Class 12 Sample Paper 2025 English

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

General Instructions:
Read and follow the following instructions carefully:
1. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The paper is divided into three sections Section-A: Reading Comprehension, Section-B:
Writing Skills 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: 12 Marks
1. Happiness, a desirable state of mind, consists not only of joy, contentment and other positive
emotions but also a sense of life’s meaning and value (Lyubomirsky, 2001). Martin Seligman
(2002) proposed three key dimensions of happiness: the pleasant life (experiencing pleasure
regularly), the engaged life (frequent involvement in fulfilling activities) and the meaningful
life (feeling connected to a greater purpose). According to Seligman et al. (2005), the happiest
people blend these three dimensions, living what is termed a “full life.” Sirgy and Wu (2009)
later introduced a fourth dimension, the balanced life, emphasizing the importance of balancing
satisfaction across various life domains, as too much focus on one area can limit overall
happiness. Balance allows individuals to meet a wide range of needs and leads to greater
fulfillment.

2. Research has identified several factors contributing to overall happiness. These include
individual income, employment status, physical health, family, social relationships, moral
values and the experience of positive emotions (AIPC, 2011). Among these, healthy
relationships are particularly important. Studies by Waldinger and Schulz (2010) have shown
that people who are happy in their most important relationships—such as those with a spouse,
children, parents, or close friends—tend to be happier overall.

3. A key question then arises: Can individuals learn to be happier? According to numerous studies,
the answer is yes. The degree to which one can increase happiness varies depending on the
theory, but all credible approaches agree that some level of improvement is possible. To
enhance overall happiness, one should focus on improving areas such as income (up to a point),
physical health, social connections and positive emotions in daily life. Relationships, in

particular, are crucial and individuals have some control over how these relationships develop
and grow.

4. Ultimately, while happiness is influenced by many external and internal factors, individuals
can take steps to cultivate and increase their own happiness.

(Source : Adapted from https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-happiness)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
1. Which of these options best describes "meaningful life" as defined by Martin Seligman? 1
a) A life filled with wealth and power
b) A life centred around experiencing joy
c) A life connected to a greater purpose or cause
d) A life focused on physical health and well-being
2. Which researcher/s emphasizes that happiness involves engaging in fulfilling activities and
feeling a connection to a larger purpose? 1
a) Sirgy and Wu
b) Martin Seligman
c) Waldinger and Schulz
d) Lyubomirsky
3. Which of the following is not listed as a contributor to overall happiness in the passage? 1

a) Physical health
b) Employment status
c) Family relationships
d) Leisure activities
4. Choose the correct response from the given two options to complete the sentence. 1
According to Seligman, the happiest people live a full life, which includes _____________.
A. a mix of pleasure, engagement and meaning
B. maintaining satisfaction across various life domains

5. Complete the following suitably with ONE key finding, with reference to the passage. 1
Healthy relationships are crucial for overall happiness because they ____________.
6. State whether True or False: 1
According to research, once a certain income threshold is reached, additional increase in
income does not significantly boost overall happiness.
True / False
7. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 1: 1
Meaningful life : connectedness :: pleasant life :__________________
8. Which word in para 3 is similar in meaning to the word "acceptable"? 1
9. Which factors contribute to overall happiness? 2
10. Based on the research, share any two ways using which you can enhance your own
happiness. 2
2. Read the following passage: 10 marks

1. After a long and challenging road to recovery following his near-fatal car accident in December
2022, Rishabh Pant has made a memorable comeback to Test cricket, marked by a stellar
century in India’s match against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.
2. Pant’s accident left him with severe injuries, particularly in his knee, which required extensive
surgery and rehabilitation. The injury ruled him out of international cricket for the entirety of
2023, including marquee events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the 2023 ODI
World Cup. His absence left a void in the Indian team, which rotated through several
wicketkeeper options during this period, but none could replicate the impact Pant had made in
his short but illustrious career. Hence, his return was eagerly awaited by both fans and experts
alike.
3. The match against Bangladesh saw him walk out to bat in challenging circumstances, with
India wobbling at 83/3 in the second innings. Known for his aggressive style of play, Pant
showed remarkable restraint early on, adjusting to the match situation and resisting his usual

attacking instincts. He reached his fifty in a steady 88 balls, demonstrating a side of his batting
that is often overlooked—his ability to adapt and play according to the needs of the game.
4. As the match progressed, Pant switched gears, unleashing his natural attacking game. His next
fifty came off just 36 balls, showcasing his ability to accelerate and put pressure back on the
opposition. His century, which came off 124 balls, was not only a crucial contribution to India's
strong position in the match but also an emotional milestone for Pant personally. This hundred
was his sixth in Test cricket, equaling the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian
wicketkeeper—a record held by none other than MS Dhoni. What makes this achievement even
more remarkable is that Pant matched Dhoni’s tally in just 58 innings, compared to Dhoni’s
144.
5. Pant’s journey back to the top of his game has been marked by perseverance and hard work.
He admitted to feeling emotional after the century, saying that Test cricket is where he feels
most at home. “Coming back to Test cricket, where I belong the most, being on the field gives
me more pleasure than anything else,” Pant reflected after his innings.
(Source: Adapted from India Today and ICC-cricket.com)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
1. What major event kept Rishabh Pant out of International Cricket throughout 2023? 1
A. A personal decision to take a break
B. A knee injury from a car accident
C. A dispute with the Indian Cricket Board
D. Surgery of his shoulder

2. Why does the author use the metaphor of a "challenging road to recovery" (para 1) to describe
Pant’s journey back to cricket after his accident? 2
3. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract. 1
Assertion: Rishabh Pant’s century in his comeback Test against Bangladesh highlighted his
ability to adapt his playing style to different match situations.

Reason: Pant displayed remarkable restraint early in his innings, adjusting to India's precarious
position before switching gears to accelerate his scoring later on.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:

A. Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
B. Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason does not explain the assertion.
C. The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
D. Both the assertion and the reason are false.

4. Complete the sentence suitably. 1

The phrase "a void in the Indian team" (para 3) suggests that _________________________.
5. Which key factor contributed to Rishabh Pant’s successful comeback in the second innings of the
Test against Bangladesh in 2024? 1
A. His natural aggressive style
B. His ability to switch between defense and attack
C. Bangladesh's weak bowling
D. The favourable pitch conditions

6. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 3, to prove the following: 1
Pant’s return to cricket was highly anticipated.
7. What personal emotions did Pant express after his century on his Test return? 2
8. What does the word "resilience" mean in the context of Rishabh Pant's recovery? 1
A. Lack of skill
B. The ability to recover quickly
C. Careful performance
D. Avoidance of responsibility

SECTION--B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
3. Your school, SRS Public School, Delhi has arranged a three-day educational trip to Jaipur during
the winter break. As Tarun/Tina, Trip Coordinator, write a notice in not more than 50 words
informing students about the itinerary, cost and how to enroll for the trip. 4

OR

Your school, ABC International School, is organizing a cultural fest, ‘Utsav’. Signing yourself
as Rohan/Riya, Head of the Cultural Committee, write a notice in not more than 50 words
informing students about the event and inviting students to participate in the dance and music
competitions.

4. You are Rajnish/Rajni Mehta, You are planning to celebrate your parents’ 25th wedding
anniversary by organising a grand function. Write a formal card for invitation to your relatives
and friends inviting them to the event in 50 words. 4
OR
You are Mohan/Mohina. You were invited by your uncle, Mr. Arvind Kumar, to attend the house
warming party of his newly purchased flat in Paschim Vihar. Unfortunately, you have your
English Preboard on the same date and cannot attend. Write your reply of refusal in 50 words.
5. Mahesh/Madhu of Nehru Colony, Delhi is interested in taking up a career in acting. She decides
to send her resume to CINEVISTA FILMS, Bandra West, Mumbai, a firm which has set up

auditions for the role of leading actor/ actress in the coming week. Write the jobapplication with
detailed bio-data in about 120-150 words. 5

OR

Write a letter to the editor of The Deccan Chronicle raising awareness about the rising cases of
cybercrime among teenagers in about 120-150 words. Discuss the role of parents and schools in
educating children about safe internet practices and suggest ways to curb this issue. Sign yourself
as Dinesh/Divya.

6. The annual Mumbai Charity Marathon, held last Monday, saw participation from over 10,000
runners. The event raised funds for various social causes, including education for underprivileged
children. Write a newspaper report in 120-150 words highlighting the event’s success and its
impact. You are Mohan/Mohini, Staff Correspondent. 5

OR

Indian festivals continue to hold a special place in the hearts of young people. Write an article
for your school magazine, exploring how celebrating traditional festivals contributes to the
preservation of cultural heritage among Indian youth in 120-150 words. You are Ashish/Ashima
of Springdale Public School, Delhi.

SECTION--C: LITERATURE TEXT BOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READER TEXT
7. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow for anyone of the
given two A or B: ` 6X1=6

A.
What I want should not be
confused with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
1. What is the speaker's perspective on 'total inactivity'?

2. What does the ‘huge silence’ in the poem primarily represent?

A. sign of defeat and despair.
B. An opportunity for introspection and self-awareness.
C. An end to all human activities.
D. The speaker’s fear of being alone.

3. Complete the following suitably:

‘No truck with death' symbolizes ____________.

4. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank:

The speaker _________ (advocates / condemns) a pause in human activities to gain clarity and
understanding.

5. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract:

Assertion: The poet suggests that being 'single-minded' about constantly moving forward leads to
self-destruction.
Reason: Constant activity without introspection results in a lack of understanding and self-
awareness.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:

A. Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the
assertion.
B. Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the
assertion.
C. The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
D. The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

6. The sadness mentioned in the lines primarily refers to:
A. A feeling of loss and grief
B. The struggle to comprehend one’s own existence
C. The inevitability of death
D. The difficulties of daily life

OR
B.
The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint
So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid:
Here far from the city we make our roadside stand
And ask for some city money to feel in hand

To try if it will not make our being expand,
And give us the life of the moving-pictures’ promise
That the party in power is said to be keeping from us.

1. What is the speaker’s primary concern in the poem?

2. The phrase ‘trusting sorrow of what is unsaid’ represents:

A. The speaker’s indifference to the situation.
B. The unspoken disappointment and hope of the rural people.
C. The political promises made to the villagers.
D. The joy and excitement of the villagers.

3. Complete the following suitably:

The phrase ‘life of the moving-pictures’ promise’ represents____________.

4. What does the ‘city money’ symbolize in the context of the poem?

5. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract:

Assertion: The poet believes that the political parties fail to fulfill their promises to the rural
people.
Reason: The rural people are misled by the promises of a better life depicted in the ‘moving
pictures.’
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:

A. Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the
assertion.
B. Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the
assertion.
C. The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
D. The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

6. How does the poet use the image of the 'roadside stand' to highlight the disparity between rural
and urban life?

8. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow: 4X1=4

A.
MR LAMB: I like to talk. Have company. You don’t have to answer questions. You don’t have to
stop here at all. The gate’s open.
DERRY: Yes, but...

MR LAMB: I’ve a hive of bees behind those trees over there. Some hear bees and they say, bees
buzz. But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm....and hum means ‘sing’. I hear
them singing, my bees.
DERRY: But....I like it here. I came in because I liked it....when I looked over the wall.
MR LAMB: If you’d seen me, you’d not have come in.

I. Why does Mr Lamb say “you don’t have to answer questions” ?

II. How does Mr. Lamb’s perspective on the open gate reflect his overall outlook on life?

III. The phrase " But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm....and hum means
‘sing’" suggests that Mr. Lamb:
A. Finds joy in simple things.
B. Is indifferent to nature.
C. Prefers silence over noise.
D. Thinks bees are annoying.

IV. Complete the following suitably:
Derry’s admission that he came in because he liked it indicates that he is __________.

OR

B.
Sadao hesitated again. “The strange thing is,” he said, “that if the man were whole I could turn him
over to the police without difficulty. I care nothing for him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my
enemy. And he is only a common fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But since he is
wounded…”
“You also cannot throw him back to the sea,” Hana said. “Then there is only one thing to do. We
must carry him into the house.”

I. Complete the following suitably:
Sadao’s internal conflict is portrayed by his hesitation in deciding whether to __________.

II. Which phrase highlights Dr. Sadao’s sense of duty as a doctor despite the political tension of
the time?

III. The phrase “But since he is wounded…” suggests that Dr. Sadao is most likely:
A. Indifferent to the war.
B. Torn between his professional ethics and national loyalty.
C. Eager to save the soldier without concern for consequences.
D. Scared of being discovered by the authorities.

IV. How does Hana’s presence affect Sadao's decision?

9. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow for any one of the
given two-A or B : 6X1=6

A.
Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot and by conveyance to see their champion.
Muzzafarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him; they frequently represented peasant groups
in court; they told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee. Gandhi chided the
lawyers for collecting big fee from the sharecroppers. He said, ‘‘I have come to the conclusion
that we should stop going to law courts. Taking such cases to the courts does little good. Where
the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to
be free from fear.
I. Complete the following suitably:
Gandhi’s arrival in Champaran was significant because it marked the beginning of __________.

II. How were the Muzzafarpur lawyers helping the sharecroppers?

III. The statement, "Taking such cases to the courts does little good" implies that Gandhi believes:
A. Legal action is always beneficial.
B. Courts are ineffective for the oppressed.
C. Lawyers should continue to charge fees.
D. Sharecroppers should avoid legal representation.

IV. Select the suitable option to complete the following:
Gandhi’s criticism of the lawyers for collecting big fees indicates his belief that __________.
A. Lawyers deserve high compensation.
B. The legal system is fair to everyone.
C. Justice should be accessible to all, especially the poor.
D. Sharecroppers should be self-reliant.

V. Who is referred to as ‘the champion’ in the above passage?

VI. What can be inferred about Gandhi’s approach to social justice from this passage?

OR

B.
Now I have become sad, she thought. And it is a hard burden to carry, this sadness. Sitting here
waiting and knowing he will not come I can see the future and how I will have to live with this
burden. They of course will doubt me, as they always doubted me, but I will have to hold up my
head remembering how it was. Already I envisage the slow walk home, and Geoff’s disappointed
face when I tell him, “He didn’t come, that Danny.” And then he’ll fly out and slam the door. “But
we know how it was,” I shall tell myself, “Danny and me.” It is a hard thing, this sadness. She
climbed the crumbling steps to the street. Outside the pub she passed her father’s bicycle propped
against the wall, and was glad. He would not be there when she got home.

I. What internal conflict did the narrator experience while she was waiting for Danny?

II. Why was she glad to see ‘her father’s bicycle propped against the wall’?

III. The phrase "I will have to hold up my head remembering how it was" suggests that the
narrator:
A. Is determined to forget the past.
B. Wants to project strength despite her sadness.
C. Is ashamed of her memories.
D. Is indifferent to others' opinions.

IV. The statement “it is a hard thing, this sadness” indicates that the narrator feels_________

V. The phrase "slow walk home" symbolizes the narrator’s :
A Indifference towards her surroundings
B. Joy in her memories.
C. Reluctance to go home to face her family.
D. Excitement for what lies ahead.

VI. How does the narrator's anticipation of Geoff's disappointment reflect her own feelings?

10. Answer any five out of the following six questions in 40-50 words each: 5X2=10

A. How does M. Hamel’s final lesson reveal his feelings for his students?
B. Which metaphor does the rattrap represent in the story?(The Rattrap)
C. Why was the fear of water ‘paralyzing and irrational’ for Douglas?
D. What do the tigers symbolize in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery?
E. What does the Lesson ‘Poets and Pancakes’ reveal about the working environment of Gemini
Studios?
F. What are Umberto Eco’s views on the significance of “empty spaces” in life?

11. Answer any two out of the following three questions in 40-50 words: 2X2=4

A. How does Charley's belief in the third level reflect his need to escape the pressures of modern
life?
B. Why does Tishani Doshi feel that visiting Antarctica is like going back to the beginning of
time?
C. “When I heard this, I didn’t want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad.” (We too are human
beings) What did Bama realize that made her sad?

12. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 120-150 words: 1X5=5

In "A Thing of Beauty," beauty is depicted as a source of solace and strength, while "My Mother at
Sixty-Six" presents a poignant view of beauty in the context of aging. Compare how both poems
celebrate beauty, one acknowledging its transient nature and the other its permanence in nature.
OR

Compare the portrayal of childhood in "Lost Spring" and "The Last Lesson." How do the
experiences of Saheb and Franz illustrate the themes of lost opportunities and the harsh realities
faced by children in different societal contexts?

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

The king's initial expectations of power and control present a sharp contrast with the eventual
consequences of his choices. Analyse the unpredictability of life and the irony of human arrogance
as presented in "The Tiger King".
OR

Analyze how cultural expectations and personal choices intersect in the narratives of Zitkala Sa
and Bama in ‘the Cutting of my Long Hair’. What do the protagonists’ experiences reveal about
societal norms?.
______________________________________________

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