Class 11 Sample Paper 2025 English

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Practice Paper
Session: 2024-25
Class: XI
Subject: English Core
Duration: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
Read and follow the following instructions carefully:

1. This question paper has 16 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The paper is divided into three sections. Section-A: Reading Comprehension,
Section-B: Writing Skills and Grammar and Section-C: Literature. All the
sections are compulsory.
3. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
4. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof, in your answer sheet.
5. Separate instructions are given with each question, wherever necessary.

SECTION--A: READING SKILLS

1. Read the following passage: 10

1. The skill of writing is not solely about natural talent or waiting for moments of divine
inspiration; it is, at its core, about discipline and persistence. Successful writing comes
from showing up consistently and committing to the process, regardless of external
circumstances or internal doubts. Just as an athlete must train regularly to maintain their
physical abilities, a writer must cultivate the habit of writing, even when the words do
not come easily. This daily practice builds skill over time, allowing the writer to deepen
their understanding of the craft and improve their work incrementally.
2. One common misconception is the belief that writing requires ideal conditions—a quiet
space, the right mood, or a perfect burst of inspiration. In reality, waiting for these ideal
circumstances often leads to procrastination. Writing happens in the midst of everyday
life, with all its distractions and imperfections. The true test of a writer’s skill is the
ability to work through these challenges, maintaining focus even when the environment
is less than perfect. This means accepting that not every session will produce great work
and that the process itself is valuable. The act of writing regularly is what fuels growth
and progress, even when the results are not immediately evident.
3. Moreover, writing requires facing and overcoming fear and self-doubt. Writers often
grapple with feelings of inadequacy, questioning whether their work is good enough or
if their ideas matter. Perfectionism can become a major obstacle, leading to hesitation
and avoidance. To develop as a writer, it is essential to embrace imperfection, allowing
oneself to create messy, incomplete drafts without fear of judgment. The key is to
understand that these drafts are necessary stepping stones toward producing polished,

refined work. Writing is a process of discovery, and the first attempt rarely reflects the
final product.
4. Through repetition, writers also learn to build resilience. The more one writes, the more
they develop the ability to push through creative blocks, self-doubt, and distractions.
Writing consistently helps to strengthen the writer’s voice and instills confidence in the
process itself. Creativity often emerges through the act of writing, not as a prerequisite
for it. By showing up day after day, even when motivation is low, writers create
opportunities for inspiration to strike, allowing their ideas to flow more naturally over
time.
5. In essence, writing is a skill that requires patience, courage, and persistence. It is not
about waiting for a perfect moment but about creating a routine that fosters consistent
effort. Writing demands that one pushes through challenges, embraces imperfection,
and continues refining their work through revision. Over time, this practice leads to
mastery, as each small effort compounds into a deeper understanding of the craft. The
skill of writing is built on dedication, showing up consistently, and trusting that the
process will yield meaningful results.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
1. What is the core of successful writing according to the passage? 1
A) Natural talent
B) Discipline and persistence
C) Divine inspiration
D) Ideal conditions
2. Complete the following sentence suitably. 1
The phrase ‘showing up consistently and committing to the process’ in paragraph 1 suggests
that writing is not just about talent, but about ________.
A) waiting for the perfect moment to strike
B) putting in effort regularly, regardless of circumstances
C) ensuring that every draft is perfect
D) receiving external validation
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor that hinders a writer's progress? 1
A) Fear and self-doubt
B) Perfectionism
C) Consistent practice
D) Procrastination

4. Explain ‘the true test of a writer’s skill’(para 2), in your own words. 2

5. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 3, to prove the following: 1
‘Writers often struggle with self-doubt and perfectionism, which can hinder their progress.’
6. Find the antonym of ‘promptness’ from the passage. (para 2) 1

7. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 5. 1

Hesitation: avoid :: _______: Push through

8. Describe the role of discipline in the writing process according to the passage. 2

2. Read the following passage: 8

1. As global temperatures continue to warm, additional sea level rise is inevitable. How much
and by when depends mostly on the future rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Another source
of uncertainty is whether big ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland will melt in a steady,
predictable way as the Earth gets warmer, or whether they will reach a tipping point and
rapidly collapse.

2. To estimate how much of the observed sea level rise is due to thermal expansion, scientists
measure sea surface temperature using moored and drifting buoys, satellites, and water
samples collected by ships. Temperatures in the upper half of the ocean are measured by a
global fleet of aquatic robots. Deeper temperatures are measured by instruments lowered from
oceanographic research ships.

3. To estimate how much of the increase in sea level is due to actual mass transfer—the
movement of water from land to ocean—scientists rely on a combination of direct
measurements of melt rate and glacier elevation made during field surveys, and satellite-based
measurements of tiny shifts in Earth’s gravity field.

4. Every four or five years, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) leads
an interagency task force that reviews the latest research on sea level rise and issues a report
on likely— and ‘unlikely but plausible’—amounts future sea level rise for different
greenhouse gas and global warming pathways. In the 2022 report, the task force concluded
that even on the pathway with the lowest possible greenhouse gas emissions and warming (1.5
degrees C), global mean sea level would rise at least 0.3 meters (1 foot) above 2000 levels by
2100. On a pathway with very high rates of emissions that trigger rapid ice sheet collapse, sea
level could be as much as 2 meters (6.6 feet) higher in 2100 than it was in 2000.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
1. Why does the writer refer to the rise in sea levels as 'inevitable' in paragraph 1? 1

2. Why does the author use the metaphor of a 'tipping point' to describe the potential collapse
of ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland? 2

3. Based on the passage, which of the following pathways would lead to the highest sea level
rise by 2100? 1
A. A pathway with very low emissions and steady ice sheet melt.
B. A pathway with moderate emissions and glacier loss.
C. A pathway with very high emissions and rapid ice sheet collapse.
D. A pathway where no emissions are reduced and sea levels stabilize.

4. Complete the following suitably with ONE advantage, with reference to paragraph 2: 1
Monitoring ocean temperatures using aquatic robots can help _______________.

5. What helps estimate sea level rise due to mass transfer? 1
A. Satellite gravity measurements and field surveys
B. Ocean temperature measurements
C. Aquatic robot data
D. Ship-based observations

6. Find the antonym of "predictability" from the passage. (Para 1) 1

7. Complete the following analogy. 1
Just as the melting of glaciers contributes to sea level rise, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions helps to __________.

3. Read the passage given below:
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of
people every year. It is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are intense
enough to interfere with daily activities. While anxiety is a natural response to stress, for some
individuals, it can become chronic and debilitating. There are several types of anxiety disorders,
including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and
specific phobias, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers.
Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various
aspects of life, such as health, work, or relationships. People with GAD often find it difficult to
control their worries, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This constant state of
worry can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty
concentrating. Panic disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by sudden and intense
episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These attacks often come without warning and can
include symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fear of losing control or
dying.
Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged
or embarrassed. People with this disorder often go out of their way to avoid social interactions,
which can significantly impact their personal and professional lives. Specific phobias, such as
a fear of heights, spiders, or flying, cause individuals to experience overwhelming anxiety when
faced with a particular object or situation. Although people with phobias usually understand
that their fears are irrational, they often feel powerless to control their reactions.
While anxiety disorders can be challenging, they are treatable. With the right combination of
therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, many people can lead fulfilling lives, even in the
face of anxiety.

a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it, using recognizable
abbreviations wherever necessary. Supply a suitable title. 5 marks
b) Write a summary of the above passage in about 50 words. 3 marks

SECTION-B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS AND GRAMMAR

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs: (Any three) ½ X6=3 marks
i. Mohan’s car _________ (break) down several times last year, so he ________ (sell)
it recently.
ii. He ____________(work) at the company for five years before he ____________
(decide) to quit.
iii. Sara and her colleagues used to ________(meet) at the local cafe every morning, but
this week, they _______(find) at a new restaurant.
iv. While I _____________(read) the book , I ____________(find) a peacock feather inside
it.

5. Attempt the given (i-iv) questions as directed: 1X4=4 Marks

A. Rearrange the following words/phrases to make a meaningful sentence:
i. to / the park / went / she / play / with her friends
ii. eagerly / the guests / for / waited / the cake / to arrive
B. Transform the sentences by changing the voice (Active/Passive)–
iii. The report was written by the team leader.
iv. The chef cooked a delicious meal for the guests.

6. You are Rakesh/Raksha, the owner of a house in Green Park, New Delhi. You want to rent
out a 3-bedroom house. Draft an advertisement to be published in a local daily, including key
details such as location, rent, amenities and contact information, in about 50 words. 3 Marks

OR

You are Sameer/Samira, owner of a new event management company. Draft an advertisement
in about 50 words to promote your services, mentioning key offerings such as wedding
planning, corporate events, birthday parties, and special packages, to be published in a local
daily in about 50 words.

7. You are Rahul/Rahini, a student of class X at St. Xavier’s School, Mumbai. Design a poster
in not more than 50 words highlighting the importance of reducing plastic waste and promoting
sustainable living to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5. 3 marks

OR

You are Suraj/Sonal, a volunteer at a local NGO in Chennai. Design a poster in not more than
50 words to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse encouraging the youth
to stay drug-free.

8. As citizens, voting is our right and responsibility to shape our future. Write a speech in
120-150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly to encourage students aged 18 years
and above to understand the importance of voting. You are Pooja/Pranav, a student of class
XI at Daffodil Public School, Lucknow. 5 marks

OR

Water scarcity is a growing problem worldwide, and conserving water is crucial for the future.
As the Head of the Water Conservation Club, write a speech in 120-150 words to raise
awareness among students on the importance of saving water. You are Aditya/Ananya from
Greenfield Academy, Pune.

9. With the rise of remote working due to the pandemic, there are differing views on its benefits
and drawbacks. As Karan/Kavita of Class XI, write a debate in 120-150 words either for or
against the motion, "Remote working is the future of the corporate world." 5 marks

OR

School uniforms promote equality, but some argue they restrict freedom of expression. As
Vivek/Vedika of Class XI, write a debate in 120-150 words either for or against the motion,
"School uniforms should be mandatory."

SECTION--C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READER
TEXT

10. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow: 1X3=3 marks

Now she’s has been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived.
And of this circumstance
There is nothing to say at all,
Its silence silences.

1. What is the significance of the line "Now she has been dead nearly as many years as
that girl lived"?
a) It emphasizes how time erases memories.
b) It shows the speaker's inability to move on.
c) It contrasts life and death, past and present.
d) It highlights how little time has passed since her death.

2. What can be inferred about the poet's relationship with the ‘girl’ mentioned in the
stanza?
a) The speaker had a superficial connection.
b) The speaker shared a close emotional bond.
c) The speaker barely knew her.
d) The speaker feels no sadness over her death.

3. What does "Its silence silences" suggest about the poet's emotional state?

OR

When did my childhood go?
Was it when I found my mind was really mine,
To use whichever way I choose,
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people
But my own, and mine alone
Was that the day!

1. Which of the following best describes the poet's concept of self-awareness?
a) It is forced upon by others.
b) It develops as one recognizes independence.
c) It arises from a shared experience.
d) It is influenced by societal expectations.

2. Which phrase best captures the speaker's realization of independence?
a) "Producing thoughts"
b) "My mind was really mine"
c) "Other people"
d) "When did my childhood go?"

3. What does the line "Was that the day!" suggest about the speaker's memory of this
event?

11. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow: 1X3=3 marks

Meanwhile, the racing mind of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay.
Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library
and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state
of affairs was reached. He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with
Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened.

1. What motivated Professor Gaitonde to visit a library in Bombay?
a) To escape from a troubling situation
b) To investigate historical changes
c) To meet with Rajendra Deshpande
d) To write his own book

2. What aspect of Professor Gaitonde’s character is revealed in this passage?
a) He is impulsive and disorganized.
b) He is calm and methodical.
c) He is indecisive and hesitant.
d) He is fearful and anxious.

3. What was ‘the present state of affairs’ that Professor Gaitonde wished to research?

OR

The night of the scan, workmen carried Tut from the tomb in his box. Like pallbearers they
climbed a ramp and a flight of stairs into the swirling sand outside, then rose on a hydraulic lift
into the trailer that held the scanner. Twenty minutes later two men emerged, sprinted for an
office nearby, and returned with a pair of white plastic fans. The million-dollar scanner had
quit because of sand in a cooler fan. “Curse of the pharaoh,” joked a guard nervously.

1. What can be inferred about the setting from the phrase "swirling sand outside"?
a) The scan was conducted in a modern laboratory.
b) The scan was conducted in a desert environment near the tomb.
c) The scan took place inside the tomb.
d) The weather conditions were calm and clear during the scan.

2. What does the malfunction of the scanner reveal about the challenges faced in
archaeological work?
a) High-tech equipment is not suitable for such delicate work.
b) Environmental factors like sand can interfere with technology.
c) Scans should not be conducted in ancient sites.
d) The workers were unprepared for the challenges of the desert.

3. Why did the guard comment, "Curse of the pharaoh"?

12. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow: 1X4=4 marks

Consequently, even though I could see the horse, so magnificent; even though I could smell it,
so lovely; even though I could hear it breathing, so exciting; I couldn’t believe the horse had
anything to do with my cousin Mourad or with me or with any of the other members of our
family, asleep or awake, because I knew my cousin Mourad couldn’t have bought the horse,
and if he couldn’t have bought it he must have stolen it, and I refused to believe he had stolen
it. No member of the Garoghlanian family could be a thief.

1. What internal conflict does the speaker face in the passage?
a) Waking up the family or not
b) Believing that the horse was stolen or not
c) Deciding whether to keep the horse or return it
d) Wondering if the horse was there or not

2. What is implied by the speaker's statement, "No member of the Garoghlanian family
could be a thief"?

3. How does the speaker's sensory experience of the horse effect him?
a) It makes the speaker feel detached from the situation.
b) It intensifies the speaker’s excitement and confusion.
c) It makes the speaker forget about Mourad entirely.
d) It reassures the speaker that Mourad is trustworthy.

4. Why does the speaker ‘refuse to believe he had stolen it’?

OR

Andrew, abruptly recalled from the contemplation of his own affairs, told Morgan to wait. He
went into the house for his bag, then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace. The
night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually so perceptive, Andrew now felt dull
and listless. He had no premonition that this night call would prove unusual, still less that it
would influence his whole future in Blaenelly.

1. Why does Andrew tell Morgan to wait before they set out?

2. How does the passage foreshadow the importance of the upcoming event?
a) By describing Andrew’s usual night routine
b) By mentioning that Andrew had no premonition about its significance
c) By emphasizing the urgency of Morgan’s request
d) By revealing that Andrew had been expecting a life-changing event

3. Which word best describes Andrew’s state of mind before the call?
a) Optimistic
b) Unfocused
c) Determined
d) Confused

4. With reference to the lesson, how was this statement proved true?
“this night call would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future”?

13. Answer the following two questions in 30-40 words: 3x2=6 marks

A. What emotions does the poet convey when reflecting on her mother’s youth and
eventual death in the poem ‘A Photograph’?
OR
B. How does the poet use sound and movement to create a vivid image of the tree’s
transformation in ‘The Laburnum Top’?

C. What role does modern technology play in influencing the understanding of historical
artifacts like King Tut's tomb?
OR
D. What challenges did the author face while traveling through the high altitudes of the
Tibetan plateau in ‘Silk Road’?

14. Answer any one out of the following two questions in 30-40 words: 3 marks

A. What message does the play ‘Mother’s Day’ convey about family dynamics?

OR

B. What is the significance of the people’s acceptance of a melon as their ruler in ‘The
Tale of Melon City?

15. Answer any one out of the following two questions in 120-150 words: 6 marks
A. Analyze the idea of human resilience and adaptability in challenging situations as
presented in the lessons "We’re Not Afraid to Die... If We Can All Be Together" and
"The Adventure". Give examples from the texts to support your answer.
OR

B. Discuss how the poems "Childhood" by Markus Natten and "Father to Son" by
Elizabeth Jennings explore the transition from childhood to adulthood and the
emotional complexities involved.

16. Answer any one out of the following two questions in 120-150 words: 6 marks

A. Examine how the author uses contrasts between the past and present to deepen the
impact of the narrator's memories of ‘The Address’. How does this technique reveal
the narrator’s emotional and psychological journey?
OR

B. Discuss the psychological transformation that Dr. Andrew Manson undergoes during
the night, and how it shapes his future in the lesson ‘Birth’.

________________________________________________________________

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