CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026 for English Elective

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ENGLISH ELECTIVE- CODE 001
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
CLASS XII - (2025-26)

Total Time: 3 hours Marks: 80
General instructions
i. This paper is divided in THREE sections.
A. SECTION A -READING
B. SECTION B – GRAMMAR & WRITING
C. SECTION C- TEXTBOOK
ii. Separate instructions are given with each part and question, wherever necessary. Read
the instructions carefully and follow them.
iii. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A- READING 20 Marks
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 12x1
=12
Arjun was an architect, renowned for designing modern skyscrapers in bustling
cities. His life was a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and blueprints, leaving little
time for reflection. One Friday evening, while clearing his desk, he stumbled upon
an old, faded photograph of his childhood home. The simple cottage nestled in the
hills, surrounded by tall oak trees, brought a rush of memories—the sound of chirping
birds, the scent of fresh rain, and his grandmother’s stories by the fireplace. Her
laughter, warm and contagious, echoed in his mind.

That night, he could no sleep. Tossing and turning, he realized it had been over 20
years since he last visited his ancestral home. On an impulse, he decided to take a
break and revisit the place where he had spent his happiest days. This was not just
a trip to a physical location but a journey to rediscover parts of himself lost in the
chaos of adulthood.

The journey took five hours by car, weaving through highways and narrow mountain
roads, followed by a 20-minute trek uphill. The steep path, lined with vibrant
wildflowers, contrasted sharply with the grey monotony of the city. When Arjun
reached the crest of the hill, the sight of the old cottage took his breath away. Time
seemed to have stood still. The wooden structure, though weathered, still held its
charm. The red-tiled roof, overgrown shrubs in the garden, and a swing hanging from
the oak tree felt like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

Pushing open the creaky gate, Arjun stepped onto the porch. The door was unlocked,
and a faint musty smell greeted him. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming
through the windows. Inside, furniture was covered in white sheets, and the ticking
of an old clock echoed faintly. Each corner seemed to whisper stories of laughter,
footsteps, and secrets from the past.

In his grandmother’s room, Arjun found a leather-bound journal on the bedside table.
Curious, he opened it and began reading. The diary was filled with entries about her
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daily life, hopes, and dreams. One entry caught his attention: “Arjun is a curious child,
always asking questions about the world. He dreams of building things that touch the
sky. I hope he never loses that wonder.” Tears welled up in his eyes. He had fulfilled
his childhood dream of becoming an architect, but in the process, he had forgotten
the simple joys of life. His work consumed him, leaving little room for curiosity or
connection.

Exploring further, Arjun found a box of childhood treasures—hand-drawn sketches,
toy cars, and a model of a treehouse he had designed but never built. Holding the
model, he felt a pang of regret. He had promised his grandmother he would build the
treehouse, but life had taken him in a different direction. That promise, once so
meaningful, had been buried under layers of ambition and responsibility.

Determined to honour his promise, Arjun decided to spend the weekend building the
treehouse. He found old tools in the shed, along with planks of wood and nails.
Though years had passed since he worked with his hands, the process was
strangely therapeutic. The rhythmic sound of hammering, the scent of freshly cut
wood, and the rustling leaves transported him to a simpler time.

As he worked, memories of his grandmother’s encouragement and belief in him filled
his heart. She had always said the best creations were those made with love and
intention. By Sunday evening, the treehouse stood proudly on the oak tree—simple
yet sturdy. It wasn’t just a physical structure but a tribute to his grandmother and a
testament to their shared dreams.

Climbing up, Arjun sat inside, gazing at the breath-taking view of the valley. The
golden hues of the setting sun painted the landscape in shades of orange and pink.
For the first time in years, he felt contentment. The weight of deadlines and
expectations melted away, replaced by a profound connection to the present.

Before leaving the next morning, Arjun planted a sapling near the treehouse,
symbolizing new beginnings. The act felt symbolic, as though he were planting a part
of himself back into the soil of his roots. Locking the cottage, he left with a promise
to return. The visit had rekindled something within him—a connection to his roots
and a sense of purpose beyond deadlines and skyscrapers.

Back in the city, Arjun carried the memories of his weekend like a precious treasure.
He made small changes in his life—taking breaks to sketch for pleasure, spending
weekends in nature, and reconnecting with old friends. His architectural designs
began to reflect a new sensibility, blending modernity with nature, inspired by the
harmony he had rediscovered in his ancestral home.

Months later, one of his projects, a community centre surrounded by greenery, won
an award for sustainable design. During his acceptance speech, Arjun spoke about
the importance of finding balance in life and staying connected to one’s roots. He
ended with a quote from his grandmother’s diary: “Never lose your wonder.”

Years passed, but Arjun kept his promise to visit the cottage regularly. The treehouse
became a cherished spot, not just for him but also for his children. It stood as a bridge
between generations, a place where stories were shared, dreams nurtured, and the
spirit of wonder kept alive. For Academic Usage 994 words

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On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, choose the correct option to answer the
following questions: (Any TWELVE)

I What triggered Arjun’s decision to visit his ancestral home? 1
a. Discovering a letter from a family member
b. Seeing an old photograph of his childhood home
c. Recalling a dream about his grandmother’s stories
d. Reading about the hills in a magazine article
II What was Arjun’s grandmother’s wish for him as written in her diary? 1
a. That he would always remain curious about life
b. That he would build a large home on the hills
c. That he would write books about his childhood
d. That he would return one day to the cottage

III Assertion (A): Arjun’s work as an architect left him feeling fulfilled and balanced. 1
Reason (R): He had devoted his life to building modern skyscrapers in cities.
a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true, but R is false.
d. A is false, but R is true.
IV State True or False- 1
Arjun’s architectural designs after his visit reflected a blend of nature and
modernity.
V What does Arjun’s act of planting a sapling near the treehouse symbolize? 1
VI How does the act of completing the treehouse serve as a turning point in Arjun’s 1
personal and professional life?
VII The act of Arjun rediscovering his childhood home is best described as a journey of: 1
a. Self-discovery
b. Professional growth
c. Escaping his current life
d. Material success
VIII The narrator describes his experience of building the treehouse as an attempt to 1
express the growing sense of ________ in his connection with his childhood and
nature.
IX What does the word ‘rekindled’ in the passage suggest about Arjun’s emotional 1
state?
X The narrator describes his ancestral home in the hills as a __________, quiet little 1
cottage surrounded by oak trees.
XI What can be inferred from Arjun’s shift in his architectural designs after his weekend 1
visit?
a. He is blending traditional elements with modern architectural styles.
b. He is shifting his focus from urban skyscrapers to rural architecture.
c. He is prioritizing designs that combine nature with modern architecture.
d. He is focusing on extravagant and luxurious designs for wealthy clients.

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XII Why does the passage emphasize the line “Never lose your wonder”? 1
a. It reminds readers to stay connected to their roots and dreams
b. It highlights the difficulties of balancing work and family life
c. It critiques modern society’s focus on material success
d. It underlines the value of maintaining professional ambition
XIII What can be inferred about Arjun’s character from his decision to spend the weekend 1
building the treehouse?

XIV What broader message does Arjun’s journey convey about life? 1
a. Personal fulfilment often outweighs professional goals
b. Work-life balance requires reconnecting with one’s past
c. Success is achieved through revisiting long-forgotten plans
d. Happiness comes from simplifying both work and life
XV Which literary device is present in “the house seemed to echo with laughter, 1
footsteps, and whispered secrets from the past”?
a. Alliteration
b. Imagery
c. Personification
d. Symbolism

2. Read the poem LOSS AND GAIN by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow given below: 4x1=
4
When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.
I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.
But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.
Source- https://discoverpoetry.com/poems/12-line-poems/
Based on your reading of the poem answer any FOUR of the five questions given below.
I The tone of the poem can be best described as: 1
a) Optimistic and celebratory
b) Reflective and contemplative
c) Angry and resentful
d) Sarcastic and dismissive

II What is the significance of the phrase “The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide”? 1
a) It suggests that bad times lead to the inevitable downfall of a person.
b) It conveys the idea that after the worst point, improvement is possible.
c) It means that the tide will always rise, no matter what, without fail.
d) It refers to the idea that challenges in life are constant and never change.
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III Assertion: The speaker expresses a sense of resignation, acknowledging that 1
much of life’s time has been wasted or unproductive.
Reasoning: The speaker suggests that even moments of failure can eventually lead
to positive outcomes, emphasizing a cyclical nature of success and
failure.
Choose the correct option:
a) Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, and the Reasoning correctly explains
the Assertion.
b) Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, but the Reasoning does not explain
the Assertion.
c) The Assertion is correct, but the Reasoning is incorrect.
d) The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reasoning is correct.

IV What is the overall theme of the passage? 1
V The repetition of "what" is an example of ___________poetic device. 1
3. Read the passage given below :- 4x1
=4
Mental health comprises our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It
affects our thinking, feelings, perception of the world around us and our actions. It
helps us to determine how one handles stress, relationships with others, and making
healthy choices.
Individual psychological and biological factors such as emotional skills, substance
use and genetics can make people vulnerable to mental health issues.
Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many
people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love and inspire every
day. (88 words)

Following is a table representing the percentage of adults suffering from different
types of mental disorder in the U.S.-

Age Group Year Percentage Illness
Adults 2021 22.8% Mental illness
Adults 2021 5.5% Serious mental illness
Adults 2021 7.6% Co-occurring substance use disorder and
mental illness
6-17 Youth 2016 16.5% Mental health disorder

Following is a table of Annual prevalence of mental illness among U.S. adults, by
demographic group-

Demographic Group Percentage
Non-Hispanic Asian 16.4%
Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 18.1%
African American 21.4%
Hispanic or Latino 20.7%
Non-Hispanic White 23.9%
Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native 26.6%
Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial 34.9%

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Following is a table of Annual prevalence among U.S. adults, by condition:

Condition Percentage
Schizophrenia <1%
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 1.2%
Borderline Personality Disorder 1.4%
Bipolar Disorder 2.8%
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 3.6%
Major Depressive Episode 8.3%
Anxiety Disorders 19.1%
Source-https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

Based on your reading of the passage answer FOUR of the five questions given below.

I Which of the following demographic groups has the highest annual prevalence 1
of mental illness in the U.S., according to the data presented?
a) Non-Hispanic White
b) Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial
c) Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native
d) Hispanic or Latino
II Why is it important to know about mental health disorders? 1
III State TRUE or FALSE - 1
Mental health impacts our mindset, emotions, view of the world, and behaviours.
IV Provide evidence for the following- 1
Substance use and genetics is most likely to make individuals vulnerable to mental
health issues, as discussed in the passage.
V What percentage of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health 1
disorder in 2016, according to the data?

a) 7.6%
b) 22.8%
c) 16.5%
d) 5.5%
SECTION-B
APPLIED GRAMMAR & WRITING 28 Marks

4 Transform the following sentences as per the given instructions in brackets. 8x1=8
(ANY EIGHT)
I The teacher praised Rahul. She also praised Riya. 1
(Combine using as well as)
II The music was so loud that we had to cover our ears. 1
(Start with It was too…)
III If you do not water the plants, they will die. 1
(Rewrite using unless)
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IV The teacher entered the class. The students became silent. 1
(Start with No sooner…)
V The rain stopped. The children ran outside to play. 1
(Start with Hardly…)
VI He apologized. I forgave him. 1
(Start with Only after…)
VII She is intelligent. She is hardworking. 1
(Combine using not only...but also)
VIII The notice said, “The library will be closed tomorrow.” 1
(Start with The notice informed that…)
IX The teacher said, "Submit your assignments before Friday." 1
(Begin: The teacher said that…)

X We can go to the beach. We can go to the park. 1
(Combine using either... or)

5 Attempt any THREE of the following four questions in 120-150 words each. 3x5=15
I "As many experts warn, 'The rise of artificial intelligence could lead to mass
unemployment.' Is the advent of AI in our lives a 'threat' to human jobs and
employment opportunities?" Write a discursive essay in which you critically
examine the impact of artificial intelligence on employment opportunities in future.

II The significance of school exams has undergone a great transformation due to the
rise of entrance exams conducted by colleges for undergraduate courses. Write an
essay discussing whether these changes are enhancing or diminishing the value
of school exams. Provide examples to illustrate your interpretation.
III "Does the depiction of violence in TV shows and movies play a role in encouraging
real-world violence?" Write an analytical essay interpreting how visual media
influences behaviour, where you can explore how movies, video games, news, and
social media shape societal attitudes and actions.
IV The surge in immigration has led to an increase in the number of roadside dwellers
who lack access to essential civic facilities like light, public toilets, bathrooms,
shelter. It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that these individuals'
basic needs are met. Write an analytical essay discussing the role of authorities in
addressing this issue.
6 Read the questions given below and attempt ANY ONE of the following in 1x5=5
120-150 words each.
I A glittering musical concert was held in your city during the Diwali season. Many
noted and budding musicians were present to grace the occasion. Write a report
covering the event.
II Social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have a significant impact on
today's youth and often misleads them in terms of undue pressure of following

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current fashion trends. Write an article for your school magazine discussing this
topic.

SECTION C-TEXTBOOK 32 Marks

7 (I) Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 1x6=6
(A) Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
"She did her job well, and for a long time, above all during the war years, when
reality was more sinister than nightmares. Only she could decide at breakfast what
each should do that day, and how it should be done, until her predictions became
the sole authority in the house. Her control over the family was absolute: even the
faintest sigh was breathed by her order. The master of the house died at about the
time I was in Vienna, and had the elegance to leave her a part of his estate on the
condition that she continue dreaming for the family until her dreams came to an
end." (I Sell My Dreams)

i. Which ‘job’ is being talked about in the extract?
ii. What did ‘she’ decide at breakfast each day?
iii. How was her authority described in the family?
iv. What condition did the master of the house place on ‘she’ after his death?
v. How did the master of the house pay her after his death?
vi. Which word is a good synonym for ‘sinister’?
A. Ominous B. Benign
C. Condemnation D. Soldering

OR

(B) Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. He was drawing her into them:
he would drown her. She gripped with both hands at the iron railing.
‘Come!’
No! No! No! It was impossible. Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy. Amid the seas
she sent a cry of anguish. (Eveline)
i. Who is ‘he’ in the above extract?
ii. What metaphor is used to describe the woman's emotional turmoil in the
passage?
iii. How does ‘he’ in the passage affect ‘her’ emotionally?
iv. What emotion does the woman express through her cry in the passage?
v. What does the iron railing symbolize in the passage?
vi. Which word is a good synonym for ‘frenzy’?
A. Nuances B. Choral
C. Rage D. Tranquillity

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7 (II) Attempt any ONE of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 1x6=6
(A) Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
The first time on this shore,
The bell-beat of their wings above my head,
Trod with a lighter tread.
Unwearied still, lover by lover,
They paddle in the cold
Companionable streams or climb the air;
Their hearts have not grown old;
Passion or conquest, wander where they will,
Attend upon them still. (The Wild Swans at Coole)
i. What sound is heard above the speaker’s head?
ii. What do the creatures do in the cold streams?
iii. How does the passage describe the creatures' hearts?
iv. What theme is expressed by the line "Passion or conquest, wander where they
will"?
v. What is the tone of the poet regarding the creatures' journey and energy?
vi. Choose the antonym for the word "unwearied" from the options below:
A. Trudge B. Fatigued
C. Energetic D. Trod
OR
(B) Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
To me thou, falsely thine;
And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.
The morning shadowes were away,
But these grow longer all the day,
But oh, loves day is short, if love decay.
Love is a growing, or full constant light;
And his first minute, after noone, is night (A Lecture Upon The Shadow)

i. What does the speaker say about the nature of love?
ii. What does the speaker want to disguise?
iii. What does the transition from day to night symbolize about love's duration?
iv. How is love described after its "first minute"?
v. What is the tone of the poet in the above lines?
vi. Choose the antonym for the word "constant" from the options below:
A. Turmoil B. Sojourn
C. Transient D. Soliloquy

8 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 30-40 words each. 1x2=2

I How does the poet reflect cultural diversity in Time and Time Again?
II How does the play Chandalika portray the emotional and psychological toll of caste
discrimination on Prakriti?

9

9 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 40-50 words each. 1x3=3
I Explain the coexistence of contraries in Kubla Khan.

II The theme of memory plays a crucial role in Eveline. How do Eveline’s memories
influence her decision at the end of the story?
10 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 120-150 words each. 1x5=5

I Dr Soloman Margolin demonstrated the life of survivors post holocaust in A Wedding
in Brownsville. Substantiate with suitable references from the text.
II "In The Argumentative Indian, Amartya Sen emphasizes the role of public
reasoning in the development of a democratic society. How does the Indian
tradition of argumentation contribute to the global discourse on democracy and
development?"
11 Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in 30-40 words each. 1x2=2
I Captain is a victim of his own ignorance and spiritual inertia in A Tiger for Malgudi.
Discuss.

II How does Margayya’s experience challenge conventional ideas of achieving
success?
12 Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in 40-50 words. 1x3=3
I In what ways does R.K. Narayan use humour to address serious social and
philosophical issues in A Tiger for Malgudi? Provide examples from the text.

II Bank Manager is instrumental in bringing Margayya's downfall. Discuss.
13 Answer ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words. 1x5=5
I In A Tiger for Malgudi, Raja, the wild tiger, transforms into a more subdued version
of himself, ultimately reaching a state of balance. What is the significance of this
transformation in the novel's ending, and how does it reflect the themes of life,
death, and liberation?
II In The Financial Expert, R.K. Narayan reflects how gender inequality is deeply
intertwined with social structures. While Margayya’s wife and his son’s wife may
hold different positions within their respective households, both are subject to the
same overarching societal norms that limit their autonomy and reduce their roles
to that of caretakers and supporters of men’s ambitions. Discuss.

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