CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2025 Solution for English Elective

Central Board of Secondary Education

SAMPLE PAPER
Class 12
2025

Solutions

MARKING SCHEME
ENGLISH ELECTIVE-(Code-001)
CLASS XII (2024-225)

General Instructions:
i. 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.
ii. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more marks
should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
iii. 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=12
questions briefly.

I B. Distant and aloof
II B. indifferent and uncaring
III C. Her father, brother and many insignificant things
IV A. His heart is longing for love
V C. 1 is correct and 2 is incorrect.
VI C The fragility of life
VII A Metaphor
VIII C It explores the complexities of human connection and dependence.
IX D By emphasizing the isolation and loneliness of the characters
X The postmaster feels an immense sense of emptiness and loneliness
XI Tagore shows this when the postmaster feels an overwhelming
sense of isolation and longing for the city, influenced by the rural and
natural setting of Ulapur
XII Ratan could not reconcile herself to the postmaster’s ‘eternal philosophy’
and therefore chose to stay in the village, anchored by her memories and
heartbreak.
XIII FALSE
XIV Man is a mortal being. Nobody can bond with someone forever on this
Earth because eventually death will set them apart.
XV B. pretending to be surprised
2. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer FOUR of five given 4x1=4
questions.

I B Human soul’s search for meaning and purpose in life
(The poet, in this poem, embarks on a philosophical quest which ultimately
leads to the question of meaning of life while musing on the vastness and, at
the same time, on the short breadth of life.)
II A solitary, detached
III spider’s tireless efforts to create a connection between itself and the world
around it
IV D. Pensive and sedate
V It suggests that the connection may be fragile and delicate, but still essential
to the soul’s sense of purpose and belonging in the world.

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

I B impetus
II 2003 (lowest literacy rate)
III True (The passage talks about creation of new opportunities with
enhancement in literacy rate)
IV 83%
V Rural education will help boost the overall economy. Furthermore, it will also
help in reducing migration of people from rural areas to cites of employment
and create new opportunities.

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

I. No sooner did the delegates arrive, that the meeting started.
II. We lost our luggage as well as our ticket. / We lost our ticket as well as
our luggage.
III. The actor said that it gave him great pleasure to be there that evening.
IV. If the car doesn’t arrive on time, we shall miss the concert.
V. All we cared about was dance and drama.
VI. They were asked to put combination of all their ideas into one document.
VII. It was too hot for the rally to be held.
VIII. Never have I seen, Sumirna losing her temper.
IX. Priya asked her classmate if she would lend her the book the following
day.
X. Their dog is so friendly that it can’t be an effective guard dog.

5. Attempt any three of the following four questions in 120-150 words each. 3x5=15
[Credit to be given to the candidate’s creativity in presentation of ideas,
appropriate use of language and skills of reasoning. ]

I. 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)

II. 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)
III. 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)
IV. 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)
6. Read the questions below and attempt ANY ONE of the following- 1x5=5

The marks may be divided as:
Format 1 (heading + name of contributor)
Content –2 marks (inputs from the verbal cues to be used)
Expression – 2 marks (grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, coherence, fluency)

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. BECAUSE she is abandoning the security of her home and job to run away
with a man. She worries that others might view her decision as reckless and
unwise, particularly since her place at work would be easily replaced.

ii. would be filled by advertisement, implying that the company would quickly
find a replacement for her, making her feel replaceable and undervalued.

iii. she values security and stability, as evidenced by her concerns about
having shelter, food, and familiar surroundings. At the same time, she is
apprehensive about how her actions might be perceived by others and the
impact on her reputation. This shows that she places importance on societal
approval and the opinions of her peers.

iv. judge her harshly. The text suggests they might view her as a fool for
running away with a man, indicating they would not be supportive or
understanding of her decision but rather critical and judgmental.

v. Gossipy and judgmental

vi D. agreed

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

i. Frau Frieda
ii. The narrator knew her as Frau Frieda as a compatriot, which suggests they
shared the same nationality or background.
iii. After second world war, Vienna had become a hot bed of Black
marketeering and espionage.
iv. She wasn’t a native of Vienna. The word ‘fugitive’ shows that.
v. She still ate at students’ tavern owing to her allegiance to her roots.
vi. A. spying

7.(II) A) Read the extract given below and answer the questions which follow: 6X1=6

i. The speaker would use "symphony" and "song" to create their imaginative
vision.
ii. ii. Metaphor
iii. The speaker believes the symphony and song would have such a profound
and delightful effect on them that it would inspire them to create a
fantastical and imaginative vision, symbolized by the "dome in air."
iv. The poet wants to achieve a transcendent, creative vision through music,
where they can build an imaginative and wondrous world, represented by

the "sunny dome" and "caves of ice."
v. creates a vivid and fantastical vision, highlighting the transformative and
imaginative power of music. This imagery helps convey the depth of the
speaker's delight and the grandeur of the world they envision through the
influence of music.
vi. C. kill

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

i. The poem is set in the autumn season, as indicated by the falling leaves
and the time of year when the swans gather at Coole Park.
ii. "The trees" symbolize the changing seasons and the passage of time, as
indicated by the leaves falling from them, which serves as a contrast to the
swans' apparent timelessness
iii. The swans might symbolize beauty, grace, and the constancy of nature
amidst the changing seasons. They could also represent a sense of
longing or nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the passage of time.
iv. At the beginning of the passage, the speaker perceives the swans as part
of a serene and beautiful autumn scene. By the end of the passage, the
speaker’s perception shifts as the swans suddenly take flight, creating a
sense of dynamic movement and perhaps a realization of the fleeting
nature of their beauty.
v. The swans are initially described as being on the "brimming water among
the stones," suggesting a calm and tranquil scene. Then, the speaker
observes the swans suddenly mounting and scattering in "great broken
rings upon their clamorous wings," indicating a sudden, loud, and
energetic movement.
vi. D. tranquil

8. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 30-40 words. 1x2=2
I. Frank wanted Eveline to leave with him for Buenos Aires to start a new life.
Despite the opportunity for a better life with Frank, Eveline is torn between
her desire to escape and her sense of duty to her family, particularly her
father and her deceased mother's memory.
II. The swans in "The Wild Swans at Coole" can be seen as multifaceted
symbols that represent the complexities of human existence, the passage
of time, the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and the enduring
power of art and inspiration.

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

I. Marquez characterizes Frau Frieda's dreams as a "stratagem for
surviving." This implies that he viewed her dreams not necessarily as
accurate prophecies but as a way for her to navigate and cope with the
difficulties of life. Her dreams might have served as a psychological and
emotional tool to provide her with a sense of purpose, hope, and direction.
II. The poem opens with Coleridge describing his vision of the palace and
gardens of Kubla Khan, which he envisions in intricate detail. These vivid
and fantastical images are a testament to the poet's imaginative capacity
to create an entire world within his mind. Rich and sensory descriptions
transport the reader into the dreamlike landscape he envisions.

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

I. A K. Ramanujan's poem "Time and Time Again" primarily focuses on the
cyclical nature of time and personal contemplation rather than explicitly
addressing communal disharmony. Readers may find indirect or symbolic
references to social and communal issues in the text.
The poet explores themes related to time, memory, and the repetitive
nature of existence. The poem's central concerns revolve around
personal experiences, emotions, and reflections rather than overtly
addressing communal disharmony. Ramanujan's primary intent appears
to be the exploration of individual consciousness and the human
condition.
It's possible for readers to interpret the poem in a broader context and
draw connections to themes of communal disharmony indirectly. For
example, the cyclical nature of time and the recurrence of certain
experiences could be seen as a commentary on the persistent cycles of
conflict and division within societies. The idea of feeling trapped in
repetitive patterns might metaphorically symbolize the inability of
communities to break free from historical conflicts.
II. In his essay "Film-Making," Ingmar Bergman, discusses various aspects
of filmmaking and the relationship between a filmmaker and their
audience. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in
the filmmaker's communication with the audience.
Bergman believes that a filmmaker should use film as a means of
genuine self-expression. He argues that filmmakers should create films
that are deeply personal and reflective of their own thoughts, emotions,
and experiences. In doing so, they establish an intimate connection with
the audience by sharing their inner world.
A filmmaker's work should emotionally engage the audience. He suggests
that films should evoke genuine emotional responses from viewers,
whether it be joy, sadness, fear, or introspection. Bergman believes that
this emotional engagement is central to the filmmaker's relationship with
the audience.
He views filmmaking as a form of communication and dialogue between
the filmmaker and the audience. He emphasizes that the filmmaker
should communicate openly and honestly through their work, treating the
audience as intellectual and emotional equals who can understand and
appreciate the complexities of the human experience.

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

Suggestive Responses
I. The conflict is primarily about the clash between the human desire for control
and exploitation of nature, represented by the characters of Captain and
Madan, and the innate wildness and freedom of the tiger.
II. Margayya's initial success as a financial expert leads to his downfall primarily
through a combination of overconfidence, unethical behaviour, financial
mismanagement, and a loss of support and trust from his community. His
downfall was a consequence of prioritizing personal gain over ethical values
and long-term financial prudence.

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

Suggestive Responses
I. Master, as a character, embodies a strong moral compass. He is depicted
as a compassionate and ethical individual whose empathy and compassion
toward Raja showcases the importance of these qualities in human
interactions with animals and the natural world - Master's role as an
advocate for nature and wildlife aligns with the author's intention to promote
environmental awareness and conservation
II. As Margayya rises in society due to his wealth and influence, readers can
reflect on the idea of personal integrity versus social acceptance. Margayya
gains respect and power through his financial dealings, but he loses his
moral compass in the process. Margayya's eventual downfall and the
consequences of his unethical actions serve as a cautionary tale. Margayya
undergoes a transformation and seeks redemption. This aspect of his
character's journey prompts readers to consider the possibility of change
and redemption even after a life marked by unethical conduct.

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

Suggestive Responses

I. The novel explores the complex and often fraught relationship between
humans and animals, highlighting the cruelty and mistreatment that animals
can face at the hands of humans. Through its personification of Raja, the
novel validates the experiences and emotions of animals who are too often
neglected by their captors, promoting cultures of nonviolence between
humans and animals. Tiger’s idyllic, natural life is brutally interrupted when
hunters kill all of Raja's cubs. By demonstrating Raja's profound grief at the
loss of his children, Narayan encourages the reader to think of tigers as
creatures with emotions not so different from our own. Through the stark
juxtaposition between Raja's life in the wild and in captivity, Narayan
encourages the reader to treat animals as fellow creatures with all the
wants, needs, and feelings that we have and to ultimately let them be free in
the wild.
II. In R.K. Narayan's novel "The Financial Expert," the evolution of Margayya's
character from his early success as a moneylender to his ultimate downfall
is a central narrative arc that explores the consequences of his actions on
both a personal and societal level. This transformation is marked by several
key factors. Initially, Margayya's character is introduced as an intelligent and
ambitious individual living in poverty in the town of Malgudi.His early
success begins when he cleverly manipulates the financial transactions of
his clients, exploiting their vulnerability and financial need. His acumen as a
moneylender leads to rapid financial success, and he becomes a prominent
figure in the community. Margayya's downfall is marked by a series of
personal and societal consequences. His unethical practices alienate him
from the community, eroding the trust and goodwill he initially enjoyed.
His obsession with wealth causes him to neglect his family, leading to
strained relationships with his wife and son.Margayya faces legal troubles
and becomes entangled in legal disputes due to his fraudulent activities.
Ultimately, he loses his wealth, social standing, and even his sense of self-
worth.

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INFORMATION CLASS STUDY MATERIAL

1 Time Table 09 Sample Paper
10 Sample Paper
2 Result
11 Sample Paper
3 Syllabus 12 Sample Paper

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