XII ENGLISH PRELIMINARY QUESTION PAPER
SUBJECT- ENGLISH MARKS 80 TIME -3 Hrs
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[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
A5) Creativity: (02)
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 :
A : Solve Any One
of the Following: (04)
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)
Write a blog on the following topic in
about 120 words.
‘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)
C)
Answer in
about 50 words to the questions given
below :
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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Q.1 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
A1) True / False: (2 Marks)
Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are True or False.
-
The astrologer had left his village after informing everyone. – False
-
The astrologer had a reasonable understanding of people's personal problems. – True
-
The astrologer could tell his clients the solution to their problems even before they speak a single sentence. – False
-
The astrologer could understand his client's problems because of his in-depth knowledge of astrology. – False
A2) Give reasons: (2 Marks)
The astrologer could understand the problems of his clients within five minutes because —
i) He had long practice and experience in dealing with people’s problems.
ii) He let people talk for ten minutes and used that information to form his answers.
A3) Find out proofs: (2 Marks)
Proofs that the astrologer was a false fortune teller:
i) "Never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes."
ii) "This endeared him to their hearts immediately..." – He used vague statements that made people believe him.
A4) Personal Response: (2 Marks)
Do you think astrology is a true science?
In my opinion, astrology is not a true science. It is based more on beliefs, assumptions, and generalizations than scientific evidence. While some people find comfort in it, there is no scientific proof that planetary positions influence our lives or decisions.
A5) Language Study: (2 Marks)
i) You have not only an impetuous nature but also a rough exterior.
ii) As soon as the nuts vendor blew out his flare, he rose to go home.
A6) Vocabulary: (2 Marks)
Find out words:
-
Impulsive – impetuous
-
Made likeable – endeared
-
Threatening – forbidding
-
A collection of articles used in a particular activity – paraphernalia
Q.1 (B) Non-textual Grammar (3 Marks)
I) Do as directed:
i) Ramesh could see an owl sitting on the roof of his house.
ii) Before teaching the poem, the teacher told us about the poet.
iii) Very few trains in India are as fast as the Shatabdi Express.
II) Spot the error and rewrite the sentence: (1 Mark)
i) The teacher got angry with the students due to their misbehaviour.
Q.2 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
A1) Two statements that explain the theme of the extract: (2 Marks)
-
Camouflaging is an important tactic adopted by certain creatures for their survival.
-
Sometimes trick is better than strength.
A2) Camouflage strategies by insects: (2 Marks)
-
Moth caterpillars resemble dead twigs.
-
Some young butterflies look like bird droppings.
-
Adult butterflies and moths have wings like dried leaves.
-
Some insects imitate the bright body colours of bees and wasps (mimicry).
A3) Inference: (2 Marks)
‘Not all insects choose the art of disguise...’ implies that if all insects used camouflage, nature would lack the beauty and bright colours brought by colourful insects like butterflies and bees. Variety adds beauty to the world.
A4) Personal Response: (2 Marks)
Yes, survival of species depends on their adaptations. Adaptations like camouflage, mimicry, speed, or intelligence help species protect themselves, find food, and reproduce. Without adapting to their surroundings, many species would not survive in the competitive natural world.
A5) Language Study: (2 Marks)
i) A variety of camouflage strategies have been developed by butterflies and moths.
ii) What tactic have insects adopted to escape from the clutches of their predators?
A6) Vocabulary – Synonyms from the extract: (2 Marks)
i) disguise – camouflage
ii) predators – hunters
Q.2 (B) Summary Writing: (3 Marks)
Title: The Art of Camouflage and Mimicry in Insects
Summary:
Many insects use camouflage as a survival tactic to protect themselves from predators. They have body colours resembling rocks, dried leaves, or twigs to avoid attention. Butterflies and moths use disguises like appearing as bird droppings or dried leaves. Some insects mimic the bright colours of bees and wasps to look dangerous and ward off threats. These adaptations help them survive in a competitive environment.
Q.2 (C) Mind Mapping: (3 Marks)
Title: Career Options After 12th Standard
Here is a mind mapping frame in text format. You can convert it into a diagram:
Q.3 (A) Read the extract and complete the activities:
A1) Pick out:
Lines suggesting no wind and stillness:
-
“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.”
A2) Give reasons:
The sailors blessed the Abbot of Aberbrothok because:
i) He had placed a warning bell on the dangerous Inchcape Rock.
ii) The bell rang during storms and warned ships to avoid the hidden rock.
A3) Personal response:
The poem teaches that our good or evil actions will return to us. If we do good, we receive good in return. If we harm others, we too will face misfortune eventually, as shown by the fate of Sir Ralph in the poem.
A4) Poetic Devices:
i) Alliteration: “So little they rose, so little they fell” (Repetition of ‘s’ and ‘l’ sounds)
ii) Inversion: “Her sails from heaven received no motion” (Normal order: “Her sails received no motion from heaven”)
A5) Creativity:
Q.3 (B) Appreciation of the poem: “Indian Weavers”
i) About the poem/poet and title:
The poem is written by Sarojini Naidu. The title reflects the central theme of Indian weavers weaving at different times of the day, symbolizing different stages of human life.
ii) Form and theme:
It is a lyrical poem in three stanzas, each focusing on a phase of life — birth, marriage, and death. The theme revolves around the cycle of life.
iii) Poetic style/devices used:
The poem uses a question-answer format, vibrant imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. Colors like blue, purple, green, and white symbolize life stages.
iv) Message/values:
Life is beautiful and full of different phases — joy, celebration, and sorrow. The poem reflects the philosophy of life and the significance of tradition and culture.
v) Special features:
The use of simple language, rhythmic pattern, and metaphor makes the poem memorable. The poem personifies weavers and gives deep meaning to their work.
Your opinion:
This poem deeply connects to the Indian ethos. I appreciate how the poet uses the metaphor of weaving to represent life's journey.
SECTION III: WRITING SKILLS (16 Marks)
A. Virtual Message:
Message (by Riya’s mother):
B. Email Writing:
To: principalxyzcollege@gmail.com
Subject: Request for Bonafide Certificate for Bank Account Opening
Respected Madam,
I am a student of FYJC (Commerce) from your college. I require a bonafide certificate to open a savings account in the State Bank of India for receiving a scholarship. Kindly issue me the certificate at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Rajeev Sharma
FYJC Roll No.: 23
C. Speech: “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”
Respected Judges, Teachers and Friends,
Today, I wish to speak on "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" – a campaign to save and educate the girl child. Girls are equally talented and deserve education to lead empowered lives. Educated girls build stronger families and a better society. Protecting girl children from discrimination and violence is our duty. Let us give every girl a chance to shine. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao!
Thank you!
D. Blog Writing: “Earth with No Trees”
Title: A Lifeless Earth Without Trees
Have you ever imagined a world without trees? It would be a barren planet with no shade, no rain, no oxygen, and no beauty. Trees are the lungs of the Earth. Without them, life would be impossible. Birds would lose their nests. Soil would erode. Air would become toxic. Let’s pledge to plant and protect trees—for they are our only hope for survival.
SECTION IV: LITERARY GENRE – NOVEL (16 Marks)
A) Match the columns:
| A | B |
|---|
| a) Novel on life of the author | ii) Autobiographical novel |
| b) Virginia Woolf | iv) Stream of consciousness |
| c) World's first novel | i) Tale of Genji |
| d) Mulk Raj Anand | iii) Indian English novelist |
2. Pick the odd one:
a) Alice Walker (others are Indian authors)
b) Mary Shelley (others are Indian women writers)
c) Novel of manners (others are psychological/literary forms)
d) The Indian Field (others are Indian novels)
B) Dialogue Analysis – P.T.
Speaker: Millicent
Tone: Frustrated/Questioning
Style: Informal, direct speech
Significance: It shows dissatisfaction among students regarding uniform decisions in the school system without understanding individual needs.
Character Sketch: Narrator – “To Sir, With Love”
The narrator, Mr. Braithwaite, is calm, intelligent, and empathetic. He transforms from a stranger to a respected teacher by showing care and understanding for his students. He is patient and always upholds dignity and discipline. His past as an engineer and present as a teacher show his adaptability and values.
C) Time Theme – “Around the World in 80 Days”
The novel is centered around the challenge of completing a journey around the world in exactly 80 days. Every minute counts. The suspense and urgency are built around time, and Phileas Fogg's calculated moves show how time governs the plot.
Climax Twist – “Around the World in 80 Days”
The twist occurs when Fogg thinks he lost the bet, but realizes he actually gained a day due to crossing the International Date Line. This unexpected ending surprises the reader and reinforces the theme of time and planning.
D) From London to India – “The Sign of Four”
Holmes and Watson start from London, meet Miss Morstan, and uncover clues that lead them to a mystery involving India. The narrative covers places like Andaman Islands and Agra, showing a connection between colonial history and the modern-day crime.
Miss Morstan meets Holmes – Reason:
She receives a mysterious letter concerning her missing father and a valuable pearl. She seeks Holmes' help to solve the mystery and get justice. She feels something suspicious and wants expert assistance.