NALANDA INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL, KRISHNAGIRI

ENGLISH CORE (301)

REVISION - IV (2021-2022)

CLASS: XII

Time: 90 Minutes Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

The Question Paper contains THREE sections.

Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific instructions for each
question.
Section B-WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per specific instructions for
each question.
Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for each
question.
All questions carry equal marks.
There is no negative marking
READING
I. Read the passage given below.

The basic concept of photography has been around since about the 5th century BCE. It wasn’t until an Iraqi
scientist developed something called the camera obscura in the 11th century that the art was born.
Photography, as we know it today, began in the late 1830s in France. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce used a
portable camera obscura to expose a pewter plate coated with bitumen to light. This is the
first recorded image that did not fade quickly.
Niépce’s success led to a number of other experiments, and photography progressed very rapidly.
Daguerreotypes, emulsion plates, and wet plates were developed almost simultaneously in the mid – to -
late 1800s.
In the 1870s, photography took another huge leap forward. Richard Maddox improved on a previous
invention to make dry gelatine plates that were nearly equal to wet plates in speed and
quality. Photography was only for professionals and the very rich until George Eastman started a
company called Kodak in the 1880s.
Eastman created a flexible roll film that did not require constantly changing the solid plates. This
allowed him to develop a self-contained box camera that held 100 film exposures. The camera
had a small single lens with no focusing adjustment. The consumer would take pictures and send
the camera back to the factory for the film to be developed and prints made, much like modern
disposable cameras. This was the first camera inexpensive enough for the average person to afford.
The film was still large in comparison to today’s 35mm film. It was not until the late 1940s that
35mm film became cheap enough for the majority of consumers to use.
Around 1930, Henri-Cartier Bresson and other photographers began to use small 35mm cameras
to capture images of life as it occurred rather than staged portraits. When World War II started in
1939, many photojournalists adopted this style. At the same time, 35mm cameras were becoming
popular; Polaroid introduced the Model 95. Model 95 used a secret chemical process to develop
the film inside the camera in less than a minute. This new camera was fairly expensive, but the
novelty of instant images caught the public’s attention.
In the 1950s, Asahi (which later became Pentax) introduced the Asahi flex and Nikon introduced
its Nikon F camera. These were both Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)-type cameras, and the Nikon F
allowed for interchangeable lenses and other accessories. For the next 30 years, SLR-style cameras
remained the camera of choice.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, compact cameras that were capable of making image control
decisions on their own were introduced. These “point and shoot” cameras calculated shutter speed,
aperture and focus, leaving photographers free to concentrate on composition.
The automatic cameras became immensely popular with casual photographers. Professionals and
serious amateurs continued to prefer to make their own adjustments and enjoyed the image control
available with SLR cameras
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by
choosing the correct option.
1. “Something called camera obscura was developed around 11th century” was NOT made by
(a) an Indian scientist. (b) an English scientist.
(c) an Iraqi scientist. (d) both (a) and (b)

2. “…but the novelty of instant images caught the public’s attention.” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘novelty’ is NOT
the same as it is in the passage.
(a) It came from the days when a vintage car was a novelty.
(b) He bought chocolate novelties for Christmas.
(c) The movie included a few novelty songs.
(d) The shop sells gifts and other novelties.

3. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the beginning and the
progression of the first Modern photography.
1. 1830 in France 2. Company Kodak in 1880’s
3. Mid-to-late 1800s 4. Took huge leap in 1870s
(a) 1, 4, 3, 2 (b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 1, 3, 4, 2 (d) 2, 4, 1, 3

4. In the passage, it is written, “These point and shoot cameras calculated shutter speed, aperture and focus…” What would have
been if it had been the opposite and the camera was NOT COMPACT?
(a) It would have been loose. (b) It would be free of lenses.
(c) It would have been auto focus. (d) It would have a flash unit.

5. Which option represents the correct combination according to the passage?

(a) Iraqi scientist and Kodak
(b) Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and portable camera obscura
(c) Richard Maddox and dry gelatine plates
(d) George Eastman and Kodak

6. What did the creation of the flexible roll film lead to?
(a) Development of Daguerreotypes
(b) Change in the history of computers
(c) Development of a self-contained box camera
(d) Development of cameramen
7. According to the passage, the fact that Model 95 was a fairly expensive camera yet it attracted the public was
(a) a worthy invention. (b) a useless attempt.
(c) just a waste of time and money. (d) a genuine buy.

8. Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word “expose.”
(a) Political scandals exposed the family in the newspapers today.
(b) The scientist experimented on the upper part of the shelf to expose the stains.
(c) He worked hard to expose him as a traitor.
(d) He damaged his arm so badly in the accident that the bone was exposed

9. Pick the option that correctly states what DID NOT happen in the world of photography.
(a) It did not happen after the 5th century.
(b) It did not happen until an Iraqi scientist developed a camera.
(c) It wasn’t accepted in many countries.
(d) It happened before the 5th century.

10. Success of Joseph Niépce’s creation

(a) proved fatal in the world of photography.
(b) was appreciated by all.
(c) was revolutionary in the world of photography.
(d) was a useless attempt.
II. Read the passage given below.
 To assess air pollution in India, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is executing a nationwide
programme of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
(NAMP). The network consists of 793 operating stations covering 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6
union territories of the country.
 Under NAMP, three air pollutants viz. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Respirable
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM/PM10) have been identified for regular monitoring at all the
locations. The monitoring of meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction, relative
humidity and temperature was also integrated with the monitoring of air quality. The monitoring of
pollutants is carried out for 24 hours with a frequency of twice a week, to have 104 observations in a
year.
 The monitoring is being carried out by CPCB; State Pollution Control Boards; Pollution Control
Committees and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur. CPCB
coordinates with the other agencies to ensure the uniformity, consistency of air quality data and
provides technical and financial support to them for operating the monitoring station. NAMP. is being
operated through various monitoring agencies, large number of personnel and equipment are involved
in the sampling, chemical analyses, data reporting, etc. It increases the probability of variation and
personnel biases reflecting in the data. hence, it is pertinent to mention that these data be treated as
indicative rather than absolute.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct
option.
11. According to the passage, one of the reasons why CPCB coordinates with other agencies is
(a) to ensure the parameters behind wind speed.
(b) to ascertain the consistency of air pressure.
(c) to ensure the consistency of air quality data.
(d) to ensure the humidity level in the air.

12. Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
1. CPCB is executing an air quality monitoring programme.
2. Multiple air pollutants have been identified to be monitored.
3. Monitoring air quality is the only meteorological parameter to be integrated.
4. CPCB and NEERI carry out different kinds of monitoring programmes.
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4

13. The word “probability” used in paragraph 3 means the same as

(a) certainty. (b) prospect.
(c) unlikelihood. (d) assurance.

14. Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the appropriate presence of SO2, NO2
and PM10 in Bengaluru’s air quality
1. In year 2004 2. In year 2006
3. In year 2010 4. In year 2012
(a) Option (1) (b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3) (d) Option (4)

15. Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the agencies that are TRUE
with respect to carrying out the monitoring of meteorological parameters.
1. State Pollution Control Boards and National Environmental Engineering Research
Institute
2. Central Pollution Control Board and WHO
3. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and National Air Quality
Monitoring Programme
4. Pollution Control Committees and Central Pollution Control Board
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 1

16. Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that indicates the maximum percentage of NO2 in Bengaluru’s air quality.
(a) 50 µg/m3 in 2004 (b) 40 µg/m3 in 2009
(c) 80 µg/m3 in 2001 (d) 40 µg/m3 in 2000

17. The information in the above passage reveals that the air quality is monitored with the help of a
(a) group of 700 destinations.
(b) network of 793 operating stations.
(c) chain of 798 organizations.
(d) network of several government boards and units.

18. Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated with respect to the air quality in Bengaluru?
(a) The concentration of Sulphur Dioxide has no relation to the concentration of PM10.
(b) The measures taken by the agencies has not helped in bringing down the concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide.
(c) The agencies have failed miserably in controlling the concentration of PM10.
(d) Except for PM10, the measures being taken by the agencies seem to have some impact on the other two pollutants.

WRITING
III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context below.
As Principal, RV Public School, Ramnagar, you have to write a notice in about 50 words
informing the students that with effect from 20th December, the school shall start at 9 am instead
of 8 am. Give reasons for the change.

19. Select the appropriate title for the notice.

(a) Replacement in School Timings
(b) Change in School Timings
(c) Change in School Hours
(d) Change in School Schedule

20. Select the option that lists the most accurate opening for this notice.
(a) All the students are informed that there will be a change in school timings from…
(b) This is to inform you that our school timings are…
(c) I am pleased to share with all students of the school that…Goyal
(d) None of these

21. The first thing written in a notice is

(a) name of the writer. (b) name of the organization.
(c) heading/title. (d) date.

22. Which of these points need not to be mentioned in a notice?

(a) Name (b) Address of company
(c) Age (d) Date

23. Choose the appropriate conclusion for this notice.

(a) All the students are told to note the change in timings.
(b) You are advised to come at a new time.
(c) Be prepared and inconvenience regretted.
(d) All the students are told to note the change in timings and inform the parents as well.

IV. Answer any six of the seven questions given, with reference to the context below.
You are Karuna, and you are asked to write an article on the problem of healthcare to the
common man due to many reasons.
24. Select the option that lists an appropriate title for Karuna’s article.
(a) How to provide proper healthcare to the common man
(b) Maintain proper healthcare to the common man
(c) How important healthcare to the common man
(d) Importance of healthcare to the common man

25. While elaborating the causes for the poor healthcare to the common man, which is the cause Karuna should not include?
(a) rising pollution
(b) fast and competitive lifestyle
(c) lack of nutritious food
(d) lack of high status

26. Which option would not help Karuna with the relevant ideas for this article?
(a) Earlier, providing healthcare used to be a charitable and ethical activity.
(b) Today, government hospitals are provided with proper equipment and facilities.
(c) Today, it has become commercialised and a money-spinning business.
(d) The private sector is the dominant healthcare provider in India.

27. Which suggestions, from those given below, would be appropriate for Karuna’s article?
(a) The government should also be concerned about the poor people and give medicines at a subsidised rate.
(b) The government should increase the number of government hospitals.
(c) The government should pass strict laws for private hospitals.
(d) All of these

28. What should Karuna include in this article?

(a) Only her opinion
(b) Rhetorical questions
(c) A range of different techniques to persuade/argue
(d) Lots of technical language and jargon

29. Which quote should Karuna use to summarise the central idea of his article?
(a) “Disease, sickness, and old age touch every family. Tragedy doesn’t ask who you voted for. Health care is a basic human right.”
— Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
(b) “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” ― Voltaire
(c) “In my opinion, our health care system has failed when a doctor fails to treat an illness that is treatable.” ― Kevin Alan Lee
(d) “Pioneering spirit should continue, not to conquer the planet or space … but rather to improve the quality of life.” — Bertrand
Piccard

30. What should be the concluding line in the article?

(a) It is said that prevention is better than cure.
(b) Awareness can be spread among the public regarding the methods of preventing and controlling diseases.
(c) Healthcare is a service and not a business.
(d) Our government should intervene and make sure that this service reaches the common man.

LITERATURE
This section has sub-sections: V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. There are a total of 30 questions in the section. Attempt ANY 26
questions from the sub-sections V to IX.
V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:
M. Hamel had said that he would question us on participles, and I did not know the first word
about them. For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It
was so warm, so bright! the birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open
field back of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling.
31. The phrase “so warm, so bright” refers to the feeling of
(a) M. Hamel. (b) the soldiers. (c) Franz. (d) the villagers.

32. Identify why Franz thought “running away and spending the day outdoors.”
(a) Birds were chirping. (b) He was not prepared for the lesson.
(c) Weather was warm and bright. (d) All of the above

33. Choose the term which best matches the statement “The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods.”
(a) He ran away from the school.
(b) Enjoying the beauty of nature
(c) Not willing to go to school
(d) Observing the drill of the Prussian soldiers
34. What does “Prussian soldiers were drilling” mean?
(a) They were exercising.
(b) They were attending the march past.
(c) They were seeing the chirping of the birds.
(d) They were capturing the city.

35. M. Hamel had announced the previous day that he would test them on the topic of “participles”. What was the reaction of
Franz?
(a) He was happy. (b) He was sad.
(c) He was scared of being scolded. (d) He became careless.

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

From the beginning, however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it. This started when I was three or four years old and
father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down
and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there
was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.
My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish
fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching
the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days
and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the misadventure happened.
36. The phrase “knocked me” refers to the waves that are
(a) high. (b) inadequate. (c) low. (d) dangerous.

37. Identify the figure of speech used in the sentence “swimming pool revived unpleasant memories”.
(a) Personification (b) Simile
(c) Alliteration (d) Metaphor

38. Choose the term which best matches the statement “I had an aversion to the water when I was in it.”
(a) adequacy (b) disinclination (c) strong liking (d) ambition

39. What does “overpowering force of waves” mean?

(a) Waves are not so powerful.
(b) Waves are skilled in overpowering.
(c) The force of waves is tremendously powerful.
(d) Waves are weak.

40. William gathered confidence by watching other boys swim and tried to copy them. What does this show about William?
(a) Determined and sad (b) Determined and honest
(c) Courageous and brave (d) Courageous and quick learner

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pallor:
The tall girl with her weighed-down head.
41. What does the expression “weighed-down head” suggest?
(a) Poverty and hopelessness (b) Shame and discomfort
(c) Ill and exhausted (d) Both (a) and (c)

42. The phrase “gusty waves” symbolizes

(a) energetic and exuberant. (b) lethargic and unhealthy.
(c) poor and malnourished. (d) fatigue and dull.

43. The expression “faces like rootless weeds” is an example of

(a) metaphor. (b) simile.
(c) personification. (d) alliteration.

44. In the extract, “The hair torn around their pallor” suggests that the girls, appearance was ________.
(a) neat and clean (b) shiny and soft
(c) unhealthy and pale (d) dry and clumsy

45. Who are “these children” in the first line?

(a) Children living in the slum (b) Children living in the villages
(c) Children studying in the colleges (d) Children working in the factories

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“At any rate something must be done with him,” he said, “and first he must be washed.” He
went quickly out of the room and Hana came behind him. She did not wish to be left alone
with the white man. He was the first she had seen since she left America and now he seemed
to have nothing to do with those whom she had known there.

46. Hana felt helpless seeing the soldier because

(a) Dr Sadao wanted to treat him. (b) the General was in her house.
(c) he was an American. (d) she hated Americans.

47. “First he must be washed.” this statement proved that

(a) Dr Sadao wanted to treat him.
(b) Dr Sadao was not willing to treat him.
(c) the servants refused to help Dr Sadao.
(d) Hana was helpless.

48. Which style, from those given below, is being used by the doctor, when he says, “At any rate something must be done with
him”?
(a) Sarcastic (b) Dramatic (c) Concerned (d) Hatred

49. Dr Sadao’s behaviour towards the American soldier, who was injured, was
(a) good. (b) acceptance. (c) cruel. (d) helpful.

50. Hana did not want to remain in the room, alone with the white man. What does this show about Hana?
(a) She didn’t want to face the white man.
(b) She thought that the white man could be a threat to them.
(c) She didn’t want to help the white man.
(d) She was heartless.

IX. Attempt the following.

51. The kind of “imaginary and ideal world” Pablo Neruda visualises is
(a) the earth and its beauty.
(b) ‘togetherness’ of the people in the moment of silence and peace.
(c) to be together with friends and everyone.
(d) not to be selfish and be forgiving.

52. What is the theme of the lesson, “The Third Level”?

(a) Time travelling
(b) Human tendency of escapism from the harsh realities of the present
(c) Self-destruction for the benefit of others
(d) Destiny overpowers one’s actions

53. It is clear that in the poem, “An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum,” the phrase “lead sky” symbolises
(a) the future of slum children, which is quite hopeless.
(b) the growth and opportunities.
(c) a great world ahead.
(d) none of the above

54. Mukesh’s grandmother says, “It is his karam, his destiny.” These words show that
(a) she loved his job.
(b) she knew bangle makers had lost all hopes.
(c) she lost her courage.
(d) she thought he did not have a strong determination.

55. Kamala Das’ reference to the trees and children outside bring contrast with the mother. What does this contrast signify?
(a) Young energy vs inactive old age (b) Nature vs humans
(c) Fast-paced life vs slow thoughtfulness (d) None of the above

56. Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to Charley.
(a) Charley imagined the third level at Grand Central Station.
(b) Charley received a letter from his wife, Louisa.
(c) Charley thought the Grand Central Station was growing like a tree.
(d) The newspaper Charley saw was The World.

57. Douglas says that there is peace in death. For him, where does the terror lie?
(a) Drowning (b) Fear of water
(c) Intensity of death (d) Fear of death
58. “Garbage to them is gold.” This statement signifies that
(a) ragpickers often find the lost gold items in the garbage.
(b) children find rag-picking an enjoyable activity.
(c) they often find things in the garbage which can be sold for cash.
(d) they, at times, find food items safe to eat.

59. “Strange,” he thought, “I wonder why I could not kill him?” This shows that Dr Sadao was
(a) a good human being and a doctor. (b) a non-patriot.
(c) confused about the young white man. (d) a friend of the young white man.

60. “I never saw him look so tall.” Which of the following best captures M. Hamel on the last day of school?
(a) Cranky, miserable, dedicated, resigned
(b) Patient, dignified, emotional, courageous
(c) Calm, nostalgic, disappointed, patriotic
(d) Proud, reproachful, persistent, heroic

---------------ALL THE BEST---------------