XII Preliminary Examination Question Paper

            S .V.Union Junior College ,Pune

H.S.C. Preliminary Examination 2022-2023

Subject:English                          Max.Marks:80                              Time:3 hrs

Section I: Textual Passage

Q1. A. Read the following extract and do the activities:      (12)

I scored 100% marks in Mathematics in almost all the examinations that I appeared for from my 1st standard until IIT, barring only a few times. I stood 16th in the SSC Board (at that time, this examination was for the whole of Maharashtra, including Nagpur) and I stood 1st in the University in all subjects put together. Those days, you could get an admission into IIT without the entrance test (JEE) if you had secured the 1st rank in the University. Therefore, I did not have to appear for the entrance test to get the admission into IIT, but nobody in Solapur told me about it, for I doubt if anybody in Solapur even knew about this rule. Therefore, I appeared for the entrance examination, and I secured a very good rank in the same. I was quite happy getting into IIT, but my joy was short lived. At Solapur I had not seen any building which was more than three storeyed. Mumbai however was full of skyscrapers. At IIT, most of the students and professors used to converse in English whereas my English was very poor. I had my entire education in Marathi. My spoken English was quite pathetic. Not only did I have a very weak vocabulary, but, my pronunciation also was terrible and my construction of English sentences very awkward to say the least. Due to all this, I was feeling quite lonely and terrified in Mumbai in general and IIT in particular. I had developed an inferiority complex and wanted to run away from IIT and even Mumbai.  

One day, I was sitting at my mess table in the hostel sipping tea when a senior guy came and sat on the chair adjacent to me. He was a convent educated guy with fairly sophisticated English- at least spoken or colloquial English. He was a bit arrogant and wanted to pull my leg. He tried to engage in some conversation with me and started pointing out errors in just about every sentence or everything that I said. After about 5 minutes he walked away after insulting me.  

I felt extremely humiliated and upset. As it is, I was feeling quite depressed and diffident and this incident was the last straw. I was almost broken. I felt out of place there and literally wanted to run away to Solapur that very moment. However, it was only my self-esteem which stopped me. Suddenly, a feeling of determination and strength came over me and gripped me. Despite hailing from Solapur, if I could be a rank holder in the school, college and IIT with many awards in Mathematics, there must be something right with me. Why should I give up? And that too for a silly and small thing like English? I was not to give up anymore, and I was determined to fight back.  

 

A1 

Complete the given statements.                                                   (2) 

The writer got admission in IIT as he----------------------------

The poor English of the writer was responsible for---------------------

A2

Describe the state of mind of the writer when he came from Solapur.                       (2) 

A3 

The incident of the insult by a senior was a blessing in disguise for the writer. 

Explain. (2) 

A4 

 

We need a punch to push ourselves forward. Share your experience. (2) 

 

A5 )Do as directed. (2) 

i. Not only did I have a very weak vocabulary, but my pronunciation also was terrible. 

 [Choose correct alternative to rewrite the sentence as a simple sentence] a. I had a very weak vocabulary with terrible pronunciation. 

I had a very weak vocabulary and my pronunciation was terrible. 

I did have a very weak vocabulary along with terrible pronunciation. 

I had a weak vocabulary as well as terrible pronunciation.

 ii. I felt extremely humiliated.  

[Choose correct alternative to rewrite the sentence using the noun form of the underlined word.] 

I felt extremely humiliation. 

I felt extremely humiliating. 

I felt extreme humiliation. 

I felt extreme humiliating. 

A6 

Write verb form of the following                          (2) 

a) examination b)   determination                 c)   education          d) pronunciation

 

B) Language Study      (4)

I) Do as directed / Transformation of Sentence   

i) Varun served as ______ clerk in ______ State Bank of India.

(Rewrite it using appropriate articles) 

ii) Everybody was present for Rahul’s birthday ______ Rohit as he was ______ leave that day.

(Rewrite it using appropriate prepositions)

iii) Mother said to Meena, “Is it the same movie that we saw last week?”

(Rewrite it in ‘indirect speech’)

II) Spot the error and rewrite the sentence.

Ramesh is one of the week students.

Q.2 A) Read the extract carefully and complete the activities that follow :                                  [18]

CHANAKYA had come to Takshashila about seven years ago in pursuit of higher education. Seasons after season had passed by. He had gained knowledge of various subjects. This education had widened his horizon. It had opened many more avenues of scholastic achievements to him.

Even though  Chanakya’s main avocation was Medicine and Political Science yet he had indulged in variety of subjects like Economics, Social Science, World History, Geography and little bit of mathematics and others. The University had evening classes for students with inadequate means of support. Also the University had given freedom to student to select any class they were interested in. Chanakya had taken advantages of all these facilities to the fullest extent.

University was not the only source of education for Chanakya. He learned the academic and theoretical education at the University. Practical education of day to day workings of trade and commerce, history of Bharat, upto date happening in other Kingdoms came from Shivshanker, a walking encyclopedia. Shivshankar had given him information about political, social and economic conditions of other Kingdoms like Kekaya, Takshashila, Youdheya Malava, Shudraka, Saubhuti, Katha and Gandhar.

Chanakya, Indusharma and Gangadas were frequent visitors to Shivshankar and occassionally Shivshanakr used to visit them at University dormitory.

Today the troika was visiting Shivshankar after a long absence. Obviously Shivshankar was delighted by their visit and welcomed them heartily. He made them comfortable in the living room.

He reproved in jest and said, “I thought you boys forgot us ? Chanakya, your mother was getting worried. What took you so long to visit us ?”

“Well, we are sorry. But we have got more home work to do and sometimes we have to attend evening classes too,” Indusharma was trying to justify.

“How can we forget you ? That’s not possible. I am well aware that mother must be anxiously waiting. But I couldn’t help,” Chanakya said apologitically.

A 1) Following sentences are jumbled up, arrange them in the order of their occurrences.

Chanakya, Indusharma and Gangadas were welcomed by shivshankar.

Medicine and Political Science were the main hobbies of chanakya.

Chanakya had knowledge of multiple subjects.

 Evening classes were offered by the University.

        (2)

A 2) The reasons for Chanakya’s coming to Takshashila were for —

i) ____________________________________________ 

ii) ___________________________________________

          (2)

A 3) Guess the facilities of Takshashila University.

i) ___________________________________________ 

ii) ____________________________________________

          (2)

A 4) “Knowledge will bring the opportunity to make a difference.” Express your opinions on it.

          (2)

A 5) Language study  (Do As Directed)

          (2)

a) This education had widened his horizon.

(Begin the sentence with ‘His Horizon’ -----)

         

b) He learned the academic and theoretical education at the University.

(Use ‘not only ------- but also’)

          

A 6) Vocabulary :-

         (2)

Give one word for the following :

i)A schoolwork that a pupil is required to do at home ________ .

ii)The line at which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet ________ .

Q.2 B)Summary Writing : (03)

Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help

of the given points.

(Chanakya’s scholastic achievements —— University : —— the source of education —— Contribution of Shivshankar)

Q2. C. Develop a mind mapping frame/design to show the ‘Advantages of Urbanization’ to the people. You can take the help of following points in order to develop each of them into further branches.                                                      (3)

(Transportation, health, education, employment, exposure to different cultures)

Section III: Poetry

Q.3 (A) Read the given extract and complete the activities given below:  (10) 

 

Home again, I see him drinking weak tea, Eating a stale chapati, reading a book. 

He goes into the toilet to contemplate Man's estrangement from a man-made world.

 Coming out he trembles at the sink, 

The cold water running over his brown hands,

 A few droplets cling to the greying hairs on his wrists. 

His sullen children have often refused to share 

Jokes and secrets with him. 

He will now go to sleep 

Listening to the static on the radio, dreaming 

Of his ancestors and grandchildren, thinking 

Of nomads entering a subcontinent through a narrow pass. 

A1. Complete the given flowchart about father’s activities at home. (02)   

 

  A2. Find the lines to highlight the relation of children and father. (02) 

……………………………………………………………………….. 

……………………………………………………………………….. 

 

A3 .Would you like to celebrate ‘Father’s day’? If yes how/ If not why? (02) 

 

A4. Name the figure of speech in the following line and give one more example.            (02) 

“coming out he trembles sat the sink” 

 

A5. Read the following lines and add two poetic lines to rhyme with line. He will now go to sleep 

                                 Listening to static on the radio 

………………………………………………. 

……………………………………………….. 

       

Q3. B. Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the following points:      (4)

About the poem/poet and the title

The theme

Poetic style

The language/poetic devices used in the poem

Message, values, morals in the poem

Your opinion about the poem

When I had money, money, O!

I knew no joy till I went poor;

For many a false man as a friend

Came knocking all day at my door.

Then felt I like a child that holds

A trumpet that he must not blow

Because a man is dead; I dared

Not speak to let this false world know.

Much have I thought of life, and seen

How poor men’s hearts are ever light;

And how their wives do hum like bees

About their work from morn till night.

So, when I hear these poor ones laugh,

And see the rich ones coldly frown-

Poor men, think I, need not go up

So much as rich men should come down.

When I had money, money, O!

My many friends proved all untrue;

But now I have no money, O!

My friends are real, though very few.

                                                   Section IV : Writing Skills

Q4. A. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.                         (16)

A1. Attempt any one of the following.                                                                                     (4)

Koyal called Mrs Grover, a furniture shop owner. Since she was not available, her assistant, Vidhi answered. The following is a conversation between Koyal and Vidhi. As Vidhi was going out immediately afterwards, she left a message for Mrs Grover. 

Read the conversation and write a message. Put your message in a box.

Koyal: Hello, is that Grand Furniture?

Vidhi: Yes.

Koyal: Could I speak to Mrs Grover?

Vidhi: I am afraid she’s not here at the moment.

Koyal: When will she be back?

Vidhi: Not before six in the evening. Can I take a message for her?

Koyal: Yes. Could you tell her that she has to deliver the furniture ordered by me, for my new house only on the 20th August and not on 14th August. Ask her to keep it ready by 9:00 am on the 20th of August. I will be sending a pick up van and so she does not have to arrange for the same.

Vidhi: Ok, I will inform her.

Koyal: Thank you.

                                                                                               OR

There are limited vacancies for getting admission to a well-known music and dance academy in Mumbai. Dancing is your passion and you always wanted to pursue career in music and dance. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to join the academy. 

.

OR

 Imagine that you have participated in the inter-college group discussion contest on the occasion of National Youth Day. There were three other contenders with you in the final round of the contest and the topic of the discussion was ‘Paper Books are better than the E-Books’. Write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic. 

A2. Attempt any one of the following.                                                                                     (4)

Draft an Email to the Editor of a Newspaper, making the public aware of rising air and noise pollution in your area. Mention the bad air quality index that appears in the newspaper daily and write about the bad effects of air and noise pollution and suggest some measures to curb it. 

OR

Write a report on Blood-donation Camp organised by your college on the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations. 

OR

Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a distinguished personality in the field of Social work. With the help of the given table and points draft questions on the given fields associated with the personality. (Do not change the sequence of the questions) 

 

 

Name of the interviewee 

(distinguished personality) 

 

 

 

Area of Success/Reputation 

 

 

Date/Venue/Time 

 

 

Duration of Interview 

 

 

Questions 

 

Question based on  

 

 

1.  Inspiration 

 

 

 

2.  Preparation 

 

 

 

3.  Development 

 

 

 

4.  Teacher/Guide 

 

 

 

5.  Memorable moments 

 

 

 

6.  Skills required 

 

 

 

7.  Performances 

 

 

 

8.  Do’s and Don’ts 

 

 

 

 

A3. Attempt any one of the following.                                                                                     (4)

The supervisor of your class is going to retire after 28 years of service in your college. You have been selected to deliver a speech at the farewell function arranged by the college staff and the students. Prepare a speech to be delivered at this occasion in about 120 words. 

OR

Imagine that you are a compare for ‘Independence Day Celebration’ of your college. Write a script of the same. You can take the help of the following points

Flag hoisting

Introduction/welcome speech/felicitation

Speech by the chief guest

Patriotic song/dance

Vote of thanks.

OR

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below. Write your answer in about 100 to 120 words. ‘Believing in yourself is believing in the best’. 

Having faith in your abilities. 

Keep doing the work. 

Supporting your argument with examples. 

Conclusion  

A4. Attempt any one of the following.                                                                                    (4)

Write a review on the book you have read or movie you have watched recently.

Title of the film/book

The star cast and production house /characters 

The gist of the plot. 

The reason you like the film/book

Your favourite scene from the movie/book 

Your opinion and recommendation. 

OR

Write a blog on the topic ‘An unforgettable incident in my life’.

OR

Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Avoid Fast Food’ with the help of the following points.                    (100-150 words) 

Attraction of Fast-Food items. 

Effects on body and mind. 

Ways of avoiding the fast food. 

         ✔ Appeal to society

Section V: Novel                                  (16)

Q5. A1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate answers.                                            (2)

a) The Periodical Essay and Novel are the gifts of ………… .  

(18 th century/ 17 th century /19 Th century) 

b)Salman Rushdie, V. S. Naipaul, Kazuo Ishigura are--------------------------.

 (Indian authors/ immigrant authors/writers of Indian origin) 

c)Geoffrey Chaucer wrote------------------------------------.

(Morte De Arthur, The Canterbury Tales, Tale of Genji) 

d) The first Indian English novel ‘Rajmohan’s wife’ was written by -----------------.

(Mulkraj Anand, R.K.Narayan, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya) 

A2. Match the following.                                                                                                       (2)

                         A   

 

B 

1. Daniel Defoe   

 

a) Gulliver’s Travels 

2. Jonathan Swift   

 

b) Robinson Crusoe 

3. Samuel Richardson  

 

c) The Pilgrim’s Progress 

4. John Bunyan    

 

d) Pamela 

B1. Write a short note on the theme – ‘student teacher relationship’ in the novel ‘To Sir with Love’                               (2)

B2. Write a short note on the character sketch of Miss Philips.                               (2)

C1. Write a short note on the theme ‘Time’ in the novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.                              (2)

C2. Narrate the brief story of  ‘Around the world in eighty days’.                                                                                                                                                                                                 (2)

D1. ‘The Agra treasure brought nothing but bad luck to anyone who came in touch with it’ – Jonathan Small. Comment.                                                               (2)

D2. Write the character sketch of Sherlock Holmes as a professional detective.                                ( 2)

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