CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2023 English Core (Solved)

Qu e st i o n

P a p e r
2023

Series FH1EG/1 SET~1
Q.P. Code 1/1/1
Roll No.
Candidates must write the Q.P. Code
on the title page of the answer-book.

Please check that this question paper contains 19 printed pages. *
Q.P. Code given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the
title page of the answer-book by the candidate.
Please check that this question paper contains 13 questions.
Please write down the serial number of the question in the answer-book before
attempting it.
15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will
be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the students will read the
question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this
period.

ENGLISH (Core)

Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions :
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
(i) This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
(ii) This question paper contains three sections Section A : Reading Skills,
Section B : Creative Writing Skills and Section C : Literature.
(iii) Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the
correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
(iv) Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
(v) Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

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SECTION A
Reading Skills (20 marks)

1. Read the passage given below :
1 Seagulls, as you know, never falter, never stall. To stall in the air is for
them a disgrace and a dishonour. But Jonathan Livingston Seagull,
unashamed, stretching his wings again in that trembling hard curve
slowing, slowing, and stalling once more was no ordinary bird. Most
ight how
to get from shore to food and back again. For most gulls, it is not flying
that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that
mattered, but flight. More than anything else, Jonathan Livingston
Seagull loved to fly.
2 This kind of thinking, he found, is not the way to make oneself popular
with other birds. Even his parents were dismayed as Jonathan spent
the whole day alone, making hundreds of low-level gliders,
so hard
to be like the rest of the flock, Jon ?

know what I can do in the air

ll be swimming
deep. If you must study, then study food, and how to get it. This flying

3 Jonathan nodded obediently. For the next few days he tried to behave
like the other gulls; he really tried, screeching and fighting with the
flock around the piers and fishing boats, diving on scraps of fish and

was off by himself again, far out at sea, hungry, happy, learning. The
subject was speed, and in a w
speed than the fastest gull alive. Time after time it happened. Careful
as he was, working at the very peak of his ability, he lost control at a
high speed. The key, he thought at last, dripping wet, must be to hold
the wings still at high speeds to flap up to fifty and then hold the
wings still.

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4 From two thousand feet he tried again, rolling into his dive, beak
straight down, wings full out and stable from the moment he passed
fifty miles per hour. It took tremendous strength, but it worked. In ten
seconds he had blurred ninety miles per hour. Jonathan had set a
world speed record for seagulls ! But victory was short-lived. The
instant he began his pullout, the instant he changed the angle of his
wings, he snapped into the same uncontrollable disaster, and at ninety
miles per hour it hit him like dynamite. Jonathan Seagull exploded in
midair and smashed down into a brick-hard sea. As he sank low in the

around it. I am a seagull. I am limited by my nature. If I were meant to

short wings !
tiny little wing, all I need is to fold most of my wings and just fly on the
tips along. Short wings !

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given
below : 10 1=10
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option :
Majority of seagulls fly only short distances as _________
(a) they are more interested in food than flight.
(b)
(c) they are not meant to fly low.
(d) food is not available at high speed.
(ii) Why were dismayed ?
(iii) Give two reasons for unconventional behaviour.
(Clue : think about point of view.)
(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of glory from words used
in paragraph 1.
(a) disgrace
(b) dishonour
(c) learning
(d) unashamed

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(v) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on
paragraph 2, EXCEPT
(a) Jonathan could not fly but only glide.
(b) Jonathan wanted to be popular with other birds.
(c) Jonathan realised that even the albatross flew at high altitudes.
(d) The reason seagulls flew was to find food.
(vi) Jonathan was different from other seagulls. Based on your
understanding of paragraph 2, list what Jonathan wanted to know.
(vii) What was the
(viii) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with
respect to the following :
Father reminds
___________ .
(ix) off by himself again, far out
at sea. Which trait of Jonathan does this statement reveal ?
(a) practical bird
(b) persistent learner
(c) lonely and sad
(d) carefree and irresponsible
(x) Was it fair to fly like a falcon when he was just a seagull ? Why does
he say so ?

2. Read the passage given below :
1 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are products that sell quickly at
relatively low cost. FMCG is the fourth-largest sector in the Indian
economy. There are three main segments in the sector food and
beverages, which accounts for 19% of the sector; healthcare, which
accounts for 31% of the share; and household and personal care, which
accounts for the remaining 50% share. The urban segment contributes
to about 55% of the revenue share, while the rural segment accounts
for 45%. Rise in rural consumption will drive the FMCG market. The
Indian processed food market is projected to expand to US$ 470 billion
by 2025, up from US$ 263 billion in 2019 20.
2 The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high,
despite nationwide lockdowns, supported by consumption-led growth
and value expansion from higher product prices, particularly for

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staples. Real household spending is projected to increase 9·1% after
2021, after a decrease of 9·3% in 2020 due to the economic impact of
the pandemic. Price increase across product categories will offset the
impact of rising raw material prices, along with volume growth and
resurgence of demand for discretionary items.
3 The FMCG sector has received good investments and support from the
Government in the recent past. The sector witnessed healthy FDI
inflows from April 2000 March 2022. Furthermore, as per the Union
Budget 2022 23, a substantial amount has been allocated to the
Department of Consumer Affairs, an increased amount has been
allocated to the Department of Food and Public Distribution. In
2021 22, the Government approved Production-Linked Incentive
Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of a
larger amount to help Indian brands of food products in the
international markets.
4 The G Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme gives
companies a major opportunity to boost exports. The future outlook of
the FMCG rural sector looks on track now. Rural consumption has
increased, led by a combination of increasing income and higher
aspiration levels. There is an increased demand for branded products
in rural India. The growth of organised sector in FMCG is expected to
rise with an increased level of brand consciousness, augmented by the
growth in modern retail.

Food and
Beverages
Healthcare

Household and
Personal care

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Table I. FMCG Products

1. Processed foods : Cheese products, cereals
2. Prepared meals : Ready-to-eat meals
3. Beverages : Bottled water, aerated drinks, and juices
4. Baked goods : Biscuits, bread
5. Fresh foods, frozen foods, and dry goods : Fruits, vegetables, milk,
butter, frozen food, and nuts
6. Medicines : Aspirin, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medication
that can be purchased without a prescription
7. Cleaning products : Baking soda, washing powder
8. Cosmetics and toiletries : Beauty products, soaps, toothpastes
9. Office supplies : Pens, pencils

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given
below : 10 1=10

(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in
para 1 ?

Food and beverages segment dominates the Global FMCG market
and is expected to retain its dominance.
Select from the following :

I. True If the statement agrees with the information

II. False If the statement contradicts the information

III. Not Given If there is no information on this

(ii) What do you think gives opportunities to boost exports ?

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(iii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for FMCG
rural sector being on track.
(a) FMCG sector has been unable to get investments from the
Government.
(b)
(c) Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the online grocery
segment in India is expected to double in the next five years.
(d) There is a desire to buy branded products in the villages too.

(iv) Complete the sentence based on the following statement :
The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high,
despite nationwide lockdowns because __________.

(v) From the given pie chart, which segment of FMCG accounts for the
maximum percentage of the sector ?

OR
For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q.No. 2(v) :
(v) Select the option that identifies the categories of food and beverages
from the given table.
(a) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
(b) 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(d) 1, 6, 7, 8, 9

(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate
option :
The combination of increasing income and higher aspiration levels in
the rural areas has led to __________.
(a) the Government taking a direct interest
(b) the demand for branded products
(c) price increases across product categories
(d) the fall of supply in urban areas

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(vii) How is the Government trying to help Indian brands of food
products in the international markets ?

(viii) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate
option :
The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a clear case
_________.
(a) that the rural people also want branded products
(b) that the FMCG industry will not focus on brand consciousness
(c) for the role of data analytics in the FMCG industry
(d) for the Government role by providing incentives

(ix) What will be the impact of increased level of brand consciousness ?

(x) Based on the reading of the passage, correct the following
statement :
The urban segment contributes to about 45% of the revenue share,
while the rural segment accounts for 55%.

SECTION B
Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)

3. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5

(A) A sea storm is expected to hit the states on the East Coast of the
country within 72 hours. As Rohit/Reema, Director General, Coast
Guard, Odisha, write a notice in 50 words to warn fishermen,
tourists and general public to take all safety precautions and not
venture into the sea. Mention relevant details.
OR
(B) You are the Anuj/Anu, Secretary of Saket Kunj, Saket, Navi
Mumbai, Resident Welfare Association. Write a notice in 50 words to
be circulated to all the residents informing them that there will be
no water supply in your colony for two days due to necessary repair
and maintenance work. Mention dates, and the timings that tankers
will be available in the R.W.A. premises.

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4. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5

(A) You are the Secretary, Student Council, Holy Mother Convent
School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Your school is organizing a
Diwali Mela. Draft a formal invitation letter in about 50 words to be
sent to the Chairman of your school, inviting him to inaugurate the
Mela. You are Amita/Amit. Mention day, date, time and venue.

OR
(B) You are Vineeta/Vinay Sharma. Draft a formal letter of reply in
about 50 words, declining the invitation to a dinner on 28th
February at Army Parade Grounds being hosted by Major J.P.
Gautam. Mention day, date, time and venue.

5. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5

(A) A survey reveals that advertisements impact both young and old.
They are lured by the discounted prices and the promises made by
the product manufacturers. Write a letter to the editor of a national
daily expressing your views in 120 150 words on how
advertisements may mislead the consumers and give suggestions on
how they can make informed decisions. You are Carol/Philip. You
may use the given input.

ADVERTISEMENTS
Read with care
Inaccurate facts
Exaggerate features
Heavy discounts
Promote products with unproven value
Distract with visuals

OR

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(B) Mansi/Manu of Viewside Road, Kanpur, sees the following
advertiseme
job of a Marketing Executive. Write a letter of application along with
the biodata in 120 150 words to the Personnel Manager, India
Book House, Mall Road, Kanpur.

INDIA BOOK HOUSE Requires Marketing Executive
Qualification :
Graduate in Marketing and Sales
Experience 3 5 years
Fluency in English and Local language
Knowledge of basic computer skills
Job requirement :
Setting targets and timelines
Supervising sales

6. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5

(A) The primary wing of your Global Public School is putting up a
special assembly to celebrate National Integration Day.
Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary, Education Department will be the
Guest of Honour. You are Mira/Majid, student reporter of the school
magazine. Write a report in 120 150 words to be published in the
school magazine. You may use the following cues for the report.

PROGRAMME
Welcome
Speech by Guest of Honour
Cultural activities play, dance
Inauguration of Art Exhibition
Vote of Thanks

OR

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(B) Your school held a Pollution Awareness Drive during which students
made presentations on factors and solutions. As the President of the
Environment Club, you analyzed the presentations and prepared
notes. Using the following notes and your own ideas, write an article
in about 120 150 words to be published in an e-magazine. You are
Bela/Bharat.

Polluting Factors
vehicular emission
depletion of green cover
construction of high rise buildings
open sewage
poor drainage system
industrial emission
Solutions
efforts of each citizen
government measures
role of media in creating awareness

SECTION C
Literature (40 marks)
7. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :

(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 1=6

I looked again at her, wan,
pale
as a l that
old
familiar ache, my childh
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile ...
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(i) The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six captures the __________ of
the narrator.
I. happiness
II. fear
III. dismay
IV. anxiety
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only I (b) I and IV
(c) II and IV (d) Only III
(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the
following :
She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak much.
(iii) nearly means
(a) pale
(b) old
(c) unwell
(d) anxious
(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly. Do not repeat from
the example used.
Trees sprinting : personification : : _________ : simile
(v) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II
given below :
I.
health and old age.
II. She is nostalgic about her childhood days spent with her
mother.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I is true, but II is false
(b) Both I and II are true
(c) II is the reason for I
(d) II cannot be inferred from the extract
(vi) Explain the following statement with reference to the above
extract :
All I did was smile and smile and smile.

OR
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(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 1=6
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
l speak in any language,
L ,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together

(i) The poet counts up to twelve as a countdown to
(a) lift arms.
(b) speak in different languages.
(c) stop all activities.
(d) be without engines.

(ii) The poet appeals to the people that they should
I. keep quiet.
II. not move.
III. celebrate festivals.
IV. not hibernate.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only II
(b) I and II
(c) Only I
(d) I and IV
(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used
in the third line of the extract :
(a) lightning danced across the sky
(b) greedy good doers
(c) children spilling out of their homes
(d) fight like cats and dogs

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(iv)
I. harmony
II. non-violence
III. brotherhood
IV. meditation
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II
(b) II and IV
(c) I, II and III
(d) I, II, III and IV

(v) Complete the statement with reference to the extract :
The poet suggests we will all be together when _________.

(vi) The the extract most nearly means
(a) unique
(b) luxurious
(c) rich
(d) illusive

8. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 4 1=4
, we are never given any
honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we
study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So
study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your
lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach

(i) Who is the speaker ? Who is he speaking to ?
(a) Appa; Bama
(b) Bama; Amma
(c) Bama; The Zamindar
(d) Annan; Bama
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(ii) Select the option that best describes the speaker in the above
extract :
I. marginalized
II. practical
III. idealistic
IV. curious
V. aggressive
Select the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II
(b) III and IV
(c) II and IV
(d) IV and V
(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the
community :
The treatment meted out to the community was _________.

(iv) Which of the following summarizes the opinion about
study ?
(a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning.
(b) Studying is better than playing.
(c) Studying is essential to the nation
(d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress.
OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 4 1=4
You think .... a boy. You look at me ... and then you see my
face and you think. That
ugliest thing I ever saw. Poor boy.
Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in

(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to ?
(a) Derry; His mother
(b) Derry; Mr. Lamb
(c) Derry; Ladies at the bus stop
(d) Mother; Mr. Lamb
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(ii) According to the speaker, what do people feel about him ?
(a) People are empathetic towards him.
(b) People are repulsed by his appearance.
(c) People are annoyed by his presence.
(d) People are unhappy at his association with his neighbours.

(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the
extract :
When I look in the mirror, and se _________.

(iv) Explain the following statement with reference to the given
extract :
You think, Poor boy. B .

9. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :

(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 1=6
The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became
too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian
who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras
Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All
this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long
before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on
national integration.. This gang of nationally integrated make-up
men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson
hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number
of other locally made potions and lotions.

(i) How was there national integration long before A.I.R. and
Doordarshan in the make-up department ?
(a) The staff consisted of a Bengali, a Maharashtrian, a
Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian
Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and Tamils.
(b) They recited slogans of national integration.
(c) The staff studied make-up techniques of various states.
(d) Their clients were from various states.

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(ii) Select a suitable word from the extract to complete the
analogy :
front : rear : : ravishing : ________

(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blanks :
The make-up artists could turn _________ looking people into
_________ looking men and women.
(a) ordinary; pleasant
(b) ugly; good
(c) pleasant; ugly
(d) monstrous; beautiful

(iv) the extract most nearly means
(a) brand name (b) lemon cake
(c) savoury (d) preservative

(v) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is true
for the make-up department.
(a) The make-up artists were welcomed by the actors.
(b) The make-up artists were poorly paid.
(c) The work done by the make-up artists was not
appreciated.
(d) The department exhibited national integration.

(vi) Bring out the irony in the above given extract.
OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 1=6
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them
interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in the
elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is
an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces. While waiting
for your elevator to come up from the first to the third floor, I have
already written an article !

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(i) Umberto Eco, was
(a) a professor of semiotics, an author
(b) an interviewer, a novelist
(c) a journalist, a professor
(d) a publisher, an author

(ii) Rationalise, to support the given statement :
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives.

(iii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with
its inference :
I call them interstices.

(iv) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II
given below :
I. Umberto Eco works even in the spare time between
activities.
II. Umberto Eco does not like to be interviewed.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot
(b) I cannot be inferred from the extract, but II can
(c) I and II are true
(d) II is the reason for I

(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the
extract.

Umberto Eco does not like to waste time. He writes an article
while he is proceeding to the elevator.

(vi) Umberto Eco views on his manner of work are based on
_________.

(a) facts (b) an interview

(c) his blog (d) hypothesis

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10. Answer any five of the following in about 40 50 words each : 5 2=10
(a)
(b) What vicious circle are the bangle-makers trapped in ?
(c) What were Doug e was pushed into the
pool ?
(d) Who was Edla Williamson ? Why did she visit the forge at
night ?
(e) Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in
affections ?
(f) Why do Aunt Jenn not fear the men beneath the tree ?

11. Answer any two of the following in about 40 50 words each : 2 2=4

(a) In what way did the infant Tiger King surprise the astrologer ?
(b) How does Mr. Lamb try to put Derek at ease when he entered

(c) What did Charley find in his collection of first day covers ?

12. Answer any one of the following in about 120 150 words : 5
(a) Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty as a doctor and his responsibility
as a patriotic citizen. Elaborate.

OR

(b) How has human civilization impacted our environment ? Comment
E .

13. Answer any one of the following in about 120 150 words : 5

(a)
India.

OR

(b) , the author has used gentle
humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show
how it served to make the extract engaging.

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