Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 6 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 6 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 [20 Marks]
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages
Question 1.
Read the following text. (12 Marks)
1. This is the largest Malay house on the peninsula. It is built of wood painted green and white, with bold floral designs on a white background around some of the circular windows and a very large porch for followers to wait in, up a ladder of course.
2. Really the upper class of Malay houses show some very good work. The thatch of the steep roof is beautifully put on and between the sides of finely woven checked matting interspersed with lattice work and bamboo work, the shady .inner rooms with their carved doorways and portieres of red silk, the pillows and cushions of gold embroidery laid over the exquisitely fine matting on the floors, the light from the half-shaded windows glancing here and there as the breeze sways the screens, there is an indescribable appropriateness to the region.
3. I waited for the elephant in a rambling empty house and Malays brought pierced coconuts, buffalo milk and a great bouquet of lotus blossoms and seed-vessels, out of which they took the seeds and presented them on the grand lotus leaf itself.
Each seed is in appearance and taste like a hazel-nut, but in the centre, in an oval slit, the future lotus plant is folded up, the one vivid green seed leaf being folded over a shoot and this is intensely bitter.
4. The elephant at last came up and was brought below the porch of the house. They are truly ugly beasts, with their grey wrinkled, hairless hides, the huge ragged ‘flappers’ which cover their ears and with which they fan themselves ceaselessly, the small mean eyes, the hideous trunk which coils itself snakishly round everything, the formless legs, the piggish back, with the steep slope down to the mean, bare tail, features so unlike any other familiar and friendly beast.
5. Before I came out from England, I dreamt of howdahs and cloth-of-gold trappings, but my elephant had neither. In fact there was nothing grand about him but his ugliness. I dropped into one of two baskets on either side of his back from the porch, a young Malay lad dropped into the other and my bag was tied on behind with more ropes.
6. My ride was not comfortable. One sits facing forwards with the feet dangling over the edge of the basket. This edge soon produces a sharp ache or cramp and, when one tries to get relief by leaning back on anything, the awkward rolling position is so painful that one reverts to the former position till it again becomes intolerable.
7. After we had travelled two hours, the baskets slipped down very dangerously and needed adjustment. We were forced to dismount while the pack was adjusted. Then, while the elephant was still sitting, the driver jumped on the elephant’s back and giving me his hands hauled me up over the head, after which the creature rose gently from the ground and we went on our journey.
8. Soon the driver abandoned the elephant for a gossip and a smoke, leaving the animal to go its own way for a mile or more. The elephant turned into the jungle, where he began to rend and tear the trees and going to a mud-hole, he drew what water there was out of it and squirted it with a loud noise over himself and his riders, soaking my clothes with it. When he turned back to the road again, he several times stopped and seemed to stand on his head by stiffening his trunk and leaning upon it and when I hit him with my umbrella he uttered the loudest roar I ever heard. My Malay fellow-rider jumped off and ran back for the driver, at which the baskets both came down on my side of the elephant.
9. On the driver’s return I had to dismount again and this time the elephant was allowed to go and take a proper bath in a river. He threw large quantities of clear water over himself and took up plenty more with which to cool his sides as went along. Thick as the wrinkled hide of an elephant is, a very small insect can still draw blood from it and so, like the water buffalo, he wisely plastered himself with mud from the river’s edge for protection.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Select the option that explains the reason why the light in the inner room kept changing? (1)
(a) Because of the winds that were swaying the screen
(b) Because of the changing direction of the sun
(c) Because of the movement inside the room
(d) Because the screens were being repaired
Answer:
(a) Because of the winds that were swaying the screen
(ii) The writer would agree with the given statements based on paragraph eight, EXCEPT. (1)
(a) The elephant did not like being hit.
(b) The speaker was not amused by the water thrown by the elephant.
(c) The driver of the elephant did not want the elephant to run away.
(d) The driver of the elephant needed to rest.
Answer:
(c) The driver of the elephant did not want the elephant to run away.
(iii) Share evidence from the text in about 40 words that the author had previously regarded riding on an elephant as a luxurious means of travel. (2)
Answer:
The author had previously regarded riding on an elephant as a luxurious means of travel because he dreamt of howdahs and cloth-of-gold trappings on the elephant, unfriendly nature of the elephant.
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following. (1)
The writer has described the features of the elephant in paragraph 4 in order to highlight the …………….
Answer:
unfriendly nature of the elephant.
(v) Select the option that means the same as ‘moves’, from the words used in Paragraph 2. (1)
(a) Interspersed
(b) Matting
(c) Glancing
(d) Sways
Answer:
(d) Sways
(vi) The writer did not enjoy the elephant ride. Based on your reading of the passage, list the reasons, in not more than 40 words, for such an attitude. (1)
Answer:
The writer had an unpleasant experience riding the elephant contrary to his expectations. This was so because it was not only uncomfortable but the elephant also threw water all over them.
(vii) In the line “…so, like the water buffalo, he wisely plastered himself with mud from the river’s edge for protection” the author calls him wise. Explain in not more than 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The author describes the elephant’s act of putting mud over his body as wise because the mud would save it from insect bites.
(viii) List two ways in which the Malay houses are appropriated for the region. (2)
Answer:
The two ways in which the Malay houses are appropriate for the region are
(a) Pillows and cushions laid on the floor are embroidered with gold.
(b) The inner rooms have carved doorways with red silk curtains on them.
(ix) What was the author’s expectations regarding the elephant ride? (l)
(a) Exciting
(b) Doubtful
(c) Scornful
(d) Prejudiced
Answer:
(a) Exciting
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
1. A large majority of the elderly in India does not get long-term and palliative care, revealed a study conducted for the United Nations. The survey of more than 10,000 respondents across Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern and Central India during May-June 2018, showed that 62.1% of the elderly did not get such care. More than half of these people, 52.4%, said they primarily need traditional family support, says a study by Age well Research and Advocacy Centre.
2. Older people in India often face problems such as disability, restricted mobility, loneliness, poverty and lack of awareness on accessing old-term care. With a fast growing population of older people, the ever-increasing gap between generations and the fast and demanding lifestyle of young people, for a majority of older people, life is still a struggle for independence.
3. “According to 64% of elderly respondents, loneliness, marginalisation and isolation are the most critical issues faced by bedridden, elderly patients as they cannot visit, meet or interact with their relatives, friends and neighbours,” said Himanshu Rath, founder of Agewell Foundation.
4. The elderly have to compromise and make adjustments in their lifestyle according to the wishes of the younger members of their families to ensure they are cared for, the study revealed. It highlighted that 67.6% of the elderly being taken care of their family members have to look after the children of the families. They have to perform tasks such as babysitting in return for proper care and support.
5. “Around 73.7% said they have to take care of the house and other properties of their younger family members to ensure long-term and palliative care in old age”, the study report said. “Over 75% of respondents have to limit their personal social interactions as their family members direct them to do so, otherwise their family members can avoid providing their basic needs of food and medicines.’’Most elderly respondents (68.5%) said breaking up of the joint family system is one of the biggest factors for the challenges they face in getting long-term palliative care.
6. Healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs, relief material such as adult diapers and care-giving service should be provided on a regular basis to destitute older people, who are bedridden and suffering from acute mobility issues, the report said.
“Though providing long-term and palliative care to older persons comes in the purview of family responsibilities in India, it is observed that older persons, who are financially independent, have a high net worth or hold property entitlements, are treated comparatively well by their family members” said Rath.
7. “Managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge as multiple service providers—nursing agencies, physiotherapists and medical suppliers—are small scale and unorganised and, therefore, provide incomplete care,” he said. “In India, health insurance coverage is essentially limited to hospitalisation. The concept of geriatric care has remained a neglected area of medicine so far in the country.”
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) List two essential requirements for older people suffering from mobility issues. (2)
Answer:
The two essential requirements for older people suffering from mobility issues are wheelchairs and adult diapers.
(ii) Select the option that displays the reason behind financially independent elderly being better off. (1)
(a) They have money to meet their financial needs.
(b) They are treated with much more care and respect.
(c) They are seen as one to be revered.
(d) They have medical expenses.
Answer:
(b) They are treated with much more care and respect.
(iii) After reading the passage, what do you think is the primary need of all the elderly people in India? (1)
Answer:
Traditional family support is the primary need of all the elderly people in India.
(iv) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. (1)
According to the study, long-term and palliative care comes under the purview of …………….. .
(a) government responsibilities
(b) liabilities
(c) social responsibilities
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(c) social responsibilities
(v) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for stating that older people who live with family are no better. (1)
It is so because
(a) they also suffer from loneliness
(b) they have no one who loves or cares for them
(c) they have additional burden of responsibility
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
(vi) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. (2)
Joint Family System along with the need for private space has brought challenges to the long term elderly care
Answer:
The given statement is incorrect because while the need for private space has created the challenges in long term elderly care, the joint family system has always made sure that the elderly were well loved and cared for. In fact, it was the breaking up of the joint family system that initiated the problems in elderly care.
(vii) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference from the last paragraph of the passage. (1)
The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a clear case for ………………. .
Answer:
providing insurance cover for patients breeding geriatric case.
(viii) State whether the given statement is True or False. (1)
In order to get proper case and support, the old people have to adjust their lifestyle as per the wishes of their children.
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 5) words. (4)
A. As the Sports Captain of your school, write a notice for student’s notice-board informing budding cricketers to attend trials for selection in school teams. Invent all the necessary details.
OR
B. You are the co-ordinator of Happy School, Dariyaganj, New Delhi. Write a notice informing the students about ‘Mindfulness Camp’ being organised in your school.
Answer:
A.
Millenium School, Karnal NOTICE 23rd April, 20XX All the students are hereby informed that the trials for selection in the school cricket team will be held on 2nd May, 20XX between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm in the school plaCricket Trials for Under-19 and Under-16 Teams Nikhil Tiwari |
OR
B.
Happy School, Dariyaganj 18th September, 20XX Mindfulness Camp All the students are hereby informed that our school is organising a mindfulness camp. The renowned yoga guru, Mr. Jayesh Tawde will grace the event and teach students, about the age-old practice of mindfulness. The details of the camp are given below. |
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two in about 50 words. (4)
A. The literary club of your school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As secretary of the club, draft an invitation for the same.
OR
B. You are Krish/ Kritika Sharma. Your friend from Malaysia is staying in the hostel. Invite him to join Diwali celebrations with you at your residence.
Answer:
A.
The Literary Club R.S.V.P. |
OR
315/2 Raja Gardens New Delhi 25th October, 20XX Dear George It brings me great pleasure to know that you are enjoying while studying in India. I have made yei another plan to double this joy. You know that Diwali, the festival of lights, is approaching. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to Diwali celebrations at my residence. We shall have great fun whilst preparing the house for the festival.Do join us for the ‘Puja’ and Diwali celebrations. We will be eagerly waiting for your reply and hopefully arrival.Yours sincerely Kritika Sharma |
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. MSL India Limited, Mumbai has advertised for recruitment of Management Trainees to be groomed as managers in their company. Apply for the same with your bio-data. You are Neeraj/Neeta Mukheijee of Kolkata.
OR
B. You are Rita/Rohan. Write a letter to the Editor, The Times of India, Lucknow, about your village which does not have a Primary Health Centre. The sick villagers have to travel a long distance for medical help. Many villagers have died due to lack of timely medical care.
You can use the following clues.
Clues
• None in close proximity
• Many have lost lives
• Time-consuming journey
• Need to open primary health clinics
Answer:
A.
2, Ballygunge Phari
Kolkata – 700019
12th May, 20XX
The HR Manager
MSL India Limited
Mumbai
Subject : Application for the Post of Management Trainee
Sir/Ma’am
In response to your advertisement for Management Trainees in The Indian Express’ dated 9th May, 20XX, I wish to be considered for the same. I possess the requisite qualification and find myself to be a suitable candidate for the same.
I have completed my BBA and MBA from Utkal University with specialisation in Marketing l have throughout been a first-class student and in excellent health. I am confident that I can prove to be an asset to your company.
My bio-data is enclosed in support of my application. I am available for interview at your convenience. Looking forward to receiving a positive response from your side.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Neeta Mukherjee
Enclosed : Bio-data
Bio-Data
Name : Neeta Mukherjee
Father’s Name : Mr. Subroto Mukherjee
Address : 2, Ballygunge Phari, Kolkata – 700019
Contact No : 98940XXXXX
E-mail : [email protected]
Date of Birth : 2nd October, 19XX
Educational Qualification :
S. NO | Name of Exam | College/Board/University | Year of Passing | Percentage/GPA received |
1. | MBA | Utkal University, Bhubaneswar | 20XX | 76% |
2. | BBA | Utkal University, Bhubaneswar | 20XX | 82% |
3. | Senior Secondary | CBSE | 19XX | 92% |
4. | Secondary | CBSE | 19XX | 83% |
Languages Known : English, Hindi, Bengali
Strengths : Good time management skill and fluency in English speaking
Work Experience : Working as a Managing Associate in PQR firm since 20XX
References : 1. Dr. Sandeep Mahapatra (Mobile no. 98976XXXXX)
HOD (Marketing Dept.) Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
2. Mr. RN Siddiqui (Mobile no. 94438XXXXX)
General Manager (Sales), Savitri Foods Ltd, Kolkata
OR
B. Village Mukhonia
District Mainpuri – 205125
8th August, 20XX
The Editor
Times of India
Lucknow
Subject : Establishment of Primary Health Centre in Mukhonia, District Mainpuri
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to bring the attention of the Health and Family Welfare officials of the State Government of Uttar Pradesh to the lack of a Primary Health Centre in Mukhonia, a large village in the Western region of Mainpjri District.
Our village has a population of approximately 5000 oeople and the nearest Health Centre – the Mainpuri District Hospital is very distant; over 30 km? away. Anyone who is suffering from any disease or comolication has to go to the district hospital for treatment. There is no other Health Centre in close proximity of the village.
Recently, one person died while travelling to the hospital after being bitten by a snake. Had there been a facility of immediate healthcare nearby, this oerson’s life could have been saved. Such incidents keep happening from time to time, especially durng the monsoon season. The journey to district hospital is very time consuming due to no regular means of public transport being available.
I, therefore, request the authorities to give serious consideration to this request on behalf of all the residents of Mukhonia village and open a Primary Health Centre in our village.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Rohan
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Children begging at crossroads is a common sight in cities today. Our country should provide good food and a healthy environment for its children so that they don’t have to beg on the roads. As a concerned citizen, write an article on the topic ‘How to eradicate begging from our country’ with the help of the following clues. You are Neelima/Naveen.
Clues
• Common sight
• Poverty-driven country
• The responsibility of earning
• Government measures
• Our moral responsibility
OR
B. You were a witness of a daring daylight bank robbery when you had gone to your bank for some personal work. Write a report on the incident with the help of the following clues.
You are Maya Nautiyal/Mohit.
Clues
• Great rushn
• Shout of threat
• Four men wearing masksn . Firing in the air
• Telephone wire cutn
• Ran away
Answer:
A. How to Eradicate Begging from our Country
by Neelima
The moment you stop your car at the traffic red light, you see a dirty looking child, asking for money as he bangs the car window. Be it railway stations, tourist spots, in temples or in areas where there is a regular crowd, begging is a common sight in India.
In spite of its rapid economic growth, India is a poverty-stricken country with millions of child beggars re the country. Instead of sending their children to school, giving proper food and a healthy environment, poor families send tnem to beg. Children are burdened with the responsibility of earning as their family’s income is not enough to feed the entire family.
The government claims that many measures including education, training programs, etc. have been taken to abolish begging. But the trend still continues. We are also to be blamed. As the citizens of this country, it is our moral responsibility to stop this menace from its roots. If more people come out and take a pledge that they are not going to give a single penny to any beggar, irrespective of their need, beggary will be completely uprooted from our country. Meanwhile, let the government continue with its poverty alleviation schemes and make India a better place to live in.
OR
B. An Eye Witness Account of a Bank Robbery
by Maya Nautiyal
6th July, New Delhi: The Central Bank of India, Malviya Nagar branch was looted at about 11:30 am on Friday, 6th July. At the time of the event, there was a great rush at all the counters. The bank was filled to the brim with people waiting for their turn to put in their request. All of a sudden, there was a commotion and someone shouted, ‘Stand still or get killed’. A man named Nikhil, who was in the bank, said that he saw four young men wearing masks rushing in. They had pistols in their hands. One of the robbers snatched the gun from the guard. Two of them stood at the gate and frightened everybody by firing in the air. The leader of the gang warned the staff against shouting or calling the police.
In the meantime, telephone wires were cut. Everybody stood frightened and helpless. Within minutes, the gang took away huge amounts of cash in a bag. They got into a waiting Mahindra Scorpio and sped away firing one more round in the air. The Manager, after recovering from the shock, immediately reformed the police who arrived in no time and cordoned off the area. They began their investigation also but no one has been arrested so far. People inside the bank, including me were questioned by the police. After one and a half hour, all the customers were allowed to leave the bank.
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.
“Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band;
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.” (Aunt Jennifers Tigers)
(i) Aunt Jennifer feels the weight of the wedding band. This indicates ……………… . (1)
(a) her dissatisfaction with her marriage
(b) her anger in her marriage
(c) her isolation with her marriage
(d) her silence in her marriage.
Answer:
(a) her dissatisfaction with her marriage.
(ii) State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the statement given below. (1)
The image massive weight of the wedding band’ means a wedding bond of a
hard married life.
Answer:
True
(iii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate word. (1)
Aunt Jennifer uses ………………… to express her repressed desires.
Answer:
embroidery
(iv) What do Aunt Jennifer’s fluttering hands through her wool tell us? (1)
Answer:
The fluttering of Aunt Jennifer’s hands signifies the suppression and subjugation that she has to go through her married life.
(v) Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following. (1)
Aunt Jennifer may be scared of her husband finding out about her embroidery.
Answer:
The phrase “Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool, find even the ivory needle hard to pull” suggest the given statement.
(vi) Which of the following states the correct rhyming scheme of the extract. (1)
(a) abab
(b) abba
(c) aabb
(d) abca
Answer:
(c) aabb
OR
B.
I saw my mother, beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse
And realised with pain
that she was as old as she looked but soon
put that thought away (My Mother at Sixty-six)
(i) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the third and fourth lines of the extract. (1)
(a) As quick as a fox
(b) Nature is God’s gift to us
(c) The dazzling dames comes one by one
(d) Life is full of ups and downs
Answer:
(a) As quick as a fox
(ii) What is the cause of pain and ache that the poet feels? (1)
Answer:
The cause of the pain and ache that the poet feels is the thought of the loss of mother due to death.
(iii) Complete the following sentence. (1)
“Her face ashen like that of a corpse” means that to the poet’s mother’s face was …………….. .
Answer:
pale and lifeless
(iv) State True and False. (1)
Realisation of Mother’s old age can be an apt title for the extract.
Answer:
True
(v) Why did the poet put the thought away? (1)
Answer:
The poet put the thought away because it was unbearable for her.
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The poet’s mother look like a corpse because ………………. . (1)
Answer:
of her old age
Quetsion 8.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (4)
A. “Not by you, but by someone who does not know him. I have my own private assassins. Suppose I send two of them to your house tonight or better, any night. You need know nothing about it. It is now warm – what would be more natural than that you should leave the outer partition of the white man’s room open to the garden while he sleeps?” (The Enemy)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
There is a need to assassinate ‘him’ because ………………… . (1)
Answer:
he was an American prisoner of war
(ii) List the speaker’s purpose behind getting the white man assassinated. (1)
Answer:
The speaker, wanted to get the white man assassinated to keep Sadao safe from anything. He wanted Sadao to be safe so that he could perform the speaxer’s surgery.
(iii) The given lines indicate characteristic/s about the General. These characteristics are …………….. and …………….. . (1)
(a) Care and kindness
(b) Ignorance and self-centered
(c) Humanist and patriotic
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(b) Ignorance and self-centered
(iv) Who hatched the plan to kill the white man? Was it successful? (1)
Answer:
The General hatched the plan to kill the white man. No, the plan was not successful.
OR
B. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among others. I told him about the third level at Grand Central Station and he said it was a waking dream wish fulfillment. 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 arid 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. (The Third Level)
(i) Why did the narrator go to a psychiatrist? (1)
Answer:
The narrator went to a psychiatrist because he went through an unusual and strange experience.
(ii) What is ‘waking dream wish fulfillment’ according to the psychiatrist in the lesson? (1)
(a) Charley’s finding of a Third Level at Grand Central Station.
(b) Charley’s realisation of his wish to visit Galesburg Illinois.
(c) Charley’s escaping into his daydreaming everyday.
(d) Charley’s post stamp collecting habit.
Answer:
(a) Charley’s finding of a Third level at Grand Central Station
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. (1)
The third level, according to Charley, was …………… .
Answer:
third storey on the Grand Central station.
(iv) What does the psychiatrist explain to Charley? (1)
Answer:
The psychiatrist explains to Charley that his visit to the Third level’ of the Grand Central station was the result of stress and anxiety of his mind.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions, for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)
A. The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate. In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, ‘All we have to fear is fear itself.” Because I had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live somehow grew in intensity.(Deep Water)
(i) How had the narrator experienced ‘the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce’?
Answer:
The narrator had ’experienced’ the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce while he was 10 or 11 years old at the YMCA. He had almost drowned in the deep end of the pool which had increased his fear of water.
(ii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract. (1)
Roosevelt’s opinion on fear is that ……………. .
Answer:
one should not let fear enter one’s mind
(iii) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the speaker. (1)
(a) Douglas fear kept him away from going fishing.
(b) The fall in the pool at YMCA intensified Douglas fear.
(c) The fear of drowning resulted in Douglas’ anxiety and terror.
(d) Douglas decided to practice to overcome his fear.
Answer:
(c) The fear of drowning resulted in Douglas’ anxiety and terror.
(iv) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the writer has himself faced the terror. (1)
Answer:
The experience has a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate it.
(v) What was the impact of the ‘experience’ on the narrator’s life? (1)
Answer:
The experience enhanced the narrator’s natural instinct.
(vi) Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately. (1)
The ‘experience’ in the context refers to ………………. .
(a) drowning in the YMCA Pool
(b) swimming perfectly in various lakes
(c) learning how to swim
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (b) and (c)
OR
B. My acquaintance with the barefoot rag pickers leads me to Seemapuri, a place on periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically. Those who live here are squatters who came from Bangladesh back in 1971. Saheb’s family is among them. Seemapuri was then a wilderness. It still is, but it is no longer empty. In – structures of mud, with roofs of tin and tarpaulin, devoid of sewage, drainage or running water, live 10,000 rag pickers. (Lost Spring)
(i) What is the most logical reason for the author stating that Seemapuri is metaphorically very far away from Delhi? (1)
Answer:
The author states that Seemapuri is metaphorically vety far away from Delhi to show that the former lacks the basic amenities to live properly.
(ii) Who lives in Seemapuri? (1)
(a) Ragpickers
(b) Bangle makers
(c) Immigrants
(d) People of Delhi
Answer:
(a) Ragpickers
(iii) Rationalise, to support the given opinion. (1)
The people of Seemapuri had come to India from Bangladesh for a better livelihood.
Answer:
The given statement holds true for the people of Seemapuri lived in Bangladesh, amidst the green fields of Dhaka. These people came to India to earn a better livelihood as their, fields and homes were swept away by storms leaving them with no means to earn their living.
(iv) Identify the line from the extract which indicates that the inhabitants of Seemapuri are natives of Bangladesh. (1)
Answer:
“Those who live here are squatters who came from Bangladesh back in 1971.”
(v) Who does author blame for the miserable conditions of ragpickers? (1)
(a) Government official
(b) Private conglomerates
(c) Celebrities
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(a) Government officials
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately. (i)
The writer makes the given statements on the basis of …………….. .
Answer:
experience
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) According to Neruda, a huge silence can interrupt the sadness of men. Comment with reference to the poem Keeping Quiet. (2)
Answer:
A huge silence can interrupt the sadness of men by making them introspect and understand themselves in a better way. It would help us in analysing ourselves and our actions. We realise our vices follies to a great extent. As a result, we strive to become a better versions of our own selves.
(ii) What image does Keats use to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth? (A Thing of Beauty) (2)
Answer:
John Keats in his poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ uses the image of an immortal fountain that constantly pours bounties on the Earth in the form of an immortal drink from the heavens. The beauty of the Sun, the moon, the trees, the flowers and clear rivers are reflections of the beautiful becomes God has blessed us with.
(iii) What changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school that day? (The Last Lesson) (2)
Answer:
After the order from Berlin, the entire school was unusually quiet, strange and solemn. There was no noise of anything like the opening and closing of doors, lessons repeated in unison, etc. Unlike other days, the village elders were sitting at the back benches of the class. Moreover, M. Hamel (the class teacher) was wearing his special dress which he usually wore on special occasions.
(iv) How did Rajkumar Shukla establish that he was a resolute? (Indigo) (2)
Answer:
Rajkumar Shukla established himself as a resolute man by going along with Gandhiji everywhere until Gandhiji agreed to help him. He was adamant to take Gandhiji to Champaran to solve the problems faced by sharecroppers there and so he never left Gandhiji’s side until, impressed with his tenacity. Gandhiji agreed to go with him.
(v) What kind of effect does Asokamitran’s style of writing have on the reader? (Poets and Pancakes) (2)
Answer:
Asokamitran satirical style of writing has an underlying tone of humour which highlights the human foibles. The description of the events and the people at the Gemini Studio makes the reader identify the common foibles in people present not just in the story but also in real life.
(vi) What does the poet tell us about the power of money in The Roadside Standi (2)
Answer:
According to the poet, money has become so powerful in the present world that it is essential for maintaining one’s life. Even rural people today are striving for money and not for food. They feel a ‘lift of spirit’ with money in reach. They estimate their economic growth by means of the small amount of money at hand.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (4)
(i) Do you think an author who induces several instance of satire in a story faces the risk of being too cynical? Explain (The Tiger King) (2)
Answer:
No, I do not think that the instances of satire in the story face the risk of being two cynical. The satire in the story highlights the reality of the authority and power possessed as well as misused by influential people.
(ii) How did Derry’s handicap damage his life? (On the Face of it) (2)
Answer:
Derry suffered from an acute lack of self-regard and rejection due to his burnt face. He did not like being with people because they constantly reminded him of his ugliness. He felt he was too ugly to be liked and loved by anyone. This handicap made him an introvert and a pessimist.
(iii) Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad along with the troops? (The Enemy) (2)
Answer:
Dr. Sadao had not been sent abroad with the troops because the General was being treated by him and he could trust no other Japanese surgeon. Second, Dr. Sadao was about to make an important discovery that would leave wounds entirely clean.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. (5)
A. You have recently read the story Going Places and found that everyone has escapists tendencies. In the story Sophie- the central protagonist dreams a lot. Her dreams can also be seen as an escapism.
You want to write about the same in your blog. Specifically referring to Sophie, frame how will you talk about Sophie and her unrealistic dreams. You can begin like this
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble ………………. .
OR
B. In the modern world full of death, disease and violence, some quiet time and peace is always appreciated. The need for a peaceful world was imagined by Pablo Neruda way earlier in the poem Keeping Quiet.
You are making a speech on how Neruda has thought of this ideal world which is forever going to be relevant. Imagine how you will make your speech relevant while referring to the poem. You may begin like this
Good Morning to one and all present here, I am standing here, infront of all, with a simple view in mind talking about ………………….. .
Answer:
A Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family and lives a humble life with her parents and elder
brother. But her dreams far supercede the reality in which she is living. Her dreams are far beyond her reach. She always lived in a make-believe world of her own. She had the unrealistic expectation that she will have a successful career as a boutique owner, store manager, actress or even a fashion designer. This was totally unrealistic as she belonged to a working class family and would have to work in the local biscuit factory after passing out from school.
Similarly, she unrealistically imagined that a famous footballer like Danny Casey would date her. She even went to the extent of waiting beside the canal for him. Even when he did not turn up, she lost in her dream world, becoming sad that Danny did not come. The incurable dreamer in her remains an escapist who wants to remain away from her real world which is poverty stricken.
OR
B. Good morning to one and all present here, I am standing here, infront of all with a simple view in mind that is to talk about our need to create an ideal world wherein peace and quiet is found all around. We all can agree that in the world full of death, disease and violence, some quiet and peace is always appreciated. The need for a peaceful world was imagined by Pablo Neruda way earlier in the poem ’Keeping Quiet’.
The poet in the poem longs for a calm, quiet and peaceful world, devoid of all forms of violence, as he visualises ‘togetherness’ of the people in a moment of silence. According to the poet, this moment will give us time in silence for self-introspection wherein we can spiritually attain our moral self through a moment of meditation.
This moment will bring an end to all destructive activities in the world. The fishermen will not be killing whales and the men gathering salt will have time to rest their injured hands. Environmental degradation will come to an end. The warmongers will be silenced in a moment of brotherhood to meditate and cleanse their souls. The poet hopes that it will be an ideal world where man will be able to come out from his self-centred attitude to gain moral peace.
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. “The modern world, as has been said, is full of strees, anxieties and worries for innumerable things. In the face of these stresses, we want an escape as did Charley from the story The Third Level. Charley’s escape, however, is the past.”
You read the given lines in a journal. Write what do you think about the given opinion. You can begin like this
The modern world is full of fear, insecurity, war, worry and stress ………………. .
OR
(ii) “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.” This statement stands true for the life experiences of Zitkala – Sa and Bama, both of whom had gone to various ordeals that had changed their ways of thinking and living. People like them teach us to face challenges and rise above everything.?
Having read their stories, you had written a paragraph on “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance”. Including how the stories of Zitkala- Sa and Bama teaches the saying, frame the paragraph. You may begin like this It is true that “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.”
Answer:
A. The modern world is full of fear, insecurity, war, worry and stress. Man feels bogged down and
helpless. He does not understand what to do and how to come out of adverse circumstances. So, he looks for a ‘temporary refuge from reality’. Charley, belonging to the twentieth century faced the same dilemma of a modem man. Busy in the rut of life, he indulged in his hobby of stamp collection for some mental peace and tranquility.
Undoubtedly, it was always in his subconscious mind to find a means of escape from the ironies and materialistic bent of the world. Moreover, he had an earnest desire for things ‘pretty, nice and peaceful’, as they were in his grandfather’s time. All these things combined together resulted in his flight of fancy to the third level. The Third Level of Grand Central Station is Charley’s imaginary world of escape. This world belong to 1894, Galesburg when the times were peaceful and stress-free. His desire to escape is so strong that the world of 1890’s came live in his mind in all its costumes, fashion and architecture.
OR
B. It is true that “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.” Time and again we have come across various stories which shows us that whenever people are challenged, they rise above everything. Such people undergo a change in the way of their thinking and living, and inspire us to do the same. For example, we can look at the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama.
Zitkala-Sa faced oppression in the new school where she is not only taken away from her mother but also made to wear tight uncomfortable clothes. Her resistance comes when she gets to know that her hair will be cut. She fights, cries and resists any attempts to stop her oppression but to no avail. Her oppression changed her and made her into a woman who raised her voice against the culture wherein one community takes upon the ‘so-called responsibility’ of civilising the other.
Bama, on the other hands, faces oppression in the form of caste biasness. When she realises the unjust system of caste system and untouchability, she understands the need to fight back. She fights and resists this oppression with education.