Class XII - English Core - Paper - 3

English core (301)

Time Allowed: 3 hours. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions: Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly 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. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.

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

SECTION A – READING SKILLS

1. Read the following passage carefully:

1. The Pacific Ocean, the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covers more than 63 million square miles. It holds more water than all of the world’s land above sea level combined. It stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, and from Asia and Australia in the west to the Americas in the east. The Pacific Ocean is so vast that it accounts for one-third of the Earth’s total surface area.

2. Due to its size, the Pacific Ocean plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate. It absorbs a significant amount of heat from the atmosphere, which helps to stabilize global temperatures. The ocean’s currents, such as the North Pacific Current and the South Equatorial Current, transport warm and cold water across vast distances, influencing weather patterns all over the globe. For example, the El Niño phenomenon, which is caused by variations in Pacific Ocean currents, can lead to drastic changes in weather conditions, including droughts and floods in different parts of the world.

3. The Pacific Ocean is also home to an extraordinary array of marine life. Its ecosystems range from coral reefs near tropical islands to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the northern regions. Many species of fish, whales, sharks, and sea turtles depend on the Pacific for food and habitat. However, the ocean is facing numerous threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Plastic waste is a growing problem, with large patches of floating debris, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, posing a severe threat to marine life.

4. Human activity along the Pacific Rim, where many of the world’s largest cities are located, also affects the ocean. Coastal development, industrial pollution, and shipping routes contribute to the degradation of the ocean’s health. Conservation efforts are underway, including protected marine areas and international agreements aimed at reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity. Yet, much remains to be done to ensure the long-term health of the Pacific Ocean.

5. The Pacific Ocean is not just a body of water; it is a vital part of the global ecosystem. Its influence on weather, climate, and marine life makes it an essential component of life on Earth. Preserving its health is crucial for the future of the planet.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, how much of the Earth’s surface is covered by the Pacific Ocean?

View Answer

Ans. The Pacific Ocean covers one-third of the Earth’s total surface area.

ii. How does the Pacific Ocean contribute to stabilizing global temperatures, as mentioned in paragraph 2?

View Answer

Ans. The Pacific Ocean contributes to stabilizing global temperatures by absorbing a significant amount of heat from the atmosphere and circulating it through its currents.

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably.

The phrase “critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate” in paragraph 2 suggests that the Pacific Ocean is essential in maintaining stable weather conditions globally. Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.

The Pacific Ocean’s influence on the climate comes from _____.

(A) its currents and ability to absorb heat

(B) the presence of marine species like whales

View Answer

Ans. (A) its currents and ability to absorb heat

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 2 :

The Pacific Ocean affects weather patterns through _____.

View Answer

Ans. The Pacific Ocean affects weather patterns through phenomena like El Nino, which causes drastic changes in weather conditions.

v. Why does the writer refer to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in paragraph 3?

Because

(A) It shows the scale of pollution affecting marine life.

(B) It highlights a natural feature of the Pacific.

(D) It indicates the Pacific’s ability to sustain life.

View Answer

Ans. (A) It shows the scale of pollution affecting marine life.

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

Human activity along the Pacific Rim has a significant impact on the ocean’s health.

View Answer

Ans. Textual evidence: “Coastal development, industrial pollution, and shipping routes contribute to the degradation of the ocean’s health.”

vii. In the line, ‘much remains to be done to ensure the long-term health of the Pacific Ocean’ (Paragraph 4), what does the phrase ‘much remains to be done’ suggest about conservation efforts?

View Answer

Ans. The phrase ‘much remains to be done’ suggests that while some conservation efforts are in place, they are not enough. More action is in place; they are not enough. More action is needed to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and address the threats facing the Pacific Ocean.

viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 3 :

coral reefs: tropical :: nutrient-rich waters: _____

(A) garbage patches

(B) deep ocean

(D) marine animals

View Answer

Ans. (C) northern regions

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the Pacific Ocean is a vital part of the global ecosystem’ in paragraph 5 uses factual language?

(A) It uses data and information about the ocean’s size.

(B) It is backed by scientific knowledge of the ocean’s importance.

(D) It focuses on the beauty of the ocean.

View Answer

Ans. (B) It is backed by scientific knowledge of the ocean’s importance.

x. Evaluate the potential challenges or benefits of international agreements to protect the Pacific Ocean, as suggested in paragraph 4.

View Answer

Ans. One benefit of international agreements is that they create a unified effort to reduce pollution and protect marine life across countries. However, a challenge could be the difficulty in enforcing these agreements, as different nations have different priorities and capabilities.

2. Read the following carefully.

1. Introduction: In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the way people shop, affecting both consumer behavior and the traditional retail industry. This case study aims to explore the purchasing preferences of different age groups when it comes to online shopping versus in-store shopping and their impact on the retail market.

2. Methodology : A survey was conducted among individuals of varying age groups to determine their preferred shopping method. Participants were asked to indicate whether they primarily shop online, in physical stores, or a combination of both. Data was collected and analysed to observe trends in purchasing behavior and the factors influencing their choices.

3. Survey Examination : The survey looked into the preferences for online and in-store shopping, focusing on convenience, product variety, and price comparison. Participants were encouraged to elaborate on why they favored one method over the other, offering insights into the influence of technology, accessibility, and personal habits on their shopping choices.

4. Results : The survey results revealed the following shopping preferences across age groups:

5. Implications for Interventions : The findings suggest that retail businesses should adopt strategies that cater to the preferences of different age groups. For example, enhancing the online shopping experience for younger consumers while improving in-store customer service for older shoppers could lead to increased customer satisfaction. Retailers can also focus on integrating technology in physical stores to bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping experiences.

6. Conclusion : This study provides key insights into how the rise of e-commerce is reshaping consumer habits. By understanding the different shopping preferences across age groups, businesses can tailor their strategies to meet the needs of both online and in-store shoppers, ultimately improving customer engagement and competitiveness in the market.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably.

In the introduction, the researcher links e-commerce with consumer behavior and the retail industry to highlight _____.

View Answer

Ans. The impact of e-commerce on shopping habits and the retail industry.

ii. What would the following be classified as?

To explore the purchasing preferences of different age groups when it comes to online shopping versus in-store shopping.

Select the appropriate response.

(A) Research outcome

(B) Method of analysis

(D) Primary objective

View Answer

Ans. (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why e-commerce was included as a focus in the survey on purchasing preferences.

View Answer

Ans. Two points to support why e-commerce was included as a focus in the survey on purchasing preferences:

1. E-commerce offers convenience and flexibility, which greatly appeals to tech-savvy consumers.

2. It plays a significant role in shaping modern retail trends, influencing both online and in-store shopping experiences.

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘technology’ and ‘habits.’

Classify the following sentences as ‘technology’ or ‘habit’:

Sentence 1: The familiarity with smartphones and apps leads teenagers to prefer online shopping.

Sentence 2: Elderly shoppers prefer in-store shopping due to their long-standing habits.

View Answer

Ans. Sentence 1: Technology

Sentence 2: Habit

v. Read the following:

Aman is a teenager who enjoys the convenience of shopping online. His older brother, Rohit, prefers the flexibility of comparing prices and buying both online and in stores. Their father, Rajesh, values the personal interaction he gets from in-store shopping. Select the option that identifies the correct age group for Aman, Rohit, and Rajesh.

(A) Aman – young adult; Rohit – middle-aged; Rajesh – elderly

(B) Aman – teenager; Rohit – young adult; Rajesh – middle-aged

(D) Aman – young adult; Rohit – elderly; Rajesh – teenager

View Answer

Ans. (B) Aman – teenager; Rohit – young adult; Rajesh – middle-aged

vi. Although young adults and teenagers both show a strong preference for online shopping, why is the percentage highest among teenagers?

View Answer

Ans. Teenagers have the highest percentage for online shopping due to their familiarity with technology and the convenience that online platforms offer, often influenced by peer behaviour and the ease of using smartphones for purchases.

vii. Analyse how improving the in-store shopping experience for older age groups can benefit retailers. (Paragraph 5)

View Answer

Ans. Improving the in-store shopping experience for older age groups by offering better customer service, personal interaction, and product inspection can increase loyalty among these customers. Retailers who cater to these preferences can retain a larger portion of their customers base while differentiating themselves from online-only platforms.

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

(A) Improve technology used in online shopping

(B) Create a more personalized shopping experience

(D) Expand the number of physical stores

View Answer

Ans. (B) Create a more personalized shopping experience

SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words.

A. Water supply will be suspended for eight hours (10 am to 6 pm) on 6th of March for cleaning of the water tank. Write a notice in about 50 words advising the residents to store water for a day. You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, Secretary, Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar, Kurnool.

View Answer

Ans.

B. You are Mahender, Sports Captain, St. John’s School, Lucicnow. Write a notice in 50 words for the school notice board informing students about an Inter School Football match to be played in your school. Invite them to watch and cheer the teams.

View Answer

Ans.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words.

A. The literary club of your society is putting up the play ‘Macbeth. As secretary of the club, draft an invitation inviting the famous writer Rohit Sharma to be the guest of honour at the function. Write the invitation in about 50 words. You are Gaurav/Garima.

View Answer

Ans.

B. You have been invited as a judge for a debate competition by New Hope public School. Draft a formal refusal in about 50 words.

View Answer

Ans.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words.

A. Write a letter to Editor of local daily, New Delhi about water scarcity in you locality suggesting ways to improve the condition of water supply. You are Bobby/Babita of Ghaziabad.

View Answer

Ans.

B. As a regular commuter by bus from Noida to Delhi, you have been witnessing rash driving by the bus drivers daily without an exception. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Times of India’ drawing the attention of the General Manager, Delhi Transport Corporation to this problem. You are Priti/Prakash, 15, Udyog Vihar, Noida.

View Answer

Ans.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words.

A. Incessant rain has caused irrecoverable damage in your area. As an active participant in the flood relief programme, write a report in 120-150 words on the different flood relief measures carried out. You are Krishan/ Krishna.

View Answer

Ans.

Flood Relief Programme

In an initiative to provide immediate material and trauma relief to the evacuees of the flood calamity struck victims in our area the volunteers of ‘The Saviours of the Earth Foundation’ organized a flood relief programme of which I was an active participant. Ever since incessant rains resulting in heavy floods lashed our area, volunteers of our organization have been working in coordination with the disaster management team to distribute door to door relief material to the victims. For providing material relief, our organization has been raising funds and has also been conducting trauma-relief meditation for the evacuees. A team of 250 volunteers of our organization including doctors are constantly providing medical aid and food, assisting in rescue operations and clearing the debris.

B. Accidents happen when people violate traffic rules. Careless drivers cause suffering to themselves and to others. Write an article in 120-150 words on “Safe Driving”.

View Answer

Ans.

Safe Driving

There are many ideas and laws that are created to ensure a safe and pleasurable driving experience. Some are avoiding aggressive drivers, alertness while driving, and following vehicle distance, vehicle speed, and special driving situations.

One of the many factors in remaining safe on the roads is the ability to control your emotions and your stress. Some drivers do not know how to deal with stress. This emotion can hinder the ability to drive safely and ensure safety on the roads. If you encounter a vehicle who is driving recklessly and constantly following, the best thing to do is to avoid a confrontation, to reduce speed and allow him to overtake your vehicle. Do not provoke the driver, just let them pass.

Accident are avoidable, all it takes is to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what you are doing. Cell phones and radios are common distractions while in a motor vehicle. If you must use a mobile device, ensure that you have a hands free accessory for it. If not, pull over and make your call. Never try to understand or navigate a map while operating a vehicle. This can cause you to commit a traffic violation, or even injure a pedestrian.

There is a thumb rule that can help you keep a safe distance while travelling the roads. It is called the “Two Second Rule”: Following a vehicle too closely is called “Tailgating”. Use the two second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, count “one-thousand- one, one-thousand-two.” You should not reach the object before you count to one thousand-two. If you do, you are following too closely. Most rear end collisions are caused by the vehicle in the back following too closely.

SECTION C- LITERATURE

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two – (A) or (B).

A. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read:

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

(A Thing of Beauty)

i. Write the theme which is best represented in the given extract.

View Answer

Ans. The immortality of art and literature.

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

Assertion: The poet suggests that the tales of the mighty dead inspire us and provide eternal beauty.

Reason: These tales are compared to an endless fountain of immortal drink, which pours from heaven, symbolizing the eternal nature of inspiration.

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

iii. Complete the following suitably. The “endless fountain of immortal drink” is an apt analogy for the tales of the mighty dead because _____.

View Answer

Ans. Just as a fountain constantly pours forth water, the tales of the mighty dead pour forth endless inspiration and wisdom for the living.

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank. The use of the word “brink” in the extract suggests that the immortality that is being poured onto us is on the verge of overflowing. This creates a powerful image of _____ (scarcity/abundance).

View Answer

Ans. abundance

v. Based on the poem rhyme scheme, evident in lines 2-5, of the given extract, which word would rhyme with line 1?

said think tombs

View Answer

Ans. tombs.

vi. Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract.

(A) Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding lines.

(B) Encourages the reader to continue reading seamlessly without any pause.

(D) Creates a sense of continuity and flow that connects the line with the second line.

View Answer

Ans. (C) Creates a sense of anticipation and expectation for the reader.

B. “Fishermen in the cold sea

would not harm whales

and the man gathering salt

would look at his hurt hands.”

(Keeping Quiet)

i. What do the given lines tell us about mankind?

(A) Selfish nature

(B) Greed

(D) All of these

View Answer

Ans. (D) All of these

ii. What does the poet expect of the fisherman?

View Answer

Ans. The poet expects that the fisherman does not harm any sea creatures.

iii. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank. The poet has used _____ (metaphor/transferred epithet) in the first line of the stanza or in words ‘Cold Sea’.

View Answer

Ans. Transferred epithet.

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

Assertion: The poet advocates for a moment of introspection where humans cease harmful activities and reflect on their actions.

Reason: By pausing, fishermen would stop harming whales, and the man gathering salt would reflect on the damage he has caused to himself. 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.

v. How is ‘keeping quiet’ going to help the man who works as ‘salt gatherer’?

View Answer

Ans. By ‘keeping quiet’, the ‘salt gatherer’ will get time to take care of his wounded hands.

vi. Complete the following suitably. The tone of the poet in the given lines is _____.

View Answer

Ans. optimistic

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A) or (B).

A. In the afternoon the second thing happened. Hana, working hard on unaccustomed labour, saw a messenger come to the door in official uniform. Her hands went weak and she could not draw her breath. The servants must have told already. She ran to Sadao, gasping unable to utter a word. But by then the messenger had simply followed her through the garden and there he stood. She pointed at him helplessly. Sadao looked up from his book ….

“What is it?” he asked the messenger and then he rose, seeing the man’s uniform. “You are to come to the palace,” The man said. “the old General is in pain again.” “Oh”, Hana breathed, “is that all?”

(The Enemy)

i. Give one reason for the following. The messenger had come to Sadao’s house

View Answer

Ans. To call Sadao to attend the General who was ill.

ii. The above extract has been taken from

(A) Going Places

(B) The Enemy

(D) Lost Spring

View Answer

Ans. (B) The Enemy

iii. The phrase ‘unaccustomed labour’ means _____.

View Answer

Ans. the laborious tasks Hana was not used to doing on daily basis.

iv. What was Hana’s fear in the given extract?

View Answer

Ans. Hana feared that the army officials must have come to know about the American soldier somehow and they are in great danger now.

B. Have you ever been there? It’s a wonderful town still, with big old frame houses, huge lawns, and tremendous trees whose branches meet overhead and roof the streets. And in 1894, summer evenings were twice as long, and people sat out on their lawns, the men smoking cigars and talking quietly, the women waving palm-leaf fans, with the fire-flies all around, in a peaceful world. To be back there with the First World War still twenty years off and World War II over forty years in the future… I wanted two tickets for that.

(The Third Level)

i. The author wants two tickets to a place which he refers to in the last two lines of the extract. Which year does he wish to go back to?

View Answer

Ans. The author wishes to go back in 1894.

ii. At the beginning of the extract, the author addresses the question to _____.

(A) Louisa, Charley’s wife

(B) Sam Weiner, Charley’s psychiatrist

(D) nobody in particular as it’s a rhetoric question

View Answer

Ans. (C) the reader

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

‘Tremendous trees whose branches meet overhead and roof the streets’ is an example of _____.

View Answer

Ans. imagery

iv. How has life been described in the given extract?

View Answer

Ans. In the given extract, life has been described as depressed.

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A) or (B).

A. To do anything else would mean to dare. And daring is not part of his growing up. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh I am cheered. “I want to be a motor mechanic,” he repeats: He will go to a garage and learn. But the garage is a long way from his home. “I will walk,” he insists. “Do you also dream of flying a plane ?” He is suddenly silent. “No,” he says, staring at the ground.

(Lost Spring)

i. What was Mukesh supposed to be if not his dream to be a motor mechanic?

View Answer

Ans. Bangle maker

ii. “I will walk” this line shows Mukesh’s.

(A) disappointment

(B) determination

(D) helplessness

View Answer

Ans. (B) determination

iii. With whom was the speaker sharing his dream?

View Answer

Ans. The speaker was sharing his dream with Anees.

iv. Did Mukesh sound unreasonable?

(A) Maybe

(B) No

(D) Can’t be determined

View Answer

Ans. (B) No

v. Why did the writer ask, “Do you also dream of flying a plane?”

View Answer

Ans. The writer asked, “Do you also dream of flying a plane?” because she wanted to check Mukesh’s dedication and real desire.

vi. What can we understand from the line, “And daring is not part of his growing up:’?

View Answer

Ans. It shows that the profession of bangle-making has been passed on from generations and that it was also expected of Mukesh to be in that work.

B. Then I started down a third time. I sucked for air and got water the yellowish light was going out. Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of This is nice… to be drowsy… to go to sleep… no need to jump… too tired to jump… it’s nice to be carried gently… to float along in space… tender arms around me… tender arms like Mother’s… now I must go to sleep… I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.

(Deep Water)

i. The author ends the given paragraph about the seemingly long struggle of little Douglas with the words ‘and the curtain of life fell.’ How does he involve the reader into it?

View Answer

Ans. The author employs graphic description of Douglas’ struggle which makes the reader go up and down the pool with him.

ii. The line, ‘After a while, Douglas gave up being anxious and fearful in water’ can be best classified as:

(A) an effect

(B) a cause

(D) an opinion

View Answer

Ans. (A) an effect

iii. Infer from the given extract, the author shows gradation of various stages of fear.

View Answer

Ans. The author shows gradation of various stages of fear ‘terror’, ‘panic’ and ‘phobia’

iv. Identify the line from the given extract that bears evidence to the fact that the author was now not much afraid.

View Answer

Ans. It wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful.

v. The author has used this figure of speech with this meaning in- tender arms around me … tender arms like Mother’s …

(A) metaphor, softness

(B) simile, comfort

(D) paradox, the arms don’t belong to his mother

View Answer

Ans. (B) simile, comfort

vi. Complete the sentence in ONE word. When the curtain of life fell, Douglas surrendered before death and with _____ crossed to oblivion.

View Answer

Ans. serenity.

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each:

i. Is the society in any way affected by Aunt Jennifer’s death?

(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

View Answer

Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s life has been a journey of misery and suppression. Even after her death she couldn’t free herself from the fears of her past. Her death could free her but won’t affect her husband or the society because neither of them cared about her. But her artistic work will remain alive and continue to showcase her hidden desires.

ii. Why did Gandhiji feel that it was useless for the peasants to go to law courts?

(Indigo)

View Answer

Ans. Gandhiji felt it was useless to take the Champaran case to the court because it was a British court and the judge was British too. They would never get the decision in their favour. Moreover, the Indian eminent lawyers were charging huge fees.

iii. For Franz, what was much more tempting than going to school and why?

(The Last Lesson)

View Answer

Ans. Franz was tempted to run away and spend the day outdoors because it was a very warm and bright day. The birds were chirping and the soldiers were drilling. Also, Franz had not completed this homework. All these reasons tempted him to miss the school, though he overcame this thought soon and went to school.

iv. What different image does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother’s age?

(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

View Answer

Ans. The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle because even though Edla knew the peddler was not really a captain, she treated him with equal respect and kindness. He felt honoured that the young woman made him feel important. Her behaviour and action brought a transformation in the peddler. He wanted to begin again as a man of dignity, as Captain von Stahle.

v. At the crofter’s home, why did the peddler feel very happy?

(The Rattrap)

View Answer

Ans. At the crofter’s home, the peddler felt very happy because it was for the first time someone had welcomed him into one’s house. The lonely crofter fed the peddler warm porridge, shared tobacco with him, played cards and treated him very nicely. The crofter shared his secrets with peddler and even showed him where he kept his money. The crofter gave him a comfortable bed to sleep in.

vi. How can suspension of activities help?

(Keeping Quiet)

View Answer

Ans. The poet believes that suspension of activities will allow man to introspect, which can help them in analysing their own actions, and in solving many of their problems based on caste, religion or nationality. It will help them develop a new understanding of their surroundings, and thus make them mend their destructive ways.

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each:

i. How did the gardener react when Dr. Sadao told him about the wounded American soldier?

(The Enemy)

View Answer

Ans. When Dr. Sadao told the gardener about the wounded American soldier, he strongly opposed his master for treating the wounds of the enemy. The old gardener pulled a few hairs on his upper lip and said that the sea and gun wound were intended to kill the American soldier, now they might take revenge upon his master for treating the enemy soldier.

ii. If you were to give a different ending to the story, “On the Face of It” how would you end it?

(On the Face of It)

View Answer

Ans. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama came from marginalised communities. In their childhood, both women had to face discrimination on the basis of race and caste respectively. Miffed by the social injustice since they were young, they protested against it. They both became writers when they grew up and used their education to fight against discrimination.

iii. What is common between Zitkala-Sa and Bama?

(Memories of Childhood)

View Answer

Ans. Zitkala-Sa and Bama both came from marginalized communities. They both were the victims of discrimination and protested against social injustice which they both faced during their childhood. They both became writers and used their education to fight against discrimination and social injustice.

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.

A. Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence?

(Indigo)

View Answer

Ans. The peasants of Champaran were in great fear of the British government because they were forced to plant 15% of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire produce to the landlord. When synthetic indigo came, the landlords released them after demanding compensation from them. The innocent peasants agreed without realising what they were doing. Later the British hired men to oppose them. When Rajkumar Shukla told Gandhiji about it, Gandhiji visited Champaran and realised that the peasants were greatly in fear of the British. He realised that it was necessary to rid them of their fear. He started Satyagraha movement. The farmers shed their fear and supported Gandhiji by reaching the place of Satyagraha. That is why Champaran episode is considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence as everyone realised that they can stand against the British who could not order them around in their own country.

B. The government and other social service agencies appear to help the poor rural people but do them no good. Pick out the words and phrases that the poet uses to show their double standards.

(A Roadside Stand)

View Answer

Ans. In the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ the poet attacks the government’s and other social service agencies’ double standards in promising to enhance the poor farmers’ standard of living and show them the bright side of life. When it comes time to deliver on their promises, however, they either forget about them or keep them in mind for their gain. They are described as “greedy good-doers” and “benevolent monsters of prey” who swarm over their lives,” the poet says. These selfish folks, according to the poet, make premeditated and well-thought-out smart actions, to which the innocent, unwitting farmers fall prey. These smart people have taken away the peace of mind of these humble and basic farmers. “…..enforcing benefits,” writes the poet. Those are meant to lull them out of their minds, and by teaching them how to sleep, they sleep all day, destroying their sleeping at night the old way.”

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.

A. What benefits did Derry reap from his association with Mr. Lamb?

(On the Face of It)

View Answer

Ans. Though Derry’s association with Mr Lamb is brief, yet the boy benefits greatly from the old man’s company. Derry had lost all zest for life due to his burnt face. After meeting Mr Lamb, Derry is filled with a new enthusiasm for life. He undergoes a major transformation and develops into a confident youth from the meek young boy that he earlier was. Mr Lamb’s words have a profound effect on him an inspire him to see the brighter side of life. He is encouraged to choose happiness in life rather than accept his isolation. He is no more bothered about his impairment, and wants to live his life to the fullest. His entire attitude towards life has changed drastically.

B. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s past, present and future?

(Journey to the End of the Earth)

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Ans. The continent of Antarctica is full of secrets of the earth’s past, present and future. Through the study of this continent, one may understand the reason behind the division of the supercontinent, Gondwana, into the present day globe. Its study may reveal the importance of mountains and rocks like Cordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields. Antarctica was also the part of the habitat of Dinosaurs in the pre-human earth. The future of the earth is dependent on its present. In the continent of Antarctica, one can get a clear picture of the consequences of the depletion of the natural resources. The ice-sheets are breaking, and thus, global warming is setting in. Also, the beauty of the existing ice covered oceans is a source of inspiration to do whatever is possible to save and preserve its natural resources. Thus, Antarctica is definitely the place to go to understand the world.

Class XII – English Core – Paper – 3