CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026 Solution for English Elective

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2026
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ENGLISH ELECTIVE-Code-001
MARKING SCHEME
CLASS XII (2025-26)

General Instructions:
1. 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.
2. If a student has attempted an extra question, the answer of the question deserving more
marks should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
3. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then no
marks to be awarded.

SECTION A- READING COMPREHENSION

1. On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, answer the following 12x1=1
questions briefly. 2
I b) Seeing an old photograph of his childhood home 1
II a) That he would always remain curious about life 1

III d) A is false, but R is true. 1
IV True 1

V Arjun’s act of planting a sapling near the treehouse symbolizes new beginnings, 1
growth, and his reconnection to his roots.
VI By reconnecting him with his roots, values, and childhood dreams.This shift leads 1
to a more balanced and meaningful approach to both his work and personal life,
ultimately influencing his future projects and the way he prioritizes connections to
his past.

VII a) Self-discovery 1

VIII Renewal/wonder 1
IX This moment marked a turning point in Arjun’s life, where he regained a sense of 1
purpose and connection to the simpler, more meaningful joys of life that had once
inspired him.

X simple 1

XI c) He is prioritizing designs that combine nature with modern architecture. 1

XII a). It reminds readers to stay connected to their roots and dreams 1

XIII Arjun is a person who values promises and connections to his past. His choice to 1
fulfill the promise to his grandmother, despite the passage of time and his busy
life, shows a deep sense of responsibility, nostalgia, and a desire to reconnect
with simpler, meaningful moments.

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XIV b). Work-life balance requires reconnecting with one’s past 1

XV c) Personification 1

2. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer FOUR of five given 4x1=4
questions.

I b)Reflective and contemplative

II b) It conveys the idea that after the worst point, improvement or change is
possible.

III a) Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, and the Reasoning correctly
explains the Assertion.

IV The subjective nature of loss and gain, and the potential for growth through failure.

V Anaphora

3. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FOUR of the 4X1=4
given questions.

I b) Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial
II It helps us to determine how one handles stress, relationships with others, and
making healthy choices.
III TRUE

IV Individual psychological and biological factors such as emotional skills, substance
use and genetics can make people vulnerable to mental health issues.

V c) 16.5%

SECTION B
APPLIED GRAMMAR & CREATIVE WRITING
4. Transform the following sentences as per the given instructions. (Any 8X1=8
eight)

I The teacher praised Rahul as well as Riya. 1

II It was too loud a music that we had to cover our ears. 1

III The plants will die unless you water them. 1

IV No sooner did the teacher enter the class than the students became silent. 1

V Hardly had the rain stopped when the children ran outside to play. 1

VI Only after he apologized did I forgive him. 1

VII She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. 1

VIII The notice informed that the library would be closed tomorrow. 1

IX The teacher said that we should submit our assignments before Friday. 1

X We can either go to the beach or go to the park. 1

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5. Attempt any three of the following four questions in 120-150 words each. 3x5=15
The marks may be divided as
Content – 2 marks
Organisation – 1 mark (fluency, coherence, logical flow)
Expression – 2 marks (vocabulary, originality of ideas, grammatical accuracy)

I Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Opportunities:
 Introduction to AI's influence on modern society and industries.
 Pros: AI brings efficiency, reduces human error, and opens new industries.
 Cons: AI may lead to job displacement in traditional sectors like manufacturing
and customer service.
 Importance of reskilling the workforce to adapt to AI-based job roles.
 Conclusion: Balancing AI adoption with human jobs and reskilling opportunities
for a harmonious future.
(Answers may vary)

II Transformation of the Significance of School Exams:
 Introduction to the traditional significance of school exams.
 The shift due to entrance exams for college admissions.
 Pros of entrance exams: They provide a focused evaluation of the student's
capabilities.
 Cons: They may undermine the value of school exams, which assess a broad
range of skills.
 Conclusion: Both school exams and entrance exams should work hand in hand
to provide a holistic evaluation of students.
 ring more skill-based subjects to prepare students for future challenges.
(Answers may vary)

III The Impact of Visual Media on Behaviour:
Repeated exposure to violent content may desensitize viewers, reducing
empathy and making them more accepting of violence.
 Violent media may also glamorize violence as a solution to problems,
influencing viewers to view aggression as an acceptable conflict resolution
method.
 Video games, especially violent ones like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty,
require active participation, which can make the impact of violence more
immersive.
 The constant portrayal of violence can contribute to "mean world syndrome,"
where people perceive the world as more violent than it is.
 While media exposure may influence behavior, it is not the sole cause of violent
actions—social, economic, and psychological factors play significant roles.
(Answers may vary)

IV Rising Immigration and Urbanization:
 Increased immigration has led to a surge in the population of urban areas.
 Roadside dwellers often lack access to essential services such as clean
water, sanitation, and electricity.
 Authorities are responsible for creating policies that ensure all citizens,
including the marginalized, have access to basic facilities.
 Local governments should invest in infrastructure and public services,
including affordable housing.
 Ensuring access to healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation.

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 Creating temporary or permanent shelters for those unable to find housing.
 Urban Planning and Development,Social Welfare Programs, Collaboration
with NGOs
 Conclusion: With proper governance and planning, urban areas can
accommodate all citizens, regardless of their background or economic status.
(Answers may vary)

6. The marks may be divided as: 1x5=5
Format 1 (heading + name of contributor)
Content –2 marks
Expression – 2 marks (grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, coherence, fluency)

I Report on a Musical Concert During Diwali Season:
Introduction: Overview of the concert during Diwali season.
 Description of notable performances and musicians, including both seasoned
and new talent.
 Event details: Audience attendance, musical genre, atmosphere.
 Conclusion: Reflection on the success and cultural significance of the event.
(Answers may vary)

II Article on Social Media's Impact on Youth:
Introduction: The widespread influence of social media on today's youth.
 Positive impacts: Social media as a tool for communication, creativity, and
learning.
 Negative impacts: Pressure to follow trends, mental health issues, unrealistic
standards.
 Conclusion: Advice on finding a balance and using social media responsibly.
 (Answers may vary)
SECTION C–TEXTBOOK & FICTION
7(I) Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 6X1=6

(A) Read the extract given below and answer the questions which follow:

i. ‘She’ is The 'job' referred to in the extract is dreaming for the family, which the
woman does, controlling the household’s actions and decisions.
ii. At breakfast each day, she decided what each family member should do
and how it should be done.
iii. Her authority in the family was described as absolute, meaning she had
complete control and influence over everyone’s actions.
iv. The master of the house conditioned his part of the estate to her continuing
to dream for the family until her dreams ended.
v. The master of the house left her a part of his estate as a way to pay her off for
her dreams.
vi. The word that is a good synonym for ‘sinister’ is
A. Ominous.
(Explanation: "Sinister" refers to something harmful or ominous, and "ominous"
is the best match.)

OR
(B) Read the extract given below and answer the questions which follow:

i. ‘He’ refers to her boyfriend, Frank.

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ii. The metaphor used is "All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart,"
symbolizing her emotional chaos and overwhelming feelings.
iii.‘He’ causes her emotional distress and turmoil. She feels as though she is being
drawn into something that will overwhelm and drown her, symbolizing emotional
entrapment.
iv.The woman expresses anguish and desperation through her cry, highlighting
her emotional conflict and turmoil.
v. The iron railing symbolizes resistance that the woman clings to in an attempt to
prevent being overwhelmed.
vi.C. Rage

7(II) Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below:- 6X1=6

(A) Read the extract given below and answer the questions which follow:

i. The sound of the wings of creatures, described as the "bell-beat" of their wings,
is heard above the speaker’s head.
ii.The creatures paddle in the cold streams, suggesting their ongoing, tireless
energy.
iii.The passage describes the creatures' hearts as somebody who has not grown
old, still young and unwearied and full of continued vitality and passion.
iv.The line expresses the theme of perseverance and enduring passion,
suggesting that the creatures’ drive for passion or conquest follows them wherever
they go, undeterred by age or circumstance.
v.The tone is admiring and celebratory, acknowledging the creatures' undying
vitality and energy.
vi.B. Fatigued

OR
(B) Read the extract given below and answer the questions which follow: 6X1=6

i. The speaker describes love as a constant and growing light, symbolizing its
enduring and ever-increasing nature.
ii.The speaker wants to disguise their actions or true feelings, possibly
suggesting some form of hidden emotion or intent.
iii.The transition from day to night symbolizes how love can quickly go from being
vibrant and full to fading or ending, emphasizing its fleeting nature.
iv.Love is described as turning to "night" after its first minute, implying that it fades
or diminishes quickly after the initial passionate experience.
v.The tone is reflective and melancholic, contemplating the fleeting nature of
love.
vi.C. Transient

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

I The poem "Time and Time Again" reflects cultural diversity by illustrating how
human experiences, emotions, and life situations transcend individual cultural
boundaries. The poem emphasizes shared aspects of human existence, such as
love, struggle, and resilience.

OR

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II In Chandalika, Prakriti faces emotional and psychological torment due to caste
discrimination. Her inner conflict and sense of inferiority stem from her lower
caste status, affecting her self-worth and relationships.

9. Answer any one of the following two questions in 40-50 words each. 1x3=3

I In Kubla Khan, Samuel Taylor Coleridge vividly illustrates the co-existence of
opposites through the depiction of the sacred palace, which is both a symbol of
grandeur and an embodiment of mystery. The poem describes the palace as a
“stately pleasure-dome,” a place of beauty and pleasure, yet it also hints at an
underlying darkness, with its construction on “caverns measureless to man.” The
palace is situated near the “ancestral voices prophesying war,” which introduces
an element of destruction amidst its splendor.

OR
II Eveline’s memories of her past, especially the promises she made to her mother
before her death, her mother's dying words were a plea to Eveline to keep the
family together and look after her father. This memory of duty and responsibility
weighs heavily on her as she contemplates leaving with Frank. Despite her desire
for a better life and escape from her oppressive home, this sense of obligation
and guilt for abandoning her family keeps her from boarding the ship with Frank.
In the end, Eveline's memory of her mother's words and her fear of the unknown
lead her to stay, ultimately feeling trapped in her past.

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words each 1x5=5

I Dr. Solomon Margolin's exploration of the lives of Holocaust survivors highlights
the profound psychological and emotional impacts of their experiences. In his
work, he delves into how the trauma of the Holocaust continues to shape the lives
of survivors long after the physical horrors have ended. Margolin illustrates that
the survivors often struggle with feelings of guilt, loss, and isolation, despite
having survived such unimaginable suffering. He emphasizes how many survivors
carry the burden of "survivor’s guilt," feeling responsible for those who perished
and haunted by memories of the atrocities they witnessed.

Margolin also focuses on the survivors' attempts to rebuild their lives, dealing with
the challenge of reconstructing their identities in a world that has irrevocably
changed. He discusses how survivors often internalize the trauma, leading to
long-term psychological issues, yet also showcases the resilience and strength
they display in their efforts to survive and find meaning in their post-Holocaust
lives. This exploration gives voice to the continuing struggle of those who lived
through the Holocaust and the ways in which they navigated the aftermath.

OR
II In "The Argumentative Indian," Amartya Sen emphasizes the significance of public
reasoning as a cornerstone of democratic societies. Public reasoning, according
to Sen, encourages the exchange of ideas, debate, and critical thinking, which
strengthens democratic structures by fostering a culture of open dialogue. Indian
tradition, with its rich history of debates and discussions, exemplifies the power of
argumentation. Ancient Indian texts like the Upanishads and the Mahabharata
show how public debates and dialogues were integral to resolving social,
philosophical, and ethical questions. This tradition of argumentation encourages

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individuals to present reasoned arguments, listen to opposing views, and refine
their understanding of issues.
Sen argues that this tradition of reasoning is essential for democracy and
development, as it allows for the participation of all citizens in the decision-making
process, ensuring inclusivity and fairness. The Indian tradition thus contributes
significantly to the global discourse by promoting a culture of rational discourse
and democratic engagement in societal development.

11. Answer any one of the following questions in 30-40 words. 1x2=2

I In A Tiger for Malgudi, Captain is depicted as a character trapped by his own
ignorance and lack of spiritual growth. His reluctance to evolve, coupled with his
pride and self-deception, prevents him from finding true peace or understanding,
making him a victim of his own limitations.

OR
II Margayya in The Financial Expert challenges conventional ideas of success by
focusing on financial manipulation rather than hard work or ethical means. His
journey exposes the pitfalls of materialism and the consequences of prioritizing
wealth over integrity, ultimately questioning the true definition of success.

12. Answer any one of the following questions in 40-50 words. 1x3= 3

I R.K. Narayan uses humour to address serious social and philosophical issues by
blending satire with narrative, which softens the impact of his critiques while still
delivering insightful commentary. For example, Raja, the tiger, serves as a vehicle
for examining the human condition and societal norms. His thoughts and
experiences are often recounted with a certain wry humour, such as his confusion
about human behaviors. When Raja is captured and imprisoned, he struggles to
understand the paradox of humans' cruelty and kindness, as well as their arbitrary
power over animals, which raises questions about the nature of control and
freedom.

OR
II In The Financial Expert, the Bank Manager plays a crucial role in Margayya’s fall
by exploiting his ambition and financial naivety. He manipulates Margayya into
investing his wealth in a risky venture, leading to financial loss. Margayya’s trust
in the Bank Manager, combined with his blind ambition, ultimately results in his
ruin, exposing the dangers of unchecked greed and deception. This highlights
Margayya's moral blindness and how external influences exacerbate his downfall.

13. Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words. 1X5=5

I In A Tiger for Malgudi, Raja’s transformation from a wild, untamed tiger to a
subdued and introspective version of himself signifies the journey from chaos to
balance, mirroring the broader themes of life, death, and liberation.
Initially, Raja is driven by primal instincts, embodying the untamed force of life and
survival. However, as he faces human intervention and the inevitability of his
captivity, Raja undergoes a gradual process of self-realization and restraint. This
transformation reflects the theme of life as a constant struggle between instincts
and wisdom, survival and surrender.
As Raja approaches death, he finds peace and balance, representing the
liberation that comes from accepting one’s fate. His final moments show that true

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freedom lies in self-acceptance and understanding one’s place in the world. The
novel suggests that liberation is not in escaping death, but in coming to terms with
life’s cycles and the inevitable nature of existence.

OR
II In The Financial Expert, R.K. Narayan subtly critiques social disparity and gender
inequality through the portrayal of Margayya’s wife and his son’s wife. The
contrasting roles and treatment of these two women highlight the entrenched
gender norms and societal inequalities of the time.
Margayya’s wife is largely portrayed as a silent, subjugated figure in the novel.
She represents the traditional role of women in society—restricted to the domestic
sphere and expected to manage the household without questioning her husband’s
decisions. Her lack of voice in the narrative and her dependency on Margayya for
her sense of security reflect the limited agency women had in the socio-economic
structure of society at the time. Despite being a key part of the household, she
does not hold any real power or influence over her husband’s financial dealings
or decisions. This reflects the social disparity where women were often relegated
to passive roles and were not seen as active participants in economic or public
life.
In contrast to Margayya’s wife, his son's wife, a young Brahmin girl, is depicted as
someone with more influence within the family dynamic. However, she is still
constrained by social expectations and the oppressive norms surrounding her
behavior. While she does wield some influence in managing her household, her
position is still secondary to that of the male members of the family. Her role is
limited to maintaining domestic order and preserving the cultural traditions of the
Brahmin community. This disparity between her and Margayya’s wife highlights
the rigid class-based and gender roles present in the society.
These portrayals expose the entrenched social disparity and gender inequality
that restricts women’s empowerment and reinforces male dominance in economic
and social spheres.

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Study Materials
Notes

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Class 9 Notes
Important Resources
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Periodic Table
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