Class 12 English Sample Paper Set A

Please refer to Class 12 English Sample Paper Set A with solutions below. The following CBSE Sample Paper for Class 12 English has been prepared as per the latest pattern and examination guidelines issued by CBSE. By practicing the English Sample Paper for Class 12 students will be able to improve their understanding of the subject and get more marks.

Q1. Read the passage given below. (10 Marks)

1. “Who doesn’t know how to cook rice? Cooking rice hardly takes time.” said my father. So, I challenged myself. I switched from news to YouTube and typed, “How to cook rice?” I took
one and a half cups of rice. Since I didn’t have access to a rice cooker, I put the rice in a big pot. Firstly, the rice has to be washed to get rid of dust and starch. I thought I won’t be able to drain the rice and that it will fall out of the pot. I observed the chef as I swirled the rice around and used my dexterous hands to drain it, not once, not twice, but three times. I looked down at the sink and saw less than 50 grains that made their way out of the pot. Suffice to say, I was up to the mark.

2. The video stated that the key to perfect rice is equal amounts of rice and water. I have heard that professionals don’t need to measure everything; they just know what the right amount is. But as this was my first time in the kitchen, I decided to experiment by not measuring the water needed for boiling the rice. I wanted the rice to be firm when bitten, just like pasta. I don’t enjoy the texture of mushy rice. It has to have that chutzpah; it has to resist my biting power just for a bit before disintegrating.

3. After what seemed like 10 minutes, all the water disappeared. I went in to give it a good stir.
To my surprise, some of the rice got stuck to the pot. I tried to scrape it off but to no avail.
At the same time, there was a burning smell coming from it. I quickly turned the stove off. “What have you done to the kitchen?” shouted Mother, while coming towards the kitchen. I
managed to ward her off.

4. Finally, when the time came to taste my creation, I was surprised! It wasn’t bad at all. The rice had the desired consistency. Sure, a little more salt would’ve been better, but I just added that while eating. The experience was fairly rewarding and memorable. It taught me a new sense of respect for those who cook food on a regular basis at home or engage in gourmet creations professionally.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any ten questions from the eleven given below: (1 × 10 = 10)

(i) Father’s question to the narrator, about knowing how to cook rice, was intended to:
(a) criticize the narrator’s lack of abilities
(b) make the process sound simple
(c) encourage the narrator to take up cooking
(d) showcase his own expertise in cooking rice

(ii) “I switched from news to YouTube …” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘switch(ed)’ is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.
(b) “Forget these diet supplements and switch to yoga, if you want a true sense of wellbeing.”
(c) Mom switched to reading fiction recently because she was bored with cook-books.
(d) The company will switch the trucks to other routes to bring down city pollution.

(iii) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the process.
1. Use water to wash the rice. 2. Repeat the process three times.
3. Drain the water off. 4. Put rice in a utensil.
5. Swirl the water in and around the rice.
(a) 4,2,1,3,5
(b) 1,3,2,5,4
(c) 4,1,5,3,2
(d) 5,1,2,4,3

(iv) The narrator says that he has dexterous hands. He would have had a problem had it been the opposite. NOT BEING dexterous means, being:
(a) uncomfortable
(b) clumsy
(c) unclear
(d) clueless.

(v) Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking ‘perfect rice’? (Image 9)
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

(vi) How did mother react to the burning smell?
(a) She commented on it .
(b) She brushed it aside.
(c) She enquired about it .
(d) She handled it.

(vii) According to the passage, the fact that the narrator risked experimentation, on his maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows that he was:
(a) conscientious
(b) nervous
(c) presumptuous
(d) courteous

(viii) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘chutzpah’.
(a) It is the court’s duty to dispense chutzpah to everyone irrespective of caste or creed.
(b) The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you’ve got to admit she’s got chutzpah.
(c) I could crack the code easily which proved me to be a chutzpah and I was the only one who could do so.
(d) After his father’s demise, the daughter took over the family’s chutzpah to save it from disaster.

(ix) Pick the option that correctly states what DID NOT happen after the writer checked onthe rice.
(a) Turning the stove off
(b) Being taken aback at the condition of rice
(c) Forgetting to scrape the stuck rice
(d) Smelling the delicious aroma of cooked rice

5. Exacting 6. Enlightening
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 5
(c) 3 and 6
(d) 1 and 3

Q2. Read the passage given below: (10 Marks)

1. The present generation is well updated in the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic
purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet: (Image 10)

2. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects.

3. However, research on the Net is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems. The Net is a tremendous resource,but it must be used carefully and critically.

4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45 % of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments.

5. When asked what e-book features make them a favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten questions from the eleven that follow: (1 × 10 = 10)

(i) According to the passage, one of the reasons for the recent transformation of education is the:
(a) techno-efficiency of the present generation
(b) expanse of courses on technology
(c) simplification of the teaching and learning- method
(d) easy availability of the internet

(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
1. Internet-based education can only complement familiar methods of education.
2. Net-based learning will replace face-to-face education.
3. The resources that the net provides are a danger to the education system.
4. The current times has seen a rise in the convenience of using the internet for academic purposes.
(a) 1 & 2
(b) 3 & 4
(c) 2 & 3
(d) 1 & 4

(iii) The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as:
(a) expensive
(b) renowned
(c) innovative
(d) incredible.

(iv) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month. (Image 11)
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

(v) “… but it must be used carefully and critically.” The idea of being careful and critical while using the internet, is mainly a reference to:
(a) hardware malfunction
(b) plagiarism
(c) troubleshooting
(d) virus threats

(vi) Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.
1. The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
2. About 18% people use email once a week.
3. There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month.
4. Less than 5% of people never use the email.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 4

(vii) Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from respondents.
(a) Never using the internet for work and leisure
(b) Daily use of the computer for academic activities
(c) Writing and receiving emails once a week
(d) Using the internet for personal tasks once a month

(viii) In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is ……………………….. .
(a) indignant
(b) apologetic
(c) obedient
(d) inquisitive

(ix) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?
(a) About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
(b) A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(c) More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.

(x) According to the 2018 survey, which is the option that correctly displays the features of:
A. page numbers for use in citation and
B. content transfer between devices, respectively?   (Image 12)
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

(xi) Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the most favourite, from the following:
1. Downloading the entire e-book. 2. Choosing page numbers in citations.
3. Highlighting text. 4. Resizing text to fit screen.
(a) 1, 3, 4, 2
(b) 3, 2, 1, 4
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3

(20 Marks)

Q3. Read the extracts given below and attempt any two of the three given by answering the questions that follow. (4 + 4 = 8)

A. Food is more important for survival than an identity. “If at the end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without an aching stomach, we would rather live here
than in the fields that gave us no grain,” say a group of women in tattered saris when I ask them why they left their beautiful land of green fields and rivers. Wherever they
find food, they pitch their tents that become transit homes. Children grow up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. Through
the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even
more.

(i) The phrase ‘transit homes’ refers to the dwellings that are:
(a) unhygienic
(b) inadequate
(c) fragile
(d) temporary

(ii) Identify the figure of speech used in the sentence – “Garbage to them is gold.”
(a) Hyperbole
(b) Simile
(c) Synecdoche
(d) Personification

(iii) Choose the term which best matches the statement – “Food is more important for survival than an identity.”
(a) Immorality
(b) Necessity
(c) Obligation
(d) Ambition

(iv) What does ‘acquired the proportions of a fine art’ mean?
(a) Rag-picking has regained its lost status.
(b) A segment of ragpickers are skilled in fine arts.
(c) Rag-picking has attained the position of a skill.
(d) Only a few people are experts in rag-picking.

B. They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in trouble with the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse
was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians. The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.

(i) The officials felt powerless because:
(a) of Gandhi’s refusal to cooperate with them
(b) of Gandhi’s polite and friendly behaviour
(c) the crowd was listening only to Gandhi
(d) the crowd was getting violent

(ii) The demonstration proved that the:
(a) policies of the British had failed
(b) dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen
(c) dealings with the Indian citizens had been unsuccessful
(d) might of the British had not been understood by Indians

(iii) Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, when he says, “Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors”?
(a) Humourous
(b) Dramatic
(c) Sarcastic
(d) Persuasive

(iv) Gandhiji’s behaviour towards the British prior to the proposal of postponement of the trial was that of:
(a) indifference
(b) calm acceptance
(c) ignorance of consequences
(d) polite helpfulness

C. Jo was starting to fuss with her hands and look out of the window, at the crack of day that showed under the shade. She thought the story was all over. Jack didn’t like women
when they took anything for granted; he liked them apprehensive, hanging on his words.
“Now, Jo, are you listening?”
“Yes.”
“Because this is very interesting. Roger Skunk’s mommy said, ‘What’s that awful smell?’
“Wha-at?”
“And, Roger Skunk said, ‘It’s me, Mommy. I smell like roses.’ And she said, ‘Who made you smell like that?’ And he said, ‘The wizard,’ and she said, ‘Well, of all the nerve. You come with me and we’re going right back to that very awful wizard.”

(i) Choose the option that best demonstrates the relevant traits of Jo and Jack respectively, based on the extract provided.
(a) Curious and irritable
(b) Patient and irritable
(c) Curious and lethargic
(d) Patient and lethargic

(ii) “Jo was starting to fuss with her hands.” This means that Jo was:
(a) feeling anxious
(b) getting restless
(c) feeling lazy
(d) fighting sleep

(iii) Jo’s “Wha-at?” indicated what she was feeling. Pick the option that correctly states these feelings.
1. Terror 2. Surprise 3. Ignorance 4. Displeasure
5. Joy 6. Approval
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 6
(d) 4 and 5

(iv) Mommy says, ‘Well, of all the nerve.” This reveals her:
(a) approval, surprise and pleasure
(b) pleasure, hope and approval
(c) betrayal, disapproval and hurt
(d) shock, anger and disapproval

Q4. Read the extracts given below and attempt any one of the two given by answering the questions that follow. (1 × 4 = 4)
A. On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s head,Cloudless at dawn, civilised dome riding all cities.
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed map Awarding the world its world. And yet, for these Children, these windows, not this map, their world, Where all their future’s painted with a fog,

(i) What does the expression – sour cream walls – suggest?
(a) Display of donated artefacts on the walls
(b) Badly maintained walls
(c) Wall-to wall furniture
(d) A poor choice of paint for walls

(ii) The map of the world in the classroom symbolises:
(a) hopes and aspirations of the children
(b) travel plans of the school authorities
(c) a world that is unconnected to the children
(d) interconnectivity within the world

(iii) The expression, ‘Shakespeare’s head’ is an example of:
(a) pun
(b) satire
(c) parody
(d) irony

(iv) In the extract, ‘future’s painted with a fog’ suggests that the:
(a) classroom is as foggy as the paint on the walls
(b) beautiful valleys are not a part of the children’s future
(c) life ahead for the slum children is as unclear and hazy as fog
(d) fog often finds itself in the classrooms through broken windows

B. We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

(i) The phrase ‘immortal drink’ refers to:
(a) blessings of our ancestors
(b) the teachings of nature
(c) a life-giving force
(d) the beauty of heaven

(ii) ‘All lovely tales’ evoke the feeling of:
(a) sadness and nostalgia
(b) only nostalgia
(c) inspiration and pride
(d) only pride

(iii) The rhyme scheme of the above extract is:
(a) aabb
(b) abab
(c) aaab
(d) abbb

(iv) The literary device used by the poet in the following lines is ………………….. .
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(a) personification
(b) allegory
(c) imagery
(d) synecdoche

Q5. Attempt any eight questions from the ten given below. (1 × 8 = 8)

(i) The writer tones down the philosophical load inherent in ‘The Rattrap’ with the inclusion of:
(a) ironical situations
(b) satirical dialogues
(c) classical references
(d) humour and wit

(ii) Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to Douglas.
(a) Douglas’s fear kept him away from leisurely activities in water.
(b) The fall in the pool at YMCA taught Douglas a life lesson.
(c) The fear of drowning was the source of Douglas’s anxiety and terror.
(d) Douglas decided to practice relentlessly to overcome his fear.

(iii) Spender’s use of imagery in “His eyes live in a dream, of squirrel game, in tree room, other than this”, brings out:
(a) the similarity between the frail bodies of a squirrel and the children in the classroom
(b) the contrast between studying in the dreary classroom and playing outside freely
(c) the comparison of the dingy home of the squirrel and the dreary classroom
(d) the difference between the games of the squirrel and those of the children

(iv) Keats celebrates trees as a “boon” in the poem A Thing of Beauty. With reference to this statement, which of the following options is NOT TRUE?
(a) Trees give us sustenance.
(b) Trees provide relief from heat.
(c) Trees help keep the Earth clean.
(d) Trees appear beautiful to the eye.

(v) Concluding his last lesson by writing ‘Vive la France!’ on the blackboard shows that M.
Hamel:
(a) was overwhelmed with emotions
(b) wanted to distract all attending class that day
(c) was keen on not leaving the country
(d) wanted to teach French participles through it

(vi) Rajkumar Shukla’s efforts resulted in Gandhiji’s fight for the farmer’s cause. This showcases that he was:
(a) meticulous and kind
(b) sincere and curious
(c) enterprising and persistent
(d) respectful and congenial

(vii) It is clear that the speaker in Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers has an attitude of ……………… towards her.
(a) empathy
(b) wonder
(c) sympathy
(d) gratitude

(viii) ‘Keeping Quiet’ uses fishermen to symbolise man’s:
(a) persistent pollution of the natural environment
(b) rapid degradation of human values
(c) limitless exploitation of natural resources
(d) constant participation in acts of terror

(ix) Saheb’s discarded and worn out tennis shoes are:
(a) an indication to procure different ones
(b) a dream come true
(c) a sign of his poverty
(d) an insult to the sport itself

(x) In the poem, My Mother at Sixty-six, all that the poet did was smile and smile and smile…,
Her smile is:
(a) sudden, in response to her mother’s
(b) meaningful and loaded with love
(c) accompanied with tears of farewell
(d) put on to cheer her mother

PART-B – Subjective Questions

Q6. Attempt any one of the following. (1 × 3 = 3)
analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone

A. You are Sameera/Sameer the owner of Pink Power, a café run only by women. You are looking for an interior designer to design the interiors of the café. Draft a suitable advertisement for the same, in about 50 words to be published in the classified columns of the National Daily, the local newspaper.
Answer : A. • Situation Vacant • Specification about the work of the Interior decorator • Accept any relevant qualities/characteristics or experience required • Remuneration and benefits/ incentives • Mode of applying • Contact details

B. You are Rachael/Rueben, President of the Wellness Cell of your school. You decide to organise a workshop, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. This workshop would be conducted by the school counsellor. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the students of class XI-XII about the workshop.
Answer : B. • For whom? • What? – a mental health workshop to be conducted by the school counsellor.
• when – date, month, 20×× (accept all formats of writing date) • where – ……………… (any plausible venue) • benefits of the workshop – help us increase our understanding about
mental health, deal with our problems better, etc. (accept relevant inclusions) • Request to attend the same
Any other relevant detail/point shall be accepted. No marks to be deducted for exceeding word limit. 

Q7. Attempt any one of the following. (1 × 3 = 3)
analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone

A. You are Dr Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public School, Jammu, to conduct a seminar for students on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward”. This seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of art in dealing with personal and social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the invitation.
Answer : A. • Expression of gratitude for the invite (Could include an appreciation of the initiative) • Acceptance of the invite • Confirmation about relevant details such as time, date, etc.

B. You are Rukmini/ Raja of R-201, Fort Road, Chennai. You have just purchased a new house. You decide to have a house-warming ceremony and invite your cousin Balaji.
Write the invitation in 50 words giving all necessary details.
Answer : B. • Share the feeling of happiness at the purchase • Mention the occasion and provide details (time, place; any other specific instructions) • Share expectations (bring parents/ pick up xyz/come early to help/bring certain items, etc.)

Q8. Attempt any one of the following. (1 × 5 = 5)
analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone

A. You are Shubha/Krushna Mohanty, residing in Subhadra Apartments, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 
You have observed, with increasing concern, that garbage collection continues to be done without segregation in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the editor of The Real Times, Bhubaneswar, in about 120- 150 words, explaining your concern along with the rationale behind the importance of garbage segregation. Suggest ways in which the RWAs can participate in this program.
Answer : A. • A reference to the reason for writing – concern that garbage collection continues to be done without segregation
• State reasons – garbage collectors not segregating/residents need to segregate at home/ pick up can be done in vans/liaison with local municipal corporation to ensure last mile
segregation. (any other)
• Suggestions – RWAs to spread awareness, be vigilant—residents to be responsible of how they segregate / RWA to spread the word and disseminate information; start a system of
maintaining records; awards for those doing a good job; use functional CCTV cameras; collaborate with local municipal committee for regular segregation, etc. (any other).

B. You are Aami/Ajoy Sarkar of 83, Model Town, Guwahati, Assam. You are a sports enthusiast. Rangshala School, Guwahati,has advertised the requirement of a Sports teacher, in the local newspaper. You are excited and decide to apply for the post.
Write a letter in 100-120 words, responding to the given advertisement, submitting your candidature with a detailed bio-data.
Answer : • Cover letter
→ introduction
→ reference of the advertisement given (visual cue)
→ any relevant reason of applying for the job – e.g. have recently shifted to Delhi and have been looking for a suitable opportunity
→ any relevant qualities that make the candidate suitable for the job – e.g. sincerity → a record of great rapport with the students, etc. (any other relevant)
• Bio-data (refer to the visual cue)
→ Qualifications and experience that match the job profile – e.g. holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education; has prior experience as a sports teacher in a school.
→ References

Q9. Attempt any one of the following. (1 × 5 = 5)
evaluation, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone

A. While reading about new places and searching for them online has its merits, the advantages of actually travelling to various destinations far exceed them. Write an article in 120-150 words for the magazine Travel Times, evaluating both these options. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas. You are Amrit/Amrita.
• builds confidence • make friends and memories
• experience new cultures • expands knowledge
Answer : A. Format of the Article – Heading; By line (name, class) (may be listed at the end too); Body (split into paragraphs)
Note – Since the question speaks of evaluating both options, it must include value points for both reading about places and actually travelling to them to create a robust article.
Paragraph 1: Suggested value points with regards to reading/surfing about places:
• Food for the mind – educates one about different cultures
• Educates one about distinct histories
• Preview into cultures; know about experiences of other travellers Paragraph 2: Suggested value points with regards to travelling to places:
• builds confidence by exposing one to new experiences
• opportunities to make friends gives a chance to meet new people/widen horizons/ create contacts that might be helpful in future (may use examples for the same)
• make memories – spend time with friends/ family/ self-photographs, blogs, videos, etc.
• experience new cultures – be a part of different cultures by spending time with people/ partaking in festivities, etc.
• expands knowledge via experience – pick up a language/ understand a country’s demography, etc.
Paragraph 3:
• Relevant conclusion based on the discussion in paragraphs above
Accept any other relevant point(s).

B. Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami celebrations had organised a three-day cultural festival. You are Bhupinder/Priyanka Bhisht. Your newspaper had deputed you to cover the inaugural event of this festival. As a newspaper reporter, use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same in 120-150 words.
• big crowds – main grounds of the marketplace
• colourful decorations
• inauguration – local panchayat member to inaugurate
• folk dance and songs • speeches
Answer : B. Format of a report – Title; Reporter’s name / as a correspondent; Content (split into paragraphs)
Paragraph 1: expansion of the headline
Paragraph 2: description/ details (chronologically) [use of transition words expected]
Paragraph 3: eye witness account/s, concluding observation
(make use of past tense; use of first person avoidable)

LITERATURE (24 Marks)

Q10. Attempt any five out of the six questions given below in 30-40 words each. (5 × 2 = 10)

(i) What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer : (i) – moment of world peace/ universal brotherhood – love forged through introspection in silence

(ii) Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf.
Answer : (ii) – Use of the metaphor of rattrap to highlight story of a character getting trapped in his avarice.

(iii) Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ What do you think is the reason for this feeling?
Answer : (iii) – Realisation that she has not given enough care to her aging mother – Fear of permanent separation from her mother

(iv) Comment on the significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s classroom.
Answer : (iv) – As a sign of repentance for not attending school often – To pay their tribute to the teacher
– As a mark of respect for the country which was no longer theirs (accept any two)

(v) ‘Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad.’ State any one reason why the writer says this.
Answer : (v) – No progress or development despite years of mind-numbing toil – poverty, illiteracy, dissatisfaction prevails
– all labourers victims of middlemen and touts (accept any two)

(vi) How does the poet use the image of ‘fingers fluttering through the wool’ to highlight Aunt Jennifer’s victimisation?
Answer : (vi) – She is burdened by the weight of her marriage/ gender codes she has to follow as a woman that even holding wool firmly is a task
– Highlights the oppressed state of women

Q11. Attempt any two out of the three questions given below in 30-40 words each. (2 × 2 = 4)

(i) In his letter to Charley, Sam writes, ‘…then I got to believing you were right.’ What could have made Sam begin to believe?
Answer : (i) Analysis: (accept all relevant answers supported by rationale)
– Sam had not believed Charley when he had mentioned the third level at the Grand Central – Sam had liked the description of 1894 life and living
– Sam must have gone in search of the third level and found it

(ii) It was important that the recaptured Evans keep up the façade till the very last moment of his interaction with the Governor. Support this statement with a rationale.
Answer : (ii) Analysis:
– Was planning his escape
– The police officer and police van driver were his accomplices
– Could not risk discovery – had to keep up the façade that the authorities had the upper hand

(iii) Sadao’s acceptance of the General’s plan to assassinate Tom was counterproductive to having put him on the path of recovery. Substantiate with reason/s.
Answer : 
(iii) Evaluation:
– As a doctor – adhere to sense of duty
– As a human being – a sense of humaneness
– Acceptance of the general’s plan – in accord with loyalty to his country which was at war with Tom’s country

Q12. Attempt any one of the following questions in 120-150 words. (1 × 5 = 5)
A. The story ‘Deep Water’ talks about Douglas’ attempts to overcome his fear of water. The story can also be viewed as a figurative manifestation of life’s many challenges. Elaborate with reference to the text.
Answer : A. – Douglas’ struggle – determination to face fear and overcome it
– Accept any relevant examples from the text as a link to life’s challenges/ setbacks/ obstacles
– Symbolism – deep water not just restricted to water but is a metaphor for human fears/phobias/anxieties
– Significance – the struggle and journey of overcoming one’s fears
(important to develop a connection between Douglas’ journey/determination to face fear with life’s challenges)

B. How does the story, ‘Rattrap’ highlight the importance of community over isolation? Support your rationale with textual evidence.
Answer : (5 Marks: 3 for content + 2 for expression)
B. – The rattrap seller undergoes change in his personality as he experiences the shift from isolation to community
– The Rattrap seller is devoid of family and friends; he is depicted as a loner
– Instances that depict his engagement with community – hospitality of the old man; the Christmas episode
– His experience of friendship leading to a change in his persona
– Any other relevant point

Q13. Attempt any one of the following questions in 120-150 words. (1 × 5 = 5)
A. Mr Lamb calls Derek his friend while Derek refuses his affirmation. Would you consider their relationship with each other as friendship? Support your answer with reference to the
instance(s) from the text.
Answer : A. Relationship – Friendship?
▪ Mr Lamb’s positivity, attitude towards life, optimism, maturity, explaining with examples,persistence towards Derek – accepting of Derek will all his imperfections – calls him a
friend – said there were friends everywhere – explains saying they aren’t enemies
▪ Derek gradually opens up – finds his company appealing – Derek argues – his condition has made him bitter – people’s behaviour and treatment – believes if he becomes
Mr Lamb’s friend, others might stop considering him their friend – his words have an impact – he overcomes issues holding him back (NOTE – Conclusion important) – Even though Derek did not affirm out loud, the fact that Mr Lamb’s words inspired trust enough to help him open up – also got back to Mr Lamb’s
garden – overcame his own challenges – recognised Mr Lamb’s impact – Was a bond they shared – can call it friendship Accept any other relevant point.

B. With respect to the events in the story, ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy’, who would you support, Wizard or Mommy? Justify your choice.
Answer : The title encapsulates the thematic question addressed in the story.
– It’s open to debate and the writer chose to keep it unresolved; added a question mark.
– While Jo would want the wizard to hit mommy, Jack didn’t. – shows the contrast between the two of them.
– Jo – independent and thoughtful – unconvinced that mothers are always right –empathizing with the sorry situation of Roger – wanted the Wizard to hit mommy
– Jack – unwilling to change – reminded of his own mother – supports the mother’s stand against the system that fits individuals into the conventions of body/colour, etc.
– Title depicts the larger question – two ideologies
▪ one that supports conventions
▪ other that supports individuality
Accept any other relevant point/s.