1 ENGLISH CORE - XII
ENGLISH CORE - XII
Section Type of Marks Total Testing objectives
Question marks
READING 20
Q.1 1.1 a) SA 2M Comprehension
b) VSA 1M Comprehension
c) SA 2M Comprehension
d) SA 2M Comprehension
e) SA 2M Comprehension
1.2 a) VSA 1M Vocabulary testing
b) VSA 1M Vocabulary testing
c) VSA 1M Vocabulary testing
Q.2 2.1 Note - Making 5M Study Skills (Comprehending &
Note Making)
2.2 Summary Writing 3M Summarising Skills
WRITING 35
Providing factual
Q.3 (1
st
Option) Short Writing 5M details, organization,
Skill fluency and
coherence
or or or or
Providing factual
details, organization,
(2
nd
option) Short Writing 5M fluency and
Skill coherence
Q.4 (1
st
option) Long Writing Task 10M Presenting factual details,
format, fluency and coherence
(Report writing)
or or or or
2
nd
Option Long Writing Task 10M Presenting factual details,
(Factual Reporting) format, fluency and coherence
Q.5 (1
st
option) Letter writing 10M Formating, organization,
(Long Writing Task) coherence, fluency.
or or or or
(2
nd
option) Letter Writing 10M Formating, organization,
(Long Writing Task) coherence, fluency
Q.6 (1
st
option) Article (LWS) 10M Organisation, coherence,
fluency
or or or or
(2
nd
option) Article (LWS) 10M Organisation, coherence,
fluency2 ENGLISH CORE - XII
TEXT BOOKS 45
Q.7 a) (1
st
Option) or a) SA 2M Poetry appreciation
b) VSA 1M Interpretation
c) VSA 1M Interpretation
or or or or
(2
nd
option) a) SA 2M Poetry appreciation
b) VSA 1M Interpretation
c) VSA 1M Interpretation
Q.7 b) Any three 1) SA 2M Comprehension
2) SA 2M Interpretation
3) SA 2M Understanding
4) SA 2M Interpretation
Q.8 All five a) SA 2M Comprehension
b) SA 2M Comprehension
c) SA 2M Interpretation
d) SA 2M Understanding
e) SA 2M Understanding and
interpretation
Q.9 (1
st
Option) Long answer 10M Content organization
Fluency, Coherence,
Understanding
or or or or
(2
nd
Option) Long answer 10 M Content organization,
fluency, coherence,
understanding
Q.10 (1
st
Option) Long answer 07M Content organization,
fluency, coherence,
understanding
or Or or Or
(2
nd
Option) Long answer 07M Content organization,
Fluency, coherence,
understanding
Q.11 a) SA 2M Understanding
b) SA 2M Understanding
c) SA 2M Interpretation
d) SA 2M Understanding3 ENGLISH CORE - XII
ENGLISH CORE
CODE NO.: 301
Class-XII
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER I
Section A: Reading Max. Marks : 20
Read the passage given below and then answer the questions which follow: 12 marks
1 In spite of all the honours that we heaped upon him, Pasteur, as has been said,
remained simple at heart. Perhaps the imagery of his boyhood days, when he drew
the familiar scenes of his birthplace, and the longing to be a great artist, never
wholly left him. In truth he did become a great artist, though after his sixteenth
year he abandoned the brush for ever. Like every artist of worth, he put his whole
soul and energy into his work, and it was this very energy that in the end wore
him out. For to him, each sufferer was something more than just a case that was
to be cured. He looked upon the fight against hydrophobia as a battle, and he was
absorbed in his determination to win. The sight of injured children, particularly,
moved him to an indescribable extent. He suffered with his patients, and yet he
would not deny himself a share in that suffering. His greatest grief was when
sheer physical exhaustion made him give up his active work. He retired to the
estate at Villeneuve Etang, where he had his kennels for the study of rabies, and
there he passed his last summer, as his great biographer, Vallery Radot, has said,
“practicing the Gospel virtues.”
2 “He revered the faith of his fathers, “says the same writer, “and wished without
ostentation or mystery to receive its aid during his last period.”
3 The attitude of this man to the science he had done so much to perfect can be best
summed up in a sentence that he is reputed once to have uttered, concerning the
materialism of many of his contemporaries in similar branches of learning to his
own: “The more I contemplate the mysteries of Nature, the more my faith
becomes like that of a peasant.”
4 But even then in retirement he loved to see his former pupils, and it was then he
would reiterate his life principles: “Work, “ he would say, “never cease to work.”
So well had he kept this precept that he began rapidly to sink from exhaustion.
5 Finally on September 27, 1895, when someone leant over his bed to offer him a
cup of milk, he said sadly: “I cannot, “ and with a look of perfect resignation and
peace, seemed to fall asleep. He never again opened his eyes to the cares and
sufferings of a world, which he had done so much to relieve and to conquer. He
was within three months of his seventy-third birthday.4 ENGLISH CORE - XII
6 Thus passed, as simply as a child, the man whom the French people were to vote
at a plebiscite as the greatest man that France had ever produced. Napoleon, who
has always been considered the idol of France, was placed fifth.
7 No greater tribute could have been paid to Louis Pasteur, the tanner’s son, the
scientist, the man of peace, the patient worker for humanity.
487 words
1.1 Answer the following questions:
a. Even accolades and honours did not change the simple man that
Pasteur was. Why? 2 marks
b. How did Pasteur view those who suffered from diseases? 1 mark
c. How did Pasteur engage himself in the estate? 2 marks
d. What advice did he always give to his pupils? 2 marks
e. How did France, the country of his birth, honour this great scientist? 2 marks
1.2 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: 3 marks
a. To give up (para 1)
b. People belonging to the same period (para 3)
c. Vote by the people of the country to decide a matter of
national importance (para 6)
Question 2. Read the passage given below: 8 marks
Residents of the Bhirung Raut Ki Gali, where Ustad Bishmillah Khan was born
on March 21, 1916, were in shock. His cousin, 94-year -old Mohd Idrish Khan
had tears in his eyes. Shubhan Khan, the care-taker of Bismillah’s land, recalled
: “Whenever in Dumaraon, he would give rupees two to the boys and rupees five
to the girls of the locality”.
He was very keen to play shehnai again in the local Bihariji’s Temple where he
had started playing shehnai with his father, Bachai Khan, at the age of six. His
original name was Quamaruddin and became Bishmillah only after he became
famous as a shehnai player in Varanasi.
His father Bachai Khan was the official shehnai player of Keshav Prasad Singh,
the Maharaja of the erstwhile Dumaraon estate, Bismillah used to accompany
him. For Bishmillah Khan, the connection to music began at a very early age. By
his teens, he had already become a master of the shehnai. On the day India gained
freedom, Bismillah Khan, then a sprightly 31 year-old, had the rare honour of
playing from Red Fort. But Bishmillah Khan won’t just be remembered for
elevating the shehnai from an instrument heard only in weddings and naubatkhanas
to one that was appreciated in concert halls across the world. His life was a5 ENGLISH CORE - XII
testimony to the plurality that is India. A practicing Muslim, he would take a daily
dip in the Ganga in his younger days after a bout of kusti in Benia Baga Akhada.
Every morning, Bishmillah Khan would do riyaaz at the Balaji temple on the
banks of the river. Even during his final hours in a Varanasi hospital, music didn’t
desert Bishmillah Khan. A few hours before he passed away early on Monday, the
shehnai wizard hummed a thumri to show that he was feeling better. This was
typical of a man for whom life revolved around music.
Throughout his life he abided by the principle that all religions are one. What
marked Bishmillah Khan was his simplicity and disregard for the riches that come
with musical fame. Till the very end, he used a cycle rickshaw to travel around
Varanasi. But the pressure of providing for some 60 family members took its toll
during his later years.
2.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes using headings and
sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations where necessary.
2.2 Make a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words using the notes
made and also suggest a suitable title.
Section B: Advanced Writing Skills 35 marks
Q.3 A.K International School is looking for a receptionist for the school. Write an
advertisement on behalf of the adminstrative officer in the classified columns of
the local newspaper giving necessary details. Draft the advertisement in not more
than 50 words.
OR
Suman/Suresh has cleared the Pre-Medical Pre-Dental entrance examination. The
family is elated at the achievement and they decide to have a get-together for all
friends. Draft an informal invitation for the get-together.
Q.4. You are Shekhar/Tripta a student of A.P Public School. Principals of two schools
from Pakistan visited your school as part of a cultural exchange programme.
Students of the school put up a cultural show in their honour. Write a report about
it for your school magazine. (100-125 words).
OR
As you were driving back home from work you were witness to an accident
between a Maruti car and a truck. The driver of the car was seriously injured.
There was confusion and chaos prevailing on the road. Describe the scene in
about 100 to 125 words. You are Sameer/Samiksha.
5 marks
3 marks
5 marks
5 marks
10 marks6 ENGLISH CORE - XII
5. You are Nitin/Natasha a student of Class XII at K.P.N. Public School Faridabad.
The student is required to cope with lot of pressure in today’s competitive
environment. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the
increasing stress faced by students and suggest ways to combat the same.
OR
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.
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 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.
6. Some colleges conduct entrance test for admission to under-graduate courses like
English (Hons.) and Journalism (Hons.). Do you think that the entrance test is the
right method of selecting students? Write an article in about 150-200 words. You
are Rohan/Rachita, a student of class XII at A.P. International School Agra.
OR
Computer games and video games have become popular with children today. As
a result outdoor games seem to have no place in their life anymore. You are
Satish/Sakshi. You had the opportunity of playing Hide-n-Seek when you visited
your cousins in a small town. You decide to write an article on your experiences
about the joys of playing outdoor games for the school magazine. Write the article
in 150-200 words.
Q.7. They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
a. Are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers real ? Give reasons for your answer. 2
b. Why do the tigers not fear the man beneath the tree? 1
c. What do you understand by ‘chivalric certainty’? 1
Or
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us.
a. ‘A thing of beauty is joy for ever’. Explain. 2
b. Why does a beautiful thing ‘pass into nothingness’? 1
c. What does poet mean by ‘a bower quiet for us’ 17 ENGLISH CORE - XII
b) Answer any three of the following questions in about 30-40 words. 2*3= 6 marks
1. According to Pablo Neruda, what is it that human beings can learn
from Nature?
2. Why does Spender call Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example?
3. What kind of ordeals is Aunt Jennifer surrounded by?
4. What is the significance of the parting words of the poet and her smile, in
My Mother at Sixty-six?
Q.8. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words. (2*5= 10 marks)
a. For Franz, what was much more tempting than going to school and why?
b. Mention any two hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.
c. How did Douglas overcome the old terror?
d. The crofter can be called as a good host. Why?
e. What was unique and distinctive about Ecos academic writing style ?
Q.9. Answer any one of the following in about 125-150 words. 10 marks
Franz’s attitude towards school as well as towards M. Hamel changes when he
comes to know about the take over of his village by Prussians. Do you agree ?
Discuss with reference to the The Last Lesson.
OR
How did the Chamaparan episode prove to be a turning point in Gandhiji’s life?
Explain with the reference to the text, Indigo.
Q.10. Answer any one of the following in about 125-150 words. 7 marks
The modern consumerist world is full of fear, insecurities, stress and wars. What
are the ways in which we try to combat them? Answer with reference to The Third
Level.
OR
How can we say that Antartica is the best place to study and understand about
Earth’s present, past and future ? Answer with reference to, journey to the end of
the Earth.
Q.11. Answer the following briefly (30-40 words) 8 marks
(1) Even though the Maharaja lost Rs. 3 lac, he was still happy. Why?
(The Tiger King)
(2) In a short span of 12 thousand years man has managed to create a ruckus
on this earth. How? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
(3) Why did Roger Skunk go in search of the wizard? (Should Wizard hit
Mommy)
(4) Mention any two reasons because of which it would take thirty minutes to
an hour for Bama to reach home? (Memories of Childhood- We Too are
Human Beings.)8 ENGLISH CORE - XII
ENGLISH CORE
CODE NO.: 301
Class-XII
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER I
Marking Scheme
Section A: Reading Max. Marks : 20
Answer Key 1.1
a. • he continued to live in his childhood/ He remained a simple-hearted (2 marks)
person.
• when he used to paint and always wished to be a painter
b. Pasteur believed (1 mark)
• that the sufferer was something more than just a case to be dealt with
and cured.
c. Pasteur retired to the estate at Villeneuve Estang (2 marks)
• conducted study on rabies
• practiced the gospel virtues
d. • he would tell his pupils never to stop working. (2 marks)
• Working according to him, was the most important of life principles.
• the French people voted him as the greatest man that France had ever
produced.
• This was the greatest tribute that could have been paid to Louis Pasteur. (2 marks)
1.2 a- abandoned (3 marks)
b- contemporaries
c- Plebiscite
2.1. Title: Tribute to Bismillah Khan 5 marks
Notes
1. Shock at the demise
(a) Cousin- tears in eyes.
(b) Care-taker recalled-
(ii) Giving two Rs. - boys
(iii) Five Rs. to girls
2. His early life
(a) Org. name Quamaruddin
(b) Play shehnai at temp. - with father
(c) Recognized as Bismillah- at Vns.9 ENGLISH CORE - XII
3. Music as Family heritage:
(a) Father - court poet at Dumaraon
(b) Pld. shehnai from age six
(c) At 31- played shehnai - Red Fort- 1947.
4. Daily routine in Vns.
(a) Taking dip in the Ganga
(b) Riyaaz at Balaji Temp.
(c) Before his last breath- hummed thumri
(d) used cycle rickshaw to travel
(e) bread-winner for 60 fml. mem.
5. Bismillah beyond religion
(a) Main principle- all religions one
(b) Life -testimony of plurality
(c) Pract. Muslim
Key to Abbreviations used:
Temp. Temple
Vns. Varanasi
Pract. Practicising
Rs. Rupees
Pld. Played
Fml. family
Mem. member
2.2. Summary of the passage 3 marks
Ustad Bismillah Khan born and bought up at Dumaraon got the taste of music at
a very early stage of life. He started accompanying his honour who was an official
musician at the Estate of Dumaraon. He got an honour to play his thumri tune at
Red Fort on the occasion of Independence. He believed that all religions are one.
He led a life of simplicity. Music was his soul and even on his deathbed he played
his last thumri in the hospital at Varanasi.
3. Option -I
Objectives: To draft a classified advertisement giving all the necessary details.
Marking: 5 marks
Title : Situation Vacant 1 mark10 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Content: Details 3 marks
• Educational Qualifications
• Spoken English
• Age
• Pleasant personality
• Whom to apply to and contact address
• Last date
Expression 1 mark
Option II
Format Address of self
Date
Salutation 1 mark
Content: Details
• What is the occasion 2 marks
• Date and time
• Venue
• Theme for the party
Expression: Coherence, Relevance 1 mark
Grammatical accuracy, spelling 1 mark
Marking Scheme
Option I
Report
Format Heading/Title
Name and class of the student ½ + ½ mark
Content What? 4 marks
When?
Where?
Who organized it?
Highlights of the guest’s speech
Any other relevant information
Expression Spelling, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
Coherence, relevance 2 ½ marks11 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Option II
Factual Description
Content Value Points 4 marks
• Description of accident site
• Condition of occupants
• Number of occupants
• Condition of the vehicle
• Presence of ambulance
Expression Coherence and relevance 3 marks
Grammar and spelling 3 marks
5. Marking Scheme
Format Writer’s address, receiver’s address, date, subject, salutation and
complementary close 2 marks
Content Reasons for stress 5 marks
• The increasing competition among students to score high marks
• No time for recreation
• Manifestation of stress in the form of anger, violent behaviour
• Indulging in games, practising yoga, can combat stress
• Listening to music etc are also ways of combating stress
Expression Coherence, relevance 3 marks
spelling, grammatical accuracy
Option II
Format Writer’s address, receiver’s address, date, subject, salutation and 2 marks
complementary close.
Content Covering letter 3 marks
Reference to advertisement
Conveying suitability for the post
Submission of application
Resume/ Biodata as separate enclosure
Profile of self
Educational Qualifications12 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Professional Qualifications
Experience
Any other relevant information
Expression Spellings, grammatical accuracy, relevance 2 ½ marks
Coherence and cohesion 2 ½ marks
6. Article- Argumentative/ Imaginative
Format Title, writer’s name 1 mark
Title - Entrance tests at colleges
Content 4 marks
• Language acquisition till class XII does not test their true abilities.
• Language not taken seriously by students
• Board results do not reveal the true potential
• Entrance test try to bring out their true capabilities
• Only students serious about the course will take the test
• So, these tests should be conducted
• Entrance test a burden on students
• Board results are fairly good as a yardstick as they judge 14 years of
language acquisition.
• Students under lot of stress after studying for the whole year in class
XII
• Unfair to put so much of pressure- no entrance test.
Expression - Coherence, relevance 2 ½ marks
Spelling, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
Option II
• Outdoor games make us physically active, agile and alert
• Playing and running around with friends makes us happy
• It is exciting when we play , fight, agree and disagree
• Lot of exchange of ideas and thoughts
• Increase in number of friends hence social circle is broadened
• More joyful than sitting alone on computers and chatting13 ENGLISH CORE - XII
7. (a) Objectives : To test the studentís comprehension of the poem, their ability to interpret,
evaluate and respond to the lines of the poem.
Option - 1 Value points:
(a) No,
• they are on a screen
• can be seen on a panel
(b) Symbol of chivalry
• they are powerful
(c) they are sure of their power
• and the strength they possess
OR
(a) Long lasting impact
• never move into emptiness
• we even think of them in our dream
(b) long standing impression
• not subject to time
(c) a shady place for one to sit and ponder
7(b) 1. to be quiet and still
• to grow at our own place
• to be contented what we had (any two points)
2. He says so
• These have no meaning for children of slum
• They will tempt them to steal
3. Constraints of married life
• The dominance of women by their husbands
• The compulsion of their domestic life
• Responsibility towards family (any two)
4. It signifies hope
• Promise of visiting the mother again
• To leave a smiling face behind for her mother, (any two)
8. Objectives: To test the student’s ability for local comprehension of the prose texts.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark
Expression : 1 mark14 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Value Point
(a) Going out to play in bright warm sun
• With birds chirping in the open field
• To see the Prussians soldiers practicing drill
• More tempting than learning the rules for participles
(b) the chances of losing one’s eye- sight
• There is possibility of skin burn too
(c) he confidently continued to swim on
• The next morning he dived into the lake, swam across to the other shore and
back. This way he conquered his fear of water.
• The will to live helped him in conquering his fear.
(d) he welcomed the tramp
• Offered him hot supper
• Gave him tobacco to smoke
• Played cards with him
(e) his academic writing style is playful and personal
• Uses narrative style
9. Objectives : To test global comprehension of prose texts
Marking Scheme:
Content : 6 marks
Expression : 4 marks
Value Points:
• Franz decided to pay attention to the lesson
• School became very important for him
• Felt he would miss his school from next day
• M. Hamel became a good teacher from a boring one.
• Genuinely upset that Hamel was leaving the village
• Cranky Hamel seemed a good gentle man
• Liking developed for history and grammar.
OR
Marking Scheme:
Content : 6 marks
Expression : 4 marks
Value Points:
• Gandhiji was appalled at the condition of the share-croppers in Champaran15 ENGLISH CORE - XII
• Got a doctor for the village to help sick people
• Made the people understand the value of self-reliance
• Got support from lawyers to fight the case of share-croppers
• Tried to alleviate the distressed peasants.
• Made the ordinary people to contribute in national freedom.
This became a turning point in his career.
10. Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark for each value point (4 points)
Expression : 3 marks (1½ + 1½ accuracy and fluency)
Value Points
Present world rat race
• Every body running after power, money or success.
• One gets stressed out
• Feeling of being a failure develops
• To overcome such insecurities and fears one starts imagining
• Charley starts imagining his grandfather and the village he came from
• He starts believing that there is a third level at the grand station, New York
from where trains went to Galesburg, Illinois, where his grand father used to
live
OPTION II
Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark for each value point (4 points)
Expression : 3 marks (1½ + 1½ accuracy and fluency)
Value Points
Visit to Antarctica
• will give a grasp of where we have come from and where we could possibly be heading
• it will suggest the future possibilities( in millions years afterwards)
• study about the future climate change easily and more effectively
• tell us about the repercussions of environmental changes
• Realization of the appearance of the Future world (any four)16 ENGLISH CORE - XII
11. Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark
Expression : 1 mark
Value Points
(1) Maharaja had bought fifty diamond rings
• sent it to the wives of British officers to choose from
• they kept all of them
• but managed to retain his kingdom
• this made him happy
(2) Man has created villages, towns, cities and mega-cities by destroying nature
• rapid increase of human population resulting in burning of fossil fuels
• global warming
(3) Every body made fun of Roger Skunk because he gave out a bad smell.
• he was upset about this
• He met the old owl who advised him to go to the wizard, which would help
him and give him a pleasant smell.
(4) The two reasons are:
• She would watch all the fun and games that were going on the road
• She would look at the shops and the bazaars
• Used to look at the snake charmers and the monkey performing, (any two)17 ENGLISH CORE - XII
ENGLISH CORE
CODE NO.: 301
Class-XII
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER II
Section A: Reading Max. Marks : 20
Read the passage given below and then answer the questions which follow: 12 marks
1 To make our life a meaningful one, we need to mind our thoughts, for our
thoughts are the foundation, the inspiration, and the motivating power of our
deeds. We create our entire world by the way we think. Thoughts are the causes
and the conditions are the effects.
2 Our circumstances and conditions are not dictated by the world outside; it is the
world inside us that creates the outside. Self-awareness comes from the mind,
which means soul. Mind is the sum total of the states of consciousness grouped
under thought, will and feeling. Besides self-consciousness we have the power to
choose and think. Krishna says: “no man resteth a moment inactive”. Even when
inactive on the bodily plane, we are all the time acting on the thought plane.
Therefore if we observe ourselves, we can easily mould our thoughts. If our
thoughts are pure and noble, naturally actions follow the same. If our thoughts are
filled with jealousy, hatred and greed, our actions will be the same.
3 Karmically, however, thought or intent is more responsible and dynamic than an
act. One may perform a charitable act, but if he does not think charitably and is
doing the act just for the sake of gain and glory, it is his thoughts that will
determine the result. Theosophy teaches us that every thought, no matter how
fleeting, leaves a seed in the mind of the thinker. These small seeds together go
to make up a large thought seed and determine one’s general character. Our
thoughts affect the whole body. Each thought once generated and sent out
becomes independent of the brain and mind and will live upon its own energy
depending upon its intensity.
4 Trying to keep a thought from our mind can produce the very state we are trying
to avoid. We can alter our environment to create the mood. When, for instance,
we are depressed, if we sit by ourselves trying to think cheerful thoughts, we often
do not succeed. But if we mix with people who are cheerful we can bring about
a change in our mood and thoughts. Every thought we think, every act we
perform, creates in us an impression, like everything else, is subject to cyclic law
and becomes repetitive in our mind. So, we alone have the choice to create our
thoughts and develop the kind of impressions that make our action more positive.18 ENGLISH CORE - XII
5 Let us choose the thought seeds of right ideas, noble and courageous aspirations
that will be received by minds of the same nature. Right introspection will be
required of us to determine what we really desire to effect. Everything in the
universe is inter-related and inter-dependent, that we live in one another and by
accepting the grand principle of universal brotherhood we shall be in a position
to appreciate what a heavy responsibility is ever ours to think right. Let us reflect
and send loving and helpful thoughts and lighten the load of the world’s suffering.
1.1 Answer the following questions:
a. How can we make our life meaningful? 1 mark
b. Why does Krishna say, “No man resteth a moment inactive?” 2 marks
c. How do our thoughts affect the whole body? 2 marks
d. How can we change our mood when we are depressed? 2 marks
e. How can we bring about the desired effect? 2 marks
1.2 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: 3 marks
a. Full of activity (Para 3) (Para 3)
b. Happening in cycles (Para 4)
c. to look into one’s own thoughts and feelings (Para 5)
Question 2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 8 Marks
The small village of Somnathpur contains an extraordinary temple, built around
1268 A.D. by the Hoyasalas of Karnataka-one of the most prolific templebuilders. Belur and Helebid are among their-better-known works. While these
suffered during the invasions of the 14
th
century, the Somnathpur temple stands
more or less intact in near-original condition.
This small temple captivates with the beauty and vitality of its detailed sculpture,
covering almost every inch of the walls, pillars, and even ceilings. It has three
shikharas and stands on a star-shaped, raised platform with 24 edges. The outer
walls have a profusion of detailed carvings: the entire surface run over by carved
plaques of stone. There were vertical panels covered by exquiste figures of gods
and goddesses. with many incarnations being depicted. There were nymphs too,
some carrying an ear of maize (a symbol of plenty and prosperity. The elaborate
ornamentation, very characteristic of Hoyasala sculptures, was a remarkable
feature. On closer look - and it is worth it - the series of friezes on the outer walls
revealed intricately carved caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, stylized
flowers, warriors, musicians, crocodiles, and swans.
495 words19 ENGLISH CORE - XII
The temple was actually commissioned by Soma Dandanayaka or Somnath (he
named the village after himself), the minister of the Hoyasala king, Narasimha the
Third. The temple was built to house three versions of Krishna. The inner center
of the temple was the kalyana mandapa. Leading from here were three corridors,
each ending in a shrine, one for each kind of Krishna-Venugopala, Janardana and
Prasanna Keshava, though only two remain in their original form. In the darkness
of the sanctum sanctorum, I tried to discern the different images. The temple’s
sculptural perfection is amazing and it includes the doors of the temple and the
three elegantly carved towers.
324 words
2.1 Make notes of the above passage using an acceptable format including
abbreviations, with suitable titles 5 marks
2.2 Make a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words. 3 marks
Section B: Advanced Writing Skills Max. Marks: 35
Q.3. You are the President of your school theatre club. Your club is organizing a play
The Miser to help the victims of earthquake. Design a poster informing the
students about this play. Invent necessary details.
Or
The students’ council of your school has organized an excursion to Goa for
students of class XII during the Autumn Break. As President of the council, write
a notice in not more than fifty words informing the students about this excursion.
Sign yourself as Ravi / Raveena.
Q.4. You are Rahul, the Headboy of Creative Public School, Delhi. Recently your
school hosted the Regional Level CBSE Science Exibition. Write a report of this
event for your school newsletter in about 125 words.
Or
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 125 words.
Q.5. You are Naresh/Neetu. Recently, you came across a newspaper report on the
burning of a young woman as her parents could not meet the dowry demands. You
feel that even after 60 years of independence we have not really progressed as a
nation. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your views and
also giving suggestions to improve the status of women in Indian Society.
5 marks
10 marks
10 marks20 ENGLISH CORE - XII
OR
You are Satish/Sonali, the student prefect incharge of the school library. You have
been asked to place an order for children’s story books (Ages 10-13 yrs). Write
a letter to M.S. Book Depot Ramnagar, Bikaner placing an order for the books.
Invent the necessary details.
Q.6. India is a country with diverse cultures, traditions, religious and political beliefs.
To keep such a country together, to bind the people and take the nation ahead on
the path of progress, democracy is the most suitable form of government. Write
an article in about 150-200 words. You are Akshay/Asha a class XII student at
Rosary Senior Secondary School Lucknow.
OR
You are Amit/Amita a student of class XII at K.N. Senior Secondary School
Nagpur. You recently visited a hill station alongwith your parents. It was an
exhilarating, adventrous and joyful experience. Write an article for the school
magazine sharing your experience in 150-200 words.
And Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Q7. a) Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(a) Why were Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering? 1 mark
(b) What is suggested by the image the massive weight of uncle’s wedding
band? 1 mark
(c) Why did Aunt Jennifer create animals which were so different from her
own character? 2 marks
OR
And yet, for these
Children, these windows, not this map, their world,
Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
Far far from rivers, capes and stars of words.
(a) What does the map on the wall signify? 1
(b) Who are these children? What is their world like? 2
(c) What kind of future does the poet foresee for them? 1
(b) Answer any three of the following questions in about 30-40 words. 6 marks
(a) What does Stephen Spender want for the children of the slums?
How can their lives change?
(b) How will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us?
(c) What is the childish longing that the poet refers to? Why is it ‘vain’ ?
(d) Why is grandeur associated with the mighty dead?
10 marks21 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Q.8. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words. 10 marks
(a) Why was Franz afraid when he was going to school that day?
(b) What is the misadventure that William Douglas speaks about?
(c) Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?
(d) Why was Sophie jealous of her brother’s silence?
(e) Why did Rajkumar Shukla go to meet Gandhi?
Q.9. Answer any one of the following in about 125-150 words. 10 marks
The life of bangle makers of Firozabad was full of obstacles which forced them
to lead a life of poverty and deprivation. Discuss with reference to Lost Spring.
Or
Asokamitran has used humor and satire effectively in Poets and Pancakes.
Discuss.
Q.10. Answer any one of the following in about 125-150 words. 7 marks
Individuals who belong to enemy countries tend to hate each other even if they
do not know each other personally. At times it is seen that some of them rise
above such prejudices. What makes a human being do so?
Or
An adult’s perspective is different from that of a child. Why? Answer with
reference to the story Should Wizard hit his Mommy?
Q.11. Answer the following briefly (30-40 words) 8 marks
(1) Why does Charley say that grand station is growing like a tree in the story
The Third level?
(2) Why does Derry tell Mr. Lamb that he is afraid of seeing himself in the mirror
in the story On the Face of It?
(3) Why did people doubt Evan’s sincerity towards taking the ‘O’ Level Exam,
Evan Tries an O-Level?
(4) Why was the girl tied to a chair in Memories of Childhood?22 ENGLISH CORE - XII
ENGLISH CORE
CODE NO.: 301
Class-XII
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER II
Marking Scheme
Section A: Reading Max. Marks : 20
Answer Key
1. a. to mind our thoughts, for our thoughts are the foundation, the inspiration, the
motivating power of our deeds, and are the causes and the conditions of the effects.
b. Krishna says this because even when inactive on the bodily plane, we are all the time
acting on the thought plane. Therefore, if we observe ourselves, we can easily mould
our thoughts,
c. our thoughts affect the whole body. Each thought once generated and sent out
becomes independent of the brain and mind and we live upon its energy depending
upon its intensity
d. We can change our mood by mixing with people who are cheerful. We can bring
about the desired result by following:
• by choosing the thought seeds of right ideas, noble and courageous aspirations
that will be received by minds of the same nature,
a. Right introspection will be required of us to determine what we really desire
to effect.
1.2 a. Dynamic
b. Cyclic
c. introspection
2.1 Title: Temple of Somnathpur
Notes 1. Prominent temples at Somnathpur
i. built around 1268 A.D. by the Hoyasalas.
ii. built by the most prolific temple-builders.
(ii) Belur and Helebid
(iii) suffered during the invasions of the 14 century
2. Temple: the beauty and vitality
(a) Detailed sculpture- covering walls, pillars, ceilings.
(b) Three shikharas- stands star-shaped, raised platform - 24 edges
(c) The outer walls- detailed carvings
(d) the entire surface- carved plaques of stone,
(e) Vertical panels covered by exq.
3. Temple as representation of Hinduism:
(a) with many incarnations
(b) many deties23 ENGLISH CORE - XII
4. Characteristic of Hoyasala sculptures
(a) the series of friezes on the outer walls
(b) revealed intricately carved caparisoned elephants .
(c) charging horsemen
(d) stylized flowers
(e) warriors, musicians, crocodiles, and swans.
5. Temple in the History
(a) actually comm.. Soma Dandanayaka or Somnath
(b) The inner center of the temple was the kalyana mandapa.
(c) Leading - three corridors, each ending in a shrine
(d) Each kind of Krishna-Venugopala, Janardana and Prasanna Keshava, Life-test, of plu.
Key to Abbreviations used
Inc. includes
Exq. exquisite
Fig. figures
Test. testimony
Plu. Plurality
Comm.. commissioned
1.2 Summary temple of Somnathpur is extraordinary due to the
The sculptures on the walls, pillars, and even the ceiling which covered by
exquiste figures of gods and goddesses. The sculptures have a series of fniehes on
the outer walls. The various molifs are carved elephants, charging horsemen and
stylized flowers.
Section B
3. ANSWER KEY
Poster
Caption - Theatre Club presents ‘The Miser’ 1 mark
Presentation (Content) 3 marks
Date, Time, Venue
Help the victims of earthquake
Expression 1 mark
Or
Notice
Format - Title, Date, Signature with Designation 1 mark
Content - What, Where, When, amount to be deposited, 2 marks
Letter of Consent (Word Limit - 50)24 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Expression - coherence, relevance 1 mark
spellings, grammatical accuracy 1 mark
4. Report
Format - Title, Writer’s Name 1 mark
Content - What, Where, When,
Chief Guest, Number of participating schools,
Details about the exhibits,
Result 4 marks
Expression- coherence, relevance 2 ½ marks
spellings, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
OR
Format - Title, Writer’s Name 1 mark
Content - What, Where, When,
International Book Fair
As many as 125 countries of the world participated
Lakhs of books on varied topics
Attractive books for children
Everyone should visit
Expression- coherence, relevance 2 ½ marks
spellings, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
B-2: Factual Description
Format - Title, Writer’s name (Place and date optional) 1 mark
Content - What, Where, When
Presence of important dignitaries
Mayawati’s address gave hope to the people
Expression- Coherence, relevance 2 ½ mark
Spellings, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ mark
5. B-3 : Letter
Format - Writer’s add, receiver’s add, date, subject, salutation and 2 marks
complementary close
Content - gender bias prevailing
- girls not given education
- considered inferior
- social evils like dowry system25 ENGLISH CORE - XII
- laws should be made
- awareness programmes
- need to change the mindset 3 marks
Expression - spellings, grammatical accuracy, Coherence, Cohesion
Or
Format - Writer’s address, receiver’s address, date, subject, salutation,
complementary close 3 marks
Content - details about the books,
- No. of copies,
- Mode of payment 3 marks
Expression - Spellings, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
Coherence, Cohesion 2 ½ marks
6. Article- Argumentative/ Imaginative
Format - Title, writer’s name 1 mark
Title - Democracy
Content -
• Democracy provides equal opportunity to one and all
• It facilitates true harmony in the society
• It guarantees social equality and brotherhood
For • It acknowledges participation of every citizen
• It is a form of government where universal adult franchise is available
• Provides equal growth opportunity to all its members
• It has become a shelter of unscruplans elements
• Social equality is only a myth- no where near reality
• Casteism, racialism, distinction among religion is the key words on which
politicians are winning elections
Against • Illiterate people seem to be interested in the election as middle and upper middle
classes have lost interest
• Democracy is no better than a social anarchy now a days
• Own conclusion
Option II
Summer vacation on a hill station is really a wonderful experience
• Relaxing expenence
• Far away from hustle - bustle of life
• No tension of office/school/college
• Enjoying the picturesque landscape.
• Rejuvenates you peace and calm of nature26 ENGLISH CORE - XII
Expression - Coherence, relevance 2 ½ marks
Spelling, grammatical accuracy 2 ½ marks
7.(a) Objectives: To test the student’s comprehension of the poem, their ability to interpret,
evaluate and respond to the lines of the poem.
Option -1
Value points:
a. Simile: Mother’s face was as ashen as a dead body
b. Cochin airport
• Pangs of separation
c. By looking out of the car at young trees
Or
a. Map significs a limitless world of opportunities but it is far removed for the
slum children
b. These children are poor and deprived children - slum school, dismal,
impoverised world, authorities - apathetic unfair
c. future-break’fog’ uncertaing no way out.
(b) a. Wants true education for them
• Should be given opportunities in life
• People in authority should work for their upliftment
b. It will help us to think about ourselves
• about the world around us
• the chaos we humans have created
• tt will help us introspect
c. When a person dies we put him on a pedestal
• we worship him
• we elevate him in stature
8. Objectives: To test the student’s ability for local comprehension of the prose texts.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark
Expression : 1 mark
Value Point
a. was late
• had not prepared his lesson on participles
b. the incident when Douglas was thrown into the deep end of the pool by a boy
who was about eighteen years old.27 ENGLISH CORE - XII
c. it is an unwarranted intrusion into their lives.
• feel that the interview diminishes them.
d. When he wasn’t speaking it was as though he was away in a world which
Sophie had never visited.
e. To complain about injustice of the landlord system in Bihar.
9. Objectives : To test global comprehension of prose texts
Marking Scheme:
Content : 6 marks
Expression : 4 marks
Value Points:
• Bangle makers born in poverty, live in poverty, die in poverty.
• For generations people have been engaged in this trade.
• Work in inhuman conditions.
• Although they work hard but the profit is meager.
• Their hovels have crumbing walls, wobbly doors and no windows.
• They are overcrowded with humans and animals.
• Social customs, traditions, stigma of caste and people in authority combine so that
they remain poor and uneducated
• Money lenders, middlemen, politicians and policemen are all against them.
• Unable to organize themselves into a co-operative due to lack of a leader.
• They have lost the ability to dream.
• They can only talk but not act to improve their lot.
Or
Marking Scheme:
Content : 6 marks
Expression : 4 marks
Value points:
• Author uses gentle human and mild satire.
• He has a chatty style which quickly changes from one thought to the other.
• Makes fun of the make-up applied to the artists which changes a decent person into
a monster.
• Sets required the actors to look ugly so that they look presentable in the movie.
• Characters of the office boy, Subbu No. 2 and the legal adviser has many subtle
touches of humor.
• Purpose of the visits of Moral Re-Armament Army and the English Poet baffles
everyone.
• Baffled reaction of the staff Gemini studio arouses humor.
• Satire is also directed towards people who are against communism and would do
anything to oppose it.28 ENGLISH CORE - XII
10. Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark for each value point (4 points)
Expression : 3 marks (1 ½ + 1 ½ accuracy and fluency)
Value Points
• The feeling of hatred for enemy country is created by the system/ government
• People are made to hate each other
• It is considered to be patriotic/ nationalistic
• Personally knowing or not knowing has no meaning in such cases.
• These are people who rise above such petty thoughts
• Like doctor Sadao- for him saving the patient was most important
• As a doctor that was his first duty-the sick, injured needed attention and the
country to which the patient belongs did not matter to him.
OPTION II
Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark for each value point (4 points)
Expression : 3 marks (1 ½ + 1 ½ accuracy and fluency)
Value Points:
• Adult is mature, experienced and has a practical approach
• Adult responses are tutored and actions reflect the thought
• Children are spontaneous
• Their responses are natural, not tutored
• They want excitement
• Their idea of story is very different from adults
• The girl wanted Wizard to hit Skunk’s mother as she had forced Skunk to get back
the offensive smell.
• The girl did not approve this, for her the baby Skunk was right
• From her perspective, it was fine if the Wizard hits Mommy.29 ENGLISH CORE - XII
11. Objectives : To be able to comprehend incidents and evaluate it.
Marking Scheme:
Content : 1 mark
Expression : 1 mark
Value Points
1. Charley had been the station for long
• But each time he bumped into new doorways, stairs and corridors
• Once had entered a long tunnel and came out near Roosevelt hotel
2. Derry was a boy of fourteen
• Has a burn scar on his face which makes him feel low
• He is scared of looking at himself in the mirror
3. Evans was an experienced thief
• Had broken the jail many times
• People saw this as his way to escape from prison
4. She was refusing to accept their decision
• They wanted to cut her long hair
• She felt insulted because of this.
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