Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 5 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 5 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. Global warming is the warming up of the Earth due to the trapping of gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide, when the atmosphere fails to perform its function of acting as a protective blanket. The incoming solar radiation is partly absorbed by carbon dioxide, though a vastly higher amount of the outgoing radiation is trapped in the atmosphere.
2. Carbon dioxide possesses immense staying properties in the atmosphere. It is being speculated that carbon dioxide concentrations may double in about a century. This increased carbon dioxide level, according to predictions, indicates an increase in temperature ranging from 1.5 – 4 degrees Celsius, or a rise in sea levels by about 50 cms by AD 2100.
3. However, Earth apparently has its own system of checks and balances. Water vapour in the atmosphere is known to absorb radiation more than any other atmospheric component. A doubling of carbon dioxide concentration would increase the capacity of the Earth’s surface to absorb infra-red radiation by about 4 watts per square metre, though overall, the levels of absorption would be small.
4. Volcanic eruptions, too, are believed to be responsible for reduction in the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. Cooling through volcanic eruptions is believed to release certain gases, which are responsible for decrease in the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. Measurement of the incident of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere made in Hawaii indicate that during 1992 – 93 about two billion tonnes of the gas was found missing from the atmosphere.
5. As far as the impact cf ozone depletion is concerned, it seems to be dictated more by political considerations than any other factor. The increased burning of fossil fuels for energy is largely responsible for the increase in temperature through , ozone depletion.
6. A tug-of-war has been going on among the industrialised countries and the developing countries on the share of the blame. In fact, the USA, the erstwhile USSR, Brazil and China account for almost half of the net global emissions of harmful gases such as CFCs. While North America generates about 5 tonnes per head of carbon dioxide, Africa, China and India together generate approximately 1 tonne of carbon dioxide per head.
7. However, despite the fact that 1995 was one of the hottest years of the twentieth century, heavy snowfalls have been recorded in some parts of the world – notably on the Eastern coast of America and in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, during the latter half of the twentieth century, the Arctic climate has not been undergoing any noticeable temperature changes. In fact, till 1975, global temperatures had been undergoing a downward trend. Could the recent spurt in temperatures be a natural cyclical process, or a temporary offshoot of the shifting pressure belts?
8. Given the rising temperatures, growing seasons would be prolonged. Higher temperatures would also lead to an increased evaporation from oceans, thereby intensifying cloudiness, leading to moderate temperatures during the day and warmer nights. Warmer temperatures during the night enhance agricultural productivity. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will also result in an increase in fertility. Global warming will also have an impact on the El Nino phenomenon – the circulation of weather disturbances around the wmrld as a result of the warming of Pacific Ocean around the tropics.
9. However, a few questions remain in the ongoing debate on global warming. The process of heat transfer in the atmosphere – convection – is a field in which a lot of research needs to be done. Secondly, clouds and vapour are known to be major absorbers of incoming radiation from space. If the cloud cover, as a result of increased evaporation due to rising temperature, were to increase, it would result in more containment. Plants, which both absorb and release carbon dioxide, too have a crucial role to play. Their role, however, has been till now underestimated.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) it is being surmised that carbon dioxide concentrations may …………………. . (1)
(a) increase slightly in about a century
(b) triple in about a century
(c) increase 100% in about a decade
(d) increase 100% in about a century
Answer:
(d) increase 100% in about a century
(ii) The writer would not agree with given statements based on the passage EXCEPT (1)
(a) Higher temperatures would lead to decreased evaporation from oceans.
(b) 1996 was one of the hottest years of the twentieth century.
(c) Water vapour in the atmosphere does not absorb radiation.
(d) Global warming will have an impact on the FI Nino phenomenon.
Answer:
(d) Global warming will have an impact on the EL Nino phenomenon.
(iii) Describe the impact of rising temperature on the growing seasons. (2)
Answer:
Rising temperatures will lead to an increase in the duration of the growing seasons.
(iv) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following (1)
There is a tug-of-war between the industrialised and developing countries in order to ……. .
Answer:
share the blame for ozone depletion
(v) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘massive’ from words used in Paragraph 8. (1)
(a) Prolonged
(b) Intensifying
(c) Enhance
(d) Moderate
Answer:
(d) Moderate
(vi) List the things that effect global warming. (2)
Answer:
The things that affect global warming are water vapour to be major absorbers of incoming radiations from space and the plants also absorb and release carbon dioxide also play crucial role.
(vii) What is the result of animal discharge in the atmosphere? (1)
Answer:
The increase in the levels of methane in tne atmosphere is a result of animal discharge.
(viii) How is cloud cover contain carbon dioxide’s percentage in the atmosphere? (2)
Answer:
If the cloud cover were to increase, the radiation as well as the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would be contained as it absorbs most of the radiation coming from space and CO2 present in the atmosphere.
(ix) Fill in the blanks appropriately by choosing the correct option. The major reason for the increase in temperature through ozone depletion is ……………….. . (1)
(a) increased burning of fossil fuels
(b) increased rainfall
(c) generation of CFCs
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) increased burning of fossil fuels
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
1. India’s labour market is the second largest in the world, after China, with a working age population of about 520 million people. In 10 years, it is expected to be the world’s largest as China’s population aged 15 to 64 drops from 20.5 to 18.3 percent.
2. While this positive demographic growth should be am .mtageous for business, only a small portion of India’s working age population is actually engaged in the formal workforce. The primary reason being that barely one in four women are part of the country’s workforce. Today, industry estimates show’ that women in India only make up five to six percent of directorships at most listed companies; this after amendments to the Companies Act mandated at least one woman on company boards.
3. These figures underjune the highly distorted nature of India’s labour market where women hold 45 percent of university degrees but are either denied employment opportunities or experience much slower career growth trajectories due to gender-based discrimination.
4. India has the lowest female labour force participation ran n its neighbourhood. At about 27 percent, it falls well below Sri Lanka Uaxgladesh and Nepal. While female employment is higher in rural India, it e mostly as underpaid and temporary labour, though even here the rate of participation is declining.
5. The overall rate of female labour force participation declined as the Indian economy opened up, urbanised, and diversified with the growth of new industries, unlike most other regions in the world. In fact, rapid growth experienced by the US and China in the past century illustrate how improving the gender balance in the workforce contributes to a nation’s economic growth. Female labour force participation is 56 percent in the US and 64 percent in China.
6. The above correlation is also strengthened by a 2017 IMF study’, which states that increasing the female labour force participation will grow’ India’s GDP by an estimated 27 percent. Contrast this with the projections made by the government’s big idea reforms ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’, which aim to boost India’s growth by 16 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
7. Yet, GDP goals aside, the gender in balance in India’s workforce stunts future prospects for inclusive growth in the country. It deprives women and girls from positions of role models in the workplace, reduces their motivation to study further and perpetuates unhealthy socio-cuitural attitudes. Leaving out one half of the population from its workforce will also prolong India’s status as a developing country.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) According to the passage, what may be a negative factor that can impact the positive growth of the Indian labour force? (1)
Answer:
Lack of the younger working population in the formal workforce can negatively impact the positive growth of the Indian labour force.
(ii) What is the reason for the highly destorted nature of the female workforce in India’s labour market? (1)
(a) Women are unskilled and uneducated
(b) Women are denied employment opportunities
(c) Women have slower career growth
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (b) and (c)
(iii) What is the result of the gender imbalance in India’s workforce? (2)
Answer:
The result of the gender imbalance in the Indian workforce include
(a) Reduction in future prospects of inclusive growth
(b) Reduction in motivation to study further
(c) Perpetuation of unhealthy socio-cultural attitudes
(iv) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. (1)
The given passage highlights ……………… .
(a) the reasons for declining GDP
(b) need of more women participation in the workforce
(c) gaps in women empowerment in the workforce
(d) why India can remain a developing country for long
Answer:
(b) need of more women participation in the workforce
(v) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in Paragraph 4? (1)
(a) Rapid growth experienced by the US and China in the past century illustrate how improving the gender balance contributes to a nation’s economic growth.
(b) The female labour force participation declined in the Indian economy.
(c) Female labour force participation is 56 percent in the US and 64 percent in China.
(d) Leaving out one half of the popul Lon from its workforce will also prolong India’s status as a developing country.
Answer:
(b) The female labour force participation declined in the Indian economy.
(vi) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the statement. (2)
Increase in female labour participation will affect our GDP adversely.
Answer:
As per the information given in the text, increase in the female labour participation will grow India’s GDP by 27%.
(vii) Complete the sentence based on the fallowing statement. (1)
Women in India experience a much slower growth.
This happens because of ……………. .
Answer:
gender-based discrimination
(viii) State True or False. (1)
The rapid growth made by UK in the past century’ was due to the improving gender balance in the workforce.
Answer:
False
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. As the Principal of Vidya Niketan Public School, Raiganj, draft a notice for the school notice board informing the students of the change in school timings with effect from the 15th of November. State valid reasons for the change.
OR
B. Write a notice to be published in your school magazine about a charity show in aid of cancer patients. You are Amar/ Amrita.
Answer:
Vidya Niketan Public School
NOTICE
10th November, 20XX
Change in School Timings
All students are hereby informed about a change in school timings from 15th November, 20XX. The school will now start at 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. In the past few years, it has been seen that winters are rather severe and it becomes quite difficult to start early due to the extreme cold weather and the dense fog. So, the new timings will be followed till further notice.
Thank you
Principal
OR
Aryamba Public School, Kochi
NOTICE
12th June, 20XX
Charity Show for Cancer Patients
All the students are hereby informed that a charity show will be organised by the Cultural Club of the school, in aid of cancer patients. The details for the same are as follows
• Date: 20th November, 20XX
• Venue: School Cultural Hall
• Time: 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m
All the interested students may give their names to their respective class teachers latest by 15th November, 20XX. Kindly cooperate and participate to make this show a great success. For any other details, you may cpntact the undersigned.
Amar
(Secretary, Cultural Club)
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)
A. Your friend, Shivam Malik, has invited you to attend the wedding of his sister, Soniya Singh. You find that you have an important paper of Pre-board examination on the day of the wedding. Thus, you cannot attend the event. Write a formal reply to the invitation expressing your regret. You are Pooja/Poonam Vij, M-114, Fort Road, Chennai.
OR
B. St. Joseph School, Dehradun is celebrating ‘WORLD DISABILITY DAY’ on 3rd December, 2022. The Minister of Social Welfare, Dr. Sudha Menon has consented to be the Chief Guest. Draft an invitation for the event to be sent to parents and other guests in about 50 words.
Answer:
A.
M-114, Fort Road
Chennai – 600009
16th March, 20XX
Dear Shivam
It was a great pleasure to receive the invitation to attend your sister Soniya’s wedding. I would have loved to attend the wedding but my Pre-board exams are going on and I have Maths paper on that day. Thus, I will not be able to attend the wedding. Wishing the soon to be married couple a very happy and prosperous life ahead.
Yours sincerely
Poonam
OR
B.
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Abhinav, a sports lover. Write a letter to the Editor of a Local Daily expressing your views on improving facilities for sportsmen. You can use the following clues.
Clues
• Facilities provided are pathetic • No facility of international standards • Poor performance in overseas tournaments • Need of action for improvement |
OR
B. Read the advertisement given below and write a letter applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume to be sent along with the letter. You are Praveen Kumar of 95, Sector-7, Rohini, New Delhi-110085.
Situation Vacant Wanted Post Graduate Teacher in English to teach Senior Secondary Classes in a reputed school in Bengaluru. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of teaching experience. Apply to Box No. 178, C/o ‘The Deccan Herald’, New Delhi. |
Answer:
A.
32/4, Sector-4
Rohini, New Delhi-110088
6th December, 20XX
The Editor
Local Daily
Delhi
Subject : The State of Sports Facilities in India .
Sir/ Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the pathetic condition of sports facilities in India.
If we look at the state of the sports facilities, we will know the shocking condition of the locations as well as the equipments of all the sports except cricket. Given that most of our sportspersons practice in these facilities and then go on to represent our nation on the international platform, the facility do not even stand close to the international standards. There are no artificial grass surfaces, the shooting range is not maintained and there is a shortage of equipments.
All this results in the poor overall performance of our athletes in over sees games. It is time for the government and all the concerned authorities to take ancient to improve this condition.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Abhinav
OR
B. 95, Sector-7,
Rohini, New Delhi-110085
11th June, 20XX
The Advertiser
Box No. 178,
C/ o The Deccan Herald
New Delhi
Subject : Application for the Post of Post Graduate Teacher in English
Sir/ Ma’am
This is in response to your advertisement in The Deccan Herald’ dated 9th June, 20XX, for the post of PGT in English for your institution. I wish to apply for the same.
I possess requisite qualifications and experience. Having my post-graduate degree in English from Amity University, I have 6 years of teaching experience working for a reputed school.
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 at one month’s notice if appointed. I hope for a positive reply.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Praveen Kumar
Enclosure : Resume
Resume
Name : Praveen Kumar
Father’s Name : Mr. Ravi Kumar
Date of Birth : 29th July, 1991
Address : 95, Sector-7, Rohini, New Delhi-110085
E-mail : parveen1234cg)gmail.com
Nationality : Indian
Educational Qualification
Name of the Exam | Name of the Institute | Year | Percentage/GPA |
MA English | Amity University | 2014 | 65% |
BA English | Delhi University | 2012 | 73% |
Name of the Exam Name of the Institute Year Percentage/GPA
MA English Amity University 2014 65%
BA English Delhi University 2012 73%
Hobbies : Music, Net Surfing, Photography, Sports
Languages Known : Hindi, English
Experience : Currently working as a teacher at a reputed school
References : • Mr. Ashok Kumar, Ex- Dean, Amity University
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. You are Rahul of Class XII B. Information technology has brought about a global revolution in all fields. Computer aided education is fast becoming the order of the day. The market is flooded with educational CDs and online learning is a new phenomenon. Write an article on ‘Computers Replace Classroom Teaching’ for your school magazine.
Clues
• Advent of technology • Anywhere and at anytime • Lecture recorded • Audio-visual method • Combined theory and practical |
OR
B. You are Akshay, Secretary, Health Club. You recently attended a Heart Care Camp organised by Sanjeevni Hospital, Daryaganj, Delhi, to celebrate New Year’s Day Write a report on the same for your school magazine.
Clues
• Camp inaugrated by Mayor • Presence of heart specialist and student volunteers • People screened for diseases • Health education provided |
Answer:
A. Computers Replace Classroom Teaching
by Rahul, Class XIIB
Education earlier used to have two main constituents that is classroom teaching and learning. But with the advent of information technology, it appears that the process of teaching is about to change in a big way.
With changing habits, timelines and expectations, a variety of new technologies have come into picture. Now online teaching is very prevalent. One can view CDs, multimedia presentations and online video lectures anywhere, and anytime at one’s convenience. Even lectures by teachers are recorded and uploaded on the where students, after watching the video, can leave their questions, to which they get replies.
One major benefit of using IT educational aid is that it is easier for students to learn from audio-visual and a It has efficiently combined theory and practical classes at one place. Students have the convener of e-playing any lecture that they do not understand. Because of its time saving and comprehensive nature, IT has become a major tool for education.
OR
B. World Heart Day Celebrated
by Akshay, Secretary, Health Club
Sanjeevni Hospital, Daryaganj, Delhi, celebrated New Year’s Day on 1st January with a Heart Care Camp held in their premises from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, The camp was inaugurated by the Mayor of Delhi, Mrs, Malati Srivastava. She lauded the efforts of the hospital to conduct such a beneficial event for the masses of Delhi.
Besides the heart specialist doctors in attendance, a team of thirty students from different schools of Delhi helped as volunteers. Around 250 patients were screened for heart disease and other chest related ailments. All patients having heart related problems were given free samples of medicines.
Besides this, they received health education on respiratory disorders, its possible causes and remedies through banners, audio-visual aids, a multi-media presentation and interactive discussions with the experts. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. RK Sood, CMO, informed that increasing pollution and junk food were the main causes of heart diseases. The camp provided a useful insight on chest related issues to all.
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.
A.
No, in country money, the country scale of gain,
The requisite lift of spirit has never been found,
Or so the voice of the country seems to complain,
I can ‘t help owning the great relief it would be
To put these people at one stroke out of their pain.
And then next day as
I come back into the sane, I wonder how
I should like you to come to me
And offer to put me gently out of my pain. (The Roadside Stand)
(i) Pick the option that mentions elements justifying monetary aspect as the ‘requisite lift of spirit.’ (1)
(a) Confidence
(b) Self-esteem
(c) Fame
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False. (1)
The poet is agitated and depressed.
Answer:
False
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.
…………… can help the rural people. (1)
Answer:
The government, the city people and the influential people
(iv) The ‘country money’ contextually here refers to ………………… . (1)
Answer:
meagre income earned by the countryside people
(v) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following. (1)
The poet feels that death is better than living such a miserable life.
Answer:
“I can’t help owing the great relief it would be to put these people at one stroke out of their pain.”
(vi) Choose the option that correctly paraphrases the given lines from the above extract. (1)
“I can’t help owing the great relief it would be to put these people at one stroke out of their pain.”
(a) The poet wants to kill the impoverished people.
(b) The poet feels that death is better than living such a miserable life.
(c) The poet wants to eliminate poverty from the society.
(d) The poet states that it is important that these people become rich.
Answer:
(d) The poet states that it is important that these people become rich.
OR
B. “It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.”. (Keeping Quiet)
(i) Explain : ‘Without rush, without engines’. (1)
(a) Presently, everyone seems to be in a hurry.
(b) Mad noise of engines coming from different types of vehicles.
(c) Everyone is involved in multiple activities for material gains.
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
(ii) Why, according to the poet, the moment will be exotic? (1)
Answer:
The moment will be exotic because it will foster peace and brotherhood.
(iii) Which of the following is an apt title for the extract? (1)
(a) Without Chaos
(b) The Exotic Movements
(c) The Exotic Moment
(d) Unexpected Strangeness
Answer:
(c) The Exotic Moment
(iv) State whether the given statement is True of False. (1)
Keeping Quiet will remove any communication.
Answer:
True
(v) Which poetic device is used in the last line of the extract. (1)
Answer:
Alliteration is the poetic device that is used in the last line of the sentence in the phrase ’Sudden
Strangeness’.
(vi) Answer in ONE word. (1)
The exotic momen t will be when everyone is still and ………… .
Answer:
quiet
Question 8.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (4)
A. He said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it and that I just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t? Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand Central Station. But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it, they claimed. My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a ‘temporary refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, but my grandfather didn’t need any refuqe from reality. (The Third Level)
(i) Why didn’t Charley’s grandfather need refuge from reality? (1)
Answer:
Charley’s grandfather did not need any refuge from reality because he lived in the pre-war peaceful and simpler times. In those time, people had no insecurities and were not anxious.
(ii) Why did Sam’s verdict make Charley’s wife ‘mad’? (1)
Answer:
Sam’s verdict made Charley’s wife mad because it seemed to suggest to her that she was the cause of Charley’s unhappiness.
(iii) Select the option that signifies the condition of people of the ‘modern world’ mentioned in the extract. (1)
(a) unsure
(b) anxious
(c) afraid
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Sam’s explanation to the reaction of Charley’s wife was ………………. in nature. (1)
Answer:
clarifying
OR
B. Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way.
With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn and most importantly, act. (Journey to the End of the Earth)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Students on Ice is ………………. headed by Geoff Green. (1)
Answer:
an expedition
(ii) Characterise the celebrities based on your understanding of the extract. (1)
the sudden thunderous eruption of exultant approbation. (Going Places)
Answer:
The given extract poes the celebrities to be miserly and impassive to the cause of the environment.
(iii) Select the most suitable title for the extract. (1)
(a) Students on Ice Programme
(b) Adventure in Antarctica
(c) High School Students
(d) Wanderlust
Answer:
(a) Students on Ice programme
(iv) Why did Green start his Students on Ice programme? (1)
Answer:
Green started his Students on Ice programme to make youngsters realise the gory reality of planet Earth and to provoke them into thinking about their planet earnestly.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (6)
A. And afterwards you wait there alone in the arcade for a long while, standing where he stood, remembering the soft melodious voice, the shimmer of green eyes. No taller than you. No bolder than you. The prodigy. The innocent genius. The great Danny Casey.
And she saw it all again, last Saturday – saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders, heard the fifty thousand catch their breath as he hovered momentarily over the ball and then the explosion of sound as he struck it crisply into the goal, the sudden thunderous eruption of exultant approbation. (Going Places)
(i) Do you think Sophie would stop dreaming about Danny Casey? (1)
Answer:
No, I don’t not think that Sophie would stop dreaming of Danny Casey due to her intensified hero worship, high imagination and her ritual to go watch the match played by Casey every week.
(ii) Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately. (1)
The word ‘prodigy’ in the extract refers to …………… .
(a) Danny Casey
(b) Sophie
(c) Geoff
(d) Jansie
Answer:
(a) Danny Casey
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Sophie waited alone in ……………….. . (1)
Answer:
the arcade
(iv) Pick evidence from the extract to indicate that Sophie was watching a football match. (1)
Answer:
She ‘heard the fifty thousand catch their breath…’
(v) Explain the significance of the given extract. (1)
Answer:
The given extract is significant because in this extract we explicitly come to know that Sophie had been imagining her meeting with Danny Casey. She had only seen Casey while watching the matches.
(vi) Why did Sophie hear the fifty thousand people catching their breath? (1)
(a) To have the glimpse of the shimmer of green eyes
(b) To listen to the melodious voice of Danny Casey
(c) To see Danny Casey momentarily hovering on the ball
(d) To relax and wave at Danny Casey
Answer:
(c) To see Danny Casey momentarily hovering on the ball
OR
B. “Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor wanderers.”
The rattrap is a Christmas present’ from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself.
“Written with friendship and high regard, Captain von Stahle.” (The Rattrap)
(i) Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present? (1)
Answer:
The peddler gifted a rattrap as a Christmas present as it was all that ne had to give away and represent his turn to honesty.
(ii) This communication includes (1)
(a) a promise
(b) regret
(c) an apology
(d) (a) and (c)
Answer:
(d) (a) and (c)
(iii) What is the significance of the letter written to Edla? (1)
Answer:
The letter written by the peddler to Edla holds significance because it highlights how Edla brought about a change in a petty peddler.
(iv) Do you think the peddler would have changed if Edla would not have been nice to him? (1)
Answer:
I do don’t think that the peddler would have changed if Edla’s compassion had not impacted him. It was just because of Edla’s kind treatment that the peddler changed.
(v) Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the above extract? (1)
(a) Indebtedness
(b) Reform
(c) Self-pity
(d) Self-awareness
Answer:
(c) Self-pity
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The peddler signs himself as Captain Von stable to ……………….. .
Answer:
to indicate his turn to the right path and honesty.
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) Douglas had a fear of water even before his experience of drowning at the YMCA pool. Justify. (Deep Water) (2)
Answer:
At the age of 3 or 4, Douglas had gone to a beach in California with his father. He was standing with his father holding him when a powerful wave had struck him and knocked him down. He was submerged in water and was filled with fear. This terror stayed with him till he got older. Hence, Douglas’s fear of water comes from his experience of his childhood way before the YMCA pool.
(ii) Do you sympathise with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the poet towards Aunt Jennifer? (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers) (2)
Answer:
Yes, we sympathise with Aunt Jennifer. She represents those women who are victimised by the male dominated society. She feels oppressed and the rules of society do not allow her to express herself freely.
The poet herself is very critical of the treatment given to Aunt Jennifer. So, she wants women to fight for their rights, rather than being the silent victims of oppression.
(iii) Which images in the poem Keeping Quiet show that the poet condemns violence from the following lines? (2)
“Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.”
“Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, war with fire, victory with no survivors,
Answer:
The poet shows that he condemns violence through two images. First image is of the fishermen harming the whales in the sea and the second is of wars not leaving behind enough survivors to celebrate the victory. The poet also shows that he is against violence by refusing to have any association with death.
(iv) The peasants were themselves the most crucial agents in the success of the Champaran Civil Disobedience. Expand. (Indigo) (2)
Answer:
The peasants were the most crucial agents in the success of the Champaran Civil Disobedience because without their presence in such large number, the British authority and the landlords would have confirmed their tyranny in Champaran. If the peasants had not withstood Gandhi or placed trust in him, then the movement will not have been successful. Only with the support of the peasants did the movement become successful.
(v) ‘Beauty is best left undefined.’ Support with reference to the poem A Thing of Beauty. (2)
Answer:
It is true that beauty is best left undefined because the concept of beauty is unique for everyone. There are so many concepts, ideas and sources of beauty that it cannot be conceptualised or defined under one quality or aspect. One thing that can be said about it is that it is permanent and healing. It never goes away but it brings peace, happiness and joys in the lives of people.
(vi) Why did Stephen Spender visit Gemini Studios? (Poets and Pancakes) (2)
Answer:
Stephen Spender was an anti-Communist, similar to the people at Gemini Studios. He had been invited by the Boss, who had no knowledge of Spender’s background, to talk about his journey into Communism and his return after being disillusioned with Communism.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 2 = 4)
(i) Pearl Buck depicts the servants in a way to covey a message about Japanese people and culture. Support your answer with textual evidence. (The Enemy) (2)
Answer:
It is true that Pearl Buck depicts the servants in a way that conveys a message about Japanese people and culture. Japanese people are hjghly patriotic. Though the servants were loyal to Dr. Sadao, they left their jobs because their master had helped the prisoner of war, who was the enemy of their nation. Further, the traditional methods referred to in the story regarding how the servants work is symbolic of Japanese culture.
(ii) The conversation the two women had at the bus stop affected Derry deeply. Justify. (On the Face of it) (2)
Answer:
It is true that on hearing the conversation of the two women at the bus stop, Derry was affected deeply. He was upset when he heard the two women conversing about him. They were talking about his face, which according to them, was terrible. They further added that only a mother could love such a face. For Derry, it was a cruel thing to say.
(iii) Antarctica is the doorway to the past.. Explain. (Journey to the End of the Earth) (2)
Answer:
Antarctica is important in the study of the history of the Earth because it holds in its ice-cores half millon year old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice. If we want to study and examine the Earth’s past, present and future, Antarctica is the place to go. Its vast white landscape and blue horizon give scientists a perfect platform to understand the planet’s past, present and future.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words, (1 × 5 = 5)
A. In the poem Keeping Quiet the poet visualises two kinds of world. Describe these
worlds with reference to the poem. (5)
OR
B. After reading the chapter The Last Lesson, you realise that man has an intense desire to subjugate others. You feel that in the modern world, there is a strong need for brotherhood. Write a blog depicting your views on the same.
Answer:
A. It is true that Pablo Neruda in his poem ’Keeping Quiet’ visualises two kinds of world- a world that is real and an ideal world which he projects the world should be.
The first world, according to Neruda, is full of violence and chaos. In this world, there are wars, exploitations, violence, chaos and miscommunication among many other maladies. People are selfish and self- centered because of which they cannot understand each other.
The other world is the world of peace and quiet. It is a world wherein there is no miscommunication, no wars or any form of violence. Nature is growing and expanding its beauty and people love each other irrespective of their differences. This is a world wherein people can reflect back on their actions and become the better version of themselves.
OR
B. In the modern world, under the trend of cutthroat competition, man is always trying to subdue the other. For the same they go to great extent forgetting all the basic values ingrained in them since long. But such a tendency is not new to the world. We have encountered this need to subdue others way before in the acts of colonialisation and national subjugation. The story The Last Lesson’ presents this very need of man on the villages of Alsace and Lorraine.
Through the characters of Franz and M. Hamel we get to see how the Prussian Government works to subdue their French colonies by the means of language. The people of Alsace and Lorraine are made to leave their native tongue behind. They have to learn German. The intensity of this subjugation is so much that Franz feels that they will make the pigeons coo in German too.
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.
A. It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life. Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children? (Memories of Childhood) (5)
OR
B. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story The Enemy’.
Answer:
A. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama were school-going children when they witnessed rough treatment being meted out to them or to their community. Both episodes prove that injustice in any form does not escape notice even by children.
Zitkala-Sa was an American native. She was forcibly taken from her mother and an alien culture was thrust upon her against her wishes. But this was not the end of her misery. Her hair was cut. This was unacceptable to her. In her community, shingled hair was worn by cowards and short hair by those in mourning. She revolts and resists the school authorities with all her might because she does not want her hair to be shingled like that of a coward.
Bama belongs to a community which is considered to be of a lower caste. They were untouchables and the high caste people thought that they would be polluted if low caste people touched them. She was very sad and the thought infuriated her. She puts up a fight by bringing laurels to her community through her scholarly achievements. Thus, she proves that she is superior to the so-called upper castes. Hence, both the girls noticed the injustice to fight against them.
OR
B. There are times when we are faced with difficult choices in life. An individual is torn between his duty towards his motherland and the moral and ethical responsibility of helping a needy person when you can do so. This is the same dilemma that Sadao is confronted with.
Patriotic citizens of Japan were expected to hand over an American prisoner of war at the time of the Second World War. But this is a short-sighted view of the situation. If we bring in the humanistic angle to this dismal reality, then it is a doctor’s duty to save a human life. As a doctor, one should not differentiate between an enemy and an ally. How could Sadao leave Tom to bleed to death? Similarly, Hana is an epitome of humanity and kindness, and cannot leave a wounded person to die. When Yumi, the children’s governess, decides not to wash the wounded American, she says, “Is this anything but a man? And a wounded helpless man!’’ Likewise, Sadao goes through a torturous mental conflict.