Class 12 Pre-Board Sample Paper 2024 English

2024

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CBSE BOARD / STATE
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PRACTICE PAPER FOR 1stPRE-BOARD EXAMINATION-2023-24

Class: XII Max. Marks: 80

Subject: ENGLISH CORE (301) Time allowed: 3 Hrs
(Set 1)

General Instructions:

1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and
LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the
correct Question number in your answer sheets to indicate the option/s being
attempted

SECTION-A READING SKILLS 20 MARKS

I Read the passage given below. 10

1 Every year around this time when we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth
anniversary can we do something about the all-pervading violence we
perpetuate and experience in the world we live in? After all, what is the
meaning of garlanding Gandhi’s statue at Raj Ghat, if we refuse to move
towards ashimsa and peace? We continue to normalize and even sanctify
violence-- even though we suffer physically, existentially and culturally.
True we evolved and progressed, say, from slavery and feudalism to
capitalism and modern socialism. And the growing awareness of human

rights also helped us to sharpen our creative agency,democratize our
consciousness and resist oppressive institution like caste and patriarchy.
No wonder, the age of modernity is often seen to be the age of

freedom.Yet, the journey of history is never linear. Although modernity
enriched us,we experienced the worst form of violence in our times--
form of horror of fascism to devastating wars. In fact, far from eradicating
violence, modernity has made it all pervading, and at times,subtle and
seductive.
2 Is there anyone who listens to Gandhi anymore? Gandhi’sashimsaand
satyagraha was not just a model of resistance against the colonial empire;
nor was it merely a strategic act. He wanted us to realize that a peaceful
and non-violent social order would require a new being enriched by ‘soul
force’, the practice of non-possessiveness or austerity, thespirit of
Sarvodaya or the ethic of care. The ‘satanic’ civilization that intensifies
greed, dissociates us from nature and the garland of relationship in the
local community and denies the ethos of self-reliance is bound to intensify
violence and cause alienation.

3 Likewise, Gandhi’s religiosity—a creative blend of nishkama karma and
redemptive power of love—enabled him to unite the political and the
spiritual, or meditative calmness and active socio-political
engagement.Possibly, the age we live in does not really take Gandhi
seriously. It seems to have transformed him into a mere status. Yet, as
Buddhist Monk ThichNhatHanh used to say, you cannot kill the likes of
Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. They pleaded for loving
kindness,dialogue and reconciliation.
4 In a world brutalized by market fundamentalism as well as militaristic
nationalism,some of us—pacifists and environmentalists, pedagogues
and teachers, communitarian socialists and spiritual seekers---have not
yet lost the dream of a humane, ecologically sustainable, egalitarian
and peaceful world. And possibly, in the process of undertaking this
politico-spiritual journey,we should keep the spirit of Gandhi alive.

(415 words)

Source: The Tribune, 04 Oct 2022

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the 1X10
questions given below.

i Identify the expression in para 1 which says that there is lack of 1
peace in present times.
ii Complete the sentence by choosing the best option. 1
The text suggests that people are………….
A. following Gandhi’s ideals
B. not following Gandhi’s ideals
C. CelebratingGandhi Jayanti
D. None of the above
iii Identify the tone of the writer of the above text. 1

iv Select the option that conveys the similar meaningof ‘norms, in 1
para 2.

A. Austerity
B. civilization
C. ethos
D. reliance
v The writer wants to convey the following through the text, 1
except:
A. The ideals of Gandhi should be followed in true letter and
spirit
B. The violence is still pervading in our society
C. fundamentalism and militaristic nationalism are good for
progress.
D. Gandhi’s spirit of peace should be kept alive
vi “Possibly, the age we live in does not really take Gandhi 1
seriously.” How far do you agree with this statement of the
author?

vii Why does the author use the term ‘brutalized world’ in the 1
passage?
viii Which of these Gandhi did not advocate? 1

A. non-violence
B. satanic civilization
C. satyagraha
D. egalitarian society
ix Gandhi’s model of satyagraha was not merely a strategic act 1
but ……………………………...(Complete the sentence using
information from the passage.

x Select the most appropriate title for the above passage.
A. Gandhi’s contribution
B. Forgotten Gandhi
C. Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti
D. Gandhi and Nationalism
II Read the passage given below. 10

1 Hand sanitizers are everywhere. They are cheap effective disinfectants
and many are easy to carry around. But lately these products have been
scrutinized for the potential harm they can have own children. - Many
caregivers are unaware of the very high alcohol content present in
alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can contain up to 60% to 95%
alcohol said Cynthia Santos, MD from CDC_s National Centre for
Environment Health. – Young children may inadvertentlyconsume these
sanitizers, because of their appearing scents like apple, vanilla and citrus.
No. of cases reported to NDPS about exposure to alcohol hand sanitizer
in children <12 years old in 2011-14.

YEAR ALCOHOL NON-ALCOHOL TOTAL
TOTAL 65,293(92.4%) 5376 (7.6 %) 70,669
2011 15,971 (92.5%) 1286 (7.5%) 17,257
2012 16,571 (92.4%) 1355 (7.6%) 17,296
2013 16,423 (92.5%) 1338 (7.5%) 17,761

2014 16,328 (92.1%) 1397 (7.9%) 17,725

2 In a new report from CDC researchers analyzed data reported to the
National Poison Data System (NPDS) from 2011–14 on exposures to
alcohol and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers in children who were 12
years old or younger. A total of 70,669 hand sanitizer exposures in this
age group were reported to NPDS, including 65,293 (92.4%) alcohol-based
exposures and 5,376 (7.6%) nonalcohol-based exposures.

Adverse health effects were more likely to be reported for alcohol-based
hand sanitizer exposures, and they tended to be worse than those for
non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer exposures. ―Younger kids are more
susceptible to adverse effects [from these products] because there is not
as much glycogen in their liver, said Greene Shepherd, clinical professor at
the University Of North Carolina Eshelman School Of Pharmacy.

3 The most common type of adverse health effects for both alcohol- and
non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers were ocular irritation, vomiting,
conjunctivitis, oral irritation, cough, and abdominal pain. Rare effects
included coma, seizure, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory
depression.

The researchers stratified the NPDS data into two age groups: 0 to 5
years and 6 to 12 years. They looked only at exposures to ethanol-based
sanitizers, isopropanol-based sanitizers, and non-alcohol based
sanitizers—no NPDS reported calls about co-exposures to other agents
were included in the analysis. Most exposures—91%— occurred in
children aged 5 years or younger. Children aged 6 to 12 years had more
intentional exposures, a finding the report authors said could indicate that
these products are being abused among older children. Shepherd said
that abuse of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be equivalent to
consuming roughly 120-proof liquor.

4 Patients, parents, and caregivers should be informed about the potential

dangers associated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The report stated
that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used under adult supervision

with proper child safety precautions and stored out of reach of young
children to reduce unintended, adverse consequences. Washing hands
with soap and water when available, is currently the recommended
method of hand hygiene in non-health-care settings. If soap and water are
not available, use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is
recommended, or a non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipe can be
used.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the 1*10
questions given below.

i According to the passage, National Poison Data System (NPDS) 1
report on children under the age of 12 highlights the………

a. need for using nonalcoholic sanitizer more frequently
b. need for using alcoholic hand sanitizers more frequently.
c. effective treatment for confusion, vomiting and drowsiness.
d. severity of even a little exposure of alcoholic hand sanitizer.
ii Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are all …… of 1
alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

iii Pick the option that lists statements that are TRUE according to 1
the passage.

1. Alcohol based hand sanitizer exposure is potentially more
harmful than non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. None of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer and non-alcohol-
based hand sanitizer cause minor to major adverse health
effects.
3. non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer exposure is potentially more
harmful than alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Both alcohol-based hand sanitizer and non-alcohol-based

hand sanitizer can cause minor to major adverse health effects.

a. 1&2

b. 3&4
c. 2&3
d. 1&4
iv The word “scrutinized”, as used in paragraph 1, means the same 1
as

a. scout
b. search
c. inspect
d. explore
v Arrange the most recommended method of hand hygiene from 1
the least favorite to the most favorite, from the following –

1. Use of non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipe can be used.

2. Use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

3. Washing hands with soap and water

4. Washing with plain water

a. 1,3,4,2
b. 3,2,1,4
c. 2,4,3,1
d. 4,1,2,3
vi According to passage, below statement is not one of the 1
reasons for popular use of hand sanitizer as disinfectant.

a. Hand sanitizers are effective disinfectant.
b. Hand sanitizers are easy to use in absence of availability of
water and soap.
c. Hand sanitizers are better than washing with soap and water.

d. Hand sanitizers are economical disinfectant.

vii Young children unknowingly consume hand sanitizers because 1

they are attracted by its -----------

viii Findings in NDPS report suggest that “Children aged 6 to 12 1
years had more intentional exposures” which indicated _______
consumption.

a. Doubtful
b. Deliberately
c. Accidently
d. inadvertently

ix CDC recommends use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain 1
at least how much of alcohol content

x The word ‘susceptible’ in the passage means ___. 1

III SECTION –B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20

1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A Your school is organizing a week-long cleanliness drive to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
during the last week of October. Draft a notice for the notice
board of the school informing the students about the same. You
are Sudhir/ Ruchika of XYZ Public school, Rewari. Invent
necessary details.

OR

B Your school is organizing an educational tour to a historical
place on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Draft a
notice to be displayed on the notice board of the school,
informing the students about the same. Invent necessary
details. You are Shreyas/ Shreya, the Cultural Captain of the

school.

2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A Send a formal invitation to Sh. Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic
Champion on the occasion of Annual Sports meet in your
school. Imagine yourself as Shruti/ Ankur, The Sports Captain
of your school. Invent necessary details.

OR

B You are Abhay/ Abhilasha. You have been invited to attend the
birthday party of the sister of your friend. Respond to the
invitation, regretting your inability to attend it. Invent necessary
details.

3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A There is an increase in the migration of rural people to cities
resulting in increasing of slum areas. Lack of employment
opportunities could be one of the reasons. Write a letter in 120-
150 words to the Editor of a national daily highlighting the
miserable condition of these slum dwellers. Suggest some
solutions to mitigate this problem. You are Arpit/Arpita of A-112
Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
OR

B You are Suransh/Urvashi staying at D-109, Suhasini Town,
Chennai. You have come across an advertisement in ‘The
Hindu’ for the recruitment of management trainees in
Satyam Traders. Apply in response to this advertisement,
giving your detailed bio-data (curriculum vitae). Invent
necessary details.

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A In spite of huge investment in sports in India we are not able to
produce world beaters sportspersons. The main reason could be

callous approach of the parents, schools and society as a whole.
Sports culture needs to be initiated at every level to produce the
champions like Neeraj Chopra. Write an article in 150-200 words

on ‘’ Importance of Games in our Life”. You are Sailesh / Shailja
of class XII in ABC Public School, Chandigarh.

OR

B You are Sanjiv/ Shalini, the student reporter of your school
magazine. Using the information given below, write a report in
about 150-200 words to be published in the school magazine.
Invent necessary details.

Environment Club of KV Suratgah—celebrated ‘Environment
Protection Week’—students- teachers planted saplings—
various competitions—guest speakers—prize distribution.

SECTION C – LITERATURE 40

IV Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with
reference to context.

1. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. 1*6=6

1.A 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’ll go.

(Keeping Quiet)

i How does the Earth ‘prove to be alive’? 1

ii What is the poet’s appeal to his readers? 1

iii The Earth can teach us to, 1

A. count up to twelve
B. to live in harmony with others
C. to avoid harmony
D. All of the above
iv On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with 1
reference to (1) and (2) given below.

(1) The earth continues to nurture life

(2) It remains silent and productive

A. (1) is true and (2) is false
B. (1) is false and (2) is true
C. Both (1) and (2) are true
D. None of these is true
v Identify the poetic device in the following line. 1

‘Perhaps the Earth can teach us’

A. Alliteration
B. Simile
C. Metaphor
D. Personification
vi What does the poet hope to achieve by counting up to twelve? 1

OR

1.B But soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes
but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked at her, wan,
pale as a late winter’s moon
(My Mother at Sixty- Six)

i The poet has realized that-------- 1

A. her mother should look cheerful like moon
B. mother has grown old and week
C. the mother could take care of herself
D. all of the above
ii What did the narrator do to avoid painful thought? 1

A. She started writing poem
B. She started singing
C. She talked to her mother
D. She diverted her attention by looking out
iii The poet observed outside that 1

A. There were tall trees
B. trees appeared like sprinting
C. young children happily ran out of their homes
D. both A and B
iv Identify the poetic device used in ‘late winter’s moon’. 1

v What did the poet do at the airport? 1

vi Identify the word in the stanza which means ‘running fast’? 1

2 Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. 1*4=4

2.A I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold
blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off
one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was
taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities. People
had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a
wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a
coward’s! In my anguish I moaned for my mother, but no one
came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my
own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little
animals driven by a herder.
i Then I lost my spirit’. Choose the option that DOES NOT refer to 1
‘spirit’.

1. resolve 2. energy 3. determination
4. indifference 5. enthusiasm 6. will power

a) 1, 2 and 5 b) 2, 4 and 6
c) 1, 3 and 4 d) 3, 4 and 6

ii look at the given images of books. Which of the following 1
conveys the idea of the extract?

(1) (2) (3) (4)

a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4

iii How would you describe the author’s tone when she says, “I was 1
only one of many little animals driven by a herder”?

a) austere b) apathetic

c) despaird) resentful

iv Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements 1
given below.

Statement 1: The author had been subjected to humiliation
when she was separated from her mother.

Statement 2: Nobody was able to ease her distress and
empathise with her.

a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement cannot be inferred from the
passage
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred from the
passage.
OR

2.B You see, you see! I came back. You said I wouldn’t and they
said……. but I came back, I wanted….
[He stops dead. Silence]
Mr Lamb, Mr…… you’ve………
[ He runs through the grass. Stops. Kneels]
Mr Lamb, It’s all right…. You fell…. I’m here, Mr. Lamb, It’s all
right.
[silence]
I came back. Lamey Lamb. I did….. come back.

[Derry begins to weep] ( On the Face of It)
i Why do you think the author has used ellipses (…..)? 1

ii Derry had promised Mr. lamb that he would--------- 1

A. help him in plucking the apples
B. Come back
C. take him to a doctor for treatment
D. none of these
iii Select the best option with regard to Mr. Lamb. 1

A. He is feigning death
B. He is sleeping
C. He is dead
D. He is plucking crab apple
iv Describe the mental state of the speaker of these lines. 1

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. 1*6=6

3.A The next I remember I was lying on my stomach beside the pool,
vomiting. The chap that threw me in was saying, “But I was only
fooling.” Someone said, “The kid nearly died. Be all right now.
Let’s carry him to the locker room.” Several hours later, I walked
home. I was weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay on
my bed.

(Deep Water)

i “I was weak and trembling” The narrator said so because he 1
was-----------? Choose the right option.

A. very tired
B. almost drowned in the pool
C. beaten by the boys
D. was sick
ii “Next time I remember” 1

Why does the author say this?

iii Why do you think the boys carried the narrator into the locker 1
room?

A. To lock him there
B. to teach him swimming
C. to give him first aid
D. None of these
iv Who is the speaker here? What has happened to him? 1

v Bullying should be stopped because it……………………. 1

Complete the sentence.

vi Select the option from the text that conveys the similar meaning 1
as ‘shivering’.
A. Beside
B. trembling
C. shook
D. chap
OR

3.B Impressed by the sharecropper’s tenacity and story Gandhi said,
“I have to be in Calcutta on such-and-such date. Come and meet
me and take me from there.”

Months passed Shukla was sitting on haunches at the appointed
spot in Calcutta when Gandhi arrived; he waited till Gandhi was
free. Then the two of them boarded a train for the city of Patna
in Bihar. There Shukla led him to the house of a lawyer named
Rajendra Prasad who later became President of the Congress
party and of India.

(Indigo)

i The sharecropper mentioned in the extract is………… 1

A. Ramanand Shukla

B. Rajender Prasad
C. Rajkumar Shukla
D. Ramchander Shukla
ii Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the 1
following analogy:

Peasant: farmer :: determination:---------------

iii Select the correct option to fill in the blank. 1

Poor peasant’s --------------- persuaded Gandhi to accompany him
to Patna.

A. Hard-work
B. Intelligence
C. Resoluteness
D. Humour

iv Choose the incorrect option from the given below. 1

What is true about Rajendra Prasad?

A. He went on to become president of India.
B. He was a lawyer
C. He served as the president of Congress.
D. All of the above
v Pick out a clause from the text which shows the humility and 1
simplicity of Shukla.

vi Complete the sentence. 1

Shukla led Gandhi to Rajendra Prasad because………………….

V Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. 5*2=10

I Why do you think the peddler put his signature as Captain Von 2

Stahle? (The Rattrap)

ii Why didn’t “polished traffic” stop at the roadside stand? 2

(A Roadside Stand)

iii Do you think the mother tongue is important to a person? What 2
does M Hamel, the teacher say about it to the people of France
in the chapter The Last Lesson’.

iv Aunt Jennifer represents women all over the world wedged 2
under the tyrannical hand of a patriarchal society. Do you
sympathise with her. Why?

v Why, to some celebrities the interview is like’ thumbprints on 2
their windpipe’?

vi “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” This is what John Keats says 2
in the poem. Do you think in the present times of acute stress
and violence, proximity to beautiful things can lead man to
everlasting happiness? Discuss briefly.

VI Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*2=4

i How did the narrator get lost and reached the ‘third level’? 2

ii “My vow has been fulfilled.” What was the vow? Was the king 2
right in saying so? (The Tiger King)

iii “I cannot bear for you to touch him,” she said. Why did Hana say 2
this to Sadao? (The Enemy)

VII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words 1*5=5
each.

i Most of us do not raise our voice against injustice in our society 5
and tend to remain mute spectators. Anees Jung in her story
‘Lost Spring’ vividly highlights the miserable life of street children

and bangle makers of Firozabad. She wants us to act. Which
qualities does she want the children to develop?

(Lost Spring)

OR

ii “This is another of your wild stories. One of these days you’re 5
going to talk yourself into a load of trouble,” her father said
aggressively. How would you describe the character and
temperament of Sophie's father? (Going Places)

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words 1*5=5
each.

i Why does Tishani Doshi say that the youth have the idealism 5
and strength to do a lot to save the Earth?

OR

ii ‘On the Face of It’ highlights the issue of discrimination against 5
the physically challenged. It is the responsibility of society to
understand and support people with infirmities so that they do
not suffer from a sense of alienation. As a responsible citizen,
write in 100-150 words what you would do to bring about a
change in the lives of such people.
(On the Face of It)

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