CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2025 Solution English Core

Series ZYW2X SET - 1

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)
Senior Secondary School Examination 2025
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE (301)
(QUESTION PAPER CODE – 1/2/1)
General Instructions: -

1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious problems
which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching profession. To avoid
mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must read and understand the spot
evaluation guidelines carefully.
2. “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality of the
examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its leakage to public
in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination system and affect the life and
future of millions of candidates. Sharing this policy/document with anyone, publishing in
any magazine and printing in News Paper/Website etc. may invite action under various rules
of the Board and IPC.”
3. Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should not be done
according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking Scheme should be
strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while evaluating, answers which are
based on the latest information or knowledge and / or are innovative, may be assessed for
their correctness otherwise, and due marks may be awarded to them.
4. The Marking Scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers. These are in the nature
of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete answer. The students can have their own
expression and if the expression is correct, then due marks should be awarded accordingly.
5. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each evaluator on
the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the instructions given in the
Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should be zeroed after deliberation and
discussion. The remaining answer books meant for evaluation shall be given only after ensuring
that there is no significant variation in the marking of individual evaluators.
6. Evaluators will tick mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer “X” be marked.
Evaluators will not put tick mark ( √ ) while evaluating a wrong answer which gives an impression
that answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
7. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks
awarded for different parts of the question should then be totalled up and written in the left- hand
margin and encircled. This must be followed strictly.
8. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin and encircled.
This must be followed strictly.

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9. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more marks should
be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
10. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then marks
are not to be awarded.
11. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized only
once.
12. A full scale of marks (0-80 marks) as given in Question Paper has to be used. Please do not hesitate
to award full marks if the answer deserves it.
13. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours every
day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books per day in other
subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).
14. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the
Examiner in the past:-
• Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
• Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
• Wrong totalling of marks awarded on an answer.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
• Wrong question-wise totalling on the title page.
• Wrong totalling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
• Wrong grand total.
• Marks in words and figures not tallying / not same.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
• Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark ( √ ) is
correctly and clearly indicated. It should not merely be a line. Same is with the (X) for incorrect
answer.)
• Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks awarded.
15. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should be
marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks. ‘Zero’ should be mentioned both in figures and
words.
16. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totalling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the evaluation
work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all concerned, it is again
reiterated that the instructions should be followed meticulously and judiciously.
17. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the “Guidelines for Spot
Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
18. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to the title
page, correctly totalled and written in figures and words.
19. The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on payment of the
prescribed processing fee. All Examiners / Additional Head Examiners / Head Examiners are
once again reminded that they must ensure that evaluation is carried out strictly as per Value
Points for each answer as given in the Marking Scheme.

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MARKING SCHEME
Senior Secondary School Examination, 2025
ENGLISH CORE (Subject Code–301)
[ Question Paper Code : 1/2/1 ]
Maximum Marks : 80
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The answers given below are suggestive. Credit should be given for any relevant point which
is not included in the value points listed below. However, any independent interpretation should
be discussed with the HE before awarding marks.
2. No marks shall be deducted for exceeding the word-limit.
3. If a spelling error is recurring, it should be penalised only once.

SUGGESTED VALUE POINTS Marks

SECTION—A 22
marks
Reading Skills
NOTE: The objective of the reading section is to focus on testing a candidate’s ability
to comprehend. No mark(s) should be deducted for mistakes in usage and grammar,
spelling or word-limit. Full marks may be awarded if a student has been able to
identify the core ideas. If a student literally lifts a portion of the given passage as an
answer to a question, no mark(s) to be deducted for this, as long as
it is relevant.
Q1. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 12
marks
(i) How does the author prove in paragraph 1 that sense of humour is a double edged
sword?

Ans. Having a sense of humour might mean having the ability to entertain other people by 1
making them laugh, but it can also mean having a quick wit that is frequently employed
to criticize other people with snide comments.
(ii) Cite evidences from the passage to prove that sense of humour is a valuable tool to
make someone’s life better.
Sense of humour:
Ans. 2
- is an outlet for forbidden impulses
- is a socially valued trait
- is a skill to defuse tense, aggressive situations
- helps in managing alliances and friendships
- turns stiff and awkward situations into fun
- is a device for connecting people who are operating on the same wavelength
- is the Swiss Army Knife of social skills
(any two)
(iii) Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to paragraph 3. One
significant advantage of humour is that it helps one ______.

Ans. to give an outlet/vent to one’s forbidden impulses/ to feel superior to other people 1

(iv) Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 5, how a good sense of
humour can be a great ice breaker.

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If we meet new people, sense of humour gives us an opportunity to engage in light-
Ans.
hearted banter/makes us skilled enough to turn a stiff and awkward situation into fun.
1
(any one)
(v) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
According to evolutionary psychologists, people with a sense of humour can______
(trigger/lighten) tense situation.

Ans. lighten 1
Choose the correct option:
(vi)
“….humour can be a device for connecting people who are operating on the same
wavelength.”
By the phrase ‘same wavelength’ the author refers to
(A) people of age group
(B) people who belong to same line of profession.
(C) people having similar interests and attitudes.
(D) people who are working in the same organisation.
Ans. (C) people having similar interests and attitudes 1
Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 6:
(vii)
Advantage: benefit: ___________: anger
(A) situation
(B) stare
(C) indignation
(D) arsenal
(C) indignation
Ans. 1

(viii) In the line perhaps ‘it is indeed a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal of
tools….’ What does the phrase ‘arsenal of tools’ refer to?

- sense of humour is the Swiss Army Knife of social skills.
Ans.
- collection of social skills with each skill designed for a unique social purpose
2

(ix) Provide ONE textual evidence from the text which states lack of sense of humour
may prove to be a handicap in one’s life.

Ans. A person with an undeveloped sense of humour lacks a social skill that puts him/her at
1
a severe disadvantage in the hurly-burly of everyday social life.
An undeveloped sense of humour shows lack of a social skill that puts him or her at
(x)
a disadvantage.
Choose the correct option (A) or (B) which reaffirms the idea conveyed in the above
extract.
(A) Sense of humour elevates the status of a person in the social circle.
(B) People with sense of humour are not taken seriously in the society.
Ans. (A) Sense of humour elevates the status of a person in the social circle. 1

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Passage 2
Q2. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 10
marks

(i) As per the survey, Indian youth is broadly focused on
(A) skill development and entrepreneurship.
(B) private sector jobs and technology.
(C) higher education and career opportunities.
(D) vocational diploma and public sector jobs.

Ans. (C) higher education and career opportunities. 1
(ii) With reference to paragraph 3, what is the latest trend among Indian youth in
preparing themselves for the job market?
There is an awareness of changing skills requirements and an interest in augmenting
Ans.
their skills/pursuing skill development programme
1
(any one)
(iii)With reference to the table, state one reason for entrepreneurship being the last
preference among Indian youth.
- there is a strong desire for job security and opportunities for career
Ans. 1
advancement.
(iv) Cite two evidences from the text to show that gender bias is still a hindrance in
the progress of women in society.
- discriminating biases in hiring
Ans.
- have less paid work experience than their male counterparts
- face greater barriers in pursuing skill development opportunities
- no paid work experience 2
- personal biases such as marital status, gender, age, or family background
(any two)
(v) Complete the following sentence suitably. The driving force for the Indian
youth to join a skill development programme is ___________.
Ans. more employment opportunities 1
(vi) Paragraph 5 uses words ‘competencies’ and ‘adoption’. Classify the following
sentences which talks about ‘competency’ and which talks about ‘adoption’.
Sentence-1: Ria embraced new technology to gain global market for her paintings.
Sentence-2: Ria displays her artistic skill through her paintings.
Adoption - Sentence-1: Ria embraced new technology to gain global market for her
Ans.
paintings. 1
Competency - Sentence-2: Ria displays her artistic skill through her paintings.
(vii) Cite two evidences from the text to show that Indian youth is adapting itself to the
needs of the job market.
- There is an awareness of changing skills requirements
Ans.
- show interest in augmenting their skills
- 76 percent of youth express interest in pursuing a skills development programme 2
- Adopting new technology and digitization
(any two)

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Choose the correct option:
(viii)
The main roadblocks to employment opportunities for females are:
i. Lack of interest
ii. Marriage
iii. Lack of opportunities
iv. Over qualification
v. Family background

(A) i & ii (B) iii & iv
(C) ii, iii & v (D) iv & v
Ans. (C) ii, iii & v 1

SECTION B 18
marks
Creative Writing Skills
OBJECTIVES:
• to test the ability to think logically and express clearly
• to use a style appropriate to the given situation
• to plan, organize and present ideas coherently

Q3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words : 4
marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2 Expression – 1
FORMAT - Name of issuing authority- organization / agency, NOTICE, heading,
date of issue, signature / name, designation (bottom left)
• No mark for format if content is irrelevant or missing.
• Full credit of 1 mark if all aspects are mentioned.
• Partial credit of ½ mark if any of the aspects is missing.
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas
NOTICE WRITING

Your school is organizing a road safety awareness workshop for students of class
(A) IX - XII. As the head boy of your school, draft a notice informing the students
about the workshop. Include other necessary details. You are Ashna/Ashish. Put
your notice in a box.
Suggested value points:
Ans.
- Name of the Event
- Date, Time, Venue
- Description of the workshop 4
- Participation details: targeted classes
- Contact information
(inputs given in the question to be included)
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OR
Your school is organizing an Inter-House Science Model-Making- Competition.
As President of the Science Club, draft a notice to inform all House members from
(B) IX - XII about the competition and specify the number of registrations invited per
house. Include other necessary details. You are Mitali/Mukesh. Put your notice in
a box.
Ans. Suggested value points
- Name of the Event
- Date, Time, Venue
- Participation details: targeted classes
4
- Registration details
- Contact information

(inputs given in the question to be included)

Q4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 4
marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2 Expression – 1
FORMAT:
• No mark for format if content is irrelevant or missing.
• Full credit of 1 mark if all aspects are mentioned.
• Partial credit of ½ mark if any of the aspects is missing.
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas

FORMAL INVITATION

(A) Draft an invitation card on behalf of the Principal of J.B. Bhatia Public School for
the launch of 'Yoga for Life' programme in the school. Mention a compelling
highlight of the programme along with other necessary details.

Ans. Format: Card, third person, in a box
Suggested value points:
- host, line of invitation, event, day, date, time, venue
- name and designation of the chief guest,R.S.V.P 4
- an appropriate compelling highlight of the programme
(inputs given in the question to be included)

OR

FORMAL REPLY

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You are Mrs. Savita Manjrekhar, a professor in English. You are invited to be one
of the judges for the inter-school debate competition by the Principal of J.M.
(B) Public School, Cochin. Write a formal letter expressing your inability to accept
the invitation.
Format: Formal letter
Ans.
Suggested value points
- express thanks
- acknowledge the invitation (mention event, date, time, venue)
-refusal with reason 4

-convey best wishes
(inputs given in the question to be included)

Q5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 - 150 words. 5
marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2 Expression - 2
FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/
Salutation and Subject, Complimentary Close, Name
• No mark for format if content is irrelevant or missing.
• Full credit of 1 mark if all aspects are mentioned.
• Partial credit of ½ mark if any of the aspects is missing.
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas

JOB APPLICATION

(A) You are Ajay of 36, N.J. Colony, Pune. You read the given advertisement and wish
to apply for the post advertised. Write this job application along with your bio-
data.

Bloom Public School, Bhopal
Requires
Hockey Coach - Graduates with B.P.Ed degree preferred.
Minimum 4 years experience.
Skills - Well versed in defence techniques, knowledge of
physical and psychological performance
development. Ability to foster team culture and
promote sportsmanship. Prepare students for
state/national championships.
Write to The Principal, Bloom Public School, Bhopal
Ans. 5
Suggested value points:
Covering Letter :
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- reference to the advertisement
- suitability for the post
- offer candidature
Bio-Data / Resume / CV:
- personal details
- qualifications
- experience
- skills / hobbies / achievements
- references
NOTE:
• No marks to be deducted if the Resume/CV/Bio-data is included in the
covering letter
(inputs given in the question to be included)
OR

LETTER TO EDITOR
(B)
Social literacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial 21st century skill for young
individuals. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily discussing the benefits of
providing social literacy education to children. Also, suggest effective ways to raise
awareness about the importance of this education among parents. You may use
some of the given cues along with your own ideas to draft the letter. You are a
counsellor, Reena Sharma of 36, M.V. Apartments, Pune.
• What is social literacy?
• What is the role of school in imparting social literacy to young
students?
• What are the benefits of social literacy?
• How is social literacy connected to career advancement?
Ans. 5
Suggested value points
- statement of the issue
- social skills-ability to form good relationships
- role of schools-promote collaborative learning, team-building skills,etc
- benefits-fosters strong relationships, improves academic performance,
personality development, etc.
- career development-acquire leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, etc
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any other relevant point)
(any four)

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Q6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 - 150 words. 5
marks

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2 Expression - 2
Format -1 - Title and byline
• No mark for format if content is irrelevant or missing.
• Partial credit of ½ mark if any of the aspects is missing.
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas

ARTICLE WRITING

(A)
Write an article on the commercialisation of festivals, analyzing the reasons for
commercialisation and its impact on the younger generation. You may use some of
the given cues along with your own ideas. You are Vinita Yadav of XII B.

• impact of globalization on celebration of festivals.
• sanctity & essence of festivals.
• role of Media in commercializing festivals.
• suggest ways in which individuals and communities can work together to
preserve tradition and culture in the celebration of festivals.

Suggested value points: 5
Ans.
- impact of globalization/focus on consumerism
- sanctity and essence of festivals - destroyed by commercialization, erosion
of values, etc.
- role of media in commercializing festivals –promoting sales
- community celebrations to preserve traditions and culture
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any other relevant point)
(any four)

OR
REPORT WRITING

(B)
You are Suraj, reporter of The Times of India. You are sent to cover the Mango
Festival organized at the farmer's market.
Write a comprehensive report detailing the activities at the festival. Include
descriptions of the events, participation details, the overall impact of these
activities on the local community.
You may organise your report by following-
Who – What – When – Where – Why - How

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Ans. Suggested value points : 5
- Name of event
- day, date, venue
- chief guest, invitees
- description of activities/ events such as mango eating competition
etc.
- participation details and feedback

(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any other relevant point)

SECTION C 40
Marks
Literature
NOTE: The objective of this section is to test a candidate’s ability to understand
and interpret the prescribed text through short & long answer type questions. Long
answer type questions have been set to test the students’ understanding of the text
and their ability to interpret, evaluate & respond to the issues raised therein. Hence,
no particular answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All presentations
may be accepted as correct with consultation of the HE, if they have been duly
supported by the facts drawn from the text. The student should be able to justify his
/ her viewpoint.
In the Inter textual questions reference to both the texts must be included.

Q7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given
two, (A) or (B) :
It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
(a) 1x6
Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store. =6
Where they won't have to think for themselves anymore, marks
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.
(A Roadside Stand)
(i) The expression 'It is in the news' suggests
(i)
(A) it is good news for the roadside stand owners.
(B) an important decision has been taken by the government.
(C) the roadside stand owners have protested against the
government.
(D) that the news was not there in the newspaper.
Ans. ( B) an important decision has been taken by the government 1

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(ii) Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet complains that the rural people are exploited by the people
in power.
Reason : The rural people reposed blind faith in the false promises of the people
in power.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.
(A)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true and the Reason is the correct
explanation.
(B)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct
explanation of the Assertion.
(C)The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(D)The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans. (A) Both the assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation 1
(iii) Complete the following suitably :
In the line 'that are calculated to soothe them out of their wits", the phrase
'soothe them out of their wit' refers to_________
Ans. Cheating/deceiving/manipulating/duping them 1
(any one)
(iv) Bring out the irony in the expression 'they won't have to think for themselves'.
Ans. No one thinks about them / they are exploited by everyone/ those who offer to think are 1
thinking about themselves only/ they are forced to think for themselves.

(v) Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet uses the expression 'greedy good-doers' to________(criticize/ appreciate)
the intention of the powerful people.
Ans. Criticize 1

(vi) Complete the following suitably.
The tone of the poet in the above extract is________.

critical/ sarcastic/ disapproving
Ans. 1
(any one)
OR
(B) If we were not so single-minded 1x6=6
about keeping our lives moving, marks
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves with death.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I'll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet and I will go.
(Keeping Quiet)
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(i) Complete the following suitably. The poet uses the expression 'single minded' to
refer to ________.

Ans. man’s selfish attitude/his focus on moving ahead 1
(ii) Why does the poet refer to silence as a welcoming interruption?

Ans. - silence helps us find better solution/makes our life better/gives space for 1
introspection/leads to understanding / gives a break in our chaotic life and ends the
sadness of not understanding

(any one)

(iii) Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet personifies Earth as a teacher.
Reason : We learn from the Earth that pausing doesn't mean the end.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.
(A)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct
explanation of the Assertion.
(B)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the
correct explanation of the Assertion.
(C)The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(D)The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans. (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct 1
explanation of the Assertion

(iv) Complete the following suitably.
By the expression "keeping our lives moving" the poet refers to_____.

Ans. moving ahead in life/mindlessly moving ahead/making progress,moving ahead without 1
thinking of the consequences

(any one)

(v) Choose the correct option :
The intention of the poet in the above extract is
(A) to make us aware of the importance of Earth.
(B) to criticize our single mindedness.
(C) to highlight the reason for our sadness.
(D) to highlight the importance of sustaining peace and silence.
Ans. (D) to highlight the importance of sustaining peace and silence 1

(vi) What is the significance of the last line of the extract 'you keep quiet and I will
go'?

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Series ZYW2X SET - 1

Ans. The poet wants readers to take responsibility/practice introspection and silence/follow 1
his advice for a better world

Q8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the
given two, (A) or (B) :
(A) When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How 1x4=4
could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his Marks
hands, even though the Vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then
parcelled in paper ? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those
wretched Vadais myself straight away. Why should we have to fetch and carry
for these people. I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to
the shops to fetch snacks and hands over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to
this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth. The thought of it
infuriated me.
(Memories of Childhood)
(i) 'I felt terribly sad'. The reason for the speaker's sadness is because it was an
act of__________

Ans. discrimination /humiliation/disrespect 1

( any other relevant word)

(any one)

(ii) Choose the correct option :
'The thought of it infuriated me' with reference to the above line, what do you
think is the impact of the incident on the speaker ?
(A) The speaker was sympathetic and helpless.
(B) The speaker was angry and condemning.
(C) The speaker was excited to see the incident.
(D) The speaker was very impressed and motivated.
1
Ans. (B)The speaker was angry and condemning.

(iii) Complete the sentence suitably :
'I wanted to touch those wretched Vadais myself'
The above expression indicates the speaker’s _______.
1
Ans. anger/outrage/frustration/revolt/disgust

( any other relevant word)

(any one)

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(iv) Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank :
The incident made the speaker realize that the discrimination
was___________.(dehumanizing/elevating)
1
Ans. dehumanizing

OR

(B) Mr. Lamb : When I go down the streets, the kids shout ‘Lamey Lamb’. But 1x4=4
they will come into the garden, into my house; it's a game. They're marks
not afraid of me. Why should they be? Because I'm not afraid of
them, that's why not.
Derry : Did you get your leg blown off in the war ?
Mr. Lamb : Certainly
Derry : How will you climb on a ladder and get the crab apples down,
then?
Mr. Lamb : Oh, there's a lot of things I've learned to do and plenty of time for
it. Years. I take it steady.
(On the Face of it)
(i) Complete the following suitably :
'Years. I take it steady'. The above line speaks of the speaker's_______.
1
Ans. patience/determination/will-power/courage/self-belief

(any one)

(ii) Derry, how will you climb on a ladder ? What does Derry hint at in the above
query?
1
Ans. Lamb’s handicap/tin leg/physical disability

(any one)

(iii) ‘When I go down the streets, the kids shout Lamey Lamb.’ The attitude of the
speaker expressed in the above line is __________.
(A) his habit of finding fault.
(B) he is timid and faint hearted.
(C) his acceptance of reality and positive attitude.
(D) his indifferent and careless attitude.
Ans. (C) his acceptance of reality and positive attitude. 1

(iv) Fill in the blank suitably :
Mr. Lamb's handicap has not ______his attitude towards life.

Ans. changed/ dampened/ shadowed 1

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Series ZYW2X SET - 1

(any one)

Q9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the
given two, (A) or (B) :
1x6=6
(A) Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five percent of the film
was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the girls and boys Marks
to be made to look ugly in order to look presentable in the movie. A strict
hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department. The chief make-up man
made the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant 'second' hero and
heroine, the junior assistant the main comedian and so forth. The players who
played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy. (Even the make-up
department of the Gemini Studio had an 'office boy')
On the days when there was crowd-shooting, you could see him mixing his paint
in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players. The idea was to close every
pore on the surface of the face in the process of applying make-up.
(i) What does the writer mean by the phrase 'indoor shooting' in the first line of the
extract ?
Ans. Shooting inside the studio 1

(ii) Pick up one sentence from the extract that reflects the sarcastic tone of the writer.
Ans. - “studio lights needed the girls and boys to be made to look ugly” 1

- “The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly”

- “mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd”

- “The idea was to close every pore on the surface of the face in the process of
applying make-up”

(any one)

(iii) The hierarchy in the make-up department puts the 'office boy' in
the________(lowest/top) rung of the ladder.

Ans. lowest 1

(iv) Complete the following suitably :

On the days when there was a 'crowd-shooting'. By the phrase crowd-shooting,
the author refers to ________

Ans. participation of many or a large number of people / actors 1
(any one)
Choose the correct option :
(v)
".....mix his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players."
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Series ZYW2X SET - 1

The choice of words like 'paint' and 'slapping' by the author reflects _________.
(A) author's intention to degrade the office boy's role in the make-up
department.
(B) the office boy's lack of seriousness.
(C) author's sarcastic and humorous writing style.
(D) author's dislike of the office boy.
Ans. (C) author's sarcastic and humorous writing style. 1
(vi) Choose the correct option :
What does the following line from the extract showcase ?
"A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department ."
(A)The office boy took all the decisions in the make-up department.
(B)A system of ranks according to importance of work was followed.
(C)Everyone was given an equal share of work in the department.
(D)Nepotism was prevalent in the make-up department.
Ans. (B) A system of ranks according to importance of work was followed. 1
(B) My Last French Lesson !Why, I hardly knew how to write !I should never learn 1x6=6
any more !I must stop there, then !Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my marks
lessons, for seeking birds 'eggs or going sliding on the Saar ! My books, that had
seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my
history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn't give up and M. Hamel,
too; the idea that he was going away, that I should never see him again, made me
forget all about his ruler and how cranky he was.
Poor man ! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday
clothes, and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in
the back of the room. It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone
to school more. It was their way of thanking our master for his forty years of
faithful service and of showing their respect for the country that was theirs no
more. (The Last Lesson)
(i) Choose the correct option :
What is the tone of the speaker in the expression 'I hardly knew how to write ....
how sorry I was for not learning my lessons' ?
(A)confused (B)regretful
(C)surprised (D)happy

1
Ans. (B)regretful
(ii) Choose the correct option :
The speaker refers to 'seeking birds' egg' and 'sliding on the Saar' as
(A) part of his routine
(B) his daily routine
(C) source of distraction from learning
(D) fun time with friends
1
Ans. (C) source of distraction from learning

(iii) What is reflected through the shift in the speaker's perception of his books
through his expression of calling them his 'old friends' rather than considering
them as 'nuisance'?
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Series ZYW2X SET - 1

1
Ans. shift from regret to realization of the importance of his books
(iv) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank :
"It was because they were sorry too...."
They were sorry for(not following the government order/ not learning their
language)
1
Ans. not learning their language

(v) What is inferred from the expression 'the country that was theirs no more'?
1
Ans. country is enslaved/conquered/Prussians’ occupation/loss of freedom
(any one)
(vi) What does M. Hamel's ruler reflect about his image ?

1
Ans. strict/strict disciplinarian/hard task master

Q Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5x2
10 = 10
marks
Distribution of marks:-
Content – 1 Expression – 1

(i) "One of these days you're going to talk yourself into a load of trouble;" her father
said aggressively. What do you learn about Sophie's father from these lines?
(Going Places)
suggested value points:
Ans. 2
- his concern for his daughter
- strict
- practical
- aggressive

(any one)
'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.' Explain with reference to the poem. (A
(ii)
Thing of Beauty)

suggested value points:
Ans. 2
• is a source of everlasting joy
• is something that withstands time
• ‘never passes into nothingness’
• that we cherish forever
• ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’
(any one)

XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-18

Series ZYW2X SET - 1

How did Franz plan to turn the commotion in the classroom to his favour?
(iii)

suggested value points:
Ans. 2
He was late and hence planned to reach his desk without being noticed.

(iv) How do the expressions 'polished traffic' and a stand that 'pathetically pled'
depict the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the poem 'A Roadside Stand'?
suggested value points:
Ans. 2
- ‘Polished traffic’ - sophisticated people of the city in their cars/rich urban people
- ‘pathetically pled’ refers to the miserable living condition of the rural
people/owners of the roadside stand
- the rural-urban divide/difference between rich and poor/economic disparity of the
society

(any one)
(v) 'What I want should not be confused'. What clarification does Pablo Neruda
give to his readers? (Keeping Quiet)
Suggested value points:
Ans. 2
- keeping quiet does not imply death or idleness/ inactivity but means living a
meaningful life with introspection
- ‘life is what it is about’
(any one)

(vi) 'But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.' What are the factors
that have made their game inaccessible to Saheb? (Lost Spring)
suggested value points:
Ans. 2
Tennis is an expensive game. Saheb’s poverty makes it unaffordable/out of reach

Q Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each : 2x2
11 =4
marks
Distribution of marks:-
Content – 1 Expression – 1

(i) What is so ironical about Sam reaching the third level?
suggested value points:
Ans. 2
- Sam despite being the psychiatrist reached the third level
- Sam dismissed Charley’s experience of the third level as ‘waking-dream wish
fulfilment/ a means of escape from stressful world/modern world full of fear, war,
worry, insecurity/ harsh realities of modern life.But, in the end, he claimed to have
reached the third level/ asked him to keep searching

XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-19

Series ZYW2X SET - 1

(any one)

What image of the Tiger King is revealed in the diamond ring episode?
(ii)
Suggested Value Points:
Ans. 2
Corrupt/selfish/irresponsible/foolish King/ruler
(any one)

"In that short time, we've managed to create quite a rukus." What does Tishani
(iii) Doshi refer to by 'rukus'?
suggested value points:
Ans. 2
- man’s activities leading to commotion/disorder on earth/depletion of resources
- man’s dominance over nature/exploitation of resources
- rapid increase in human population battling with other species for limited
resources
- unmitigated burning of fossil fuels

(any one)

Q Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 120-150 words : 5
12 marks
Distribution of marks:-
Content – 3 Expression – 2
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas

‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ The above saying aptly describes the
(A)
character of Douglas from 'Deep Water' and Mukesh from 'Lost Spring'.
Compare and contrast their characters in terms of their courage, determination,
and the pursuit of their goals.
suggested value points:
Ans. 5
- both Douglas and Mukesh displayed their will and courage to pursue their goals.
Douglas
- determined to overcome his childhood aversion to water and fear after the
California beach incident and misadventure in the Y.M.C.A pool
- strategically planned to hire instructor to revive his swimming skills
- patient in learning step-by-step
- tested himself alone to gain confidence in the pool and other water bodies, etc
- displayed perseverance and willpower
- Douglas had the resources, was not restricted and was educated
-
Mukesh

XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-20

Series ZYW2X SET - 1

- courageous to think differently
- dared to change family legacy-become motor mechanic
- not discouraged by obstacles
- had the willpower to walk long distance to the garage to pursue his goal
- realistic in his ambition-did not think of flying a plane
- Mukesh belonged to a poor and illiterate community
- Mukesh was hampered by lack of resources andthe legacy he had to carry
- (any three – at least one from each character)

(any other relevant point)
OR
Kamala Das in 'Keeping Quiet' and Keats in 'A Thing of Beauty' depict nature as
(B) a source of inspiration and strength to man. Analyse both the poems in terms of
the above perspective.
suggested value oints:
Ans. 5
Keeping Quiet
- Earth inspires Man to take a break for rejuvenation/ better life
- gather strength from within himself to make a difference
- end misunderstandings and start afresh for a better future
A Thing of Beauty
- nature is an everlasting source of happiness
- gives strength and inspiration to Man to face the struggles of life
- nature removes the pall of darkness from our lives
- things of beauty give solace to Man
- wreathing a flowery band connects us with Earth

Answer with reference to ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ .by Kamala Das also to be duly
considered.

(any three – at least one from each part)
(any other relevant point)

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 120-150 words: 5
13
marks

Distribution of marks:-
Content – 3 Expression – 2
EXPRESSION - grammar, spelling, punctuation, organisation and coherence of ideas
The element of dilemma, between humanity and Patriotism elevates the character 5
(A) of Dr. Sadao in 'The Enemy'. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-21

Series ZYW2X SET - 1

suggested value points:
Ans.
- was a responsible doctor as well as loyal citizen
- displayed his compassion to treat American soldier
- rose above prejudices
- faced opposition/disobedience of servants
- handled Hana’s hesitation/fears/anxiety
- risked his career and family to save the soldier
- helped the American soldier escape on humanitarian grounds
- had planned to inform the authorities through a letter
- kept the General informed about his presence
- agreed to his plan to send private assassins
- informed General about the soldier’s escape to show his loyalty
- his concern, humanity, compassion superseded patriotism.
(any other relevant point)
(any three)

OR
How did Tishani Doshi's visit to Antarctica as part of the ‘Students on Ice’
Programme make her realise the importance of preserving the Earth?
(B)
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
suggested value points:
Ans. 5
Visit to Antarctica
- makes her realise intensity of ecological deterioration/destruction/climate
change
- helps her understand the past, present and future of the Earth
- helps her to understand the reasons for environmental damage
- helps her to evaluate the impact of humans on the Earth - population,
urbanisation, burning of fossil fuels, etc.
- recognises that the threat of global warming is real
- understands that ‘little changes in environment have big repercussions’
- ‘take care of the small things and the big things fall into place’
(any other relevant point)
(any three)

*****

XII_301_1/2/1_English Core # Page-22