ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL, RANCHI

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER

CLASS XII

ENGLISH CORE 301

MARKS : 80

TIME : 3 HRS

Section A READING (22marks)

A. Read the passage and answer the following questions. (12)

The G-20 meeting is an annual gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors from 19
countries and the European Union. This year’s meeting is being held in India, which is a significant
milestone for the country as it seeks to position itself as a major player in the global economy. The
G20 countries represent around 85% of the world’s GDP, and their decisions have a significant impact
on the global economic landscape.

India’s rise as a global economic power has been driven by a number of factors, including its large and
diverse economy, strategic location, and investment in science and technology. As the host of this
year’s G-20 meeting, India has an opportunity to showcase its strengths and contribute to the
development of policies that promote inclusive growth and development.

The agenda for this year's G-20 meeting is focused on a number of key issues, including the global
economic recovery, financial regulation, and climate change. One of the most pressing issues on the
agenda is the need to address the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has
had a profound impact on economies around the world. The G-20 countries will be looking for ways to
work together to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and ensure a strong and sustainable recovery.

Despite the potential benefits of the G-20 meeting, there are also concerns about the group’s
effectiveness and accountability. Critics argue that the G-20 is too focused on the interests of the
world’s largest economies and neglects the needs of developing countries. There is also concern that
the decisions made at the G-20 may not be binding, and that there is no mechanism in place to ensure
that member countries follow through on their commitments. Answer the following questions, based
on the above passage:

1. What concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the G-20? (1)

a)It is too focused on the interests of the largest economies

b) It neglects the needs of developing countries

c) Its decisions may not be binding

d) All of the above

2. What are some of the key issues on the agenda for this year’s G-20 meeting? (1)
 a) Climate change b) Economic recovery c) Financial regulation d) All of
the above

3. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of hosting the G-20 meeting in India, in about 40
Words. (2)

4.___________ % of the world’s GDP is represented by G-20 countries. (1)

5.In what ways could India use its position as host of the G-20 meeting to promote inclusive growth
and development? (1)

a)By showcasing its strengths as a global economic power

b)By contributing to the development of policies that address key issues

c)By advocating for the needs of developing countries

d)All of the above

6.In what ways could the G-20 meeting contribute to addressing global political instability and
promoting cooperation among member nations? Explain in about 40 words. (2)

7.How has India’s investment in science and technology contributed to its rise as a global economic
Power? (1)

8.How could the G-20 meeting in India impact India’s domestic economic policies and growth
Trajectory? Explain in about 40 words. (2)

9.What is the main goal of the G-20 meeting in India? (1)

a)To address the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

b)To promote climate change policies

c)To establish binding regulations on financial institutions

d)To increase trade between member countries

2. Read the following text. (10)

According to recent surveys, Indian students are among the largest groups of international students
studying abroad. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are the top
destinations for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. These countries are known for their
quality education, flexible programs, and the variety of courses they offer.

There are several factors that could influence the decision of Indian students to study abroad. These
include the desire for better quality education, the opportunity to gain work experience and cultural
exposure, and the hope of enhancing their career prospects. In addition, students may be drawn to
particular countries because of their familiarity with the language, culture, and way of life.
While there are many benefits of studying abroad, there are also significant challenges and risks
associated with international student migration. For example, cultural differences can create
misunderstandings and difficulties for students. Language barriers may also pose a challenge, as
students must be able to communicate effectively in order to fully engage in their studies and daily
life. Financial constraints can also be a significant obstacle for many students, as studying abroad can
be costly.

Despite these challenges, studying abroad can offer many benefits for Indian students. In addition to
gaining a world-class education, students have the opportunity to develop a global perspective and
cross-cultural communication skills. They can also expand their professional network and improve
their chances of finding a job in their chosen field after graduation.

However, there are also some risks associated with international student migration. For example,
antiimmigrant sentiment in certain countries can result in mistreatment or discrimination against
Indian students. Additionally, students who do not fully understand the culture and social norms of
their host country may find it difficult to adapt and feel isolated.

In order to make informed decisions about studying abroad, it is important for Indian students to
carefully weigh the benefits and risks. They should research their options thoroughly, consider their
financial situation and personal goals, and seek advice from experts and alumni. By doing so, they can
maximize their chances of success and ensure that their international education experience is both
fulfilling and rewarding.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

1. According to the survey mentioned in the passage, which of the following countries are the
top destinations for Indian students seeking higher education abroad? (1)
a) China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
b) France, Germany, Italy, and Spain

c)The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia

d)Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan

2. Which of the following factors could influence the decision of Indian students to study abroad,
according to the survey mentioned in the passage? (1)

a)The desire for better quality education

b) The opportunity to gain work experience and cultural exposure

c)The hope of enhancing their career prospects

d)All of the above

3. What are some of the benefits of studying abroad for Indian students, as mentioned in the
passage? Answer in about 40 words.(2)
 4. What are some of the risks and challenges associated with international student migration,
according to the passage? Answer in about 40 words.
(2)
5. How might anti-immigrant sentiment in certain countries impact the experience of Indian
students studying abroad, according to the passage?
(1)
6. Why is it important for Indian students to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of studying
abroad, as mentioned in the passage? (1)
7. Fill in the blank:
Despite the many benefits of studying abroad, there are also significant __________ and risks
associated with international student migration. (1)
8. True or False: The trend of Indian students migrating to foreign countries for higher education
is expected to slow down in the near future. (1)

Section – B (CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS) (18)

a) You Are Ravi/ Rachana as a president of the literary club of your school you have organised an
interschool debate competition on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations of your school. Write
a notice informing the students of your school about this competition. (4)

b) Recently, it was in the news that there was a cyclone in Odisha, causing severe damage to life and
infrastructure. Being the Head Girl of your school, draft a notice for the students and staff appearing
for donation of relief products like clothes, money, books and other articles. (4)

c) Recently you went to your native village to visit your grandparents. You saw that some of the
children in the age group of 5-14 remained at home, were working in the fields or simply loitering in
the streets. Write a letter to the Editor of a National Daily analysing the problem and offering solutions
to it. You are Navita, M-114, Mount Kailash, Kanpur. (5)

d) You are Sushil from 56, A Block, Saket, Agra. Write an application along with a personal resume, in
response to the following advertisement:

*** Wanted an experienced hockey coach having B.P.Ed Degree for our school. Apply to the Principal,
Agarsen Public School, Agra by 15 March 20XX. *** (5)

Section – C ( Literature) 40 marks

Read the following extracts and answer the following questions.

A A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness; but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

 Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. (6)

(a) What does the poet mean by saying, ‘ a thing of beauty is a joy forever ‘?
(b) What are those things of beauty mentioned in the above lines?
(c) ‘ Its loveliness increases ‘. The poet is talking about:
(I) The loveliness of joy
(II) The loveliness of anything beautiful
(III) The loveliness of sleep
(IV) The loveliness of breath
(d) Why does a thing of beauty not pass into nothingness?
(I) Because the memory of anything beautiful will never enhance again
(II) Because it will never cease to exist
(III) Because it leaves an indelible imprint on our heart and soul
(IV) Both (I) and (II)
(e) ‘ Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing ‘ . What does this line reflect?
(f) ‘Bower’ does not mean the same as:
(I) Aclove (II) shade
(III) Uncover (IV) arbor

B The next I remember I was lying on my stomach beside the pool, vomiting. The chap that threw me
in was saying, “ But I was only fooling.” Someone said, “ The kid nearly died. Be all right now. Let’s
carry him to the locker room.”

Several hours later, I walked home. I was weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay on my bed.
I couldn’t eat that night. For days a haunting fear was in my heart. The slightest exertion upset me,
making me wobbly in the knees and sick to my stomach.

I never went back to the pool. I feared water. I avoided it whenever l could. (4)

(a) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
For days a haunting fear was in my heart.
(b) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the chap threw the boy into the
pool just for fun. ( clue : a phrase)
(c) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation as per the extract.
The slightest exertion upset the boy because……………………..
(d) Complete the sentence with its synonym from the extract.
The boy felt unsteady in the knees.

C “ The master ought not to heal the wound of this white man,” he said bluntly to Hana. “ The white
man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught him and wounded him with her rocks. If the
master heals what the gun did and what the sea did, they will take revenge on us.”

“ I will tell him what you say,” Hana replied courteously. But she herself was also frightened, although
she was not superstitious as the old man was. (4)
 (a) “ The master ought not to heal the wound of this white man.” Who said this?
(b) “ They will take revenge on us.” Who are ‘they’ here?
(c) “ The white man ought to die.” Why did he/she say this?
(d) Which word from the extract means the same as ‘ considerately ‘.
(I) Bluntly (II) superstitiously
(III) Courteously (IV) ought

D Answer the following questions. 5x2=10

(I) How does a thing of beauty bring joy in our lives?

(II) How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas?
(III) Describe the irony in Saheb’s name.
(IV) What is the significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M.Hamel’s classroom?
(V) Explain the theme of Kamala Das’ poem , My Mother at Sixty-Six.

E Answer the following questions. 3x2=6

(I) What forced Dr Sadao to be impatient and irritable with his patient?
(II) Why was the Maharaja in danger of losing his throne?
(III) What did Dr Sadao and his wife do with the wounded man?

F Answer the following questions. 5x2=10

(I) Fear is something that we must learn to overcome if we want to succeed in life. How did
Douglas get over his fear of water?
(II) Good human values are far above any other value system. How did
Dr Sadao succeed as a doctor as well as a patriot?