English Class-XII

Question Bank – English - XII 49

Circular Writing (4 Marks)

Points To Remember

1. Write the circular in a box.
2. Adhere to the given word limit.
3. Follow the specified format.

Format

• Name of the institution on top.
• Date on left hand corner.
• Reference no.
• Subject.
• Salutation.
• Contents.
• Signature with post & name.

Solved Example

1. Some students of class XII are falling short of the mandatory 75% attendance. Write a circular to the
parents informing them of the same. (50 words)

Ans:

AB/4/15 D.G. Senior Secondary School
30th June 2018 New Delhi
Short Attendance Circular

Dear Parent

This is to inform you that your ward, Rahul Singh of class XII A is falling short of the mandatory
75% attendance required to appear in the board examination. His attendance as of now is 68%.

Kindly see to it that he attends the school regularly from now on.

Signature
Ritu Kumar
Vice Principal

50 Question Bank – English - XII

Questions For Practice

1. Write a circular regarding a the Parent-Teacher Meeting of your school to discuss ways & means to improve
the students’ performance.

2. Write a circular informing the parents about the change in the school timing. You are the Head-Mistress of
Mount Carmel School, New Delhi

3. Write a circular informing the parents about an Educational Exchange programme being organized by the
school

4. There has been a devastating earthquake in Central India. Draft a circular requesting parents to send
contributions in cash or kind for the victims.

Question Bank – English - XII 51

Posters (4 Marks)

Points to Remember

Posters generally spread a social message to create awareness about an issue or an event of common interest.

• Highlight the main topic of the poster by writing it in bold and capital letters in order to draw attention.

• Include all the important details like:

What: Event
When: Date and Time
Where: Venue

• Write within a box. Name of the agency responsible for release of the poster.

• Maintain the prescribed word limit of 50 words.

• Use persuasive language, catchy phrases and slogans according to the situation.

• Can use graphics, varying font size, shape.

• Can make letters light or dark to create the requisite effect.

• Posters are designed with a view to providing wider publicity to an idea or a message using different
strategies to attract people concerned.

• Not used for commercial purposes

• Used by various departments of State or Central government, for highlighting policies, laws, new schemes
and announcements in public interest.

• Health Department issues, to caution people against various diseases such as Aids, Dengue, Bird Flu, etc.

• Department of Police issues, warnings, to people violating rules and anti-social elements, etc.

• Department of Environment against deforestation, air/water pollution, hunting of wild animals.

• Department of Social justice – discriminatory attitude towards the female child.

• No colours to be used

Common Errors

• Students often forget to write the name of the issuing authority.
• Students often spend a long time decorating the poster and often forget to include important information.
• Not drafted in a box
• Heading missing or inappropriate to content
• Organisers or sponsors name missing
• Use colours
• Incomplete content

52 Question Bank – English - XII
• Usage of sentences instead of slogans, jingles or catchy phrases
• ‘Issued in Public Interest’ not written in case of a social issue
• Universal font and characters

Sample Poster

You are the school librarian. You have been asked to design a poster in not more than 50 words about the
availability of books on various subjects in the school library.

Marking Scheme

Format-1
Content-2
Expression-1

Questions

1. During the rainy season, there is an increase in the cases of stomach & bowel diseases. Prepare a poster to
be issued by the Health Department suggesting ways on how we can prevent these diseases.

2. A ‘Check Vehicular Pollution’ campaign is being organized in your city. Draft a poster to be used in this
campaign.

Question Bank – English - XII 53

3. The Dramatics Club in Mumbai is organizing a Carnival in October. Design a catchy poster for the same.
4. A Star Nite is being held in your city. A number of filmstars personalities will take part in it. The Nite

is being organized in aid of victims of communal violence. Draft a poster asking people to come in large
numbers to contribute for the noble cause. Also mention how the proceeds will be used.
5. Your school Shraddha Vidyalaya is organizing a cultural evening to collect funds for slum children. The
Human Resource Development Minister has consented to be chief guest. Draft a poster to be displayed in
different areas of your locality. You are the cultural secretary of your school.

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)
1. Your school is organizing a poster designing competition on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan. Design a poster high-

lighting the importance of ‘Education for All’. You are Neeraj/Neerja of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya,Timarpur.
2. You are Nitin/Neha of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lucknow. Draft a poster to make the society aware of the

declining ratio of girls i.e to ‘Save Girl Child’.
3. Design a poster to promote computer education.
4. Your locality has started a Reader’s Club for the benefit of the children of the locatlity. Prepare a suitable

poster for display in the colony.

54 Question Bank – English - XII

Advertisements (4 Marks)

An advertisement is a kind of public notice asking for or offering services, buying and selling property, goods or
giving information about missing persons, pets etc.
Advertisements can be classified into two types:

i. Classified
ii. Commercial

Important Points for Classified Advertisement:

• Write in a box.
• Write Classified outside the box.
• Heading in the centre, top, inside the box eg. Matrimonial, Situation Vacant etc.
• The first word has to be in CAPITAL and BOLD eg. ALLIANCE invited for slim, attractive….
• Use only phrases and not sentences.
• Avoid using articles/ prepositions.
• Clarity of content, brevity of language and proper contact number and address to be given.
• Word limit – 50 words.
Important Points for Commercial Advertisement:

• Drafted in a box.
• Category outside the box.
• Heading appropriate to content inside the box.
• Details of the product/ event/ educational course/special discount etc.
• Where, when, how etc. depending on content to be specified.
• Varying font size or shape.
• Language catchy and lucid, using slogans, punch lines, witty expressions.
• Contact address of the company/ institute etc.
• Word limit – 50 words.
• Bullets to highlight the content
Common Errors in a Commercial Advertisements:

• Using visuals to highlight the content.

• Giving incomplete details of product, contact address, etc. or details of the event.

• Writing in paragraph form.

• Not using different fonts to highlight content.

• Exceeding word limit.

Common Errors while drafting Classified Advertisements:
• Drafting the advertisement without a box.

• Not giving a heading either inside or outside the box.

• Not writing the first word in bold and capital letters.

• Using sentences in place of phrases

• Not writing classified outside the box.

Marking Scheme: Question Bank – English - XII 55

Format: 1 Mark (4 Marks)
Content and expression: 2 + 1 = 3

Sample: Situation Vacant/Wanted

Main Characteristics

• Begin with WANTED/REQUIRED
• Name of the post
• Name of the Company/Institution
• Post and no. of vacancies
• Age and sex of the candidate
• Qualifications and experience
• Other details (optional)
• Pay scale and perks
• Mode of applying
• Contact address and telephone no.

Situation Vacant

WANTED sales executives, male, for a reputed advertising agency, having excellent command over
English and proficient in computer. Candidates aged 25-30 years with minimum experience of 2
yrs will be preferred. Send complete bio-data to: Director, Star Communications, 14 Silver Arcade,
Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110054 or e-mail to [email protected].

56 Question Bank – English - XII

SAMPLE: Commercial Advertisement:

Sale
Last 3 Days

Furnishings that bring joy in your life…

• Upholstery Fabrics – Curtains
• Carpets
• Bed Sheets - Mattresses
• Towels
• Cushions
• Table Linen and many more

At

Jagdish Store

39 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar – III, New Delhi. Ph.: 26843206
Ph.: 26843206, 2684322

Question Bank – English - XII 57

Questions Classified Advertisement:

1. You want to sell your car as you are going abroad. You are Harish a resident of No. 10 Kailash
Ganj, Lucknow. Draft a suitable advertisement to be published in The Hindustan Times giving all the
necessary details of your car.

2. You are Sumit/Rajan Singh running a telephone booth in Central Market, Meerut. Insert a suitable
advertisement for a telephone operator in the classified columns of The Indian Express offering suitable
remuneration.

3. You are the General Manager of Brakes and Brakes India Ltd. You want to appoint two sales
representatives for your company. Give an advertisement to be published in the classified column of a
local daily in about 50 words.

4. You want to let out a portion of your newly constructed house with all the facilities in a posh area.
Draft a suitable advertisement to be published in the TO LET column of the Indian Express, New
Delhi.

5. You plan to sell your flat located in a prime colony of the city. Draft a suitable advertisement in not
more than 50 words to be inserted in the classified columns of The Times of India giving the relevant
details. You are Neeraj/Neerja, 28 Gopal Nagar, New Delhi.

6. You are looking for a suitable bridegroom for your convent educated, beautiful sister, who is an
engineer. Prepare a suitable advertisement to be published under matrimonial column in a newspaper.

7. You are Abhinav/Archita of 46 New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. You wish to sell your personal
computer. Draft an advertisement for the classified section of your newspaper under the column
marked FOR SALE. Include relevant details like brand name, year of purchase, specifications, price
expected and contact address.

8. You have found a mobile phone in a park in your colony. Draft an advertisement to be published in a
local daily under the column LOST and FOUND.

9. You are Sanjay Choudhary. You wish to sell your industrial plot situated in Udyog Vihar, Phase IV,
Gurgaon. Draft an advertisement for the same for the classified column of the newspaper.

10. You are Sunil/Sangeeta. You are a trained guitarist. You would like to give guitar lessons in your free
time in the evenings to young learners. Draft a suitable advertisement for the classified columns of a
local daily.

Questions Commercial Advertisements:

1. You have opened a new, well-equipped gym in the basement of your house. Draft an advertisement for
the same in about 50 words.

2. A new play school for toddlers has opened in your locality. Draft an advertisement on behalf of the
Principal highlighting the features of the school.

3. Woodland is organizing its annual clearance sale of footwear and apparels in Hotel Janpath. Draft an
advertisement on behalf of the company.

4. You are the Manager of Himalaya Publications, Kashmere Gate, Delhi. Draft an advertisement for
book fair that your publishing house is going to organize next week.

5. Your brother is opening a sports shop in Delhi Cantt. Area. Draft a suitable advertisement to help him
in the publicity of his showroom.

58 Question Bank – English - XII

Invitations (4 Marks)

50 Words – 4 Marks

Break-up of Marks

F–1
C–2
E–1
I) Formal Invitation/Formal Replies

• To be written in a box.
• To be written in third person No abbreviations to be used
• Generally simple present tense is used
• No signature of the writer
• Each entry in a separate line
Example

(a) The name of the person who is/are inviting
(b) Formal expressions like ‘request the pleasure of your company’.
(c) Time and date of event
(d) Purpose and occasion of invitation
• In RSVP – address & telephone no. is given, at which the invitee may contact for any queries
• In official invitations, time by which the guests are to be seated, name of the chief guest, programme
may be given.
• Valid for one/two can only be given at the end, in case the number of the invitees is to be limited.

Formal Replies: Acceptance/Refusal

Points to Remember
• Acknowledge the invitation
• Use third person
• Not to be signed at the end
• When accepting confirm date & time, venue need not be confirmed.
• If declining give reasons, convey your best wishes for the function.
• Give date & address at top left hand corner.

II) Informal Invitation
Points to Remember

• Use first person – ‘I’, ‘We’ and ‘You’ avoid using ‘He’, ‘She’ and ‘They’.

• Do not write: Subject and receiver’s address.
• Write in warm and personalized style
• Avoid writing unnecessary details.
• Begin with ‘Dear …………….(name)’.

Question Bank – English - XII 59

Common Errors

• Informal invitations:
• Not framed within a box
• The heading ‘Informal Invitation’ not given outside the box
• Too informal
• Incomplete details of event
• Concluding statement not given

• Formal Invitations:
• Not framed within a box
• Heading - Formal Invitations not given outside the box
• Written in paragraph form instead of a card format
• Not written in third person.
• Each main point in different lines, with different fonts and character of letters not given.
• Incomplete details like R.S.V.P and program highlights
• Incomplete designation of Chief Guest.
• Special instruction like - Card admits 2 only or Kindly be seated by, etc

I) Sample Formal Invitation

Name of The Person/Persons Inviting
Occasion

Date And Day
Time
Venue

(Chief Guest……..For School Function Etc)

RSVP

60 Question Bank – English - XII

II) Sample Informal Invitation

12, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Delhi

20th June, 2018
Dear Ashraf
Would you like to join us with your family for dinner on Sunday, 26th June at 7 o’ clock at our

residence. We are organising a small get- together on the occasion of our twenty – fifth wedding
anniversary. Only close friends and relatives are invited. Hope to see you soon.
With warm regards,
Rajan Mohan

Practice Questions

1. You are Aakash/Varsha. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend’s sister during summer
vacation. Respond to the invitation, regretting your inability to attend it.

2. Write a letter of invitation to Mr. Bagga, a former teacher of your school, on the occasion of Teacher’s Day
as he is to be honoured for his meritorious services. You are Secretary Academic Activities.

3. You are Manas/Manasi. Write a reply accepting the invitation you got from Mudit/Mudita on his/her being
selected as a lecturer in English at Foreign University, Hyderabad.

4. On the occasion of Annual Day function in your school draft an invitation to invite the Chief Minister of
Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal.

5. You are Apoorva, the President of the Eco Club of your School. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to the
parents inviting them to participate in the plantation drive on “Earth Day”.

Question Bank – English - XII 61

Factual Description/Report Writing

Points to Remember (Newspaper Report)
• Give a heading
• Include all relevant information
• Newspaper report must have a headline, date, place, name of the reporter and name of the paper
• A magazine report follows the same format- date, place (not reqd.).

For Factual Description
• Be objective
• Presentation & organisation of details should be systematic and logical.
• Title and reporter’s name (Date and place — optional)
• Content should contain
• When
• Why
• Where
• What

Distribution of Marks
Format-1
Content-4
Expr-5

Value Points
• Robbery/Accident/Calamity/Disease outbreak/Civic problem
1. Catchy headlines — expansion of headline in the first sentence itself highlighting what/when/where
2. Give reason, if any/motive
3. Details in brief
4. Eyewitness account
5. Casualties, damage, etc -(if any)
6. Action taken

62 Question Bank – English - XII

7. Relief measures(if applicable)
8. Conclusions/comments

• Cultural/Sports events
1. Occasion/organizers/sponsor, etc.
2. Date, venue (time optional)
3. Chief guest/special invitees
4. Objectives and main highlights of the programme
5. Prize distribution/Annual Report, (if applicable)
6. Message by chief guest/dignitary
7. Vote of thanks
8. Overall response

• Competitions
1. Occasion/organizer
2. Date, venue, objective
3. Name of the competition, level, topic, if any, participation
4. Inaugural ceremony/welcome
5. Chief guests, judges etc.
6. Highlights related to performance, result, etc.
7. Prize distribution
8. Special remarks/address, (if any)
9. Vote of thanks

• Workshops/Seminars/Talk
1. What, by whom, for whom
2. Date, venue, duration, etc
3. Guest speakers, panel of exports, etc.
4. Chief guests, invitees, etc
5. Activities undertaken
6. Aids used - MMP, audio - visual, charts, documentary films, etc.

Question Bank – English - XII 63

7. Literary or field activities, (if any)
8. Interactive session including question — answer round, (if any)
9. Expert’s comments
10. Vote of thanks
11. Overall effect

• Rally/Drive/Campaign
1. What, by whom
2. Duration, venue or places covered
3. Objective, motto (if any)
4. Activities undertaken
5. Any displays/educational material used, e.g., placard, banner, pamphlet, etc.
6. Special remarks by a dignitary/Chief Guest, etc
7. Overall success

• Camp/Visit/Exhibitions, etc
1. Place, destination, etc
2. Organiser, sponsor (if any)
3. Duration, date, etc. -
4. Number of persons/visitors, etc
5. Description as applicable
i. Theme of exhibition, type/ range etc/quality of exhibits
ii. Places of sightseeing, food, scenic beauty, etc
iii. Purpose and nature of camp, activities undertaken
6. Overall response
Note: Use of colourful language enhances the effect of this type of report.

Value Points - Factual Description
i. Description of Places
Purpose - Travel, brochure/guide; article; geography lesson to a friend
1. Spatial description in all its vividness so that it is easy to visualise as - location, features, special qualities,

64 Question Bank – English - XII

food, recreational activities/spot, local people, art and craft, language etc.
2. Language can be rich and figurative with the use of colourful adjectives, verbs and phrases.
3. However, be selective. Don’t give any unrelated details in a paragraph.

ii. Description of Persons
Purpose - Help the police trace a criminal/missing person; character in a story/novel; a personality;
obituary; short synopsis of an author’s biographical details etc.
1. Topic sentence
2. General details like name, age, etc.
3. Physical appearance
4. Personality traits/special qualities/interests/beliefs
5. Any memorable incident/happening in brief
6. Conclusion

iii. Description of Objects
Purpose: advertise a product; user’s manual; stolen goods; to a friend etc.
1. Topic sentence
2. External features/look, colour, design, texture, material
3. Finer internal details - machinery, special benefits etc.
4. Functioning/durability/cost etc.
5. How it is used

iv. Process Description
Purpose: Scientific experiments, recipes, natural phenomena etc.
1. Aim/purpose.
2. Step — wise details connected with appropriate sentence linkers.
3. Introduce variety of verbs, both in active and passive voice, to mark different stages in the process.

Common Errors in Report Writing/ Factual Description
1. Students, sometimes, do not write objectively.
2. Do not adhere to the format of a report. Eg: Beginning with when, where, what, why and then continuing

with the detail report in the following paragraph.

Question Bank – English - XII 65

3. While trying to keep to the passive form they mix-up verb forms.
4. They tend to exceed the word limit.
5. For factual descriptions they fail to write details, consequently they get stumped not knowing what more

to describe.
Practice Questions
1) Your school celebrated a ‘Green week’ in which a number of programmes including the plantation of trees,

guest lectures on environment. ‘Nukkad Nataks’ etc were organized. Write a report in about 150 — 200
words for a national daily for creating awareness. You are Roshan/Rachna, Secretary Youth Club of your
School.
2) Your school got its computer using constructed with generous grants from the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
It was inaugurated by the Chairman, C.B.S.E. Write a report for publication in the school magazine. You
are President of the Student Council. (150–200 words)
3) *You are Archit/Arushi working as a reporter of a National Daily posted at Nehru Place, New Delhi. You
are an eyewitness to the collapse of Delhi Metro Bridge pillars, Near Kailash Colony in South Delhi. Write
a report in about 150-200 words for your newspaper giving all the details of loss and damage to life and
property and rescue operations.
4) You have been a witness to the burglary in your block and have seen the two men fleeing the scene. Attempt
a factual description of the two men in not more than 150-200 words.

66 Question Bank – English - XII

Magazine Report

Value Points:

Format

Heading

By (name of writer)

Body of report

The heading should explain the topic in brief

Body contains 3 paragraphs:

• Introduction: Introduce the topic briefly

• Elaboration: The details of the incident, series of incidents, the topic of discourse, etc are given
along with causes, effects, problems, solutions, etc.

• Conclusion: Review the topic briefly and can end with prediction of future events, an appeal,
a threatening fact, a call for action or a warning.

Word limit: 150 words. (10 marks)

1. Since the magazine report comes in a periodical, it can cover one event or a series of events,
along with their effects, repercussions, any responsive action taken, etc.

2. Though the place is mentioned, no dates are mentioned, because if the magazine is published
a few weeks later or quarterly, the news will seem stale.

Sample Question
Write a Report for The Global Times newspaper on the topic – ‘Importance of Reading Habit for Overall
Development.’
1. Your recentrly attended a workshop on creative writing that was conducted by Scholastic India Ltd. Write a

report in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details. You are Akshay/Akshita of Graham
Public School, Indore. (10 marks)

Ans.

Report on Creative Writing by Scholastic India

– by Akshay
A workshop on creative writing was conducted by Scholastic India, on 21st of April, Monday, at the

Activity. Centre of Neerja Block. The purpose of the workshop was to improve writing skills of students.
Ms Anupriya, CBSE expert, Mr Mitra, author of English Textbooks, Mrs Ramachandran, from Scholastic
India, enlightened the students on creative writing.
The workshop commenced with the welcome address by the Principal. It was followed by with ice breaking
session, in which each student had to express briefly the qualities of the student sitting next to him. The
introductory session began with an address by Mr Anupriya. She apprised the students of the expectations

Question Bank – English - XII 67

of the examiner in a creative writing passage. The division of marks was also discussed. The second session
was conducted by Mr Mitra. Each studetn had to write in just 80 words describing an alien from outer
space. The papers were then picked up at random and handed over to students for grading. All those
marked ‘O’ were read out and discussed. He then gave some enlightening tips on creative writing. Mrs
Ramachandran’s session was the best as she showed a painting of abstract modern art and asked each
student to interpret. it. Funny interpretations, by some, made us all laugh: She condluded by saying that
creativity lies in being original and thinking out of the box.
The workshop ended with the Head of the English Department, of our school moving the vote of thanks.

2. As part of an Entrepreneurship project the commerce students of your school recently launched a product
called Oatlicious. The not only set up a company to produce the product but also designed its advrtising
and marketing strategy. Write a report in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of
the enterprise and its launch. You are Akshay/Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.

Ans.

Oatlicious

– by Akshita

The Commerce students of Graham Public School launched a product’Oatlicious’, an Entrepreneurship
project, on the 20th of September, 20......, with a lot of fanfare. The function to launch the product was
organised at the Auditorium of Commercial Centre. Mr Ratan Tata, the icon of Indian Industry graced the
occasion as the chief guest. CEO’s of renowned advertising agencies were also invited.

The launch began with the Principal’s address. In her 10 minutes address she highlighted the need for
out of the box thinking and inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship in the youth. It was followed by
a power point presentation by a group of five students specifying the speciality and uniqueness of the
product ‘Oatlicious’. The art students gave a presentation on the packaging designed by them. The art
work was appreciated by one and all. The auditorium was filled with the sound of claps applauding the
beautifully designed packet. A group of students then made a presentation on the strategy for advertising
and marketing of the product.

Oatilicious’ was then launched by Sri Ratan Tata. He applauded the efforts of the team and also offered to
fund the venture. The launch ended with a vote of thanks by the HOD Commerce Department. All the
students stood up as an expression of their gratitude to the teacher, the facilitator, who was the inspiration
behind the indigenous venture.

3. Last month, Adventure Club, Sunshine Public School, Rampur organised a trek around Corbett National
Park. During the eight-hour trek, the group lost its way but ultimately reached the starting point. On
return, you, Asim/Asha, the group leader made a report for the school magazine on the trek to the Principal.
Write his/her report in 150-200 words.

Ans. Trek to Corbett National Park

– Asim

A trek around Corbett National Park, for 25 students, with Mr Sharma as teacher escort, was organised by
the Adventure Club of Sunshine Public School, on 10th of October. At the beginning of the trek students
were instructed to carry a water bottle, some light snacks, first-aid box, sanitizer, hand towel, in a rucksack.

68 Question Bank – English - XII

They had been asked to carry their mobile phones also. The trek was of 8 hour duration and strted at sharp
7 a.m. The scenic beauty and the cool breeze made it all the more enjoyable but at one point the diverging
path confused us. After trekking for one hour or so we realised something was wrong because suddenly the
forest had become very dense and the tracks were not visible. It was decided to turn back. After one hour
we saw signs of the camp from where we had started. We rested for sometime and hired a local we saw signs
of the camp from where we had started. We rested for sometime and hired a local guy to guide us on the
trek. We could thus complete our trek and reached the final destination.

Report Writing
1. You are Rahul, the Head Boy of Creative Public School, Delhi. Recently your school hosted the

Regional Level CBSE Science Exhibition. Write a report of this event for your school newsletter
in about 150-200 words.
2. The International Book Fair was inaugurated by the Chairman of Children’s Book Trust, Dr.
Kumar. The theme this year was Illustrated Works of Children. You are Akshay/Akanksha a
class XII student of A.K International School Mathura. You visited the exhibition and were
impressed with the range of books on display.
Write a factual description in about 150-200 words.
3. You are Rama of Gandhi Sen. Sec. School, Kolkata. You visited a Science Exhibition organised
by the city schools recently. Write a brief report of 150-200 words for your school magazine on
what you saw, the exhibits you liked most and other special features of the exhibition.
4. You are Rama, studying in Sun Public School, Bangalore. Every year your school celebrates
the ‘World Health Day’ that falls on 7th April. Write a report of your school newsletter in 150
words on how the day was celebrated this year.
5. You are Ram/Rohini, a student of Sun Public School, Pune. Your school organised a visit to the
local museum. Write a brief report in 150-200 words for your school magazine on what you
saw, the exhibits you liked most and other special features of the museum.
6. You are Raghav/Raghavi of Bal Bharti School. A team of Educationist from Pakistan visited your
school as a part of a cultural exchange programme. Students of your school put up a cultural
show in their honour. Write a report in 200 words on the show for your school magazine.
7. Recently a cultural programme was arranged by your school with the help of the local artists of
the city for raising funds to help an association for blind people of your city. Write a magazine
report in not more than 200 words.
8. You are Krishna/Kritika. Attempt a factual description of a place of interest that you visited
recently in about 150-200 words. Mention its location, history and other special features.
9. Your school organized a Mini Sports festival for the special children of Amar Jyoti School,
Karkardooma to sensitize all towards the physically challenged. They were given prizes for their
performances and participation. As Head Boy of the school, write a report in 150-200 words
to be published in Hindustan Times. (NIE).

Question Bank – English - XII 69

10. Pooja is the secretary of the cultural club of ABC School, Sarojini Nagar. She is called to write
a report on Children’s Day celebrations in her school for the school magazine. Write this report
with all necessary details about the:

• Programme
• Chief guest
• Participation
(Word limit: 150-200 words)



70 Question Bank – English - XII

Report Writing (Newspaper Report)

Value Points: (10 marks)

• The headline must be catchy and brief – avoid use of articles, prepositions.

• Byline – you need to let the reader know who wrote it.

• Language used is formal.

• Passive voice is preferred.

• There should be logical development.

• Lead paragraph must have the day, date, and time. It usually answers the questions: Who? What?
Where? When? Why?

• Names(s) of the person/event etc the news is about.

• Details of the incident.

• Reasons for the occurrence of the incident – if relevant.

Common Mistakes Committed while Writing Reports
1. Errors in the format of the report.
2. Use of informal language and absence of factual details.
3. Word limit is not adhered to.
4. Confusion between newspaper reports and formal reports.

Remember to Use Simple, Clear, But Formal Language.

Include the following details in your report:

Event/Function Accidents

1. Factual details: • What happened
• Name/nature of event • Where, when, how
• Occasion • People/vehicles involved
• Organisers • Loss of life and property
• Date, time and venue • Details of rescue and relief operations
2. Sequence/details of the event • The accident scene
3. Details about Chief Guest/judges/ • Details of casualities – dead, injured,
participants hospitalised
4. Highlights of the event • Inquiry ordered(if required)
• Chief Guest’s message • Grants to victim’s kin/injured
• Vote of thanks (if required)
• Conclusion of the event • Comment by reporter/public opinion
• Comment(s) on the quality of the according to relevance
programme

Question Bank – English - XII 71

Sample Report:
Q1.T he birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev was observed with religious fervour and zeal all over

Ludhiana and in the surrounding villages and town today. You are Shivang/Shubam of “The
Tribune”. Write a report for publication in your newspaper in not more than 150 words on the
event.

Headline Gurpurab Celebrated with Fervour
Byline (Shivangi, Staff Reporter, The Tribune)
Place, Date
Introductory Ludhiana, November 30: Gurupurab, the birth anniversary
Paragraph of Guru Nanak Dev, was observed with religious fervour
and zeal throughout the city and in the surrounding villages
Further and towns today.
Details At Gurudwara Nanaksar, near Jagroan, which was tastefully
decorated with lights, devotees started thronging to take
a dip in the holy sarovar shortly after midnight. Hectic
activities started early in the morning in all gurudwaras of
the town as women devotees, cooked langar for all the visitors
to the gurudwara. The air was resonating with the rendition
of kirtan and shabad. Schools, government offices and some
private establishments in the city observed a holiday.

Sample: 2 Newspaper Report

150 FEARED DEAD IN BUILDING COLLAPSE BY ABC
Rohit, Staff Reporter, The Times of India

Mumbai: July 23
One hundred and fifty persons were feared dead when a six storey building in Andheri North collapsed
due to sudden jerks of an earthquake that rocked the city yesterday. Heavy downpour during the previous
week had inundated the whole area and made the soil damp and loose. This building houses two major
offices of leading industrial concerns such as Godrej and Ranbaxy besides providing shelter to hundred
and twenty families. On the night of the earthquake at least hundred only persons were sleeping inside
the building. The first tremors were felt at about 2.20 a.m. and some of the old and sick residents raised
a hue and cry and rushed out in the open. Hardly had their shouting subsided, when came the major
tremor which lasted for about fifty seconds. The western part of the building was severely damaged. The
fifth and the sixth storey collapsed, crushing the inmates under their debris.
Immediately after the earthquake, the civic administration sprung into action. Rescue operations were

72 Question Bank – English - XII

started in right earnest to provide timely help to the victims. The officers and men of the fire brigade
were assisted by young volunteers from various non- government organizations. Thirty injured persons
were rushed to hospital. Assistance of army was sought in rescue operations as considerable number of
people were feared to be trapped inside the debris. The state Chief Minister visited the site and assured
full co-operation.

1. Your school organized a cleanliness drive on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Students
took the responsibility of cleaning the classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, canteen area and
even the toilets. Write a report for your school magazine describing how the drive was organized
and how successful it was. You are Ashutosh/Asha of Class 11B. Your report should be of
150-200 words.

2. The Principal of your school invited a counsellor, an expert in psychology, to address the students
of Classes 11 and 12 on the problems faced by teenagers. He answered the questions asked
by students very satisfactorily. The event was held in the school auditorium. Write a report of
the event for publication in the school magazine in about 150-200 words. Sign the report as
Mohit/Manisha of 11C.

3. At the beginning of the academic year the new Prefects, House Captains, the Head Boy and the
Head Girl are given the oath of office in an “Investiture Ceremony.” It is a solemn occasion and
is celebrated in a dignified manner. The highlights of the ceremony are the speeches made by the
new Head Boy and Head Girl outlining their plans for the school and the student body. Write
a report of the event for your school magazine in about 150-200 words. Sign as Mohit/Meeta
of 11A.

4. You are Saurabh/Surbhi, reporter for The Times of India. Write a report on the ‘One Day
International Match’ held in Abu Dhabi between India and Pakistan for the benefit of the
earthquake victims of India and Pakistan. India won the match. Write the report for publication
in the newspaper in about (150-200) words. You are Akanksha/Akash.

5. The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee had a special progamme at the Rashtrapati Bhawan for
the brave children who won gallantry awards on the Republic Day. He held a dinner on the
lawns and met them individually. The children met several ministers and dignitaries. Write a
report for publication in your newspaper describing the event in about (150-200) words. You
are Mahesh/Mahima of Times of India.

6. Kapil Mathur watched a cricket match between India and New Zealand. He noted down the
following points in his diary for writing a report in about 150-200 words.
Date on which it was held–score–highlights of the game-man of the match–reaction of the
spectators–India wins the match.

Write a report on the match on behalf of Kapil Mathur based on the given points.



Question Bank – English - XII 73

Speech Writing (10 Marks)

Division of Marks
Format: 1 mark
Content: 4 marks
Expression: 5 marks

Points to Remember

• A speech conveys information to a large gathering of people.
• It is intended to convince people about the speaker’s point of view.
• It is intended to pass on a wide range of information.
• It is also intended to express an opinion or share an observation or point of view.

Value Points

• The speaker greets the Chief Guest and audience.
• The key idea of the speech should be catchy and arouse the interest of the audience.
• The content should contain supporting data to make the speech credible and interesting.
• The speech should reflect clarity of thought, accuracy of facts and a balanced view.
• Discuss the pros & cons of the issue in details.
• One side stance should be taken in a debate e.g. for or against.
• Consolidate all points in the conclusion which should be brief and must include ideas and personal

observations.
• Use language that is persuasive and powerful.
• Thank the audience formally.

Common Errors in Speech Writing:

1. Students make errors in the formal address of the opening paragraph.
2. Take one side stance as in a debate. Do not discuss the pros and cons of the issue in detail.
3. Common grammatical errors such as faulty sentence construction, spelling mistakes and punctuation.
4. Arguments presented are not convincing.
5. Supporting data may be missing such as examples and statistics.
6. The ending of the speech may be inconclusive.

74 Question Bank – English - XII

Questions 150-200 words (10 Marks)

Solved Sample

Ql. As a result of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity among children is on the rise. As Gaurav Goyal, Head Boy
of Kendriya Vidyalaya, draft a speech on the importance of regular exercise in about 150 words, to be
delivered in the morning assembly of your school.

Ans. Respected Principal, teachers and friends, a very good morning to all of you. Today on the occasion of
World Health Day, I Gaurav Goyal will address you on the Importance of Regular Exercise.

People need to be active in order to be healthy. Our sedentary lifestyle and the facilities we enjoy have
transformed us into couch potatoes. Watching television for long hours, working on the computer, driving
the car for a short errand to the store and using elevators instead of stairs or ramps, all contribute to an
inactive lifestyle, which can result in serious health problems. The incidence of diabetes, hypertension and
heart diseases is on the rise particularly in urban areas, which can be attributed to a faulty lifestyle.

In order to stay fit, it is essential to be involved in light activities for a minimum period of 10 minutes and
then gradually move to more moderate ones. Walking, jogging, swimming and cycling are some of the
activites which ensure maximum health benefits. Scientists aver that a person should indulge in 60 minutes
of physical activity every day to improve one’s health. The time required depends on individual effort - as
you progress to moderate activities, you can cut down to 30 minutes, four days a week.

It is not necessary to indulge in strenuous physical activity to improve one’s health. Physical activities
should be incorporated into one’s daily routine. Take a walk in the morning to begin with. After three
months of regular walking you will notice the difference. It is often said that getting started is the most
difficult part, so friends make a beginning today and don’t give up!

Thank You

Unsolved Questions:

1. You have to deliver a speech in the morning assembly on the topic, ‘Education Gives One Power.’ Draft a
speech in about 150-200 words using the following inputs: Education trains the mind and sharpens skills,
improves self-confidence, develops a free spirit and gives freedom from social evils.

2. Draft a speech to be delivered in the school assembly on the topic, Value Education- Need of the Hour, ‘
emphasizing on why it should be included in the school curriculum. (150-200 words)

3. Your school is celebrating Road Safety Week. You have been asked by your class teacher to present your
views on the importance of Road Safety in the form of a speech in the morning assembly. Draft the speech
in not more than 150-200 words.

4. Your school is organizing a declamation contest. You have been selected to speak on the topic, ‘Let Girls
Be Born and Free.’ Draft the speech in about 150-200 words.Your speech should deal with the problem of
female infanticide and its causes. Also emphasize the girl’s right to live a free life.

5. As the Head Boy/Head Girl of the school you wish to improve discipline among the students. You have
to address the school assembly and you wish to point out the importance of discipline for a student at
school and at home. Draft a speech in about 150-200 words emphasizing on how virtues like punctuality,
regularity and obedience can be developed if students observe basic discipline.

Question Bank – English - XII 75

Debate Writing

Max. Marks: 10 marks
Division of Marks
Format: 1 mark
Content: 4 marks
Expression: 5 marks
Word limit: 200 words

Format:
Salutation: Address the jury and the audience
“Good morning respected judges, teachers and dear friends. I, ............... from Class …….…..... want to share
my views on the topic ‘................ .... ................... ...’ and I am speaking in favour of the motion/against the
motion.”
Introduction: Begin with a quotation, question or interesting statistics.
Stating the opinion: Make your opinion very clear from the very beginning.
Main points: Highlight the main points emphatically.
Develop points: Support them with relevant examples, statistics, etc.
Conclusion: State your own opinions or views in the concluding lines to emphasise your stand on the issue.
Thank you.

Example:
Write a debate for the topic Technology has made our lives simpler’.
Good Morning respected judges, teachers and dear friends. I, Radhika Joshi from Class XII, would like to share
my views on the topic ‘Technology has made our lives much simpler’ and I am speaking in favour of the motion.
Think of any work which cannot be done without technology! Be it operating a computer, simple calculations,
banking, shopping or even working in the kitchen, everything requires the use of technology. The work which
was earlier done manually by spending a lot of time is now done within seconds. Nowadays, people also have
the option to work from home and yet stay connected to their offices. We might be in any part of the world
and yet remain connected with our near and dear ones. Technology has made the world a smaller place. My
worthy opponents might say advancements in technology have created more unemployment since a single
person can use technology to do the work of many people. However, I would like to state that technology has
also created more job opportunities in varied fields. The only thing which is required is to equip ourselves with
the changes in the world of technology and remain updated. The world is growing with technology. It is a fact
that even without technology, our forefathers led a contented life. However, the steps that they had been taken
towards advancement has taken shape of the fruit that we are relishing at this stage. I would like to conclude
by emphasising that nothing comes easy in life. We have to be competent enough to use technology and not
become a slave to it.
Thank you.

76 Question Bank – English - XII

Debate Writing (10 Marks)

1. You are Sanjeev/Sunita of Class XII of DAV Public School, New Delhi. Write a debate in 150-200 words
for the motion- ‘Censor the Internet’.

2. You are Rohan/Rohina Singh of Green Valley School Darjecling. Write a debate against the topic - ‘Beauty
Contests should be Banned’ in about 150-200 words.

3. As the head boy of your school, write a debate in 150-200 words for the topic- ‘Housewife should be paid
for the Houshold Work.

Question Bank – English - XII 77

Formal Letters (6 Marks)

This section contains letters based on a verbal input. Letter types include:
• Business or official letters (for making enquires, registering complaints, asking for or giving
information, placing orders and sending replies and cancelling orders.
• Letters to the editor (giving suggestions on an issue)

How to Write Effective Business Correspondence

Business letters serve two main purposes:
1. They open the lines of communication to help you receive a desirable response, whether it is solving a

problem, making arrangements, or seeking information.
2 They serve as official records of correspondence, so that you can strengthen your case.
It is vital to follow a few simple rules in order to write effective business letters that capture the attention of the
recipient and enable you to get what you want.

• Get to the point. State the reason for writing the letter in your first paragraph and stay on track.
• Always use specifics that will help ease the recipient’s task. For instance, if you are writing to a bank,

mention your account number.
• If you refer to other correspondence, mention those with date, check number, etc Include copies

wherever possible.
• Gently and respectfully direct the recipients course of action.
• Always be courteous, even if you are frustrated or angry.

Useful Guidelines

To the Officials

• Begin by identifying yourself. Then clearly state the purpose of writing
• Give details of what you want to do or to be done e.g. applying for a new telephone connection.
• Make a request for a appropriate action.

To the Editors

• You may begin with a reference to recent developments, new events etc.
• Establish a context for writing.
• Give details of the topic e.g. the problem of beggary, its causes and effects and possible solution.

78 Question Bank – English - XII

• DO NOT ASK THE EDITOR TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS. He/she can only give voice to your
views, concerns, complaints, suggestions, criticism, appreciation. He/She may also be approached for
complaints against erring officials, departments, business houses, etc.

To Boss & Colleagues, Acquaintances

• Show due respect, but do not flatter.
• Clearly state the purpose of writing e.g. seeking action on a proposal or promise e.g. making enquiries.
• Use polite language and pleasant tone.

To Business Houses/Customers

• Always be polite even when you have to complain.
• Keep the tone friendly and pleasant.
• Do quote reference numbers, order number, cheque/demand draft numbers, file numbers, code or ID

numbers etc.
• Convey your message in a brief and straight forward manner.

We Write Formal Letters To:

When applying for a job.
• Get our problems addressed/seek redressal to our problems.
• Inform others.
• Persuade others.
• Appeal to others.
• Complain against someone.
• Make enquiries, to send replies.
• Book/supply orders etc.
• Sell products.
• Send/ask for payment/discount/brochures of information
• Send recommendations.

Format of a Formal Letter

• HEADING: Sender’s Address is written here. Never put your name before address. Write the house
number first, followed by the street, town and pin code.

• Receiver’s name & address (the Editor’s)

Question Bank – English - XII 79

• The DATE appears below the Sender’s address
• Subject/ Heading (The central theme indicated concisely)
• Salutation (Salutation Check–List)
For Acquaintances/strangers/Officials/Editors:
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs + Name
For Authorities:
Sir/Madam

Body of the Letter

Para 1: Who you are and why you are writing.
Para 2: Details of the problem/topic/issue
Para 3: What you would like the reader to do. Your hope appeal, warning, conclusion, comment, etc.

In Closing the Letter

Write YOURS with a capital ‘Y’ and sincerely or truly with a small ‘s’ or ‘t’ respectively. REMEMBER: the
word YOURS never takes an apostrophe.
SIGNATURE, NAME (in capital letters) and DESIGNATION of the person writing the letter is put here

Marking Scheme of a Formal Letter

Format: 1 MARK
(MARKS MAY BE DEDUCTED FOR NOT USING PROPER LAYOUT. ) Layout should include date,
receiver’s designation and address, salutation, subject, complementary close and designation of the writer.
Content: 3 MARKS.
(It includes your creativity in presenting ideas which are relevant to the topic of the letter.) If the letter is to THE
EDITOR of a newspaper, you should try and present both sides of the picture. If the issue raised is one which
requires argumentative presentation or highlights a discursive topic, remember to present the pros and cons of
the situation. Always give suggestions to overcome the problem (if any).

Expression: 2 Marks
Fluency is your ability to present your ideas in a coherent and organised way. Before answering in the fair you
should jot down your ideas. The process to follow before attempting the answer is:

• Think about the letter/topic.
• Collect all the ideas and put them down roughly.

80 Question Bank – English - XII

• Organise the ideas by putting common ideas together.
• End on a positive note.
Accuracy involves grammatical correctness as well as structuring of sentences. Your effort should not be to use
long and unwieldy sentences, but to present your content in simple, straightforward language.
(PLEASE NOTE: NO MARKS ARE ALLOTED FOR THE LAYOUT IF THE CONTENT IS WRONG.

Common Errors in Letter Writing:

Letter to the Editor
• Mistake in writing the format.
• Sender’s address not written.
• Ideas not presented in paragraphs.
• Only problems written, suggested solutions not provided.
• Editor asked to solve the problem.
• Topic not understood.

Business Letters
1. In the business letters (one organization to another) students forget to write the reference number.
2. They write the body of the letter in one paragraph.
3. In the letter of order they do not make a table for the items ordered.
4. Sometimes they misunderstand the topic of the letter to be written. No marks to be awarded if content
is off the point.

Question Bank – English - XII 81

Sample

Letter to the Editor

TOPIC: As an educationist you feel strongly about the flaws in the existing system of education. You feel that
the system neglects the talent and skills of the students and is restricted to classroom teaching. Write a letter to
the editor of an English newspaper making a case for education beyond classroom teaching. Sign yourself as Dr.
Amit Verma. (word Limit: 200 Words)

27 University Enclave
New Delhi
4 December 2018
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi
Subject: Education Beyond Classroom Teaching.
Sir
The examination season has started. It has now become fashionable for some schools to go over-board
with the examinations. The schedule for junior classes resembles that of the Civil Service examination.
Most schools seem to believe that classroom education is the only stepping stone to success. In the
process, they overlook other talents and skills of students like music, painting and sports and qualities of
head and heart such as courage, chivalry, personality, wit and friendship. What are these schools doing to
inculcate these qualities in children? Instead of pushing and prodding the children like beasts of burden
and leaving them dazed and flabbergasted, they should aim for the overall development of children.
The main problem is our inability to live peacefully with others and our selfish mentality. The schools
should teach the students the age-old values of brotherhood, tolerance, team spirit, satisfaction. Co-
curricular activities have a vital role to play in this regard, Thus the schools should pay extra attention
to it while designing the curriculum. The interests of the students should be taken into consideration
to develop their skills. The education imparted should be practical and relevant to their life. The
examination system should stress more on understanding the subject than merely cramming facts.
Through the columns of your newspaper, I request you to create awareness among the public and the
concerned authorities, so that the education system can be re-vamped and children start enjoying their
studies and their school and college life.
Yours sincerely
Dr. Amit Verma

82 Question Bank – English - XII

Questions

1. You are Nandini/Navin. Write a letter to the Editor of a leading daily, highlighting the problems faced in
commutation during the peak hours, by the office goers and students. Give suitable suggestions to solve the
problems. (Word limit 150 words)

2. Write a letter to the Editor of ‘The Hindu’ on the fear that is spreading among people due to their anxiety
over the widespread terrorism in the world. Give suggestions to curb such anti-social activities. You are
Vikram/Varsha. (Word limit 150 words.)

3. You are Romit/Rohini of Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore. You feel depressed at the poor performance
of India at the Olympics and feel that poor facilities and the discouraging attitude of the government are
the root cause. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Times Of India’ expressing your views on how the standard
of performance in sports can be improved in India. (Word limit – not more than 150 words.)

4. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper, expressing your disapproval of the so called inaugural functions
which cause so much national waste. Give instances of such waste from your observation. (Word limit 150
words.)

5. There is a flood of advertisements on television channels these days. Useless commodities and even
superstitious beliefs are being promoted through glamorous and exaggerated presentations. Write a letter in
about 150-200 words to the Editor, ‘The Indian Express’ about the negative influence such advertisements
have on the minds of the people. You are Radha/Ramesh of Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. (Word limit 150
words.) (HOTS)

Question Bank – English - XII 83

Letter Placing Order

Sample: Delhi Public School plans to buy computers and computer accessories from HCL Computers,
Gulab Bhavan, Nehru Place. As Rajat Patnaik, Computer in Charge, draft a letter placing order giving all the
specifications of the product and its quantity.

Delhi Public School
Mathura Road
New Delhi-64

22 July 20XX

The Manager
HCL Computers Ltd.
15/2, Gulab Bhavan
Nehru Place
New Delhi -08
Ref. No. 143/28
Subject: Purchase of Compaq Computers
Sir
This is to inform you that our school management has approved your quotation no.143/28 regarding
purchase of computers with Pentium III processor. I hope that we are entitled to 10% institutional
discount promised by you. The order is as follows:

List of Items Quantity

1. Compaq computers with Pentium III Processor 4 units
2. Coloured monitors 4 units
3. Keyboards and scroll mouse 4 units
4. UPS with 15 minute back up 4 units
5. Speakers 8 units
6. Printer 1 unit
7 128 Mb RAM (Random access Memory)
8. ROM – 52 x (Read Only Memory)
9. 20 gb hard disk (storage capacity)

Kindly deliver the order within ten days of the receipt of this letter. The responsibility for proper packing
and transportation shall rest with you. We also expect prompt and satisfactory future maintenance and
servicing. Relevant warranty papers should be provided. Also please send a technician to install the
computers. We agree to pay all the taxes which are applicable on the goods. Payment shall be made by
draft after the installation of the consignment.

Yours faithfully

Rajat Patnaik
(Computer-In-Charge)

84 Question Bank – English - XII

Questions
1. Write a letter in about 150 words to the Manager of Grand Hotel, Shimla, asking him to reserve for you a

double room from 5th April to 15th April, 2016. You are Aditya/Anandi of Mysore.
2. You are the Librarian of L.W.A. Senior Secondary School, Pune. You want to purchase a dictionary, a

book on computers, a book for preparing for competitive examinations and a book for I.I.T. Entrance
Examination for use of students and staff of your school. Place an order with M/s Higginbotham, Mumbai,
giving the details regarding the mode of dispatch and mode of payment.
3. As Manager, Spring Blossoms School, Dharwar, place an order for school furniture. Write a letter to Curzon
and Co., Furniture Manufacturers, Dharwar.
4. Mr. Satish Kaul is the sports instructor in Geeta Convent, Naraspur. The Principal of the school asks,
Mr. Kaul to place an order for buying cricket kits, volleyball nets, footballs, badminton racquets and
other necessary sport accessories required. Mr. Kaul decides to place an order with Messrs. Lohia Sports
Equipment, Naraspur, Write a letter placing the order.

Question Bank – English - XII 85

Letter of Enquiry

Format

Sender’s address
Date
Receiver’s address
Reference No
Subject
Salutation
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Complimentary Close
Subscription
Signature
Name
Designation
Enclosures
Copies sent to

The enquiries may be written in bulleted form.
Marking Scheme
Format: 1 marks
Content: 3 marks
Expression: 2 marks

Sample; Letter of Enquiry

You want to spend two weeks in Bangalore with your parents.
Q. Write a letter to the Commercial Manager, DLH Travel Agency, Bangalore to book a suite and enquire

about the following information:
(i) Type of accommodation available
(ii) Whether vegetarian food without onion is available

86 Question Bank – English - XII

(iii) sight-seeing facilities
(iv) availability of cable channels


C/o India Calling
Gurgoan (Haryana)
14th November, 2018
The Commercial Manager
DLH Travel Agency (Bangalore)
Karnataka

Ref. No.: 1289
Subject : Booking of Luxury Suits
Dear Sir
This is in reference to your advertisement in the column ‘Travel ‘n’ Tourism’ of the Hindustan Times,

Bangalore edition dated 13th Nov. I would like to request you to book a luxury suite of three rooms from
Dec. 1 to 15 (both days inclusive) for me and my parents in a good hotel of repute.
Kindly inform about the following whether:
(i) Accommodation is available on the top floor with a terrace for children
(ii) Food without onion and garlic will be available
(iii) A taxi and guide will be available to show us places of common and historical importance
(iv) Rooms are fitted with cable TV and Aastha & Sanskar channels
(v) The agency would arrange for taxi to and from the airport

An early response is solicited to facilitate us to finalise our travel programme.
Please confirm on9813768400.
Yours sincerely
B.N. Jha

Question Bank – English - XII 87

Letters Of Enquiry

Questions

1. You are Manas Chaudhry. Choose a holiday that interests you from these holidays advertised.

6 Km from Mussoorie……. Rashi Resorts
2N/3D Rs 2400/-per person
0 km from paradise Accommodation on twin sharing basis,
Picturesque surroundings welcome drink, morning tea, breakfast,

Sounds of silence evening tea, dinner
SURBEE RESORTS All applicable taxes
6Milestone, Kempty Fall Road. Ph no For details and reservation contact:
013566778899 011-23456789, 26177884, 51677446
Marketing and Sales- Delhi Ph no 011
22334455,22667788
Email [email protected]
Website www.surbeeresorts.com
Summer Package

Write a letter seeking the information you need to plan your holiday.
2. You are the manager of ‘Travel House’. Write a letter in about 150 words in response to the letter you have

received from Manas Chaudhry, providing all the information he has asked for and highlighting some
attractive offers that go with your programme.
3. You are interested in joining the course advertised below. Write a letter in about 150 words to the institute
asking for more details.

Manipur Institute of Medical Studies

Admissions Open!
1 Rapid Course in MI
2 Intensive Course in MI
Eligibility – Class 12 pass with good English
Apply on or before 31 March 2017 to
The Director,
Manipur Institute of Medical Studies
E-16, Greater East Society, Indira Nagar, Manipur

88 Question Bank – English - XII

4 Sahayoga on 27, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi is a non government organization catering to the
physical, social, cultural and psychological needs of school students. You are tensed about the forthcoming
examination. Write a letter in about 150 words to the Director enquiring about the short term courses/
classes scheduled during the summer vacation. Sign as Sumit/ Smita of 27 - C, Raja Garden, New Delhi
110027.

5 You are Arun/ Anita living at 1765,Sector 20,Chandigarh. You came across the following advertisement:


Postal classes- Diploma in Waste Water Management – duration of one year – practicals arranged –
minimum qualification SSCE first division – prospectus free – Contact Director , Eco Centre, P.B.1037,
Bengaluru - 560019

Write a letter in about 150 words to the Director asking for detailed information on the course, fee
structure, assignments, personal contact programmes and job opportunities. Request for a prospectus and
enclose a self addressed envelope.

Question Bank – English - XII 89

Reply to a Letter of Enquiry

Sample:You are the Director, Personality Enrich Centre, Sector22 Chandigarh. You are glad to see the response
to your advertisement regarding your short term course in personality enrichment. You are answering to such an
enquiry. Write a letter 150-200 words to Aman/Aarti informing and guiding them to join the course.

Personality Enrich Centre
Sector 22
Chandigarh

25 May 20XX

Mr. Aman
119, Church Road
Chandigarh
Subject: Information about the course
Dear Aman
Thanks for your interest. I am glad to hear that youngsters like you are aware of the competitive
world. To facilitate and equip you to deal with the fast changing world, we have designed some
special courses which will definitely groom your personality and outlook.
Kindly find the enclosed brochure having all the necessary details including fee structure, timings
and all your relevant queries.
Looking forward to your joining.

Thanking you
Yours truly
Jagdish
(Director)

Questions
1. You are Secretary, Health Club, Shillong. You have received a letter of enquiry from Mr. Bohra seeking

information regarding the fee and procedure for membership of the club. He wants to know the facilities
offered to the members. Draft a reply in about 150-200 words
2. You are the Director of the Institute of Research and Technology. You have received a letter from Golden
Pvt. Ltd. making enquiries regarding the training that your institute provides for trainees.Reply to this
letter a giving information about the fee, dates and duration of the training course. Also give other relevant
information. (150-200)

90 Question Bank – English - XII

3. You are the Managing Director of Pearl Travels. Your company organizes package tours to London and
the Continent. You had advertised in the Hindustan Times about the packages/off season discount being
offered by your company. In response to your advertisement you received a letter from Sri Kamayani
School, Gurgaon, asking for the facilities provided by you for differently abled children during travel.
Reply to the letter giving details. (150 words)

4. You are the Sales Officer of Messrs. Good Life Electronics, manufacturers of consumer products and
appliances. You have received a letter from M/s Jagota Electronics of 14, Rajpur Road, Delhi, inquiring
about the various models of stereo systems manufactured by your company and their rates. They also wish
to know more about the credit facilities offered by your company. Reply to the enquiry in about 150 words.

Question Bank – English - XII 91

Letter of Complaint

Letters of complaints are written to register complaints about inadequate services, goods provided or to seek
redressal of grievances.

Points to Remember
• The language should be formal and courteous.
• The tone should be polite and impersonal.
• The sentences should be precise and up to the point.
• The purpose of writing the letter should be stated clearly and concisely
• Appropriate format should be used
• Content should be complete with all necessary points
• Format

___________________
___________________ Sender’s Address
___________________

___________________ Date

___________________
___________________ Receiver’s Address
___________________

___________________ (Subject)
___________________________-______________________________ (Salutation)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________ Body of the letter ________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

92 Question Bank – English - XII

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________(Complimentary close)
___________________________________(Yours sincerely etc)
___________________________________ (Full name)

• Content should be complete with the following details:
1. 1st Paragraph- Problem should be clearly stated.
2. 2nd Paragraph- Result of the problem
3. 3rd Paragraph- Suggestions
4. 4th paragraph- Request for a quick redressal of the problem

Common Errors
• Traditional and modern formats are often mixed up.
• Formal and informal letters are often mixed up.

Solved Example
The Government has banned the use of loudspeakers, but the nuisance continues and causes disturbance in your
studies. Write a letter of complaint to the Police Inspector of the area in about 150 words.

S-45,Sharda colony
New Delhi.
20 December,20XX
The Inspector
Police Station
Sharda Colony
New Delhi - 110023
Sub: Nuisance of loudspeakers
Sir
I wish to complain against the nuisance caused by loudspeakers in our locality despite the ban

imposed by the government.

Question Bank – English - XII 93

The blaring sounds of the loudspeakers throught the day are nothing but nuisance. The loud
noise emanating from religious places and party halls is the source of major discomfort. As
a result people cannot get peaceful sleep and students can hardly study. Though the users of
loudspeakers have been approached many times,they have not paid heed to any request.

It is, therefore, requested that the ban be imposed more strictly and those who flout the ban are
strictly punished.

I hope you will take necessary steps to control this nuisance as early as possible and take strict
action against the flouters of the ban.

Yours sincerely
Rajesh Kumar

• Marking scheme: Format-1,Content-3,Expression-2

Questions
1. You are a member of a Youth Club. Recently your Club has purchased some furniture from Nawab

Furniture Depot, Kanpur. But after a week you have noticed some defects in the furniture. Write a letter
to the Manager of Nawab Furniture Depot, asking him to replace it. You are Akbar/Amina. (150 words)
2. Kumar Shanu of Bareilly has purchased a Frost free Godrej refrigerator of 265 litres from ‘Life Style’, Civil
Lines, Bareilly. After a month of purchase, the freezing section of the refrigerator failed to function. Write
a letter to the sales manager of the firm, complaining about it and requesting for the piece to be replaced,
since there is a two year warranty. (150 words)
3. You are Anand/Akshata of Kolkata. You bought a Whirlpool White Magic Washing Machine from M/S
Electronics India, Lake Area, Kolkata. After installation it washed well for two months. But suddenly, the
spin-dry system of the machine stopped functioning and the clothes are dripping wet even after the spin
dry function is completed. Write a letter to ‘Electronics India’, giving them the guarantee card number
and other details regarding your complaint, asking them to attend to it/replace the washing machine. (150
words).
4. You are Abhishek/Kalpana of Jhandewalan, Delhi.Write a letter to the Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic).
about the inadequate parking facilities in the Connaught place, which is a commercial area of Delhi. It
causes a lot of inconvenience to people, You may offer your suggestions to solve the problem. (Word limit:
150 words).
5. Write a letter to M/s HMT Corporation, Chandigarh complaining that the wristwatch you recently
bought from them does not function properly and ask for replacement. You are Deepti/Deepak Gupta of
450,Sector 20, Chandigarh.

94 Question Bank – English - XII

Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions (HOTS)
1. You are Nikhil/Nisha staying at 53,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Last summer you bought an LCD from

‘Clear Vision’ an authorized showroom with a warranty of two years. Now you discover that the picture
gets blurred every now and then, even the sound has become defective. Write a letter in about 150 words
to the dealer complaining about the problem and requesting him to get the defect rectified. Also request
him to replace it if needed.
2. ‘A chain snatched at gunpoint’, ‘an old couple murdered in their flat in broad daylight’. Almost every
day, the newspapers and news channels are full of horrible details of such acts of crime. The police have
failed to provide the much needed security to the common man. Write a letter in about 150 words to the
superintendent of police expressing your concern and anguish over the issues. You are Mohan/Mohini,7/
A,Gulmohar Park, New Delhi.

Question Bank – English - XII 95

Job Application

Points to Remember

• Use proper format.
• Formal language used.
• Be brief and precise.

Format

• Sender’s address
• Date
• Address of addressee
• Salutation
• Subject
• Body of letter
• Subscription

Contents

• Begin with reference to advertisement, name of newspaper and date.
• Forwarding note offering your candidature
• Enclose C.V.
• C.V. to include all personal details, educational qualifications and work experience with reference.

Solved Examples

Read this advertisement and write an application for the vacant post in about 150 words.

National Institute of Open Learning

A-31, Sector 62, Noida (UP)
Proof Readers for English and Hindi (Text-books) on a consolidated monthly salary of Rs 6000/-
Eligibility: Class XII passed (any stream). Apply Immediately (within a week from the date of
appearance of this advertisement) to the Secretary, NIOL.

96 Question Bank – English - XII

B-5, Saket
New Delhi
15 April 20XX
The Chairman
National Institute of Open Learning
A-31, Sector 62,
NOIDA

Subject: Application for the post of a Proof Reader.
Sir
This is in reference to your advertisement in the Hindustan Times, dated 11th April, 2011 for the position of
a Proof Reader in your organisation.
I offer my services for the same. My CV is enclosed for your perusal and kind consideration.

Yours sincerely C.V.
Ravi Kumar
Enclosure: CV (Curriculum Vitae)

(A) Personal:
1. Name: Anil Sachdeva
2. Father’s Name: Mr. Yograj Sachdeva
3. Date of Birth: 8th July 1983
4. Marital Status: Single

(B) Qualifications:
(a) [academic]

S.No. Name of the Examination Board/ University Year Rank/Div. Marks Subjects Opted .
1. Sr. Sec. Exam CBSE 2004 73% Science Stream
2. BSC (Pass) Delhi University 2007 48% P h y s i c s ,
Chemistry, Maths

Question Bank – English - XII 97

(b) [Technical]
Passed a short term course (3-month duration) in copy-editing from IGNOU, Delhi with credit ‘A’.
(C) Experience

Name Of Organisation Designation No. of Years
2 Yrs
1. ABC Asst. Proof Reader 3 Yrs
2. PQR Proof Reader

(D) Salary Expected:   As per norms

(E) References: 1. Mr Neeraj Govil
Director, Frank Bros., New Delhi.

Phone: 98xxxxxxxx

2. Ms Lima
Chief Editor, Frank Bros, New Delhi
Phone: 98xxxxxxxx


Questions

1. You are Suresh/Smita. You come across the following advertisement in a national daily. You consider
yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Write an application in response to the advertisement. (Word
limit: 150 words)

Applications are invited for the post of a Nursery teacher in a reputed school
of Delhi. The candidate must have at least 5 years experience of teaching
tiny-tots. The applicant must at have a pleasant personality He/She should be
creative and innovative. Attractive salary. Interested candidates should apply
to The Principal AKS International, Indirapuram. New Delhi within 10 days
with detailed resume.

2. You are Apoorva/Ashima. A-22, Industrial Colony, Delhi. Read the advertisement given below and write a
letter to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume, which you would send along
with your application for the job.

Solace Medical Equipments requires for its Chennai unit
Senior Executive Account
Qualification: M.Com.
Experience:Minimum 5 years
Competency: Knowledge in accounting functions and related commercial activities.
Salary commensurate with qualification and experience.
Apply to: Solace Medical Equipments, 10, Sector-4, Gurgoan-15

98 Question Bank – English - XII

3. Draft an application for the post of an accountant in Pioneers (Pvt.) Ltd. Co. Hyderabad in response to
their advertisement that appeared in ‘The Times of India’ dated 1st August, 20XX. Prepare a C.V. to be
enclosed. You are Nipun/Aparna. (150 words)

4. The Manager, ICICI Bank. Lucknow requires a few Business Development Managers, for the credit card
section. Write an application for the post, offering your services, giving your resume. (150 words)

5. You are Kamala/Rajan. You have seen an advertisement for the post of an English Teacher in Rani Public
School, Kolkata. Write a letter in response to the advertisement applying for the post. Give your detailed
resume also. (150 words)