Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions Set 2 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 2 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. There are two types of diabetes, insulin-dependent, and non-insulin-dependent. Between 90 – 95% of the estimated 13 – 14 million people in the United States with diabetes have non-insulin-dependent, or Type 2 diabetes. Because this form of diabetes usually begins in adults over the age of 40, it is called adult-onset diabetes. Its symptoms often develop gradually, and are hard to identify at first; therefore, nearly half of all people with diabetes do not know they have it. This can be particularly dangerous because untreated diabetes can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. While the causes, short-term effects and treatments of the two types of diabetes differ, both types can cause the same long-term health problems.
2. What causes Type 2 diabetes? There is no simple answer to this question. While eating sugar, for instance, doesn’t cause diabetes, it only causes weight gain. Scientists do not fully understand why obesity increases someone’s chances of developing diabetes but they believe obesity is a major factor leading to Type 2 diabetes.
3. Age, sex, weight, physical activity, diet, lifestyle and family health history, all affect someone’s chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. Experts now know that diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians than in white people. While the chances of developing diabetes increase with age, gender isn’t a risk factor.
4. Both types affect the body’s ability to use digested food for energy. Diabetes does not interfere with digestion but it does prevent the body from using glucose (commonly known as sugar) for energy. After a meal, the normal digestive system breaks food down into glucose. The blood carries the glucose or sugar throughout the body, causing blood glucose levels to rise. In response to this rise, the hormone insulin is released into the bloodstream which signals the body tissues to burn the glucose for fuel, which causes blood glucose levels to return to normal. The glucose that the body does not use right away is stored in the liver, muscle or fat.
5. In both types of diabetes, however, this normal process malfunctions. A gland
called the pancreas, found just behind the stomach, makes insulin. In people with insulin-dependent diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin at all so they take daily insulin injections to survive. This condition usually begins in childhood and is known as Type 1 diabetes.
6. In some cases, people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes usually produce some insulin in their pancreas but their bodies’ tissues do not respond well to the insulin signal and therefore do not metabolise the glucose properly, a condition known as insulin resistance.
7. There’s no cure for diabetes yet. However, there are ways to alleviate its symptoms. In 1986, a National Institute of Health panel of experts recommended that the best treatment for non-insulin-dependent diabetes is a diet that helps one maintain a normal weight and pays particular attention to a proper balance of the different food groups. Many experts, including those in the American Diabetes Association, recommend a diet wherein 50 – 60% of daily calories come from carbohydrates, 12 – 20% from protein, and no more than 30% from fat.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Select the option that mentions what people suffering from Type 1 diabetes should/should not do (1)
(a) not take insulin injections daily to survive
(b) take insulin injections daily to survive
(c) take insulin injections weekly to survive
(d) take insulin injections daily to survive
Answer:
(d) take insulin injections daily to survive
(ii) The writer would not agree with the following statement EXCEPT (1)
(a) Both types of diabetes affect the body’s ability to use digested food for energy.
(b) Pancreas does not make insulin.
(c) Type 1 diabetes is more common.
(d) There exists a cure for diabetes.
Answer:
(a) Both types of diabetes affect the body’s ability to use digested food for energy.
(iii) State the major function(s) of insulin as mentioned in the passage. (1)
Answer:
As per the information given in the passage, the major function of insulin is to signal the body tissues to burn the glucose for fuel.
(iv) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following.
The best way for treating non-insulin diabetes focuses on maintaining a normal
weight and eating a …………………. . (1)
Answer:
proper balanced diet containing different food groups
(v) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘increase’ from words used in the last paragraph. (1)
(a) Panel
(b) Rich
(c) Alleviate
(d) Maintain
Answer:
(c) Alleviate
(vi) Justify the following statement.
Insulin resistariceis a problem commonly found in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
It is true that insulin resistance is a problem commonly in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In some cases, the pancreas does not respond to the insulin signal. At a result, glucose is not property metabolised. This condition is called Insulin Resistance.
(vii) What do you think is common between both types of diabetes? (2)
Answer:
Both types of diabetes, i.e. Type-I and Type-II diabetes, can cause the same long term health problems.
(viii) State the correlation between Type-II diabetes and age in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
There exists a correlation between Type-II diabetes and age. The chances of developing Type-ll diabetes increases as the age of a person increases. Gender of a person however, doesn’t play a role in it.
(ix) Select a suitable title for the above passage. (1)
(a) Understanding Diabetes
(b) Preventing Diabetes
(c) Rising concern of Diabetes
(d) Diabetes and Obesity
Answer:
(a) Understanding Diabetes
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10 Marks)
1. Social media addiction is an emerging health problem in India, especially among the young population. Nowadays, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, adolescents have greater exposure to electronic gadgets like smartphones at a much younger age. The introduction of internet and the launch of low-cost data packages in 2016/2017 has put India on the global map for large-scale consumption of mobile data with active social media users going up to 197 million (14% of the population).
2. For adolescents, phone-based communication is an important way to maintain their social relationships. The use of social media websites then is one of the most common activities that has become an integral part of their day-to-day lives.
Hence, making them more prone to social media overuse or addiction which may have a deleterious effect on the physical and psychological health. Hence, it became important to study the pattern of social media usage and associated physical and mental health issues among Pre-University (PU) college students as they are the vulnerable group.
3. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Government and Private PU colleges situated in Urban Bengaluru city, Karnataka, India, during July to December 2016.The objectives of the study were to assess and compare the prevalence of social media addiction in different organisations, to assess the health problems related to social media usage and to assess the various factors associated with social media addiction.
4. A total of 1870 study participants were recruited from both Government and Private PU colleges. Each participant was administered a pretest and semi-structured questionnaire as the study tool. They were asked to answer about the non-academic usage of social media. Scale comprised 10 questions, each given a score ranging from 0 to 4 (0-never, 1-seldom, 2-occasionally, 3-often, and 4-always), with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 40. Participants were classified based on the scores as: Normal (<12), mild addiction (13 – 20), moderate addiction (21 – 32) and severe addiction (≥33).
Distribution of Study Subjects According to Grading of Social Media Addiction*
Grading | Government | Private | Total |
Mild | 182 (80.8) | 191 (66.3) | 373 (72.7) |
Moderate | 39 (17.3) | 93 (32.2) | 132 (25.7) |
Severe | 4(1.9) | 4(1.5) | 8(1.6) |
Total | 225 (100) | 288 (100) | 513 (100) |
* Figures in parenthesis indicate percentages
5. There was no difference in the prevalence of Social Media Addiction between Government and Private PU college study subjects contrary to the assumption that Private college subjects will be more prone to social media addiction due to higher social status and purchasing capacity.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
(i) What, according to you, makes the adolescents susceptible to social media overuse? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Adolescents use phone-based communication as an important way to maintain their social relationships. Therefore, social media websites are used by them and have become an integral part of their lives. This makes them susceptible to social media overuse.
(ii) Which of the following was NOT an objective for the study? (1)
(a) To assess the health problems associated with social media usage
(b) To assess and compare the prevalence of social media in a particular organisation
(c) To assess the various factors r^ated to social media usage
(d) To assess and compare the prevalence of social media in different organisations
Answer:
(b) To assess and compare the prevalence of social media in a particular organisation.
(iii) Give one reason for the rise in active social media users in India. (1)
Answer:
The launch of low-cost data packages in 2016/’17 led to the rise of active social media users in India.
(iv) Complete the following sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. (1)
The participants of the survey were asked to answer about the …………………. usage of social media.
(a) academic
(b) non-academic
(c) sobar
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) non-academic
(v) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. Higher social status and purchasing capacity is directly linked to Social Media Addiction. Answer in about 40 words. (1)
Answer:
The given statement is untrue as the data revealed by the survey indicates that despite higher social status and purchasing capacity of private PU students, there is not much difference between Government and Private PU college students as far as Social Media relevance is concerned.
(vi) Complete the sentence based on the following statement. (1)
It was assumed that private college students will be more prone to social media addiction.
This was because of their …………………. .
Answer:
higher social status and purchasing capacity
(vii) Identify study tool used in the survey from the following three (1)
(a) yes-no questions
(b) a scale based questionnaire
(c) some physical and IQ based tests
Answer:
(b) a scale based questionnaire
(viii) State TRUE or FALSE. (1)
Adolescents belonging to poor families do not have greater exposure to smartphones at a much’younger age.
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. You are Anil/Amira, the coordinator of St. Mark’s School, Janakpuri, New Delhi. Your school is organising a session on ‘Study Skills’ for the students of Classes IX – XII. The session will be conducted by an eminent psychologist. Draft a notice informing the students about the session. Include all the necessary details.
OR
B. You are Abhishek/Avantika of Class XII, Swami Vivekanand Public School. Being the Activity Coordinator of the school, draft a notice addressing all the Activity Council members to discuss and plan the activities for 25th December 1 (Christmas Day) celebrations.
Answer:
A.
St Mark’s School, Janakpuri, New Delhi 12th June, 20XX Session on ‘Study Skills’ Anil/Amira |
OR
Swami Vivekanand Public School, Delhi 6th December, 20XX Activities for Celebration of Christmas Day Abhishek Class XII |
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)
A. You are Adarsh Rampuria. You are opening a new branch of your business house ‘Golden Threads’ at C – 32, RM Marg, Siliguri. Write an informal invitation to your uncle to attend the inauguration ceremony and bless you.
OR
B. You are a student of Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi. The school is holding its Annual Function at 5:30 p.m. on 24th December, 20XX. The Education Minister has consented to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be sent to the parents and other invites.
Answer:
247/5 D, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri 7th December, 20XXDear Uncle With the grace of God and your blessings, I am diversifying my business. A new branch of our business house ‘Golden Threads’ will be inaugurated at C-32, RM Marg, Siliguri on 24th December, 20XX at 9:00 a.m. Please come in time to join the ceremony and shower your blessings upon us. Yours sincerely |
OR
B.
The Principal, Staff and Students of Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi request the pleasure of your company on the Annual Day Celebration on Sunday, 24th December, 20XX at 5:30 p.m. in the School Auditorium Honourable Education Minister has very kindly consented to be the Chief Guest at the occasion. R.S.V.P. |
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. A student’s anxieties never end. After clearing the Class XII Board Examination, there is the uncertainty of getting admission in a college and a course of one’s choice. The cut-off percentage in good colleges rises every year. There are hardly any openings for average students. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily stating the problems and giving suggestions to create job-oriented vocational courses for students after passing Class XII. You are Arijit/Aperna.
Clues • Cut off percentage rising • Students are unable to get admission • Increasing demotivation in students • Create job-oriented courses |
OR
B. You are Suresh/Sunita, 21 Vaishali, Bengaluru. You came across the following advertisement in a national daily. You consider yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Write an application in response to the advertisement given below.
Applications are invited for the post of Junior Engineer. The candidate must have at least a diploma in Civil Engineering from a recognised institute. He/she should have at least 3 years experience of field work with qualifications and experience. Apply to the Manager, Parsva Constructions Ltd, 24, Sector-10, Mysore within 10 days with detailed resume. |
Answer:
A.
106, Maharani Bagh
New Delhi-110027
20th July, 20XX
The Editor
The Times
Delhi
Subject : Lack of opportunities for some students after school
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the problems faced by some students entering college and give suggestions that may help in solving the problem.
Students who have passed Class XII face a huge dilemma because there is always uncertainty about getting admission in a college and a course of one’s choice. Everyone is aware that the cut-off percentage for admission to various courses is rising every year in renowned colleges; thus, it has become a nightmare for average scorers.
The inability to get admission to a college of one’s choice leads to frustration and demotivation .among students. It is suggested that the government should open more colleges with vocational ‘stream. Job-oriented vocational courses will cater to the needs of the average scorer, thereby increasing their self-esteem. This will ensure a better future for students and would create job opportunities for them.
I hope that the concerned authorities become aware of this problem and take action to solve it.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Arijit
OR
B.
21, Vaishali
Bengaluru
1st March, 20XX
The Manager
Parsva Constructions Ltd.
24, Sector-10,
Mysore
Subject : Application for the post of Junior Engineer
Sir/Ma’am
In response to your advertisement in The Economic Express, dated 25th February, 20XX for the post of a Junior Engineer in your renowned organisation, I wish to offer my candidature. I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data for your perusal and kind consideration. I am a very efficient worker with an experience of 3 years of field work.
I am available for the interview on any day of your convenience. If given a chance to serve your organisation, I assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity and dedication.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Suresh
Enel.: Bio-data
Bio-Data
Name : Suresh
Fathers Name : Mr. Mithun Sharma
Date of Birth : 25th July, 1996
Address : 21, Vaishali, Bengaluru
Phone no. : 98100XXXXX
E-mail : [email protected]
Marital Status : Single
Nationality : Indian
Academic Qualification
Name of the Exam | Institute | Year | Percentage |
Civil Engineering | XYZ University | 2018 | 67% |
Senior Secondary | ABC School | 2014 | 96.4% |
Secondary | ABC School | 2012 | 95% |
Hobbies : Trekking and Reading
Strengths : Good communication skills, computer literate, proficient in English, Hindi and German
References : • Mr, Vijay Mathur, Assistant Professor at XYZ University • Mr, Satish Ohri, Manager at PQR Industries, Bengaluru
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Media has a major impact on today’s youth and you observe that, in today’s environment, it is misleading the youth. Write an article for your school magazine expressing your views about it. You are Binod Trivedi of Class XII – A. You can use the following clues.
• Attraction towards Western Culture • Anti-social activities • Fake news/Misinformation • Check on the shows |
OR
B. Many job seekers are so desperate to leave their own country and start a new life in another country that they grasp any opportunity which they believe will enable them to do this. Sadly, many of them take risks with their lives and still do not fulfil their dream. As Aayushi/Aayush Mehra, write a report on the topic ‘Desperate Emigrants’ to be published in your school newsletter. You can use the following clues.
Clues
• Increasing number of emigrants • Fall prey to unscrupulous ‘agents’ • Desperate in seeking new jobs • Illegal means of transportation • Live under the threat of discovery and being deported |
Answer:
A.
Effects of Media on Today’s Youth
by Binod Trivedi, Xll-A
It is a known fact that media is a very powerful mode of spreading information. However, it is also misleading today’s youth. The younger generation today is exposed to a lot of unwanted information. With television becoming a part of everyday lives of each and every household, children are more and more attracted towards the Western culture. Their focus and attention span is decreasing and they get easily distracted. They don’t analyse the situation completely and grasp things at their own convenience. This adversely affects their mentality and psychology as they are openly indulging in anti-social activities.
Additionally, with a plethora of information available to them, they get easily confused and do not develop proper decision-making skills. To remedy such a problem, the shows being telecast must be monitored. Strict action must be taken against the defaulters. Thus, media is a pillar on which our society rests so its powers must be positively harnessed to reap maximum benefits for all.
OR
B. Desperate Emigrants
by Aayushi Mehra
There is a growing concern about the increasing number of emigrants who are seeking better life in other countries. Unscrupulous people or agents take advantage of their desperation by promising to get them into the country of their choice by unfair means for money. These desperate people part with their entire life savings and even go through dangerous and illegal transportation methods to go to their preferred destination in high hopes of a better life. Some hide in container lorries for a long period of time without enough food and water while others have been found hanging to the bottom of trains.
Even those who succeed in reaching their promised land often face disappointment and heartache. Frequently, they find that they are not allowed to stay and end up being deported, spending several uncomfortable and frustrating months before finding out that their dreams have been shattered.
Such people should be well aware of the fact that they will not be granted access to any country if they try to enter it illegally. Moreover, they will not be given any permanent job. So, people should think twice before parting with their hard-earned money and putting their lives on risk.
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. … but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes,
(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) Life is a roller coaster ride.
(b) I’m as happy as I can be.
(c) The sizzling summer took a tall on us.
(d) The flood swallowed more than a dozen villages.
Answer:
(d) The flood swallowed more than a dozen villages.
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The merry children spilling out of their hojnes’ is symbolic of ……………… youth.
Answer:
Cheerful
(iii) Why were the young trees sprinting? (1)
Answer:
The young trees were sprinting because the car was travelling fast in the opposite direction.
(iv) The fact that the poem’s narrative style is single sentence, punctuated by commas shows that (1)
(a) there is only one topic which made the poet fearful.
(b) there is only one thought which runs through the poem.
(c) the lines are all being intermingled in the poet’s mind
(d) many sub ideas are connected to the main idea of the poem.
Answer:
(b) there is only one thought which runs through the poem.
(v) State whether the given statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
The poet’s action of looking out of the window did not work. (1)
Answer:
True
(vi) Give an apt title for the extract. (1)
Answer:
‘Unending Pain’ is an apt title for the extract.
OR
B.
“Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car, “(A Roadside Stand)
(i) What will the rural folk feel at the sound of stopping cars? (1)
(a) Hopeful and excited
(d) Faithful and shocked
(c) Shocked and devastated
(d) Excited and shocked
Answer:
(a) hopeful and excited
(ii) What can’t the poet tolerate? (1)
Answer:
The poet can’t tolerate the farmer’s dashed hopes.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following. (1)
The rural folk are innocent people hoping for someone to give them money.
Answer:
‘Childish longing’
(iv) State whether the given statement is True or False.
The poet believes that someone will help the rural folk. (1)
Answer:
False
(v) Select the word that will complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The word ‘squeal’ is an example of the figure of speech ……………….. .
(a) personification
(b) metaphor
(c) onomatopoeia
(d) oxymoron
Answer:
(c) onomatopoeia
(vi) Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract. (1)
The squeal of brakes and the stopping of the cars indicate …………….. .
Answer:
the means of earning money and livelihood
Question 8.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (4)
A. Will the West Antarctic ice sheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream Ocean current be disrupted? Will it be the end of the world as we know it? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Antarctica is a crucial element in this debate -not just because it’s the only place in the world, which has never sustained a human population and therefore remains relatively ‘pristine’ in this respect; but more importantly, because it holds in its ice-cores half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice. (Journey to the End of the Earth)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The questions asked by the narrator signify …………………. .
Answer:
The questions asked by the narrator signify the deep concern of the narrator for the world and its
environment.
(ii) Give reason why Antarctica holds importance. (1)
Answer:
Antarctica holds importance because it tells us about the past, present and future of the Earth.
(iii) “Maybe. Maybe not” indicates ………………….. . (1)
(a) suspicion
(b) foretelling
(c) uncertainty
(d) despair
Answer:
(c) uncertainty
(iv) What does the author means by the statement “… it’s the only place in the world, which has never sustained a human population and therefore, remains relatively ‘pristine’ … “? (1)
Answer:
The given statement means that Antarctica is still free from the exploitation of mankind. It has no civilisation as a result of which man has not yet explored the region.
OR
B. It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like. I don’t care about that and it isn’t important. It’s what I think and feel and what I want to see and find out and hear. And I’m going back there. (On the Face of it)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. (1)
When Derry goes ‘back there’, he sees …………………. .
Answer:
Mr. Lamb lying dead in his garden
(ii) What kind of a person has Derry become? (1)
Answer:
Derry has become a positive person.
(iii) What do Mr. Lamb and Derry suffer from? (1)
(a) Burnt face
(b) Burnt leg
(c) Tin leg
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (c)
(iv) What was the reason due to which Derry wanted to return to that place? (1)
Answer:
Derry wanted to return to that place because there he had found a confidant who had faced a similar situation.
Question 9.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)
A. I jumped over the bench and sat down at my desk. Not till then, when I had got a little over my fright, did I see that our teacher had on his beautiful green coat, his ‘ frilled shirt, and the little black silk cap, all embroidered, that he never wore except on inspection and prize days. Besides the whole school seemed strange and solemn. (The Last Lesson)
(i) Who is referred to as the narrator’s ‘teacher’ in the above extract? (1)
(a) Frank
(b) New German teacher
(c) M. Hamel
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) M. Hamel
(ii) There were a few villagers sitting in the back. Why? (1)
Answer:
A few villagers were sitting in the back because they were sorry that they had not gone to school more.
(iii) Why was M. Hamel’s dress special? (1)
Answer:
M. Hamel’s dress was special because he wore his fancy clothes.
(iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the teacher. (1)
(a) He was strict teacher.
(b) He was getting emotional in the class.
(c) He wanted to make this lesson special
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
Both (a) and (c)
(v) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the school was different that day. (1)
Answer:
The sentence “Besides the whole school seemed strange and solemn” allows the reader to infer that the school was different that day.
(vi) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract, (l) M. Hamel was dressed so formally because …………………… .
Answer:
it was his last French lesson in Alsace.
OR
B. The players who played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy (Even the make-up department of the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy’!). On the days when there was a crowd shooting, you could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players. The idea was to close every pore on the surface of the face in the process of applying make-up. He wasn’t exactly a ‘boy’; he was in his early forties, having entered the studios years ago in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screen writer, director or lyrics writer. (Poets and Pancakes)
(i) What was the responsibility of the ‘office boy’? (1)
Answer:
The responsibility of the ‘office boy’ was to do make up of extras or ‘crowds’ in a crowd shoot.
(ii) On a day of crowd shooting, the office boy would be ……………….. . (1)
Answer:
mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players.
(iii) Which of the following expresses the office boy’s age? (1)
(a) 10 – 20 years old
(b) 40 – 50 years old
(c) 20 – 30 years old
(d) 30 – 40 years old
Answer:
(b) 40 – 50 years old
(iv) Rationalise, to support the given opinion. (1)
A hierarchy existed in the Gemini Studios.
Answer:
It is true that a hierarchy existed in the Gemini Studios because the responsibility of the office boy has been specifically highlighted. This indicates that the make-up task of other actors was given to people at different positions.
(v) The line “…players who played the crowd were the resp’onsibility of the office boy… ” can be best classified as (1)
(a) a fact
(b) an opinion
(c) a theme
(d) a plot point
Answer:
(a) a fact
(vi) Why was the office boy disappointed? (1)
(a) As he could not become a star
(b) Could not become a lyric writer
(c) Could not succeed as a director
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
Question 10.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, about in 40 – 50 words. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) How was Gandhi treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? (Indigo) (2)
Answer:
In Patna, Shukla led Gandhiji to the house of a lawyer, Rajendra Prasad. He was out of town but his servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered Rajendra Prasad to help the indigo sharecroppers. So, he was allowed to stay there with his companion. However, Gandhiji was not permitted to draw water from the well as he was considered as an untouchable and it was believed that some drops of water from his bucket could pollute the entire source.
(ii) Why does one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting to twelve and keeping quiet? (Keeping Quiet) (2)
Answer:
Normally, when people are active, we can hear various sounds of machines and all other activities. There is no moment of quiet. So, when we keep quiet and introspect, it will be a strange and unfamiliar as we have never experienced it.
(iii) Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering. (A Thing of Beauty) (2)
Answer:
The things that cause pain and suffering to man is man’s malice and unhealthy and evil ways. Man lacks noble qualities. His hostile and inhumane nature makes the world gloomy and depressing. He brings misery and suffering in his life which fills him with sorrow and despair.
(iv) Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water? (Deep Water) (2)
Answer:
Douglas regretted being deprived of enjoying water-based activities and sports like canoeing, boating, fishing and swimming. His ardent wish to enjoy such activities and regain his lost confidence while staying in water were the reasons for his determination to get over his fear of water.
(v) Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey? (Going Places) (2)
Answer:
Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know about her meeting with Danny Casey because Jansie could not keep a secret. The moment she knew of someone’s secret, the whole neighbourhood would get to know of it. Sophie also didn’t want this meeting to reach her father’s ears or else she would be in trouble.
(vi) Read the given quote. In your opinion, what silence does the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ break?
Every poem breaks a silence that had to be overcome. — Adrienne Rich
Answer:
The poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s tigers’ breaks the silence of women suppression and oppression in the male dominated society. It talks about how women, her talents, and her ideas are silenced by the patriarchal institutions of the society.
Throughout the poem, the central character of Aunt Jennifer is silent. She cannot speak about the discrimination faced by her by the hands of her husband and her family. However, her artistic creation functions to break her silence. It loudly speaks what she wants.
Question 11.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 2 = 4)
(i) What great miracle did the ten-day-old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur perform? How did it affect the people who listened to him? (The Tiger King) (2)
Answer:
The miracle that the ten-day-old baby performed was that he opened his lips in speech and raised , intelligent questions to the astrologer. The people who listened to him stood transfixed in stupefication. They looked wildly at each other and blinked.
(ii) Answer the questions in the context of the following lines from ‘The Enemy ’.
“Then certainly I can allow nothing to happen to you,” the General said with anxiety. His long pale Japanese lace became expressionless, which meant that he was in deep thought.
How did Dr. Sadao perform his duty as a patriotic Japanese? (The Enemy) (2)
Answer:
As a patriotic citizen of Japan, Dr. Sadao was duty bound to hand over the American soldier to the Japanese police. After removing the bullet from the soldier’s body by operating on him, Dr. Sadao performed his duty as a patriotic Japanese by informing the General about the presence of the American in his house. He also agreed to the General’s plan of assassination.
(iii) Why did the landlord’s man ask Bama’s brother on which street he lived? What was the significance? (We too are human beings – Memories of Childhood) (2)
Answer:
Annan was returning home from the library in the neighbouring village, when the landlord’s man asked him his name. He wanted to know where Annan lived. He asked this to ascertain Annan’s caste because all the lower caste people lived in one area of the town.
Question 12.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words.
A. Mukesh and the other bangle makers are unable to break out of the vicious circle of poverty due to the collusion of government agencies and the police. You are to write a blog on the feeling you had when you read the short story Lost Spring in your Class XII book. Including the responsibilities of these four categories of people towards the bangle makers and their children, write the blog. You may begin like this: (5)
Every day, you learn something new which makes you understand a much larger picture. I understood this larger picture when I read about the little Mukesh and the other bangle makers who are unable to break out of the vicious circle of poverty due to the collusion of government agencies and the police. You must be thinking who is Mukesh. Well, Mukesh is ……………….. .
OR
B. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears. You may.
begin this way:
Pallipuram Cochin, Kerala
22nd August ’60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day ………………….. (continue) ……………….. .
With love
Amma
Answer:
A. Every day, you learn something new which makes you understand a much larger picture.
I understood this larger picture when I read about the little Mukesh and the other bangle makers who are unable to break out of the vicious circle of poverty due to the collusion of government agencies and the police. You must be thinking who is Mukesh. Well, Mukesh is a little boy living in Firozabad, the bangle hub of India. He like all other bangle makers is suffering at the hands of the government agencies and the police who have no sympathy towards the pitiable conditions in which the bangle makers are making a living. They do not empathise with the bangle makers at all and are not sensitised towards their rights which can give them a life of dignity. Not just this, their insensitivity has worsened the situation to such an extent that instead of awareness of their rights, children accept their fate naturally.
Children like Mukesh should not be working in a bangle making factory as the working conditions are hazardous and can affect the health of children. Instead, they should be attending school. The officials, particularly the government agencies and the police, have a responsibility towards society to uplift the socially and economically backward people.
B.
22nd August ‘60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day I was worried about what was making you anxious. After much thinking I now know that you are worried about me, my health and my impending death. Sweetheart, both of us know that whoever is born must die. I am a mortal and would have to be separated from you.
But remember that I will always love you. So, why waste your time and worry with such fears. Let’s spend the time we have together will much fun and frolic. I know, my saying this would not reduce your stress, but worry not, your mother will forever be with you.
With love
Amma
Question 13.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120 – 150 words. (5)
A. Write a speech on how the feeling of loneliness is much more painful than physical impairment with reference to On the Face of it.
OR
B. What are Phytoplankton? How are they important to our eco-system? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
Answer:
A. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I am going to talk about the very sensitive issue of loneliness among the physically disabled.
Before that however, think about how you would feel if you are shunned from the society and forced to live a lonely life. The answer is clear; you would be devastated. Then, why do we make out physically disabled peers feel the same. We all see that people with some physical disability or impairment are often pitied and ridiculed by others. This makes them develop a sense of inferiority. They form a shell around themselves and begin to lead a life of seclusion. We all see this loneliness in the central characters of the story ‘On the face of it’.
In the case of Mr. Lamb, he expresses his feelings of pain at his loneliness at many instances throughout the play. He lives alone in his house and spends much time watching, listening and thinking, which shows that he lacks company. When Derry asks him to name some friends, he is unable to do so. Derry was himself an introvert. Because of his disfigured face, nobody wanted to talk to him. As a result, he is bitter and has a negative view of life. His coming back to meet Mr. Lamb again shows his craving for companionship.
OR
B. Phytoplanktons are microscopic plants that live in the Southen, Ocean. These small plants are very important to the ocean and the whole planet. These single-celled plants use the Sun’s energy to assimilate carbon and synthesise organic compounds: They are at the base of food chain. They nourish and sustain the entire Southern ocean’s food chain. Many small fish and whales eat them. The food chain continues and at some point in time we also become its part. So, the energy of plankton becomes our energy too. But, unfortunately, these plants face extinction due to the depletion of the ozone layer.
Scientists warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer will affect the activities of phytoplankton. This will affect the lives of all the marine animals and birds of the region and the global carbon cycle, as a whole. In this context there is no doubt that we have got to “take care of small things and big things will take care of themselves.”