English Class-XII

Question Bank – English - XII 249

Practice Paper 1 (Solved)

English MM.100

General Instructions:
i) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All sections are compulsory.
ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question,wherever necessary. Read these instructions

very carefully and follow them faithfully.
iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Section A

Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (12 Marks)

1. The defence mechanism of human body is a gift of nature provided to human beings. The power of our
body to fight against various disease-producing agents is known as defence mechanism. This defensive
mechanism depends upon various factors which can be categorised mainly into two types — common
factors and special factors.

2. Amongst the common factors, the most important is the health of human beings. We all know if we are
having a good health, our body automatically remains protected against the diseases. For keeping good
health one should have nutritious balanced diet. A balanced diet is that which contains carbohydrates, fat,
proteins, vitamins in proportionate amount.

3. The skin of our body saves us against many micro-organisms producing diseases, provided that it is intact.
In case there are cuts or abrasions on it, the micro-organisms penetrate the body through those cuts and
abrasions and can cause diseases. Therefore, a cut or an abrasion should never be left open. In case there is
no bandage, etc. available, it may be covered by a clean cloth.

4. Some bacteria are residing on and inside the human body. They are our friends and are useful for us. They
do not cause any disease and by their presence they do not allow disease-causing organisms to settle on
those places. For example, the micro-organisms, present in human saliva secrete a chemical which does not
allow diphtheria causing bacteria to grow inside the oral cavity.

5. The human body secretes a variety of fluids, which are killers for disease causing micro organisms. For
example, gastric juice (acidic in nature) secreted by our intestinal tract kills all organisms which enter our
body through food.

6. There are a few automatic activities of our body known as ‘reflex phenomenon’ which protect the body
against many infections. This reflex phenomenon includes sneezing, coughing and vomiting.

7. Fever is one of the most important constituents of the defence mechanism of our body. The organ which
regulates the temperature of our body is known as hypothalamus and it is situated in the brain. When
micro-organisms after entering the body release toxic products and these reach the brain through blood,
the hypothalamus starts increasing the temperature of body, the person gets fever. This fever is very useful
for the human body because by the increase of temperature the micro-organisms which are the root cause
of the problem get killed.

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8. We are living in an environment which is full of bacteria. Many of these bacteria can produce serious
diseases, but all of us do not suffer from such diseases. It is due to a special power present in our body to
fight these diseases. A part of this special power of our body is known as innate immunity. This is inherited
by us. The other part of this special power is called acquired immunity. This we gain during our lifetime.

9. In a nutshell, we can say since nature has provided us with defensive mechanism to fight against so many
diseases, let us maintain it and rather increase it by the way of immunisation.

I. Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate options :

1. The healthy skin of our body saves us against ...................... (1)
(a) any physical attack (1)
(b) bad weather conditions (1)
(c) many micro-organisms producing diseases (1)
(d) minor wounds

2. The fever is very useful for the human body because .......................
(a) it heats and eventually cools the body
(b) one feels refreshed after the fever
(c) it activates the brain cells
(d) it kills the micro-organisms which are the root cause of the problem

3. One should have nutritious balanced diet because .......................
(a) it has food items of various tastes
(b) it keeps one healthy
(c) it is recommended by a dietician
(d) it has all the essential nutrients

4. The defence mechanism of human body is important as .......................
(a) it protects us from diseases
(b) it checks deterioration of body
(c) it saves us from depression
(d) it builds up the wear and tear

5. Find a word in the passage that means opposite to ‘endanger’, (para 6)
(a) care (b) support
(c) help (d) protect

6. The verb form of ‘defence’ is ...................
(a) fence (b) dence
(c) defend (d) sence

II. Answer the following questions briefly :

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(a) How can the micro-organisms’ penetration be checked in the human body ? (1)
(b) What is the role of gastric juice in human body ? (1)
(c) How can we increase our defence mechanism ? (1)
(d) How is the reflex phenomenon helpful for human body ? (1)
(e) Find a word from the passage which means the following : ‘poisonous’ (para 7). (1)
(f ) Find a word from the passage which means the following :
‘ability to resist infection’, (para 8) (1)

2. Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow : (10 Marks)
I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sat reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.
Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ‘tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure : -
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.
The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.
If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,

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Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man ?

I. Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate options.

1. The poet’s mind was filled with ........................... . (1)

(a) depression (b) pleasant thoughts
(c) tension and anxiety (d) anger

2. The poet was sad because of ......................... . (1)
(a) his past actions
(b) what his family members did to him
(c) the destructions man has caused to Nature
(d) All the above

3. According to the poet, Nature is .................... . (1)
(a) not lifeless
(b) not a living organism
(c) full of resources for man to explore and exploit
(d) passive and has no life

4. The poet found the birds ........................ . (1)

(a) sleeping (b) dead
(c) happy and hopping around (c) killed by man

5. The budding twigs were ........................ . (1)
(a) spreading out their leaves
(b) were fluttering in the wind
(c) enjoying the cool breeze
(d) All the above

6. The opposite of breezy is ...................... . (1)
(a) windy (b) gusty
(c) calm (d) airless

II. Answer the questions briefly : (1)
(a) Where was the poet sitting and what was he doing ? (1)
(b) What did the birds do and what effect did it have on the poet ? (1, 1)
(c) Find- words in the poem which mean the following :
(i) movement (ii) branches

3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
More than a century ago, some countries had no proper police force. Local leaders devised their own

Question Bank – English - XII 253

methods of ensuring that their orders were carried out and fulfilled. The offender was not given a second
chance to repeat his mistake for he was either killed or hunted out of the district.

In England, the modern police force grew largely from an unofficial body gathered together by a London
magistrate. He found that it was practically impossible to apprehend any of the criminals in his area unless
he deployed some men secretly to detect and hunt the culprits.

These unofficial constables had to patrol one large district. They looked upon their position largely as an
honorary one and had very little power. Worse still they were sometimes corrupt men themselves for they
would conveniently look the other way round in times of trouble, like theft, hooliganism and vandalism.

Magistrate Fielding enrolled a few men whom he could explicitly trust and employed them to catch the
thieves and other undesirable persons. Their remuneration was poor, their work was dangerous and they
were unpopular. The majority of the people resented what they thought was a threat to their liberties,
intrusions to their privacy and above all spying on them They maintained that they have every right to
drink themselves to death with any form of alcohol, as so many of them did. They thought, too, that they
should be allowed to quarrel, to fight and even to kill amongst themselves. The situation was made worse
by the fact that the penalties for offences were very heavy in those distant days and a man could be hanged
for the theft of some unimportant thing. Arrest by the magistrate’s men could bring disastrous results.

Contrary to general feeling, the authorities gradually admitted that these early policemen were vitally
necessary. After much discussion, argument and persuasion, the government secretly agreed to re-imburse
the magistrate for the men he employed. This step was not made public lest it should be thought that the
government was planting spies amidst its people. Eventually the public came to look upon the police with a
more friendly spirit as the benefit became more noticeable. At long last, men and women could walk along
the street by day and even by night without fear of robbery and other acts of violence, Hitherto,the people
were free to do practically anything – good or bad, irrespective of the possible consequences. As the police
force was built up, the people gave up their freedom to commit evil deeds so that they might have a greater
freedom to do good so as to enable one and all to enjoy life peacefully and harmoniously.

3.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it in points only, using abbreviations
wherever necessary. (5)
3.2 Write a summary of the above passage in 80 words using the notes made. (3)

Section B

4. You want to sell your newly built flat. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be
inserted in the classified columns of ‘The Hindu’ giving all necessary details. You are Niranjan, 247, J.P
Nagar, Bangalore.

Or

You are Manoj /Mini.You have been invited to attend the birthday party of your closest friend. Respond to
this invitation accepting the invitation. Do not exceed 50 words. (4)

5. You are Jatinder/Satya of Defence colony, New Delhi. You are upset over the increasing tendency of
drinking among the youth. Write a Letter to the Editor, Times of India, New Delhi criticising the evils of
drinking.

Or

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You are Ankit/Ankita staying at 59, Seaside road, Mumbai. You have come across an advertisement in’ The
Times of India “for recruitment of Computer Engineer Trainees by Shivam Software. Apply in response to
this advertisement, giving your detailed biodata (curriculum–vitae). Invent all necessary details. (6)

6. Today the 24-hour television news channels give us instant news from every nook and corner of the world.
But the fact remains that the importance of newspaper remains intact Write an article in 150-200 words
expressing your views on ‘The Relevance of Newspapers’. You are Vidya/Vinod. (10 Marks)

7. ‘Crime’ and not ‘Age’ should decide the level of punishment. Write a Debate ‘for’ or ‘Against’ the nation.

(10 Marks)

Section C: Literature (30 Marks)

8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow (4 mks.)

Break O Break open ‘till they break the town

And show the slum children green fields and make their world

Run azure on gold sands...........’

a. To whom does Spender address this appeal? (1)

b. What does “break the town” signify? (1)

c. Why does he want their world? (1)

d. Whom does the poet refer to as ‘they’? (1)

Or

Aunt Jennifer’s tiger’s prance on 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

a. Explain: ‘Aunt Jennifer’s tigers’. (1)

b. Why does Aunt Jennifer need to create these tigers? (1)

c. How do these tigers present a contrast to Aunt Jennifer? (1)

d. How has the poet described Aunt Jennifer’s tigers? (1)

9. Answer any four of the following questions in 30 - 40 words each: (4×3=12)

a) Why is the slum referred to as ‘catacombs’?

b) How can earth be our teacher according to Pablo Neruda?

c) How was Gandhiji able to influence the lawyers at Champaran?

d) What warning did the Dewan give the Maharaja when he ordered him to double the land tax?

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e) What made Sophie heave a sigh of relief when she knew that Geoff had not divulged all that she had
said?

f ) Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France’ on the blackboard?

10. Answer the following in 125 to 150 words: (6 Marks.)

Fantasy is a pleasant relief at times but at times it can take a serious turn, which may prove detrimental to
mental growth. Elucidate with reference to the text focusing on the character of Sophie and Jansie.

OR

What were the various issues touched upon by John Updike by incorporating a narrative within a narrative?

11. The letter of the peddler addressed to Edla is a fine example of purification of soul through confession. He
signs himself as Captain Von Stahle, achieving self esteem. What message is conveyed to the reader and
what values does Edla’s behavior uphold? (6 Marks)

Section D: Novel (12 Marks)
(6)
12. Give a character sketch of Thomas Marvel. (6)

13. What chaos followed when the Invisible man lost his temper? (Chap. 12)

256 Question Bank – English - XII

Practice Paper 1 (Solution)

Answers

1.

I. (1) (c) many micro-organisms diseases.
(2) (d) it kills the micro one healthy
(3) (b) it protects us from diseases
(4) (a) it protects us from diseases
(5) (c) protect
(6) (c) defend
II. (a) If there are cuts and abrasions on the skin of the human body, the micro-orgainisms penetrate/ the

body through these cuts and abrasions and can cause diseases. Thus, micro-organisms’ penetration
can be checked in the human body. no wonder, they say a cut or wound should not be left open.
(b) The gastric juice (acidic in nature), secreted by our intestinal tract, kills all organisms which enter
our through food.
(c) We can increase our defence mechanism by way of immunisation and there by enhance our innate
and acquired immunity.
(d) Reflex phenomenon (that includes sneezing, vimiting, coughing etc.) protects the human body
against many inflections.
(e) toxic
(f ) immunity
1. (b) pleasant thoughts
2. (c) the destructions man has caused to Nature.
3. (a) not lifeless
4. (c) happy and hopping around
5. (d) All the above
6. (d) airless
II. (a) The poet was sitting in a grove. He was quietly savouring in the sights and sound of beautiful nature.
(b) The birds played and hopped around the poet, sitting there. The sight filled the poet’s heart with
great thrill and joy.
(c) (i) motion
(ii)twigs

Title – any relevant title
1 1. Non-existence of policing
1.1 control methods used by local leaders
1.2 Offenders killed, hunted out.

2. Role of London Magist.
2.1 Deployment of men secretly
• To detect culprit
• To patrol

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2.2 Hnry position
3. Magist. Fielding’s obsrvtns

3.1 resentment of the people
3.2 threat to their liberty
3.3 intrusion to their prvcy
3.4 severe penalties for small mistakes
4. Acceptance of police
4.1 decrease in crime rate
4.2 public started trustng police
4.3 greater freedom-live peacefully & harmonionely

Key
i) Magist.-magistrate
ii) hnry-honorary
iii) obsrvtns-observations
iv) prvcy-privacy
v) frdm-freedom


Marking Scheme: Title -1, Abbreviations – 1, Format – 1, Content – 2
3.2 Summary should include all important points given in the notes.

Section B

4 Advertisement
Format – 1
Content – 2
Expression – 1
OR

Invitation
Format – 1
Content – 2
Expression – 1
5 Letter to the Editor
Format – 1
Content – 3
Expression – 2
OR

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Job Application
Format – 1
Content – 3
Expression – 2
7. Article
Format – 1
Content – 4
Expression -5

Section C
8.

a) -the authorities/ people in power
b) - breaking barriers of poverty – lack of opportunities/ freedom
c) - so that they can make a mark/create History
d) - authorities/people in power
Or
a) Majestic, fearless and confident
b) - an outlet – to her desire to be powerful and fearless like them/ master of her own life/free
c) in contrast – Aunt Jennifer-burdened by the constraints and hardships that marriage has imposed on

her/ intimidated and terrified by a demanding husband
d) clinatric – fearless – prancing – confident
9.
a) -because their future – from fog to endless night/ no opportunities sealed by a laden sky
b) earth – appears to be barren – but is nurturing life within
c) Gandhiji asked – what they would do if he went – to jail – chided them – asked about the injustice to

sharecroppers
d) People will be discontentd - State will fall prey to the Indian National Congress
e) Jansie nosy— whole neighbourhood would know about it.
f ) Partiotism/Upsurge of feelings.
10. Sophie impractical —wants to become —manager —actor— designer— fantasy —extreme -unhealthy—
lives in a world of make-belief— makes her lie tell false stories of her encounters with Danny Casey —
living in a world of illusion— her imaginary date— waiting by the canal— beneath solitary elm —where
lovers meet—knew he would approve— goes through — entire-gamut of emotions — the depression “i’ts
a hard thing this sadness”.
Jansie—down to earth — practical— knows and accepts the reality “earmarked for the biscuit factory”- -
understands her friend - tries to explain “won’t make you a manager straight off tells her to be sensible,
Sophie finds her ‘gawky’ and one inclined to gossip :the whole neighbourhood would know.
Or
John Updike, in his story ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy’ raises moral issues — validity of parental authority
- - being true to ones inherent nature—Jack reiterates his belief— parents know what is best for their
children — advocates unquestioning obedience by children.

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11. Value Points
i) Confession helps in releasing burden of guilt
ii) Purification of soul.
iii) Helps in regaining confidence and self esteem
iv) Understanding one self.
v) Compassion and trust can redeem people

12. Give a character sketch of Thomas Marvel.
Thomas Marvel is a droll tramp unwittingly recruited to assist the Invisible Man as his first visible partner.

He carries the Invisible Man’s scientific notebooks and stolen money. Eventually Marvel grows afraid of
his unseen partner and cleverly flees to Port Burdock, taking both the notebooks and the money with him,
where he seeks police protection. Although the Invisible Man is furious and vows revenge, he becomes
preoccupied with hiding from the law and retaliating against Dr. Kemp, and Marvel is spared. Marvel is
eventually smart enough to use the situation to his advantage: he uses the stolen money to open his own
inn, which he calls the Invisible Man, and prospers. The novel ends with him secretly “marvelling” at
Griffin’s notes. It turns out Marvel kept the notes and only views them when there is nobody around so
nobody can know Griffin’s secrets—or that Marvel has them. Therefore, he is the only one who benefits
from his association with Griffin.
13. What chaos followed when the Invisible Man lost his temper? (Chp.12)
From the moment the Invisible Man screamed with rage he set to smiting and overthrowing, for the mere
satisfaction of hurting.
The street was full of running figures, of doors slamming and fights for hiding-places. The tumult suddenly
striking on the unstable equilibrium of old Fletcher’s planks and two chairs,— with cataclysmal results. An
appalled couple was caught dismally in a swing. Finally when the whole tumultuous rush had passed and
the Iping streets were deserted save for the still raging Unseen, and littered with cocoanuts, overthrown
canvas screens, and the scattered stock in trade of a sweet stuff stall. Everywhere there was a sound of
closing shutters and shoving bolts, and no visible humanity.
The Invisible Man continued to amuse himself for a little while by breaking all the windows in the Coach
and Horses, and then he thrust a street lamp through the parlour window of Mrs. Gribble. He probably
cut the telegraph wire to Adderdean just beyond Higgins’ cottage on the Adderdcan road. And after that,
as his peculiar qualities allowed, he passed out of human perceptions altogether, and he was neither heard,
seen, nor felt in Iping anymore. He vanished absolutely.

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Practice Paper 2 (Unsolved)

Time: 3 Hrs. Max Marks: 100

General Instructions:
1. The paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Section A: Reading (30 marks)

Ql. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (12 Marks)

1. I have yet to meet a poetry-lover under thirty who was not an introvert, or an introvert who was
not unhappy in adolescence. At school, particularly, maybe, if, as in my own is deserved, that he is
grubby and inferior and frightened and dull. Knowing no other kind of society than the contingent,
he imagines that this arrangement is part of the eternal scheme of things, that he is doomed to a life
of failure and envy.
2. It is not till he grows up, till years later he runs across the heroes of his school days and finds them
grown commonplace and sterile, that he realizes that he introvert is the lucky one, the best adapted to
an industrial civilization the collective values of which are so infantile that he alone can grow, who has
educated his fantasies and learned how to draw upon the resources of his inner life.
3. At the time, however, his adolescence is unpleasant enough. Unable to imagine a society in which he
would feel at home, he turns away from the human to the nonhuman: homesick he will seek, not
his mother, but mountains or autumn woods, and the growing life within him will express itself in a
devotion to music and thoughts upon mutability and death. Art for him will be something infinitely
precious, pessimistic, and hostile to life. If it speaks of love it must be love frustrated, for all success
seems to him noisy and vulgar; if it moralizes, it must counsel a stoic resignation, for the world he
knows is well content with itself and will not change.
“Deep as first love and wild with all regret,
O death in life, the days that are no more.

Now more than ever seems it sweet to die

To cease upon the midnight with no pain.”
That to the adolescent is the authentic poetic note and whoever is the first in his life to strike it,
whether Tennyson, Keats, Swinburne, Housman of another, awakens a passion of imitation and an
affectation which no subsequent fefinement or sophistication of his taste can entirely destroy.
4. In may own case it was Hardy in the summer of 1923; for more than a year I read no one else and I
do not think that I ws ever without one volume or another or the beautifully produced Wessex edition
in my hands. I smuggled them into class, carried them about on Sunday walks, and took them up to
the dormitory to read in the early morning, though they were far too unwieldy to be read in bed with
comfort. In the autumn of 1924 there was a palace revolution after which he had to share his kingdom
with Edward Thomas, until finally they were both defeated by Elliot at the battle of Oxford in 1926.

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5. Besides serving as the archetype of the Poetic, Hardy was also an expression of the contemporary
scene. He was both my Keats and my Sandburg. To begin with, he looked like my father: that broad
moustache, bald forehead, and deeply lined sympathetic face belonged to that other world of feeling
and sensation. Here was a writer whose emotions, if sometimes monotonous and sentimental in
expression, would be deeper and more faithful than my own, and whose attachment to the earth
would be more secure and observant.

Adapted from an article written by W. H. Auden

1.1. Answer the following questions by choosing the best option: (1×4=4)
1. The author uses all of the following to make his point except

(a) Metaphor

(b) personal experience

(c) generalization

(d) comparison

2. The author’s main purpose of writing the above narrative is apparently to

(a) describe what led to his being an introvert

(b) explore the reasons for his early taste in poetry

(c) explain what lead to his becoming a poet

(d) criticize a system that makes young people feel unhappy and neglected

3. To the adolescent the authentic poetic note is one of

(a) hostility and vulgarity

(b) contentment and peace

(c) purity and love

(d) melancholy and acceptance

4. The author qualifies his appreciation of Hardy by pointing out that Hardy’s poetic techniques
were

(a) sometimes unmoving

(b) not always deeply felt

(c) occasionally lacking in variety

(d) always emotional

1.2. Answer the following questions briefly: (1×6=6)
(a) What images does the author draw of an adolescent poetry-lover?

(b) What kind of society and life does this adolescent envision for himself?

(c) Why does the author regard the introverted adolescent as ultimately lucky?

(d) To what did the author devote the summer of 1923?

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(e) What actions of the author explains his deep love for Hardy’s works?

(f ) Why has the writer quoted poetry in para (line 28-34)?

1.3. Find words in the passage that mean the same as the following: (1×2=2)
(a) immediate one (para 1)

(b) changeable (para 3)

2. Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1×2=2)

You may write me down in history Still I Rise

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise 4

Does my sassiness upset you? 8
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise. 12

Did you want to see me broken? 16
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you? 20
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words, Question Bank – English - XII 263
You may cut me with your eyes, 24
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sauciness upset you? 28
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my eyes?

Out of the huts of history’s shame 32
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind memories of terror and fear 38 Maya Angelou
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise, I rise, I rise.

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2.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above poem answer the following questions by choosing
the appropriate option: (1×2=2)
1. The theme of the poem ‘Still I rise’ is
(a) shame and repentance
(b) pride and prejudice
(c) anger and intolerance
(d) triumph and self confidence
2. By ‘You may trod me in the very dirt’ the poet means
(a) walk alongside with me on a dirty path
(b) push me in slush and dirt
(c) treat me with enormous disrespect and shocking violence
(d) lend a helping hand in times of need
2.2. Answer the following questions briefly: (1×6=6)
(a) What reason does the poet give for the gloom of the oppressor?
(b) According to the poet what would the oppressor like to do to her?
(c) Pick up an example of a simile from the poem.
(d) What does Angelou mean when she says, “Out of the hut of history’s shame/I rise./Up from a
past that’s rooted in pain/I rise”?
(e) The speaker addresses “you” several times in the poem, “Still I Rise.” Who is referred as “you,” and
how can we tell?
(f ) What is the common refrain in the poem? What purpose does it serve?
2.3. Find words from the poem which mean the same as each of the following: (1×2=2)
(a) impudence (lines 4-8)
(b) entrenched/ingrained (lines 28-32)
3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 8

Self acceptance is a large factor in the whole self esteem personal issue. Self acceptance is the acceptance
of self for who you are. It can be described as an agreement between you and you. A condition of this
agreement is to appreciate and accept yourself with what you may consider faults and also your positive
points.

People who suffer low self esteem often feel that others don’t like them. Unfortunately this is only partially
true. The fact is other people raely even know who they are. They have never been their true self with other
people around and this typically affects their relationship with themselves and with others as well. Sadly, it
becomes evident that the shoes they are wearing don’t really fit, in a manner of speaking. When people who
suffer a lack of self acceptance allow themselves to be themselves, they soon learn that others truly enjoy
their company. Again, those ailing with lack of self acceptance and its natural effect - low self esteem, have
a lower success rate in achieving goals. They rarely have the confidence to strive for their desires and do not
visualize a positive outcome of their endeavours.

Learn to forgive yourself. It is a natural part of the human experience that we should make mistakes. Our
friends and families make mistakes. We forgive others when they may have acted in a way that might not
have been acceptable. We owe it to ourselves just as we would any of our friends. The truth is that we love
many of our friends because of their imperfections. Also, view your mistakes as lessons in life.

The more lessons we learn the fuller our life experience is. Learn to be grateful of the lessons that gave you
the opportunity to experience a richer, fuller life and move on.

It is also important to accept the way you look and not give precedence to what others feel about the same.

Question Bank – English - XII 265

The truth is no-one cares what you look like. Most people are so caught up in what they look like that they
have never had the time to ponder over your lanky legs. And here’s another truth, there is absolutely no
such thing as an ugly man or an ugly woman. It’s no old cliche that beauty comes from within, that’s a fact
of life. We are made in all shapes and sizes and this is what makes us interesting to others.

There is no doubt that positive self acceptance is not difficult at all when you learn to like yourself. We
tend to be more critical of ourselves, than other people are of us. To learn to accept yourself, you must look
at yourself with the same eyes that other people see you with. Once you do this you can tear up that old
contract that you had with yourself and create a whole new agreement, one that starts with “I promise to
be nice to me”.

(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it, in points only using headings and
sub-headings. Also use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary. Give a suitable title to it.
(5)

(b) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (3)

Section - B (Writing Skills) 30
4. Child Labour is a serious offence, affecting millions of children in the country. On behalf of the Child

Welfare Minister, design an attractive poster urging people to help prevent injustices towards minors.
Or

You are Aman Singh of 30, Golf Course Road, Near Delhi, You have 10 years of experience as a German
instructor. You want to settle in your home town. Draft a suitable advertisement for the classified columns
of the newspaper starting your qualifications and experience.

5. You are Neetu/Neel, Secretary, Eco Club of S.V.C. School Motibagh, New Delhi. Place an order with
Green World Nursery, Green Park, New Delhi for non-flowering indoor plants.
Or

You are Sudha/Sudhir, President of Residents Welfare Association of Eastend Apartments, Jaipur. You have
decided to get the apartments whitewashed with plastic emulsion paints. Write a letter to the manager,
New Light Painters and Decorators, Jaipur, asking about their services and charges for the painting of the
apartments.

6. Your school launched a community service programme for the slum dwellers of nearby areas. The
programme includes, among other things, literacy classes, awareness regarding cleanliness and common
diseases. Write a report for your school magazine in about 200 words regarding the same inventing the
necessary details.
Or

You are Manvi/Manav, the Head Girl/Head Boy of your shcool. Draft a speech for the morning assembly
in about 200 words on the topic, ‘It is more effective to volunteer your time rather than donate money to
a cause you support’.

7. Write an article in 150 to 200 words on the induction of vocational training as part of the school curriculum
expressing your views on its need in the present scenario and suggesting steps to make it successful.

266 Question Bank – English - XII

Or
You have to represent your school in an inter-school debate competition. The topic for the same is

‘Evolving social networks are killing sincere relationship.’ While you acknowledge that social media sites
like facebook, twitter, instragram etc. have become part of our life with many benefits, you strongly feel
that it has narrowed down the world further affecting personal relations indirectly. You decide to speak for
the motion. Write the debate in about 200 words.

Section - C (Literature and Long Reading Text) 30

Q8. Read the extract from the poem and answer the questions that follow: (4)

“When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.”

(i) Who is the Aunt mentioned here?

(ii) Why is she “ringed with ordeals”?

(iii) What is the difference between her and she tigers?

(iv) What will happen to the tigers after her death?

“If we were not so single-minded Or

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.”

(i) What are we “single-minded” about?

(ii) Why does the poet want us to do nothing for once?

(iii) What is the “Sadness” that the poet refers to in the poem?

(iv) How can a huge silence do good to us?

9. Answer any four of the following questions in 40-50 words each: (3×4=12)

(a) What is the message conveyed in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’?

(b) Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the case of the poor peasants of Champaran to the court was
useless?

Question Bank – English - XII 267

(c) The poet has brought about a sense of sorrow nad despair in the poem, ‘An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum’. Comment.

(d) ‘Edla sat and hung her head even more dejectedly than usual.’ Which two reasons forced her to behave
in that manner?

(e) What clues did the answer sheet of Evans provide to the Governor?

(f ) What made Zitkala–Sa cry in the dining hall?

10. Answer any one of the following question in about 120-150 words: (6)

If we take the example of the big boy who pushed Douglass into the pool, we realise that many a time we
fail to understand other’ fears and weaknesses and make fun of them without realising how much harm we
are doing to the psyche of the person. What qualities does a person need to imbibe in order not to ridicule
others?

Or

Derry entered Mr. Lamb’s garden by chance ad it became a turning point in his life. How can positive
thinking and right counselling help youth overcome their worries and impediments and give a new
direction to life? Comment.

11. Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: (6)

Educators always advise their students to dream big. Yet the same teachers find fault with Sophie when she
dreams. What is wrong with Sophie’s dreams?

Or

Jack, the father, insists that it was the wizard that should be hit and not the mommy. Why?

Answer the following questions in about 120-150 words each:

12. When Griffin tells Kemp, “It is killing we must do, Kemp,” why didn’t Kemp see eye to eye with Griffin?
What light does it reflect on his charcter? (6)

13. Why didn’t the initial excitement that Griffin felt on turning invisible last for long? What were the
consequent unexpected problems that he had to face? (6)

268 Question Bank – English - XII

Practice Paper-3 (Solved)

Time : 3Hrs. M.M.:100

Section A (Reading)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 12

1. New Delhi : It seems the common house sparrow has disappeared from the city. But ornithologists maintain
that while sparrow numbers are dwindling, the bird has not disappeared entirely from the city and only
shifted to more inhabitable parts. Conservationists
are now trying to understand why some areas have
managed to hold back sparrows and what has driven
them away from others.

2. A recent countrywide survey initiative called ‘Citizen
Sparrow’ is now roping in residents who want to report
about their experience with sparrows. This unique
sparrow survey has been initiated and organized by
the Bombay National Society (BNHS) and Ministry
of Environment and Forests (MOEF) and has received
close to 410 responses from Delhi. Of these, 86 have
claimed they have sighted the bird, which gives new
hope to conservationists.

3. I have seen lots of sparrows in Ghaziabad, in Sheikh Sarai where I lived but hardly any, in, say the Greater
Kailash area. What is different in GK and other parts is still a mystery. But certain factors drawing the birds
have become clearer, such as they nest more around old buildings, houses or many be in houses where there
are old electricity meters, kitchen gardens, shrubs, says co-investigator, BNHS Citizen Sparrow Project,
Koustubh Sharma.

4. Another conservationist and bird watcher , Ananda Banerjee says he has seen lots of sparrows in parts of
Lutyens Delhi, Mayur Vihar, parts of old Delhi and parts of Noida. He cities urban landscape to be the
reason behind the decline in the sparrow population.

5. “Urban architecture, tall glass buildings that lack nesting spaces for the sparrow, pesticides used in farming
that kill the worms that sparrows feed on, are some of the reasons. Even our markets have changed. There
are not many open markets where they can get grains. But you can see lots of sparrows in Khari Baoli open
grain market,” he says.

6. But there is no doubt among conservationists that sparrows are fast disappearing. Declining number of
sparrows and their complete absence from some parts of the city is not just about missing the tiny bird, it
is an indicator of something much graver.

7. Ecologist and forestry expert, Neeraj Khera, who has been studying the sparrow population in Delhi, feels
that sparrows are an important indicator species. “There is always a threshold level. Big changes like an
epidemic outbreak for instance will not happen overnight, but when we cross the buffer line then changes
take place in our ecosystem. Sparrows as an indicator species, is very sensitive to change. So it’s obvious that
a lot must have changed in our ecology to have driven them away, “ says Khera.

Question Bank – English - XII 269

8. Some of the important factors responsible are air and water pollution, loss of native and shrubs.

9. Another trend being noticed by experts is the increase of rocks pigeon in most parts of Delhi. They seem
to have almost replaced the sparrows that used to nest in the same places.

10. “Rock pigeons have almost grown out of proportion and taken up the space of sparrows. They can be seen
nesting in houses and other buildings. Studies have shown that it is not a welcome change as the excreta of
rock pigeon carries a lot bacterial pathogens,” said Khera.

11. She says that sparrow population is moderate in places where there are old government buildings, water
bodies or green spaces. Saving the sparrow, she says is not a lost cause yet. It is the right time to intervene
and check further decline. It will take ‘Citizen Sparrow’ survey a couple of more months to come up with
the preliminary analysis of the result from their survey and many offer a stronger arguments on why the
sparrow are disappearing from the city and the feasible solutions for the same.

1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions with the help of the
given options: (1x4=4)

a) The birds from the cities have:
i) Disappeared entirely.
ii) Shifted to more inhabitable parts.
iii) Have moved to old buildings in the cities.
iv) Disappeared owing to epidemic outbreak.

b) Lots of sparrows are seen in Ghaziabad and Sheikh Sarai as they:
i) Nest around old buildings.
ii) Nest in old electricity meters.
iii) Nest in kitchen gardens and shrubs.
iv) All of these.

c) Who has primarily taken over the sparrows?
i) Large proportion of rock pigeons.
ii) Urban architecture and tall buildings
iii) Open grain markets.
iv) Air and water pollution.

d) How is the use of pesticides in farming responsible for the decrease in sparrows population?
i) Sparrows are extremely sensitive to the chemicals.
ii) This often leads to epidemic outbreak.
iii) It kills the worms that sparrow feed on.
iv) It brings changes in the ecology.

1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: (1x6)

a) What is ‘Citizens Sparrow’ and who has initiated it? (1x3)
b) Why rock pigeons are not welcomes in place of sparrows?
c) What did the ecologist Neeraj Khera observe?
d) What important factors or changes in ecology have driven the sparrows away?
e) How is urban landscape responsible for declining number of sparrows?
f ) Why is ‘saving a sparrow’ not a lost cause yet?
1.3 Find words in the passage similar in meaning as:

a) liveable (para 1)
b) temperate (para 11)

270 Question Bank – English - XII

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 10

1. While there is no denying that the world loves a winner, it is important that you recognize the signs of
stress in your behavior and be healthy enough to enjoy your success. Stress can strike anytime, in a fashion
that may leave you unaware of its presence in your life. While a certain amount of pressure is necessary for
performance, it is important to be able to recognize your individuals limit. For instance, there are some
individual who accept competition in a healthy fashion. There are others who collapse into weeping wrecks
before an exam or on comparing marks-sheets and finding that their friend has scored better.

2. Stress is a body reaction to any demands or changes in its internal and external environment. Whenever
there is a change in the external environment such as temperature, pollutants, humidity and working
conditions, it leads to stress. In these days of competition, when a person makes up his mind to surpass
what has been achieved by others, leading to an imbalance between demands and resources, it causes
psycho-social stress. It is a part and parcel of everyday life.

3. Stress has a different meaning, depending on the stage of life you are in. The loss of a toy or a reprimand
from the parents might create a stress or shock in a child. An adolescent who fails an examination may feel
as if everything has been lost and life has no further meaning. In an adult, the loss of his or her companion,
job or professional failure may appear as if there is nothing
more to be achieved.

4. Such signs appear in the attitude and behavior of the
individual, as muscle tension in various parts of the body,
palpitation and high blood pressure, indigestion and hyper
acidity. Ultimately the result is self destructive behavior such
as eating and drinking too much, smoking excessively and
relying on traquilizerss. There are other signs of stress such as
trembling, shaking, nervous blinking, dryness of throat and
mouth and difficulty in swallowing.

5. A professional under stress behaves as if he is a perfectionist.
It leads to depression, lethargy and weakness. Periodic mood
shifts also indicate the stress status of students, executives
and professionals.

6. In a study sponsored by World Health Organization and
carried out by Harvard School of Public Health, the global burden of diseases and injury indicated that
stress diseases and accidents are going to be the major killers in 2020.

7. Heart disease and depression-both stress diseases- are going to rank first and second in 2020. Road traffic
accidents are going to be the third largest killers. These accidents are also an indicator of psycho-social
stress in a fast moving society. Other stress diseases like ulcers, hypertension and sleeplessness have assumed
epidemic proportions in modern societies.

8. A person under stress reacts in different ways and the common ones are flight, fight and flee depending
upon the nature of the stress and capabilities of the person. The three responses can be chosen to cope with
the stress so that stress does not damage the system and become distress.

9. When stress crossess a limit, peculiar to an individual, it lowers his performance capacity. Frequent crossings
of the limit may result in chronic fatigue in which a person feels lethargic, disinterested and is not easily
motivated to achieve anything. This may make the person mentally undecided, confused and accident

Question Bank – English - XII 271

prone as well. Sudden exposure to un-nerving stress may also result in a loss of memory. Diet, massage,
food supplements, herbal medicines, hobbies, relaxation techniques and dance movements are excellent
stress busters.

2.1 Choose the most appropriate option: 1x2=2

(a) While pressure is necessary for performance, it is equally important to recognise:
(i) signs of stress.
(ii) your individual limit.
(iii) healthy competition.
(iv) weeping wrecks.

(b) What happens when a stress crosses the limit, peculiar to an individual?

(i) It results in chronic diseases.
(ii) It lowers his performance capacity.
(iii) It increases psycho-social stress.
(iv) He behaves like a super perfectionist.
2.2 Answer the following questions briefly: 1x6=6

(a) What is stress? What factors lead to stress?

(b) What are the signs by which a person can know that he is under stress?

(c) What self destructive behaviour does stress lead to?

(d) Give any two examples of stress busters.

(e) How does a person react under stress?

(f ) What are the factors responsible for ‘psycho-social stress’, a part and parcel of everyday life?

2.3 Find out the words from the passage which mean same as the following: 1x2=2

(a) disintegrate (para 1)

(b) rebuke (para 3)

3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 8

1. The trail of smoke in most cases inevitably leads to school and college days - those adolescent times
when mere lighting up gave them the thrill of indulging in the prohibited. And yes, they weren’t
mama’s boys (or girls) anymore; they were macho and grown up beyond listening to nannies. Or so
they thought, till they got addicted. There is a clear link between the youth and tobacco addiction.
Statistics reveal that many children are initiated into the habit of smoking at the tender age of 10 ,
according to Dr. Srinath Reddy, a researcher-activist. That’s why it makes sense to stop them young,
when they are vulnerable to peer pressure. Smoking, which often starts as an experiment in the
company of friends often transforms into addiction.

2. According to the Non-Smoker’s Health Protection Act 1997, nobody is allowed to store, sell or
distribute cigarettes, beedies or any other tobacco product within an area of 100m around colleges,
schools and other educational institutions. The Indian Parliament passed another comprehensive
legislation, the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, a few years ago banning the sale of tobacco
products to minors.

272 Question Bank – English - XII

3. Has that made any difference? You have to go to North Campus to see if any law is followed. Many
students even argue that it is a matter of personal choice. Once in college, a student is old enough to
take decisions. It is clearly mentioned on cigarette packs that smoking is injurious to health and after
that if someone smokes, it is completely the individuals’ choice, says Manu Singh, a student at JNU.
Sad reality is that nothing has been able to stop students from smoking in schools and colleges. It’s
fashion.

4. The law enforcement agencies take refuge behind pleas like they have large areas to cover with a small
team. Their strength, they say, is not adequate to enforce laws. Sometimes people pay the fine (` 200),
which is hardly a big amount. In universities and colleges, raids are not possible. With just one person
from the police, it becomes impossible to control them, said Dr. M. D. Thapa, Chief District Medical
Officer, Northwest district.

5. Advocate Ashok Agarwal does not buy the argument. According to him, there is a clear lack of interest
on the part of the lawmakers. The police and the administration have their own priorities hence they
have little time to look into these sensitive issues. The situstion in this case is that of accepted and
agreed violation. “We are nobody,” he says.

6. The one answer the experts agree on is; the government. There is no effort to implement the laws,
complains advocate Ashok Agarwal. When society does not care, the government becomes duty-
bound to make them care. There is a direct link between the youth and tobacco addiction. They are the
key targets for the MNCs, says Bijon Mishra, a social activist involved with the NGO, Voice. While
society and its institution ignore those mischievous puffs in school canteens, the biggest beneficiaries
are the tobacco companies.

3.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using recognisable abbreviations
(minimum 4-6) wherever necessary. Use a format you consider appropriate. Supply a suitable title.

3.2 Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.

Section-’B’ (Writing Skills) 30

4. You are the Captain of your school sports team, Noida. Your school is going to organise a summer
camp for training students in different sports. Write an invitation to Abhinav Bindra, the ace shooter to
inaugurate the camp on 12 Jan., 2016 at 10 a.m. 4

Or

As the director of Star Academy, an institute of foreign languages, prepare a poster calling the attention
of desirous students who want to study foreign languages. Invent all the necessary details. You are Ravi
Kumar.

5. You are Ridhi/Raju, a student of class 12-A and reside at 131, Hans Apartments, Agra. You are interested in
pursuing a course in Journalism. Write a letter in response to an advertisement issued by an Asian Institute
of Journalism, Delhi, in a National Daily, seeking relevant information and opportunities. 6

Or

You are Manik Singh. As a Store-in-charge of Goodwill Public School, 47, MG Road, Bangaluru, write
a letter complaining about the poor quality of biscuits in the latest consignment received from Mangal
Confectioners, Mumbai, seeking immediate replacement.

6. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic – ‘Poverty is the cause of all evils’, to be published in the
Young World of ‘The Hindu’, Chennai. You are Ridhi Gupta, the Sub-Editor of the newspaper. 10

Question Bank – English - XII 273

Or

Science attempts to explore the secrets of nature while religion wants to reveal the very purpose of existence.
The aim of both science and religion is to discover the truth. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Science
and Religion’ for your school magazine ‘Revival’. You are Abhay/Abhishi Jain, the editor of your school
magazine.

7. ‘Down to Earth’, an environment awareness magazine has launched a marathon ‘ Clean Your City
Campaign’. As an active participant, write a speech urging students to participate in the campaign. You are
Anil Gupta. 10

Or

Forward your arguments in favour or against the topic – ‘ We have Indian body but European psyche and
soul’. You are Shobhit/Shobhita of Delhi Public School, Noida. (Word Limit : 150-200 words)

Section – ‘C’ (40)

(Literature Text Books And Long Reading Text)

8. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow: 1x4

When aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

a) What is Aunt Jennifer’s death symbolic of?

b) What does the phrase ‘was mastered by’ tell about the kind of person aunt was?

c) Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands terrified?

d) Identify and explain the poetic device used in the given lines.

Or

I want no truck with death

If we were not so single minded

About keeping our lives moving………

a) What are human beings single minded about?

b) Explain ‘ I want no truck with death’.

c) What would be achieved if for once we do nothing?

d) Which poetic is used in the given lines?

9. Answer ANY FOUR of the following questions in about 30-40 words each: (3x4=12)

a) What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most? Why?

b) How did the Tiger King make up for the shortfall of tigers in his kingdom?

274 Question Bank – English - XII

c) Why was Gandhi served summons to appear in court? What was the immediate reaction to this?

d) How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the people in town?

e) ‘Seemapuri is on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it metaphorically.’ Explain.

f ) Who was Carter? What did the Governor ask him to do?

10. Answer the following in 120-150 words: 6

Who do you think outwits the other – Evans or the Governor? How?

Or

“I can see the future and now I will have to live with this burden,” says Sophie. What is the burden being
referred to? What light does it throw on Sophie’s life?

11. Answer the following in 120-150 words: 6

Both the adolescent and the old man are victims of loneliness due to society’s non support and negligence
in the lesson – ‘ On the face of it’. Draw the essence of their conversation and writer a short article on the
required attitude towards people with physical disabilities.

Or

Parents, teachers and the society are equally responsible for student’s indifference to study and defiance to
school indiscipline. Justify this statement in perspective of Franz’s attitude in ‘The Last Lesson’.

12. What role did the old Jewish landlord and the old woman with the cat play in contributing to the end of
the story? What might have happened otherwise? 6

13. How does Wells emphasise the fact that the invisible man is at war with traditional values? Prove by
referring to all the peculiar and unjustified turns in the story with special emphasis on the character of
Griffins. 6

Question Bank – English - XII 275

1. A (1X12= 12 M) Marking Scheme

a) ii-shifted to more inhabitable parts.
b) iv-all of the above
c) i-large proportions of rock pigeons
d) iii- it kills the worms that sparrows feed on
e) A countryside survey initiative- ropes in residents- to- report about their experience about sparrows-

BNHS and Ministry of environment and forest.
f ) as the excreta of rock pigeons carries a lot of bacterial pathogens
g) that sparrows are an important indicator species- very sensitive to change- changes in ecology have

driven them away
h) air and water pollution along with loss of native herbs and shrubs
i) urban architecture, tall glass buildings, pesticides, lack of open markets, no water bodies and green

spaces
j) there is still time to intervene- check further decline- Citizen Sparrow Survey- moderate sparrow

population is still there in the old government buildings, water bodies and green spaces
B.

a) inhabitable

b) moderate

2. A (1X10=10M)

a) ii- your individual limit
b) ii-lowers his performance capacity
c) stress is a body reaction to any demands, or changes in its internal and external environment and
working conditions, imbalance between demands and resources
d) change in attitude and behavior-muscle tension- palpitation – high blood pressure, indigestion and
hyper acidity
e) eating and drinking too much, smoking excessively and relying on tranquilizers
f ) diet/ massage/ food supplements/ herbal medicines/ hobbies/ relaxation techniques/ dance
g) flight- fight or flee- depending upon the nature of stress and capabilities of the person
h) cut throat competition- to surpass what others have achieved
i) a) collapse b) reprimand

8. (8M)
1) Her death- symbolic of- her complete submission to suppression
2) Meek and timid person- dominated by her husband-did not protest against the patriarchal set up
3) Is eternally nervous-lives in constant dread-is scared to death even as she expresses her freedom in art
work
4) Ringed with ordeals-metaphor
Or

276 Question Bank – English - XII

1) They are single minded about wealth and success-always engaged in frantic activities-obsessed with the
material world

2) By ‘total inactivity’- he does not suggest end of life or death- wants us to take a pause-reflect on the
harm we are causing to us and others

3) Will be beneficial to humanity-violent and exploitative attitude would change-peace will prevail
4) Euphemism- ‘want no truck with death
9. (4X3M==12M)
a) To produce wizard’s voice with one of his favorite effects –had mastered the voice art—would scrunch

up his face-show whining through his eyes-felt being an old man suited him- would speak in elderly
irritable voice
b) After the tiger population became extinct- sought tigers beyond his territory-entered into a marriage
alliance on the basis of tiger population in the state- killed 5/6 tigers each time he visited his father in
law- announced exemption from all taxes if provided with the tigers 100th- later doubled the land tax
c) British authorities felt threatened by Gandhi- were apprehensive of his influence on masses-Gandhi got
no support from the Secretary British Landlords Association or the British Official Commissioner of
Tirhut division-several lawyers accompanied him to Motihari-Investigated thoroughly-decided to visit
a maltreated peasant-served with official notice to quit Champaran-Gandhi defied-in consequence-
received summons to appear in the court
d) M Hamel was solemn and heartbroken- patient and calm-decked up in formal attire- villagers and
students gathered to grasp everything in the last lesson-Hamel explained everything unwearyingly-
made all realize the importance of one’s own language- stood up pale-looked tall-felt choked-with all
his might wrote on the board- ‘Vive La France- dismissed the class
e) Seemapuri might be lying on the periphery of Delhi-offers a huge contrast to the riches and glamour
of the city-the rag pickers- migrants from Bangladesh- live as squatters with no drainage- no sewage-
no drinking water-in spite of being so close to the city- the animals and humans co exist in a primeval
state in the narrow stinking lanes
f ) Carter was the Detective Superintendent- immediately visited the prison after Evan’s jail break- was
utterly shocked- takes injured Mcleery with him to trace Evans- as asked by the Governor- he informs
that Mc Leery had spotted Evans driving off along Elsfield way- had chased the car- but lost it at
Headington- managed to get the car number- took Mcleery ( Evans) to the hospital
10. (6M)
Evans outwits the Governor
Was always a step ahead of the prison authorities
Had one year to meticulously escape his plan
Had a friend as German tutor and later, as an invigilator
Craftily impersonated as Mc Leery- used the blanket and razor- managed to retain his hat
Exploited the psyche of the prison authorities

Question Bank – English - XII 277

Got Stephens out of the cell
Stayed in as McLeery-
Misguided the authorities at each step-finally vanished from Elsfield way
Hoodwinked the Governor at The Golden Lion
Beats the over confident and gullible Governor in the cat and mouse chase

Or
Sophie longs to be accepted in the world of her imagination
Gets so pulled in her concocted stories that it becomes hard for her to face the reality
She sticks to the stories almost believing that the things have happened the way she has recounted them
She goes to the canal pretending that she is going to meet Danny Casey in the romantic spot that she has

often seen lovers meeting
It is easy for her to pretend that Danny has not kept the promise of meeting her as she has always lived with

disappointment
However, the sadness that envelopes her is burden that she must carry
Knows that nobody will believe her story
Will face humiliation yet again
11. (6M)
Derry’s scarred face- canter of ridicule-remarks by people cut him to the core- Mr. Lamb, a man with a

tin leg- also suffers loneliness- shows no sympathy to Derry- no extra attention to his burnt face- changes
Derry’s attitude through conversation laced with positive examples
Pain caused by physical impairment is much less as compared to the indifference, sense of alienation-
empathy not sympathy required- people should consider physically disable as equals- should have
encouraging and positive approach towards them- help them overcome their complexes-gain confidence-
bring a change in their lives

Or
Franz and other villagers procrastinated learning French- took learning casually- news of ‘Last Lesson’ as a

thunderbolt- hurt emotionally- full of regret-wish to make the most of the last lesson
Parent’s casual approach towards learning –teachers involve students in extra tasks- lack of discipline in the

schools- learning should be made interesting- defiance on the part of students should be handled tactfully-
stress on regularity and obedience- so that there are no regrets in life- school years and learning is crucial to
get success in life and to stay connected with the roots.
12. After robbing his father- Griffin took a room in London- experimented diligently to find a formula to
be invisible- covered that in codes in three books- first experiment- white wool fabric- vanished soon- he
stood dumb with amazement- just then a white cat entered the room- out of curiosity- processed her for
experiment- drugged the cat with difficulty- experiment failed as cat’s eyes and claws did not disappear- it
meowed – old woman came- suspected him- went away after much Griffins- for the fear of being exposed-

278 Question Bank – English - XII

Griifins decided to become invisible- his reasoning was clouded by anger- escaped after setting the house
on fire- if the old couple hadn’t tried to kick him out- ending would have been different- happy (6M)

13. Wells attacks the sense of alienation of modern man-Griffins, the heedless youth of today- can go to any
extreme to fulfill his ambition- robbed his father- made him commit suicide- remains unaffected- no
qualms over his evil actions- destroys the peaceful functioning of the village- an anti social element-Wells
criticizes the modern man, always threatened to lose his identity feels completely ignored in a big city-
Griffins describes the uncaring, unfeeling character of the big city-“……I had no refuge, no appliances,
and no human being in the world in whom I could confide…..” (6M)

Smoking Habit In Children
1. The Beginning
1.1 in school & college
1.2 adolescence
1.2.1 peer pr
1.2.2 experimentation
2. Steps taken by government
2.1 Non Smokers’ Health Protection

2.1.1 storing, sailing tobc products near edu institution not allowed
2.2 Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act

2.2.1 ban on sale of tobc to minors
3. Reality
3.1 rampant use
3.2 students argue
3.2.1 pers choice
3.2.2 old enough to decide
3.2.3 fashion
4. Poor Law Enforcement
4.1 large areas to cover
4.2 small team
4.3 fine amt – very less
4.4 impossible to control
5. Public opinion
5.1 apathy of lawmaker & police

Question Bank – English - XII 279

5.2 insentitive to sensitive issues
5.3 violations accepted
6. Solutions
6.1 implement laws
6.2 Govt to target MNCs’
6.3 Invovlve NGOs’

Abbreviation Box

1. & and
2. Pr pressure
3. Tobc tobacco
4. Edu educational
5. Pers personal
6. Amt amount
7. Govt government

b) Summary

The habit of smoking amongst school and college – going students begins during adolescence due to
peer pressure and willingness to experiment. Though the Government has brought various legislations
banning the sale of tobacco products to minors to minors and near educational institutions, their use is
rampant. Students argue that it’s a personal choice, they are old enough to decide and it is fashionable.
Police are unable to control the usage because they have a large area under their jurisdiction, a small team
and fines are less. Public blames it on the apathy of lawmakers and police. It can be controlled if laws are
implemented, MNCs’ manufacturing the products are targeted by the government and NGOs’ involved.

Marks Distribution

Heading - 1 Mark
Notes - 2 Marks
Format - 1 Mark
Key - 1 Mark
Summary - 3 Marks
Total - 8 Marks

4 INVITATION
Value Points
• To be written in a box
• Written in third person pronoun
• Simple present tense

280 Question Bank – English - XII

• Name of the person who is invited
• Formal expression like ‘ request the pleasure of your company’
• Time and date of event
• Purpose and occasion of invitation
Marking Scheme
Format -1
Content -2
Expression -1
4 Or Poster
Value Points
• Main topic
• Important details like
What: event
When: date and time
Where: venue
• To be written a box
• Persuasive language
• Graphics
• Slogan
• Issuing authority
Marking scheme
Format – 1mark
Content – 2 marks
Expression – 1 mark
5. Sender’s address’s
Date
Reciever’s address
Subject
Salutation
Introduction

Question Bank – English - XII 281

Value Points (for enquiry):
• The procedure for applying for screening test
• The place of test
• Course fee and cost of study material
• Duration of the course
• Recognition
• Placement opportunities
Complimentary close
Signature
Name
Marking Scheme
Format: 1 mark
Content: 3 marks
Expression: 2 marks

Or
Sender’s address’s
Date
Receiver’s address
Reference No:
Subject
Salutation
Introduction: Reference: bill No. date of order and delivery, advance payment made etc.
Value Points (for Complaint):
• Condition of the consignment received
• Problems/ incenience faced due to it
• Remedial measures you want taken
Complimentary
Signature
Name
Marking Scheme
Format: 1 mark

282 Question Bank – English - XII

Content: 3 mark
Expression: 2 mark
Q6. Article writing – ‘ Poverty is the Cause of all Evils’
- True that poverty is the basic cause of all the social evils.
- Ratio of poverty increasing with development
- Rich getting richer and poor are becoming poorer
- Imbalance in society cause of many problems
- Poverty leads to depression and anxiety, drugs
- Short cuts to wealth by selling things which are
- Increases crimes.
- Poverty – the main reason of poor health and early death-
- Educational facilities limited for poor.
- Increases hate, anger, selfishness and jealously among people
- Raises discriminations, class division and corruption
- Solution requires sound economics and social setup
- Government to provide initiatives to people who cannot afford basic amenities
- Job opportunities for the poor who could also contribute for the development of country and for self as

well
Or

Science and Religion
- Science and religion- close relationship – complimentary to each other
- Religion furnishes the conceptual framework in which science can flourish
- Religion – guiding society for years
- Science teachrs to examine physical things with precision
- Science given countless blessings to humanity
- Encounters metaphysical problems which religion can help to solve
- Religion can augment the explanatory power of science
- Religion and science can support the progress of man
- Conclusion- both not foes but interactive – should co-exist for flourishing of humanity
Marking scheme: Format :1
Content:4

Question Bank – English - XII 283

Expression and fluency:2.5 + 2.5
Total : 10
7. Debate/Speech-
Break up of Marks-
Total Marks-10
Format-(Proper address)- 1m
Content- (logical organization, candidates creativity in presenting the arguments, counter arguments,

evidence and facts)- 4m
Expression- (Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings) 2.5m
Clean your City Campaign – Speech
Value Points-
• Address and introduction of the topic – Good morning to all……
• Current scenario- pathetic littered surroundings
• Indifferent attitude
• Unhygienic-garbage laden-puts off the visitors and tourists
• Can cause an epidemic-spreads stink
• Lack of awareness- campaign is launched
• Various portals to be used
• Civilians to be made aware of the consequences
• Mass participation- vigorous involvement
• Defaulters to be penalized
• Team effort- community service- on various days- as a part of the campaign
• Urge for enthusiastic participation
• Appreciate the endeavor undertaken by the youth
• Conclude and thank the audience for being receptive and patient.

Or
Debate on – “We have Indian body but European psyche and soul.”
• Address the gathering
• Introduce yourself and state your stand
• Presentation of the arguments- So called Indians
• Flaunt Indianness- emulate Western way of life blindly

284 Question Bank – English - XII

• Fashion, food habits,
• Unrestricted lifestyle
• Daring, detached, uninhibited thinking
• Getting deatched from the roots
• Losing morals and values
• Pick up bad habits fast
• COUNTER- way to progression
• To get rid of useless dogmas
• Change with the changing times
• Learn new- advancement
• Economic independence-liberal thinking
• Forges new bonds-economic security
• Balance is the key

Question Bank – English - XII 285

Sample Paper-II (Solved)

Time : 3Hrs. M.M.:100

Section A (Reading) (30)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 12

1. From the ramparts of the Red Fort for some years now, our
Prime Ministers have been promising the eradication of child
labour in hazardous industries. The truth is, if the government
really wanted, child labour could have been eliminated long
time ago; and yes, every Indian child would have been in school.

2. The government has failed to eliminate the dehumanisation
of childhood. It has also failed to launch compulsory primary
education for all, despite the rhetoric. Between 60 and 100
million children are still at work instead of going to school and
around 10 million working in hazardous industries. India has
the biggest child population of 380 million in the world, plus
the largest number of children who are forced to earn a living.

3. We have many laws that ban child labor in dangerous work conditions. According to the Child Labour
(Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, the employment of children (below the age of 14) has been
strictly banned. But each state has different rules regarding the minimum age of employment; this makes
implementation of these laws difficult.

4. Also there is no ban on child labour in non hazardous occupations. The Act applies to the organised factory
sector and not to the unorganised or informal sector where most children find employment as cleaners,
servants, porters, waiters among other forms of unskilled work. Thus, child labour continues because the
implementation of the existing laws is tax.

5. There are industries which have a ‘special’ demand for child labour because of their nimble fingers, high
level of concentration and capacity to work hard at abysmally low wages. The carpet industry in UP and
Kashmir employs children to make hand knitted carpets. And there are 80,000 child workers in J & K
alone. In Kashmir, because of the political unrest, children are forced to work while many schools are shut.
Industries like gem cutting and polishing, pottery and glass want to remain competitive by employing
children.

6. The truth is that it’s poverty which is pushing children into the brutish labor market. We have 260 million
people below poverty line in India; a large number of them are women. Poor, vulnerable parents, especially
women headed families, have no option but to push their little ones in this hard in hostile conditions, with
no human or labour rights.

7. There is a lobby which argues that there is nothing wrong with children working as long as the environment
for work is conducive for learning new skills. But studies have shown that children are made to do boring,
repetive and tedious jobs and are not taught new skills as they grow older.

8. Children working in hazardous industries are prone to debilitating diseases which can cripple them for life.
By sitting in cramped, damp, unhygienic spaces, their limbs become deformed for life. Inside matchstick,

286 Question Bank – English - XII

firework and glass industries, they are victims of bronchial diseases and TB. Their mental and physical
development is permanently impaired by long hours of work. Once trapped, they can’t get out of the
vicious circle of poverty. They remain uneducated and powerless. Finally, in later years, they too are
compelled to send their own children to work. Child labour perpetuates its own nightmare.
9. If the government was serious about granting children their rights, an intensive effort ought to have
been made to implement the Supreme Court’s directive of 1997 which laid down punitive action against
employers of child labour (1, 20,200 per child to be paid by offending employers). Only compulsory
primary education can eliminate child labour.
10. Surely, if 380 million children are given a better life and elementary education, India’s human capital would
be greatly enhanced. But that needs, as President Abdul Kalam said, “a second vision”. Can our political
establishment see beyond the haze of shallow realpolitik?
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions with the help of the
given options :

1x4
(a) Child labour can be eliminated if :

(i) Compulsory primary education is given to the poor.
(ii) Industries are abolished.
(iii) Work conditions are improved.
(iv) The poor children are sent behind the bars.
(b) Poverty :
(i) Enhances creativity.
(ii) Encourages child labour.
(iii) Kills people.
(iv) Humiliates human beings.
(c) Human capital may be greatly enhanced :
(i) If child labour is abolished.
(ii) If children are given employment.
(iii) If children are educated.
(iv) All of these.
(d) Children working in hazardous industries are prone to :
(i) Bronchial diseases.
(ii) TB
(iii) Mental and physical impairment.
(iv) All of these.

Question Bank – English - XII 287

1.2 Answer the following questions briefly : 1x6

(a) On what two counts has the government failed in respect of children?
(b) “We have many laws that ban child labour,” even then child labour continue. What makes
implementation of laws difficult?
(c) What forces the children to work in ‘hazardous’ industries? Why do the industries prefer child labour?
(d) What are the adverse effects of ‘hazardous’ industries on children? Give any two.
(e) How can India’s human capital be vastly enhanced?
(f ) How is poverty responsible for child labour?
1.3 Find words in the passage similar in meaning as : 1x2

(a) complete destruction (Para 1) 10
(b) putting into practice (Para 3)
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

1. Rarely have homemakers found a place in India’s policy. But an Innovative scheme in Goa’s budget
introducing a grant for them, thereby officially acknowledging their invaluable contribution, could change
all that. The scheme, likely to be rolled out by July, proposes to give 1, 000 per month to all homemakers
with annual house hold income below 3 lakh, benefiting some 1.25 lakh families. “Homemakers are
finding it difficult to manage households in these times of inflation. This is meant to empower them,” says
an official of the Women and Child Development Ministry.

2. Bicholim-based Nutan Sakalkar, a homemaker, is overjoyed at the prospect of getting some money of her
own. “We get scant respect in our society,” she says. “Working women are often absolved of household
responsibilities, but no one gives a thought for the work we put in 24X7.” She feels the grant will bring
back her sense of independence. “Though he never refuses, I feel guilty asking my husband for money.”

3. The role of homemakers has been a contentious issue since the ‘70s. Can their contribution be regarded as
work? Does it warrant monetary compensation? While this is perhaps the first time a government scheme
has directly targeted homemakers, the struggle to bring them true dignity is a long way off.

4. “The profits of society today are subsidised by the unpaid work of women all over the country. Not only do
they form the core economy but they produce the workers of tomorrow,” says economist Vibhuti Patel of
Mumbai’s SNDT Women’s University. Agrant, she believes, would merely help some of them move from
starvation to subsistence. But what they should be given is a direct stake in their husband’s pay cheques,
she feels.

5. Madhu Kishwar, editor of women’s journal ‘Manushi’, too, doesn’t
believe doles can help empowerment. “Why should the government
pay homemakers? I would consider it an insult. Women are the
Gruha Lakshmis and should be treated as equals and given the charge
of household’s finances,” she says. The struggle for gender equality is
reflected in the National Family Health Survey III (2005-06). Not
only are fewer women counted in the workforce as compared to
men (some 43% of married women in the 15-49 age group were
employed as compared to 99% men), but one in four didn’t receive
any payment as compared to 1 in 20 men.

6. The crisis of dignity isn’t restricted to India alone. In April, there was
an outcry against Democratic strategist Hillary Rosen’s comments

288 Question Bank – English - XII

she had “never worked a day in her life”. Romney is a stay-at-home mum of five children. Rosen’s comments
went viral with many on Twitter protesting, forcing an apology from her. Even Michelle Obama tweeted,
“Every mother works hard, and every woman deserves to be respected.”

7. The Goa model is one among many social experiments underway globally, Venezuela recognises housework
as ‘work’ under its constitution and pays homemakers 80% of minimum wages. Whether such initiatives
will bring respect to housework waits to be seen.

2.1 Choose the most appropriate option : (1x2=2)

(a) What does Madhu Kishwar suggest ?

(i) Women are superior to men.

(ii) Women should be treated as equal to men.

(iii) The government should pay to the women.

(iv) Women should not be burdened with the charge of household finances.

(b) Why was Rosen asked to offer an apology when she commented on Republican candidate Mitt
Romney’s wife ?
(i) As she had questioned her status to be an ambassador on women issues.

(ii) Considered her a misfit for she had never worked a day in her life.

(iii) She had raised questions over her dignity.

(iv) She did not want Romney to be a – stay at home mum.

2.2 Answer the following questions briefly : (1x6=6)

(i) Which innovative scheme did Goa’s budget introduce recently?

(ii) What does the scheme intend to ?

(iii) What do the housewives from Bicholim think of working women ?

(iv) What does Vibhuti Patel of SNDT Women’s University advocate for home makers?

(v) How has Venezuela recognized ‘housework’ ?

2.3 Find out the words from the passage which mean same as the following : (1x2=2)

(a) new/changed (para 1)

(b) a means of surviving (para 4)

Q.3 Read the passage given below and answer the questions the follow :
8

1. In a very short period of time, the internet has had a profound impact
on the way we live. Since the internet was made operational in 1983, it
has lowered both the costs of communication and the barriers to creative
expression. It has challenged old business models and enabled new ones.
It has provided access to information on a scale never before achievable.

Question Bank – English - XII 289

2. It succeeded because we designed it to be flexible and open. These two features have allowed it to accommodate
innovation without massive changes to its infrastructure. An open, borderless and standardized platform
means that barriers to entry are low, competition is high, interoperability is assured and innovation is rapid.

3. The beauty of open platform is that there are no gatekeepers. For centuries, access to and creation of
information was controlled by the few. The internet has changed that – and is rapidly becoming the
platform for everyone, by everyone.

4. Of course, it still has a way to go. Today there are only about 2.3 billion internet users, representing roughly
30% of the world’s population. Much of the information that they can access online is in English, but this
is changing rapidly. The technological progress of the internet has also set social change in motion. As with
other enabling inventions before it, from thye telegraph to television, some will worry about the effects of
broader access to information- the printing press and the rise in literacy that it affected were, after all, long
seen as destabilishing. Similar concerns about the internet are occasionally raised, but if we take a long view,
I am confident that its benefits far outweigh the discomforts of learning to integrate it into our lives. The
internet and the world wide web are what they are because literally millions of people have made it so. It
is a grand collaboration.

5. It would be foolish not to acknowledge that the openness of the internet has had a price. Security is an
increasingly important issue and cannot be ignored. If there is an area of vital research and development for
the internet, this is one of them. I am increasingly confident, however that techniques and practices exist
to make the internet safer and more secure while retaining its essentially open quality.

6. After working on the internet and its predecessors for over four decades. I’m more optimistic about its
promise than I have ever been. We are all free to innovate on the net every day. The internet is a tool of the
people, built by the people for the people and it must stay that way.

3.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using recognizable abbreviations
(minimum 4-6) wherever necessary. Use a format you consider appropriate. Supply a suitable title. (5)

3.2 Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.(3)

Section – ‘B’ (Advanced Writing Skills) M.M.30

4. You are trained Software Engineer on the look for a decent job in a multi-national company. Draft an
advertisement for a national daily. Furnish the necessary details about yourself. You are Manish/ Manisha
Jain. 4

Or

You are Sahil Batra, Head Boy, Bal Bhawan Academy, New Delhi. The Academy is celebrating its 25 years
and wishes to invite all ex-students on the occasion. Write a letter of invitation to be sent to the alumni.

5. You are keen to finance your higher studies abroad. Write a letter to the manager of a reputed bank
requesting for all the formalities required to process the education loan to finance your studies abroad. Also
enquire about the extent, duration and other terms and conditions. You are Sudhir Gupta. 6

Or

Dheeraj Mehta, sports-in-Charge, St. Xavier Public School, Palam Vihar, New Delhi, had placed an order
for sports equipments for the school. However, Gulshan Sports and Toys, Delhi, has not been able to keep
the date of delivery. Write a letter on behalf of Dheeraj to cancel the order.

290 Question Bank – English - XII

6. You think differently from the way your parents think about food, clothing and lifestyle. Write an article
on “Generation Gap- A Myth or Reality in 150-200 words. You are Hema/ Hemant Gupta. 10

Or

They may have stood the test of time but there is a growing demand for the need to protect the country’s
monuments. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine on how we can conserve
our built heritage. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.

7. Although students have been using cell phones consistently in their daily lives for almosty a decade, schools
continue to resist allowing the devices into the classroom. Schools generally grapple with new technologies,
but cell phones’ reputation as a nuisance and a distraction has been hard to dislodge. Using information
given below prepare a speech in about 150-200 words in favour of or against the cell phone being allowed
in schools.

• Critics believe that allowing these devices will only encourage their non-educational use in school

• They will be a significant distraction for teachers and students

• A potential tool for cheating

• Could foster cyberbullying

• But on the other hand BYOD-Bring Your Own Device is gaining momentum as a learning tool, not
just a toy for entertainment.

• Can be cost effective for the school instead of having to purchase technology for students.

• Many educators believe that banning any type of technology can foster inequality

• Schools can develop rules for how students physically handle the device in the classroom.

Or

It is a toss-up between Class X boards & CCE. The board exams were once considered a rite a passage but
with the introduction of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation, (CCE), students have greater
choice. Write a speech in about 150-200 words in favour of or against the topic giving reasons for your
stand.

• The CCE allows students to study select portions of the year’s syllabus for the examination.

• Stress free and comprehensive

• Encourages project work more than rote learning

• Board exams have a standardized system of evaluation

• Board exams cater to the competitive spirit in students

• Board exams provide an equal platform for students from all strata of schools.

Or

…… the stunted unlucky heir

Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease

His lesson from his desk. At the back of the dim clasas

Question Bank – English - XII 291

One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream

Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than this.

(a) Why is the child unnoted?

(b) What dreams does the child have in his eyes?

(c) What does the dim class signify?

(d) Who is the unlucky heir and why?

9 . Answer any four of the following questions in about 30-40 words each : (3x4=12)

(a) How is Jack’s childhood interwoven in the story of the stinky Skunk ?

(b) What is the connection between the bulletins of the war office and the new born Tiger King’s claim?

(c) How did Gandhi manage the working of the Ashram at Ahmedabad while he was at Champaran?

(d) How did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school change?

(e) What are some of the reasons for the migration of people from villages to cities? (Lost Spring)

(f ) What were the Governor’s misgivings regarding the exam? How did he put his fears to rest?

10 . Answer the following in 120-150 words :

Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala Sa’s
experience depict ? What are their responses to their respective situations ?

Or

What made Jack feel caught in an ugly middle position?

11. Answer the following in 120- 150 words :

Sophie’s fantasies and hero worship are representative of the contemporary youth. How safe is it to indulge
in fantasising and hero worship?

Or

Discuss in 100 words what lessons in leadership do you learn from Gandhi’s fight for the peasants of
Champaran?

12. The Jewish landlord and the woman with the cat contributed significantly to the end of the story. Comment.

13. Griffin is a model of Science without humanity. Justify with reference to the Inivisible Man.

292 Question Bank – English - XII

Marking Scheme

Second Term Examination 2015-16
Class-XII-English

Q1. A (1X12= 12M)
(a) i- compulsory primary education is given to the poor
(b) ii- encourages child labor
(c) iv- all of the above
(d) ii- all of the above
b. (a) eradication of child labor in hazardous industry & providing schooling to every Indian Child

(b) each state has different rules regarding the minimum age of employment- and the act does not apply
to unorganized or informal sector.

(c) Poverty is the main cause of child labor- 260 million people exist below poverty line in india.
Child labor is preferred due to their nimble fingers, high level of concentration, capacity to work hard

at low wages
(d) children become prone to debilitating diseases, their limbs become deformed for life, become victims

of bronchial diseases and TB, their mental and physical development is permanently impaired, remain
uneducated and powerless (any two acceptable)
(e) by giving 380 million children a better quality of life and elementary education.
(f ) poverty forces parents to get their children employed so as they get three times meal.
b. (a) eradication
(b) implementation
Q2. A (1X10=10M)
(a) ii-women should be treated as equal to men
(b) i-as she had questioned her status to be an ambassador on women issues
(c) An innovative scheme in Goa’s budget has introduced a grant for homemakers, thereby officially
acknowledging their invaluable contribution.
(d) the sheme proposes to give Rs 1000 per month to all homemakers with annual household income
below Rs 3 lakh, benefitting some 1.25 lakh families.
(e) they are overjoyed at the prospect of getting some money of their own.
(f ) according to her, Grant would merely help them to move from starvation to subsistence, but they
should be given a direct stake in their husband’s pay cheques.
(g) Venezuela has recognized housework as ‘work’ under its constitution and pays homemakers 80% of
minimum wages.

Question Bank – English - XII 293

(h) the struggle for gender equality, not only are fewer women counted in the workforce as compared to
men, but one in four didn’t receive any payments as compared to 1 in 20 men.

B.
(a) Innovative
(b) Sussistence
Q3. Note Making (5+3= 8M)
Heading- 1 Mark
Notes- 2 Marks
Format – I Mark
Key- 1 Mark
Summary- 3 Marks
8marks

Q4. Invitation- (4m) Section-B Writing
Format-1 Or
Content-2
Expression-1

Poster (4m)
Format-1
Content-2
Expression- 1
Q5. Job Application- (6m)
Format- 1
Content-3
Expression-2
Matter of complaint
Format- 1
Content-3
Expression-2

294 Question Bank – English - XII

Q6. Article- (10M)
Format- 1
Content-5
Expression-4
Q7. Speech/Debate- (10M)
Format- 1
Content-5
Expression-4

Section C- Literature and Long Reading Text
Q8. ( 4 marks)

I. since the tigers were created by Aunt Jennifer- they manifest her emotions- belong to her
II. Fierce, energetic and fearless spirit of the men in patriarchal set up
III. Do not fear the hunters or poachers- are created fearless by Aunt Jennifer, represent male domination

in the society
IV. Inhaitants of the forest- rule the world of green- exhibit power

Or
i. In the dim and dull class-sits at the back-is unnoticed by others-isignificant presence
ii. To experience and enjoy the carefree and lively life of squirrel- to live a life of cheerfulness with no

burden at all
iii. Dull and lifeless classroom-with no ray of hope or sunlight
iv. A pale diseased boy-has inherited his father’s genetic ailment- deformity of bones
Q.9. (4X3=12M)
I. Autobiographical insinuation- suffered humiliation in his childhood- obeyed his mother like Roger

Skunk- without protest-parents are always right- says’ telling her something true’- defended his own
mother through the story of skunk.
II. An infant born just ten days ago- enunciated-wished to know the manner of his death-chief astrologer
was stunned-infant’s question was factual and intelligent without any hypothesis unlike the war
bulletins- also a war bulletin reports what had already taken place- the infant was curious to know the
future.
III. Gandhi remained in Chamaparan for almost a year- during his stay kept a long distance watch on the
ashram sent regular instructions by mail and asked for financial accounts
IV. Franz was filled with remorse for having procrastinated the learning- regrets on taking his language
learning for granted- develops new found respect for M Hamel- forgets everything about his ruler
and cranky nature-feels for him, who is decked up for the last lesson- attends the class with full
concentration and patience- is heartbroken

Question Bank – English - XII 295

V. Natural calamities- many storms swept away their homes and fields, e.g Dhaka- look for (gold)
opportunities to work- have a better/comfortable living in cities-glamour of city lures them-lack of
schools and work in their native towns

VI. Feared possibility of some potential weapon in the cell- contents of Mc Leery’s suitcase- didn’t trust
Evans a bit- might take advantage of Mc Leery- get him to smuggle in a chisel or two, or a rope ladder.
He put his fears to rest by asking Jackson to frisk Mcleery and his suitcase thoroughly-reassured
himself of the security measures and by believing that ‘perhaps he was overdoing things’

Q10. Zitkala Sa-victim of racial discrimination/cultural invasion- Both the women belong to the marginalized
communities. Zitkala-Sa was a Native American- was taken away from her mother forcibly because the
white people wanted the native Indians to adopt their culture- revolted the way the Indian girls were
forced to wear dresses considered immodest by them hair shingled- hid herself under a bed- could do
nothing when they took her, fought bravely, tied to a chair and cut off her hair. But her spirit could not be
suppressed- Bama was a low- caste girl- witnessed the upper caste people showing discrimination against
lower caste people- They could not touch food and other items of the upper caste people- Her spirit too
revolted against the injustice- felt terribly sad and agitated- could not understand this human treatment
since all are human beings and wanted honour for all. Her brother Anna told her that she could do away
with these indignities if she worked hard. Bama studied hard and stood first in her class. Many people
became her friends.

Or

Victim of a typical male psyche and rigid gender roles- caught in certain assumptions of the patriarchal
set up- difficult to break free from it- didn’t help his pregnant wife- never liked women who took things
for granted- liked them apprehensive, cliging on to his words- was not used to his authority being
questioned- changed the ending of the story- finds himself drained physically as well as emotionally- feels
trapped in the cage of marriage

Q11. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments- a victim of her own virtual world- gets pulled into her stories
and starts believing that it is true- her wild fantasies sadden her eventually- imagines meeting Danny
Casey, fixes the date-loses touch with the reality- remains unperturbed despite being disappointed-
hero worshipping can be really frustrating- one should not lose touch with the reality in order to avoid
disappointments aspirations of youth, dreams along with the pain of unfulfilled promises can shatter
their hopes forever- real heroes are larger than life- one should not emulate them blindly rather imbibe
good from them and work hard to become your own hero.
(6M)

Or

Detailed documentation and investigation by Gandhi-inspired lawyers-gathered support and trust from
poor sharecroppers-endowed them with courage and self reliance- triumph of Civil Disobidience- teaches
values like team spirit, leadership, courage, determination and self reliance- also one should be aware of
one’s rights- should never give up in the face of adversities and pressure- can achieve the impossible.

Q12. After robbing his father- Griffin took a room in London- experimented dilligently to find a formula to
be invisible- covered that in codes in three books-first experiment-white wool fabric- vanished soon-
he stood dumb with amazement-drugged the cat with difficultly- experiment failed as cat’s eyes and
claws did not disappear – it meowed- old woman came-suspected him- went away after much haggling-

296 Question Bank – English - XII

landlord threatened him to explain the reason behind his suspicious ways-knocked down by Griffins- for
the fear of being exposed- Griffins decided to become invisible- his reasoning was clouded by anger-
escaped after setting the house on fire- if the old couple hadn’t tried to kick him out- ending would have
been different- happy (6M)
Q13. Wells attacks the sense of alienation of modern man –Griffins, the headless youth of today-can go to
any extreme to fulfil his ambition-robbed his father-made him commit suicide-remains unaffected- no
qualms over his evil actions-destroys the peaceful functioning of the village-an anti social element-Wells
criticizes the modern man, always threatened to lose his identity-feels completely ignored in a big city-
Griffins describes the uncaring, unfeeling character of the big city-“….I had np refuge, no appliances,
and no human being in the world in whom I could confide…..” (6M)

Question Bank – English - XII 297

Sample Paper- 1 (Unsolved)

Time: 3 Hrs. Max. Marks: 100
General Instructions:

1) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2) Separate instructions are given with each section and question,’ wherever necessary. Read these instructions

very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Section ‘A’: Reading (30 Marks)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 12marks

1. The foremost target of the Internet has always been speedy communication and it has excelled way
beyond expectations. Newer innovations are only going to make it faster and more reliable. Now you
can communicate in a fraction of second with a person who is sitting in the other part of the world.
For more personal and interactive communication, you can avail the facilities of chat services, video
conferencing and so on. Besides, there are plenty of messenger services in offering. With the help of
such services, it has become very easy to establish a kind of global friendship where you can share your
thoughts and explore other cultures.

2. Information is probably the biggest advantage that the Internet offers. It is a virtual treasure trove
of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on Internet. The
search engines like Google, Yahoo etc. are at your service. These search engines provide you access to a
huge amount of information about every subject known to mart, ranging from government laws and
services, trade fairs, market information and technical support, the list is simply endless.

Students and children are among the top users who surf the internet for various purposes. Even
teachers have started given assignments that require extensive surfing on the Internet.

3. Entertainment is another aspect for which millions of people surf the Internet all across the globe. In
fact, the internet has become quite successful in trapping the multifaceted entertainment industry.
Downloading games and films or just surfing the celebrity websites are some of the uses people have
discovered. Even celebrities are using the Internet for promotional campaigns. Also online games such
as Candy Crush keep millions busy all over the word.

4. Nowadays, one cannot imagine an online life without Facebook or Twitter. Social networking, these
days, has become so popular amongst the people, especially the youth that it might one day replace
physical networking- Social networking has evolved as a great medium to connect with thousands
of people with similar tastes and interests. Apart from finding long-lost friends you can also look
for jobs, business opportunities etc. Besides, there are ‘chat rooms’ where users can meet new and
interesting people. Some of them may even end up finding their life partners.

298 Question Bank – English - XII

5. The concept of e-commerce is used for any type of commercial. maneuvering or business deals that
involves the transfer of information across the globe via the internet. It has become a phenomenon
associated with any kind of shopping, business deal etc. You name a service, and e-commerce with
its giant tentacles engulfing every single product and service will make it available at your doorstep.
Websites such as eBay allow you to even bid for homes, buy, sell or auction stuff online.

6. The Internet has made life very convenient. With numerous online services you can now perform
all your transactions online. You can book tickets for a movie or play, transfer funds, pay utility-
electricity., water bills, taxes etc., right from your home. Some travel websites even plan an itinerary as
per your preferences and take care of airline tickets, hotel reservations etc. Introduction of volunteers
guides, relaunching of museum’s website etc. have made travelling more educative and fun filled.

1.1. Answer the following questions by selecting the most appropriate option from those given in the
question: 1x4 = 4

(i) The passage expresses the possibility that............. due to the use of the Internet.

(a) physical networking will vanish

(b) children will stop going to school

(c) people will stop going to cinema halls/theatres

(d) small shopkeepers will lose their livelihood

(ii) Search engines provide us ………................

(a) better communication

(b) faster speed

(c) information

(d) all of these

(iii) The passage does NOT suggest that the Internet............................

(a) has become quite useful to us

(b) helps us find life partners/friends

(c) saves a lot of money

(d) helps buyers as well as sellers

(iv) Besides chat services, video conferencing ……………. has/have helped in establishing global friend
ships and exploring other countries.

(a) messenger services
(b) communication
(c) speedy communication
(d) information