Class XII - English Sample Paper - 2

Sample paper 2

English Core (301)

Class-XII exam 2025-26

Time Allowed: 3 hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

Read the following instructions very carefully and follow them :

i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

ii This question paper contains three sections :

Section A : Reading Skills

Section B : Creative Writing Skills

Section C : Literature.

iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.

iv Seperate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.

v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A – READING SKILLS 22

1. Read the following passage. 12

1. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a vast arid region in the northwestern part of India. It spans across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Punjab and Haryana. The desert is characterized by its sandy terrain, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Despite the harsh conditions, the Thar Desert is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including camels, desert foxes, and several species of snakes. The survival of life in this region is a testament to the adaptability of both plants and animals to the desert’s extreme environment.

2. The people living in and around the Thar Desert have also learned to adapt to the challenging conditions. The local communities depend on livestock farming and smallscale agriculture, often utilizing innovative techniques to conserve water. Traditional practices such as rainwater harvesting and the construction of stepwells have allowed people to thrive despite the limited water resources. In addition to these agricultural practices, the region has a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant festivals, music, and art that reflect the resilience of its people.

3. The monsoon season brings much-needed relief to the Thar Desert, though the rains are often unpredictable. The arrival of rain transforms the barren land, bringing a temporary burst of greenery and a brief window for agricultural activities. However, the monsoon can also lead to flash floods, which pose a threat to both the people and their livelihoods. The people of the Thar have developed unique ways to cope with these challenges, including the use of flood-resistant crops and constructing homes on higher ground.

4. The Thar Desert’s ecosystem is fragile, with ongoing threats from human activity, such as overgrazing and deforestation. However, conservation efforts have been initiated to protect this unique environment. Wildlife sanctuaries have been established to protect endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, and efforts are being made to restore native vegetation. The delicate balance between human habitation and conservation in the Thar is a constant challenge, requiring sustainable solutions to ensure the survival of both the desert and its inhabitants.

5. Despite its arid conditions, the Thar Desert is a place of stunning beauty. The golden sands stretch for miles, punctuated by the occasional green oasis or ancient fort. The desert offers a unique landscape that has fascinated travelers for centuries. For those willing to brave the heat, the Thar Desert provides an experience of isolation and tranquility, where the vast open spaces create a sense of timelessness.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, how have plants and animals adapted to the extreme conditions of the Thar Desert? 1

View Answer

Ans. Plants and animals have adapted by developing traits suited for survival in extreme heat and limited water availability.

ii. How does the author describe the relationship between the people of the Thar Desert and their environment, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

View Answer

Ans. The people depend on traditional water conservation techniques and agriculture, adapting to the harsh environment for their livelihoods.

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “rainwater harvesting” in paragraph 2 refers to the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for future use.

Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.

Rainwater harvesting is essential in the Thar Desert because _____.

(A) it ensures a steady water supply in the arid conditions

(B) it prevents flooding during the monsoon season

View Answer

Ans. (A) it ensures a steady water supply in the arid conditions

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1

The arrival of the monsoon in the Thar Desert brings _____.

View Answer

Ans. The arrival of the monsoon in the Thar Desert brings both temporary greenery and a risk of flash floods.

v. Why does the writer emphasize the importance of conservation efforts in paragraph 4?

Because

(A) They help in maintaining the beauty of the desert.

(B) They protect endangered species and restore native vegetation.

(D) They encourage large-scale farming.

View Answer

Ans. (B) They protect endangered species and restore native vegetation.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following : 1

Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Thar Desert and its ecosystem.

View Answer

Ans. Textual evidence: “Conservation efforts have been initiated to protect this unique environment…. wildlife sanctuaries have been established.”

vii. In the line, ‘The arrival of rain transforms the barren land’ (Paragraph 3), what does the word ‘transforms’ suggest about the effect of the monsoon on the desert? 2

View Answer

Ans. The word ‘transforms’ suggests that the arrival of the monsoon brings a dramatic change to the Thar Desert. The barren, dry landscape is temporarily revitalized, turning green and fertile. This transformation highlights the significance of the rains for the region’s ecosystem.

viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 1 : 1

camels: animals :: stepwells: _____

(A) water

(B) agriculture

(D) people

View Answer

Ans. (A) water

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘The Thar Desert provides an experience of isolation and tranquility’ in paragraph 5 uses descriptive language? 1

(A) It highlights the isolation of the desert.

(B) It describes the harsh weather of the desert.

(D) It focuses on the culture of the people living there.

View Answer

Ans. (A) It highlights the isolation of the desert.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of balancing conservation efforts with the needs of the local communities, as suggested in paragraph 4. 2

Ans. One benefit of balancing conservation efforts with the needs of local communities is the protection of the desert ecosystem while ensuring people can sustain their livelihoods. A challenge could be managing human activities like overgrazing without affecting traditional practices.

[/expand]

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. The internet offers anonymity that makes it easier for bullies to target individuals. According to a 2021 Pew Research report, 41% of U.S. adults have personally experienced online harassment, with 75% reporting their most recent experience on social media. This abuse can often feel inescapable, much like rush-hour traffic.

2. Cyber attackers do not follow conventional behavior. Many victims attempt to reason with trolls, not understanding that the trolls’ motives are to attract attention, exercise control, and manipulate others. A 2019 study linked online harassment to traits like psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism—making it clear that trolls often have deeper psychological issues

3. Online harassment feels particularly pervasive because it is difficult to avoid. Political discussions online are rated as 50% more negative than offline discussions. Trolls thrive in these spaces because they face minimal consequences and can easily overpower well-meaning individuals who exit the discussion, leaving trolls to dominate.

4. Even though social media is rife with abuse, many people cannot afford to leave these platforms due to professional or personal commitments. Allowing trolls to drive people away is akin to allowing bullies to control the playground. Despite this, individuals are not powerless in dealing with online abusers.

5. In cases of threats or hate speech, users can block or report the offending accounts, although social media platforms have been inconsistent in enforcing their policies. Ignoring trolls and refusing to engage with them denies them the attention they seek, whether online or in person. Meeting aggression with silence is often the most effective response.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links internet anonymity with the rise in online harassment to highlight _____.

View Answer

Ans. The ease with which bullies can hide their identities and target others without consequence.

ii What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the psychological traits associated with online harassers and their behavior. Select the appropriate response.

(A) Secondary objective

(B) Research outcome

(D) Primary objective

View Answer

Ans. (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why online harassment is difficult to address, based on the passage.

View Answer

Ans. Two points to support why online harassment is difficult to address:

1. Anonymity on the internet allows harassers to target individuals without fear of immediate consequences, which emboldens their actions.

2. Social media platforms have inconsistent enforcement of their own policies, making it harder to hold harassers accountable.

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘trolls’ and ‘online harassment.’ 2

Classify the following sentences as ‘trolls’ or ‘online harassment’:

Sentence 1: The majority of harassers online are motivated by the desire for control and manipulation.

Sentence 2: Many victims report that their most recent harassment occurred on social media platforms.

View Answer

Ans. Sentence 1: Trolls

Sentence 2 Online harassment

v. Read the following : 1

Rina frequently deals with offensive name-calling on social media, while Anjali has experienced stalking from an unknown person online. Aman, their mutual friend, was recently a victim of physical threats through direct messages.

Select the option that identifies the correct forms of harassment Rina, Anjali, and Aman face.

(A) Rina – offensive name-calling; Anjali – stalking; Aman – physical threats

(B) Rina – stalking; Anjali – physical threats; Aman – sexual harassment

(D) Rina – physical threats; Anjali – offensive name-calling; Aman – stalking

View Answer

Ans. (A) Rina – offensive name-calling; Anjali – stalking; Aman – physical threats

vi. Although the anonymity provided by the internet enables harassers to act without fear of repercussions, why is it considered a major factor in the rise of online harassment? 1

View Answer

Ans. Although the anonymity provided by the internet enables harassers to act without fear of repercussions, it allows them to abuse others without being identified

vii. Analyse how ignoring online trolls can reduce the impact of harassment. (Paragraph 5) 2

View Answer

Ans. Ignoring online trolls denies them the attention they seek, which is often the primary motivation behind their actions. By refusing to engage, victims remove the satisfaction harassers derive from provoking reactions, effectively minimizing the troll’s influence and reducing the overall impact of harassment.

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study?

(A) Improve social media engagement by allowing trolls to dominate spaces

(B) Increase users’ awareness of blocking and reporting tools

(D) Limit access to social media to reduce harassment

View Answer

Ans. (B) Increase users’ awareness of blocking and reporting tools

SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.

3. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1 x 4 = 4

A. You lost your wallet in the school playground. Write a notice for your school notice board giving all the necessary details.

View Answer

Ans.

B. As Teacher Co-ordinator of the Quiz Club of AMM School, Pune, draft a notice in not more than 50 words informing students of the inter-class quiz contest asking them to register their names with the Secretary of the Club within a week.

View Answer

Ans.

4. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1 x 4 = 4

A. You are Riya/Ryan living at 40, Krishna Colony, Manali. You decided to hold a lunch party to congratulate your grandparents on their golden wedding anniversary. Draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words to all family members to attend a grand lunch at home.

View Answer

Ans.

B. Draft a formal reply accepting an invitation to be present on the occasion of the wedding of Ankush S/o Mr & Mrs Shankar of 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur. You are Vikram Gaur of Raja Ki Mandi, Agra.

View Answer

Ans.

Mr And Mrs Shankar, Kanpur

Date: 5 May, 20XX

Mr and Mrs Vikram Gaur thank Mr And Mrs Shankar for inviting them on the occasion of the wedding of their son Ankush at 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur on 15 May, 20XX and assure them that they will be present on the occasion to wish the newly weds a very happy married life. Mr and Mrs Gaur will reach Kanpur by the Agra Mail which leaves Agra at 8.00 a.m.

Vikram Gaur

5. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5

A. Two main parks in your locality have suffered from neglect on the part of local authorities. They have virtually been taken over by undesirable elements. As a result the residents have stopped going to the parks. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your concern about the problems the neglect has created and suggest measures to reclaim the parks for children. You are Gautam/ Gauri of 2, Gobind Enclave, Meerut.

View Answer

Ans.

2, Gobind Enclave,

Meerut – 19

31st August, 20xx

The Editor

The Morning Chronicle.

31, MG Road

Meerut – 01

Subject: Utter Neglect of the Two Main Parks in the Locality.

Sir/ Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities and express my concerns regarding the problems arising due to utter neglect of the two main parks in Gobind Enclave both of which are visible from my house.

The caretaker and gardener assigned by the horticulture department are inefficient in doing their jobs. As a result, the trees, grass as well as the bushes remain untrimmed. The garden too is not properly tended to because of which there aren’t many flowers to please our senses. Needless to say, the local authorities have failed to do their duties of looking after the two main parks, and now they have virtually been taken over by undesirable elements, who are often seen involved in substance abuse. Many residents have complained about the nuisance they create for the park-goers under the influence of alcohol. However, no action has been taken against these anti-social elements. These parks used to be a sight for the sore eyes because they were so well maintained and beautiful. I regret to inform you that because of the above mentioned reasons the residents have stopped going to the park.

The concerned authorities must take adequate action immediately to restore the two main parks of Gobind Enclave to their old glory. It must hire responsible people to tend to the parks and the gardens and keep a check on their maintenance by paying surprise visits. They should appoint two security guards on 24×7 basis who must be alert on duty. Only then the undesirable elements will be prevented from entering the parks.

I hope I have been able to put my concerns and views in the letter and that required actions will be taken by the concerned authorities at the earliest.

Thank you

Yours sincerely

Gautam Pradhan

B. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in The Hindu for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply for the job with complete bio-data. Write in 120-150 words.

View Answer

Ans.

14, Model Town

Delhi

3^rd March, 2014

The General Manager

JW Marriott

New Delhi

Subject: Job application for the position of Chief Chef.

Sir/Madam,

Having seen your advertisement for an experienced Chef, I wish to apply for the same in your reputed organization. I came to know about the vacancy through the newspaper The Hindu dated March 15, 2014. Please find attached my bio-data for the purpose.

I have been working with organizations of international repute for the last seven years. At present, I am working with Radisson Hotels, Gurgaon as a Senior Chef. I believe that I have the skills, creativity and qualifications to excel in the role and would like to bring my enthusiasm for creating new dishes to your hotel.

I would appreciate the chance to discuss my abilities and your menus and explain how I could contribute to your restaurant’s success.

I thank you in anticipation of an early response.

Yours truly,

Arti

Bio-Date

Name : Arti Pandey

Father’s Name : Mr. Daksh Pandey

Address : 14, Model Town, Delhi

Phone : 92672xxxx

Date of Birth : 24^th September 1989

Marital Status : Unmarried

Educational Qualifications:

M.Sc. in Culinary Arts, HM College, Delhi (2006-2007)
B.Sc. in Hotem Administration, IHM, Kolkatta (2003-2005)

Experience:

Working as a Senior Chef in Radisson Hotels, Gurgaon

Skills:

Excellent communication skills, team player, knowledge of different cuisine, sincerity
Very effective in maintaining standards of food quality through active observation of dishes and direct supervision of special recipes.
Experienced in interviewing candidates for kitchen positions.

Languages Known:

English, Hindi and Gujarati

References:

Mr. Deepak Chautaliya, Manager, F&B Operations, The Radisson, Gurgaon
Dr. Krishna Chand Rai, Director IHM, Kolkatta

6. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5

A. You are Jay/Jaya, studying in Shyamala Memorial Hall, Trichy. Some students of our school attend a first aid training camp for a week at Red Cross Headquarter of our state. Write a report for your school magazine in 120-150 words on the events of the campo and your participation and performance.

View Answer

Ans.

FIRST AID TRAINING CAMP

By Jaya, Student trainee

Recently a First Aid Training Camp was held at Trichy Headquarter of Red Cross. Our school students too participated in this week-long camp. All students very excited to know about the activities take place there. There were many volunteers who were helping in different kind of activities. There were doctors called from hospitals to give children the practical demonstrations how First Aid to the person is to protect or save life and help him/her recovery. But at the same time, we must keep ourselves cool. A small first aid box was also taught to be made and what important things should the box contain. At the end of the workshop, everyone felt of herself confident enough to provide first aid to the person in need.

B. Visiting new places and meeting new people enhance our understanding and knowledge besides being a source of great pleasure. Write an article in 120-150 words on ‘Travel, a Source of Knowledge and Pleasure. You are Gopal/Govindi

View Answer

Ans.

Travel, a Source of Knowledge and Pleasure

By Gopal

Some might say that they detest travelling because it leaves them completely wearied and irritated. However, there are others who beg to differ. They believe that travel, most certainly, is a source of pleasure as well as knowledge, and that is why, they enjoy their vacation to the fullest.

One cannot deny that visiting new places and meeting new people enhances one’s understanding and knowledge and at the same time lets one unwind from his/her daily routine. Travelling is a great stress buster as it entertains one, thus rejuvenating one to his/her core. But, why is travelling or going on a vacation so much fun and entertaining? It is so probably because being at new places allows one to learn about new cultures, lifestyles, languages, experience new things, make new memories, try new cuisines, etc. One is intrigued no doubt, when one comes face to face with the vast diversity, which one way or the other unites the world. A wise person once said that it’s not the destination that matters. It is always the journey made to reach the destination that matters the most. How profound!

SECTION C – LITERATURE 40

7. Read the following extracts and solve any one of the given two, (A) or (B). 1 x 6 = 6

a. I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late

winter’s moon and felt that old familiar ache,

my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,

all I did was smile and smile and smile…

(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

i. Name the poet of the above stanza.

View Answer

Ans. The name of the poet of the above stanza is Kamala Das.

ii. Compete the following suitably.

Poet’s mother is likened to a ‘late winter’s moon’ because _____.

View Answer

Ans. Her old age makes her appear pale and grey as if fading due to illness.

iii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.

Assertion: The poet feels a deep sense of fear when she looks at her aging mother.

Reason: The mother’s frail and pale appearance reminds the poet of the fear of losing her mother, a fear she has carried since childhood.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:

(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

View Answer

Ans. (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

iv. Identify the figure of speech used in the given lines, “pale as a late winter’s moon.”

View Answer

Ans. Simile

v. What is the “old familiar ache” of the poet?

(A) Ageing and decaying of her mother

(B) Seeing happy children

(D) Leaving her mother alone

View Answer

Ans. (A) Ageing and decaying of her mother

vi. Do you think that the poet was hopeful of seeing her mother again?

View Answer

Ans. Yes, the poet was hopeful of seeing her mother again.

B. “When Aunt is dead,

her terrified hands will lie.

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.”

(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

i. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.

Tigers represent Aunt’s repressed desires for freedom and _____ (weakness/power).

View Answer

Ans. Power

ii. Select the phrase that suggests the following:

Aunt Jennifer was entrapped in her marriage.

View Answer

Ans. The phrase ‘ringed with ordeals’ suggests the given statement.

iii. Which of the following CAN NOT be inferred from the given extract?

(A) Even in death, Aunt Jennifer cannot escape patriarchal subjugation.

(B) Aunt Jennifer feels oppressed and constricted in her marriage.

(D) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance as a lasting symbol of her desires.

View Answer

Ans. (C) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will keep her alive in everyone’s memory.

iv. Complete the following suitably.

The theme associated with the extract is _____.

View Answer

Ans. ‘with art lives the artist’

v. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.

Assertion: Even after Aunt Jennifer’s death, her tigers will continue to symbolize freedom and fearlessness.

Reason: The tigers represent Aunt Jennifer’s inner strength, which will remain untouched by the ordeals that oppressed her in life.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:

(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

View Answer

Ans. (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

vi. Will Aunt Jennifer ever be able to escape the oppressive society?

View Answer

Ans. No, Aunt Jennifer will never be able to escape the oppressive society in which she lived. Even after her death, the society will suppress women and talk about the subservient Aunt Jennifer.

8. Read the following extracts and solve any one of the given two, (A) or (B). 4 x 1 = 4

A. Derry : [Panic] I’ve got to go.

Mr. Lamb : Not on my account. I don’t mind who comes into the garden. The gate’s always open. Only you climbed the garden wall.

Derry : [Angry] You were watching me.

Mr Lamb : I saw you. But the gate’s open. All welcome. You’re welcome. I sit here. I like sitting.

(On the Face of it)

i. “Mr Lamb : Not on my account.” Based on this line, do you think Mr. Lamb was angry with Derry?

View Answer

Ans. No, because he welcomes everyone into the garden.

ii. What does the statement “Only you climbed the garden wall.” mean?

(A) Mr. Lamb wanted Derry to be punished.

(B) Everyone got permission before entering into the garden.

(D) Derry doesn’t know the location of the gate.

View Answer

Ans. (C) Derry was the only person to sneak in through the wall.

iii. How did Derry enter the garden?

View Answer

Ans. Derry entered the garden by climbing the garden wall.

iv. Do you think Derry has the right to be angry at Mr. Lamb?

View Answer

Ans. No, because he was the one entering Mr. Lamb’s garden secretly.

B. His father had taken him often to the islands of those seas, and never had he failed to say to the little brave boy at his side, “Those islands yonder, they are the stepping stones to the future for Japan.”

“Where shall we step from them?” Sadao had asked seriously.

“Who knows?” his father had answered. “Who can limit our future? It depends on what we make it”

(The Enemy)

i. Who did ‘the little boy’ refer to?

View Answer

Ans. Dr. Sadao Hold

ii. What does the speaker mean by ‘stepping stone’?

1. Means of advancement

2. Means of progression

3. Means of disorganization

4. Means of paucity

(A) only 1

(B) 1 and 2

(D) 3 and 4

View Answer

Ans. (B) 1 and 2

iii. Pick out the word/s that best describe/s the word ‘yonder’ as used in the passage.

1. Distant

2. Accessible

3. Proximate

4. Non-adjacent

5. Adjoining

6. Far-flung

View Answer

Ans. 1. Distant

4. Non-adjacent

6. Far-flung

iv. “Where shall we step from them?” Sadao had asked seriously. Replace the word ‘seriously’ as given in the above line with an appropriate word.

9. Read the following extract and solve any one of the given two (A) or (B). 1 x 6 = 6

A. … But Gandhi was vehemently opposed. He said, “You think that in this unequal fight it would be helpful if we have an Englishman on our side. This shows the weakness of your heart. The cause is just and you must rely upon yourselves to win the battle…. “He had read our minds correctly:’ Rajendra Prasad comments, “and we had no reply … Gandhi in this way taught us a lesson in self-reliance’

Self-reliance, Indian independence and help to sharecroppers were all bound together.

(Indigo)

i. Gandhi taught the sharecroppers a lesson of self-reliance so that

(A) they could believe in themselves and be self-dependant.

(B) they learn and follow civil disobedience

(D) they get to know to fight amongst themselves only.

View Answer

Ans. (A) they could believe in themselves and be self-dependant.

ii. Pick out the word from the given extract which means same as ‘fiercely’.

View Answer

Ans. Vehemently

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Rajendra Prasad who was a lawyer later on became _____.

View Answer

Ans. The first President of India

iv. Why did Gandhiji vehemently opposed the idea of taking help from Charles freer Andrews?

View Answer

Ans. Gandhiji felt that Indians should be able to stand on their own feet, and taking help from an Englishman should weakness of heart.

v. Assertion (A) : Gandhi was vehemently opposed to letting Andrews help him in Champaran.

Reason (R) : Because Gandhi was always suspicious of new people who offered help.

(A) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(B) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(D) A is false but R is true

View Answer

Ans. (C) A is true but R is false.

vi. “He had read our minds correctly:’ Rajendra Prasad commented. What is the sentiment exposed here?

View Answer

Ans. Satisfaction, understanding and pride.

B. Once upon a time there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together. Even so his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes.

(The Rattrap)

i. The peddler had to resort to both begging and thievery.

What does the above sentence demonstrates?

View Answer

Ans. The above sentence demonstrates that the peddler’s earning was not enough for the survival.

ii. Through peddler’s appearance it is signified that he was a/an

(A) unfortunate man

(B) thief

(D) crofter

View Answer

Ans. (A) unfortunate man

iii. Complete the sentence with one word.

The peddler’s rattraps were made of _____.

View Answer

Ans. wire

iv. Who is the author of this chapter?

(A) Louis Fischer

(B) Salman Rushdie

(D) Alphonse Daudet

View Answer

Ans. (C) Selma Lagerlof

v. What does the idiom ‘keep body and soul together’ mean?

View Answer

Ans. It means to stay alive, especially in difficult circumstances.

vi. What does the word ‘rags’ indicate?

View Answer

Ans. In poor condition.

10. Answer any five of the following six questions in 40-50 words each: 5 x 2 = 10

View Answer

i. Franz reached school late. Yet, M. Hamel did not scold him. Why? (The Last Lesson)

Ans. On reaching the school late that day, Franz was not scolded because the atmosphere in the school was sombre; an order had come from Berlin that German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from now on. Everyone was sad that it was going to be their last French lesson.

ii. What is the childish longing that the poet refers to? Why is it vain? (A Roadside Stand)

View Answer

Ans. Childish longing seems to emanate from the roadside shed, for a life that is described in the movies, a life so far removed from their life in the village. The thoughtless occupants of a car who stop at the shed to buy a gallon of gas, speaks of the disconnect that exists in the perceptions of town people with regard to the villagers.

iii. Explain Douglas’ statement, “The instructor was finished. But I was not finished:’ (Deep Water)

View Answer

Ans. The instructor had trained Douglas piece in every exercise pertaining to swimming but Douglas was not satisfied. He was under the fear that the terror of water would get hold on him again while swimming. So the author was in a mood to have more attempts or exercise for perfection.

iv. What do celebrities dislike most about interviews? (The Interview)

View Answer

Ans. “Thumbprints on his windpipe’ means to choke or suffocate somebody by applying pressure on his throat. Saul Bellow uses this expression to refer to the pressure and discomfort felt by a celebrity while giving an interview.

v. What makes human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face? (A Thing of Beauty)

View Answer

Ans. Human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face because they are surrounded by the things of beauty in nature. They remove the gloomy pall from our dark spirits. Nature makes us rise above the spite of our despondence and allows us to become attuned to the beauty of nature.

vi. How does the poet describe Aunt Jennifer’s tigers? (Aunt Jenifer’s Tiger)

View Answer

Ans. The poet describes Aunt Jennifer’s tigers as topaz, bright-eyed denizens, prancing with sleek and chivalric certainty. The tigers are free and fearless unlike her aunt who is timed and suppressed. The tigers greatly contrast with the personality of her aunt.

11. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: 2 x 2 = 4

i. Why is Antarctica the place to go to if we want to study the earth’s past, present and future?

(Journey to the End of the earth)

View Answer

Ans. The Antarctica landmass, that was an amalgamated southern supercontinent called Gondwana dates back to 650 million years. It can help us understand better the formation of continents and mountains like the Himalayas as they are in the modem world. Its ice-cores hold over half-million-year old carbon records that are vital to study the Earth’s past, present and future.

ii. What did Annan say about his community to the narrator? (Memories of Childhood)

View Answer

Ans. Annan told the author that they were Lorn into the community of low caste and low caste people were never given any honor or dignity. Actually, they were deprived of all that. The members of their community could achieve respect and dignity if they studied and progressed. If they become educated people would come to them of their own. They would also be friendly with them.

iii. Why did Charley run away from the third level? (The Third Level)

View Answer

Ans. Charley was greatly amazed when he reached the hundred year old third level and was planning to buy two rail tickets to Galesburg where he had spent his childhood. But when he took out his money to pay the fare, the clerk found out that his notes were fake and thought that Charley was attempting to fool him. He warned him that he would call the police. Seeing that there was nothing good about police and jail in the hundred year old Galeburg, Charley ran away.

12. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5

A. Why should child labour be eliminated and how? Explain on the basis of Lost Spring. (Lost Spring)

View Answer

Ans. Child labour should be eliminated because the children employed at tender age as i domestic servants, dish-washers at road-side dhabas and in hazardous industries making glass bangles, biris, crackers etc. lose the charm of the spring of their life. Their childhood is stolen. Burdened by the responsibility of work, they become adults too soon. Most of them are undernourished, ill- fed, uneducated, and poor. They have a stunted growth.

Child labour can be eliminated only through concerted efforts on the part of government agencies, NGOs (Non-Government Organisations), co-operative societies and political leaders. Mere passing of law will not help. Laws should be enacted faithfully. The children thrown out of work should be rehabilitated and given proper food, clothes, education and pocket money. Their feelings, thoughts and emotions should be respected. Let them enjoy sunshine and fresh air.

B. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind? (Keeping Quiet)

View Answer

Ans. Yes, I felt a strange stillness engulf me initially. But soon, I started thinking about my day and the activities that I was engaged in. My mind, of its own accord, moved to thoughts or actions that preoccupied my mind. As my thoughts became organized, the skewed priorities, of their own accord, became apparent. It also gave me opportunity to re-prioritise and energy to work with a new zeal. All worries seemed unnecessary and I felt relieved of stress. It became easier for me to focus on more important things in life and empty my mind of petty issues that I dwelt on without reason. Thus, these five minutes of silence and introspection brought a huge change in my perspectives. I’ve now decided to continue this for the rest of my life

13. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5

A. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What is the kind of behaviour that the person expects from others? (On the Face of It)

View Answer

Ans. A person with any physical impairment can live a life of respect and honor unless he is ridiculed and punished with heartless pity. Rather than sympathy, he expects sympathy. If everyone looks at him with a pessimistic approach, he may never be able to come out of his sorrow and, as a result, fall into his own isolated world. He’s already under tremendous mental and emotional pressure. So, he expects others to understand rather than remind him of his disability.

Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are caught in a similar situation in the play. Mr. Lamb, as an adult, is able to cope with such problems, but Derry, as a child, is unable to unravel the web on his own. He’s developing a strong love for this old man because he’s talking the words a person would want to hear with such a problem.

B. How did the Tiger King manage to retain his kingdom? (The Tiger King)

View Answer

Ans. In the story, both Derry and Mr. Lamb are physically impaired and lonely. To bring about a change in the lives of such people, as a responsible citizen, I shall treat them with respect and honour and not punish them with heartless ridicule and pity. People like Derry and Mr. Lamb expect empathy, rather than sympathy from others. Therefore, instead of looking down upon them with a pessimistic approach, I shall be supportive and considerate. They must be treated as equals. That is why I shall encourage them to take part in all activities. They deserve to study in regular educational institutions and get regular jobs. Therefore, avocation of this idea is very important. Only proper awareness and empowerment can make the world view them as equals and at the same time make the ‘differently abled’ people feel socially accepted.

Class XII – English Sample Paper – 2