CBSE Class 12 English Elective C Question Paper 2019

SET-4

Series BVM Code No. 212
Candidates must write the Code on the
Roll No.
title page of the answer-book.

 Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages.
 Code number 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 11 questions.
 Please write down the Serial Number of the question 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 (Elective) — (C)
Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100

The Question paper is divided into three sections :
Section A — Reading 20 marks
Section B — Writing and Grammar 40 marks
Section C — Literature 40 marks
General Instructions :

(i) All the questions are compulsory.
(ii) You may attempt any section at a time.
(iii) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.

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SECTION A
(Reading) 20
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 10
Space Tourism
1 Space tourism is the term used to describe space travel for recreational or
leisure purposes. What was once only a dream — described in books such
as Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001 : A Space Odyssey — is now becoming a reality.
2 Futurologists are scientists who attempt to make predictions of what life
will be like in the future. After the first man landed on the moon in 1969,
they thought that hotels would be built on the moon by the year 2000.
Futurologists also considered the possibility that, in the 21 st century,
families might go for a holiday on the moon. Neither of these predictions
have come true yet — but the rapid development of technology may mean
these predictions are a possibility in the years to come.
3 Space Adventures is currently the only company to have succeeded in
sending paying passengers into space. Space Adventures worked with the
Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation and Rocket and Space
Corporation Energia to facilitate flights for the world’s first private space
explorers. Each person paid over $20 million for their 10-day trip to the
International Space Station.
4 The first space tourist, in April 2001, was American businessman Dennis
Tito. He was followed almost exactly a year later by South African
businessman Mark Shuttle; by another American businessman Greg
Olsen in October 2005; by the first female space tourist, an
Iranian-American engineer Anousheh Ansari in September 2006; and
by a Hungarian-American software architect, Dr. Charles Simonyi, in
April 2007.
5 Following several successful explorations into space, several companies
are now considering the possibility of enabling tourists to visit space. At
present, spaceports are being constructed in numerous locations in the
USA, as well as in Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

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6 In order to make it more affordable, suborbital space travel is being
considered by many companies, including Virgin Galactic. Passengers
would be transported to a height of between 100 and 160 km above the
Earth, experience 3 – 6 minutes of weightlessness and a view of the stars
before being taken back down to Earth. This is expected to cost around
$200,000 per person.
7 Whilst it could be an enriching experience, there are some disadvantages
to space tourism. While it is all set to progress by leaps and bounds over
the next few decades, not everyone takes kindly to it. Many critics have
commented that a huge growth in the spaceflight industry could
drastically speed up the process of global warming. The ozone layer would
be damaged further and the polar regions would suffer. In addition, space
travel is only really a possibility for the super-rich. Although Virgin
Galactic claims to be ‘opening space to the rest of us’, there are still
millions of people worldwide who wouldn’t be able to afford it.

1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the
following questions very briefly : 16=6

(a) What is Space Tourism ?

(b) What did the futurologists think after the first man landed on
the moon ?

(c) Which is the company that has successfully sent passengers
into space ?

(d) Who was the first space tourist ?

(e) Mention two developments in the field of space travel that
have taken place following various successful space
explorations.

(f) List the disadvantages of space tourism.

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1.2 Choose the meanings of the words given below from the given
options : 14=4
(a) leisure (para 1)
(i) happiness
(ii) relaxation
(iii) development
(iv) deliberation
(b) considered (para 2)
(i) reasoned
(ii) segmented
(iii) regulated
(iv) constructed
(c) facilitate (para 3)
(i) obstruct
(ii) compel
(iii) grow
(iv) assist
(d) process (para 7)
(i) atmosphere
(ii) course
(iii) thought
(iv) extension

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 10
1 High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure
increases to unhealthy levels. Your blood pressure measurement takes
into account how much blood is passing through your blood vessels and
the amount of resistance the blood meets while the heart is pumping.
Narrow arteries increase resistance. The narrower your arteries are, the
higher your blood pressure will be. Over the long term, increased pressure
can cause health issues, including heart disease. Hypertension is quite
common.

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2 Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Even then, these symptoms
may be attributed to other issues. Symptoms of severe hypertension can
include headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, chest pain, dizziness,
etc. They don’t occur in everyone with hypertension, but waiting for a
symptom of this condition to appear could be fatal. For example, if you
have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for developing
the condition, your doctor may recommend that you have your blood
pressure checked twice a year. This helps you and your doctor stay on top
of any possible issues before they become problematic.

3 Hypertension is of two types — primary and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension which develops
over time with no identifiable cause. Most people have this type of high
blood pressure. The factors which play a major role include genes,
physical changes and environment. Secondary hypertension often occurs
quickly and can become more severe than primary hypertension. Several
conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include side effects of
medications, consumption of some drugs and alcohol, adrenal gland
problems, etc.

4 Diagnosing hypertension is as simple as taking a blood pressure reading.
Most doctors’ offices check blood pressure as part of a routine visit. If your
blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may request you to have more
readings over the course of a few days or weeks. That’s because your
environment can contribute to increased blood pressure, such as the stress
you may feel by being at the doctor’s office. If your blood pressure remains
high, your doctor will likely conduct more tests to rule out underlying
conditions. These tests can include urine test, cholesterol screening and
other blood tests, ECG (electrocardiogram) test and ultrasound of your
heart and kidney. These tests can help your doctor identify any secondary
issues causing your elevated blood pressure. They can also look at the
effects high blood pressure may have had on your organs. During this
time, your doctor may begin treating your hypertension. Early treatment
may reduce your risk of lasting damage.

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5 Complications of the hypertension may result in damaging of arteries,
heart (cardiac arrest, heart failure, arrhythmias, etc.) and brain.

6 Healthy lifestyle changes can help you control the factors that cause
hypertension. A heart-healthy diet is vital for helping to reduce high blood
pressure. It’s also important for managing hypertension that is under
control and reducing the risk of complications. A heart-healthy diet
emphasizes foods that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean
sources of proteins, also reducing dietary sodium, eating more veggies and
cut back on sweets. Reaching a healthy weight should include being
physically more active. In addition, exercise can help reduce stress, lower
blood pressure naturally, and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
Other activities can also be helpful. These include meditation, deep
breathing, and yoga or tai chi. These are all proven stress-reducing
techniques. Getting adequate sleep can also help reduce stress levels.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it
using recognizable abbreviations (minimum four), wherever
necessary. Use a format you consider suitable. Give it a suitable title
also. 6
(b) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. 4

SECTION B
(Writing and Grammar) 40

3. You are Aditya Kumar, a renowned singer. You have received an
invitation from the Principal of Shining Light Public School to judge their
Inter School Talent Search Competition which is to be held on
2nd April, 2019 in the school auditorium from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Write a
reply in about 50 words declining the offer, giving a valid reason. 4

OR

As the Administrative Officer of Diamond Gym, draft a notice in about
50 words informing the members of the increase in membership fee with
effect from 1st May, 2019 and the change in the timings. Invent necessary
details. You are Vishnu/Vaishanavi.

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4. You see a classified advertisement in the newspaepr inviting applications
for the post of Marketing Representative in a reputed company. Write a
letter with biodata in 120  150 words to the HR Manager, Neo
Technologies, New Delhi, applying for the post advertised. You are
Priyanka/Priyank of 121 Green Park, New Delhi, a fresh graduate in
Sales and Marketing from the University of Delhi. 6
OR

Events like marathons, promoting Go Green, ‘Save the girl child’, etc.
have now become a yearly phenomenon to spread awareness of social and
health issues. Response to such events is huge with celebrities adding a
touch of glamour to the events resulting in large unmanageable crowds.
Media also plays a role by hyping the event, thus diluting the actual
cause.

As a concerned youth, discuss the issue in a letter to the Editor of ‘The
Times’, in 120 – 150 words, stating what your opinion is on whether such
events are successful in spreading awareness. Give suggestions to make
such initiatives work. You are Bharat/Bharti.

5. You are Anand/Anandita, Prefect, Divine Public School, Delhi. Your school
celebrated Book Week from January 12th  18th, in collaboration with
Reading Rockets Publications. Various activities like book mark making,
book exchanges, favourite character portrayal, newspaper designing, book
exhibition, etc. were organized. A few famous authors were also invited to
interact with the students. Write a report on the same for your school
magazine in 150  200 words. 10

OR

The Internet has become a useful resource for everyone and offers many
helpful opportunities. With the introduction of new technologies, devices
including smart phones/tablets and innovative applications on such
devices, the usage of Internet has increased dramatically. However, with
increasing penetration and use of the Internet, cyber crime is emerging as
a major challenge. Write a speech in 150  200 words to be delivered
sharing your concerns regarding cyber crimes and suggest tips to
safeguard oneself from it. You are Amay/Amaya.

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6. It is said that ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’. A clean India would be the
best tribute Indians could pay to the nation. As Manas/Manasi, write an
article in 150  200 words for your school magazine highlighting the issue
of lack of cleanliness in our country. Also give suggestions to improve it. 10

OR

The newspaper has a very important role in shaping public opinion and
raising awareness of social and public issues. It is believed that the
information provided in the newspaper is authentic, objective and reliable.
Write an article in 150  200 words expressing your views on the role of
newspapers and journalists. You are Raj/Raji.

7. (a) Rearrange the following words and phrases into meaningful
sentences : 13=3
(i) speedometer / she / glanced / at / the
(ii) put / the accelerator / suddenly / her / foot / down / she / on
(iii) sixty / responded / reached / the car / the needle / and

(b) You are Shreya/Shreyas and are set to meet an expert Dr. Ansari to
interview him on the topic ‘Saving Tigers in the Wild’ on the
occasion of Endangered Species Day. 13=3

Based on the input given below, construct a dialogue between the
two of you. Make three sets of exchanges. The first one has been
done for you as an example.
Shreya/Shreyas : Good morning, Sir.
Dr. Ansari : Good morning

Hints :
• Threat
• Population, poaching, deforestation
• Save them
• Protect habitat, safeguard from poachers
• Common man’s role
• Awareness, products made of tiger skin and body parts
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(c) The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in
each line. Write the error and the correction in your answer book
against the correct blank number. 14=4
Error Correction
After a few hours the road become (i) ________ ________

rough and walking was much difficult. (ii) ________ ________

My foot get cut as (iii) ________ ________

I stumbling along the way. (iv) ________ ________

SECTION C
(Literature) 40

8. Choose any two of the extracts given below and answer the questions that
follow : 10
(a) The land’s sharp features seemed to be
The Century’s corpse outleant,
His crypt the cloudy canopy,
The wind his death-lament.
The ancient pulse of germ and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon earth
Seemed fervourless as I.
(i) Name the poem and the poet. 1
(ii) What does the landscape look like, to the poet ? 1
(iii) What, according to the poet, is the wind doing ? 1
(iv) What is the mood of the poet ? 1
(v) Identify and name the figure of speech used in lines 1 – 2. 1

212 9 P.T.O.

(b) No doubt they’ll soon get well; the shock and strain
Have caused their stammering, disconnected talk.
Of course they’re ‘longing to go out again,’ –
These boys with old, scared faces, learning to walk.
They’ll soon forget their haunted nights; their cowed
Subjection to the ghosts of friends who died,’ –
... ... ...

(i) Who is the poet talking about ? 1
(ii) Bring out the contradiction in lines 1 – 3. 1
(iii) Why does the poet refer to them as boys ? 1
(iv) What has caused the haunted nights ? 1
(v) Name the poem and the poet. 1

(c) Steady thy laden head across a brook,
Or by a cider-press, with patient look;
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
Where are the songs of Spring ? Ay, where are they ?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too, –

(i) Who does ‘thy’ refer to ? 1
(ii) What is ‘thou’ doing by the cider-press ? 1
(iii) Why does the poet ask for the songs of Spring ? 1
(iv) What does he soon realize ? 1
(v) Name the poem and poet. 1

9. Answer any one of the following questions in 50  60 words : 4
(i) How do we know that Herbert did not believe in the paw’s magical
powers ?
(ii) ‘‘I don’t know, my Lord. A man came with it and said it was
important that you should have it today.’’ What was Roger talking
about and what does Lord Weston think it was ? What does Lord
Weston do with it ?
(iii) What did the fakir want to prove when he put a spell on the paw ?
Did it help anyone ? Explain.

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10. (a) Answer any two of the following questions in 80  100 words
each : 25=10

(i) How does Dr. Rakesh show his filial devotion ? (A Devoted
Son)

(ii) The past cannot be viewed by the present standards. Why ?
(The Last Letter)

(iii) How according to Einstein can ambition be both constructive
and destructive ? (On Education)

(iv) What is the beggar’s definition of a dream ? What was his
final advice to the boy ? (What’s Your Dream ?)

(b) Answer any one of the following questions in 120  150 words : 6

(i) Why must the winner distinguish himself in a solemn part in
‘The Judgement of Paris’ ? How does Quinquart win the
competition ?

(ii) How does Robert Lynd take the reader from the childhood’s
happy memories to the harsh realities of adulthood ?

(iii) Why didn’t Anne want Marian to play with other children ?

11. Answer any one of the following questions in 150  200 words : 10

(i) Why does Silas have to leave Lantern Yard ?

(ii) True happiness doesn’t lie in possession of materialistic things.
Justify this on the basis of the experiences of Silas and Cass.

(iii) How does Griffin use science to wreck havoc on humanity in ‘The
Invisible Man’ ?

(iv) Griffin, in spite of being a negative character, is the protagonist of
H.G. Wells’ novel, The Invisible Man’. Justify.

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