Class 12 Pre Board Question Paper 2024 English

2024

Pre-Board

QUESTION PAPER
CBSE BOARD / STATE
BOARDS
NCERT Based Syllabus

Download PDF

Pre-Board Exam 2024 Question Paper

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301) CLASS-XII
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum 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 SKILLS 22
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages marks
1. Read the following text. 12X1=12
1. How often do we remember to treat others as we would like them to treat us? In
our quest to get more and more, we forget that the quality of our lives depends
on the kind of personalities we have cultivated for ourselves. Genes might play
a role when it comes to one’s disposition, but the major portion of our attitudes
and behavior is influenced by the choices we make. So at the beginning of
every year should you resolve to make more money, learn a new language, or
travel more frequently then you must discontinue being the same grumpy,
impatient soul you always were, should you then not seek to refine your
character, focus on nuances like how you treat people, react to challenges and
deal with stressful situations? For most people, such a course would yield rich
results.
2. According to Mary Thomas, usually, our New Year resolutions remain
unachieved because we try to achieve the impossible or, sometimes, just add
more goals that we wish to accomplish to the list of resolutions, but, strangely,
we do not remember much about them during the course of the year as we do
not seem to value them enough to complete them. The better an option would
be to address something fundamental to you, to who you really are, and go
ahead with completing them instead of making any drastic resolutions that you
will never be able to fulfill. You could resolve to be a better person by having a
positive attitude towards people you come across in life. This could involve
being nice to the lady who cleans the house, or your colleague who sits near
you, but you never interacted with. Another trick is to acknowledge people for
the value they add to your personal or professional life. By extending basic
courtesies to people around you, you add value to your life and that pays off in
the long run.
3. Sometimes, we know that there is room for improvement as far as our
personalities are concerned but we have little or no idea where to make the
start. An easy starting point could be to look for opportunities in one’s
immediate surroundings. One positive starting point could be taking a positive
attitude towards life and dispelling all negative thoughts. You could make a

positive beginning by being a better person at work. This means treating
everyone with respect. You should not only interact politely but also value each
person’s ideas however far removed they may be, from your own. After all,
your friend’s ideas are an integral part of the organization to which both of you
belong. Inculcating this habit of making an effort to talk to people you would

1|P ag e

normally not have to interact with on a daily basis, would make you a better
person at the workplace.
4. Also, you do not have to do something extraordinary to prove your good
intentions. Just greeting or smiling at your colleagues’ first thing in the morning
could always brighten someone’s day. These are simple things that we are
taught while growing but tend to forget as we move through life. So essentially,
being better is an exercise in learning to be nice, and you will see that playing
nice will get your work done better than scolding or frowning, or passing
orders.
5. A purposeful life should contain skills that lead to practical changes. After all,
no people are alike, so why should your ideas be the only right solution? A
company, where individual differences are nurtured, and information is not
suppressed, soon becomes a workplace that adds value to its employees, rather
than merely extracting work out of them. It makes workers feel intrinsically
rewarded. It is, therefore, imperative that co-workers and partners share a
camaraderie that transcends mere professional conduct and delivery. Thus, for a
person who wishes to remain happy and content, it is as valuable to spend time
on nurturing qualities like friendship and consideration as it is on acquiring
skills and knowledge.

1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, complete the
statements given below with the help of the options that follow.
(a) The quality of our lives depends on …………………………..
(i) the personalities we have cultivated for ourselves
(ii) the number of New Year resolutions we make
(iii) the challenges that people give us
(iv) None of the above
(b) Our New Year resolutions remain unfulfilled, according to Mary Thomas, because
we …………………………..
(i) make too many resolutions
(ii) add more goals than what we can accomplish
(iii) get caught up with our studies
(iv) feel happy about them

(c) To add value to your life you …………………………..
(i) must earn more money
(ii) become more hardworking
(iii) should be nice to the people in your immediate surroundings
(iv) only (ii) and (iii)
(d) Workers feel intrinsically rewarded if …………………………..
(i) they are given bonuses

(ii) their work is given recognition
(iii) their individual differences are acknowledged
(iv) none of the above
(e) Not playing nice will …………………………. .
(i) label you as a flatterer

2|P ag e

(ii) not help you at all
(iii) make people see your virtues
(iv) get your work done better

1.2 Answer the following by filling in the blanks with one word only
(a) (a) To improve our personalities, an easy starting point is to look for
…………………………. in our surroundings.

(b) (b) Our …………………………. might play a part in shaping our dispositions, but
our behavior and attitudes are influenced by our choices.

(c) (c) A workplace adds values to it employees when ………………………….
differences are nurtured.

(d) (d) By extending basic courtesies to people around us we add value to our lives.
(True/False)

(e) (e) A company where information is not suppressed becomes a value-added
workplace. (True/False)

1.3 Find words from the passage which mean the same as:
(a) basic (para 2)
(b) to prevent something from being expressed (para 5)

2 Read the following text. 10
(1)In recent years, there has been a surge in both group and solo travel among
young adults in India. A survey conducted among young adults aged 18-25 aimed
to explore the reasons behind their travel preferences and recorded the
percentage variation for 10 common points that influence travel choices.

(2) Among those who prefer solo travel, the most common reason cited was the
desire for independence and freedom (58%), followed closely by the opportunity
for introspection and self-discovery (52%). Additionally, solo travellers
appreciated the ability to customize their itinerary to their preferences (44%) and
the chance to meet new people on their own terms (36%).

(3) On the other hand, those who prefer group travel often cited the desire for
socializing and making new friends (61%) as their primary reason. Group travel
also provided a sense of security and safety in unfamiliar places (52%) and
allowed for shared experiences and memories with others (48%).
Additionally, group travellers enjoyed the convenience of having pre-

planned itineraries and organized transportation (38%).

(4) Interestingly, both groups had similar levels of interest in exploring new
cultures and trying new experiences (40% for solo travellers, 36% for group

3|P ag e

travellers). Similarly, both groups valued the opportunity to relax and escape
from the stresses of everyday life (36% for solo travellers, 32% for group
travellers).

(5) However, there were also some notable differences between the two
groups. For example, solo travellers placed a higher priority on budget-
friendly travel options (38%) compared to group travellers (24%). Conversely,
group travellers were more likely to prioritize luxury and comfort during their
travels (28%) compared to solo travellers (12%).

(6) Overall, the survey results suggest that both group and solo travel have their
own unique advantages and appeal to different individuals, based on their
preferences and priorities.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

(i) Infer two possible ways that the survey, mentioned in paragraph (1) could be 2
beneficial.
Answer in about 40 words.
(ii) Which travel choice point of the survey would influence tour operators to 1
incorporate group dinners, social events, and shared accommodations in their
itinerary?
A. Freedom to customise itinerary
B. Luxury and comfort
C. Security and safety
D. Desire for making new friends
(iii) What do the top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest 1
about young adults?
(iv) Identify the solo traveller from the following three travellers: 1
(a) Reshma- I don’t want to keep hunting for rickshaws or taxis. A pre-
booked vehicle is perfect.
(b) Nawaz-I’m happy sharing a room in a hostel. I don’t need hotel
accommodation.
(c) Deepak-I’m not worried about my well-being , even while exploring remote
areas.
(v) Which of the following is an example of an opportunity for self-discovery, as 1
mentioned in paragraph 2?
A. Trying new cuisine
B. Hiring a tour guide
C. Purchasing local artifacts
D. Advance booking travel tickets
(vi) How might the differences in budget priorities between solo and group travellers 2

impact the types of accommodations and activities offered by the travel industry in
India?
(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately. 1
The similarities in the percentage of both solo and group travellers who are

4|P ag e

interested in exploring new cultures and trying new experiences may be due
to_______________________________________
.
(viii) State TRUE or FALSE. 1
The title, "Wanderlust: The Solo Travel Trend Among Young Adults in India", is
appropriate for this passage.

SECTION B : CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18 marks
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. 4
A DAV Public School, Sabarmati has planned to stage a drama series on the life of
Sardar Patel. The school is looking for talented actors and actresses. As Secretary
of Dramatic Society of the school, draft a notice to invite the students of class IX
onwards to be a part of the series through a trial.
OR
B You are the Secretary of Manorama Housing Society, Firozabad. Draft a notice
for the Society notice board, informing residents about the power shut down
for the whole day on account of maintenance of transformer.

4 Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. 4
A You are the Head Boy/ Girl of Mother India Convent, Kanpur. Your school is
organising a cleanliness drive in your vicinity for parents of the school students.
Draft an invitation, inviting the school parents to join the drive with their children.
Invent necessary details.
OR
B Mrs. Geeta Devi has received an invitation from her nephew regarding his birthday
celebrations. Create an appropriate reply, accepting this invitation, on her behalf.

5 Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. 5

A You are Darshan Singh of H-12, Ashok Nagar, Chandpur. You saw an
advertisement in a newspaper for the post of software engineer in Marconi
Technologies, Gurugram. Write a letter to the Director, applying for the post along
with your bio-data.
OR
B Child labour is very common in Indian society. There are laws against it, but they
are neither respected nor enforced. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily,
sharing your concern and examining the reasons for such behaviour. Provide
suggestions for spreading awareness of rules and ways to ensure adherence. You
are Sonam Bajpai, a concerned citizen.

6 Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words 5

A You are Babita Gangwar of class X. Using the cues given below and your own
ideas write an article for your school magazine on Joys and Benefits of Reading.

 Helps in building confidence

5|P ag e

Reduces stress and puts us in a better mood.
Develops imagination
increases knowledge and wisdom.
Improves thinking capabilities.
OR
B Your school recently organized a book fair with the help of National Book Trust.
Write a report, covering this event as Md. Sabir Anwar, staff reporter of Hindustan
Times. Include following points and your own ideas to write the report.

Chief Guest, types of books, visitors, response of people etc.

SECTION C : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY 40
READING TEXT marks
7 Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, 6x1=6
given.
A …I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile......
(My mother at Sixty-six)

i What is the speaker's emotional state when looking at her mother?
A. Confused and disoriented
B. Nostalgic and longing
C. Empathetic and understanding
D. Fearful and apprehensive
ii What does the use of the word "but" at the beginning of the line, ‘ but all I said..’,
suggest ?

iii Select the word that WILL NOT complete the sentence appropriately.

The description of the mother as "wan, pale / as a late winter's moon" creates a
vivid image of ______________
A. vulnerability
B. sensitivity
C. frailty
D. mortality
iv State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE.
The poetic device used in the line, ‘pale as a winter’s moon’ is the same as the one
used in the line, ‘the winter wind wistfully wailed at night’.

v What message do these lines highlight, in the context of familial
relationships, and the speaker’s sense of anxiety and fear at the prospect of
losing her mother?
vi Complete the sentence appropriately.
The repetition of the word, ‘smile’ suggests that _________________.

6|P ag e

.
OR
B For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.”
i The poet uses the word “let’s” to _______
A) initiate a conversation between the poet and the readers.
B) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity.
C) welcome readers into the world of the poem and its subject.
D) address readers as fellow members of the human race.
ii Margaret Atwood said, “Language divides us into fragments, I wanted to be
whole.” Choose the option that correctly comments on the relationship between
Margaret Atwood’s words and the line from the above extract – “let’s not speak in
any language”
A) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language.
B) Atwood opposes Neruda’s request to not engage in any speaking.
C) Atwood undermines Neruda’s intent to stop and not speak in any language.
D) Atwood surrenders to Neruda’s desire for silence and not speak in any
language.
iii Name the poetic device used in the last line
iv Why would it be an exotic moment?
v Name the poem and its poet.
vi Explain the pun used in not move our arms so much.

8 Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, 4x1=4
given
A Six hundred and fifty million years ago, a giant amalgamated southern
supercontinent Gondwana did indeed exist, centred roughly around the present-
day Antarctica. Things were quite different then: humans hadn’t arrived on the
global scene, and the climate was much warmer, hosting a huge variety of flora
and fauna. For 500 million years Gondwana thrived, but around the time when the
dinosaurs were wiped out and the age of the mammals got under way, the
landmass was forced to separate into countries, shaping the globe much as we
know it today.
i How was the world of Gondwana different from our own?
A It was cooler
B It was warmer

C It had variety of plants and animals
D Both B and C

ii The purpose of this article is to __________________________.( write in one

7|P ag e

sentence only)
iii The style of the passage is
A factual
B fictional
C literary
D all of the above

iv Gondwana did indeed exist, centred roughly around the present- day __________.
A Asia
B Arctic
C Africa
D Antarctica
OR
B The Maharaja and the dewan held deliberations over this issue. As a result, a
telegram was dispatched forthwith to a famous British company of jewellers in
Calcutta. Send samples of expensive diamond rings of different designs. Some
fifty rings arrived. The Maharaja sent the whole lot to the British officer’s good
lady. The king and the minister expected the Duraisani to choose one or two rings
and send the rest back. Within no time at all the Duraisani sent her reply: “Thank
you very much for your gifts.” In two days a bill for three lakh of rupees came
from the British jewellers.
i Why did the king order expensive diamond rings?
A. To save his kingdom
B. To make the good lady look beautiful
C. To celebrate his son’s 3rd birthday
D. None of the above
ii The tense used in the line Some fifty rings arrived is
A simple past
B past perfect
C past continuous
D present perfect

iii Who has been referred to as ‘Good Lady”?
A Durai
B Duraisani
C British officer
D The Tiger King’s wife
iv The word deliberation means _______________

9 Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, 6x1=6
given
A “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers, looking straight into my eyes. His dream

looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill his town Firozabad, famous
for its bangles. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is
the centre of India’s glass-blowing industry where families have spent generations
working around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all the women in the

8|P ag e

land it seems. Mukesh’s family is among them. None of them know that it is
illegal for children like him to work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures,
in dingy cells without air and light; that the law, if enforced, could get him and all
those 20,000 children out of the hot furnaces where they slog their daylight hours,
often losing the brightness of their eyes. Mukesh’s eyes beam as he volunteers to
take me home, which he proudly says is being rebuilt.
i Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE with reference to the extract?
A. Children work in badly lit and inadequately ventilated furnaces.
B. The children are not aware that it is forbidden by law to work..
C. Children work in the furnaces for hours which poorly affects their eyesight.
D. Firozabad has emerged as a budding producer of bangles in the country.
ii The simile ‘dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets’ indicates that his
dream was
A. a reality, yet seemed distant.
B. lost in the sea of dust.
C. illusory and indistinct.
D. hanging in the dusty air.
iii ‘I will learn to drive a car,’ he answers, looking straight into my eyes. This
sentence highlights Mukesh was
1. Determined 2. Fearless 3. Hopeful 4. Valiant 5. Ambitious 6. Stern
(pick the best alternative)
A. 1 & 5
B. 2 & 4
C. 2 & 5
D. 3 & 6
iv Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles indicates that
A. bangle making is the only industry that thrives in Firozabad.
B. Everyone in Firozabad works in the bangle industry.
C. majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
D. bangle making is the most profitable occupation in Firozabad.
v “the law, if enforced, could get him and all those 20,000 children out of the hot
furnaces” The tone of the author is
A. pessimistic.
B. sarcastic
C. elegiac
D. optimistic.
vi The word dingy in the passage means__________________

OR
B My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my
heart at the overpowering force of the waves. My introduction to the Y.M.CA.
swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a

little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching
the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on
different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the
misadventure happened.

9|P ag e

i Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below
Statement 1: The author’s father laughed to mock his son’s inability to swim.
Statement 2: The author wanted to swim just to prove to his father that he can
swim.
A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.

ii “My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my
heart …” Where did the incident take place?
A) Yakima river
B) California beach
C) YMCA pool
D) Lake Wentworth
iii The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was
that
A) the author slipped and fell into the swimming pool.
B) a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.
C) his coach forgot to teach him how to handle deep water.
D) his father couldn’t help him from drowning into the water
iv

Choose the option that describes the equipment used by the author while learning
to swim.
A) Option 1
B) Option 2
C) Option 3
D) Option 4

v ‘I’ in the above lines refers to
A) William Douglas
B) Franklin D. Roosevelt
C) The instructor
D) The bully

vi The word aping in the passage means__________________

10 Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5x2=10
i The peddler signed himself as Captain von Stahle in the end. What do you thing
could be the reason behind it?

10 | P a g e

ii All we have to fear is fear itself said Roosevelt. Elucidate on the basis of what you
have read in ‘Deep Water’
iii Beautiful things help us to live a happy life. Give two reasons based on the poem A
Thing of Beauty
iv What does the story of Subbu's success in the film industry reveal about the
importance of loyalty, creativity, and versatility in this field?
v Though money holds the same value everywhere, the poet draws a distinction
between city money and country money. How? ( A Roadside Stand)
vi The interviewer should respect the feelings of the interviewee while conducting
interview. Mention any two possible harms to the interviewee if the same is not
taken care of

11 Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words 2x2=4
i Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why/ Why
not?
ii If you were to give a different ending to the story, ‘On The Face of It’ how would
you end it?
iii Why, despite the fact that it was an unpatriotic act on his part, did Dr. Sadao treat
the American soldier?

12 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words 5
A Lost Spring and A Roadside Stand, both, present a pathetic view of the poor and
deprived class. Compare and contrast both the views
OR
B What values do we learn from Gandhi’s campaign (Indigo) to combat the present
day problems of exploitations?

13 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words 5
A After reading about the oppression and discrimination that Zitkala-Sa and Bama
experienced during their childhood, you have decided to write a diary entry
making an analysis of their oppression and whether their responses to their
respective situations were appropriate. Write the diary entry.
OR
B You were amused to read The Tiger King and found the story full of fun and
humour. At the same time, you were also disturbed by the whims of those in
power. Taking the ideas given in the story and incorporating your own views
make a diary entry highlighting the king’s false ego and whims.

11 | P a g e

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION
MARKING SCHEME (2023-24)
ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301)
CLASS-XII

SECTION A : READING SKILLS
(22 marks)
1. Literary passage 12X1=12
No partial credit
1.1 (a) (i) the personalities we have cultivated for ourselves
(b) (ii) add more goals than what we can accomplish
(c) (iii) should be nice to the people in your immediate surroundings
(d) (iii) their individual differences are acknowledged
(e) (ii) not help you at all

1.2 (a) Opportunities
(b) Genes
(c) Individual
(d) True
(e) True

1.3 (a) Fundamental
(b) Suppress

2 Case-based factual passage 10
(i) Some possible ways: (Any 2 relevant) 2
▪ Help travel companies to tailor their services to meet the preferences and -Full credit 2, to
expectations of young adult travellers, leading to increased customer satisfaction two relevant
and loyalty. ways
-partial credit 1,
▪ Provide insights for the development of new travel packages and itineraries that to one relevant
cater to the specific needs and interests of young adult travellers. way
-No ½ credit
▪ Enable the tourism industry to better understand the changing preferences and
behaviours of young adult travellers, which can inform future marketing and
promotional strategies.

▪ Can help policymakers and tourism boards to identify key trends and areas of
growth in the tourism sector, and plan accordingly.

▪ Allow researchers to gain a better understanding of the motivations and travel
behaviours of young adults, which can inform academic studies and literature in
the field.exploration, which can inform discussions and debates around the future
of the tourism industry
(ii) (D) Desire for making new friends 1

1|P ag e

No partial credit
(iii) The top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest that young 1
adult travellers value independence and freedom when traveling alone and when No partial credit
traveling in a group, they value socializing and making new friends
(iv) (B) Nawaz 1
[solo traveller-budget friendly; (a) group traveller- organised transport; (c) group No partial credit
travellerhigh
focus on safety and security]
(v) (A) trying new cuisine [ It allows an individual to explore new flavours and 1
ingredients that they may not have been exposed to before, thus helping them No partial credit
discover more about
themselves by way of likes/ dislikes]
(vi) ▪To cater to budget-conscious solo travellers, the industry may need to provide 2
more affordable accommodation options such as hostels and budget hotels. -Full credit 2,
▪ For group travellers, the industry may need to focus on offering more luxury when correct
accommodations and experiences that cater to their desire for comfort and response for
convenience. both is stated
-Partial credit 1,
when correct
response for
either is stated
-No credit of ½
(vii) Any one 1
▪ a shared desire for adventure No partial credit
▪ a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones.
▪ the fact that young adults in India are becoming more interested in
cultural exchange and global understanding
(Any other relevant)

(viii) FALSE 1
[The passage is not about solo travel trend but more of solo vs group travel debate No partial credit
among
young adults in India]

SECTION B : CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18
marks)

3. NOTICE : Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of spelling and grammar -1 4

A → Correct format
→ Drawing attention—students of IX onwards

→ Mentioning the event
→ Giving details
→ Inviting students
→ Line with reference to the undersigned
OR
B → Correct format

2|P ag e

→ Drawing attention—residents
→ Stating the information
→ Giving details
→ Line with reference to the undersigned

4 INVITATION & REPLY : Format – 1 Content -2 Accuracy of 4
spelling and grammar -1

A Card type-formal invite
→ a single sentence presentation in third person / end line punctuations skipped
→ Use the simple present tense
→ answers the questions who, whom, when, where, what time and for what
→ includes name and address of the organiser /host and name/s of special invitees
(if any)
→ No signatures
Layout usually pertains to the following--
→ Name of host /hosts
→ Formal standard expression-cordial
→ Purpose of invitation
→ Date /time of event
→ Venue (address)
→ Name of special guest (if any)
→ RSVP
→ Contact detail/ number
OR
B Letter type-informal reply

5 FORMAL LETTER: 5
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation -1 Accuracy of
spelling and grammar -1
Format
Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/ Salutation and
Subject, body, Complimentary close, signature
A Content
→ Covering Letter
→ Reference to the advertisement
→ Conveying suitability for the position
→ Submission of application
Bio data as separate enclosure
→ Profile of self
→ Educational Qualifications (include advertised requirements)

→ Work experience/s (if relevant)
→ References
Any other relevant information
OR
B Content
→ Lack of awareness

3|P ag e

→ Increasing incidents .
→ condemns children to exploitation
→ loss of childhood
→ Awareness programmes-Public campaigns, educational programs in schools,
colleges, and other public places.
→ Imposing penalties, laws to be enforced
Any other relevant information

6 ARTICLE WRITING / REPORT WRITING : 5
Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation -1 Accuracy of spelling and
grammar -1
A Article Writing
Format
• Title & By line

Organisation & Content:

OR
B Report Writing

Format
• Headline & By line
• Reporting place and date
• Paragraphing organisation (Introductory paragraph + one or two Body
paragraphs including event details + Concluding paragraph inclusive of witness
accounts)

Organisation & Content:
→ Reason why the programme was launched
→ organised—by whom? When? Who attended?

→ Event details
→ Conclude including witness/ participant account/s

SECTION C : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND
SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT

4|P ag e

7 6x1=6
A i D. Fearful and apprehensive
[The speaker mentions feeling an "old familiar ache" and "childhood's fear" when
looking at her mother. This suggests a sense of fear or apprehension that is rooted
in the speaker's past experiences with her mother.]
ii It suggests a contrast between the speaker's internal emotional response and her
outward behaviour.
iii B. sensitivity
iv FALSE [the poem’s line holds a simile/metaphor whereas the other line is an
example of alliteration - w sound]
v The poem highlights the importance of cherishing and appreciating the
people we love, while we still can. [quality time -life is transient and similar]
vi  The speaker is trying to hold back her emotions and remain composed,
despite the pain she feels at parting from her mother
 Helplessness of the speaker
OR
B i B) invite readers as part of the poem’s larger call to humanity.
ii A) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not speak in any language.
iii Alliteration
iv Because all the differences can be resolved in the world / any other relevant point
v Keeping Quiet, Pablo Neruda
vi Arms stands for two meanings- hands and weapons

8 4x1=4
A i D. Both B and C
ii Warn against climate change
iii A. factual
iv D. Antarctica
OR
B i A. To save his kingdom
ii A. simple past
iii B Duraisani
iv Discussion and examination

9 6x1=6
A i D. Firozabad has emerged as a budding producer of bangles in the country.
ii C. illusory and indistinct
iii A. 1 & 5
iv C. majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle making
V D. optimistic.

vi Dark, dull, dirty, shabby or any other relevant answer
OR
B i C. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
ii B) California beach
iii B. a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun
iv D. Option 4

5|P ag e

v William Douglas
vi Copying/ imitation/ any other relevant answer

10 Answer any FIVE of the six following questions in 40-50 words each. 5x2=10
Content -1
→ Full credit for appropriate inclusion of all content asked for
→ Partial credit ½ for relevant but incomplete content

Expression – 1
→ Full credit for effective organisation
→ Partial credit ½ for some semblance of organisation of ideas

Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the error density is high (more than
a total of 2 spellings and/or grammatical errors).

Suggested points for answer are given below
i  The peddler was invited to iron master’s house mistaking him for Captain
von Stahle.
 welcomed and looked after as captain even after the reality became known.
 The peddler got a chance to redeem himself from dishonest ways by acting
as an honourable Captain.
ii  Fear-the greatest obstacle.
 Douglas’ fear didn’t allow him to go near water
 All efforts went in vain
 Could enjoy water sports after shedding off fear of water only
iii  We derive comfort and happiness when we look at objects of beauty
 the lasting impression they leave on our minds is a source of permanent joy.
 They provide us relief from our every day trials and tribulations and help us
live a happy life.
iv  Subbu was an extremely loyal employee who identified himself
completely with his principal and turned his entire creativity to his
principal's advantage.
 He was also a highly versatile and creative person who could be inspired to
come up with numerous alternatives when given a problem to solve.
 Additionally, he had the ability to work well with others and was tailor-
made for the film industry.
 These qualities made him an invaluable asset to the Gemini Studios during
its golden years.
v  The city money supports city life well/ helps in making the flower of city
bloom

 The country money is not enough to give people a good life/ country people
need city money to support their life.
vi  unwarranted intrusion into private lives
 somehow diminishes them or spoils their image
 A type of assault
 People are wounded
6|P ag e

Any other relevant point

11 Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words 2x2=4
Content -1
→ Full credit for appropriate inclusion of all content asked for
→ Partial credit ½ for relevant but incomplete content
Expression – 1
→ Full credit for effective organisation
→ Partial credit ½ for some semblance of organisation of ideas
Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the error density is high (more
than a total of 2 spellings and/or grammatical errors).

i  Yes. Modern world offers challenges like, war, worry insecurity etc.
 In order to take refuge from reality one might resort to day-dreaming or
hallucination.
 Charley resorted to escaping reality by reaching the third level although
unintentionally.
ii  Happy reunion between Mr. Lamb and Derry
 Mr. Lamb should continue to influence Derry positively
 Mr Lamb puts him in a position where he is able to befriend others despite
his handicap.
Any other relevant ending
iii  Dr. Sadao was taught that if he could save someone, he should never let one
die.
 He carried out his duty and saved the life of a human.

12 Answer ONE of the two following questions, in about 120-150 words 5
Content -2
→ Full credit for sustained, clear, well-developed personal response to the task
that appropriately justifies any arguments
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the response clarity and relevance

Expression – 2
→ Full credit for effective organisation -structure, relevant vocabulary and
effective relay of ideas
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the level of coherence and cohesion

Accuracy-1

→ Full credit for none to minimal errors
→ Partial credit of ½ for spellings and/or grammatical, largely accurate
→ No credit for error density causing impediment in understanding
[Content , in suggested responses, may be above the recommended word limit, as it
aims to share content points that can be drawn upon to structure the final desired
response.]

7|P ag e

A  Lost Spring gives us an analysis of the impoverished condition faced by many
children that condemns them to a life of pain, oppression, and lack of education.
 A Roadside Stand deals with the lives of poor deprived adults.
 Here, the poet contrasts the struggling lives of the countryside people with the
insensitive life of the city dwellers.
OR
B  The Indigo share-croppers were exploited at the cruel hands of the British
planters.
 Rajkumar Shukla persuaded Gandhi to take up the case of the Indigo
sharecroppers.
 When Gandhi came to Champaran, he realised that the fear-stricken
peasants got no help from courts.
 He was firm and broke the deadlock.
 He instilled courage in the peasants.
 The lesson learnt from the Champaran episode is that if the cause is just,
one must rely on oneself.
 In the face of exploitation, in society or in professional life, one must be
resolute and confront the problem.
 Gandhi gathered information before going to the governor.
 With evidence and determination, exploitation can be dealt with.

13 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words 5
Content -2
→ Full credit for sustained, clear, well-developed personal response
to the task that appropriately justifies any arguments
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the response clarity and relevance
Expression – 2
→ Full credit for effective organisation -structure, relevant vocabulary and
effective relay of ideas
→ Partial credit of 1 ½, 1 and ½ as per the level of coherence and cohesion
Accuracy-1
→ Full credit for none to minimal errors
→ Partial credit of ½ for spellings and/or grammatical, largely accurate
→ No credit for error density causing impediment in understanding
[Content , in suggested responses, may be above the recommended word limit,
as it aims to share content points that can be drawn upon to structure the final
desired response.]

A  Zitkala-Sa was a native American who was forcibly sent to a Christian
school. She resisted the strict regimentation of the school.
 She hated cutting of her hair because in her culture short hair is worn by
mourners.
 When her friend Judewin told her that they would have to give in, she
disagreed and decided to fight against it.
8|P ag e

 Bama, on the other hand, belonged to a marginalised, untouchable
community.
 She was upset to know the discriminatory treatment meted out to the
members of her community.
 She was infuriated at this inhuman practice of casteism.

 Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama refused to accept any type of oppression,
exploitation or victimisation.
 Bama’s revolt was aggressive. However Zitkala was a quiet fighter who
gave response to society by getting good education and thus, making
friends from so called upper caste.
 Zitkala Sa could have asserted more openly.
 Any other relevant point
B  The story amuses with abundance of fun, humour, irony and satire.
However, it also satirizes the conceit of people in power.
 They refuse to take no for an answer and their whims become laws for their
subjects.
 This is aptly illustrated by the eccentric behaviour of the king.
 The Tiger King banned tiger hunting in his state. Only the Maharaja could
kill the tigers.
 He went out on a hunting spree and derived pleasure and satisfied his false
ego in killing innocent beasts.
 After killing seventy tigers, its population became extinct. He married a
princess in a neighbouring kingdom with a large tiger population.
 The British Officer also wanted to be photographed with a tiger as it was a
status symbol.
 The story exposed the fondness of officials in pre-partition days for
portraying themselves as brave.
 The king felt happy when he was informed about the presence of tiger.
 He immediately announced a three-year exemption from all taxes.
 When the tiger was not traced for a few days, the king decided to double the
taxes, many officers also lost their jobs.

9|P ag e
AglaSem Earn while Learn Program. Send your papers and get paid.
Contact: support@

QUESTION PAPERS
GET PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS FOR ALL CLASSES FOR CBSE, ISCSE, ISC AND ALL ALL
STATE BOARDS HERE AT

Andhra Pradesh Board Question Papers
BOARD
WISE Assam Board Question Papers
Bihar Board Question Papers
Chhattisgarh Board Question Papers
Goa Board Question Papers
Gujarat Board Question Papers
Haryana Board Question Papers
Himachal Pradesh Board Question Papers
J&K State Board Question Papers
Jharkhand Board Question Papers
Karnataka Board Question Papers
Kerala Board Question Papers
Madhya Pradesh Board Question Papers
Maharashtra State Board Question Papers
Manipur Board Question Papers
Meghalaya Board Question Papers
Mizoram Board Question Papers
Nagaland Board Question Papers
Orissa Board Question Papers
Punjab Board Question Papers
Rajasthan Board Question Papers
Tamil Nadu Board Question Papers
Telangana State Board Question Papers
Tripura Board Question Papers
Uttarakhand Board Question Papers
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Board Question Papers
West Bengal (WB) Board Question Papers