HBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2025 English Special

CLASS : 12th (Sr. Secondary) Code No. 2203
Series : SS/Annual Exam.-2025
Roll No.

ENGLISH (Special)
ACADEMIC/OPEN
(Only for Fresh/Re-appear/Improvement/Additional Candidates)

Time allowed : 3 hours ] [ Maximum Marks : 80

• Please make sure that the printed pages in this question paper are 16 in number
and it contains 4 questions.

• The Code No. on the right side of the question paper should be written by the
candidate on the front page of the answer-book.

• Before beginning to answer a question, its Serial Number must be written.

• Don’t leave blank page/pages in your answer-book.

• Except answer-book, no extra sheet will be given. Write to the point and do not
strike the written answer.

• Candidates must write their Roll No. on the question paper. Except Roll No. do not
write anything on question paper and don't make any mark on answers of objective
type questions.

• Before answering the questions, ensure that you have been supplied the correct and
complete question paper, no claim in this regard, will be entertained after
examination.

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General Instructions :

(i) The question paper contains two Sections – Reading Skills and Writing Skills.

(ii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Section.

SECTION – A

(Reading Skills)

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow (Do
any two) :

(a) Scientists have developed a gel that helps brains recover from traumatic

injuries. It has the potential to treat head injuries suffered in combat, car

accidents, falls or gunshot wounds. Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang at

Clemson University in South Carolina, the gel is injected in liquid form at

the site of injury and stimulates the growth of stem cells there.

Brain injuries are particularly hard to repair, since injured tissues swell up

and can cause additional damage to the cells. So far, treatments have tried

to limit this secondary damage by lowering the temperature or relieving the

pressure at the site of injury. However, these techniques are often not very

effective.

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More recently, scientists have considered transplanting donor brain cells
into the wound to repair damaged tissue. This method has so far had
limited results when treating brain injuries. The donor cells often fail to
grow or stimulate repair at the injury site, possibly because of the
inflammation and scarring present there. The injury site also typically has
very limited blood supply and connected tissue, which might prevent donor
cells from getting the nutrients they require.

Dr. Zhang's gel, however, can be loaded with different chemicals to
stimulate various biological processes at the site of injury. In previous
research done on rats, she was able to use the gel to help re-establish full
blood supply at the site of brain injury. This could help to create a better

environment for donor cells. In a follow-up study, Dr. Zhang loaded the gel
with immature stem cells, as well as the chemicals they needed to develop
into full-fledged adult brain cells. When rats with severe brain injuries were
treated with this mixture for eight weeks, they showed signs of significant
recovery.

Questions : 2 × 5 = 10

(i) Which animal has Dr. Ning Zhang use to test her gel ?

(a) Cows (b) Rats

(c) Mouse (d) Dogs

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(ii) What kind of brain injuries can the gel mentioned here ?

(a) Car accidents

(b) Gunshot injury

(c) Falls

(d) All of these

(iii) Why do the donor cells often fail to grow according to the author ?

(a) Because of the inflammation and scarring present there.

(b) Because it is the most sensitive part of the body.

(c) Because the donor cells are always infected.

(d) None of the above

(iv) Why, according to the author, brain injuries are hard to mend ?

(a) As it is difficult to find good doctors to repair it.

(b) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to

the cells.

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(v) Choose the word which is opposite in meaning of these :

(i) Traumatic

(ii) Stimulates

(b) Maharana Pratap ruled Mewar only for 25 years. However, he
accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory
surpassed the boundaries of countries and time, turning him into an
immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for
Valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar, had been a leading Rajput
kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of
Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had

established such traditions in the kingdom, which augmented their
magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their
command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions
when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag, once again
heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the
people of Mewar.

The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings,
most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of
the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right
from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact, 60 years before Maharana Pratap,

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Rana Sanga, drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation
went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him,
Rana Kumbha, had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories
and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also
progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and
his works are read with reverence even today.

The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high
quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments, were the
outcome of a long-standing tradition sustained by several generations. The
life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during
a long span of time, otherwise, such extraordinary accomplishment in these

fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and
literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of
admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of
Mewar remains lovely, thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its
people.

One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the

forts and palaces of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of

many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are

testimony to the fact that, Mewar was not only the land of bravery but also

a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and

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art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer.

Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha

which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was

constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting

how liberal the administration was, which allowed people from other

communities and kingdoms to came and carryout construction work. It is

useless to indulge in the debate whether the Vijaya Stambha was

constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are

standing side by side and reveal, the proximity between the king and the

subjects of Mewar.

Questions : 2 × 5 = 10

(i) Maharana Pratap became immortal, because :

(a) he ruled Mewar for 25 years.

(b) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar.

(c) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism.

(d) Both (b) and (c)

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(ii) Who is the earliest king of Mewar mentioned here ?

(a) Bappa Rawal

(b) Rana Sanga

(c) Rana Kumbha

(d) None of the above

(iii) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were :

(a) lack of cooperation

(b) ancient traditions of the kingdom

(c) its small area and less population

(d) the poverty of the subjects

(iv) What do the Vijay Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify ?

(a) Both are symbols of ancient Persian Architecture

(b) Both reveal the closeness between the king and the people of
Mewar

(c) Both tell the stories of high stature of the kings

(d) None of these

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(v) Find the word from the passage that means the same as 'Bravery' :

(a) Grandeur

(b) Valour

(c) Brilliance

(d) Magnificance

(c) The difference in the ways of thinking and perception in the people of two

different generations, which results in behavioural differences and

sometimes, conflict among them is usually called "generation gap".

Generation gap is generally seen in the family between parents and

their children. It is not only because of the gap in age but also because of

the way parents react to a particular situation. Children, being very young

and immature, do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In

many cases, the parents, even if they are matured, do not emphasize with

the changing values and thinking pattern of the modern world. This creates

a communication gap between the two generations.

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Generation gap between parents and children is mostly caused by

parents themselves. They do not talk openly to their children and do not

take part in solving their problems. This behaviour gives the impression
about parents being authoritative person, because they only dictate without

understanding the problems faced by their children. As a result, the

children become mentally isolated from their parents. Some parents
become so busy with their work that they do not spend quality time with

their family, which makes them completely unaware about how their

children are growing, what kind of mentality is being developed in them and
so on. This ultimately creates a gap between them. They only realize it

when it is too late.

Changes in technology have led to the generation gap in this modern

world. Children tend to spend most of their time with their digital devices

and are so busy with social media that they do not discuss their problems

with their parents. The internet provides solutions to most of the worldly

problems. So children instead of contacting their own parents, seek the

help of internet in case of any problem, thus again reducing the

communication, leading to a generation gap between them.

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The generation gap has greatly increased these days because the time

is changing fast and people find it difficult to cope up with this change. To

overcome this problem, the parents should show some interest in all

matters of their children and deal with then positively instead of just

scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their problems. Giving

time to the children, having open communication and allowing the child to

feel free and not in any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the

generation gap to a tolerable extent.

Questions : 2 × 5 = 10

(i) How do children generally view their parents ?

(a) As dictatorial

(b) As authoritative person

(c) As friend

(d) As a support

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(ii) What causes the gap between the parents and their children ?

(a) Parents not emphasizing with changing values

(b) Difference in their ways of thinking

(c) Immaturity on the part of children against various situations

(d) All of these

(iii) What steps should be taken by parents to bridge this gap ?

(a) Have open communication with children

(b) Show interest in their children's matters

(c) Allow children to put forth their views

(d) All of these

(iv) Most of the parents do not spend ……….. time with their family.

(a) leisure

(b) free

(c) quality

(d) weekend

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(v) What is meant by the word 'isolated' ?

(a) Grown

(b) Bound

(c) Separated

(d) Unconcerned

SECTION – B

(Writing Skills)

2. Attempt any one for Precis writing :

Coffee is traditionally grown in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India. It is
predominantly an export-oriented commodity and 65% to 70% of coffee
produced in the country is exported, while the rest is consumed within the
country. In the international market, Indian Robusta is highly preferred for its
good blending quality. Arabica coffee from India is also well received in the
international market. Coffee is an export product with low import intensity and
high employment content. This is evident from the fact that more than six lakh
persons are directly employed and an equal number of individuals get indirect
employment from this sector. Arabica is mild coffee, but the beans being more

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aromatic; it has higher market value compared to Robusta beans. On the other
hand, Robusta has more strength and is therefore used in making various
blends. Arabica is grown in higher altitudes than Robusta. The cool and equable
temperature, ranging between 15°C and 25°C is suitable for Arabica, while for
Robusta, hot and humid climate with temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C is
suitable. Arabica requires more care and nurture and is more suitable for large
holdings whereas Robusta is suitable irrespective of the size of the farm. Arabica
is susceptible to pets and diseases such as white stem Borer, leaf rust and
requires more shade than Robusta. The harvest of Arabica takes place between
November and January, while for Robusta, it is from December to February.

Questions :

(i) Give a suitable title to this passage. 4

(ii) Precis this passage in your own words. 12

(iii) What is the gist of the passage ? 4

OR

Probably the only protection for contemporary man is to discover how to
use his intelligence in the service of love and kindness. The training of human
intelligence must include the simultaneous development of the empathic
capacity. Only in this way, intelligence can be made an instrument of social

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morality and responsibility – and thereby increase the chances of survival. The
need to produce human beings with trained morally sensitive intelligence is
essentially a challenge to educators and educational institutions. Traditionally,
the realm of social morality was left to religion and the churches as guardians or
custodians. But their failure to fulfil this responsibility and their yielding to the
reductive lures of the men of wealth and pomp and power are documented by
history of the last two thousand years and have now resulted in the irrelevant
"God Is Dead" theological rhetoric. The more pragmatic men of power have had
no time or inclination to deal with the fundamental problems of social morality.
For them simplistic Machiavellianism must remain the guiding principle of their
decisions – power is morality, morality is power. This over-simplification
increases the chances of nuclear devastation. We must therefore hope that

educators and educational institutions have the capacity, the commitment and
the time to in-still moral sensitivity as an integral part of the complex pattern of
functional human intelligence. Some way must be found in the training of
human beings to give them the assurance to love, the security to be kind, and
the integrity required for a functional empathy.

Questions :

(i) Give a suitable title to this passage. 4

(ii) Precis this passage in your own words. 12

(iii) What is the gist of the passage ? 4

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3. You are Naresh/Nandini of Dwarkapuri, New Delhi. You are deeply saddened by
the attacks on elderly persons who live alone. Write a letter to the editor of 'Amar
Ujala' making people aware of the authorities to guarantee that such attacks do
not occur. 20

OR

Write an application for the post of PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) in English in
DAV School, New Delhi with a bio-data. You are Seema Kumari.

4. Write paragraph on any two topics : 10 × 2 = 20

(i) Importance of Computer

(ii) My Aim in Life

(iii) Environment Pollution

(iv) Value of Discipline

S
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