CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2023 Solution English Core

e s t i o n P a p er
Qu
Solu t i o n
2023

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)
roineS Secondary School Examination 2023
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE (301)
(QUESTION PAPER CODE – 1/1/1)
General Instructions: -

1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious problems
which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching profession. To
avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must read and understand
the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.
2. “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality of the
examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its leakage to public
in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination system and affect the life and
future of millions of candidates. Sharing this policy/document to anyone, publishing in
any magazine and printing in News Paper/Website etc may invite action under various
rules of the Board and IPC.”
3. Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should not be
done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking Scheme
should be strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while evaluating, answers
which are based on latest information or knowledge and / or are innovative, they may be
assessed for their correctness otherwise and due marks be awarded to them. In
Competency based questions, please try to understand given answer and even if reply is
not from marking scheme but correct competency is enumerated by the candidate, due
marks should be awarded.
4. 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.
5. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each evaluator
on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the instructions given in
the Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should be zero after deliberation and
discussion. The remaining answer books meant for evaluation shall be given only after
ensuring that there is no significant variation in the marking of individual evaluators.
6. Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X” be marked.
Evaluators will not put ( √ ) while evaluating a wrong answer which gives an impression that
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
7. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks
awarded for different parts of the question should then be totalled up and written in the left-
hand margin and encircled. This may be followed strictly.
8. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin and
encircled. This may also be followed strictly.

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9. 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”.
10. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then no
marks to be awarded.
11. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized only
once.
12. A full scale of marks (0-80 marks) as given in Question Paper has to be used. Please do not
hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves it.
13. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours every
day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books per day in
other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).
14. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the
Examiner in the past:-
 Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
 Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
 Wrong totalling of marks awarded on an answer.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
 Wrong question wise totalling on the title page.
 Wrong totalling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
 Wrong grand total.
 Marks in words and figures not tallying / not same.
 Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
 Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark ( √ ) is
correctly and clearly indicated. It should not merely be a line. Same is with the (X) for
incorrect answer.)
 Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks awarded.
15. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should be
marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks. ‘Zero’ should be mentioned both in figures
and words.
16. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totalling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the
evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all concerned,
it is again reiterated that the instructions be followed meticulously and judiciously.
17. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the “Guidelines for
Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
18. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to the
title page, correctly totalled and written in figures and words.
19. The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on payment of
the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners / Additional Head Examiners / Head Examiners
are once again reminded that they must ensure that evaluation is carried out strictly as per
Value Points for each answer as given in the Marking Scheme.

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MARKING SCHEME
Senior Secondary School Examination, 2023
ENGLISH CORE (Subject Code–301)
[ Question Paper Code : 1/1/1 ]
Maximum Marks : 80
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The answers given below are suggestive. Credit should be given for any relevant point which
is not included in the value points listed below. However, any independent interpretation
should be discussed with the HE before awarding marks.
2. No marks shall be deducted for exceeding the word-limit.
3. If a spelling error is recurring, it should be penalized only once.

SUGGESTED VALUE POINTS Marks

SECTION—A 20
Mark
Reading Skills s
NOTE: The objective of the reading section is to focus on testing a candidate’s
ability to comprehend. No mark(s) should be deducted for mistakes in usage and
grammar, spelling or word-limit. Full marks may be awarded if a student has been
able to identify the core ideas. If a student literally lifts a portion of the given
passage as an answer to a question, no mark(s) to be deducted for this, as long as
it is relevant.
Q.1. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 x 1
= 10
marks
Note : As the passage deals with contemporary issues, any other relevant points
may be considered.
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option :
Majority of seagulls fly only short distances as _________
(a) they are more interested in food than flight.
(b)they don’t have energy.
(c) they are not meant to fly low.
(d) food is not available at high speed.
Ans. (a) they are more interested in food than flight. 1
(ii) Why were Jonathan Livingston’s parents’ dismayed?
Ans. Suggested value points: 1
- spend whole day alone, making hundreds of low level gliders, experimenting
- not bothered about food
- unconventional behaviour
(any one)

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(iii) Give two reasons for Jonathan’s unconventional behaviour.
(Clue : think about Jonathan’s point of view.)
Ans. Suggested value points: ½+½
- flight mattered more than eating
- loved to fly
- did not mind being bone and feathers
- testing his own strength / ability / what he can do in the air and what he can’t
(any two)
(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘glory’ from words used in
paragraph 1.
(a) disgrace
(b) dishonour
(c) learning
(d) unashamed
Ans. (a) disgrace / (b) dishonour 1
(v) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on
paragraph 2, EXCEPT
(a) Jonathan could not fly but only glide.
(b) Jonathan wanted to be popular with other birds.
(c) Jonathan realised that even the albatross flew at high altitudes.
(d) The reason seagulls flew was to find food.
Ans. (d) The reason seagulls flew was to find food. 1
(vi) Jonathan was different from other seagulls. Based on your understanding of
paragraph 2, list what Jonathan wanted to know.
Ans. - what he could do in the air and what he could not 1
(vii) What was the mother’s concern about Jonathan?
Ans. Suggested value points: 1
- why couldn’t he conform
- he was not like other birds
- was bone and feathers
- not looking for food
(any one)
(viii) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the
following :
Father reminds Jonathan that he ‘can’t eat a glide’ in order to ___________ .
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Ans. Suggested value points: 1
- survive / live
- survive in winter
- get his priorities right
(any other relevant answer)
(any one)
(ix) It wasn’t long before Jonathan Gull was off by himself again, far out at sea.
Which trait of Jonathan does this statement reveal ?
(a) practical bird
(b) persistent learner
(c) lonely and sad
(d) carefree and irresponsible
Ans. (b) persistent learner 1
(x) Was it fair to fly like a falcon when he was just a seagull ? Why does he say so?
Ans. Accept yes or no with correct justification. 1
(No marks will be deducted if Yes/No is not mentioned)
Suggested value points:
- realized his limit of flying due to size of wings
- to fly like falcon needed to have short wings
- realized he could fold wings to fly high
(accept any according to valid viewpoint)
Passage 2
Q.2. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 x 1
= 10
marks
(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1 ?
Food and beverages segment dominates the Global FMCG market
and is expected to retain its dominance.
Select from the following :
I. True - If the statement agrees with the information
II. False - If the statement contradicts the information
III. Not Given - If there is no information on this
Ans. II. False - If the statement contradicts the information 1
(ii) What do you think gives opportunities to boost exports ?
Ans. PLI scheme 1
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(iii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for FMCG rural sector
being on track.
(a) FMCG sector has been unable to get investments from the Government.
(b) PLI scheme don’t reach the rural sector.
(c) Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the online grocery segment in India is
expected to double in the next five years.
(d) There is a desire to buy branded products in the villages too.
Ans. (d) There is a desire to buy branded products in the villages too. 1
(iv) Complete the sentence based on the following statement :
The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite
nationwide lockdowns because __________.
Ans. it was supported by consumption led growth and value expansion from higher 1
product prices.
(v) From the given pie chart, which segment of FMCG accounts for the maximum
percentage of the sector ?
Ans. household and personal care 1

OR
For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q.No. 2(v) :
(v) Select the option that identifies the categories of food and beverages from the
given table.
(a) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
(b) 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(d) 1, 6, 7, 8, 9
Ans. (c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1
(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option :
The combination of increasing income and higher aspiration levels in the rural
areas has led to __________.
(a) the Government taking a direct interest
(b) the demand for branded products
(c) price increases across product categories
(d) the fall of supply in urban areas
Ans. (b) the demand for branded products 1
(vii) How is the Government trying to help Indian brands of food products in the
international markets?
Ans. by giving PLI scheme 1

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(viii) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option :
The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a clear case _________.
(a) that the rural people also want branded products
(b) that the FMCG industry will not focus on brand consciousness
(c) for the role of data analytics in the FMCG industry
(d) for the Government’s role by providing incentives
Ans. (a) that the rural people also want branded products 1
(ix) What will be the impact of increased level of brand consciousness ?
Ans. the growth of organized sector in FMCG 1
(x) Based on the reading of the passage, correct the following statement :
The urban segment contributes to about 45% of the revenue share, while the
rural segment accounts for 55%.
Ans. urban segment 55% , rural segment 45%. ½+½

SECTION B 20
Mark
Creative Writing Skills s
OBJECTIVE:
 To test the ability to think logically and express oneself clearly.
 To use a style appropriate to the given situation.
 To plan, organize and present ideas coherently.

Q.3 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5
marks
NOTICE WRITING
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3 Expression - 1
FORMAT - Name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency, NOTICE, heading
(optional), date of issue, signature / name, designation (bottom left)
Q.3 A sea storm is expected to hit the states on the East Coast of the country within
(A) 72 hours. As Rohit/Reema, Director General, Coast Guard, Odisha, write a
notice in 50 words to warn fishermen, tourists and general public to take all
safety precautions and not venture into the sea. Mention relevant details.
Ans. Suggested value points : 5
- warning fishermen, tourists and general public
- expected dates
- safety precautions
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(any other relevant point)
(inputs given in the question to be included)
OR
Q.3 You are the Anuj/Anu, Secretary of Saket Kunj, Saket, Navi Mumbai, Resident
(B) Welfare Association. Write a notice in 50 words to be circulated to all the
residents informing them that there will be no water supply in your colony for
two days due to necessary repair and maintenance work. Mention dates, and
the timings that tankers will be available in the R.W.A. premises.
Ans. Suggested value points : 5
- inform about no water supply
- expected dates / timings
- reason - necessary repair work
(any other relevant point)
(inputs given in the question to be included)

Q. 4 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
marks
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3 Expression-1
Q.4 FORMAL INVITATION
(A)
Q.4 You are the Secretary, Student Council, Holy Mother Convent School,
(A) Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Your school is organizing a Diwali Mela. Draft
a formal invitation letter in about 50 words to be sent to the Chairman of your
school, inviting him to inaugurate the Mela. You are Amita/Amit. Mention day,
date, time and venue.

FORMAT - formal letter of invitation 5
Ans. Suggested value points :
- formal invitation to Chairman
- purpose - inauguration of Diwali Mela
- mention date, time and venue
(inputs given in the question to be included)
OR
Q.4 REPLY TO FORMAL INVITATION
(B)
Q.4 You are Vineeta/Vinay Sharma. Draft a formal letter of reply in about 50 words,
(B) declining the invitation to a dinner on 28thFebruary at Army Parade Grounds being
hosted by Major J.P. Gautam. Mention day, date, time and venue.
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Ans. FORMAT – formal letter of reply to invitation 5
Suggested value points :
- acknowledge the invitation
- express thanks
- decline invitation
- give reasons for declining
- mention date, time and venue
(inputs given in the question to be included)

Q. 5 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
marks
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3 Expression – 1
FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/
Salutation and Subject, Complimentary Close, Name
LETTER TO EDITOR

Q.5 A survey reveals that advertisements impact both young and old. They are
(A) lured by the discounted prices and the promises made by the product
manufacturers. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your
views in 120-150 words on how advertisements may mislead the consumers and
give suggestions on how they can make informed decisions. You are
Carol/Philip. You may use the given input.

Suggested value points: 5
Ans. - great impact of advertisements on consumers
- advertisements mislead the consumers
- false promises
- discounts offered

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Suggestions
- fact check by consumers
- valid proof of claims made
- not to be distracted by visuals
- need of consumer awareness
(any other relevant point)
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any three)
OR
JOB APPLICATION

Q.5 Mansi/Manu of Viewside Road, Kanpur, sees the following advertisement in
(B) ‘The Everyday News’ and decides to apply for the job of a Marketing
Executive. Write a letter of application along with the biodata in 120-150 words
to the Personnel Manager, India Book House, Mall Road, Kanpur.

Ans. Suggested value points: 5
Covering Letter :
- reference to the advertisement
- suitability for the post
- offer candidature
Bio-Data / Resume / CV:
- personal profile
- qualifications
- experience
- skills
- references
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NOTE:
 No marks to be deducted if the Resume/CV/Bio-data is included in the
covering letter
(inputs given in the question to be included)

Q. 6 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
marks
REPORT WRITING

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3 Expression – 1
FORMAT – Title and byline
Q.6 The primary wing of your Global Public School is putting up a special
(A) assembly to celebrate National Integration Day. Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary,
Education Department will be the Guest of Honour. You are Mira/Majid,
student reporter of the school magazine. Write a report in 120-150 words to be
published in the school magazine. You may use the following cues for the
report.

Title – National Integration Day – Special Assembly (any other suitable title) 5
Ans. Suggested value points :
- date, time and venue
- details of guests
- event details
(any other relevant point)
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any three)
OR

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ARTICLE WRITING

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3 Expression – 1
FORMAT – Title and byline
Q.6 Your school held a Pollution Awareness Drive during which students made
(B) presentations on factors and solutions. As the President of the Environment
Club, you analyzed the presentations and prepared notes. Using the following
notes and your own ideas, write an article in about 120-150 words to be
published in an e-magazine. You are Bela/Bharat.

Ans. Title – Pollution free environment / (any other suitable title) 5
Suggested value points :
- pollution- a big problem
- polluting factors
- need to create awareness
- action required
- solutions
(any other relevant point)
(inputs given in the question to be included)
(any three)

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SECTION C 40
Literature Mark
s
NOTE: The objective of this section is to test a candidate’s ability to understand
and interpret the prescribed text through short & long answer type questions. Long
answer type questions have been set to test the students’ understanding of the
text and their ability to interpret, evaluate & respond to the issues raised therein.
Hence, no particular answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All
presentations may be accepted as correct with consultation of the HE, if they have
been duly supported by the facts drawn from the text. The student should be able
to justify his / her viewpoint.
Q.7 Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :
Q.7 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6x1
(A) =6
I looked again at her,
marks
wan, pale as a late winter’s moon
and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile ...
(i) The poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ captures the __________ of the narrator.
I. happiness
II. fear
III. dismay
IV. anxiety
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only I (b) I and IV
(c) II and IV (d) Only III
Ans. (c) II and IV 1
(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following :
She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak much.
Ans. “All I said was, see you soon, Amma” 1
(iii) The word ‘wan’ in the given context most nearly means
(a) pale (b) old
(c) unwell (d) anxious
Ans. (a) pale 1
(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly. Do not repeat from the example
used.
Trees sprinting : personification : : _________ : simile
Ans. pale as a late winter’s moon 1
(v) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
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I. The poet accepts the reality of her mother’s declining health and old age.
II. She is nostalgic about her childhood days spent with her mother.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I is true, but II is false
(b) Both I and II are true
(c) II is the reason for I
(d) II cannot be inferred from the extract
Ans. (a) I is true, but II is false 1
(vi) Explain the following statement with reference to the above extract :
All I did was smile and smile and smile.
Ans. Suggested value points 1
- hiding emotions
- camouflaging feelings
- fear of separation
- showing hope / assurance of meeting again
- putting up a brave front
(any one)
(accept any relevant explanation)
OR
Q.7 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6x1
(B) =6
Now we will count to twelve
marks
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together

(i) The poet counts up to twelve as a countdown to
(a) lift arms.
(b) speak in different languages.
(c) stop all activities.
(d) be without engines.
Ans. (c) stop all activities. 1
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(ii) The poet appeals to the people that they should
I. keep quiet.
II. not move.
III. celebrate festivals.
IV. not hibernate.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only II
(b) I and II
(c) Only I
(d) I and IV
Ans. (b) I and II 1
(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the third line
of the extract :
(a) lightning danced across the sky
(b) greedy good doers
(c) children spilling out of their homes
(d) fight like cats and dogs
Ans. (a) lightning danced across the sky 1
(iv) The benefits of ‘Keeping Quiet’ include
I. harmony
II. non-violence
III. brotherhood
IV. meditation
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II (b) II and IV
(c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III and IV
Ans. (c) I, II and III 1
(v) Complete the statement with reference to the extract :
The poet suggests we will all be together when _________.
Ans. Suggested value points 1
- we stop all movements/activities
- we keep still
- we all become silent
- we do not move arms
(any one)
(any other relevant point)
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(vi) The word ‘exotic’ in the extract most nearly means
(a) unique (b) luxurious
(c) rich (d) illusive
Ans. (a) unique 1
Q.8 Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :
Q.8 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 4x1
(A) =4
“Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or
dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make marks
progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you
can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their
own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn”
(i) Who is the speaker ? Who is he speaking to ?
(a) Appa; Bama (b) Bama; Amma
(c) Bama; The Zamindar (d) Annan; Bama
Ans. (d) Annan; Bama 1
(ii) Select the option that best describes the speaker in the above extract :
I. marginalized
II. practical
III. idealistic
IV. curious
V. aggressive
Select the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II (b) III and IV
(c) II and IV (d) IV and V
Ans. (a) I and II 1
(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the community :
The treatment meted out to the community was _________.
Ans. prejudiced / biased / suppressive/ unjust / unfair / discriminated/ any other relevant 1
answer
(iv) Which of the following summarizes the author’s opinion about study ?
(a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning.
(b) Studying is better than playing.
(c) Studying is essential to the nation’s development
(d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress.
Ans. (d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress. 1
OR

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Q.8 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 4x1
(B) =4
You think …… ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look at me … and then you see my face and
you think. ‘That’s bad. That’s terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever marks
saw.’ You think, ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are
afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m
afraid of me.
(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to ?
(a) Derry; His mother
(b) Derry; Mr. Lamb
(c) Derry; Ladies at the bus stop
(d) Mother; Mr. Lamb
Ans. (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb 1
(ii) According to the speaker, what do people feel about him ?
(a) People are empathetic towards him.
(b) People are repulsed by his appearance.
(c) People are annoyed by his presence.
(d) People are unhappy at his association with his neighbours.
Ans. (b) People are repulsed by his appearance. 1
(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the extract :
When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me _________.
Ans. and my burned face / and my appearance / and the way I look / because….. (any 1
relevant reason)
(iv) Explain the following statement with reference to the given extract :
You think, Poor boy. But I’m not.
Ans. not referring to literal meaning of poor i.e. money/ Derry doesn’t want to be pitied / 1
he is scared / afraid of his scar (accept any other relevant explanation)

Q.9 Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below :
Q.9 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6x1
(A) =6
The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for
a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a marks
Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-
Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal
of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting
programmes on national integration.. This gang of nationally integrated make-
up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued
monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally
made potions and lotions.
(i) How was there national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan in the
make-up department ?
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-17

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

(a) The staff consisted of a Bengali, a Maharashtrian, a Dharwar Kannadiga,
an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and Tamils.
(b) They recited slogans of national integration.
(c) The staff studied make-up techniques of various states.
(d) Their clients were from various states.
Ans. (a) The staff consisted of a Bengali, a Maharashtrian, a Dharwar Kannadiga, an 1
Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and Tamils.
(ii) Select a suitable word from the extract to complete the analogy :
front : rear : : ravishing : ________
Ans. hideous 1
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blanks :
The make-up artists could turn _________ looking people into _________
looking men and women.
(a) ordinary; pleasant
(b) ugly; good
(c) pleasant; ugly
(d) monstrous; beautiful
Ans. (c) pleasant; ugly 1
(iv) The word ‘pancake’ in the extract most nearly means
(a) brand name
(b) lemon cake
(c) savoury
(d) preservative
Ans. (a) brand name 1
(v) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is true for the make-up
department.
(a) The make-up artists were welcomed by the actors.
(b) The make-up artists were poorly paid.
(c) The work done by the make-up artists was not appreciated.
(d) The department exhibited national integration.
Ans. (d) The department exhibited national integration. 1
(vi) Bring out the irony in the above given extract.
Ans. could turn any decent looking person into a hideous monster / overdid makeup to 1
make them presentable in the films
OR

XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-18

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

Q.9 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6x1
(B) =6
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you
are coming over to my place. You are in the elevator and while you are coming up, I marks
am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces.
While waiting for your elevator to come up from the first to the third floor, I have
already written an article !
(i) Umberto Eco, was
(a) a professor of semiotics, an author
(b) an interviewer, a novelist
(c) a journalist, a professor
(d) a publisher, an author
Ans. (a) a professor of semiotics, an author 1
(ii) Rationalise, to support the given statement :
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives.
Ans. he uses his spare/free time to do variety of work / makes best use of free time / (any 1
other relevant answer)
(iii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference :
I call them interstices.
Ans. I call them empty spaces / (any other relevant answer) 1
(iv) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
I. Umberto Eco works even in the spare time between activities.
II. Umberto Eco does not like to be interviewed.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot
(b) I cannot be inferred from the extract, but II can
(c) I and II are true
(d) II is the reason for I
Ans. (a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot 1
(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
Umberto Eco does not like to waste time. He writes an article while he is proceeding to
the elevator.
Ans. waiting 1
(vi) Umberto Eco’s views on his manner of work are based on _________.
(a) facts
(b) an interview
(c) his blog
(d) hypothesis
Ans. (a) facts 1
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-19

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

Q. Answer any five of the following in about 40-50 words each : 5x2
10 = 10
marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1 EXPRESSION - 1
(a) What were Franz’s feelings as he set out for school and why ?
Ans. Suggested value points ½+½
-what – scared/petrified/afraid to go to school +1

- why – was late for class / hadn’t learnt his lesson on participles / was scared of a
scolding
(any other relevant point)
(b) What vicious circle are the bangle-makers trapped in ?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- vicious circle of sahukars, middlemen, policemen, keepers of law, bureaucrats,
politicians
- powerful and influential people
(any one)
(c) What were Douglas’s initial thoughts when he was pushed into the pool ?
Ans. Suggested value points ½+½
- Douglas frightened but not out of his wits +1

- planned to jump up when his feet touched the bottom
- come to surface, lie flat, paddle to the edge of the pool
(any two)
(d) Who was Edla Willmanson ? Why did she visit the forge at night ?
Ans. Suggested value points ½+½
- who – Ironmaster’s daughter +1

- why – to bring father’s old comrade home / to persuade captain to come home /
father sent her to bring his friend home
(e) Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in ‘her brother’s affections’ ?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- fascinated with her brother’s world
- hadn’t seen it and was out of her reach
- thought it had exotic and interesting people
- curious to know his secrets
(any one)

XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-20

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

(f) Why do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers not fear the men beneath the tree ?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- stark contrast to her personality
- steady/fearless and chivalric, heroic
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
Q. Answer any two of the following in about 40-50 words each : 2x2
11 =4
marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1 EXPRESSION - 1
(a) In what way did the infant Tiger King surprise the astrologer ?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- ten day old baby speaking
- raising intelligent questions
(any one)
(b) How does Mr. Lamb try to put Derek at ease when he entered Mr. Lamb’s
garden?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- Lamb does not get angry
- puts Derry’s fear to rest
- cautions Derry against tripping on the fallen apples
- makes him comfortable, cracks jokes
- says his gate is always open to welcome people
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(c) What did Charley find in his collection of first day covers ?
Ans. Suggested value points 2
- found one first day cover that shouldn’t have been there
- a letter inside instead of blank paper ; mailed to his grandfather
- contained note from Sam to Charley
(any one)
Q. Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words : 5
12 marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 3 EXPRESSION – 2 (fluency – 1 + accuracy – 1)
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-21

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

(a) Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty as a doctor and his responsibility as a
patriotic citizen. Elaborate.
Ans. Suggested value points 5
As a doctor
- finds white man washed ashore
- wounded, profusely bleeding
- dilemma whether to save him
- could be arrested as a traitor
- decides to give treatment and care with impersonal attitude
As a patriot
- realizes his duty towards country
- tries to inform General through letter, informs personally
- waits for promised action from him
(any three relevant value points)
OR

(b) How has human civilization impacted our environment ? Comment with
reference to the lesson “Journey to the End of the Earth” .
Ans. Suggested value points: 5
- managed to create ruckus
- etching our dominance over nature
- rapid increasing population
- battling with limited resources
- increasing global temperature, global warming
- polar ice-caps melting
- impacted small and bigger organisms
- increasing pollution
- climate change
(any three relevant value points)

Q. Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words : 5
13 marks
(a) “Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India”. When
and how did it happen?
Ans. Suggested value points 5
When - Gandhi summoned to court for defying order to leave Motihari
How
- spontaneous demonstration by peasants to support Gandhi
- liberated from fear of British
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-22

Series FH1EG/1 SET - 1

- officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation
- government baffled
- Gandhi’s refusal to furnish bail
- judgment postponed
- lawyers made to realize their prime duty to help peasants
- ready to follow Gandhi to prison
- case was dropped
(any two relevant value points from ‘How’)
OR
(b) In the chapter ‘Poets and Pancakes’ the author has used gentle humour to
point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how it served to
make the extract engaging.
Ans. Suggested value points: 5
- highlights work of the makeup department, any decent looking person turned
into hideous crimson hued monster
- incongruency of the situation – English speaking poets addressing Tamil
speaking audience
- forty years old man called an office boy
- office boy’s anger directed towards Subbu
- lawyer losing his job by the virtue of being in story department when poets were
asked to go home
- description of people (any suitable example)
(any three relevant value points)

*****

XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-23