MBOSE Class 12 Sample Question Paper 2026 English Alternative

Meghalaya Board of School Education

SAMPLE
PAPERS

ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH
CLASS XII
Full Marks – 80

SECTION A - 10 MARKS
READING SKILL

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions given: 10

Habits are powerful forces in our lives. They emerge through a process in which a behaviour
becomes automatic over time. Research in neuroscience shows that when a habit is formed,
the brain stops fully participating in decision-making. It diverts focus to other tasks, allowing
us to function efficiently.

However, the efficiency that habits offer can be a double-edged sword. While good habits
can lead to personal and professional success, bad habits can be incredibly difficult to break
and often hinder progress. The key to changing a habit is understanding its structure: the
cue (trigger), the routine (behaviour), and the reward. Once you identify the elements of a
habit, you can experiment by keeping the cue and reward the same, but changing the
routine.

Developing awareness and willpower is essential. Willpower, like a muscle, gets stronger
with use. Studies suggest that people who practice self-control in one area of their lives tend
to show greater discipline in others. This means building and maintaining positive habits in
small areas can eventually lead to broader changes in life.

1-A On the basis of reading the passage, answer the following questions: (1x5=5)

i. What happens in the brain when a habit is formed?

ii. List the three components of a habit mentioned in the passage

iii. How can a person change a bad habit according to the passage?

iv. Why is willpower compared to a muscle?

v. What is the relationship between self-control in one area and other areas of
life?

1-B Choose the correct option: (1x5=5)

i. What is a key benefit of habits mentioned in the passage?

a. They reduce the need for rest

b. They allow the brain to focus on other tasks

c. They help us make faster decisions

d. They eliminate emotions

ii. Which of the following is not a component of a habit?

a. Cue

b. Routine

c. Reward

d. Goal

iii. How can bad habits be changed, according to the passage?

a. By removing the cue

b. By changing the reward

c. By changing the routine

d. By forgetting the habit

iv. What helps improve willpower, as per the passage?

a. Avoiding habits

b. Frequent rest

c. Practicing self-control

d. Eating healthy

v. What is the tone of the passage?

a. Humorous

b. Persuasive

c. Informative

d. Critical

SECTION B 20 MARKS

GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

2. Write a precis of the following passage, give a suitable title: (2+8= 10)

In today’s fast-paced world, education is evolving beyond traditional classroom learning. The
rise of digital platforms has transformed how students access information, making learning
more interactive and personalized. While technology offers immense benefits, it also
presents challenges, such as the digital divide and the need for critical thinking skills to
navigate online content effectively. Educators must strike a balance between integrating
technology and fostering foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Additionally, cultural
heritage plays a crucial role in shaping identity, and incorporating local traditions into
education can enhance student engagement. As the world becomes more interconnected,
the ability to adapt, think critically, and appreciate diverse perspectives is essential for
lifelong learning. Schools must not only equip students with academic knowledge but also
nurture creativity, collaboration, and resilience to prepare them for the complexities of the
future.

3. a. Rewrite the following sentences in the correct form: - (1x2=2)
i. She didn’t told me about the meeting.
ii. My friend and me went to the park.

b. Change the voice: - (1x2=2)

i. The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
ii. The project was completed on time by the students.

c. Use of Adverbs: - (1x2=2)

i. Fill in the blank using the correct Adverb: -
We will leave ______ to avoid the traffic. (sooner/soon)
ii. Choose the correct Adverb
He works (hard/hardly) to achieve his goal.

d. Add a question tag: - (1x1=1)

i. We are late for the movies, _________?

e. Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb: - (1x2=2)

i. He ___ be at home now, but I’m not sure. (might/must)

ii. She ___ speak three languages fluently. (can/must)

f. Give a one-word substitution for the underlined words: - (1x1=1)

i. The man who fixes cars is not in the garage today.

SECTION C

LITERATURE ​ 50 MARKS

4. Answer the following questions: - (1x10=10)

a. How do the animals overthrow Mr. Jones?

b. What type of environment is created by the tall trees in the Amazon forest?
a) Windy and spacious
b) Dry and scorching
c) Cool and shaded
d) Hot and bright

c. How does Seth Chetaram save money while collecting debts?

d. What does Quick realize about his daughters by the end of the story?

e. Life is the ____ of My light

a) prison

b) prism

c) colours

d) container

f. The girl in The Education of Nature grew for ____ in sun and shower.

a) Two years

b) Three years

c) Four years

d) One year

g. Where did the pilgrims travel to in the poem Enterprise?

a) Three cities where a sage had taught

b) Markets

c) Three villages

d) Three continents

h. Keats compares the season of Spring to

a) Childhood

b) Adulthood

c) Middle age

d) Old age

i. The bishop had sold the salt cellars to

a) Mere Gringoire

b) Monsieur Gervals

c) Marie's mother

d) Sergeant

j. The convict had a wife whose name was

a) Janet

b) Jeanette

c) Jenny

d) Jean

OR

Who was assigned to wake Duncan up?

a) Macduff

b) Macbeth

c) Lennox

d) Malcolm

Lady Macbeth could not kill Duncan because

a) He resembled her husband

b) He resembled her father

c) He resembled her brother

d) He was the king

5. Answer the following questions: - (2x5=10)

a. "If this rebellion is to happen anyway, what difference does it make whether we
work for it or not?"

What does this question reveal about the animals’ understanding of the rebellion and
their motivation to participate?
OR

'The jaguar had lifted his paw to his mouth and was trying to lick off the sticky mess
that adhered to it.'

a. What was the sticky mess referred to?

b. Why was the jaguar trying to lick it off?

b. Quick felt all at once a sense of stuffiness. He wanted urgently to get away, to
escape. Yes, he needed some male society.

i. What does Quick's feeling of "stuffiness" suggest?

a) He is physically unwell

b) He feels trapped or uncomfortable in his current situation

c) He is suffering from heat exhaustion

d) He is excited about his surroundings

ii. Why does Quick feel the need to "escape"?

a) He is in danger

b) He is searching for adventure

c) He desires a change in atmosphere and company

d) He is physically restrained

OR

'When the ekka man heard his fulsome praise he understood that the gentleman
was a champion talker.'

i. Who was the gentleman in question?

ii. What did the ekka man assume the 'champion talker' would do?

c. 'The memory of what has been,

And never more will be.'

i. Whose memory is mentioned here?

ii. What does 'never more will be' mean?

OR

'Thou shalt drink deep of joy and fame,

And love shall burn thee like a fire,

And pain shall cleanse thee like a flame,

To purge the dross from thy desire.

What is the significance of the phrase "To purge the dross from thy desire"?

d. 'His soul has in its Autumn, when his wings

He furleth close;'

i. Which stage in human life is Keats referring to?

ii. What image does he use to explain this stage?

OR

'A shadow falls on us --- and grows'

i. What does 'a shadow' refer to in the poem Enterprise?

ii. What had happened earlier that led the poet to utter these words?

e. THE BISHOP’S CANDLESTICKS

a. How does the Bishop’s kindness influence the convict’s transformation?

OR

'Convict: Monseigneur, I'm glad I didn't get away with them, curse me, I am. I'm
glad.'

i) What did the convict take from the Bishop?

ii) Why was he glad to not have gotten away with them?

MACBETH

'Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell

That summons thee to heaven or to hell.'

a. Who is the speaker of these lines?

b. Why doesn't he want Duncan to hear the bell?

OR

How does Macbeth’s reaction to Duncan’s murder reveal his internal conflict?

6. Answer following questions in 100- 200 words: - (30)

a. How does Old Major inspire the animals, and what are the key ideas in his
speech? (5)

OR

Describe how Rod and his team finally captured the jaguar. (5)

b. Analyse the statement: 'She's growing up- and so am I.’ Give your views
with reference to the text.

OR

How did Seth Chetaram lose to the ekka driver? (5)

c. How does Sarojini Naidu portray the soul’s desire for knowledge and
experience in The Soul’s Prayer? (5)

OR

d. What made the pilgrims, who started off their journey with enthusiasm, end it
in despair in Enterprise? (5)

e) Analyse the title of the poem, “The Education of Nature".

OR

In Human Seasons, how does John Keats use symbolism to represent
the different stages of human life? (5)

f) Explain with reference to the context any two from EITHER ONE of the
PLAYS: - (5x2=10)

THE BISHOP’S CANDLESTICKS (ANY TWO)

i.​ “That is a pity, my son, as the Church does not hate you.”
ii.​ “Now tell me about the prison -ship, about hell.”
iii.​ “It is a just punishment for me; I set too great store by them. It was a sin.”

OR

MACBETH (ANY TWO)

i. "A heavy summons lies like lead upon me. And yet I would not sleep."

ii. “Most sacrilegious murther hath broke ope

The Lord's anointed Temple, and stole thence

The life o' th' building."

iii. “What will you do? Let's not consort with them:

To show an unfelt sorrow is an office

Which the false man does easy. I'll to England.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER KEY

SECTION A - 10 MARKS

READING SKILL

1. A. Answers to Comprehension Questions: (5)

i. When a habit is formed, the brain stops fully participating in decision-making and
focuses on other tasks, allowing the behavior to become automatic.

ii. The three components of a habit are the cue (trigger), the routine (behavior), and
the reward (outcome).

iii. A person can change a bad habit by identifying its cue and reward, and then
altering the routine while keeping the cue and reward the same.

iv. Willpower is compared to a muscle because it becomes stronger with regular use
and practice.

v. The passage states that people who develop self-control in one area of life tend
to show greater discipline in other areas as well.

B. Answers to Multiple Choice Questions: (5)

i. b) They allow the brain to focus on other tasks

ii. d) Goal

iii. c) By changing the routine

iv. c) Practicing self-control

v. c) Informative

SECTION B 20 MARKS

GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

2. Answer key: (8+2=10)

Education is evolving beyond traditional classrooms, integrating digital platforms that
enhance accessibility and personalized learning. While technology offers benefits,

challenges like the digital divide and misinformation highlight the need for critical thinking.
Teachers must balance innovation with core literacy and numeracy skills to ensure
meaningful learning. Additionally, incorporating cultural heritage strengthens identity and
engagement. As globalization increases, adaptability, collaboration, and creativity are vital
for lifelong learning. Schools must prepare students not just academically but for real-world
complexities, equipping them with essential skills for the future.

Title Options:

I. Education in a Changing World: Balancing Tradition and Technology

II. The Role of Education in Shaping Future Learners

III. Adapting Education for the Digital Era

3. ​ a. Rewrite the following sentences in the correct form: -

i. She didn’t tell me about the meeting.

ii. My friend and I went to the park.

b. Change the voice: - (1x2=2)

i. The lesson was explained clearly by the teacher.

ii. The students completed the project on time.

c. Use of Adverbs: - (1x2=2)

Fill in the blank using the correct Adverb: -
i. Sooner
Choose the correct Adverb: -
ii. hard

d. Add a question tag: - (1x1=1)

i. aren’t we?

e. Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb: - (1x2=2)

i. might
ii. can

f. Give a one-word substitution for the underlined words: - (1)

i. mechanic

SECTION C

LITERATURE

4. Answer the following questions: - (1x10=10)

a. The animals unite, fight against their attacks and chase him and his men off the farm.

b. Cool and shaded

c. He often secures free meals from his debtors and avoids unnecessary expenses.

d. They are growing up and becoming independent.

e. Prism

f. Three years

g. Three cities where a sage had taught

h. Childhood

i. Monsieur Gervals- (The Bishop’s Candlesticks) OR Macduff- (Macbeth)

j. Jeanette- (The Bishop’s Candlesticks)

OR

He resembled her father (Macbeth)

5. Answer following questions: - (2x5=10)

a. This question reflects the animals’ passivity and lack of revolutionary motivation.
Some animals struggle to grasp the importance of actively working for change, showing their
limited political awareness.
OR
i. The sticky mess referred to the birdlime that was plastered all over the jaguar's
body
ii. The jaguar was trying to lick it off in an effort to clean itself.

b. ​ i. He feels trapped or uncomfortable in his current situation

ii. He desires a change in atmosphere and company

OR

i. The gentleman in question was Seth Chetaram.

ii. The ekka man assumed that Sethji or the 'champion talker' would not
have praised him unless Sethji intended to cheat the latter.

c. i. The memory of Lucy is mentioned in the given line.

ii. The line means that Lucy is now dead and the poet is left only with the memory
of her brief life on earth

OR

"Dross" refers to impurities, and the phrase suggests that pain serves as a cleansing
force, removing superficial desires and revealing true, refined passion and purpose.

d. i. A 'shadow' refers to the gloom or sorrow after an eloquent member of the group
passed away.

ii. There were differences among the pilgrims on how to cross a desert patch.

OR

i. Keats is referring to Autumn or the middle age of man's life.

ii. Keats uses the image of a bird which returns to its nest and sits with its wings
closed, watching things go by.

e. THE BISHOP’S CANDLESTICKS

The Bishop’s unwavering kindness and forgiveness help the convict realize that
goodness still exists in the world. His generosity inspires the convict to change his ways and
seek a new life.

OR

i. The convict had taken the candlesticks that belonged to the Bishop.

ii. The convict was glad that he had realised that what he did was wrong, as the
Bishop meant no harm to him.

MACBETH

i. Macbeth

ii. He did not want Duncan to hear the bell as it is a signal for the latter's death
that would transport him to heaven or to hell.

OR

Macbeth is immediately overcome with guilt and fear. He hears imaginary
voices condemning him, showing his deep remorse and psychological turmoil.

6. f. Reference to the context:

THE BISHOP'S CANDLESTICKS

i. Bishop to convict

ii. Bishop to convict

iii. Bishop to Persome

MACBETH

i. Act II, scene 1: Banquo to Fleance

ii. Act II, scene 3: Macduff to Macbeth and Lenox

iii. Act II, Scene 3: Malcolm to Donalbain

________________________

ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH
CLASS XII
ASSESSMENT BLUEPRINT

ITEM NO ON CHOICE MAXIMUM QUESTION WHETHER CONTENT CONTENT SUB COGNITIVE DEMAND DIFFICULTY
QUESTION AMONG MARKS TYPE MARKS ALLOTED CATEGORY TOPIC LEVEL
PAPER ITEMS APPROPRIATE
SECTION A- READING:
1- i No 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
ii No 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
iii No 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
Iv No 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
v No 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
i No 1 MCQ YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
ii No 1 MCQ YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
iii No 1 MCQ YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
iv No 1 MCQ YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
v No 1 MCQ YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING EASY
SECTION B- GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING
2 No 10 LA YES WRITING PRECIS UNDERSTANDING & MEDIUM
APPLICATION

3- a (i) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
(ii) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
b (i) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
(ii) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
C (i) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
(ii) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
d (i) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
e (i) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
(ii) No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY
f No 1 VSA YES WRITING USAGE APPLICATION EASY

SECTION C - LITERATURE
4- a NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
b NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
c NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
d NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
e NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
f NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
g NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
h NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
i NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM
j NO 1 VSA YES READING COMPREHENSION REMEMBERING MEDIUM

5- a YES 2 SA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
b YES 2 SA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
c YES 2 SA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
d YES 2 SA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM
e YES 2 SA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING MEDIUM

6- a YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING & HARD
APPLICATION
b YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION ANALYSING HARD
c YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION ANALYSING HARD
d YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION ANALYSING HARD
e YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION ANALYSING HARD
f (I&II) YES 5 LA YES READING COMPREHENSION UNDERSTANDING HARD

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