Uttarakhand Board Class 12 Sample Paper 2025 English

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SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
2024-25
ENGLISH (Code No. 403)
CLASS-XII
ROLL NO

Time: 3 Hrs] [ Max. Marks: 80

General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A : READING
1. Read the following text. 12m
Today’s woman is a highly self-directed person, alive to the sense of her dignity and the importance of her
functions in the private domestic domain and the public domain of the world of work. Women are
rational in approach, careful in handling situations and want to do things as best as possible. The Fourth
World Conference of Women held in Beijing in September 1995 had emphasized that no enduring
solution of society’s most threatening social, economic and political problems could be found without the
participation and empowerment of the women. The 1995 World Summit for Social Development had also
emphasised the pivotal role of women in eradicating poverty and mending the social fabric.
The Constitution of India had conferred on women equal rights and opportunities political, social, and
educational and of employment with men. Because of oppressive traditions, superstitions, exploitation
and corruption, a majority of women are not allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities, bestowed on
them. One of the major reasons for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and awareness among
women. Education is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing inequality
and accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of women.
The role of women in a society is very important. Women’s education is the key to a better life in the
future. A recent World Bank study says that educating girls is not a charity, it is good economics and if
developing nations are to eradicate poverty, they must educate the girls. The report says that the
economic and social returns on investment in education of the girls considerably affect the human
development index of the nation. Society would progress only if the status of women is respected and the
presence of an educated woman in the family would ensure education of the family itself. Education and
empowerment of women are closely related.
Women’s education has not received due care and attention from the planners and policymakers. The
National Commission for Women has rightly pointed out that even after 50 years of independence;
women continue to be treated as the single largest group of backward citizens of India. The role of
women in overall development has not been fully understood nor has it been given its full weight in the
struggle to eliminate poverty, hunger, injustice and inequality at the national level. Even when we are at
the threshold of the 21st century, our society still discriminates against women in matters of their rights
and privileges and prevents them from participating in the process of national and societal progress.
Various Committees and Commissions have been constituted before and after the independence to
evaluate the progress in women’s education and to suggest ways and means to enhance the status of
women. The female literacy rate has gone up in the 20th century from 0.6 per cent in 1901 to 39.29 per
cent in 1991 but India still possesses the largest number of illiterate women in the world. The female
literacy index for the year 1991 shows that there are eight States which fall below the national average.
The most populous States of the country, UP, MP, Bihar and Rajasthan fall in the category of most
backward States as far as female literacy is concerned.

Women’s political empowerment got a big boost with the Panchayati Raj Act of 1993 which gave them 30
per cent reservation in Village Panchayats, Block Samities and Zila Parishads throughout the country. The
National Commission for Women was also set up in 1992 to act as a lobby for women’s issues.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What was the purpose of The Fourth World Conference of Women held in Beijing in September 1995. 1
a) To discuss the advancement of women’s education in various countries.
b) To promote gender equality at workplace.
c) To emphasize the importance of women’s participation and empowerment in addressing the
societal challenges.
d) To analyze the impact of women’s education.

ii. What could be a significant reason why a majority of women not allowed to enjoy the rights and
opportunities bestowed upon them? 1
a) Lack of awareness about their rights
b) Insufficient legal protection for women’s rights
c) cultural norms and tradition that restrict women’s freedom
d) physical disparities between men and women

iii. According to the passage, societal progress is dependent on 1

a) Economic growth
b) Technological advancement
c) Respect for women’s status
d) Political reforms

iv. Select the option that is similar in meaning to “Wipe Out”. 1
a) Empowerment
b) Emphasis
c) Eradicate
d) Ensure
v. According to the passage, which institution was set up in 1992 to act as a lobby for women's issues? 1
vi. What percentage of reservation did the Panchayati Raj Act of 1993 provide for women in local 1
governance bodies?
vii. Why have women been considered the single largest group of backward citizens in India? 2
viii. How do societal, political, economical changes affect women’s lives? 2
ix. Despite the rise in female literacy, what challenge does the passage mention regarding women's
education in India? 2

2. Read the following text.
Andy Dehart is a shark expert and TV presenter who live in the United States of America. He has had a
lifelong interest in sharks and is always trying to look for ways to educate the public about them. Many
people think that sharks have little or no intelligence, but Andy points out that recent study have shown
that many shark species possess powerful problem-solving abilities and social skills. “Sharks do not want
to attack humans,” he asserts. “There is no shark species that eats humans as part of its regular diet. In
most shark attack cases, sharks leave after realising that it has mistakenly bitten a human and not its
intended prey.”

In Andy’s opinion, all shark fishing should be stopped until the shark populations have had time to grow
again. We then need to do a better job of managing the fishing of sharks. However, even if the direct
fishing of sharks is stopped, many will still be killed when they are caught up in the nets of boats fishing
for other species of fish.
When Andy was a boy, his father worked for a national oceanic organisation, and Andy travelled with
him all over the Caribbean. He grew up by the coast and he has been connected with the sea for as long
as he can remember. He also lived near one of the best aquariums in America. Andy then went on to
build a career working with sharks in an aquarium environment. More recently, he has been involved
with television and the making of programmes about the sharks.
Andy and his wife had their first child two years ago. They were amused and amazed to see what extent
their work with animals has proved to be useful in bringing up their daughter. They know how to
observe her behaviour and teach her how to do things by rewarding her.
Andy loves sharks and is very passionate about their survival and protection. He feels extremely lucky to
have had opportunities working at the National Aquarium and the television station which presents the
Nature Channel. He never wastes a moment in either place that could be spent educating people about
sharks. He does admit that it is probably not possible for everyone to love sharks as he does. However,
he does hope to persuade people personally or through the media to respect sharks and the critical role
they play in our environment. His main objective is to keep spreading awareness that sharks are not
dangerous man-eaters but essential creatures in our oceans, as they provide ecological balance and help
to control other species.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. How can it be proved that many shark species are intelligent? 1
a) Their problem solving and social skills
b) Their social skills
c) Eating humans and their immediate realization
d) Their oceanic organisation

ii. Realize: Realization:: Grow: ? 1
a) Growing
b) Growth
c) Grown
d) Grew

iii. Even after the ascending trend, in which year the number of sharks caught remained the same? 1
a) 1970.
b) 1980
c) 1985
d) 1975

iv. Pick out the word from the passage which means opposite to ‘long ago ‘(used in para 3). 1
a) Involved
b) Caribbean

c) Remember
d) recently

v. According to the graph, how many sharks were caught in 1990? 1
vi. In which year maximum numbers of sharks were caught? 1
vii.How Andy hope to educate people about shark? 2
viii. Why does Andy believe that sharks only attack humans by mistake? 2

SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board informing the students about the 4
sale of old sports goods at your school. You are Rohini / Rohan the secretary of the sports club of
GIC Ranikhet, Almora.
OR
As the Secretary of the Environment Club of your school, dra ft a notice in not more than 50
words informing students about a tree-planting event on World Environment Day.

4. Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr & Mrs Joshi of 38, Kamala Kunj, Haldwani, which they may use to invite 4
their friends and relatives on the 7th birth anniversary of their son Aarav at their residence on 26 May
2024. Do not exceed 50 words.
OR
You are Pallavi Sharma. The wedding of your elder sister Poonam Sharma is going to be held on the 15th
June, 2024 at Hotel Naini View, Nainital. Write out an informal invitation to your friend Vinnie requesting
her to attend the function. Do not exceed 50 words.

5. Read the advertisement given below and write a letter applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume 5
to be sent along with the letter. You are Kavita Nigam of 56, Royal Apartments, Kashipur. Do not exceed
150 words.
Situations Vacant
Wanted a Post Graduate Teacher in English to teach Senior Secondary Classes in a reputed
school in Kashipur. Candidates should have a minimum three years of teaching experience.
Apply to ‘Roots Public School, Kashipur.

OR
There is a flood of advertisements on television channels these days. Useless commodities and even
superstitious beliefs are promoted through glamorous and exaggerated presentations. Write a letter to the
Editor, ‘The Lokmat’ about the negative influence such advertisements have on the minds of the people.
You are Kamal/ Karuna of Karanpur, Dehradun.

6. By 2050, India will be amongst the countries which will face acute water shortage. You are highly alarmed 5
and terrified of the future world without water. So, write an article on “Save water- are we doing enough?”
for the local daily in 120-150 words.
OR
A fire broke out in a crowded market area in your city yesterday evening. Several shops were gutted and a
number of people were injured. Write a report for a local newspaper in 120-150 words.

SECTION C: LITERATURE TEXT BOOK AND SUPPLIMENTRY READING TEXT
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness, but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing

i. According to the passage, what is the lasting effect of beauty? 1

a) It provides wealth and success.
b) It brings temporary pleasure.
c) It offers a source of joy that endures.
d) It creates a feeling of anger and frustration.

ii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract? 1

The line “its loveliness increases” suggests that beauty’s positive impact grow stronger with time.

iii. According to the passage, what never passes into nothingness? 1
iv. The word “bower” most likely refers to? 1

a) A quiet, shady area.
b) A kind of utensil.
c) A bustling city center.
d) promise

v. The use of the word “quiet breathing” suggests a feeling of …………………….. 1
vi. Who is the writer of this poem? 1

a) John Keats
b) Pablo Neruda
c) Robert Frost
d) Stephan Spender

OR
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green
They do not fear the men beneath the tree,
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty

i. What is the central theme conveyed in this extract? 1
a) Freedom and power of nature
b) Fear and danger of the wild animals
c) Importance of chivalry.
d) Married life problems
ii. What Aunt Jennifer tigers are doing? 1
iii. The phrase “bright topaz denizens” is used for ……………. 1

iv. ‘The tigers in the poem are physically real.’ State whether this statement is TRUE or FALSE, with
reference to the extract? 1
v. What might the "men beneath the tree" symbolize? 1
vi. What does the word sleek means? 1
a) well-groomed
b) filthy
c) harmful
d) none of these

8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

Antarctica, because of her simple ecosystem and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to study how little
changes in the environment can have big repercussions. Take the microscopic phytoplankton- those
grasses of the sea that nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food chain. These single-celled
plants use the sun’s energy to assimilate carbon and synthesise organic compounds in that wondrous and
most important of process called photosynthesis .Scientists warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer
will affect the activities of phytoplankton, which in turn will affect the lives of all the marine animals and
birds of the region, and the global carbon cycle. In the parable of the phytoplankton, there is a great
metaphor for existence: take care of the small things and the big things will fall into place.

i. Why is Antarctica considered ideal for studying environmental change? 1
ii. “take care of small things and the big things will fall into place”, What is the relevance of this 1
statement in the context of the Antarctica’s environment?
iii. Which of the following poses the greatest threat to the overall health of Antarctic marine life? 1
a) depletion in the ozone layer
b) The discovery of new mineral resources for extraction.
c) A significant decrease in the human population.
d) The introduction of new plant and animal species to the ecosystem.
iv. What do you understand by the word ‘metaphor’? 1
OR
But the utter pallor of the man’s unconscious face moved him first to stoop and feel his pulse. It was faint
but it was there. He put his hand against the man’s cold breast. The heart too was yet alive. “He will die
unless he is operated on,” Sadao said, considering. “The question is whether he will not die anyway.” Hana
cried out in fear. “Don’t try to save him! What if he should live?” “What if he should die?” Sadao replied.
He stood gazing down on the motionless man. This man must have extraordinary vitality or he would have
been dead by now.

i. What motivates Sadao to consider surgery despite the risks? 1
ii. Pick the idiom that best describes the situation in which Sadao and Hana were in. 1
a. to be like a fish out of water
b. like water off a duck’s back
c. to be dead in the water
d. to be in hot water.

iii. Which lines best describes Hanna state of mind? 1
iv. What does the speaker mean by ‘Pulled the few hairs on his upper lip”? 1
a. That he was worried
b. That he was perplexed
c. That he was baffled
d. All of these.

9. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out
fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This
is nice... to be drowsy... to go to sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... it’s nice to be carried
gently... to float along in space... tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother’s... now I must go to
sleep... I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.

i. List the contrasting words used in the passage. 1
ii. Which statement indicates that writer lost his consciousness? 1
iii. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below. 1

Statement 1: The author tried his best to jump out of water.
Statement 2: After a while, the author was not anxious in water

a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.
b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.
d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes

iv. Based on the passage, which of the following best describes the speaker's emotional state? 1
a) Exhilarated and hopeful
b) Peaceful and accepting
c) Frantic and desperate
d) Enraged and bitter

v. The phrase 'the curtain of life fell' suggests.... 1
a) A literal curtain falling
b) Death as performance ending
c) The speaker is hiding something
d) Fear of the unknown

vi. What is the author's likely purpose for writing about a topic that clearly frightens the speaker? 1
OR
Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a pre-requisite
for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that they had not the faintest
appreciation for political thought of any kind. Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A
communist was a godless man-he had no filial or conjugal love; he had no compunction about killing his
own parents or his children; he was always out to cause and spread unrest and violence among innocent
and ignorant people. Such notions, which prevailed everywhere else in South India at that time also,
naturally, floated about vaguely among.

i. The word "pre-requisite" in the passage most closely means…………………….. . 1
ii. What literary device is used to describe the relaxed atmosphere? 1
iii. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below. 1

Statement 1: At Gemini Studios, the poets had a profound knowledge about Communists.
Statement 2: Communists were responsible for anarchy and discontent in the country.

a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.
b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.

d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes

iv. We can infer from the passage that the people at the Studios: 1
a) Were actively involved in political movements.
b) Had a deep understanding of Gandhian principles
c) Mostly wore western attire.
d) Disliked the term "communism" due to a lack of knowledge.

v. The tone of the passage towards communists is: 1
a) Neutral and objective
b) Curious and investigative
c) Humorous and light-hearted
d) Scornful and judgemental

vi. One word to describe the stereotype of a communist presented? 1

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5x2=10
i. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
ii. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the “merry children”
and mother. Comment.
iii. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ chasing the next new thing, would it be fair to
think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea?
iv. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
v. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
vi. Sophie is caught between the world she lives in and the world she wants to live in. Elucidate

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x2=4

i. Why do you think Charley withdrew nearly all the money he had from the bank to buy old-style
currency?
ii. Why did Derry go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition?
iii. What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness of human
beings?

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5

The poem contrasts the slow, unchanging lives of the stand owners with the fast-moving,
powerful cars. What logical conclusion can be drawn about the power dynamic between the stand
owners and the people in the cars?
OR
How does the story, ‘Lost Spring’ highlight the apathy of society and those in power to end the
vicious cycle of poverty? Support your answer with textual evidence.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5

The king was callous as a ruler and behaved whimsically. Thus, the people in his kingdom suffered
while he fulfilled his desire of killing a hundred tigers. Do you find leaders or politicians in the
world today being indifferent to the needs of the people and behaving in the same way? Comment
with relevant examples.
OR

The story uses vivid imagery to depict the harsh realities of untouchability. Analyze how specific
images contribute to the reader's understanding of the oppression faced by the lower castes.

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