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CBSE TEST PAPER - 01

Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)

General Instructions:

All questions are compulsory

Question No.1 to 3 carries 4 marks each.
Question No. 4 to 10 caries 3 marks each.

1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from heaven’s brink
a. What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?
b. What image does the poet use in these lines?
c. What is the effect of this ‘immortal drink’ on us?
d. What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?
2. “Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits”.
a. How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
b. Explain; “Some shape of beauty.”
c. Identify the figure of speech in the above lines.
d. What makes the mid-forest brake rich?
3. Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
a. Why are we despondent?
b. What removes “the pall from our dark spirits”?

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 c. Explain, “the inhuman dearth of noble natures.”
d. What are we doing every day?
4. What pleasure does a beautiful thing give us? Are beautiful things worth treasuring?
5. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
6. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
7. What does the line, 'Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth'
suggest to you?
8. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
9. Why is 'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead'?
10. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting
impression on us?

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 CBSE TEST PAPER - 01
Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)
Answers

1. a. The thing of beauty mentioned in these lines is the group of stories celebrating the
glory of our powerful ancestors, which we have read or heard.
b. The poet uses the image of an ‘endless fountain’ coming down to us from heaven.
According to him, Nature and other beautiful things around us are like a gift from
God, which give us infinite delight and Joy.
c. The "immortal drink" gives us an immense joy. A joy that is everlasting and one that
will never come to an end.
d. The lovely tales of mighty men are the beautiful things mentioned in the lines.
2. a. Human life is full of trials and tribulations. We add to our troubles and make our lives
more difficult by following evil ways. We hurt others as well as ourselves. This makes
us despondent.
b. The various objects of beauty around us remove the pall from our dark spirits.
Beautiful things have the power to make us happy.
c. Metaphor is used in 'pall from our dark spirits'. Pall means a cloud, here, it is a dark
cloud of gloom and sadness. It is the beauty, creation of God that removes the sadness
and darkness from our mind and soul.
d. The blooming of beautiful musk roses makes the mid-forest brake rich.
3. a. Whenever we look at a beautiful object, we are filled with comfort and joy. When we
are burdened with grief, a thing of beauty comes as a ray of hope and makes us forget
our sorrow and suffering at least for some time.
b. Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet here means beauty in
some form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
c. The above lines present an example of metaphor. Our souls are steeped in sadness
and disappointment which are compared to a pall or shroud covering the dead.
d. We are weaving a flowery wreath everyday to bind us to the beauty of earth.
4. The world is filled with negative elements which make our life dull, sad, depressing and
bereft of hope. In such moments, a beautiful thing gives us an everlasting joy and helps
us forget our sorrows. Yes, a beautiful thing is worth treasuring because even its memory
soothes our nerves and inspires us to overcome the challenges of life.

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 5. The things of beauty are the sun, the moon, old and new trees, daffodils, clear rills, musk
roses that bloom among the thick forest ferns.
6. The things that cause suffering are dark phases of our life, adverse circumstances,
gloomy days, death of noble people and bad health.
7. This line suggests that things of beauty bind us to the earth with a beautiful connection.
According to the poet, even if the world is not worth living because of the innumerable
reasons that ultimately result in gloom and depression, the zeal to live a happy and
content life can be derived from the sight of the beautiful bounties of nature around us.
8. Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the existence of
several natural and beautiful things around them. These things of beauty never fade.
They give joy and optimism to human mind, and thus, help in overcoming or bearing the
troubles and sufferings.
9. The 'grandeur' of the 'mighty dead' lies in their noble deeds. They have left behind the
beautiful legacy of their brave acts. Their selfless sacrifice for their nation and deeds for
the welfare of mankind still continue to inspire us.
10. The poet believes that when we encounter a beautiful thing, even for a small moment,
but the pleasure remains with us forever. It leaves a lasting impression that inspires us to
live life with hope and optimism.

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 CBSE TEST PAPER - 02
Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)

General Instructions:

All questions are compulsory

Question No.1 to 3 carries 4 marks each.
Question No. 4 to 10 caries 3 marks each.

1. Reference to Context-
“Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits"
a. How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
b. Explain; “Some shape of beauty.”
c. Identify the figure of speech in the above lines.
d. What makes the mid-forest brake rich?
2. Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
a. Why are we despondent?
b. What removes “the pall from our dark spirits”?
c. Explain, “the inhuman dearth of noble natures.”
d. Identify the figure of speech in: "unhealthy and o’er darkened ways".
3. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from heaven’s brink
a. Who are the ‘mighty dead’? How do we know about them?
b. What images does the poet use to convey that beauty is everlasting?

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 c. What is the effect of the 'immortal drink'?
d. What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?
4. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
5. How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life?
6. What does Keats consider "an endless fountain of immortal drink" and why does he call it
"immortal drink"?
7. According to Keats, what spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it
removed?
8. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort?
9. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
10. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

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 CBSE TEST PAPER - 02
Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)
Answers

1. a. Human life is full of trials and tribulations. We add to our troubles and make our lives
more difficult by following evil ways. We hurt others as well as ourselves. This makes
us despondent.
b. The various objects of beauty around us remove the pall from our dark spirits.
Beautiful things have the power to make us happy.
c. Metaphor is used in 'pall from our dark spirits'. Pall means a cloud, here, a dark cloud
of gloom and sadness. It is this beauty, creation of God which removes the sadness
and darkness from our mind and soul.
d. The blooming of beautiful musk roses makes the mid-forest brake rich.
2. a. Whenever we look at a beautiful object, we are filled with comfort and joy. When we
are burdened with grief, a thing of beauty comes as a ray of hope and makes us forget
our sorrow and suffering at least for some time.
b. Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet here means beauty in
some form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
c. The above lines present an example of metaphor. Our souls are steeped in sadness
and disappointment which are compared to a pall or shroud covering the dead.
d. The figure of speech used in "unhealthy and o’er darkened ways" is transferred
epithet.
3. a. Our ancestors who were great in their own ways and the dead emperors have been
referred to as the 'mighty dead'. We come to know about them by reading or hearing
valorous tales, which speak of their innumerable sacrifices. They are a source of
motivation for all who go through them.
b. ‘Endless fountain’ of joy is the image that has been used by the poet to convey that
beauty is everlasting. Things of beauty are an eternal source of motivation, a precious
gift from heaven which gives us infinite pleasure and happiness.
c. The 'immortal drink' that Nature’s endless fountain pours on us gives us immense joy
and pleasure.
d. The lovely tales of mighty men are the beautiful things mentioned in the lines.
4. The poet uses the image of 'an endless fountain of immortal drink' to describe the

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 beautiful bounty of the earth. The earth, like a fountain, pours unto us numerous
beautiful sights like the sun, the moon, flowers, rivers and greenery.
5. We derive comfort and happiness when we look at the objects of beauty, and the lasting
impression they leave on our minds is a source of permanent joy. Beautiful things bind us
to the earth and help us strengthen our relationship with nature. They provide us relief
from our everyday trials and tribulations and help us live a happy life.
6. Keats considers Nature’s beauty as "an endless fountain of immortal drink". He calls this
drink immortal as the pleasure and delight given by it never passes into nothingness. It
only increases with time, it never fades away.
7. John Keats says that pain and suffering are a part of life. These bring us sadness and
despondence. But still, we can find hope. The hope and motivation come from Nature and
remove the pall of despondence from our spirits. The beautiful sights give us inspiration
to continue the journey of life.
8. A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort in many ways. It is like a bower, a place
under the shade of a tree where we can rest. It gives us a sleep filled with sweet dreams.
The streams and forests provide a cooling covert for us in the hot weather.
9. A thing of beauty is a joy forever because it is a permanent source of joy and inspiration
and leaves a lasting impression on us. The pleasure and happiness given by it never fades
away but keeps on increasing.
10. Human beings suffer from hopelessness and sadness. Our style of living often makes us
hopeless and grim. We at times also, suffer due to the self-centered and wicked nature of
others. In spite of all our troubles and sufferings, we are able to derive pleasure from our
surroundings. The beautiful objects from Nature help us shed our gloom, give us a
glimmer of hope, and make us love life amidst all troubles.

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 CBSE TEST PAPER - 03
Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)

General Instructions:

All questions are compulsory

Question No.1 to 3 carries 4 marks each.
Question No. 4 to 10 caries 3 marks each.

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow-
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
a. Why are we despondent?
b. What removes “the pall from our dark spirits”?
c. Explain, “the inhuman dearth of noble natures.”
d. What are we doing everyday?
2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow-
“Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits”.
a. How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
b. Explain; “Some shape of beauty.”
c. Identify the figure of speech in the above lines.
d. What makes the mid-forest brake rich?
3. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
……..
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink
a. Name the poem and the poet.

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 b. Explain: ‘the grandeur of the dooms’
c. What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?
d. What image does the poet use in these lines?
4. What spreads the 'pall of despondence' over our dark spirits? How is it removed?
5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the 'mighty dead'?
6. What is the message of the poem, ‘A thing of beauty’?
7. What is the ‘endless fountain’ and what is its effect?
8. What images does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
9. What are the circumstances that contribute towards making humans unhappy and
disillusioned with life?
10. How is a thing of beauty is a joy forever?

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 CBSE TEST PAPER - 03
Class – 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)
Answers

1. a. Whenever we look at a beautiful object, we are filled with comfort and joy. When we
are burdened with grief, a thing of beauty comes as a ray of hope, and makes us forget
our sorrow and suffering at least for some time.
b. Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet here means beauty in
some form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
c. The above lines present an example of metaphor. Our souls are steeped in sadness
and disappointment which are compared to a pall or shroud covering the dead.
d. We are weaving a flowery wreath everyday to bind us to the beauty of earth.
2. a. Human life is full of trials and tribulations. We add to our troubles and make our lives
more difficult by following evil ways. We hurt others as well as ourselves. This makes
us despondent.
b. The various objects of beauty around us remove the pall from our dark spirits.
Beautiful things have the power to make us happy.
c. The poet here means that the world lacks in men of noble nature or qualities. There
are few people who are noble in character; most of the people are self-centered and
pursue evil ways.
d. The blooming of beautiful musk roses makes the mid-forest brake rich.
3. a. The poem is ‘A thing of beauty’ written by John Keats.
b. The magnificence that we imagine for our mighty dead forefathers on the doomsday.
c. The lovely tales of mighty men are mentioned in these lines.
d. The poet uses the image of ‘an endless of fountain of immortal drink’ to describe the
beautiful bounty of the earth. The earth has bestowed us with Nature’s bounty - sun,
moon, flowers, greenery, etc.
4. John Keats says that pain and suffering are a part of life. These bring us sadness and
despondence. But still, we can find hope. The hope and motivation come from the Nature
and it removes the pall of despondence from our spirits. The beautiful sights give us
inspiration to continue the journey of life.
5. The 'mighty dead' are those who have laid down their lives for a great or noble cause.
Their death is replete with intellectual and spiritual beauty. Birth, growth and decay, all

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 are inseparable. Each has its own beauty. Their death is grand or beautiful because it
makes them immortal through the grand tombs and memorials erected in their honour.
6. The message of the poem ‘A thing of beauty’ is that beautiful things are a source of
constant joy and inspiration. They give us eternal pleasure and leave an indelible image
on our minds and, therefore, every beautiful thing and aspect is worth being treasured.
7. Here beauty has been referred to as an ‘endless fountain’, which is an eternal source of
motivation, an elixir of life and a precious bounty from heaven. It gives us infinite
pleasure and delight, and motivates us to continue our journey of life.
8. The poet uses the image of an ‘endless fountain’, which showers bounties on earth. He
calls this an ‘immortal drink’ from heaven. The sun, the moon, the trees, the daffodils, the
lush green forests and streams, all reflect the beautiful bounties which God has given us.
9. Hopelessness, sadness and lack of noble ways are a part of human life. We harm
ourselves by following unhealthy and wicked paths. These circumstances contribute
towards making humans unhappy and disillusioned with life.
10. Romantic poet John Keats, a great admirer of nature, says that a thing that is beautiful is
ultimate source of everlasting joy. Through this poem he has tried to portray how nature
provides us rare beauty which becomes a constant source of happiness and pleasure. Its
grace increases with passage of time, it never passes into nothingness. Time cannot
devour it rather a thing of beauty can never be devalued.

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 CBSE TEST PAPER-04
Class 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)

General Instructions:-

All questions are compulsory.

Question No.1 to 3 carries 4 marks each.
Question No. 4 to 10 caries 3 marks each.

1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
A thing of beauty ………. and quiet breathing.
a. How is a thing of beauty joy forever?
b. What kind of sleep does it provide?
c. What do you understand by a ‘bower’?
d. Name the poem and the poet.
2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Therefore, on every morrow……. in spite of all.
a. What are we doing every day?
b. Which evil things do we possess and suffer from?
c. Explain ‘in spite of all’.
d. Find the word from the passage which means as :
(i) Malice, (ii) Disappointment
3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Some shape of beauty ……… for simple sheep.
a. What removes the pall from our dark spirits?
b. What sprouts a shady boon for sheep and how?
c. How do ‘Daffodils and Rills augment the environment’?
d. Find the words from the passage which means as:
(i) Covering (ii) Blessing
4. Why is grandeur associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
5. What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
6. What is ‘grandeur’ of the ‘dooms’ and ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’?
7. How does a thing of beauty provide us shelter and comfort?

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 8. What impression do the things of beauty make on us? Is it temporary or permanent?
9. What makes man love life in spite of all miseries and sufferings?
10. Describe the symbols that have been used to relate the beauty of nature.

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 CBSE TEST PAPER-04
Class 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)
[Answers]

1. a. A thing of beauty provides everlasting joy. Its beauty never decreases but continues to
increase with the passage of time.
b. It provides a sound sleep, full of sweet dreams and peaceful breathing.
c. It is the shelter under the shade of a tree.
d. 'A Thing of Beauty' is the poem and the poet is John Keats.
2. a. Every morning we are weaving a flowery wreath which binds us to the beauties of the
earth.
b. Human beings possess qualities of malice, hatred and disappointment. There is a
shortage of noble qualities and men continue to be evil.
c. It refers to all the negative qualities and evils mentioned by the poet.
d. (i) Spite (ii) Despondent
3. a. A thing of beauty removes the pall from our dark spirits.
b. The old and young trees sprout branches to provide shade and shelter to the sheep.
c. Daffodils bloom among the green surroundings. The rills of clear water make a
soothing and comfortable shelter for themselves against the hot season.
d. (i) Pall (ii) Boon
4. The 'grandeur' is associated with the 'mighty dead' because the splendor of their deeds
inspires us through their sagas. The legends and stories of martyrs infuse us. Through
their legends, the mighty dead continue to live and to be active as spiritual powers.
5. Keats, an ardent lover of nature, in his poem refers to the powers of nature. He urges
mankind to realize these powers and make his life enjoyable and worth living. He tells us
how a thing of beauty provides perennial joy to us.
6. The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ is a reference to our mighty and dead ancestors who have
created beautiful objects for us. On the other hand, the ‘endless fountain’ is the
everlasting joy provided to us by the bounties of nature in the form of nectar pouring on
us from heaven.
7. The poet creates images that soothe our senses. Nature bestows us with things of rare
beauty. It keeps the shade of trees ready for us to be comfortable and peaceful in it.
Beautiful things also provide peace and security so that we can enjoy sound sleep. We are

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 able to enjoy sweet dreams, good health because of them. In this way beauty provide us
for shelter and comfort.
8. Keats has clearly stated that a thing of beauty is joy forever. It makes permanent and
everlasting impression on us as it is a constant source of joy and pleasure. It is an eternal
source of motivation, an elixir of life and a precious gift from heaven and it never
diminishes. It gives us infinite pleasure and delight, and motivates us to continue our
journey of life.
9. There are several things that bring troubles and sufferings which in turn depress our
spirits. But our nature has blessed us with beauty that alone makes our life happy. It
removes the pall of sadness, darkness and dearth. It offers us sweetness, loveliness and
pleasures. The beautiful objects of nature pour endless nectar over our spirits to do away
with sufferings and troubles.
10. The poet uses the image of an ‘endless fountain’, which showers bounties on Earth. He
calls this an ‘immortal drink’ from heaven. The sun, the moon, the trees, the daffodils, the
lush green forests and streams, all reflect the beautiful bounties which God has given us.

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 CBSE TEST PAPER-05
Class 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)

General Instructions:- All questions are compulsory. Question No.1 to 3 carries 4 marks
each. Question No. 4 to 10 caries 3 marks each.

1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
A thing of beauty ………. a bower quiet for us.
a. Why a beautiful thing does not pass into nothingness?
b. What does the poet mean by ‘a bower quiet for us’?
c. Explain the line: ‘a thing of beauty is joy forever’.
d. Name the poem and the poet.
2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Therefore, on every morrow……. in spite of all.
a. What are we doing every day?
b. What are the things that make us despondent? Mention at least two things.
c. What does the poet mean by, ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways'?
d. What message do the above lines give to the reader?
3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
And such too…………… the heaven’s brink.
a. Who are 'mighty dead'?
b. What is implied by ‘all lovely tales that we have heard or read’?
c. What is the source of the ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’?
d. What image does the poet use in these lines?
4. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
5. What spreads the 'pall of despondence' over our dark spirits? How is it removed?
6. What does the line, 'therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth'
suggest to you?
7. What makes human being love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
8. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
9. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
10. How does beauty sustain our life on the earth?

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 CBSE TEST PAPER-05
Class 12 English Core (A Thing of Beauty)
[Answers]

1. a. A thing of beauty does not pass into nothingness because as the time passes its beauty
increases only. The beauty is eternal.
b. The word quiet means calm, silent and peaceful. Beauty is like a shady grove in which
we can sit and relax or enjoy a sound sleep full of dreams. It refreshes and re-
energizes us.
c. A thing of beauty is a source of joy that is constant, never ending. The beauty of a
thing is eternal and it increases as time passes by. It will never pass into nothingness.
It has a permanent impact on our minds.
d. The poem is 'A Thing of Beauty' and its poet is John Keats.
2. a. We are trying to connect to nature every day.
b. Lack of nobility in people, mean and selfish behavior make the human beings feel
despondent.
c. 'Unhealthy and o’er darkened ways' means the interactions between people make
them sad and dejected in nature.
d. The above lines gives the message that the only way to remain happy is to connect to
nature.
3. a. The ‘mighty dead’ refers to those great men and warriors who glorified death by
embracing it most gracefully and magnificently.
b. A glorified and magnificent death gets recorded in the leaves of history, leaving an
indelible imprint on it. It remains an everlasting source of motivation to all those who
read or hear about such great men who have achieved glory in death.
c. Beauty, in all respects, whether in growth or in decay, is a perennial source of
motivation. It is an endless fountain from where we can drink the immortal elixir of
life.
d. The poet uses the image of 'an endless fountain of immortal drink' to describe the
never-ending beautiful bounty of earth. It has given has sun, moon, flowers, rivers,
greenery, etc.
4. A thing of beauty is joy forever because it is a permanent source of joy and leaves a
lasting impression on us. The pleasure and happiness given by it never fades away but

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 keeps on increasing with passage of time.
5. John Keats says that pain and suffering are a part of life. These bring us sadness and
despondence. But still, we can find hope. The hope and motivation come from nature and
remove the 'pall of despondence' from our spirits. The beautiful sights give us inspiration
to continue the journey of life.
6. John Keats is deeply in love with the constant beauty of the earth. He believes that man
and nature are woven into an unbroken bond. The above line suggests the intensity and
eternity of this bond. The beautiful things present in the nature around us are like
beautiful flowers. We wreathe them into a flowery band that keeps us connected and
attached to this beautiful earth.
7. We, as human beings, suffer from malice, despondence, lack of noble quality and so on.
These things make our life sad and gloomy. The poet, however, feels that in spite of all
these suffering, man has a hope to redeem himself and make him love life. This hope lies
in the small beautiful things around us which provide happiness and joy through their
sheer charm and beauty.
8. The ‘mighty dead’ refers to our forefathers who were powerful in their own ways and in
their times. Their values and achievements made them ‘mighty’ or great. They were great
because of their deeds. Thus, ‘grandeur’ is associated with our ancestors who are
remembered for their good work.
9. There are many things that cause suffering and pain like sad and sorrowful days,
cruelties, lack of noble qualities, unhealthy and over darkened ways that we have to
follow etc.
10. Our desire to live on this earth is to a great extent due to the presence of beautiful things
that are a constant source of joy for us. Without beauty, the earth is full of gloom and
sadness. There is cruelty, selfishness and mean behavior all around and lack of good
natured people. It is this beauty, a creation of God, which removes the sadness and
darkness from our mind and souls.

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