Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 4 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Set 4 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions :
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING, and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section-A
Reading Skills (22 marks)
1. Read the following text. [12 m]
Oh, my god, do you realize how far from Earth we are? Do you really think about it? It’s enough to scare the guts from a man. Hold me up. Do something. Give me sedatives or hold my hand or run call mama.
A million cold miles up. See all the flickering stars? Look at my hands tremble. Feel my heart whirling like a hot pinwheel!
The captain comes toward me, a stunned expression on his small, tight face. He takes my arm, looking into my eyes. Hello, captain. I’m sick, if that’s what you want to know. I’ve aright to be scared—just look at all that space! Standing here a moment ago, I stared down at Earth so round and cloud-covered and asleep on a mat of stars, and my brain tore loose and screamed, man, man, bow’d you get in a mess like this, in a rocket a million miles past the moon, shooting for Mars with a crew of fourteen others!I can hardly stand up, my knees, my hands, my heart, are shaking apart. Hold me up, sir.
What are hysterics like? The captain unprongs the inter-deck audio and speaks swiftly, scowling, into it.
I hope he’s phoning the psychiatrist. I need something. Oh, dammit, dammit!
The psychiatrist descends the ladder in immaculate salt-white uniform and walks toward me in a dream.
Hello, doctor. You’re the one for me. Please, sir, turn this damned rocket around and fly back to New York.
I’ll go crazy with all this space and distance!
The psychiatrist and the captain’s voices murmur and blend, with here and there an emphasis, a toss of head, a gesture:
“Young Halloway here’s on a fear-jag, doctor. Can you help him?”
“I’ll try. Good man, Halloway is. Imagine you’ll need him and his muscles when we land.”
“With the crew as small as it is, every man’s worth his weight in uranium. He’s got to be cured.”
The psychiatrist shakes his head.
“Might have to squirt him full of drugs to keep him quiet the rest of the expedition.”
The captain explodes, saying that is impossible. Blood drums in my head. The doctor moves closer, smelling clean, sharp and white.
“Please, understand, captain, this man is definitely psychotic about going home. His talk is almost a reversion to childhood.I can’t refuse his demands, and his fear seems too deeply based for reasoning.
However, I think I have an idea. Halloway?”
Yes, sir? Help me, doctor. I want to go home.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. What is the captain’s reaction when the protagonist expresses fear? [1]
A. He takes the protagonist’s arm and looks into their eyes.
B. He scolds the protagonist for being scared.
C. He calls for sedatives for the protagonist.
D. He runs to call the protagonist’s mother.
Answer:
A. He takes the protagonist’s arm and looks into their eyes.
ii. What does the protagonist request from the captain and the psychiatrist? [1]
A. To turn the rocket around and fly back to New York.
B. To give them sedatives to calm their fear.
C. To send a distress signal to Earth.
D. To increase the crew size for support.
Answer:
A. To turn the rocket around and fly back to New York.
iii. Describe the writing style of the author in this passage. [2]
Answer:
The author’s writing style in this passage is characterized by intense emotions, fragmented thoughts, and vivid descriptions of fear and panic. The tone is akin to a description of futuristic oddessey in space. A spicy account of how some weak-kneed astronauts react to the vast loneliness in space.
iv. Fill in the Blanks: [1]
The captain suggests that they might have to the protagonist full of drugs to keep them quiet.
Answer:
squirt
v. What does the word “psychotic” mean in the context of the passage? [1]
A. Suffering from mental illness
B. Displaying childlike behaviour
C. Having a fear of space and distance
D. Being aggressive and violent
Answer:
A. Suffering from mental illness
vi. Why does the protagonist feel the need to go back home? [2]
Answer:
The protagonist’s fear is deeply rooted and goes beyond reasoning. The vastness of space and distance triggers a sense of panic and longing for familiarity and safety. He feels homesick, yearning to come back to Earth. The loneliness in space has unnerved him.
vii. Identify a literary tool used by the author in this text. [1]
Answer:
One possible literary tool used by the author is imagery. The author creates vivid visual and sensory images to convey the protagonist’s fear and distress. The overall tone borders a hyperbole. For example “Young Halloway here’s on a fear-jag, doctor…..” or “It’s enough to scare the guts from a man.”
viii. How would you describe the protagonist’s mental state based on the given passage? [2]
Answer:
The protagonist’s mental state can be described as extremely anxious, panicked, and bordering on a breakdown due to the overwhelming fear and disorientation caused by the vastness of space. The protagonist has panicked and is hell-bent to scuttle the space mission.
ix. What could be an appropriate headline for this text? [1]
A. Journey into Madness
B. Lost in Space
C. Facing Astral Dread
D. The Captain’s Dilemma
Answer:
B. Lost in Space
2. Read the following text. [10 m]
In recent years, there has been a rise in both screen addiction and screen moderation among kids in the US. A survey conducted among kids aged 8-12 aimed to explore the factors that influence their screen usage and recorded the percentage variation for 10 common aspects that affect screen choices. Among those who have screen addiction, the most common factor cited was the desire for entertainment and fun (64%), followedby the opportunity for learning and education (56%). Additionally, screen addicts appreciated the access to a variety of content and games (48%) and the chance to connect with their friends online (40%).
On the other hand, those who practice screen moderation often cited the desire for physical and mental health (63%) as their main factor. Screen moderation also offered a sense of balance and discipline in managing their time and activities (54%) and allowed for more creativity and imagination (46%). Additionally, screen moderates enjoyed the benefits of spending more time with their family and nature (38%).
Interestingly, both groups had similar levels of interest in social media and online communication (36% for screen addicts, 32% for screen moderates). Similarly, both groups valued the opportunity to explorenew topics and interests (32% for screen addicts, 28% for screen moderates).
However, there were also some notable differences between the two groups. For example, screen addicts placed a higherpriority on staying updated and informed about current events (36%) compared to screen moderates (20%). Conversely, screen moderates were more likely to prioritise physical activity and sports during their free time (24%) compared to screen addicts (8%).
Overall, the survey results suggest that both screen addiction and screen moderation have their own unique challenges and benefits and appeal to different kids, based on their needs and goals.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
i. How can screen moderation benefit children’s mental and physical health? [2]
Answer:
Screen moderation canbenefit children’s mental and physical healthby promoting a sense of balance and discipline, allowing for more creativity and imagination, and providing opportunities for spending time with family and nature.
ii. What was the most common factor cited by screen addicts as the reason for their screen usage? [1]
A. Desire for physical and mental health
B. Opportunity for learning and education
C. Access to a variety of entertainment and games
D. Chance to connect with friends online
Answer:
C. Access to a variety of entertainment and games
iii. What are some benefits of screen moderation mentioned in the excerpt? [1]
Answer:
Some benefits of screen moderation include a sense of balance and discipline in managing time and activities, increased creativity and imagination, and the opportunity to spend more time with family and nature.
iv. Which of the following scenarios is likely to represent a screen addict kid? [1]
A. A child who spends most of their free time playing sports and engaging in physical activities.
B. A child who uses screens primarily for learning and education purposes.
C. A child who is driven by the desire for entertainment, enjoys a variety of content and games, and values online social connections.
Answer:
C. A child who is driven by the desire for entertainment, enjoys a variety of content and games, and values online social connections.
v. How do screen addicts and screen moderates differ in their priorities? [1]
Answer:
Screen addicts prioritise staying updated and informed about current events, while screen moderates prioritise physical activity and sports during their free time.
vi. What are the common factors that both screen addicts and screen moderates value? [2]
Answer:
Both screen addicts and screen moderates value social media and online communication, as well as the opportunity to explore new topics and interests.
vii. Fillin the blanks: Among screen addicts, ________ % cited the desire for entertainment and fun as the most common factor influencing their screen usage. [1]
Answer:
64%
viii. True or False: Screen moderates are more likely to prioritise physical activity and sports during their free time compared to screen addicts. [1]
Answer:
True
Section-B
Creative Writing Skills
Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. [4]
A. Maple Grove Elementary School has recently created BookNook, a cozy comer for reading and storytelling, next to the library, on campus. As Kevin Lee, President of the Reading Club, draft a notice for the school bulletin board, inviting students of all grades, about a book exchange event at
BookNook, during recess, on Monday, 13 September.
Request book donations, for BookNook.
Answer:
| Maple Grove Elementary School NOTICE Book Exchange Event at BookNook! All students are invited to a book exchange during recess at BookNook a cozy comer for reading and storytelling, next to the library on Monday, 13 September, 2023. |
OR
B. You are the Treasurer of the Residents’ Welfare Association, Green Valley, Block B-4 Society. Draft a notice for the Society notice board, informing residents about the increase of maintenance charges, effective from next month and explain the reasons. Also, include the announcement of the installation of the new solar panels, on the rooftop of the Society.
Answer:
| GREEN VALLEY NOTICE 10 August, 20XX Increase of maintenance charges We would like to inform you that effective next month, there will be a slight increasein maintenance charges due to rising perational costs and necessary repairs. |
4. Attempt ANY ONE of two,in about 50 words.[4]
A. You are the Student Leader, Community service, at S.K. Primary School. Your school is organizing a 1-day Plantation drive on the occasion of Earth Day, for teachers of the school and their families. Write an invitation, inviting the school teachers and their families for this Plantation drive. Share information about the plantation drive venue and timing and include other necessary details.
Answer:
|
Join Us for the Earth Day Plantation Drive! In all eagerness, we solicit the presence of all teachers and their families! S.K. Primary School is organising a 1-day Plantation Drive on Earth Day. Let’s come together to plant trees and nurture our planet! Date: 22 April, 20XX Time: 11:00 AM Venue: School Playground RSVP |
OR
B. You are the Student Secretary, Literary events, at T.K. College. Your college is organising a 2-day Poetry workshop over the weekend, for alumni of the college and their friends. Write an invitation, inviting the college alumni and their friends for this Poetry workshop themed on: “Golden Days”.
Answer:
|
Poetry Workshop on “Golden Days” T.K. College Alumni and Friends, are cordially invited to a special 2-day Poetry Workshop RSVP |
5. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words.[5]
A. You are Ravi Kumar, a fresh graduate of graphic design (B.Des), from NIFT, Mumbai. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write an application letter to Creative Minds, along with your portfolio, expressing your interest in the advertised post.
| Creative Minds Graphic Designer Wanted Opportunity for designers Who do we need? Freshers and Experienced: Both are Welcome Required: Degree/Diploma in Graphic Design Skills: Ideation, Designing, Adobe Creative Cloud Please send your resume to Creative Minds – Sector 23 Plaza, Dwarka, New Delhi (last date of application 23 July 2023) |
Answer:
House No: 17/01
Harish Colony
Mumbai- 400065
The Creative Minds
126, WeWork,
New Delhi,
Subject: Application for the post of Graphic Designer
Dear Sir,
As a recent graduate of NIFT Mumbai’s Graphic Design program,I am eager to serve at the Graphic Designer position with Creative Minds. With a strong foundation in visual communication, colour psychology, and typography,I am confident in my ability to contribute to your dynamic team. I have attached my portfolio, showcasing my skills in conceptualizing and executing designs that engage target audiences. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, and I pay keen attention to details and aesthetics.
Creative Minds’ reputation for innovation and creativity aligns with my aspirations, and I believe my fresh perspective would be an asset. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my skills commensurate with your needs.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely,
Ravi Kumar
Biodata:
About:
Ravi Kumar
Phone: 91XXXXXXXX
E-mail: [email protected]
Profile Summary
A creative graphic designer with a passion for effective communication through visuals.
Skills:
- Storyboarding
- Designing: Shaps, Colour, Typography
- Adobe Creative Suite
Education Qualifications:
Graphic Design graduate from NIFT Mumbai (2022)
Internship Details:
6-month internship at Digital Brats as a Graphic Design Intern.
Reference:
Professor: Rahul Sharma (contact: 91XXXXXXXX)
Professor: Apama Goswami (contact: 91XXXXXXXX)
Declaration:
I hereby declare that the information provided by me is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature
OR
B. The recent incidents of cyberbullying and online harassment have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of internet users, especially children and teenagers. Many people do not realize the consequences of their actions and words on the online platforms, and often indulge in abusive and hateful behaviour towards others. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, highlighting the gravity of this problem, and exploring the reasons for such behaviour. Recommend some steps to prevent and combat cyberbullying and online harassment. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are Priya Singh, a concerned parent.
Answer:
Bungalow 140:
Sadar Bazar, Agra-282001
The Editor
Amar Ujala
Sikandra Road,
Agra
Subject: Immediate Action Required to Combat the Menace of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the escalating cases of cyberbullying and online harassment that are posing a significant threat to internet users, particularly children and teenagers. The severe emotional repercussions of these malicious acts, coupled with their potential long-term impact on victims’ mental well-being, necessitate urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals online.
The shield of anonymity provided by online platforms often empowers individuals to engagein abusive and hateful conduct. The absence of face-to-face interactions and the ability to hide behind screens dehumanise the victims, leading perpetrators to disregard the consequences of their words and actions. To address this issue effectively, our focus must be on prevention and education.
Collaborative efforts involving schools, parents, and communities are essential to impart knowledge about responsible internet usage, empathy, and the significance of treating others with respect. The establishment of stricter regulations and holding individuals accountable for their online behaviour is imperative. Furthermore, social media platforms should enhance their reporting and monitoring systems to promptly identify and address instances of cyberbullying and harassment. By providing victims with resources and support networks, we can aid their safe restitution and plug such future incidents from
recurring again.
Let us unite as a society and take decisive action to cultivate a secure and inclusive online environment. The well-being of our future generation depends on it.
Yours sincerely,
Priya Singh,
Student & Concerned Citizen
6. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words.[4]
A. You are Neha Singh of class XII-D. Write an article for your school magazine, sharing the importance of young adults, as activists in one’s social and environmental causes, the ways to do so and the impact involved. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this article.
|
Answer:
The Power of Young Activists: Making a Difference in Our World
By Neha Singh, Class XII-D
As young adults, we get many opportunities to create a positive impact on society and the environment by becoming activists for causes we deeply care about. Activism enables us to voice our concerns, initiate change, and contribute to building a better world for future generations. Here are a few ways we can actively engage in social and environmental causes:
1. Education and Awareness: Stay informed about critical issues through research, documentaries, and reliable sources. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of these causes.
2. Volunteer and Support: Participate in local community service projects and initiatives. Collaborate with organizations that align with your interests and contribute your time, skills, or resources to make a difference.
3. Advocacy and Lobbying: Write letters to policymakers, join advocacy groups, or sign petitions to support legislation and policies that address social and environmental issues.
4. Sustainable Practices: Adopt eco-friendly habits in our daily lives, such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable products and initiatives.
By actively engaging in activism, we not only contribute to causes we believe in but also inspire others to follow suit. Our collective efforts have the potential to bring about meaningful change and shape a brighter future.
Let us embrace our role as young activists and work towards creating a world that we may feel proud to bequeath to the coming generation.
OR
B. The R.W.A (Resident Welfare Association), Shantinagar -I, organised a cleanliness drive for the young adults in and around the neighbourhood, on 25 January 2023. As Rajesh. K, the local correspondent of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report covering this event. Support your ideas with outline cues given below, to craft your report.
|
Answer:
Shantinagar -I R.W.A Organises Successful Cleanliness Drive
Rajesh. K, Local Correspondent
January 25, 2023, Shantinagar-I, New Delhi:
In a remarkable display of community spirit, the Resident Welfare Association (R.W.A) of Shantinagar -I organised a cleanliness drive on January 25, 2023. The event aimed to bring together young adults from the neighbourhood to actively participate in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
The cleanliness drive witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of residents, demonstrating their commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier neighbourhood. The eventbegan with a briefinauguration ceremony, during which theR.W.A members addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and waste management.
The young adults, armed with gloves, garbage bags, and brooms, enthusiastically embarked on cleaning the streets, parks, and public spaces in and around the neighbourhood. They diligently collected litter, swept the sidewalks, and cleared debris, leaving the area visibly cleaner than before.
The event not only fostered a sense of unity and responsibility among the participants but also served as an opportunity to educate them about the significance of maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
It also highlighted the impact that collective efforts can have in creating a pleasant and hygienic living environment.
The Shantinagar -I R.W.A deserves commendation for organizing such an impactful initiative, which not only brought the community together but also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in the neighborhood. This event serves as a reminder that small actions can make a big difference when it comes to preserving the cleanliness and beauty of our surroundings.
Section – C
LITERATURE: TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [6]
A. For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead; (A Thing of Beauty)
i. Which of the following best describes the dooms imagined for the mighty dead?
A. Beauty of grand tales
B. Frightening and foreboding
C. Ordinary and mundane
D. Intense and vibrant
Answer:
A. Beauty of grand tales
ii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract.
The speaker compares the daffodils to simple sheep.
Answer:
True
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The speaker uses ___________ to create a musical effect with words like “simple sheep”, and “cooling covert”.
Answer:
alliteration
iv. Fill in the blanks: The grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead is __________.
Answer:
is majestic or awe-inspiring.
v. What is the one word that rhymes with “rills” and “daffodils” in these lines?
Answer:
hills
vi. Based on the given lines, what message or idea might the poetbe trying to convey about the relationship between nature and the grandeur of the dooms imagined for the mighty dead?
A. The beauty of nature evenin the face of its mortality
B. The contrast between life and death
C. The sorrow of losing a loved one
D. The joy of imagination and creativity
Answer:
A. The beauty of nature even in the face of its mortality
OR
B. Unless, governor, inspector, visitor,
This map becomes their window and these windows
That shut upon their lives like catacombs,
Break O break open till they break the town
And show the children to green fields, and make their world
Run azure on gold sands, and let their tongues
Run naked into books the white and green leaves open
History theirs whose language is the sun (An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum)
i. What is the tone of the speaker in the expression “Break O break open till they break the town” ?
A. Angry and sarcastic
B. Sad and resigned
C. Hopeful and optimistic
D. Passionate and encouraging
Answer:
D. Passionate and encouraging
ii. What does the speaker want to show the children by breaking open the windows?
Answer: The poet wants the children to break the handcuffings of poverty and desultory childhood so that they come out of their dirty surroundings into an area of freedom for passionate and enthusiastic learning.
iii. What is the rhyme scheme of these lines?
A. ABABCDCD
B. ABBA CDDC
C. AABBCCDD
D. No rhyme scheme
Answer:
D. No rhyme scheme
iv. The speaker uses a metaphor to compare the books to leaves. True or False?
Answer:
True
v. What does the speaker meanby saying that history is theirs whose language is the sun?
Answer:
The speaker means that the children have the potential to make their own history, if they are given the opportunity to learn and express themselves. The speaker also suggests that the language of these children will become like the language of the which is bright, warm, and powerful unlike the language of the slum, which is dark, cold, and weak.
vi. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The speaker uses the word “O” to __________.
Answer:
address or invoke or exclaim or emphasize an appeal to the authorities.
8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [4]
A. The presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroads will swear on a stack of timetables that there are only two. ButI say there are three, because I’ve been on the third level of the Grand Central Station. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step:I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among others.I told him about the third level at Grand Central Station, and he said it was a waking-dream wish fulfillment. He saidI was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modem world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it, and that I just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t? EverybodyI know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand Central Station. (The Third Level – Jack Finney)
i. What does the narrator mean by saying that he taken the obvious step?
Answer:
The narrator means that he has consulted a psychiatrist, as that is what most people would do if they had a strange or unusual experience like his.
ii. What is the genre of the story that these lines are from?
A. Mystery
B. Romance
C. Science fiction
D. Fantas
Answer:
D. Fantasy
iii. The narrator says that everybody he knows wants to __________.
Answer:
escape
iv. Why does the narrator want to escape from the modem world?
Answer:
The narrator wants to escape from the modem world becauseit is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest ofit, which makes him unhappy and stressed.
OR
B. Crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur grew taller and stronger day by day. No other miracle marked his childhood days apart from the event already described. The boy drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an English nanny, tutored in English by an Englishman, saw nothing but English films — exactly as the crown princes of all the other Indian states did. When he came of age at twenty, the State, which had been with the Court of Wards until then, came into his hands. But everyone in the kingdom remembered the astrologer’s prediction. Many continued to discuss the matter. Slowlyit came to the Maharaja’s ears. (The Tiger King)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately:
The event already described in the story was the astrologer’s prediction _________.
Answer:
that the prince would be killed by the hundredth tiger.
ii. What was the name of the Indian state that the crown prince ruled over?
A. Pratibandapuram
B. Rajkumarapuram
C. Mahendrapuram
D. Chandrapuram
Answer:
A. Pratibandapuram
iii. Which astrologer’s prediction did everyone in the kingdom remember?
Answer:
Everyone in the kingdom remembered the astrologer’s prediction that the prince would be killed by a tiger before he turned thirty.
iv. How did the Maharaja react when he heard about the astrologer’s prediction?
Answer:
The Maharaja reacted by becoming obsessed with hunting and killing tigers, hoping to defy his fate and prove the astrologer wrong.
9. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [6]
A. Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to understand better, and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm.I had to open the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and how frightened I was. (The Last Lesson)
i. What emotions did the narrator experience upon entering the classroom?
Answer:
Blush and fear.
ii. What was unusual on that particular day when the narrator tried to enter the classroom?
A. The confused students
B. The noisy environment
C. The silence
D. The scared students
Answer:
C. The silence
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author plan to count on the commotion to get to the desk because ________.
Answer:
He was avoiding to be noticed for being late.
iv. What does ‘M. Hamel walking up and down with his iron ruler under his arm’ signify?
Answer:
‘M. Hamel walking up and down with his iron ruler under his arm’ evokes a sense of authority and discipline in the classroom.
v. What does the phrase “lessons repeated in unison” mean?
Answer:
The phrase refers to the students reading reciting their lessons together, in perfect unison.
vi. Which of the following headlines best suggests the theme of the extract?
A. Calm and Focused
B. An Ambience of Embarrassment
C. A Deafening Silence
D. A Conducive Learning Environment.
Answer:
C. A Deafening Silence
OR
B. “I sometimes find a rupee, even a ten-rupee note,” Saheb says, his eyes lighting up. When you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you don’t stop scrounging, for there is hope of finding more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival. (Lost Spring)
i. What does garbage symbolize for the children who are referred to in this extract?
Answer:
Garbage symbolises hope for the children
ii. What do the children occasionally find in the garbage?
A. Paper bags to be recycles
B. Plastic bottles to be recycled
C. Coins
D. Toys
Answer:
C. Coins
iii. How does Saheb’s eyes show his excitement when he talks about finding money?
Answer:
Saheb’s eyes lightup when he talks about finding money, showing his excitement and joy.
iv. Identify the literary tools the writer hasused to show the different meanings and perspectives of garbage for the children.
Answer:
Contrast
v. What response would the author have given after listening to these lines?
A. He would have praised Saheb for his luck and perseverance
B. He would have scolded Saheb for wasting his time and energy
C. He would have sympathized with Saheb for his hardship
D. He would have ignored Saheb
Answer:
C. He would have sympathized with Saheb for his hardship
vi. Complete the sentence question: For the children, garbage wrapped in wonder conveys a plight that poor kids have to ________.
Answer:
Search garbage for materials which can be sold to earn for their survival.
10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions,in about 40-50 words. [5×2=10]
i. How did the Champaran incident change Gandhi’s life? (Reference – Indigo)
Answer:
The Champaran incident was a milestone in Gandhi’s life because it marked his first civil disobedience movement in India. It also gave him a deeper understanding of the plight of the peasants and the need for social reform.
ii. Douglas describes his feelings and thoughts during the drowning incident. How would the reader’s response differ if the narration were more factual than emotional? (Deep Water)
Answer:
The reader would feel less connected and sympathetic to Douglas if the narration were more factual than emotional. The sensory and emotional details make the reader empathise with Douglas’s fear, panic and struggle. Without that emotional connect the reader would connect to the story objectively sans empathy, a detached observation of dangerous situation.
iii. How would the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ lose its contrast, if the following first four lines were removed?
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Answer:
The poem would lose its contrast between the free and fearless tigers and the oppressed and terrified Aunt Jennifer. The tigers represent her wish for a different life. The absence of these lines would weaken the exploration of gender dynamics in the poem.
iv. Umberto Eco, about “The Name of the Rose” says, “It’s a book about books.” What does this imply about his theme?
(The Interview)
Answer:
This implies that he wanted to explore the power and influence of books, especially in the medieval context. He also wanted to show the intertextuality and complexity of literature.
v. How does the use of irony and surprise in ‘The Rattrap’ enhance the theme and message of the story?
Answer:
The use of irony and surprise in ‘The Rattrap’ shows that people can change for the better, even when they least expect it during adversities.
vi. What does the story of the make-up department in the film studio show about the challenges, skills, and humour involved in this field? (Poets and Pancakes)
Answer:
The story of the make-up department shows that they had to deal with difficult actors, demanding directors, and limited resources. They also had to be creative, innovative, and witty to cope with their work to make leading artists look ugly and horrible in order to look presentable in the movie.
11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [2×2=4]
i. Oppression may not be challenged quickly, but the roots of resistance are planted in childhood. Do you think that children can always sense any kind of unfairness, especially after reading the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama, who faced different kinds of oppression in their childhood?
Answer:
I agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children, especially after reading Memories of Childhood by Zitkala-Sa and Bama. Both the stories show how the authors, as young girls, experienced and either resisted or got aware of the oppression in different ways. Zitkala-Sa faced the cultural and racial discrimination of the white domineering missionaries who tried to erase her identity and dignity as a Native American. Bama witnessed the caste-based humiliation of the Dalits by the upper-caste Hindus who treated them as untouchables. Both the stories reveal how the seeds of rebellion against irrational discrimination and humiliation are sowed early in life, as the girls refused to accept or tolerate the injustice imposed on them and their communities.
ii. Antarctica holds the secrets of the earth’s geological past. How can we benefit from exploring this region, especially after reading Tishani Doshi’s account of her trip to the end of the earth?
Answer:
The study of Antarctica is useful to us because it can reveal the secrets of the past and the future of our planet. Antarctica contains fossils, rocks, ice cores, and other clues that can help us understand how life evolved, how climate changed, and how continents drifted over millions of years. It can also help us predict the effects of global warming, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss on our environment and civilization. Antarctica is a living laboratory that can teach us about our history and our destiny.
iii. We have learned from “On The Face OfIt” that the physical discomfort or difficulty caused by a disability is usually not as bad as the feeling of being left out or rejected by the person with disabilities is. How does the person who is suffering from such a condition of bitterness and resentment want others to behave towards them?
Answer:
Any sane and sensible person will understand that a person with disabilities expects the kind of behaviour that is respectful, empathetic, and normal from others. The person does not want to be pitied, ignored, or mocked for their physical impairment. The person wants to be treated as an equal, a friend, and a human being. The person wants to have meaningful interactions and relationships with others, without being judged or made fun of or isolated for their disability.
12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. [5]
A. Imagine yourself in place of Kamala Das – the poet of “My Mother at Sixty-six”. Write a letter to your mother pouring your heart out and assuring her that you would always love her and be grateful to her.
You may begin this way:
Dear Maa,
1 could still feel a lot of pain and guilt
Answer:
Dear Maa,
I could still feel a lot of pain and guilt for leaving you that day. I am tom between my duty and my love.
But I wish to reassure you, my mother, thatI will come back soon.
1 would always be there for you.
I love you more than anything.
I would notbe able to explain to youin words how much you mean to me.I can still recall every joy and sorrow we faced together, the bond we had that nothing could break.
I pray for your health and happiness, and hope that you would not feel lonely ever.
I hope you will understand and forgive me for leaving you like this.
Warmly,
Your Kamala
OR
B. Zitkala-Sa, as an adult, thinks back to the time when her long hair was cut off and feels that she should have fought harder and not given up so easily. She also wonders if there was any other way to avoid the incident. What do you think as a reader? Analyse Zitkala’s response and reflections and address your peers.
You may begin this way:
Good morning everyone.
As I analysed the alloted texts….
You may end this way:
I hope she moves on with hope
Answer:
Good morning, everyone.
As I analysed the allotted texts, it still frightens me to recall the day when Zitkala’s long hairs were cut at the missionary school. It is one of the most painful and humiliating experiences of anyone’s life. I feel like they were hying to erase her identity and dignity as a Native American.I feel sorry for what she might have been through.
I still wonder why she did not resist more. Why did she let them drag her to the barber’s chair? Why did she not scream louder or bite harder? Why did she not run away or hide somewhere? Was there anything else she could have done to save herself? But thenI realised that she was just a child, and they were adults. They had the power and the authority, and she had none. They had the numbers and the overbearing and domineering authority and she was alone. They had the intention of snipping away her braids which was integral to her cultural pride, and
the plan to execute and she was unaware.
I cannot blame her for what they did to her. It was not her fault. It was their fault. They were the ones who were cruel and ignorant. They were the ones who violated her rights and her culture. They were the ones who should be ashamed and sorry.
To conclude, I’d like to say that as a reader, it gives me peace to know that she is still a proud and strong Native American woman.I know that she survived and thrived despite the oppression and discrimination.I hope she moves on with hope and courage and be an iconic inspiration for her community.
13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. [5]
A. In “The Enemy”, Dr. Sadao was compelled by his ethical duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. Hana, his wife, was sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff. As Hana, Sadao’s wife, write this diary entry explaining the necessity of your support to Dr Sadao.
You may begin this way:
As a wife of Dr. Sadao, today, I find myself reflecting on the immense necessity of my support to Dr. Sadao in his decision….
wife of Dr. Sadao, today, I found myself reflecting on the immense necessity of my support to Dr. Sadao in his decision to help an enemy soldier survive from his fatal wounds. While our domestic staff was filled with open defiance and disapproval, I firmly believed that it was our duty as human beings and as healers to extend compassion and aid to those in need, regardless of their nationality or affiliation.
Dr. Sadao’s expertise and knowledge had given him the power to save lives, and it is this power that we endeavoured to utilise for the greater good of mankind. The soldier, though an enemy, was helpless and in desperate need of medical attention. Turning or handing him away as a prisoner would not only have been an abandonment of moral values but also a betrayal of the very essence of our profession. As his wife, I stood by Dr. Sadao, providing him unwavering support that he needed to navigate this challenging, controversial and dangerous situation. Together, we rose above the judgments and prejudices of others, upholding our principles and demonstrated the true essence of humanity.
Hana
OR
B. As Geoff Green of ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’, write a diary entry explaining reasons for including high school students in the Students on Ice expedition.
You may begin this way:
Today, I want to reflect on the reasons behind my decision to include high school students in the Students on Ice expedition….
Answer:
Date: 06/03/20XX
Time: 9:50 p.m.
Today, I want to reflect on the reasons behind my decision to include high school students in the Students on Ice expedition. It is a choice that has met with curiosity and skepticism, but I firmly believe it to be an essential component of our mission. First and foremost, involving high school students allows us to ignite their passion for the environment and instill a deep sense of stewardship within them. By exposing them to the beauty and fragility of our planet’s polar regions, we hope to inspire the next generation of probable environmental leaders.
Furthermore, these young minds bring fresh perspectives and boundless enthusiasm to our expedition. Their energy and curiosity push the boundaries of knowledge and ignite meaningful discussions amongst the entire group of experts. It is a remarkable opportunity for them to learn from scientists, explorers, and also from each other.
Lastly, including high school students will create a lasting impact on their lives. It will open their eyes to the interconnectedness of our world and empower them to take action in their own communities. Incorporating high school students into the Students on Ice expedition is an investment in our shared future. It is an opportunity to shape young minds, foster environmental consciousness, and create a generation of change-makers.
Geoff Green