Class XII - English Sample Paper

Sample paper 3

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. India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world, with vast tea plantations spread across the northeastern and southern regions. The states of Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling), and Tamil Nadu are especially famous for their tea production. Assam produces more than half of India’s total tea, known for its strong, bold flavor. Darjeeling tea, often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas,” is prized for its light, floral taste, and is one of the most sought-after teas globally.

2. Tea cultivation in India dates back to the early 19th century when the British East India Company began establishing tea gardens to compete with China’s tea monopoly. The hilly regions of Assam and Darjeeling were found to have the perfect climate for growing tea. Today, tea is not only an important agricultural product but also deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of India. Millions of Indians begin their day with a steaming cup of chai, often spiced with ginger, cardamom, and other flavors.

3. Tea gardens employ millions of workers across India, with many of them being women. The work involves plucking the tender leaves by hand, a skill that requires precision and speed. The freshly plucked leaves are then processed in factories, where they are withered, rolled, fermented, and dried to produce the final product. Despite its popularity, the tea industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating market prices, climate change, and the need to improve working conditions for laborers.

4. In recent years, India’s tea exports have expanded to countries like Russia, the UK, and the United States, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. India remains the second-largest producer of tea globally, after China. However, there is growing competition from other tea-producing countries like Sri Lanka and Kenya, which are also major players in the global market.

5. The future of India’s tea industry depends on sustainable practices and modernization. With climate change affecting rainfall patterns and temperatures in key tea-growing regions, many plantation owners are looking to adapt through eco-friendly farming techniques and better resource management.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, which Indian states are known for their significant tea production? 1

View Answer

Ans. Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling), and Tamil Nadu are known for their significant tea production.

ii. How did tea cultivation begin in India, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

View Answer

Ans. Tea cultivation in India began in the early 19^th century, when the British East India Company started tea gardens to compete with China.

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “intertwined with the cultural identity of India” in paragraph 2 suggests that tea plays a central role in daily life and tradition for many Indians.

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

Tea is important to India’s culture because _____.

(A) it is only consumed in rural areas

(B) millions of people enjoy it as a daily beverage

View Answer

Ans. (B) millions of people enjoy it as a daily beverage

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

Tea plantations employ many workers because _____.

View Answer

Ans. Tea plantations employ many workers because the process of plucking tea leaves is labour-intensive and requires skilled workers.

v. Why does the writer mention challenges like climate change in paragraph 3? Because 1

(A) These challenges affect the production and quality of tea.

(B) The challenges show how tea remains popular despite difficulties.

(D) It highlights how other countries are overcoming these issues.

View Answer

Ans. (A) These challenges affect the production and quality of tea.

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

India plays a key role in the global tea market.

View Answer

Ans. Textual evidence: “In recent years, India’s tea exports have expanded to countries like Russia, the UK, and the United States, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.”

vii. In the line, ‘The future of India’s tea industry depends on sustainable practices and modernization’ (Paragraph 5), what does the phrase ‘sustainable practices’ suggest about the changes needed for the industry’s survival? 2

View Answer

Ans. The phrase ‘sustainable practices’ suggests that the tea industry needs to adopt farming techniques that protect the environment, ensure long-term productivity, and manage resources efficiently to cope with the impact of climate change.

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

Assam tea : strong flavor :: Darjeeling tea: _____

(A) light flavor

(B) bold flavor

(D) spiced taste

View Answer

Ans. (C) floral taste

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘Tea cultivation is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of India’ in paragraph 2 uses factual language? 1

(A) It shows the popularity of tea in India’s daily life.

(B) It emphasizes the cultural importance of tea production.

(D) It highlights the historical impact of the tea industry.

View Answer

Ans. (A) It shows the popularity of tea in India’s daily life.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of eco-friendly farming techniques in India’s tea industry, as suggested in paragraph 5. 1

View Answer

Ans. One benefit of eco-friendly farming techniques is that they help preserve the environment and improve the long-term productivity of tea plantations. However, a challenge could be the cost of implementing these techniques, which may be difficult for small farmers.

2. Read the following carefully.

1. Introduction :

In modern agriculture, water management is a critical factor affecting crop productivity and environmental sustainability. This case study examines the water usage patterns of different farming communities and evaluates the impact of irrigation techniques on water conservation.

2. Methodology :

A survey was conducted among various farming communities, ranging from small-scale to large-scale farmers, to assess their water usage practices. Participants were asked to share information about their irrigation techniques, water sources, and any challenges they face regarding water conservation. The data was then analysed to identify trends and patterns in water usage across different farming practices.

3. Survey Examination :

The survey explored in-depth water management practices, focusing on the types of irrigation systems used, the frequency of irrigation, and the challenges related to water availability. Farmers were also asked to provide reasons for their choice of irrigation methods, offering insights into the factors that influence their decisions, such as cost, efficiency, and water scarcity.

4. Results :

The survey findings revealed the following trends in water usage:

5. Implications for Interventions :

The survey results indicate that more support is needed for small- and medium-scale farmers to adopt advanced irrigation systems. Providing subsidies or low-interest loans for purchasing modern irrigation equipment could improve water conservation efforts. Large-scale farmers can benefit from continued research into even more efficient systems to maximize water use and maintain environmental sustainability.

6. Conclusion :

This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote efficient water use in agriculture. By addressing the specific needs of different farming communities, stakeholders can help ensure sustainable agricultural practices and protect vital water resources for future generations.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links water management with crop productivity and environmental sustainability to highlight _____.

View Answer

Ans. The importance of sustainable water usage for improving agricultural productivity and protecting the environment.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To assess water usage practices among different farming communities and evaluate the effectiveness of irrigation techniques.

Select the appropriate response.

(A) Method of analysis

(B) Research outcome

(D) Secondary objective

View Answer

Ans. (C) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why irrigation techniques were included as a focus in the survey on water usage patterns. 2

View Answer

Ans. Two points to support why irrigation techniques were included as a focus in the survey on water usage patterns:

1. Efficient irrigation systems can help conserve water, which is critical for sustainable agriculture.

2. Irrigation techniques play a key role in maximizing crop productivity while managing water resources effectively

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘factors’ and ‘decisions.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘factor’ or ‘decision’:

Sentence 1: Water scarcity pushes farmers to adopt more efficient irrigation systems.

Sentence 2: The cost of advanced systems leads small-scale farmers to stick with traditional irrigation methods.

View Answer

Ans. Sentence 1: Factor

Sentence 2: Decision

v. Read the following : 1

Suresh uses a basic irrigation system for his small farm, citing cost as the main reason. Ramesh, who manages a medium-sized farm, recently upgraded to a drip irrigation system due to water scarcity in his area. Meanwhile, Kiran, a large-scale farmer, has implemented advanced automated irrigation systems to conserve water.

Select the option that identifies the correct farming group for Suresh, Ramesh, and Kiran.

(A) Suresh – small-scale; Ramesh – medium-scale; Kiran – large-scale

(B) Suresh – large-scale; Ramesh – small-scale; Kiran – medium-scale

(D) Suresh – small-scale; Ramesh – large-scale; Kiran – medium-scale

View Answer

Ans. (A) Suresh – small-scale; Ramesh – medium-scale; Kiran – large-scale

vi. Although both medium- and large-scale farmers have adopted advanced irrigation systems, why is the percentage highest among large-scale farmers? 1

Ans. Large-scale farmers have adopted advanced irrigation systems at a higher rate due to their ability to invest in high efficiency systems that promote long-term water conservation and sustainability.

vii. Analyse how targeted interventions, such as subsidies or loans, can promote better water management practices in small- and medium-scale farms. (Paragraph 5) 2

View Answer

Ans. Targeted interventions such as providing subsidies or low-interest loans can enable small and medium scale farmers to adopt modern irrigation systems, which would enhance water conservation efforts and improve crop productivity in these farming groups.

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

(A) Increase crop yields across all farms

(B) Promote sustainable agricultural practices

(D) Enhance traditional irrigation methods

View Answer

Ans. (B) Promote sustainable agricultural practices

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. Neelam/Neelesh is the head girl/boy of Surya Public School, Agra. She/He decides to call a meeting of all house appointments for prize distribution function on Annual Day. Draft a meeting notice on her/his behalf.

View Answer

Ans.

B. You are Sukant Roy, the head of Ujjwal Bhavishya Educational Institution. You are moved by the condition of the destitute children near your area. You decide to uplift their lives by deciding to raise funds and ensuring that they have a better chance at life. Draft a notice to your fellow colleagues and students, making an appeal for monetary donations or any other assistance. You can also include additional details which you may be necessary for the purpose.

View Answer

Ans.

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

A. The literary club of your school is putting up the play “The Merchant of Venice”. As the secretary of the club, draft an invitation inviting the parents. The famous writer Ketan Anand is the guest of honour. Write an invitation in not more than 50 words.

View Answer

Ans.

B. You are Liza. You are going for a picnic with a group of your friends to Rang Mahal Lake near Ghaziabad. Write an informal invitation to your friend to join you on that day. Invent necessary details.

View Answer

Ans.

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

A. You saw a train accident last week when a train collided with another train while changing the track. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a national newspaper describing the accident. You are Nitin/Riya Chawla of Sewa Kutir, Pankha Road, Faridabad.

View Answer

Ans.

III, Sewa Kutir

Pankha Road

Faridabad

17 June 20xx

The Editor

The Hindustan Times

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Subject: Train accident

Watching a train accident is probably the worst experience of life. Last week I witnessed a horrible train accident when the Rajdhani Express was rushing through the outer signal at Faridabad and collided with a local passenger train. It all happened before me and, in a moment, the peaceful track turned into a turmoil of cries, shouts and people running helter skelter.

Soon, the spot became overcrowded with ambulances and police. The doors of two compartments were blocked and couldn’t be opened. Passengers inside were crying out of desperation and suffering. The gas cutters were brought in and with great difficulty the injured passengers were taken out. People were also seen helping one another. The injured were rushed to hospital. Soon, the accident was flashed on television and I came to know that thirty persons died while more than fifty were injured. It was really a tragic accident and the Railways must do all to avoid such unfortunate accidents.

Yours faithfully

Nitin Chawla

B. Study the following advertisement and then write a suitable application for the post of a receptionist.

View Answer

Ans. 642 Gandhi Road

Jhansi

23 August 20xx

The Times of India

Post Box No 73xx

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Subject Application for the post of Receptionist

In response to your advertisement for the post of a receptionist in a five star hotel, I offer myself as one of the candidates for the same.

I am a dynamic young girl with a pleasing personality. My communication skills are very good and also I have a reasonable command over French.

I am sure, if given a chance, I can be an asset for the organisation.

I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.

Yours faithfully

Rachna Sharma

Bio-Data

Name : Rachna Sharma

Gender : Female

Father’s Name : Sh. R. K. Sharma

Date of Birth : 27^th April, 19xx

Marital Status : Unmarried

Current Add. : 642, Gandhi Road, Jhansi

Contact No. : 88535xxxx

Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi and German

Extra skills : Well versed in computers

Educational Qualifications

Graduation with 60% marks from M.D University in 20xx
Post graduation with 75% marks from M.D. University in 20xx

References:

Dr. S.K. Jha, Head of Department Political Science M.D. University, Rohtak (78523xxxx)
Mr. R.N. Narayan, Manager, North Campus School, Rohtak (885123xxx)

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

A. You visited Delhi Public School, Kanpur. You were impressed at seeing students participate in various co-curricular activities of the school such as debates, music and theatre workshops. Write a report on it in 120-150 words for your school magazine. You are Shalini/Sumiti, Editor of the magazine.

View Answer

Ans.

Co-curricular Activities of DPS, Kanpur

By Shalini, Editor of the school Magazine

Last Friday, on 17 November 20xx, I visited Delhi Public School (DPS), Kanpur, on the occasion of a cultural function held in the school auditorium. There were many cultural programmes. Students of classes 9 to 12 participated in debate, music and theatre workshop. The topic of the debate was “Justice delayed is justice denied”. The Head Boy of class XII won the first prize in the debate competition. There was also an interschool music competition. Renu Agarwal of class XI was awarded Scholar of the Schools’ award for her pop music performance. A theatre workshop was also held in collaboration with Aagaaz Theatre, New Delhi. It was a two-hour workshop. At the end of the function, the principal thanked all who made efforts to make it a memorable function.

B. Does getting more degrees really help in getting employment in this fast competitive scene of unemployment? Describe your views in an article in 120-150 words. You are Megha/Mayur.

View Answer

Ans.

Relevance of Degrees in Competitive World

By Megha

Education is the core necessity of a human being and everybody wants to be highly educated after getting degrees with the dream to succeed in the world. Nowadays, our youth are facing a very highly competitive world when the question of employment comes to them. While opening the pages of newspapers, we come across a number of advertisements promising degrees in even a short span of time. They make us believe that their degree is the only solution to the problem of unemployment and it will open the gate of success for the degree holders. Of course, they promise a degree like B tech., BBA, BCA, MBA and MCA but soon our young students realize the bitter truth that such degrees do not lead to employment and one has to face the devil of unemployment after getting such degrees.

Commercialization of higher education is also responsible for such non-employable pass-outs as they lack due reputation with the companies that offer employment. Take any big name, their employability aspect is difficult to realize. After getting degrees the youth have to enter once again the battlefield of a competitive world and crack the competition once again finding themselves on par with all other aspirants.

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. …and realised with pain

that she was as old as she

looked but soon

put that thought away, and

looked out at young

trees sprinting, the merry children spilling

out of their homes, but after the airport’s

security check, standing a few yards away,

(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

i. What does the poet feel at the airport?

(A) Happy

(B) Upset

(D) Resignation

View Answer

Ans. (D) Resignation

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

Assertion: The poet experiences a painful realization about her mother’s aging but quickly tries to distract herself.

Reason: The sight of young trees and children contrasts with the poet’s thoughts of her mother’s old age, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of 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.

iii. Complete the following suitably.

‘..that she was as old as she, implies that poet’s mother _____.

View Answer

Ans. Was very old and was nearing death

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

The use of the young and old is used to highlight the age of the _____ (daughter/ mother).

View Answer

Ans. mother

v. Select the phrase that suggests the following:

The poet did not relish the thought of her mother’s death due to old age.

View Answer

Ans. The phrase which indicates that the poet did not relish the thought of her mother’s death is ‘put that thought away’. The phrase indicates that the poet was filled with pain at the thought of losing her mother.

vi. Which literary device is used in the given lines?

View Answer

Ans. Personification

It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in

To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,

Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,

While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,

Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits

That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,

And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,

Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.

(A Roadside Stand)

i. Choose the option that displays the correct poetic device with the correct examples based on the given extract.

(A) greedy good-doers : metaphor

(B) soothe them out of their wits : metaphor

(D) all these pitiful kin : imagery

View Answer

Ans. (C) beneficent beasts of prey : oxymoron

ii. Mention three words used by the poet in the extract that make the reader question the motives of the benefactors and the good-doers.

View Answer

Ans. The words – ‘enforcing’, ‘calculated’ and ‘teaching’ used by the poet show that the benefactors and the good-doers have questionable motives.

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

These facilities have been provided by the _____ (government/opposition parties) with the real objective of not showing keen interest in the poor people.

View Answer

Ans. Opposition parties

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

Assertion : The poet criticizes the so-called ‘benefits’ imposed on the rural poor, as they strip away their independence.

Reason : The poet believes that by providing material comforts, the authorities help the rural poor to live more peaceful lives.

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

v. What is the tone of the poet in the line, ‘gathered in to live in villages, next to the theatre and the store’ indicate?

View Answer

Ans. The poet with his sarcastic in to live in villages, next to the theatre and the store but in reality, they were living in vulnerable situations.

vi. Complete the following suitably.

The poor have been ‘gathered into live in villages next to the theatre and the store.’ This shows that _____.

View Answer

Ans. The move is at best illusory

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

A. The man moaned with pain in his stupor but he did not awaken.

“The best thing that we could do would be to put him back in the sea,” Sadao said, answering himself. Now that the bleeding was stopped for the moment he stood up and dusted the sand from his hands.

“Yes, undoubtedly that would be best,” Hana said steadily. But she continued to stare down at the motionless man.

“If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested and if we turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.

“The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,” Hana said. But neither of them moved. They were staring with curious repulsion upon the inert figure.

(The Enemy)

i. Why did Sadao suggest to put the man back into the sea?

View Answer

Ans. Sadao suggested to put the man back into the sea because he was a prisoner of war and it was certain that he would die.

ii. In the given extract, Hana was apprehensive that if she would help the prisoner, she would be _____.

(A) rewarded

(B) rebuked

(D) none of these

View Answer

Ans. (C) arrested

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Hana and Dr Sadao stared at the prisoner with _____.

View Answer

Ans. Curious repulsion

iv. According to the passage, how would your describe Sadao and Hana.

View Answer

Ans. Sadao was prudent while Hana was suspicious.

B. Now, I don’t know why this should have happened to me. I’m just an ordinary guy named Charley, thirty-one years old and I was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy band; I passed a dozen men who looked just like me. And I wasn’t trying to escape from anything; I just wanted to get home to Louisa, my wife.

(The Third Level)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The given lines show that the narrator, Charley _____.

View Answer

Ans. Wanted to lead a normal life with his wife

ii. When did ‘this’ incident take place?

(A) While he was going to visit his father

(B) While he was going to work

(D) While he was returning late from work

View Answer

Ans. (D) While he was returning late from work

iii. Why does the narrator say that he was not trying to escape from anything?

View Answer

Ans. The narrator says that he was not trying to escape from anything because his psychiatrist friend told him he was trying to escape the stress of the modern world.

iv. What does ‘this’ refer to?

View Answer

Ans. ‘This’ refers to seeing the non-existent third level.

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

A. She still has bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes. “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya.” she says, in a voice drained of joy. She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime-that’s what she has reaped! Her husband, an old man with a flowing beard says, “I know nothing except bangles. All I have done is make a house for the family to live in.”

Hearing him one wonders if he has achieved what many have failed in their lifetime. He has a roof over his head!

The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, not even enough to eat, rings in every home. The young men echo the lament of the elders. Little has moved with time, it seems in Firozabad, years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream.

(Lost Spring)

i. List the details shown in the first line of the given extract.

View Answer

Ans. The first line of the given extract shows us-

i) the abject poverty and

ii) helplessness of the bangle makers

ii. What is the attitude of the author towards the old man’s words? The author finds it _____.

(A) admirable

(B) pessimistic

(D) boastful

View Answer

Ans. (A) admirable

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. The author’s take on the lives of the bangle-makers as reflected in the words ‘that’s what she has reaped!’ is _____.

View Answer

Ans. Sarcastic and deeply disappointing

iv. Pick evidence from the text that helps one interpret the phrase ‘rings in every home’.

View Answer

Ans. Poverty among bangle-makers is all pervasive. Poverty has killed all initiatives and dreams. It is the plight of each and every family in Firozabad.

v. What does the line ‘the young men echo the lament of their elders’ refer to?

View Answer

Ans. It refers to a common complaint by the people in the bangle-making profession. The bangle makers did not even have an apt amount of food at one time.

vi. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract.

(A) To put an end to child exploitation

(B) To show the importance of labour

(D) The rigidity of the school system

View Answer

Ans. (A) To put an end to child exploitation

B. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end.

The world had, of course, never been very kind to him, so it gave him unwonted joy to think ill of it in this way. It became a cherished pastime of his, during many dreary ploddings, to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare, and of others who were still circling around the bait.

(The Rattrap)

i. What philosophical thought is given in the extract about the world?

View Answer

Ans. The philosophical thought given in the extract is that it offered riches and joys, shilter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end.

ii. The line, “…it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end” can be classified as:

(A) a fact

(B) an opinion

(D) a theme

View Answer

Ans. (C) a plot point

iii. Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line, “It became a cherished pastime of his, during many dreary ploddings, to think of people he knew who had let themselves be caught in the dangergus snare, and of others who were still circling around the bait”.

View Answer

Ans. In the given line, the rattrap explains the world as a rattrap, where human beings constantly fall prey to various baits kept for them.

iv. Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the rattrap seller is a pessimistic man.

View Answer

Ans. The world had of course, never been very kind to him, so it gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it in this way.

v. The peddler’s views about the world, in the extract, can be best described as:

(A) unjust and fair

(B) unkind and unjust

(D) just and fair

View Answer

Ans. (B) unkind and unjust

vi. Complete the sentence with ONE word.

Stealing had been his hobby since _____.

Ans. Chilldhood

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

i. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? (The Interview)

View Answer

Ans. A. Generally, academic scholars write false hypothesis, rectify them and then give conclusions. On the other hand, Umberto takes the readers through the journey of his research, quoting all the trials and errors to reach the conclusion. His narrative style of writing made him distinctive.

ii. How did the author discover who the English visitor to the studios was? (Poets and Paneakes)

View Answer

Ans. Before investing money in participating in a short story contest organized by an English periodical- The Encounter, the author did a research on the magazine. He went to the British Council Library where, while going through an issue of that periodical, he discovered that its editor was Stephen Spender, the poet that had once visited the studio.

iii. What does the ring on Aunt Jennifer’s fingers signify? (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

View Answer

Ans. The ring on Aunt Jennifer’s finger, an outward symbol of her marriage, signified her conforming to a patriarchal society and that her life was controlled by the norms of the society. Though she had creative freedom with her needle it was a limited one, as she lived as society ordained.

iv. What kind of thought the poet wishes to put away in ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’? Why?

View Answer

Ans. The poet wishes to highlight that her mother may not live any longer. She loves her mother so much that she cannot accept her likely death.

v. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth? (A Thing of Beauty)

View Answer

Ans. The poet uses various images to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. He mentions various beautiful things which are present around us in nature like the sun, the moon, trees, daffodils, streams of water, the mid-forest brake, musk roses etc.

vi. What had been put on the bulletin board? (The Last Lesson)

View Answer

Ans. The crowd in front of the bulletin board indicated that the information was important. Later he co- related in the class that the news was that an order had come from Berlin to teach German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.

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

i. How did Zitkala-Sa try to avoid the loss of her long hair? (Memories of Childhood)

View Answer

Ans. In order to avoid the cutting of her hair, Zitkala- Sa, crept up the stairs and hid herself under a bed in a corner place in an open room. But she was found out and dragged out. She tried to resist by kicking and scratching wildly. She was carried downstairs and tied to a chair. Her long thick hair was shingled.

ii. Comment on the ending of the play “On the Face of It”.

View Answer

Ans. Mr. Lamb, who lived a full life in spite of a disability and loneliness, helps Derry overcome his fears. He falls down exactly as Derry had predicted. Mr. Lamb has left an awakened Derry to complete the good work he had started. Though ending is sad but the spark and zeal in Derry somehow lessens it.

iii. Why was the general not interested in sending Dr. Sadao with the troops? (The Enemy)

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Ans. Sadao’s skill at operating on the prisoner with success, made the general believe only more firmly that he was indispensable. As Dr. Sadao was the only doctor who could save him in case of another attack he selfishly did not send him with the troops in the battlefield.

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

A. Obstacles determine the quality of life. Hermits feel convinced that sweet are the uses of adversity. Problems are opportunities. Elucidate the saying taking ideas from the given lines: “Events justified Gandhi’s position. Within a few years, the British planters abandoned their estates, which reverted to the peasants. Indigo sharecropping disappeared.” (Indigo)

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Ans. Sweet are the uses of adversity. The Bible proclaims that ‘Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward’. Adversity is the first path that leads towards the truth. Emerson opines that ‘every calamity is a spur and valuable hint’. But one cannot forget the truth that ‘there is no wind that always blows a storm’. Problems are only opportunities in disguise.

Every individual aspires to attain phenomenal success in this era of consumerism. No one can refuse to accept the fact that material pleasures and prosperity bring happiness. But one cannot dare to ignore the significance of trying circumstances. One wishes to be away from the situations which can be troublesome and irksome. But one must not despair in those situations and should face the music of life. Prosperity makes a person lazy and ease loving. Adversity, on the other hand, though trying and full of hardships, has a chastening effect. One’s character and personality become dynamic and vibrant if one fights bravely against the odd circumstances. It will not be wrong to say that “As gold shines in fire, man shines in adversity”.

B. “It is his karma, his destiny.” The prose section Lost Spring includes this telling comment said by Mukesh’s grandmother. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, destiny of common housewife is discussed.

Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students. Write this address in about 120-150 words elaborating on occurrences from the two texts to inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of creating their own destiny through hard work.

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Ans. Good morning teachers, principal and my dear friends

Do you believe in destiny? Or you believe on creating your destiny for yourself? The people who have the fire of desire in their hearts create their own destiny. One will face hardships throughout his path, but only they will reach the destination who have the courage to fulfill their dreams. History and even the society we live in are replete with examples of such people who fought their humble and pathetic conditions and emerged as winners. In Lost Spring, Mukesh was determined to change his profession from being a bangle maker to a car mechanic, and he fulfilled his dreams through hard work.

In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers too, destiny of common housewife in a normative patriarchal household is discussed. Her death will not change her status and the same will be reflected by her creations. Her activities were always surrounded by the difficult situation of married life. However, the tigers which symbolize the accomplishment of her aspired and cherished existence will remain in the same posture. Therefore, she has immortalized her wishes and aspirations which may find wings when the breeze of humanity not of patriarchy blows and the situation is conducive to understanding the position of a woman with respect. Therefore, we should not forget that where there is a will, there is a way.

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

A. Take care of small things and the big things will take care of themselves. Instead of ignoring things whether big or small, do care of things to make them more sustainable. You wish to include a cameo for the above statement’s explanation in your upcoming blog post. (A cameo is a short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something) As a part of the research, discuss the statement in relation to Antarctica in about 120-150 words.

(Journey to the End of The Earth)

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Ans. The statement points out the fact that building up trivial habits and making insignificant changes can bring a substantial change in the world we live in. If every individual takes small steps, the total impact on the world will be massive. Antarctica was a part of Gondwana land. It, hence, has a mass of lands that have existed millions of years ago and is untouched by humankind. Its present state of melting and breaking apart tells us about the crisis the environment is going through now. Our neglect of the environment has led to an increase in global warming. If the ozone layer depletes further, the phytoplankton might get depleted and its contribution to the ecosystem will be depleted which, in turn would affect the globe on a large scale.

The state of earth points out the fact that if the present state continues the earth will not sustain for long and its end is near. We need to be conscious and take small steps to protect our Earth from the potential threat and halt its heading towards disaster.

B. ‘Flattery is eating into roots of our society and polity.’ The Tiger King or the Maharaja pursue the same. Discuss with reference to the lesson in about 120-150 words.

(The Tiger King)

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Ans. Flattery is evident in almost all places. It basically satisfies the ego of person who is being treated in lofty terms. With words and gestures, a false world is created around so as to befool that fellow. Actually, the person frames unrealistic ideas about himself and falls prey to the sweetened pills. Wrong deeds are committed so as to meet the self interest. The genuine people are ignored at the cost of fake ones. It checks the healthy growth of relationships and whence the development of society. The real cause and issues are left behind and pretension prevail. This whole idea unfolds in Tiger King in a humourous manner-to appease the king. Courtier had not spared a chance to fulfill his whims and fancies. Such sort of administration leads to ultimate fall of estate. King met his end on operation table at the hands of his saviours, i.e. doctors.

Class XII – English Sample Paper – 3