PRELININARY EXAMINATION Date:-
STD- XII SUBJECT-
ENGLISH -------------- SECTION I : PROSE
[Reading for Comprehension, Language
Study, Summary, Mind Mapping]
Q. 1. (A) Read the extract
and complete the activities given below : (12 Marks)
He had left his village without any previous thought or plan. If he had continued there he would have carried on the work of his forefathers - namely, tilling the land, living, marrying, and ripening in his cornfield and ancestral home. But that was not to be. He had to leave home without telling anyone, and he could not rest till he left it behind a couple of hundred miles. To a villager it is a great deal, as if an ocean flowed between.
He had a working analysis of mankind’s troubles: marriage, money, and the tangles of human ties. Long practice had sharpened his perception. Within five minutes he understood what was wrong. He charged three pies per question, never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. When he told the person before him, gazing at his palm, “In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your efforts,” nine out of ten were disposed to agree with him. Or he questioned “Is there any woman in your family, maybe even a distant relative who is not well disposed towards you?” Or he gave an analysis of character: “Most of your troubles are due to your nature. How can you be otherwise with Saturn where he is? You have an impetuous nature and a rough exterior.” This endeared him to their hearts immediately, for even the mildest of us loves to think that he has a forbidding exterior.
The nuts vendor blew out his flare and rose to go home. This was a signal for the astrologer to bundle up too, since it left him in darkness except for a little shaft of green light which strayed in from somewhere and touched the ground before him. He picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia and was putting them back into his bag when the green shaft of light was blotted out.
A1) True/ False : (02)
Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are true or false. 1)The astrologer had left his village after informing everyone.
2) The astrologer had a reasonable understanding of people's personal problems.
3)
The astrologer could
tell his clients the solution
to their problems
even before they speak a single
sentence.
4)
The astrologer could understand his client's problems
because of his in-depth knowledge of astrology.
A2) Give reasons (02)
The astrologer could understand the problems of his clients within five minutes,
because ------
i)……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ii)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
A3) Find out proofs: (02)
Find out proofs from the extract that the astrologer was a false fortune teller with no ‘real’
knowledge of his ‘profession’. i)……………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii)…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
A4) Personal response: (02)
Do you think astrology is a true science? Write your opinion on this in about 50 words.
A5) Language study: (02)
i)
You have an impetuous nature and a rough exterior. ( Rewrite the sentence using "not only........................... but also )
ii)
The nuts vendor
blew out his flare and rose to go home.
(Rewrite the sentence using ‘as soon as')
A6) Vocabulary: (02)
Find out words from the extract which mean:
1) impulsive
2) made likeable
3)
threatening
4) a collection of articles
used in a particular activity
:
B. Non-textual Grammar: (03)
I) Do as directed:
i) Ramesh could see owl sitting on roof of his house.
(Insert appropriate articles wherever necessary and rewrite the sentence)
ii) ……………… teaching
the poem, the teacher told us......................... the poet.
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions and rewrite the sentence)
iii)
The Shatabdi Express is one of the fastest trains in
India. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with 'Very Few.)
II) Spot the error and rewrite the sentence: (01)
i) The teacher got angry on the students due to their misbehaviour.
Q. 2. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below : (12 Marks)
Have you ever wondered why soldiers are always clad in green? This is to enable them to camouflage themselves during wartime. Hiding in the jungles, their green attire blend into the surrounding trees and shrubs, making it difficult for the enemies to spot them.
Long before man make use of camouflaging, insects have already adopted the tactic of disguise to escape from the clutches of their predators. By having body colours close to those of the rocks and dried leaves, they catch less attention from the predators and hence
escape from being pursued. However, this kind of disguise works only if the insects remain still in the presence of their predators.
Butterflies and moths have developed a variety of camouflage strategies since they are quite defenceless and their predators - birds are abundant in supply. Many moth caterpillars resemble dead twigs while the young of certain species of butterflies appear like bird droppings. Adult butterflies and moths camouflage themselves too, in attempts to escape from their hunters -- birds who are superior gliders. Possessing wings which resemble dried leaves help certain butterflies and moths to hide among heaps of dried leaves when predators are around.
Fortunately, not all insects choose the art of disguise to escape from their predators; otherwise, the world would be so dull and colourless. There are insects which assimilate the bright body colours of bees and wasps to escape from being pursued by their predators. The concept of mimicry was derived, owing to the bees and wasps. Long ago, birds have already learnt to avoid brilliantly coloured wasps and bees in fear of their painful stings. Hence, over millions of years, many harmless insects have assimilated the bees and wasps by imitating their bright body colours and shapes. In this way, they appear dangerous to their predators and hence ward them off.
A1) Read the following statements and write down two statements which explain the theme of the extract: (02)
1) Camouflaging is an important tactic adopted by certain creatures for their survival.
2)
Soldiers are always clad in green because
they have to hide in jungles.
3)
Sometimes trick is better
than strength.
4) One cannot live in this world without using camouflaging strategy.
A2) Find out: (02)
Find out from the extract the camouflage strategies developed by the different insects.
A3) Inference (02)
‘Not all insects choose the art of disguise to escape their predators, otherwise the world
would be so dull and colourless’, this sentence implies that-------------------------------------------
A4) Personal Response : (02)
Survival of species depends on their adaptations to the environment in which they live. Give your opinion on this in about 50 words.
A5) Language study: (02)
i)
Butterflies and moths
have developed a variety of camouflage strategies. (Rewrite the sentence
beginning with- 'A variety of................................. )
ii)
Insects have adopted
the tactic of disguise to escape from the clutches
of their predators. (Frame a Wh -question in order
to get the underlined part as an answer)
A6) Vocabulary : (02)
Find out two pairs of synonymous words from the extract:
i)…………………..
ii)…………………..
Q.2 B) Summary: (03)
Prepare a summary of the extract given in Q.2 (A). Give it a suitable title. You may use the following points :
The tactic of disguise-body colours resembling surroundings -defenceless- ward off the predators
Q.2 C) Mind Mapping (03)
Develop a 'Mind Mapping Frame / Design to show the different career options available for students after 12th standard. You can take help of the following points in order to develop each of them into further branches:
Arts/Commerce / Science Streams, technical course, Vocational career, Passion, Hobbies/Aptitude/ Skills Strength/ Weakness, Job opportunities.
SECTION II : POETRY
[Comprehension and Appreciation]
Q. 3. (A) Read the extract
and complete the activities given below : (10 Marks)
No stir in the air, no stir in the sea, The ship was as still as she could be,
Her sails from heaven received no motion, Her keel was steady in the ocean.
Without either sign or sound of their shock The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock; So little they rose, so little they fell,
They did not move the Inchcape Bell.
The Abbot of Aberbrothok
Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock; On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung, And over the waves its warning rung
A1) Pick out : (02)
Pick out the lines from the extract which suggest that there was no wind, the ship was calm and without
movement.
A2) Give reasons : (02)
The sailors blessed the Abbot of Aberbrothok because
i)
ii)
A3) Personal response : (02)
Explain the moral in the poem in your own words- ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’.
A4) Poetic Device : (02)
Find out from the extract an example of following figures of speech:
i)
Alliteration
ii)
Inversion
Compose your own two poetic lines appreciating the good deed of the Abbot.
(B) Read the extract and write the appreciation based on the aspects given below: (04)
Weavers, weaving at break of day,
Why do you weave a garment so gay?......
Blue as the wing of a halcyon wild,
We weave the robes of a new-born child.
Weavers, weaving at fall of night,
Why do you weave a garment so bright?........
Like the plumes of a peacock, purple and green, We weave the marriage-veils of a queen.
Weavers, weaving solemn and still,
What do you weave in the moonlight chill……
White as a feather and white as a cloud,
We weave a dead man’s funeral shroud.
About the poem/poet and significance of the title i)About the poem/poet and significance of the title.
ii)
The form and theme of the poem
iii) Poetic style/poetic devices used
iv) Inspirational message,
values, morals reflected
in the poem
v) Special features
Your opinion and critical evaluation of the poem
SECTION III : WRITING SKILLS (16 Marks)
Complete the activities as per the instructions given
below :
1.
Virtual message
Riya comes home from school and finds the door locked. Since she has duplicate key, she enters and finds a note from her mother kept on the table. In it, she explains that she had to rush to her office for some urgent meeting. She has also written that she should have her
lunch kept on the dining table. She should heat the food in the microwave oven if she wanted to, but she should be very careful while handling the switch.
Draft the message which Riya's mother left for her.
OR
2. Statement of Purpose : (04)
Read the personal details given below and prepare a suitable statement of purpose: Stanford University, USA is one of the leading Universities for Business studies. You have opted for Commerce in your Junior College, scored well in your std- X Board Examination. You made a profit in the stall in TROIKA event organized by your college. You wish to start your own business. Your hobbies are singing and reading books, you can easily get mixed with people.
OR
3 : Group Discussion: (04)
Jaya, Pranav, Salim and Naina are participating in a group discussion. The evaluator has given
them a topic ‘WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram are killing creativity:’ Write suitable dialogues for each participant given.
B. Solve Any One of the following
1.
Email : (04)
You need a bonafide certificate for the opening of the savings account in State Bank of India for scholarship purpose. Write a formal E-mail to the Principal of your College requesting her to issue you the same.
OR
2. Report Writing : (04)
English Association of your college had recently inaugurated its Wall Magazine in English - 'MUSE'. You are a member of English Association. Write a report on the inauguration ceremony with the help of the following points
i) Inauguration of the function
ii) Address by the Chief Guest
ii) Activities carried out
iv) Vote of Thanks
OR
3. Framing Interview questions
: (04)
Imagine that you have to interview a renowned Police Officer who gave his best services in COVID-19 situations. Frame a set of 8 -10 questions for the interview.
You may take help of the following points:
i) Problems faced during lockdown.
i) Number of working hours
i) Care taken during COVID-19
iv) Message etc.
C : Solve Any One of the following:
1. Speech : (04)
You wish to take part in the elocution competition organized in your college. One of the topics there in is 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. Prepare a speech with the help of the following points :
i) Need of girl education
i) Advantages of girl education
i) Need of the protection of girls.
OR
2. Compering : (04)
Imagine that you are a compere of the ‘Teacher's Day celebration’ of your college.
Write a script of the same with the help of the following points
i)
Introduction
ii)
Welcome speech
ii) Felicitation of teachers
iv) Speech of the Chief guest
v) Vote of thanks
OR
3. Expansion of Idea : (04)
Expand the idea inherent in the following proverb in about 100-150 words. 'Actions speak louder than words'
D. Solve Any One of the following:
1. Film Review : (04)
Write a film review of a movie you have watched recently with the help of the following points:
i)
Story line
ii) Characters
ii) Conflict
iv) Message
OR
2. Blog Writing : (04)
‘Earth with no trees'
OR
3. Appeal : (04)
Your college has organized a rally seeking help for the flood -affected people of Uttarakhand.
Prepare an appeal with the help of the following points: i)Attractive slogan
ii)
Use of logo
iii)
Rally led by well-known personality
iv)
Make a persuasive appeal
SECTION : IV
(LITERARY GENRE-NOVEL) (16 Marks)
A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: (02)
1. Match the columns:
A B
a) Novel on life of the author i) Tale of Genji
b)
Virginia Woolf ii) Autobiographical novel
c) Worlds' first novel iii) Indian English novelist
d) Mulk Raj Anand iv) Stream
of consciousness
2. Pick out the odd element from the group: (02)
a) Salman Rushdie,
Alice Walker, Kiran Desai, Arvind
Adiga.
b)
Mary Shelley, Margaret
Atwood, Nayantara Sahgal,
Charlotte Bronte
C) Novel of manners, Gothic novels, stream of consciousness novel, Novels based on social issues
d) The Indian Field, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya, Evelina, Rajmohan's Wife.
B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
1. "Then why do we have
to do P. T.? Why don't they take only the kids who need it?”
Find out the speaker,
his / her tone, the style and significance of the dialogue. (02)
2. Give a brief character- sketch of ‘The Narrator’ in ‘To Sir, With Love’ (02)
1. Write 4-5 sentences on the "Time' theme of the extract in 'Around The World In Eighty Days'
(02)
2. There is a
sudden twist in the climax of the novel. Explain by giving relevant examples from the extract
of 'Around the world in eighty days’. (02)
D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below :
1. Explain how the series
of actions go from London
to India by citing references from the extract
of ‘The sign of Four’. (02)
2.
Miss Morstan plans
to meet Sherlock Holmes in "The Sign of Four: Give reasons.
(02)
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