CBSE Class 12

English Core

Previous Year Question Paper 2016

Series: ONS Set-1

Code no.1/1

● Please check that this question paper contains 12 printed pages.

● Code number given on the right-hand side of the question paper should
be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

● Please check that this question paper contains 13 questions.

● Please write down the Serial Number of the question before

attempting it.

● 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The
question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30
a.m., the students will read the question paper only and will not write any
answer on the answer script during this period.

ENGLISH CORE

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are
compulsory.

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 1

 2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question,
wherever necessary.

3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions

SECTION - A

(READING) 30 Marks

1. Read the passage given be1ow: 12 Marks

1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he

accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed
the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal
personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour,
sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even
before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the
cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in
the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having
a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a
few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down.
Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and
brilliance of the people of Mewar.

2.The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most
of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the
kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right from
the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only 60 years before Maharana Pratap,
Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went
beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana
Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and
developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed
extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works
are read with reverence even today. The ambience of his kingdom was
conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These

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accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition sustained by
several generations.

3.The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous
during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment
in these fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and
literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for a lack of
admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of
Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its
people.

4.One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts
and palaces of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many
structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to
the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art
and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished
and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer. Imagine how
glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya stambha which is the
sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the
same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then
administration was which allowed people from other communities and
kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge
in the debate whether the Vijay Ctambha was constructed first or the Kirti
Stambh. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side by side and
reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.

5. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas the reign of Rana
Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved
to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of Mewar - the land of
the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which
was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for sometime.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer of the

questions given be1ow with the he1p of the options that follow:
1x4= 4 Marks

(a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because:

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(i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years

(ii) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar

(iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism

(iv) both (ii) and (iii)

Ans: both (ii) and (iii)

(b) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were:

(i) lack of cooperation the nobility

(ii) ancient traditions of the kingdom

(iii) its small area and small population

(iv) the poverty of the subjects

Ans: (iii) its small area and small population

(c) During thorny occasions:

(i)the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered

(ii)the flag of Mewar was hoisted high

(iii)the people of Mewar showed gallantry

(iv)most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief

Ans: the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered

(d) Mewar was lucky because:

(i)all of its rulers were competent

(ii)most of its people were competent

(iii)most of its rulers were competent

only a few of its people were incompetent

Ans: most of its rulers were competent

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Answer the following questions briefly: 1x6=6 Marks

(e) Who is the earliest King of Mewar mentioned in the passage ?

Ans: According to the text, the first king of Mewar was Bappa Rawal, who ruled
the legendary kingdom of Mewar over 1500 years before Maharana Pratap.

(f) What was Rana Kumbha’s contribution to the glory of Mewar ?

Ans: Rana Kumbha was the monarch of Mewar roughly two generations before
Maharana Pratap's reign. His contribution to Mewar's grandeur was enormous,
encompassing successes, kingdom growth, and the spread of literature and art.
Rana Kumbha, who was a writer himself, wrote various masterpieces that are
still cherished today. Rana Kumbha is primarily renowned for creating an
environment in which his people could produce quality work in art and literature,
which his future generations strove to maintain.

(g) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar?

Ans: According to the author, the inhabitants of Mewar were worthy of

appreciation because, despite their lack of striking physical characteristics, they
were able to contribute to the well-being of their kingdom by their liberal and
joyous way of life. Their disposition was pleasant and loving, and this was
mirrored in their art and literature over time. This is what the writer admires
about the inhabitants of Mewar.

(h) How could art and literature flourish in Mewar ?

Ans: Despite countless conflicts and bloodshed, the Mewar kingdom has also
shown to be a site for the proliferation of art and literature throughout the same
time period. It flourished due to two factors: first, encouragement and
sponsorship from monarchs like Rana Kumbha, who were drawn to art
themselves, and second, the pleasant, caring, and liberal temperament of the
people of Mewar, which was mirrored in their art. A combination of the two
conditions mentioned above aided in the simultaneous development and
flourishing of art and literature in a land besieged by foes.

(i) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects ?

Ans: Mewar's rulers showed their concern for their subjects in three ways at the
same time. For starters, they were valiant warriors who fought their way to

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numerous triumphs in order to safeguard their subjects and realm. Second, the
kings did a lot of development work for their citizens, such as public buildings
and architectural marvels like the Kirti Stambh and the Vijaya Stambha, granting
their people as well as those from beyond limits.

(j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambh in the same
fort signify ?

Ans: The construction of the Vijaya Stambh and Kirti Stambha in the same fort
represents the king's intimacy and proximity to his subjects in the Mewar realm.
The two Stambhas are magnificent works of architecture that represent triumph
and fame, respectively. The fact that the two minarets are located side by side
and are the result of brilliant craftsmanship in architecture by people from the
kingdom and even beyond its borders demonstrates how the rulers of Mewar
propagated art and architecture and created an environment conducive to the
development of soft arts in the people.

(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the
following: 1x2=2 Marks

(i)surprising (para 4)
Ans: (i) astonishing
(ii)evidence (para 4)
Ans: (ii) testimo

2.Read the passage given be1ow: 10 Marks

1. To ensure its perpetuity, the ground is well held by the panther both in
space and in time. It enjoys a much wider distribution over the globe than
its bigger cousins, and procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its
continuity for all time to come.

2. There seems to be no particular breeding season of the panther, although

its sawing and caterwauling is more frequently heard during winter and
summer. The gestation period is about ninety to hundred days (Whipsnade,
ninety-two days). The litter normally consists of four cubs, rarely five. Of
these, generally two survive and not more than one reaches maturity. I have
never come across more than two cubs at the heels of the mother. Likewise,

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graziers in the forest have generally found only two cubs hidden away
among rocks, hollows of trees, and other impossible places.

3. Panther cubs are generally in evidence in March. They are born blind.
This is a provision of Nature against their drifting away from the place of
safety in which they are lodged by their mother, and exposing themselves to
the danger of their being devoured by hyenas, jackals, and other predators.
They generally open their eyes in about three to four weeks.

4. The mother alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It keeps them out of the reach
of the impulsive and impatient male. As a matter of fact the mother
separates from the male soon after mating and forgets all about their
tumultuous union. The story that the male often looks in to find out how the
mother is progressing with her cubs has no foundation except in what we
wish it should do at least.

5. The mother carries its cubs about by holding them by the scruff of their
neck in its mouth. It trains them to stalk, and teaches them how to deliver
the bite of death to the prey. The cubs learn to treat all and sundry with
suspicion at their mother’s heels. Instinctively the cubs seek seclusion, keep
to cover and protect their flanks by walking along the edge of the forest.

6. I have never had an opportunity to watch a mother panther train its cubs.
But in Pilibhit forests, I once saw a tigress giving some lessons to its little
ones. I was sitting over its kill at Mala. As the sun set, the tigress
materialised in the twilight behind my machan. For about an hour, it
scanned and surveyed the entire area looking and listening with the
gravest concern. It even went to the road where my elephant was awaiting
my signal. The mahout spotted it from a distance and drove the elephant
away.

7. When darkness descended upon the scene and all was well and safe, the
tigress called its cubs by emitting a low haa-oon. The cubs, two in number
and bigger than a full-grown cat, soon responded. They came trotting up to
their mother and hurried straight to the kill in indecent haste. The mother
spitted at them so furiously that they doubled back to its heels immediately.
Thereafter, the mother and its cubs sat under cover about 50 feet (15 m)
away from the kill to watch, wait, look, and listen. After about half an hour’s
patient and fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say ‘paid for’. At this signal,
the cubs cautiously advanced, covering their flanks, towards the kill. No

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longer did they make a beeline for it, as they had done before,

8. The mother sat watching its cubs eat, and mounted guard on them. Che
did not partake of the meal.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage complete the statements

given below with the help of options that follow: 1x2=2 Marks

(a) To protect its cubs the mother panther hides them:

(i) among rocks

(ii) in the branches of the trees

(iii) behind the tree trunks

(iv) at its heels

Ans: among rocks
(b) The male panther:
(i)is protective of its cubs

(ii)trains its cubs

(iii)watches the progress of the mother

(iv)is impulsive and impatient

Ans: is impulsive and impatient

Answer the following questions briefly: 1x6=6 Marks

(c) How many cubs does the mother panther rarely deliver ?

Ans: A mother panther rarely gives birth to five cubs in a litter. It normally only
gives four.

(d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not born blind ?

Ans: If the panther cubs are not born blind, they may wander away from the safe
haven where their mother has sheltered them, such as among rocks or in the
hollow of a tree. This puts them at risk of being preyed on by hyenas, jackals,
and other wild animals in the forest. As a result, it is nature's way of keeping the

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cubs safe until they are three to four weeks old.

(e)Why did the mahaut drive his elephant away ?

Ans: The mahaut had noticed the tigress from afar, who was looking for any form
of external interference so that she could teach her cubs in seclusion without
danger of being attacked or preyed upon. When the mahaut saw the tigress from
a distance, he felt it was best to keep a safe distance in order to avoid any form
of attack on him or his elephant, so he drove away.

(f)Why did the tigress spit at its cubs ?

Ans: The tigress, who was busy teaching her pups how to hunt, wanted to instil
the superb tiger hunting methods of watching, waiting, looking, and listening
before assaulting the kill. However, as soon as she summoned her cubs, they
pounced on the prey. This was something the tigress did not approve of, and she
spit at them fiercely to express how this was not something they were supposed
to do.

(g)From the narrator’s observation, what do we learn about the nature of

the tigress ?

Ans: There are several observations we may make regarding the nature of the
tigress based on the narrator's observations. First and foremost, she is a protective
mother who ensures that her cubs are safe while they are preparing themselves
under her tutelage. She walks up to the road for this, which could have been
harmful for her. Second, the tigress was well-versed in hunting techniques,
including the advantages of observing, waiting, staring, and listening before
pouncing on her prey. This is what she intends to teach her cubs.

(h)Why does the panther not face the risk of extinction ?

Ans: A reading of the passage reveals that panthers are not in danger of extinction
for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that female panthers have four,
sometimes even five cubs. As a result, even if all cannot mature into mature
panthers owing to some difficulty or another, at least two cubs from each mother
reach maturity. Second, the little cubs are kept very safe and sheltered, frequently
hiding in the most unlikely of places, such as tree hollows and amid the rocks.
This saves them from being exploited and killed, which would otherwise have
contributed to their extinction.

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(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the
following: 1x2=2 Marks

(i) moving aimlessly (para 3)

Ans: drifting

(ii) came down/fell (para 7)

Ans: descend

3. Read the passage given below: 8 Marks

People tend to amass possessions, sometimes without being aware of doing

so. They can have a delightful surprise when they find something useful
which they did not know they owned. Those who never have to change
houses become indiscriminate collectors of what can only be described as
clutter. They leave unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for
years in the belief that they may one day need them. Old people also
accumulate belongings for two other reasons, lack of physical and mental
energy, and sentiment. Things owned for a long time are full of associations
with the past, perhaps with the relatives who are dead, and so they gradually
acquire a sentimental value.

Come things are collected deliberately in an attempt to avoid wastage.

Among these are string and brown paper, kept by thrifty people when a
parcel has been opened. Collecting small items can be a mania. A lady cuts
out from newspaper sketches of model clothes that she would like to buy if
she had money. As she is not rich, the chances are that she will never be able
to afford such purchases. It is a harmless habit, but it litters up her desk.

Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different and has many advantages. It

provides relaxation for leisure hours, as just looking at one’s treasure is
always a joy. One doesn’t have to go out for amusement as the collection is
housed at home. Whatever it consists of - stamps, records, first editions of
books, china- there is always something to do in connection with it, from
finding the right place for the latest addition to verifying facts in reference
books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject, but also in

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 10

general matters which have some bearing on it.

There are other benefits also. One gets to meet like-minded collectors to get
advice, compare notes, exchange articles, to show off one’s latest find etc. Co
one’s circle of friends grows. Coon the hobby leads to travelling, perhaps a
meeting in another town, possibly a trip abroad in search of a rare specimen,
for collectors are not confined to one country. Over the years one may well
become an authority on one’s hobby and will probably be asked to give
informal talks to little gatherings and then, if successful, to larger audiences.

(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on
it, using headings and subheadings.Use recognisable abbreviations
(wherever necessary - minimum four) and a format you consider suitable.
Also supply an appropriate title to it. 5 Marks

Ans: NOTES
1. The delights of collecting

● They believe they may need them later

● these thing create excitement

2. Collection by elderly individuals

● Old folks tend to accumulate a lot of things for two reasons.

● insufficient physical and mental energy

● emotional object

● Some item that has been with them for a long time or that belonged to a
deceased family

● Over time, such objects gain sentimental value.

3. Collecting as a technique of reducing waste

● Some items were purposefully collected to avoid waste.

● For example, when parcels arrive, use string and brown paper.

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 ● Thrifty people do this.

● A lady who cannot afford expensive clothes cuts photos out of papers.

● Such collection results in nothing but litter.

4. Serious collecting as a pastime

● Significantly distinct, with numerous adv

● After a while, seeing one's valuables brings a lot of satisfaction.

● Allows for relaxing during leisure hours

● No need to go out for entertainment when you have collections at home.

5. Other advantages of gathering

● It is possible to meet and discuss with other collectors who share similar
interests.

● Examples include advising, comparing notes, trading publications, and

displaying collections.

● Increase in the number of friends

● Because collectors are not limited to a single country, their hobby may lead
to travel.

● With time, one may even achieve success.

● May give talks in small to big groups.

Key to abbreviations
obj. -object
adv. -advantages
Hrs. - Hours
Eg. -for example

(b)Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. 3 Marks

Ans: Collecting can be done for a variety of purposes and with a variety of

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 12

effects. Collecting as a strategy of decreasing waste results in nothing but
rubbish. It acts as a treasure and offers joy to people who gather to preserve
memories. Collecting can also be a serious passion for certain people, and it can
benefit them in the long run by teaching them on various topics, allowing them
to meet people and travel to new locations, and even making them an authority
in the subject.

SECTION - B

(WRITING SKILLS) 30 Marks

4. You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, a leading lawyer practising in

Curat. You want to buy an independent house at City Light Road to be used
as office-cum- residence. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the
classified columns of a local newspaper. You can be contacted at 45645678.
4 Marks

Ans:

ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED

City Lights Boulevard, Leading lawyer seeks independent property to

be utilised as an office-cum-residence, with four bedrooms and at least
three attached toilets, car parking, park facing, upscale area preferred,
affordable price, and a minimum space of 3000 square feet.

Please call Karuna Bajaj at 45645678 if you are interested.

Or
On 30th November your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You
want Mr. Dhanraj Pillai, a noted hockey player, gave away the prizes to the
budding sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in about 50
words requesting him to grace the occasion. You are Karuna/Karan, Sports
Secretary, Sunrise Global School, Agra. 4 Marks

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 13

Ans: Complete solution:

Sunrise Global School

Agra,

8th August, 2020

Respectfully, Sir,

Our school's Annual Sports Day is scheduled for September 9th, 2020. We will
be honoured if you will grace us with your presence and motivate our school's
aspiring athletes. We respectfully request that you present the rewards to our
athletes at our school's sports field at 4 p.m.

Please confirm your availability by August 30th, 2020.

Yours sincerely,

Karuna

Sports secretary

5. Along with air and water pollution, our cities are also under an attack of
noise pollution. Marriage processions, DJs during wedding receptions, loud
music from neighbourhood flats etc. are all sources of noise which is not
good for the old, the ailing and students. Write a letter in 120-150 words to
the editor of a local newspaper describing the problem and making a request
to the concerned authorities to solve it . You are Karan/Karuna, M 114, Mall
Road, Delhi. 6 Marks

Ans: Flat 5B, Sukriti Apartments,

M114, Mall Road,

Delhi

Date: 24th February, 2019

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 14

 The Editor,

The Hindu,

Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,Delhi.

Subject: Request that an investigation be conducted into the issue of growing

noise pollution and that appropriate steps be taken.

Respected Sir/Ma'am,

I, Karuna Bajaj, a resident of Mall Road in Delhi, would like to bring to the
attention of the relevant authorities the scenario of increasing noise pollution by
the day as a result of a number of events, and urge a remedy for the same.

When it comes to noise pollution, my neighborhood's residents have become

increasingly careless in recent years. They are oblivious to the fact that noise
pollution is just as dangerous as air or water pollution, and has just as bad, if not
worse, consequences for inhabitants and visitors alike. As a result of the lack of
awareness, the residents are subjected to activities such as processions, weddings
and receptions, and festivities where loudspeakers are used at unbearable levels.
Noise pollution has unanticipated consequences, including a loss of attention and
concentration, headaches, anxiety, an unfathomable sense of exhaustion, and
hearing difficulties, including hearing loss.

Therefore, Sir, it is my sincere plea that you provide this viewpoint as a platform
in a column of your renowned publication in order to raise awareness about this
subject. In addition, I would like to propose that the relevant authorities take the
required actions to combat this scourge.

Thanking You

Mr. Karuna Bajaj,

Or

In all big cities road rage has become a serious problem. A minor scratch, a
little push, or a small brushing past can lead to a scuffle sometimes resulting
even in murder. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Police Commissioner

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 15

giving your views on the problem and its solutions. You are Karuna/Karan,
M 114, Mall Road, Delhi. 6 Marks

Ans:
Flat 5B, Sukriti Apartments,

M114, Mall Road,

Delhi

Date: 24th February, 2019

The Police Commissioner,

Delhi Police Headquarters,

Delhi - 110002

Subject: Request to draw attention to the growing problem of road rage in Delhi.

Respectfully, Sir/Ma'am,

I, Karuna Bajaj, a resident of Mall Road in Delhi, would like to draw your
attention to the city's growing problem of road rage, which is slowly but gradually
engulfing the entire city like a plague. Several events have been published in the
media during the last two months, which is why I am writing you this letter.

Any minor scuffle on the road these days often escalates into a huge scuffle,
frequently resulting in violence, bad-mouthing, traffic bottlenecks, and
disruption. It is past time for the public to be made aware of the evils of road
rage, and the police and locals must work together to accomplish this. Seminars
on the subject can be held in companies and schools, as these people utilise the
roadways on a daily basis. People should be taught about anger management as
well as how to handle a situation with ease in order to avoid any form of harm
being imposed on them.

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 16

Aside from that, it is critical that the police network take note of the situation and
take the required steps, such as increasing the number of traffic policemen
deployed at vital areas. There will be no adequate solution to this mounting threat
unless and unless such efforts are adopted.

As a result, I respectfully beg that you check into the problem and treat it as
urgent in order to take any additional measures in the right path.

Thanking You

Karuna Bajaj

6. ‘Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India’. Write a
debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. 10 Marks

Ans: Brain drain is not a problem for a developing country such as India.

Good morning to the distinguished judges, teachers, and students in attendance.

I, Karuna Bajaj, am here to argue that "brain drain is not a curse for a developing
country like India."

Brain drain is the exodus of highly educated and bright persons to other countries
rather than serving our own nation, which is symbolically represented as the
draining away of precious brains.

In a developing country like ours, which needs such brilliant and highly educated
professionals in the development of many economic and political sectors, it is a
curse that the bulk of them are migrating abroad in search of better financial and
lifestyle opportunities.

If these 'brains' had persisted, their active participation in different fields -

research, ecological conservation, technical breakthroughs, politics, government,
and so on – would have transformed things from a curse to a gift. The terrible
reality is that a dearth of lucrative employment in our country has prompted them
to seek them overseas, in countries that are progressing far faster as a result of
these Indian folks.

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 17

As a result, I am convinced that India would fare far better if it could retain these
bright minds on its path to prosperity.

Or
Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Discipline shapes the future
of a student’. It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are
Karuna/Karan. 10 Marks

Ans:

A student's future is shaped by his or her discipline.

Good morning, Mr. Principal, teachers, and other students. I, Karuna Bajaj,
would like to talk on the topic of "Discipline shapes a student's future."

Hard study, attention, attentiveness, fitness, and abstinence from materialisations

are the five qualities that a good student must possess, according to ancient
Sanskrit writings. If we had to replace all of the above with one word, it would
be discipline.

True, we are not all born bright, nor do we all have the same skills and talents.
However, by following this single principle to our life, each of us has the
opportunity to come out on top.

A disciplined lifestyle brings out the best in a student and guides him through his
days in order to attain the goals he has set for himself.

Discipline brings routine, a shift in attitude, patience and hard work, perseverance
and tolerance - all of the qualities essential for a healthy body and mind.
Discipline influences a student's destiny and assists him in making his ambitions
a reality.

Thank you

7. Education has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received

their learning at gurukuls and ashrams. Even in the near past pathshalas

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(schools) were associated with places of worship. Today, education is fast
becoming commercialised. Parents have to shell out a lot of money on
coaching classes, tuition fees etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The
State of Education, Today’. You are Karan/Karuna. 10 Marks

Ans:

Today's Educational Situation

By-Karan/Karuna

The history of education may be traced back to the days of the gurukul, when
groups of students, usually of noble birth, resided in ashrams and learned from
their gurus, who charged little more than a dakshina for such a noble profession.
They were termed gurus because they were thought to be sacred — providing
information to someone in order to make him a responsible, well-informed
human being is a noble profession.

Nowadays, parents must spend lakhs of dollars just to provide the same education
to their children. Gurukuls have given way to commercial hubs known as schools
and colleges, and gurus have given way to professors in coaching classes and
tuitions who educate simply for money and not for the noble purpose of creating
a life.

The consequence is massive: education has become a business, and teachers are
among the highest taxpayers in the country. Education has become a faraway
fantasy for many people due to financial constraints, and the fundamental
purpose of learning has been twisted. Unless and until the undue
commercialization of the education system is curtailed, the ideal of a developed
India appears hazy.

Or
According to the 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred percent or around
has been achieved by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found
mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. What can the
youth do to spread literacy in society ? Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘Role of students in eradicating illiteracy’. You are Karuna/Karan.

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 10 Marks

Ans: The role of students in the abolition of illiteracy

By-Karan/Karuna

The 2011 census plainly reflects the country's terrible condition of literacy today
– only a few states have achieved 100% literacy, while the others struggle to
educate their populations for a variety of reasons. Some are concerned about
money, while others are concerned about social boundaries. The major reasons
for being illiterate are, for the most part, a lack of awareness of the benefits of
education, or rather, disinformation about it.

Today's young can play a significant role in tackling these issues and assisting
the country in reaching higher levels of literacy. First and foremost, they can
establish issue-specific societies and clubs in even the most remote areas and
communities. This type of outreach is only possible because of the youth's zeal,
combined with government aid. They can start by educating people on the
benefits of education and the importance of literacy, while also dispelling myths
and misinformation. They can train people themselves to be read at the basic level
by undertaking outreach programmes.

Aside from teaching, the young can assist in the establishment of small schools
for both children and adults. They can raise awareness about social ills and
emphasise the necessity of female education for the advancement of the family.
Self-help groups for the people can be formed by the youth, who can raise funds
for educational reasons and the like.

Today's youth has a lot of potential to do amazing things. When it comes to

development, a little push and a little wake-up call would be enough to see huge
leaps and bounds.

SECTION - C
(Literature: Textbooks and Long Reading Text) 40 Marks

8. Read the given extract be1ow and answer the questions that fo11ow:

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Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language,

let’s stop for one second,

and not move our arms so much.

(a)What is the significance of the number ‘twelve’ ? 1 Mark

Ans: The number 'twelve' represents time. It might symbolise the hours of the
day or the months of the year.

(b)Which two activities does the poet want us to stop ? 1 Mark

Ans: The poet wants us to stop doing two things. First, he wants people of
different nations to stop speaking in their own languages. Second, he wants us to
quit waving our arms, whether to signal or to fight and argue with one another.

(c)What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not speak in any language’ ? 1 Mark

Ans: By saying, ‘let us not talk in any language,' the poet is advising people from
various nations to refrain from speaking any language or dialect of their own,
because it is different for each person. The poet is attempting to emphasise,
metaphorically, the importance of letting go of our differences and focusing on
our personal goals or motives.

(d)Describe the pun on the word, ‘arms’? 1 Mark

Ans: The word 'arms' is used as a play on words here. It can refer to the 'arms' of
a clock, which the poet does not wish to move because he is requesting a stop in
time for others to ponder about or listen to him. It could also allude to human
'arms,' implying that he wants people to quit moving their arms as a form of
signalling or fighting and arguing with one another. Instead, it is time to stop and
be silent in peace.

Or

.......... I saw my mother, beside me,

doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that

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of a corpse and realised with pain ..........

(a)Who is ‘I’ ? 1 Mark

Ans: As she recalls her visit to her elderly mother, the poet uses the word 'I' to
refer to herself.

(b)What did ‘I’ realise with pain ? 1 Mark

Ans: The poet realises, with regret, that her mother has aged and is now as elderly
as she appears. She is shocked by the anguish and pain of losing her mother so
soon, since she is now at the critical junction of old age.

(c)Why was the realisation painful ? 1 Mark

Ans: The realisation was difficult because it reminded the poet that she could
soon have to say goodbye to her dear mother, who is nearing the end of her days.
A daughter would undoubtedly suffer greatly if her mother died.

(d)Identify and name the figure of speech used in these lines. 1 Mark

Ans: The analogy is used as a figure of speech in the phrase "her face ashen like
that of a corpse." Her mother's dull and ashen visage has been compared to that
of a lifeless cadaver to represent that her mother has reached the end of her days.

9. Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each:

3x4=12 Marks

(a)What does the reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring’ tell us about the
economic condition of the rag pickers ?

Ans: The reference to the chappals in 'Lost Spring' depicts the rag pickers' terrible
situation of poverty and lack of basic amenities. When the author asks one of the
children why he isn't wearing chappals or footwear, the child says that his mother
hasn't brought them off the shelf for him to wear. The author attempted to depict
the venom of poverty in the streets of India, where wearing shoes on the streets
is considered a luxury by the impoverished.

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(b)What do we learn about the crofter’s nature from the story, ‘The
Rattrap’ ?

Ans: The crofter, who was engulfed in loneliness as he was forced to stay away
from his family, was a nice and open-hearted man who cherished the opportunity
to talk to someone to alleviate his loneliness, according to the storey, 'The
Rattrap.' He also hosted a random unknown wanderer who sells rat traps and was
extremely generous with his confidences, telling the vagabond all about the thirty
kroners he had won without considering the implications.

(c) How is ‘Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example’ for the children
of the school in a slum ?

Ans: Shakespeare has been labelled wicked because his romantic and idealistic
literature might inspire youngsters at a slum school to break free from their
monotonous lives. Similarly, the map on the wall is a negative example since it
makes the youngsters want to run away to see those places, giving them an
unrealistic idea of escape and travel.

(d)What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we find in the poem, ‘Aunt

Jennifer’s Tigers’ ?

Ans: One of the underlying implications of the poem 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' is
male chauvinism. The 'tigers' signify the males' supremacy over the females.
Aunt Jennifer is nearly fully controlled by her husband, including according to
his regulations. Her freedom exists only in her dreams. The picture of male
chauvinism and oppression has been clearly drawn in various subtle descriptions,
such as the heaviness of the ring and the trembling of fingers in dread while
knitting the sweater.

(e)How did the Governor, Oxford Prison, describe Evans to the Secretary
Examination Board ?

Ans: The Governor of the Oxford prison defined Evans to the Secretary
Examination Board as a continuous kleptomaniac, a person who is unable to
resist the impulse to steal and steals for motives other than financial gain. He
goes on to say that Evans is not dangerous at all and has no history of violence.

(f)At the dining table, why did Zitkala-Ca begin to cry when others started

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eating ?

Ans: Zitkala-Sa was not used to having so many limits and discipline enforced
on her time, mannerisms, and even her eating habits. The idea of gathering to eat
only when the bell rang, and then eating after a second bell, as well as the
compulsion to eat with a knife and fork, were new to her. This is why she began
to weep when others began to eat.

10. Answer the following question in 120-150 words: 6 Marks

Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire. Co many times they become

role models for them. What is wrong if Cophie fantasises about Danny Gassy
and is ambitious in life ?

Ans: True, every adolescent has a hero or heroine whom they idolise and even
see as role models. In truth, adolescence is the threshold of a plethora of
emotions, particularly when it comes to forming feelings of affection for
someone, whether actors, athletes, or others. Sophie was a comparable adolescent
with a similar crush on Danny Casey, a great Irish footballer. Casey had grown
in popularity among the younger generation, particularly among girls who
fantasize about him. Sophie had a crush on Casey from the moment she saw him
play. Her fantasies, however, quickly spiralled out of control, since despite
having little interaction with him, he had become the subject of her daydreams.
Sophie's conversations became increasingly focused on him, with the majority of
them being tell-tales. Not only that, but Sophie's newfound importance for Danny
Casey was strange and ambitious. She had built a world of lies for herself, in
which she dreamed about him and made him the centre figure of her life. The
majority of her ideas were unable to convert into reality. This is why her fantasies
about Danny Casey are incorrect, and her objectives are worthless.

Or

Our native language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does
the presence of village elders in the classroom and M. Hamel’s last lesson
shows their love for French ?

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Ans: It is true that our native language is an important component of our culture,
and we are proud of it. One's original tongue gives him a sense of belonging and
pride. The presence of village elders in M. Hamel's last lesson classroom is proof
of the same reality in the storey "The Last Lesson." Following a Berlin decree
requiring that only German be taught in the school, M. Hamel informed his
students of his last lesson in French, their native tongue. The announcement
shocked and disappointed many people for two reasons: first, they would have to
study German instead of their native tongue, and second, it would be M. Hamel's
last day of teaching.

It was for the same reason that some of the elderly folks from the village occupied
the last seats in M. Hamel's last French class. They wanted to pay honour to the
instructor who had given forty years of service while also holding their native
tongue, which was an important part of their culture and history, in high regard.

11. Answer the following question in 120-150 words: 6 Marks

Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical impairment, but much more
painful for them is the feeling of loneliness. Gomment.

Ans: Both Derry and Lamb are sufferers of physical handicap in the storey 'On
the Face of It.' Mr. Lamb is an elderly guy with a tin leg that was blown off during
a battle, while Derry's face has been burned on one side due to an acid attack.
The two had endured excruciating bodily pain, but the misery of loneliness,
which they were constantly subjected to, had been far more excruciating. Because
of the ugliness of Derry's face, no one wanted to get close to him, and his constant
solitude had made him repulsive to others as well. People who are not as
physically capable or 'perfect' as others, such as Derry and Lamb, are frequently
mocked or looked down upon. Some people look down on them, but even this
attitude may be very insulting at times. As a result, they tend to isolate themselves
and avoid contact with others. People like Derry and Lamb are the ones who face
loneliness in the face of it, without any friends or family, receiving sympathy
instead of empathy, and always being looked down upon as someone who would
not be able to secure much in life.

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 Or

How did Jack end the Roger Skunk story ? How and why did Jo want to
change it ?

Ans: When Jo heard Jack wrap up the Roger Skunk narrative, she wasn't
convinced. A child's universe revolves around affection and acceptance, and
having pals to play with is essential. As a result, when she heard the narrative
finish with Roger Skunk returning his previous terrible body odour, even if it
meant losing friends, she wished to change it. According to Jo, mothers are not
always correct. It was impossible to comprehend why Mother Skunk struck the
magician without being struck back, and why, of all things, she sacrificed her
son's happiness for her own. The story's hero ending up as ugly and stinky again,
and thestupid mommy' disliking the fragrance of roses were both things she
longed to change.

As a result, Jo believes that the storey should have concluded with the wizard
hitting the mother skunk rather than her hitting him. She wanted Roger skunk to
have his rose scent so he could keep his gang of friends and play with them. She
didn't want the wizard to undo his spell in any way.

12. Attempt the following question in 120-150 words: 6 Marks

How did Mrs. Hall showed her excitement when Criffin came to stay at
Coach and Horses ?

Ans: Mr. Griffin's arrival to Coach and Horses was nothing short of a stroke of
luck. It was the dead of winter, and it was exceedingly unlikely that any guest
would travel to Iping at all, let alone stay at the inn.

At such a time, a person approaching the Coach and Horses inn and requesting
for a room to stay both surprised Mrs Hall and raises some suspicions in her mind.
She becomes concerned, especially when she closely examines his appearance.
However, he appeared to be a respectable man in general, and Mrs Hall was
overjoyed to have a visitor at such an unusual time of year.

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 26

As a result, she expressed her thanks and pleasure via acts of care and respect.
She gave him a private room, started a fire for him, and left him by the fire while
she went to cook him a supper with her own hands. As a method of expressing
her delight at his visit, she herself attended to his services such as coffee and
meals.

Or
How do William Dane’s deceit and Carah’s desertion affect Cilas ?

Ans: Silas was profoundly changed as a result of William Dane's deception and
Sarah's abandonment. After experiencing such misery, especially from those he
trusted and loved, he simply could not maintain his faith in God. He went home
and sat alone for a whole day, surprised and shocked in disbelief.
He didn't even feel compelled to pay Sarah a visit and persuade her of his
innocence. After spending the first day in shock and sadness, he moved on to take
refuge from his unbelief on the second day by spending the most of his time as
usual getting busy at the loom. After what seemed like an eternity, the ministers
and deacons approached him to notify him that Sarah had broken off her
engagement to him. Silas did not respond to the message in any manner; instead,
he silently turned away and sat to resume his work at the loom.
Sarah married William Dane after approximately a month, and Silas Marner left
town soon after to reside in Raveloe. Silas became known as a figure of mystery
and enigma by the residents of the area over time.

13. Attempt the following question in 120-150 words: 6 Marks

Marvel is the only character in ‘The Invisible Man’ who interacts with
Griffin and gains something. Comment.

Ans: It's true that Marvel is the only character in 'The Invisible Man' who
interacts with Griffin and gains something. To begin, all of the other characters
who engaged with Griffin — Mr and Mrs Hall, Kemp, Buntings, and Cuss --
suffer in some way as a result of their interactions with Griffins. Marvel is the
only one who has benefited from his ordeal rather than suffered.

Griffin had coercively recruited Marvel as an accomplice in his crimes, believing

Class Ⅻ English Core www.vedantu.com 27

him to be a poor tramp who could be easily manipulated. Griffin enslaves Marvel
and threatens him if he does not participate out of desperation and loneliness.
Following Griffin's death, Marvel becomes the sole owner of all his riches as well
as all of his experiments, which he had been documenting in his diary.

As a result, Marvel is able to open an inn with the money he received from the
Invisible Man. The notes and facts are also useful because he is now using the
Invisible Man's storey to seek public sympathy and attention.

Or

Attempt a character sketch of Eppie.

Ans: Eppie was Godfrey Cass and Molly Farren's infant daughter. She is lovely,
with golden hair, like to the recent heist of gold from Silas Marner. Eppie
wandered into Marner's cabin after her mother died in a snowstorm.

Eppie is a brat, in part because Silas refuses to punish her. Eppie grows to adore
her father and matures into a young, beautiful, sweet-tempered woman
throughout time. Silas is compelled by her love and devotion to rekindle interest
and faith in Raveloe and the community.

Eppie soon discovers who her real father is and his plans to take her from the
father she had believed in and loved her entire life. At this point, we see a
different side of Eppie — one that is strong-willed and stern. At the end of the
novel, she falls in love with Aaron, the son of the Winthrops, and the two marry.

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