence against my person, as an assault, and just as much merits punishment. It is cowardly and vile. No respectable man would ask it, much less give it.” (The Interview)
(i) What drawbacks of the interview did the speaker’s wife point out? (1)
Answer:
The speaker’s wife pointed out that interview’s were an assault on the individual. It was a crime
and an immoral act.
(ii) Who is the speaker here? (1)
(a) Lewis Carroll
(b) Rudyard Kipling
(c) Mukund Padmanabhan
(d) VS Naipaul
Answer:
(b) Rudyard Kipling
(iii) What is ironical about the speaker’s statement? (1)
Answer:
The speaker’s view about the interviews is ironical as although he states that he does not find interviews to be respectable, he himself took an interview later on.
(iv) From the kind of response towards interviews, do you think that the speaker had a bad experience with the interviewers? (1)
Answer:
Yes, I think that the speaker had a bad experience with the interviewers as his wife mentions in her dairy that on 14th October, 1892 that their day was ‘wrecked by two reporters from Boston’.
(v) What does the expression ‘merits punishment’ mean here? (1)
(a) Interviewer should be condemned and punished
(b) Appreciated
(c) Should be jailed
(d) Should be isolated
Answer:
(a) Interviewer should be condemned and punished
(vi) Complete the sentence with ONE WORD
The attitude of the speaker of these lines to’ virds interview was ……………….. . (1)
Answer:
depreciative
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) Identify and interpret the symbols found in the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers.
Answer:
The poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ contains two prominent symbols that is ‘tigers’ and the ‘wedding ring’. Tigers are symbols of strength, power and fearlessness. They symbolise Aunt Jennifer’s desire to be free from the limitation that are imposed on her. The wedding ring symbolises oppression and all the limitations as well as suffering that her married life had brought to her.
(ii) Elaborate the significance of number twelve in the poem Keeping Quiet. (2)
Answer:
The number ‘twelve’ is significant in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ as there are twelve hours in a clock and twelve months in a year. Twelve also refers to midnight after which a new day begins. So, here it may be used to symbolise a new beginning. The poet expects that in this new beginning, people will get time to meditate and introspect so that they are able to stop destructive activities.
(iii) How would you evaluate Mukund Padmanabhan as an interviewer? Mention at least two qualities he displays in His interview, supported by textual evidence. (The Interview) (2)
Answer:
Mukund Padmanabhan comes out to be a sensible and a logical journalist who knows not to exasperate a writer. As an interviewer, he talks about things that interests the interviewee and even asks his questions in an orderly manner.
(iv) How do you think man would suffer in the absence of beauty? (A Thing of Beauty) (2)
Answer:
In the absence of beauty, man would suffer from sorrow and despair. It would be difficult for him to bounce back and he would have nothing to look forward to or draw strength from. Beauty lifts the pall of sadness and rejuvenates him. It lifts his spirit and fills his life with liveliness and hope.
(v) Describe the irony in Saheb’s name. (Lost Spring) (2)
Answer:
Saheb is a poor ragpicker who lives in Seemapuri. His full name is ‘Saheb-e-Alam’, which means ‘Lord of the Universe’. The irony lies in the meaning of his name itself.
According to his name, he should be a king and enjoy all the luxuries of life. But unfortunately, he is a barefoot ragpicker, who lacks even the basic necessities.
(vi) The story is written in a way that it makes it difficult to point out clearly if Sophie met Danny Casey or not. Suggest possible reasons for such writing. (Going Places) (2)
Answer:
The story is written in a manner that it makes it difficult to point out if Sophie met Danny Casey or not. The reason behind this is to highlight how intensely young children and teenagers start hero-worshipping their idols. It also show the highly imaginative day dreaming habits found in teenagers.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 2 = 4)
(i) How did Sam’s mail reach Charley? (The Third Level) (2)
Answer:
When Sam reached the third level and landed in Galesburg, he became part of the year 1894, a world devoid of the modern media of communication. So, he had to depend on postal system to write a letter that Charley could read in the future.
In order to send a mail to Charley, Sam sent it to Charley’s grandfather who still existed in 1894 and the grandfather kept the mail in his stamp collection which resulted in Charley receiving the mail.
(ii) ‘Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing’. In the light of this quote, examine how knowing the future paved way for the king’s end. (1 + 1)
Answer:
It has been truly said that knowing too much of your future is never a good thing. This has been aptly shown in the story The Tiger King’. The Maharaja since his childhood had been aware of his death from a tiger. He gets on a killing spree when he gets to know about his death from the hundredth tiger. After killing hundred tigers, he feels that he has escaped death. This leads him to pay no attention to the wound given by the hundredth tiger which ultimately leads to his death.
(iii) Sadao and Hana look upon their time in America with disdain due to the prejudice that they were subjected to. How does racial prejudice taint a person’s soul forever? (1 + 1)
Answer:
it is true that Sadao and Hana look upon their time in America with disdain due to the prejudice they were subjected to. A person who is subjected to such racial prejudices is deeply affected mentally forever. The experience leaves a permanent scar on their soul and they are filled with bitterness whenever they recall those incidents.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Fear is something that we must learn to overcome if we want to succeed in life.
How did Douglas get over his fear of water? (Deep Water) (5)
OR
B. Robert Frost, in his poems, usually focuses on the theme of human tragedies and fears and their ultimate acceptance or their solution. Justify. (The Roadside Stand)
Answer:
A. The story ‘Deep Water’ is a story of sheer determination and perseverance. It teaches us how, in spite of all odds, our positive attitude and our courage to fight can help us achieve success in life. The narrator’s phobia of water or water bodies had gripped him for quite a long period of his life. However, once he decides to overcome his fear, he is able to shed it off completely. He adopts a positive attitude and determines that he will fight his fear, no matter what.
His training is a long and slow process, but he learns everything patiently and never gives up. Douglas’s perseverance and courage teach us that a firm will and determination, coupled with a bold attitude can help us win over all obstacles and achieve the impossible.
OR
B. Robert Frost, in his poems, usually focuses on the theme of human tragedies and fears and their ultimate acceptance or their solution. In ‘A Roadside Stand’, he deals with the lives of poor deprived people of the villages with a clarity that is perceptive and at the same time portrays his deepest sympathies and his feelings of humanity.
In this poem, the poet describes the feelings of the owners of a roadside shed who seem to wait interminably for the motorists passing in their shiny cars, to stop and buy something from what has been displayed there for sale. They long for the cash that is a symbol of poverty alleviation in their lives of deprivation. It appears to be a vain hope, however, because nobody buys anything.
The poet is outraged at the callous attitude of the government, the civic authorities and the social service agencies who appear to help them but actually end up harming them. The news says that these poor people are to be relocated to the vicinity of the towns and that they will be well looked after. However, the poet regards this as a great disservice to the people who will be thus robbed of their voices, their freedom and the ability to find solutions to their problems.
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Why did Bama stroll in the marketplace instead of hurrying home? Describe the
sights she enjoyed seeing there. (We too are Human Beings – Memories of Childhood) (5)
OR
B. The author of Journey to the end of the Earth is Tishani Doshi has beendnvited to a international conference and is asked to tell us how she started writing and how it had changed with the journey. As the narrator, write a speech discussing the impact of the students on Ice programme on your life and writing.
Ans.
A. Bama took half an hour to one hour to cover a distance of ten minutes walk from her school to her home. This was because she liked to watch the performing monkey, the snake which the snake charmer kept in his box and the cyclist who did not get off his bike for three days and other interesting activities. The Pongal offerings being cooked in front of the Maariyaata temple, the dried fish, sweets and fried snacks stall, the street lights that demonstrated changing colours—all interested her.
The hunter gypsy with his wild lemurs, people selling needles, clay beads and tools for cleaning out the ears mesmerised and bound her. The street play, puppet shows, political parties with people giving long speeches, the coffee clubs and the process of cooling the coffee, nothing escaped her notice. The various seasonal fruits and vegetables that were displayed also attracted her. Thus,
Bama would be awe-struck by all these sights.
OR
B. Dear audience, I did not simply take to writing. Many experiences of my life forced me to pick up the pen and write about my experiences. One of these experiences had been of the Students on Ice program. I had never expected the program to change the way I think and live life. The journey was tiring and challenging but was it worth it?
Yes, it was. When you are there, in the middle of the white ice with no human habitation, you realise how vain and futile we humans are. For our own selfish need, we are destroying our plant. I had seen it first hand- the reducing ice caps, the rising temperatures and so on. The experience of the journey left a huge mark on my life. Now, everything that I do has to be well thought of. My writing had changed. I had become environmentally conscious and expect the same out of my reader.
Thank you