English Class-XII

Question Bank – English - XII 99

Article Writing: (10 Marks)

Articles are written to present information on a variety of themes in a long and sustained piece of writing
namely describing an event, person, place etc.

Points to Remember
• The article should follow an appropriate format and style

» Title should be given on top
» The name of the writer should be written below the title
» Subject matter should be segregated into 3-4 paragraphs
• Ideas should be presented in a systematic and sequential manner
• Attention should be paid to grammatical accuracy, good vocabulary and spelling.
• Long and complex sentences should be avoided as it increases chances of grammatical error
• Adhere to the word limit
• Format

Solved Question
Q. Should India possess nuclear weapons? Write an article in about 200 words.

Value Points
• Many advocate India should possess Nuclear weapons.
• Lurking fear from neighbouring country.
• Security of India.
• Manufacturing Nuclear weapons difficult.
• Important projects to be cancelled to provide funds.
• Entered the exclusive club of military giants.
• India manufactured organic rockets.
• Absence of a strategic nuclear policy likely to hamper India’s development activity.

Heading

--Byline

Introduction(Paragraph 1)
• Tells us what the article is all about
• Should arouse interest

100 Question Bank – English - XII

Body(Paragraph 2&3)
• Supporting details arranged logically and sequentially. Summing up
• Consolidation of ideas

Nuclear Weapons: Boon or Bane
By XYZ

India has been a peace loving country.It has always opposed the policy of manufacturing nuclear
weapons. It has also emphasized that nuclear power should be used for meeting the power requirement
of the world, for the welfare of the world and for amelioration of human suffering.

Many among us advocate that India should possess Nuclear weapons. Very often in this wicked
world of today, Gandhi’s stand of offering one’s other cheek if one gets slapped holds no ground.
Moreover, there is a lurking fear of attack by the neighbouring country. Thirdly, the countries which
have the nuclear weapons have become the superpowers.

Manufacturing nuclear weapons is not that easy. India will have to give up many important projects
to divert funds for these. Despite this,India’s nuclear programme without producing nuclear weapons
has earned it an envious place among the nations. Its Agni, Prithvi, Nag and Akash missiles and
making its own launching Orbit System have enabled it to enter the exclusive club of military giants
of the world. Now India has manufactured cryogenic rockets.

This has made our neighboring countries modernize their arsenal. Hence, India has no option but to
go nuclear. If it is not done the neighboring countries may threaten the country’s security. Absence
of a strategic nuclear policy is likely to hamper our development activity when the threat to the
country’s security exists.

Distribution of Marks

Format: 1
Content: 4
Expression: 5

Common Errors

• Ideas are not presented in a systematic and a sequential manner
• Paragraphing is not done properly.
• Word limit is not adhered to.

Questions

Q1. You are Reeta/Ritesh a social worker and a freelance writer, much concerned about the discriminatory
treatment given to females right from their birth in the Indian society. Write an article in 150-200 words
throwing light on it and giving suggestions for putting an end to it.

Question Bank – English - XII 101

Q2. Water is very precious. Some scientists even go to the extent of saying that the third world war may be
fought on the issue of water. Keeping in view the need for saving each drop of water, write an article in
150-200 words. You are Natasha/Nitish, a resident of Bhopal.

Q3 Both print and electronic media are doing more harm than service to general public Write an article giving
your views on the above topic in 150-200 words for a leading magazine.You are Rohan/Rohini, a citizen of
Patna.

Q4. You are Maneka/Manik. You strongly feel that the government is not taking adequate steps to promote
tourism in India which turns out to be one of the major revenue earning industries. Write an article in 150-
200 words for a magazine giving your opinion about what should be done to promote tourism aggressively.

Q5. You are Malik/Malika. You are concerned about the craze for westernization among the youth of today. You
are worried about the erosion of our culture and values. Write an article on the issue highlighting the need
to preserve our age old culture. (150 -200 words)

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)

Q1. During a recent visit to C.P. you saw a group of foreign tourists being harassed by hawkers,taxi drivers and
touts. Write an article in about 150-200 words suggesting how India can project itself as a tourist friendly
destination.Sign yourself as Aman, No 4, Roop Nagar, New Delhi.

Q2. Despite measures taken by the authorities, beggars at crossings, in market places and at places of worship
are a common sight. Write an article in about 150-200 words highlighting the causes of this social evil. You
are Frank Anthony, No.2, Rithala, New Delhi.

102 Question Bank – English - XII

Section C (4)
(12)
Literature and Long Reading Text (6)
(6)
Books: (6)
1. FLAMINGO. (6)
2. VISTAS (Supplementary Reader).
3. NOVEL : “The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells

Marks Distribution

1. One out of two extracts based on poetry from the text to test comprehension.
2. Four short questions from poetry, prose to test local & global comprehension of text
3. Value based Question
4. One long answer type question based on the texts.
5. Long Answer questions based on theme, plot, incident from the novel.
6. Long Answer question based on appreciation and character from the novel.

Question Bank – English - XII 103

Flamingo

The Last Lesson

Alphonse Daudet

Points to Remember
• The setting – France defeated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871.
• The French districts of Alsace and Lorraine under German rule.
• Franz late for school - not prepared his lesson on participles.
• Dreads attending the strict master, M Hamel’s class.
• The crowd at the bulletin board which normally carried bad news.
• The unusual calm in school.
• M Hamel calm and polite – dressed formally as he did for special occasions.
• Class packed with village elders.
• The thunderclap – orders from Berlin to teach in German – last lesson in French.
• Sense of loss and regret for not learning French.
• Large turnout in class in honour of Hamel’s forty years of service.
• The last lesson- Hamel blames countrymen for putting off things till tomorrow.
• Unusual class – Hamel wanted to teach all he could.
• The power of the native tongue – a heritage, never allowed to be forgotten.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example:
Q. How was Hamel’s reaction different from other days when Franz could not answer the questions on

participles?
Ans. Hamel did not get angry as he normally would. Rather, he regretted that they had lost the

opportunity to learn French and now their language was being taken away from them. He also
blamed the parents and himself for not having been more serious about the children’s lessons.
1. Why was Franz afraid to go to school?
2. What is the significance of the bulletin board? Why did people crowd in front of it?
3. What were the three things that surprised Franz the most that day?
4. What was the thunderclap? How did Franz react to it?
5. How do Franz’s feelings towards schoolwork and books suddenly change?
6. How did the village honour M. Hamel?

104 Question Bank – English - XII

7. How was Hamel’s reaction different from other days when Franz could not answer the questions
on participles?

8. What final words did M Hamel write on the board and why?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)
1. How is the mother tongue important for the people who are enslaved?
2. Why does the narrator pity Monsieur Hamel?
3. What do you think is the theme of the story ‘The Last Lesson’? What is the reason behind its universal

appeal?
4. The importance of a thing dawns upon us when it is no longer with us. Do you agree?

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

Solved Example
Q. Describe the atmosphere that prevailed in the class on the day of the last lesson. (120-150 words)

Ans.: The order from Berlin had suddenly awakened the spirit of patriotism and a love for their language
in every heart. The village elders had assembled in the school to attend M Hamel’s last lesson. Even
the back benches, which were always vacant, were occupied. The students and those who had come
to attend the class sat with seriousness, keen to grasp everything. Even the writing and history
lessons were noiseless and only the scratching of the pens on paper could be heard. Hamel, too,
was unusually calm and did not scold. He explained everything with patience and even to Franz
the lessons seemed so easy. An atmosphere of regret and deep loss hung in the class.

1. In the story M. Hamel emerges not only as a dedicate d teacher, but also as a sensitive and
understanding human being. Discuss M. Hamel in the light of the above statement.

2. What does M. Hamel say about the importance of language to an ‘enslaved people’?
3. Discuss the significance of the title, ‘The Last Lesson’.
4. What caused a change in Franz’s attitude towards school and learning? What understanding does

this give about children’s learning?
5. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”. Elucidate.

Value Based Questions
Q1. In the chapter ‘The Last Lesson’, M. Hamel was able to revive the patriotic spirit in the people gathered

in the classroom. In about 120-150 words highlight the elements required to inculcate patriotism in the
people of a democratic country.
Value Points:
• To safeguard the ideals of democracy
• To protect and reinstate unity in the country
• To ward off threats from anti-social elements

Question Bank – English - XII 105

• Need to preserve the national heritage
• Uphold the tradition and culture of the country
• Channelize the power of youth towards advancement of country
Q2. In ‘The Last Lesson’ M. Hamel says that ‘when people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their

language it is as if they have the key to their prison.’ This statement highlights the importance of one’s
mother tongue. In about 120-150 words express your thoughts on the topic “Importance of Mother
Tongue”.
Value Points:
• Gives one identity
• A cohesive force
• A unifying factor
• Lays one’s foundation
• Unites against enemy
Q3. In ‘The Last Lesson’, when the child, Franz thinks that ‘will they make them sing in German, even the
pigeons’ he unwittingly stumbles upon linguistic chauvinism. Write an article on ‘Linguistic Chauvinism–
A Global Evil’ in about 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• To place your own language above others
• Suppression of other’s culture
• Reflects intolerance
• An obstacle in growth and harmony
Q4. The story ‘The Last Lesson’ presents a sensitive picture of a student-teacher relationship. Taking ideas from
it write an article in about 120-150 words on students’ and teachers’ attitude to learning and teaching.
Value Points:
• Unique relationship
• Changing nuances of relationship
• Teacher’s view point differs from child’s
• A bond is forged in the process of dissemination of knowledge
Q5. The story ‘The Last Lesson’ focuses on love for one’s language and makes one think about the importance
of language. Write an article in about 120-150 words on the need to study three languages in school.
Value Points:
• Language a mode of communication
• Advantages of being multi-lingual

106 Question Bank – English - XII

• World has become a family today
• For travelling
• Business purposes
Q6 The teacher said in ‘The Last Lesson’ ‘The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools

of Alsace & Lorraine’. The story highlights the horrors of war. Express your thoughts in about 120-150
words on the need to curb war and spread peace and harmony.
Value Points:
• Futility of war
• War is all destructive

• Peace-need of the hour
• Compromise, co-operation and tolerance

Question Bank – English - XII 107

Lost Spring (Stories of Stolen Childhood)

Anees Jung

Points to Remember:

• Theme – (Highlight)
1. Poverty, tradition, child labour, exploitation

• Migrants from Bangladesh (Dhaka)
1. Outskirts of Delhi-‘near yet far’
2. ‘Far’ symbolically-no water in taps, no sewage, drainage, no identity, but migrants have a ration card
3. Name on voter’s list

• Saheb
1. Works for a tea-stall owner
2. Earns Rs 800
3. Feels constrained, has a master
4. Sahib admires tennis player-gets shoes-can’t dream of playing the game
5. Sahib-e-Alam-means lord of the universe-ironical
6. Sahib represents thousands of ragpickers
a. Bare feet
b. Rummage through garbage
c. Sometimes find a ten-rupee note or even a silver coin
d. Element of surprise and suspense
e. Carefree life yet burdened-stolen childhood

• Mukesh
1. Desire to become a motor mechanic
2. Family in Firozabad-glass-blowing industry

• Workers in industry
1. 20,000 children work near hot furnaces
2. Barely enough food for survival
3. Lost health, eyesight
4. No joy-tradition of same work
5. No change possible

• Resistance to change
1. Poverty, tradition
2. Social forces-law police, middlemen, politicians, bureaucrats, ‘sahukars’
3. No leaders to help
4. Children burdened- hence stolen childhood

108 Question Bank – English - XII

A. Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example:

Q. Bring out the irony in Saheb’s name
Ans: Saheb’s name was ‘Saheb-e-Alam’. He was oblivious of what it meant. Even if he did know that
it meant, ‘lord of the universe’ he would find it difficult to believe. Contrary to what his name
represented, he roamed the streets with his friends, an army of barefoot boys who appeared like the
morning birds and disappeared at noon. Like thousands of rag pickers, he was seen scrounging in
the garbage heaps to make both ends meet.

1. ‘Garbage to them is gold.’ Explain
2. Why does Saheb lose his carefree look on getting a job at a tea-stall?
3. What has Mukesh’s father achieved after so many years of hard work?
4. Why are the bangle-makers unsuccessful in forming a cooperative?
5. What is Mukesh’s ambition? Why does the author feel that there were chances, although bleak,

of his dream becoming a reality?
6. Why are the children compelled to become bangle-makers?
7. Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.

B. Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

Solved Example:

Q. Why does the writer say, ‘I wonder if this is only an excuse to explain away a perpetual state of poverty?’

Ans: On the writer questioning a child as to why he was barefoot, his simple answer was that his mother
did not bring his shoes down from the shelf. But the other boy felt that it was just an excuse as
he would throw them off, anyway. When yet another boy expressed his desire for shoes as he had
never owned a pair all his life, the writer recalled that during her travels across the country she had
seen children walking barefoot in cities and on village roads. People had informed her that it was
not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot. But, she wondered if this was only an excuse
to explain the perpetual state of poverty in the country. She had heard of a boy from Udipi who
prayed every morning for a pair of shoes.

1. Why does the author state that Seemapuri is on the periphery of Delhi, yet miles away from it?
2. Describe the life of the bangle-makers in Firozabad.
3. Justify the title ‘Lost Spring’
4. The author has repeatedly shown a distinct difference between two classes of people. Elaborate.
5. The paradoxes of the society that we live in are aptly featured in ‘Lost Spring’

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)
1. ‘When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered’. What is this a reference to and why does it gladden

the writer’s heart?
2. How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
3. Why should child labour be eliminated and how?
4. What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?

Question Bank – English - XII 109

Value Based Questions
Q1. But promises like mine abound ...... of his bleak world.”
Saheb and others like him spend their life on unfulfilled promises. What role should the youth play to

improve the condition of the underprivileged sections of the society. Give your views in about 120-150
words.
Value Points:
• Must have philanthropic and humane attitude ingrained in them
• A passionate drive to work for their betterment
• Channelize social organizations/NGOs to work for them
• Spread awareness on issues like literacy, girl education, child marriage, etc.
• Financially sound can also adopt weaker sections of the society, marriage, etc.
• To support whole heartedly at the time of adversity
Q2. Saheb and Mukesh are representatives of the underprivileged and impoverished section of the society. The
society has its role of credit for their condition. How, as a concerned student of the society, you can perform
your duty to educate them? Discuss.
Q3. Read the following and answer the questions that follows.
“There is no school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.”
After reading the lesson one beigns to reflect on the acute shortage of schools for the poor and slum
children. Express in about 120-150 words the need to start schools for the underprivileged.
Value Points:
• Mushrooming growth of schools for the rich
• Lack of schools for the slum children
• Desire of such children to go to school curbed
• Need for the govt. to address the issue
• Building schools for them a priority
• Promote education through schemes & incentives
• A basic human right
Q4. “My acquaintance with the barefoot ragpickers leads me to Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi
yet miles away from it, metaphorically.’’
Express your concern on the severe poverty and pitiable condition of the slum dwellers.

110 Question Bank – English - XII

Value Points:
• Pitiable condition of the poor
• Lack of basic amenities for them
• Callousness of the govt. & society
• Immediate need to address the problem
• Providing them with basic facility...a fundamental role of the govt
Q5. “Saheb is no longer his own master’’
The lesson depicts the plight of street children forced into labour early in the life and denied the opportunity

of schooling. Express your views on the malpractice of Child labour.
Value Points:
• Childhood is not meant for any kind of labour
• Grinding poverty a cause of child labour
• It is prevalent in spite of constitutional laws
• National Policy against child labour to be strictly implemented
• Eradicate child labour
Q6. “It is his Karam, his destiny,’’ says Mukesh’s grandmother, who has watched her own husband go blind with

the dust from polishing the glass of bangles. “Can a God-given lineage ever be broken?’’
The lesson throws light on the mind-set of the poor to follow the traditional lineage. Education and

government support will go a long way in changing their thought process.
Highlight the measures taken by the government and the NGO’s to extend several opportunities to assist

and guide the poor, thus enabling them to explore new avenues, in about 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• Lack of education causes such a mind-set
• Firm faith in Karam and destiny
• Efforts of the govt. to extend multifarious opportunities to them
• Education will change his mind set and barrier
Q7. I see two distinct worlds - one of the family, caught in a web of poverty, burdened by the stigma of caste in

which they are born; other a vicious circle of the ‘sahukars’, the middlemen, the policeman, the keepers of
law, the bureaucrats and the politicians.
In about 120-150 words express the unique joy experienced by sharing the burden of the needy and
destitute.

Question Bank – English - XII 111

Value Points:
• Experience the joy of caring
• Brings out the best in one’s persona
• The role of individuals and N.G.O’s
• Much has been done in this direction
• Instances to validate the good work in this direction
Q8. A firm resolve and an invincible determination translates dreams into reality. The youth of the country must

dream big and accomplish the goal set with clarity of thought and purpose. Highlighting the significance of
determination, dedication and self discipline in the pursuit of one’s goal in life in about 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• The difference between impossible & the possible lies in man’s determination
• The price of success is hard work, dedication and determination
• Dreams turn into reality with these positive attributes
• Roadblocks on the path of life are eliminated with determination

112 Question Bank – English - XII

Deep Water

William Douglas

Points to Remember
• William Douglas, the author, trying to overcome haunting fear of deep water experienced during childhood.
• The bruising experience at YMCA pool revives the old fear.
• The determination to overcome fear.
• Engaging an instructor to learn swimming.
• Piece by piece swimmer built out of Douglas.
• Swam in lakes and rivers with perserverence to conquer his childhood fear.
• The meaningful realization that there was terror only in fear of death.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example
A. Douglas had an aversion to water when he was in it. When did he develop this aversion and how?

Ans.: The aversion started when he was three or four years old. His father had taken him to a beach
in California. Even though he stood clinging tightly to his father, the waves knocked him down
and he was terrorized by the overpowering force of water. He could not overcome the unpleasant
memories of that experience.

1. What two things did Douglas dislike doing? Which one could he not avoid doing and why?
2. What kind of an experience did Douglas have at the YMCA pool?
3. What strategy did he devise while drowning in the YMCA pool?
4. What did Douglas experience as he went down to the bottom of the pool the first time?
5. How did the haunting fear of water affect his pursuit for pleasure?
6. In what state did Douglas find himself on regaining consciousness?
7. What was the first exercise that the instructor gave Douglas? How long did it take to get the

desired result?
8. Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? How did he make his terror flee?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)

1. Douglas felt that only those who have known fear will know how it feels to be free of it. Comment.
2. Justify the title ‘Deep Water’.

Question Bank – English - XII 113

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

Solved Example
Q. Which important lesson helped Douglas overcome his fear of water?

Ans. William Douglas had some childhood fear of water. While he was trying to get over it, he was
traumatized by yet another misadventure. A bully tossed him in the deep end of the water. He
struggled hard to surf up, but was almost drowned. Douglas already had an aversion to water and
now he was filled with terror. However, the misadventure had also given him a valuable lesson.
When he had given up completely and accepted death, he had found peace. He finally learnt that
all that one needed to fear was fear itself. If one acts with courage fear is conquered. It is basically
the fear of death that produces terror. He realized that once the fear of death is overcome there is
peace. That lesson made him persevere and finally become an excellent swimmer.

1. Why was Douglas terrorized of water? Which experience further traumatized him and made him
further averse to deep water?

2. Describe Douglas’s attempts to come out of the pool. What emotions did he experience while
drowning?

3. How did the misadventure in YMCA swimming pool affect Douglas. What efforts did he make
to conquer his childhood terror?

4. How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas?
5. Do you think the title ‘Deep Water’ is apt? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)
1. Perseverance can conquer fear. Discuss.
2. “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Elucidate.

Value Based Questions
Q1. “Practice makes a man perfect”.
In the light of this statement express your views in about 120-150 words on the needs for perseverance and

courage to achieve success.
Value Points:
• Persisent efforts, grit and determination can turn the dreams into reality
• A well defined action plan-helps to accomplish tasks
• Right approach at the right time-translate future into present
• Hard work, positive attitude and sincerity are the key factors.
• Perseverance can conquer fears
• One should have faith and confidence in one’s abilities

114 Question Bank – English - XII

Q2. Douglas was tossed into the deeper end by a big bruiser of a boy. Bullying is a common phenomenon of
present times. Even in Indian schools it is commonly witnessed. Do you think it is the moral duty of every
senior to support and protect the juniors. Write a note on “Bullying: A threat to development of a child”

Q3. Determination can make us reach the most impossible goals. The story ‘Deep Water’ exemplifies the same.
In about 120-150 words discuss the need for being determined to taste success.

Value Points:
• Courage as a human virtue
• Face up to Fear
• Support from family/friends
• Examples from real life
• Determination not to let fear win by not trying
Q4. “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not

sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Dale Carnegie.
One needs to face the worst fears to succed. Douglas does precisely that in Deep Water. In about 120-150

words explain the need to face your fears.
Value Points:
• Actively face fear, not give in
• Family support system
• Never give up attitude
• Accept fear & overcome, fear can debilitate & destroy chances of greatness
Q5. You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to

honour. Aristotle.
Humans are resilient therefore can touch almost any improbability. The story deep water expresses the same

sentiment. In about 120-150 words explain how we need to be resilient in today’s fast paced world.
Value Points:
• Resilience is a human virtue
• Man reaching moon
• Nothing is impossible
• Ability to adjust to circumstances
• Courage needed to face up to fear
Q6. You gain strength, courage and confidence through every experience. It teaches you to fight back fear. You

are able to say to yourself. I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. Eleanor
Roosevelt.

Question Bank – English - XII 115

To try and try again is not just a saying. Douglas’s story exemplifies that theory in the story ‘Deep Water’.
In about 120-150 words express the need for challenging yourself to inculcate confidence.

Value Points:
• Experience being the greatest teacher
• Face the worst fears
• Examples from life

116 Question Bank – English - XII

The Rattrap

Selma Lager ff

Points to Remember
• A poor vagabond
• His somber thought
• A crofter’s house
• A generous host
• Vagabond steals money
• Lost in the forest
• Sneaks into iron mill
• Ironmaster’s nightly visit
• Tramp declines ironmaster’s invitation
• Ironmaster’s daughter arrives
• Peddler changes mind
• Ironmaster’s hopes about captain
• Ironmaster shocked by true identity
• Ironmaster’s displeasure & threat
• Edla’s intervention
• Christmas dinner
• Morning after Christmas
• Edla opens the present
• A captain like gesture

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example
1. How did the peddler earn his livelihood?
Ans: The peddler made rattraps himself from the material he got by begging in the stores or big farms.

However, he could not make his two ends meet even after selling these. Thus he took to both begging as
well as petty thievery to eke out a living.
2. What strange idea about the world struck the peddler?

Question Bank – English - XII 117

3. What gave the peddler ‘unwanted joy’ and why?
4. Why did the Crofter welcome the peddler a complete stranger into his home?
5. How did the peddler reach the ironsmith’s Ramsjo Ironworks?
6. How was the ironsmith’s reaction to the peddler different from that of the blacksmiths?
7. What was the first impression that Edla got about the peddler?
8. Why did the ironmaster decide not to hand over the peddler to the sheriff?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Question (HOTS)

Short Answer Type Questions
1. What became an interesting pastime for the peddler?
2. What sensational news did Edla learn in the church?

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)
1. ‘Man is a social animal. He can survive but not live in isolation.’ Do you agree? Explain with instances from

the story ‘The Rattrap.’

Value Points

• Lonely, poor peddler
• Knocks at Crofter’s door
• Welcomed by the lonely Crofter
• Steals money, flees reaches Ironworks
• Invitation by ironmaster, peddler declines
• Edla comes to fetch peddler
• Lonely ironmaster & daughter want to celebrate Christmas with the guest
2. In what way does humour help us to sympathize withh the peddler?
3. Is the reader relieved by the way the story ended. Justify the answer.
4. The story ‘The Rattrap’ is highly philosophical. Discuss.
5. The metaphor of ‘The Rattrap’ highlights human nature. Discuss.
6. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler. Do you agree? Why? Why not?
7. Man simply has the freedom of choice to escape temptation. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘The
Rattratp.’

Value Based Questions

Q1. The peddler betrayed the trust of the Crofter and was caught in the trap of the world. Temptation to bait
should be resisted at any cost. Write a note on ‘Strength of Character’ in about 120-150 words.

118 Question Bank – English - XII

Value Points:
• Temptation lurks in every corner- offers easy solutions
• Can have serious consequences
• Need to control the impulses strongly
• Be alert and have control over one’s desires
• A sound foundation of values and faith is a must to resist temptations
• Pros and cons of decisions should be weighed properly
Q2. Selfless love, empathy and compassion provide a healing touch to the distracted souls. This is evident from

the story ‘The Rattrap’. Comment on the role of human values in bringing about change in one’s behavior.
Q3. ‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.’ Walt Disney
There is a constant need to reinvent and change ourselves. The story ‘Rattrap’ expresses such a thought.
Expressing the need for evolving and adapting ourselves to circumstances in about 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• Adapting to circumstances
• Accepting new ideas
• Concern for others
• Flexibility & accepting ideas of others
Q4. ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and

the wisdom to know the difference.’ Reinhold Niebuhr
Fear of punishment is not the only reason for a change of heart. ‘Rattrap’ expresses such a thought. Elaborate

in about 120-150 words about punishment not necessarily being the only measure of repentance.
Value Points:
• Different approach to punishment
• Government views on pardon
• Genuine change of heart
• Goodness for the sake of being good
• Faith in humanity
Q5. ‘We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.’ Ronald Reagan.
While today’s world expects us to accept the changing norms it’s not always easy to do so. ‘Rattrap’ hints at

such a thought. Write in about 120-150 words about man’s ability to redeem himself.
Value Points:
• Dogmas in today’s world

Question Bank – English - XII 119

• People conform for acceptance, should follow conscience
• Easier said than done
• Circumstances may be adverse
• Examples from people’s life
Q6. ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do

that’. Martin Luther King’, Jr.
Circumstances make us what we are. The story ‘Rattrap’ expresses such a thought. Write an article in about

120-150 words how love can conquer hate and the darkness of the soul.
Value Points:
• Love is sharing and caring
• Noting is achieved because of hatred
• Good wins over evil
• Care and concern can change evil into good
• No one is born Evil; circumstances responsible
Q7. Goodness can have many shades and comes in many forms. The story ‘Rattrap’ expresses such a thought.

Write in about 120-150 words the time when you met such a person who changed your perception of the
world.
Value Points:
• Person/people who influence
• How he affected you
• Different interpretation & perception
• Awareness of all sides
• Public figure who set examples
Q8. ‘’To err is human, to forgive divine”-Alexander Pope. The age of forgiveness is not over. The story ‘Rattrap’
expresses such a thought. Discuss in about 120-150 words about the need to forgive and forget.
Value Points
• Forgiveness - a human virtue
• Concern for others
• Accept that everyone is human
• Help to correct mistake
• Do not remind once forgiven
• Everyone deserves a chance

120 Question Bank – English - XII

Indigo

Louis Fishcher

Points to Remember

• Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to urge the departure of the British – 1917.
• Dec 1916 – Annual Convention – Indian National Congress in Lucknow
• Gandhi met 2301 delegates & visitors
• A peasant (Rajkumar Shukla) poor, emaciated from Champaran. Met Gandhi at Calcutta.
• Rajkumar Shukla sought help from Mahatma Gandhi
• Together went to Patna, Rajendra Prasad’s house
• Muzzaffarpur, 15 April 1917
• Met J. B. Kirplani, met lawyers and stayed with Prof. Malkani
• Felt the need to free the farmers/peasants from fear
• Felt the need to develop self- reliance.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example:

Answer the following questions:
1. Why was Gandhi impressed with Raj Kumar Shukla’s tenacity and determination?

Answers
Gandhi was impressed with Rajkumar Shukla’s tenacity and determination as the poor peasant had followed

him all over the country till he finally caught Gandhi’s attention, and took him to Champaran with him.
2. Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers who represented the interests of the group of sharecroppers of

Champaran?
3. What was the reaction of the landlords to the development of synthetic indigo?
4. What made the British realize that the Indians could challenge their might hitherto unquestioned?
5. How did Gandhi ensure that the peasants of Champaran learnt to be courageous?
6. Why did Gandhi agree on a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers?
7. How many meetings did Gandhi have with Lieutenant Governor? What was the outcome?
8. What steps were taken by Gandhi to solve the cultural and social backwardness of the Champaran villages?

Question Bank – English - XII 121

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

Answer the following questions in about 120-150 words each: (6 marks)

1. Civil disobedience had triumphed, the first time in modern India. Explain with reference to the chapter
‘Indigo’

Value Points:
• Introduction – British rule – condition of peasants
• Upsurge of rebellion – Rajkumar Shukla seeks Gandhi’s help
• Gandhi starts investigating the issue of indigo sharecropping
• British forced to refund 25% money
• Triumph of Indian peasant, learns confidence/roots of civil disobedience sown
• Infrastructure of Champaran attended to

2. Trace the agony and the ensuing victory of the indigo sharecroppers.

3. The chapter ‘ Indigo’ throws light on Gandhi’s way of working. Elucidate.

4. How did the Champaran episode become a landmark in the life of Gandhi and further in India’s struggle
for independence?

5. What important lessons were taught to the Indian farmer during the course of the Champaran episode?

6. ‘Gandhi never contented himself with large political or economic solutions’. What else did he attend to in
Champaran? Explain.

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)
1. Which episode at Patna showed Gandhi the existence of a rigid caste system?
2. Who was Charles Freer Andrews? Why did Gandhi not think it proper to seek his help?

Long Answer Type Questions
1. How does ‘Indigo’ reflect Gandhi as a true leader? Discuss.
2. ‘Now the peasant saw that he had rights and defenders. He learned courage.’ Explain with reference to the

chapter, ‘Indigo’.

Value Based Questions
Q1. “The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s co-operation. He helped them regulate the crowd”. This

shows Gandhi was a great leader.
Can good leadership quality help a student in becoming a good citizen in a democracy? Discuss in about

120-150 words.

122 Question Bank – English - XII

Value Points:
• Show the way by doing what is expected of others
• Work conscientiously and lead others
• With courage and fearless attitude stand up for social causes
• Should have noble persuasive powers
• Earn respect and trust from others
• Must be resolute in his cause
• Set examples for others to emulate
Q2. Where peasants are so crushed and fear stricken law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free

from fear.” Gandhi.
Though the times were difficult but fear has increased their suffering. It happens even today. Write an

article on fear with reference to the statement, ‘Fear is Man’s Worst Enemy’ in about 120-150 words.
Q3. The lesson, ‘Indigo’ highlights the qualities of leadership shown by Mahatma Gandhi to secure justice

for the oppressed people through argumentation and negotiation. Taking a clue from the way Mahatma
Gandhi dealt with the Champaran episode. Write an article on “Qualities of a Good Leader’’ in about 120-
150 words.
Value Points:
• Directs, guides and motivates
• Power of organizing and uniting people
• Takes initiative
• Displays integrity and honesty
• Dedicated and fearless
Q4. In the lesson ‘Indigo’, Gandhi comments ,”I have come to the conclusion that we should stop going to
law courts. Taking such cases to the courts does little good. Where the peasants are so suppressed and fear-
sticken, the law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free from fear.’’
Rabindarnath Tagore: “Let me not pray to be shelterless from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.’’
Gandhi’s words and Rabindranath Tagore’s quote teach us to tread the path of life with courage and
fearlessness. Express your views on significance of being fearless and courageous in about 120 to 150 words.
Value points:
• Intensifies the will to live
• Provides inner strength, essential to fight against any oppression
• Requisite of spirituality
• Key to great leadership

Question Bank – English - XII 123

Q5. “Gandhi never contented himself with large political or economic solutions. He saw the cultural and social
backwardness in the Champaran village and wanted to do something about it immediately.’’

After reading the lesson you decide to write an article on the importance of cultural and social development
condition of the nation so that it acquires the status of a developed nation. Write that article in 120-150
words.

Value Points:
• Improve health facilities
• Provide education
• Offer better job opportunities
• Making the people aware of their rights
Q6. “You think that in this unequal fight it would be helpful if we have an Englishman on our side. This shows

a weakness of yours. The cause is just and you must rely upon yourselves to win the battle. You should not
seek a prop in Mr. Andrews because he happens to be an Englishman’’.
Through the episode of Champaran, Gandhi taught us the lesson of self reliance. Motivated by the words
of Gandhi, you decide to write an article for the school magazine on the topic: ‘There is No Substitute for
Self-reliance; No External Help can Replace It.’ Write the article in 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• Provides self satisfaction and improves self confidence
• Less susceptible to the vagaries of the life
• Taking over the controls of our life gives us real opportunities to expand our horizons, to explore the
life we live
• Offers us freedom
Q7. “Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of their
liberation from fear of the British.”
In the chapter ‘Indigo’, the unity exhibited by the peasants while demontrating outside the court in
Motihari to support Gandhi, left the Britishers baffled. Express your ideas reflecting upon the power of
unity in the face of adversity in about 120-150 words.
Value Points:
• Provides strength
• Can accomplish the task which cannot be performed individually
• Give examples
• Fight against powerful, overcome any hurdle
Q8. “Gandhi told Shukla he had an appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed to go to other parts of
India. Shukla followed him to the ashram. For weeks, he never left Gandhi’s side.’

124 Question Bank – English - XII

In the chapter, Shukla’s resoluteness and perseverance were instrumental in arranging Gandhi’s visit to
Champaran and thus improving the plight of the poor peasants.

Impressed by this quality of Shukla, you decide to write an article for the school magazine on the topic,
‘Perserverance is the Secret of All Triumphs’ (120-150 words)
Value Points:
• Helps in accomplishing difficult tasks
• Builds self confidence
• Helps in overcoming obstacles
• Give examples

Question Bank – English - XII 125

Going Places

A. R. Barton

Points to Remember
• Sophie (dreamer) Jansie (realistic)-friends-both from lower middle class family
• Sophie-ambitious-fashion designer, has a boutique, sophisticated life
• Jansie-knew- ultimately earmarked to work in a biscuit factory
• Geoff-Sophie’s brother, apprentice mechanic, spoke little-reserved by nature
• Sophie’s fantasy, family’s reaction

(i) Sophie tells Geoff about her meeting with Danny Casey
(ii) Met at Royce’s window- looking at clothes
(iii) Danny Casey (football player), green eyes, not too tall, stood beside her
(iv) Sophie couldn’t’ take his autograph- no paper, pencil
(v) Would meet him the following week
(vi) Geoff told - father-ridiculed-called Sophie a dreamer
(vii) Frank told his friend who further told Jansie, this irritated Sophie
• Disappointment
(i) Sophie walked along the canal- sat on wooden bench-waited-Casey didn’t turn up
(ii) Disappointed- had unrealistic aspirations-created her own disappointments in life

A. Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)
Solved Examples
Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?

Ans- Jansie, being realistic, realizes that both of them were likely to end up working for the biscuit
factory. However, Sophie, who lived in a dream world, dreamt of starting a boutique, being an
actress or starting her career as a manager somewhere.

1. What kind of a future did Sophie imagine for herself?
2. How was Jansie more pragmatic?
3. Describe Geoff briefly.
4. What did Sophie tell Geoff about her meeting with Danny Casey?
5. Why did Sophie and her family admire Danny Casey?
6. What are the indicators of the fact that Sophie’s family was not well off?
7. How did Sophie mean to escape the monotony and squalor of her life?
8. What were Sophie’s thoughts as she waited by the canal?

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)
Solved Examples
Sophie’s fascination for Danny Casey stemmed from the fact that he had all that Sophie wanted for
herself. Elaborate.

126 Question Bank – English - XII

Ans- Sophie desired an affluent and sophisticated lifestyle. She wished to save that much money and
start a boutique like Mary Quant that would be one of its kind in the city. She also contemplated
working as an actress and having the boutique on the side. She desired this because she felt that
a fashion designer’s job was sophisticated. She saw herself riding there behind Geoff, with him
wearing his new, shining black leathers and her in a yellow dress with a kind of cape that flew out
behind. She expected an ovation from the world as it rose to greet them.

This was all that Danny Casey, a football star had. She admired him in the poster on her brother’s
bedroom wall, in United first team. She watched him play, where he led his team to victory. When
she heard the crowd applauding and cheering him, Sophie glowed with pride. She felt that her
being associated with him would get her acclaim.

1. Sophie was the creator of her own disappointments in life. Explain.
2. What did Sophie’s friend and family feel about her behavior and how did they react to it?
3. It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. Discuss with reference to the story’, Going

Places’.
4. Describe Sophie’s world. How did she mean to escape it.
5. Describe Sophie’s so—called meeting with Danny Casey.

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS) (6 Marks)

1. What did Sophie dream of doing after leaving school? What was she expected to do?

2. Why was Sophie relieved to see her father’s bicycle outside the pub as she returned home from the canal?
What does this indicate about their relationship?

3. ‘There was the sound of applause as the world rose to greet her’. What is the world that Sophie is dreaming
about? Why?

4. What made Sophie imagine her encounter with Danny Casey? What light does this throw on her life and
her relationship with her family?

Value Based Questions: (6 Marks)

1. Sophie dreams of having a boutique when she is older or being an actress or a designer even though she and
Jansie are earmarked to work in the biscuit factory. Jansie is realistic, but Sophie fantasises to the extent of
imagining that she has meet Danny Casey in person and attracted his interest. Keeping the text in mind,
dicuss in about 120-150 words, ‘The Necessity to Dream’, but having one’s dreams grounded in reality.

Value Points:

• Realistic

• Logical

• Accept conditions / circumstances

• Not escape into private world of gratification

• Get support from family

• Dreams should inspire one towards success

2. Sophie’s brothers and father disbelieve and mock her when she says she met Danny Casey. Her brother
betrays her confidence first to her father and then to his friend.

Question Bank – English - XII 127

Write an article in about 120-150 words on the ‘Value of Family Bonding’
3. As Sophie and her brother have grown older, she feels a distance growing between them To gain her

brother’s attention, she tells him about her fantasy meeting with Danny Casey and he tells his friends and
his father about it.
Write an article in 120-150 words on trust being the foundation of any relationship
Value Points:
• Love and trust basis of relationship
• Faith shown in confidence
• Do not betray
• Relationship- understanding
• Belief
• Sympathy and empathy
4. Sophie’s father laughs at her adolescent fantasizing and disbelieves her. Being mature and aware of the
truths of life, he knows that her meeting the prodigy is quite unlikely.
Write an article in 120-150 words on the importance of an understanding relationship between parents
and children
Value Points:
• Parents- affectionate, concerned about well being
• Should understand the thoughts and feelings of child
• Give guidance and opinion, not mock or enforce
• Help but let child experiment/experience
• Children- understand parental concern
• Take advice into consideration
• Respect their experience and opinions
• Friendly and open communication
• No secrets
5. Jansie says, “Sophie you really should be sensible.”?
Discuss in 120-150 words on true friendship, highlighting the necessity of understanding and concern.
Value Points:
• True friend worries about well-being
• Doesn’t want friend to be hurt
• Understands dreams

128 Question Bank – English - XII

• Grounded in reality, brings her down to earth
• Never fosters false hope
• Helps in realisation
• Does not discourage or demoralise
I• Inspires, helps achieve dream
6. Is poverty a sin, an affliction? Do you think those who are poverty ridden have no right to dream? Elaborate

in 120-150 words on the necessity of dreams as a stepping stone to success.
Value Points:
• Poor socio economic condition
• Unfavourable circumstances
• Dreams- inspiration for better life
• Make present bearable
• Hope for future
• Give confidence to overcome obstacles

Question Bank – English - XII 129

Poetry

My Mother at Sixty-Six
Kamala Das

Points to Remember

• The emotions expressed by the poet
• The tone of the poem
• The words and phrases which are indicative of death
• The imagery used in the poem
• Poetic devices used
• Style of the poem – the entire poem is contained in one sentence, interspersed with commas
• Universality of the theme- portrayal of a daughter’s feelings and concern

Reference to Context (4 Marks)

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. “Driving from my parent’s home…………….……..that thought away”.

(a) Where was the poet coming from? Where was she going?
Hints: Parents home to the airport at Cochin.
(b) Explain the condition of the poet’s mother.
Hints: Old and ageing, pale/corpse like.
(c) Pick out a poetic device from the above lines. Explain.

• Simile “her face ashen like that ……”
• Inactive, cold and lifeless.
(d) What was the painful realisation?
Ans: The poet realized that her mother might not live for too long.
2. “And looked out at young…………..…….…spilling out of their homes”.
(a) Which thought does the poet put away?
(b) Why does the poet ‘ look out’?
(c) Explain the image of ‘young trees sprinting’ and ‘merry children spilling’.
(d) What is the poetic device used for ‘trees sprinting’?
Hints: The poetic device used is a personification.

130 Question Bank – English - XII

3. “But after the airport’s ………………..…….…..late winter’s moon”
(a) Where was the poet standing?
(b) Pick out a poetic device from the above lines. Explain.
(c) Why does the poet look at her mother again?
(d) Why has the mother been compared to the “late winter moon”?
Hints: The mother had lost her brightness and looked old, pale and weak.

4. “And felt that old……………………………..smile and smile”.
(a) Explain ‘that old familiar ache’.
(b) What were the poet’s “childhood fears”?
(c) Why did the poet ‘Smile and smile”?
(d) What is the mood of the poet?
Hints: The poet felt sad and anxious.

Short Answer Questions: (3 Marks)

1. What did the poet realize with pain?

2. Bring out the contrast portrayed by the scene outside with the state of the poet’s mother.

3. Why is the poet’s mother compared to “a late winter moon”?

4. Though filled with negative thoughts in her mind, What did the poet reflect outwardly. Substantiate with
words – phrases from the poem.

5. How does the poet share her helplessness for her mother’s condition in the poem.

Value Based Questions:

1. Kamala Das is pained to see her mother ageing and nearing her death. On the other hand she feels agonized
of her inability to take care of her. You feel that youth should take care of the aged. Discuss the issue in
about 120-150 words on “Taking Care of the Aged- Our Duty.”

Value Points:

• Pathetic condition

• Soft targets for criminals

• Emotional support from family

• Financial security and respect

2. “And realised with pain that she looked as old as she was.”

Are we neglecting our elderly folk? What qualities do you think the youth should inbibe in order to serve
the elderly?

Question Bank – English - XII 131

Value Points:
• Yes, empathy required
• Respect
• Spend value time with the elderly
• Set an example to next generation

132 Question Bank – English - XII

An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum

Stephen Spender

Points to Remember

• Description of children
• Description of classroom
• Poet’s tirade against their pathetic reality
• A spark of hope if all turn a compassionate eye towards them

Reference to Context (4 Marks)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

1. “Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces. Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor: The
tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper – seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir.
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease, his lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim class. One
unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream, of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than this.”
(a) Name the poem and the poet. 1
(b) Why has the word ‘far’ been repeated. 1
(c) Why are the children called ‘rootless weeds’? 1
(d) Why are the children ‘unlucky’? 1

Ans:
1. (a) The poem is ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’ by Stephen Spender

(b) The repetition of the word ‘far’ highlights the fact that the slum children inhabit a world which is very
distant from a clean environment.

(c) They are called ‘rootless weeds’ because they are unwanted by society. They have no identity and no
security.

(d) The children are unlucky because apart from poverty the only thing that they have inherited from their
parents is disease.

2. “On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s head, Cloudless at dawn, civilized dome riding all cities.
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed map Awarding the world its world. And yet, for these
Children, these windows, not this map, their world, Where all their future’s painted with a fog A narrow
street sealed in with a lead sky Far far from rivers, capes, and stars of words.”
(a) What all has been put up on the wall? 1
(b) What is the real world of these children? 1
(c) What do the words ‘stars of words’ refer to? 1
(d) Explain ‘future’s painted with a fog’. 1
3. “Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example, With ships and sun and love tempting them to
steal— For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, these
children Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel With mended glass, like bottle bits on
stones. All of their time and space are foggy slum. So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.”
(a) Why is Shakespeare called ‘wicked’? 1

Question Bank – English - XII 133

(b) Why is the life of these children’s called an ‘endless night’? 1
(c) Why is the map a bad example? 1
(d) What is the tone of these lines? 1
4. “Unless, governor, inspector and 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.”
(a) How can ‘ this map’ become ‘their window’? 1
(b) What do the words ‘green fields’ and ‘gold sands’ signify? 1
(c) How will history become ‘theirs’? 1
(d) Explain ‘catacombs’ 1

Short Answer Questions (3 Marks each)

1. Describe the physical condition of the children studying in the slum school?

2. How do the decorations on the walls contrast with the world of these children?

3. How is the boy sitting at the back of the classroom different from others?

4. What does the poet want for the slum children?

5. The poem ‘An Elementary Classroom in a Slum’ is about social injustice Comment.

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)

1. How is the poem an allegory?
2. What is the theme of the poem?

Value Based Questions

1. Stephen Spender is pained at the indifferent attitude of the society as well as the authorities towards the
poor, who are destined to lead a life of deprivation, penury and want. You empathize with them and want
something to be done for this section. Elaborate in about 120-150 words on how education and exposure
can change the plight of the poor children.

Value Points:
• Education empowers
• Exposure to outside world
• Education prepares for challenges in life
• Brings out the best in them
2. Our government runs many schools which are devoid of furniture, equipment and even teachers. With

reference to ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum,’ write an article in about 120-150 words, on the
importance of providing students with the right infrastructure, equipment and knowledgeable teachers.

134 Question Bank – English - XII

Keeping Quiet
Pablo Neruda

Points to Remember:

• The poet has emphasized the need to introspect and bring in the spirit of brotherhood among the people
of the world.

• He wants people to stop talking and stop all movements symbolizing agitation and restlessness till he
counts twelve, that is, a short period of time.

• These moments of silence would be strange and exotic because in our mundane life we are working towards
selfish goals, regardless of the others’ requirements and emotions.

• Hence, this sudden silence would give us an opportunity to introspect. Since we would not speak for a
while, barriers between communities would break and a sense of brotherhood would prevail.

• Man would get an opportunity to realize how he is destroying nature and how he is harming himself.
• Futile wars against men and nature would be arrested and a new feeling of unity would be experienced.
• The poet does not want this desire for inactivity to be misunderstood as a state of uselessness. He wants

men to learn a lesson from the earth.
• The earth appears to be inactive yet it is selflessly productive. Men too could be productive and progressive

without any aggression, selfishness and the urge for destruction.

Reference to Context (4 Marks)

1. ‘‘Those who prepare green wars,
Wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors,
Would put on clean clothes
And walk about with their brothers
In the shade, doing nothing.’’

(a) What are the kinds of wars mentioned? 1
Ans. The wars that are mentioned are green wars, wars with gas and wars with fire.

(b) What are green wars?
1
Ans. Green wars imply waging a war against nature by causing environmental degradation.

(c) How would the war affect our lives? 1
Ans. There would be no victory as there would be no one alive. Death and loss is a certainty in a war.

(d) What could be the ideal situation? 1
Ans. An ideal situation would be happy people walking hand in hand under shady trees doing nothing.

1. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:
1. “Now we will count to twelve

Question Bank – English - XII 135

And we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the earth
Let’s not speak in any language,
Let’s stop for one second,
And not move our arms so much
It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
In a sudden strangeness.”

a. What is the poet’s desire? 1
b. What would be achieved by doing what the poet says? 1
c. Explain ‘sudden strangeness’. 1
d. What does he refer to as the ‘exotic moment’? 1

2. “Fishermen in the cold sea
Would not harm whales
And the man gathering salt
Would look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars.
Wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors,
Would put on clean clothes
And walk about with their Brothers
In the shade, doing nothing.”

a. What does the stanza signify? 1
b. How will the moments of silence affect war? 1
c. What does the poet mean by ‘doing nothing’? 1
d. What kind of wars does the poet refer to? Explain. 1
3. “If we were not so single-minded
About keeping our lives moving
And for once could do nothing
Perhaps a huge silence
Might interrupt this sadness
Of never understanding ourselves
And of threatening ourselves
With death.”
a. According to the poet what is man constantly pursuing? 1
b. What is the result of that? 1
c. How can this state of affairs be stalled? 1
d. How can brotherhood and amity be restored in the world, according to the poet? 1

4. Perhaps the earth can teach us
As and when everything seems dead
And later proves to be alive

a. What can we learn from the earth?
b. Why is this learning important for us?

136 Question Bank – English - XII

c. How does the poet suggest that the idea of war and the winners in a war be made null and void?
d. What symbol from nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words
1. How is the silence that the poet looks forward to different from absolute sluggishness?
Ans: The poet links silence with hope for a peaceful world. He feels that silence and calmness should
not be understood as absolute sluggishness. He seeks silence where people are not obsessed with
seeming progress. The pause in their mundane activity would suspend the woe of never trying to
understand themselves and bringing on gradual self destruction.
2. How would man benefit by being still for a while?
3. Why does the poet refer to the fishermen and the man gathering salt?
4. How can war be brought to an end?
5. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
6. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS):

1. What does fishermen not harming whales actually symbolize?
2. How can the idea of wars and the vanquished be negated?
3. How do we know that the poet is not advocating complete inactivity and death?
4. How, according to the poet, can our state of mind be changed if we maintain silence and suspend activity

for a while?

Value Based Questions:

1. ‘Keeping Quiet’ is an expression of the poet to remain silent. He highlights the need for quiet introspection
and mutual understanding to lead a peaceful life. Do you think that in the present situation keeping quiet
may prove the way to peace. Comment in about 120-150 words.

Value Points:
• Keeping quiet leads to introspection
• Helps in understanding others
• Must for world peace
• Lessens arguments and disputes
• Promotes universal brotherhood and harmony
2. “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”
–Mahatma Gandhi

Question Bank – English - XII 137
In light of the above quotations and your understanding of the poem “Keeping Quiet,’’ give your views on

how peace can be attained through simple acts of understanding, kindness and forgiveness in about 120-
150 words.

138 Question Bank – English - XII

A Thing of Beauty

John Keats

Point to Remember
• Keats speaks about the beautiful things which have the ability of giving everlasting pleasure.
• Beautiful things are valuable and remain forever- provide tranquility and peace.
• Objects of nature such as sun, moon, trees, and daffodils give life meaning and significance.
• Beauty is not ephemeral but eternal
• The tales of spectacular and grand deeds of the ancestors enthuse us.
• They are like a perennial fountain from where we draw the elixir of life.
• They pour forth into us as an immortal drink received from heaven’s brink.

Difficult Phrases
• A thing of beauty is a joy forever: A thing of beauty makes a lasting impression on our mind and even

when we are away from the scene, the pleasant memories continue to have a soothing effect on us.
• Keep a bower quiet for us: A thing of beauty never fades away from our memories.

• (Wreathing a flowery band): Every morning we string together more pleasant memories of the beautiful
objects of nature

• An endless fountain of immortal drink: The poet draws on the image of an endless fountain to explain
how a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Nature pours on us endless joys that dispel the gloom of pain and
suffering.

Poetic Devices
Alliteration: Noble nature, cooling covert
Personification: Inhuman dearth, shape of beauty, daffodils
Transferred Epithet: Gloomy days, unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.
Metaphor: Bower quiet for us, endless fountain of immortal drink.

Reference to Context: (solved) (4 Marks)
I. A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never

Question Bank – English - XII 139

Pass into nothingness, but will keep
a bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing

1. What kind of joy does a thing of beauty provide? 1

Ans. Something that is beautiful provides eternal and everlasting joy which does not diminish with the
passage of time.

2. Explain: “Its loveliness increases”. 1

Ans: Beauty is a source of joy that provides pleasure for long. It goes on increasing manifold and has a
power to heal.

3. How does Nature affect us? 1

Ans: The beauty of nature dispels the gloomy side of life. It helps us from being overwhelmed by worldly
concerns.

4. Explain ‘quiet breathing’ as mentioned in the poem. 1

Ans: The reference implies to the sense of peace and serenity that one experiences on seeing beautiful
objects.

II Therefore, an every morrow, are we wreathing. 1
A flowery band to bind us to the earth, 1
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth 1
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 1
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways. 1
Made for our searching. Yes inspite of all, 1
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall 1
From our dark spirits 1

1. What is implied by ‘flowery band’?
2. What does man do inspite of despondence?
3. Pick out the poetic devices in the passage.
4. Why is there an inhuman dearth of noble nature?

III Such the sun, the moon,
Tress old and young, sprouting a shady boon
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 the sprinkling of fair musk rose blooms,

1. What are God’s creations that give us eternal pleasure?
2. What does ‘clear rills’ refer to and how are they beneficial to mankind?
3. Mention two things of beauty described in the above lines.
4. Explain: ‘Cooling covert against the hot season.’

140 Question Bank – English - XII

IV And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for our 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

1. What contrasting aspect of life has the poet referred to, here? 1
2. Who are the mighty dead and what positive feeling do they evoke? 1
3. What does ‘grandeur’ and the ‘mighty dead’ refer to? 1
4. Explain: ‘Endless fountain of immortal drink’. 1

Value Based Questions:

1. “He prayeth well

Who loveth well, all things big & small”. (Coleridge)

A thing of beauty provides a platform for all to be one with God. Appreciating beautiful things is
appreciating God. In the present times man is stressed and you feel that proximity to values (beautiful
things) will lead him to everlasting happiness. Comment.

Value Points:

a) Appreciating beautiful things

b) What man has made of man

c) Nature has a pacifying effect.

d) Sustenance through hardships

e) Values beautiful things, give inner peace and contentment......... must be preserved.

Q. “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserve of strength that will endure as long as life
lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature, the assurance that dawn comes
after night, and spring after winter.”

Real beauty gives inner peace and everlasting joy, elaborate with reference to the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’.

Question Bank – English - XII 141

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Adrienne Rich

Points To Remember

About the poet:

• Adrienne Rich(1929) was known for her involvement in contemporary women’s movement as a poet and
as a theorist.

• Through the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’,the poetess delineates a women’s struggle with expression,
rebellion and society where power is defined as ‘masculine’.

About the poem:

• Aunt Jennifer represents women all across the world, especially women in America who were caught under
the oppressive hand of patriarchal society.

• Aunt Jennifer is passive, terrified of her husband and overwhelmed by events in her married life.
• She is torn between the impulse to freedom and imagination(her tapestry of prancing tigers) and the

massive weight of gender roles and expectations symbolized by (Uncle’s wedding band).

Summary in Points

• Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are brightly colored inhabitants of green forests.
• Her tigers are majestic, proud, confident and have no fear of men.
• She embroiders them on a canvas even though her movements are affected by her heavy wedding ring, the

trials of her life and her lack of confidence.
• Her married life has been unhappy and this bond with her husband is an ordeal for her.
• Her suppressed emotions and dreams find an outlet in her creativity.
• The unhappy story of her life and the hardships of her married life that crushed her, are visible in her

embroidery even after her death.
• The fearless tigers she created, an embodiment of everything she wanted to be, proud, fearless and free, live

on to immortality.

Reference to Context (4 Marks)

Solved Question:

1. 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;

142 Question Bank – English - XII

They pace in sleek chivalric certainity. 1
a. What is the screen? 1
b. What are the two action verbs? What do they signify? 1
c. What is the connotation of the word ‘denizens’? 1
1
d. What are the traits of the tigers that lend contrast to the Aunt? 1
2. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool 1
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull, 1
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band 1
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand. 1
1
a. Why were Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering? 1
b. What has caused this condition?
c. What was lying heavy on her hand?
d. What was its significance?
3. When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by,
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud, unafraid.
a. What is the time projected by the poetess? What does she suggest?
b. What does ‘terrified hands’ symbolize?
c. Explain the implication of ‘ringed fingers’?
d. Why has the poetess referred to Aunt Jennifer only as ‘Aunt’ in the end?

Answer the following:
a. Mention any two qualities of the tigers as depicted in the poem.
b. How is the word ‘ring’ used in the poem?
c. Did Aunt Jennifer lead a happy married life? Why/Why not?
d. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolically represent the conflict between her aspirations and the realities of her life.

Explain.
e. Do you think Aunt Jennifer has achieved what she wanted to by creating the tigers? Why?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS):

a. Mention and explain any two symbols used in the poem?
b. What is the issue addressed by Adrienne Rich in this poem?

Value Based Questions:

1. Aunt Jennifer is the representative of exploited women. She succumbs to the tortures and ordeals. In the
twenty first century we boast of development but exploit women. Write an article on women empowerment.

Question Bank – English - XII 143

Value Points:
a) Women empowerment- necessary for country’s growth.
b) Education for women.
c) Gender sensitization.
d) Women are future leaders.
e) The need to educate men too.
2. “A women is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
– Diane Mariechild

“Jennifer’s Tigers depict women as weak and vulnerable, but women need to stand up for their rights and
recognise their power. Comment.

144 Question Bank – English - XII

The Tiger King
Kalki

Points to Remember

• Astrologer’s prediction :
1. Jung Bahadur would become warrior, hero, champion, the best of all, but would die one day
2. Death would come from the tiger as he was born in the hour of the bull

• A miracle :
1. 10 days’ old infant spoke.
2. Asked manner of death.
3. Cautioned all tigers.
4. Jung Bahadur grew stronger, taller- grew in English environment
5. Became Maharaja:
1. Began hunting tigers in Pratibandapuram
2. Sole hunter himself
3. In 10 years hunted 70 tigers
4. Married
5. Hunted in father-in-law’s kingdom
6. Killed 99 tigers in all
7. To find 100th tiger- a tension
8. Irrational behaviour of king towards villagers:
1. Gave 3-year tax exemption when hoped to find a tiger
2. In anger doubled land tax as no tiger found
6. As Maharaja:
1. Refused permission to Durai to hunt
2. Throne threatened –had to appease Durai
3. Sent diamond rings to Durai’s wife to choose from
4. She kept all 50 rings
5. King retained kingdom (at the cost of rupees 3 lakh)

• The hundredth tiger:
1. A tiger brought from People’s Park in Madras.
2. Kept in the forest by the Dewan
3. Shot by the king
4. King thought it was dead—went home triumphant
5. But had missed shot
6. Tiger collapsed
7. Shot again by hunters, killed (not by the king)
8. Carried in procession and buried, tomb erected

• Maharaja’s death
1. On son’s birthday gifted him a wooden tiger- raw surface, made by unskilled worker

Question Bank – English - XII 145

2. King and son playing, tiny slivers of wood pierced king’s left hand
3. Three famous surgeons from Madras operated
4. Operation successful but king died
5. Final revenge by hundredth tiger

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)
Solved Example

A. Answer the following questions:
e.g. Why was it celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram?
Ans It was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram because the state forbade tiger
hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A public statement was issued to say that if anyone dared
to even fling a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. It was done to help
the Maharaja attain his target of killing a hundred tigers before the hundredth one posed a threat
to him. The Maharaja vowed to attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers.
1. What did the astrologers foretell about Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur’s life?
2. What was astounding about the baby?
3. Describe the way Jung Bahadur was brought up.
4. What did the Maharaja do once he had killed all the tigers in his state?
5. What was the Dewan’s anxiety about the hundredth tiger and how did he overcome it?
6. Describe the Maharaja’s encounter with the hundredth tiger
7. Describe how the prediction made by the astrologers at the birth of the tiger king proved to be true.
8. How did the tiger king make up the shortfall of tigers in his kingdom?

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

B. Answer the following questions:

Solved Example:
How did the Maharaja begin his hunt for the tigers?
Ans With the passage of time, Jung Jung Bahadur grew taller and stronger day by day. 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 prophecy. People discussed the matter
till slowly it came to the Maharaja’s ears. The Maharaja knew the old saying that even a cow could
be killed in self-defence. Therefore, he saw no harm in killing tigers in Pratibandapuram. Hence the
Maharaja started out on a tiger hunt.
1. Describe how the Tiger King tried to achieve his goal of killing hundred tigers?
2. Why was there a threat to the Maharaja’s throne? How did he safeguard his throne?
3. How did the Maharaja get to shoot the hundredth tiger?
4. Describe how Jung Bahadur finally met his destined death.
5. ‘Man proposes, God disposes’, is a saying that has been aptly proved in the story, ‘The Tiger King’.
Elaborate.

146 Question Bank – English - XII

Higher Order Thinking Skill Questions (HOTS):

1. Who is the Tiger King? How did he get that name?
2. Do you think the prophecy was indisputably disproved?
3. How is the tiger king, a satire on the political order of today? Illustrate with examples from the story.
4. ‘Fight fire with fire and you will end up with the ashes’. How has this been brought out by the story?

Value Based Questions:

1. “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.”– Rabindranath Tagore
The story depicts man’s obsessive desire for power and his vested interests which eventually lead to his

downfall. Discuss in about 100 words how the qualities of humility and simplicity can help us lead a
satisfying life.
Value Points:
a) Maharaja’s greed for power
b) Kills 99 tigers to disprove astrologer’s prediction
c) Meets his end due to a wooden toy tiger
d) Cultivate a humanitarian attitude
e) Rise above petty interests
f ) Humility, modesty and concern for others help man lead a fulfilling life.
2. “The good man is the friend of all living things.” Mahatma Gandhi.
In the light of this statement discuss how man should forge a symbiotic relationship with nature and
respect God’s creation, especially the wildlife.
Value Points:
a) Harmonious co-existence of man and wild
b) Protection and conservation of natural habitat
c) Prevention of man-animal conflict
d) Penalising poaching
e) Meaningful relocation of adjoining villages.

Question Bank – English - XII 147

The Enemy

Pearl S. Buck

Points to Remember

• Dr. Sadao’s early life
• Sadao back in Japan
• Sadao retained in Japan
• Sadao reminisces about his stay in America

(Meets and marries Hana)
• A strange creature washed ashore
• A closer look to confirm identity
• The servant’s reaction
• Hana washes wounds
• The surgeon and his efficiency
• Young man recovers
• Servant’s desertion
• Patient convalesces
• General’s message and dependence on Dr. Sadao
• Doctor arranges Tom’s escape
• Another encounter with General
• Sadao wonders why he couldn’t kill Tom

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)

Solved Example
Q. 1. Dr. Sadao wasn’t sent abroad with the Japanese troops. Why?
Ans: Dr.Sadao was not sent abroad with the Japanese troops because he was perfecting a discovery which would

render wounds entirely clean. Moreover,the General was unwell and might need an operation anytime for
which he trusted only Dr. Sadao.
2. In what condition was the American soldier found by Dr. Sadao?
3. When and why did Hana start choking?
4. Dr. Sadao’s father was a true patriot. How can you prove this?

148 Question Bank – English - XII

5. How did the servants react to the doctor’s decision?
6. What did the General suggest to Sadao? Was the suggestion carried out?
7. What instructions did Sadao give to Tom before the latter left his house?
8. Do you think Sadao was disloyal to his country?

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks each)

Answer the following questions: (120–150 Words)
1. While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable especially during wartime, what makes a

human being rise above narrow prejudice?

Value Points:

• Dr. Sadao’s dilemna
• Hana’s reactions
• Reaction of servants
• Persistent feeling of hatred, yet continues to treat the prisoner of war
• Finally helps Tom to escape
• Conclusion – Dr. Sadao emerges above all as a good human being.
2. Justify the title, ‘The Enemy.’
3. Hana, Sadao’s wife comes across as a woman with quiet strength and a soft heart. Elucidate.
4. Sadao used his skills as a doctor not only to keep the prisoner alive but also to safeguard himself and his

family. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘ The Enemy’.
5. What does the indifferent attitude of the General reveal about him.
6. What light does the story throw on the character of Dr. Sadao?

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)

Answer the following questions :
1. What kind of a relationship did Dr. Sadao Hoki share with his father?
2. How does Sadao manage to tell the General about the American in his house without compromising on

his own integrity as a patriotic Japanese?
Answer the following questions: (120–150 words)
1. “The kindest thing would be to put him (the P.O.W) back into the sea,” says Hana. What are your views

about Hana’s comment?