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SECTION A - (Reading) 30
1. Read the passage given below 12
1. When you grow up in a place where it rains five months a year, wise elders help you to get acquainted
with the rain early. They teach you that it is igonorant to think that it is the same rain falling every day.
Oh no, the rain is always doing different things at different times, there is rain that is gentle, and there is
also rain the falls too hard and damages the crops. Hence, the prayer for the sweet rain that helps the
crops to grow.
2. The monsoon in the Naga hills goes by the native name, khuthotei (which means the rice-growing
season). It lasts from May to early or mid-October. The local residents firmly believe that Durga Puja
in October announces the end of rain. After that, one might expect a couple of short winter showers, and
the spring showers in March and April. Finally, comes the "big rain" in May; proper rainstroms
accompanied by heat-stopping lightning the ear-splitting thunder. I have stood out in storms looking at
lightning arc across dark skies, a light-and-sound show that can go on for hours.
3. This is the season when people use the word sezuo or suzu to refer to the week-long rains, when clothes
don't dry and smell of mould, when fungus forms on the floor and when you can't see the moon or the
stars because of the rainclouds. But you learn not to complain. Rain, after all, is the fanner's friend and
brings food to the table. Rituals and festivals centre around the agricultural rhythm of life, which is the
occupation of about 70 percent of the population.
4. The wise leam to understand its ways. I grew up hearing my grandfather say, "It's very windy this year.
We'll get good rain." If the windy season was short and weak, he worried there might not be enough
rain for the crops. I learned the interconnectedness of the seasons from childhood, and marvelled at how
the wind could bring rain. Another evening, many rainy seasons ago, my paternal aunt observed the
new moon and worried, "Its legs are in the air, we're in for some heavy rain." She was right. That week,
a storm cut off power lines and brought down trees and bamboos.
5. Eskimos boast of having a hundred names for show. Norwegians in the north can describe all kinds of
snow by an equal amount of names : pudder, powder snow, wet snow, slaps, extra wet snow, tight
snowfall, dry snow, and at least 95 more categories of snow. Likewise, in India we have names and
names for rain. Some are common, some are passing into history.
6. The rains are also called after flowering plants and people believe that the blossoming of those plants
draws out rain. Once the monsoons set in, field work is carried out in earnest and the work of uprooting
and transplanting paddy in flooded terrace fields is done. The months of hard labour and June, July and
August. In August, as the phrougu plant begins to bloom, a rain will fall. This August rain, also called
phrogu, is a sign that the time for cultivation is over. If any new grain seeds are sown, they may not
sprout; even if they do sprout, they are not likely to bear grain. The rain acts as a kind of fanner's
almanac.
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7. The urban population of school-goers and office-goers naturally dislikes the monsoon and its
accompanying problems of landslides, muddy streets and periodic infections. For non-farmers, the
month of September can be depressing, when the rainfall is incessant and the awareness persists that the
monsoons will last out till October. One needs to have the heart of a farmer to remain grateful for the
watery days, and be able to observe — from what seems to the inexperienced as a continuous downpour
— the many kinds of rain. Some of the commonly known rain-weeks are named after the plants that
alternately bloom in August and September. The native belief is that the flowers draw out the rain.
8. Each rain period has a job to fulfil : October rain helps garlic bulbs to form, while kumunyo rain helps
the rice bear grain.. Without it, the ears of rice cannot form properly. End October is the most beautiful
month in the Naga hills, as the fields turn gold and wild sunflowers bloom over the slopes, all heralding
the harvest. prayers go up for protecting the fields from storms, and the rains to retreat because the grain
needs to stand in the sun and ripen. The cycle nears completion a few weeks before the harvest, and the
rain does retreat so thoroughly from the reaped furrows that the earth quickly turns hard. The months of
rain become a distant memory until it starts all over again.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, complete the statements given below with the
help of options that follows : 1x4=4
(a) The rains are called after flowering plants because
(i) heavy rains kill plants
(ii) flowers grow in the rainy season
(iii) it is believed that the plants bring the rain
(iv) flowers grow all the year round
Ans. (iii) it is believed that the plants bring the rain
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(f) What does Durga Puja mean to the farmers of the Naga hills ?
Ans. For them, Durga Puja means the end of rain.
(h) What is the occupation of more than half the population of the Naga hills ?
Ans. Farming is the occupation of more than half the population.
(i) How is the heart of the farmer different from that of the city person ?
Ans. Farmers love rain because they know it gives life to nature and human beings while city people dislike it
because they don’t want mud and sicknesses.
(j) When does rain become a memory in the minds of the people of the Naga hills ?
Ans. At the end of October and after that, rain becomes a memory for the farmers as it is when it completes its
cycle.
(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following 1x2=2
(i) flowering (para 6)
Ans. flowering- blossoming
(ii) nonstop (para 7)
Ans. nonstop- incessantly
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4. This kind of growth is especially important with each passing birthday, because as we age, our brains
shrink and those connections weaken. Exercise restores and protects the brain cells. Neuroscientists say,
"Adults who exercise display sharper memory skills, higher concentration levels, more fluid thinking,
and greater problem-solving ability then those who are sedentary."
5. Cycling also elevates your mood, relieves anxiety, increases stress resistance, and even banishes the
blues, "Exercise works in the same way as psychotherapy and antidepressants in the treatment of
depression, maybe better," says Dr. Manjari. A recent study analyzing 26 years of research finds that
even some exercise — as little as 20 to 30 minutes a day — can prevent depression over the long term.
6. Remember : although it's healthy, exercise itself is a stress, especially when you're just getting started or
getting back into riding. When you first begin to exert yourself, your body releases a particular hormone
to raise your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, say Meher Ahluwalia, PhD, a professor
of integrative physiology. As you get fitter, it takes a longer, harder ride to trigger that same response.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, complete the statements given below with the
help of options that follows : 1x2=2
(a) Ravi gets his brain to work at peak level by
(i) drinking three cups of coffee
(ii) playing games that need brain activity
(iii) cycling on a stationary bike
(iv) taking tablets to pump up his brain.
Ans. (iii) cycling on a stationary bike
(f) What benefits other than greater brain activity does one get from cycling ?
Ans. Cycling also elevates our mood, relieves anxiety, increases stress resistance, and banishes the blues.
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(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following : 1x2 = 2
(i) manure (para 3)
Ans. manure - fertilizer
(ii) inactive (para 4)
Ans. inactive- sedentary
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
Farmers clearly recognize the value of city compost. If city waste was composted before making it
available to the farmers for applying to the soil, cities would be cleaned up and the fields around them
would be much more productive.
Quite apart from cleaning up the cities of biodegradable waste, this would be a major and sustainable
contribution to improving the health of our soils without further damage by excessive chemical inputs.
What a marvellous change from waste to health !
The good news is that some states are regularly laying plastic roads. Plastic roads will not only
withstand future monsoon damage but will also solve a city's problem of disposing of non-recyclable
plastic. It is clear that if the mountains of waste from our cities were to be recycled into road
construction material, it would tackle the problem of managing waster while freeing up scarce land.
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and sub
headings. Use recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary (minimum four) and a format you
consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it. 5
Ans. Waste Management & Health
1. Clean Surroundings
(a) Personal hygiene not enough
(b) Clean surroundings necesry for health
(c) Dengue & chikangooniya result of poor public health
2. Swachha Bharat
(a) Swacha Bhart- working in this dirctn
(b) Instd of waste mangmnt, it’s focusing on waste for energy
(c) Has a long way to go
3. City Compost
(a) Lots of city compost from biodegrdbl waste
(b) City compost- an altrntive to farmyard manure
(c) Will clean cities
(d) A powrfl altrntive to chemical fertilizrs
(e) Makes soil porous, roots stronger
(f) Unlike farmyard manure, it’s free from weed seeds
ABBREVIATIONS
1. necesry- necessary
2. dirctn- direction
3. Instd- instead
4. mangmnt- management
5. biodegrdbl- biodegradable
6. altrntive- alternative
7. powrfl- powerful
8. fertilizrs- fertilizers
9. Plstic- plastic
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Available for sale Newly Constructed fait in Seva Nagar, 3 B.H.K., attached bathrooms, complete
woodwork, store, prime location, near city mall, garden facing. Price ' 22 lakh negotiable. Brokers excuse.
Interested contact: Harish/Harshita - 97XXXXXX00.
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
5. You are Neeraj/Neeraja Shekhar, Principal, Vasant Public School, Pune. Your school has just started a
music department. Write a letter to the Manager of Melody House, Pune, wholeasale suppliers of musical
instruments, placing an order for musical instruments for the school. Ask for a discount on the catalogue
prices. (120 - 150 words) 6
Ans. Vasant Public School
Pune
2nd March, 20XX
Sir
We want to place a bulk order for the supply of musical instruments to our school’s newly opened Music
Department. We expect a maximum discount permissible on the purchase. Over and above, we hope to get
15% special discount usually granted to the institutional buyers. Moreover, you will have to bear all the
expenses involved in the dispatch and delivery of musical instruments.
The list of instruments with their particulars and numbers is attached herewith.
1. Guitars - 5 pieces
2. Drum sets - 1 set
3. Sitar- 1
4. Tablas- 2 sets
5. Pianos- 2
6. Violins-2
7. Flutes- 5
Please find enclosed cheque of Rs. 50000/- as advance. Balance will be paid on receipt of instruments in
good condition. All these items must reach us in proper condition and not later than 25th March before the
new session starts.
Yours faithfully
Neeraj/ Neeraja Shekhar
Principal
Vasant Public school
98XXXXXX00
OR
Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to teach political science for
which they have placed an advertisement in The Bhilai Express. You are Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma from 21,
Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a letter including a CV, applying for the advertised post. (120-150 words)
Ans. 21Vasant Marg
Bhilai
The Principal
Bal Vidya Public School
Bhilai
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
Dear Sir,
This is to inform you that I would like to apply for the position of PGT, Political Science in Bal Vidyalay.
My experience and skills rightly match your requirement. As requested, I have enclosed my resume with this
letter.
I have worked as a political science teacher for the past five years at St Peter’s High School. I have a
Master’s degree and a B.Ed. Teaching has always been my passion and it is one of the noblest jobs. My key
responsibility in my previous work place was to teach classes 9th to 12th. I was appreciated for my work and
got positive feedbacks from my students and their parents. I am sure that I can prove my efficiency in your
school just as I proved in my previous work place.
I would be glad to show you my work if we could meet for a personal interview. I can come to your school
anytime depending on your convenience. Thank you so much for reading my letter and considering me for
the position.
Sincerely,
Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma
Attachments: Resume and Work Experience Certificate
RESUME
6. Recent floods in many metropolitan cities of the country during the monsoon season laid bare the hollowness
of the claims of the civic authorities of their preparedness. The poor had to bear the brunt of the problem
while no one was ever held accountable. Write an artical in 150-200 words on the common man's woes
during the monsoons and the need for accountability of the officials concerned. You are Sumit/Smita Verma.
10
Ans. At least five people were killed as heavy monsoon rain deluged India's financial capital Mumbai, causing
transport chaos and forcing schools and many offices to close on Wednesday.
The coastal city of more than 20 million people is the latest to be hit by floods that have ravaged South Asia
this monsoon season, affecting millions of people across India, Nepal and Bangladesh and killing over 1,200.
Authorities in Mumbai said at least five people had died since the intense rainfall began on Tuesday, making
roads impassable and briefly shutting the suburban rail network on which millions of commuters depend.
India suffers frequent flooding during the June-September monsoon season, but international aid agencies
say things are worse this year with thousands of villages cut off and people deprived of food and clean water
for days.
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The sad thing is that our government is unprepared in spite of recurring floods every year. Who gets the
blow? Not the rich, nor the politicians. But the poor people. Thousands of slum people have their lives
devastated by floods every year. Those who were already the suffering and deprived classes suffer more
deprivation. Think about poor aged people who are diseased. Think about pregnant women. Think about the
children. Their world is totally decimated and the unscrupulous government hardly does anything to restore
them.
The government should take their responsibility seriously. There should be taken steps to deal with the floods
way before the monsoon.
OR
You are Ali/Alia, Head girl/Head boy of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of
aggressive behaviour of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly about it.
Write a speech on 'Indiscipline in Schools'. (150-200 words)
Ans. Indiscipline in Schools
Indiscipline among students has become so rampart that people freely criticize them. Teachers accuse them
for want of respect. Parents are dissatisfied with them because they do not get good marks in the examination
and waste time in this and that. And if we talk about the students we see that they are angry with the
authorities, they are displeased with their teachers, their parents. Every day we read in newspaper about
strikes, incident of free fighting in educational institutions. Some- times, these incidents take so ugly turn that
they come under control by police only. At times it also happens that students are put behind bars due to their
aggressive activities.
In absence of value based education, the future of young generation seems to be gloomy. It has been seen
that when the youth finish their studies, they are half-educated and ill-paced. This situation promotes
unemployment among them. Unemployment promotes depression. Many of our students are victims of this
evil. If we want to uproot indiscipline among our youth class, basic change in the present education system is
very important.
In connection with solution of this problem there are several things which can be taken into action. First of
all education system should be reformed. We must check over-crowding in classes so that a close rapport is
established between the teachers and the students. Students must be taught the lessons of discipline and
obedience from the very beginning along with the text-books. The teachers should also learn to behave well
with the students. They should always try to give their best to the students and treat them like their own sons
and daughters. To avoid indiscipline among students, it is the duty of parents, teachers and authorities to sit
together and take some useful and appropriate actions in order to save them from getting spoiled. It is very
easy for students to go astray if not guided by their parents and schools. Hence, they must be saved at any
cost, for they are the ultimate hope of the nation.
7. "Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career." Write a debate either for or against
the motion. (120-150 words.) 10
Ans. (Against the motion) Academic excellence does not ensure success in career.
Too much emphasis is put on academic qualifications nowadays. It is said to be the sole determiner of
success in life. In India, for instance, jobs are said to be secured by only those who achieve well in their
academic performance. In my point of view, academic qualification may be vital but it is not the only factor
to ensure success in life of an individual as the ability and the will power of oneself are also the determiners
of success. Success cannot only be measured by academic qualification as the skill and ability of oneself
should be considered as well. Skills can be categorized in many ways, for example, social skills, language
skills, and computer skills. It is not guaranteed that an individual with the most A’s or perfect grades will get
a job as some employers may employ workers based on their skills. This is because academic qualification is
solely based on one’s performance in their respected schools, colleges or universities. It is not based on what
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
they are yet to execute in the working environment. Hence, skills are far more important in determining a
successful life in the future. Further more, the willpower of an individual is another secret to success in one’s
life. When an individual is determined to achieve a certain goal or vision in their life, they will undeniably be
victorious in their future. This does not matter whether they have a good academic qualification or not as not
all people with great educational background turned out successful. The power of one’s determination can be
seen in the success story of Bill Gates. He dropped out from Harvard University to take that one step further
in his life by working hard to achieve his vision in his famous computer software, Microsoft. Thus,
willpower plays an important role in achieving success in life. In conclusion, I firmly believe that excellence
in academic qualification does not ensure success in life. Skills, ability and willingness to work hard in one’s
life are the main factors that canguarantee a successful future. Academic qualification is only a way to
recognize a person’s strength. Thus, it should not be made as the sole determiner of success in life. As the
famous quote goes, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way ‘, there is always a chance for everyone to be
successful in life as long as they are willing to take on the challenge.
OR
MMD School, Nashik, recently organised a science symposium on the topic : 'Effect of pollution on quality
of life'. You are Amit/Amita Raazdan, editor of the school magazine. Write a report on the event for your
school magazine. (120-150 words)
Ans. The two days Regional Level CBSE Science Symposium with the theme "Effect of Pollution on the
Quality of Life" was hosted by MMD School, Nashik on 16-17th August. The event saw young enthusiastic
participants from different parts of the state putting up 72 participatory exhibits displaying how
environmental pollution is impacting our life.
The programme was inaugurated by Col. Vashishth, a dignitory of MMD School Management. He was very
impressed by the presentations and congratulated the participants.
The exhibits by the different schools were indeed eye openers .
Elaborate seminars, debate sessions and group discussions were held. The students not only expressed their
concern about the environmental pollution but also suggested various effective solutions which if executed
will lengthen the life of the earth.
In the Valedictory Function organized on 17th August, the eminent judges comprising of Dr. R.
Krishnamurthy (Director and Professor > Bhagwan Mahavir College), Dr V. Kumar ( A Research Scientist
and Head of Cotton at Main Cotton Research station at Navsari Agricultural University). Prof. Niteen Patel
(Head of Electronics and Communication Department, SVNIT) and Dr. R. A Christian (Associate Professor
and Dean-Faculty Welfare, SVNIT) gave their judgement after inspecting each project on their own merit.
All the participants were presented with certificates and momentos. The students of the host school also
portrayed rich cultural heritage of the state enacted a Nukkad Natak on environmental pollution.
The judges applauded the students for their novel ideas which would help the world to become a much better
place to live in. Mrs. Sunita Matoo, Principal, MMD School, thanked all the participating teams for making
this event a success and appreciated their novel projects.
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OR
....On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
(a) Name the poem and the poet.
Ans. It’s “Elementary School Classroom in a Slum” penned by Stephen Spender.
(b) "Listening to them, I see two distinct w orlds..... " In the context of Mukesh, the bangle maker's son,
which two worlds is Anees Jung referring to ?
Ans. The two worlds that the author refers to are those represented by Mukesh’s parents and Mukesh
respectively. Mukesh has the courage to dream big in spite of all adversity, whereas the other bangle
makers of Firozabad have resigned to their fate, and have suppressed all their hopes and desires. Mukesh
refuses to follow the ‘God-given lineage’ of bangle making and wants to be a motor mechanic when he
grows up.
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
(c) Though the sharecroppers of Champaran received only one-fourth of the compensation, how can the
Champaran struggle sitll be termed a huge success and victory ?
Ans. Even though they obtained only one fourth of the compensation, yet it was a huge success because it
made the peasants intrepid. Until now, they had never dared to resist the Britishers, but today they came
out on the road in multitudinous crowds. This was declaring the end of terror. It can be termed as a
success because it liberated the peasants from slavery to fear.
(d) Which article in Mcleery's suitcase played perhaps the most significant role in Evans' escape and how ?
Ans. It was the blood that Mcleery brought in a rubber tube that perhaps palyed the most important role in ht
eesacpe of Evans. It was this blood that helped Evans to make himself up as a parson just before his
escape. He offered to help the detective.
There was no point of suspecting a dying parson who is willing to pledge his own life that Evans’ (the
bleeding parson’s) offer to guide detective Carter was accepted without any objection.
(e) Why does Derry's mother not want him to go back to visit Mr. Lamb ?
Ans. Derry’s mother claims to have heard many things about Mr Lamb. She has been told and warned by the
people. She thinks he is not a good person. She asks Derry not to go back there. Derry asks her not to
believe all she hears. He is determined to go there.
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
OR
Fear is something that we must leam to overcome if we want to succeed in life. How did Douglas get over
his fear of water ?
Ans. Fear cripples and paralyses us. It does not let us make efforts to succeed. We must overcome it to be
successful.
Douglas fully realised the truth of Roosevelt’s statement, “All we have to fear is fear itself.”
To overcome his fear of water, Douglas finally decided to get an instructor to learn swimming. The instructor
started working with him five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt around Douglas. A
rope was attached to the belt that went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. The instructor held on
to the end of the rope and , along with Douglas went back and forth, across the pool, hour after hour, day
after day, week after week. On each trip across the pool a bit of panic seized Douglas. It took almost three
months before the tension reduced.
Then the instructor taught him to put his face under the water and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale. For
weeks, his instructor made him kick with his legs. Until, he was able to command his legs at his will.
In this way, piece by piece, his instructor made Douglas a swimmer. When Douglas perfected each piece, his
instructor put them together into an integrated one. As a result, in nearly six months Douglas was able to
swim, dive, crawl and so on.
At the end of the storytelling session, why does Jack consider himself caught in an ugly middle position ?
Ans. Jack feels that he has been caught in an ugly middle position physically, emotionally as well as mentally. The
woodwork, a cage of mouldings and rails and skirting boards all around them was half old tan and half new
ivory. He was conscious of his duties as a father and as a husband. Little Bobby was already asleep. His
efforts to make Jo fall asleep proved quite fatiguing. She kept on interrupting him, asking for clarifications,
pointing errors and suggesting alternatives. Jack did not like that women should take anything for granted.
He liked them to be apprehensive. So he extended the story, though he was in a haste to go down stairs and
help his pregnant wife in her hard work of painting the woodwork. The result of the extension to the story
proved unfruitful and unpleasant for Jo, Jack and Clare. Jo wanted him to change the ending of the story.
Clare complained that he had told a long story. Jack felt utter weariness and did not want to speak with his
wife or work with her or touch her. He was really caught in an ugly middle position.
OR
It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life. How
did zitkala-Sa face oppression as a child and how did she overcome it ?
Ans. Since the day, the author was taken away from her mother, she had suffered extreme indignities. People had
stared at her. She had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. Her blanket had been removed from
her shoulders. She felt that she was immodestly dressed. She was so shocked and oppressed that she felt like
sinking to the floor. Later, her soft moccasins were taken away. These were the traditional footwear of the
local Indian American. They were replaced by squeaking shoes. She saw other Indian girls in stiff shoes and
tightly sticking dresses. The small girls wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. The worst indignity she
suffered was the cutting of her long hair. The coward’s shingled hair made her moan with anguish. She felt
she was not a human being but one of the little animals driven by a herder. The systematic erosion of their
culture and disrespect to women was quite oppressive.
She couldn’t overcome in her childhood but the seeds of rebellion were sowed. Later she overcame in her
life.
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
How does the perception and attitude of the villagers of Raveloe towards Silas Marner change from the
beginning to the end of the noval ?
Ans. The change in the villagers' perception of Silas was very gradual and directly proportional to the changes in
Silas, himself.
At first they thought that Silas was scary, enigmatic, even mean and unapproachable. This was because Silas
himself had made himself unapproachable, isolated, and prone to enigma with his attitude towards people
and his lack of interest in being part of the community.
When the day came that his gold was stolen, Silas began to lose his mind, ventured out of the house and
ended up at the Rainbow Inn in a form of panic attack- which caused panic in a way in those present.
When he began to accuse people, he was angry so he made them angry as well.
But when he finally cowed down and broke down, his pain was so sincere, and his frustration so evident that
he touched the hearts of the people. They immediately quit their ideas about him and saw a very real person,
immensely wounded and who has hit rock bottom.
Then, compassion hit because they saw themselves in his position, identified with him greatly, and offered
their condolences and help to at least bring him back to sanity.
In general, the people of Raveloe brought together the most significant characteristics of a close-knit
community: Charity, cooperation, and unity because nevertheless they were clearly aware that Silas Marner
was still one of them, regardless of being an isolated person. Silas was part of Raveloe.
OR
How do you perceive Dr. Kemp based on his interaction with Griffin ? (The Invisible Man)
Ans. Griffin and Dr Kemp were old acquaintances and both were scientists. However, Griffin wanted to establish
a reign of terror and Dr Kemp thought about the social conditions of the future. Griffin was an eccentric
scientist. He wanted to smite everyone who came in his way. On the other hand, Dr Kemp thought of the
greater good. Even before Griffin had mentioned his sinister plans, Dr Kemp had decided to turn him over to
the police. After hearing his plans, Dr Kemp was shocked. Realising the threat that Griffin posed to the
society, he was hell-bent upon capturing him. Therefore, it is not right to call Dr Kemp a traitor. Though he
had cheated Griffin, he was thinking about the betterment of the society. He wanted to save the society from
the devil that Griffin was.
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CBSE-XII-2018 EXAMINATION
OR
"Misdirected and self-serving ambition essentially remains an exercise in futility." Describe Griffin's
character in the light of the above statement.
Ans. Griffin is the model of science without humanity. He begins his road to decline in college when he becomes
so obsessed with his experiments that he hides his work lest anyone else should receive credit. When he runs
out of money, he kills his own father-a crime that makes the rest of his crimes pale in comparison. He goes
from scientist to fanatic when he begins to focus all of his attention merely on the concept of invisibility and
neglects to think about the consequences of such a condition. He may not have had any intention initially of
trying the potion on himself, but the interference of his landlord and prying neighbor lady motivate him to
cover his work and remove himself from further confrontation. The evil that he could commit does not occur
to him until after he has swallowed the potion and seen the reaction of the landlord and others. The irony is,
that his invisibility is good only for approaching unseen and for getting away. Any gains from his crimes are
useless to him. He cannot enjoy any of the normal comforts of life-such as food, clothes, and money. He
cannot eat without hiding the action, as the food in his system will render him visible. Clothes, when he is
able to wear them, must be used to cover him from head to foot in order to conceal his real “concealment’’--
hardly a comfortable state in the heat of the summer. He can steal money, but cannot spend it on his own
accord. Thus the condition that would make him invulnerable also renders him helpless.
In spite of his predicament, Griffin at no time expresses any remorse for his behavior or for the crimes, which
he merely describes as “necessary.” His only regret is frustration over not having thought about the
drawbacks of invisibility. For nearly a year, he works on trying to perfect an antidote; when time runs out for
that activity, he first tries to leave the country, and then, that plan failing, tries to find an accomplice for
himself so he can enjoy his invisibility and have all the comforts of life as well. He goes from obsession to
fanaticism to insanity.
We conclude that selfish ambition is an exercise in futility.
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
Series GBM ENGLISH (CORE) SET-1
Time : 3 Hours Code : 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 M.M. 100
General Instruction :
(i) This paper is divided into three sections : A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions
very carefully and follow them faithfully.
(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION A - (READING) 12
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
1 We sit in the last row, bumped about but free of stares. The bus rolls out of the dull crossroads of the
city, and we are soon in open countryside, with fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can see, their heads
ll facing us. Where there is no water, the land reverts to desert. While still on level ground, we see in the
distance the tall range of the Mount Bogda, abrupt like a shining prism laid horizontally on the desert
surface. It is over 5,000 metres high, and the peaks are under permanent snow, in powerful contrast to
the flat desert all around. Heaven Lake lies part of the way up this range, about 2,000 metres above see-
level, at the foot of one of the higher snow-peaks.
2 As the bus climbs, the sky, brilliant before, grows overcast. I have brought nothing warm to wear: it is
all down at the hotel in Urumqi. Rain begins to fall. The man behind me is eating overpoweringly smelly
goats' cheese. The bus window leaks inhospitably but reveals a beautiful view. We have passed quickly
from desert through arable land to pasture, and the ground is now green with grass, the slopes dark with
pine. A few cattle drink at a clear stream flowing past moss-covered stones; it is a Constable landscape.
The stream changes into a white torrent, and as we climb higher I wish more and more that I had brought
with me something warmer than the pair of shorts that have served me so well in the desert. The steam
(which, we are told, rises in Heaven Lake) disappears, and we continue our slow ascent. About noon, we
arrive at Heaven Lake, and look for a place to stay at the foot, which is the resort area. We get a room in
a small cottage, and I am happy to note that there are thick quilts on the beds.
3. Standing outside the cottage we survey our surroundings. Heaven Lake is long, sardine-shaped and fed
by snowmelt from a stream at its head. The lake is an intense blue, surrounded on all sides by green
mountain walls, dotted with distant sheep. At the head of the lake, beyond the delta of the inflowing
stream, is a massive snow-capped peak which dominates the vista; it is part of a series of peaks that
culminate, a little out of view, in Mount Bogda itself.
4. For those who live in the resort, there is a small mess-hall by the shore. We eat here sometimes, and
sometimes buy food from the vendors outside, who sell kabab and naan until the last buses leave. The
kababs, cooked on skewers over charcoal braziers, are particularly good; highly spiced and well-done.
Horse's milk is available too from the local Kazakh herdsmen, but I decline this. I am so affected by the
cold that Mr. Cao, the relaxed young man who runs the mess, lends me a spare pair of trousers, several
sizes too large but more than comfortable. Once I am warm again, I feel a pre-dinner spurt of energy —
dinner will be long in coming — and I ask him whether the lake is good for swimming in.
5. "Swimming?" Mr. Cao says. " aren't thinking of swimming, are you?"
6. "I thought I might," I confess. "What's the water like?"
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EXAMINATION
7. He doesn't answer me immediately, turning instead to examine some receipts with exaggerated interest.
Mr. Cao, with great off-handedness, addresses the air. "People are often drowned here," he says. After a
pause, he continues. "When was the last one?" This question is directed at the cook, who is preparing a
tray of mantou (squat, white steamed bread rools), and who now appears, wiping his doughy hand across
his forehead. "Was it the Beijing athlete?" asks Mr. Cao.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage complete the statements given below with the
help of the options that follow : 1×4=4
(a) One benefit of sitting in the last row of the bus was that
(i) the narrator enjoyed the bumps.
(ii) no one stared at him.
(iii) he could see the sunflowers.
(iv) he voided the dullness of the city.
Ans. (ii) no one stared at him.
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Ans. have brought nothing warm to wear
(h) Why did the narrator like to buy food from outside?
Ans. The kabales [food] are good, highly shiced and well done.
(i) What is ironic about the pair of trousers lent by Mr. Cao?
Ans. a share pair of trousers too large but more than comfortable/wants to slim in a cool take.
(j) Why did Mr. Cao not like the narrator to swim in the lake?
Ans. The lake was cold and not safe.
(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following : 1×2=2
(i) sellers (Para 4)
Answer : wondors
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 10
1 Thackeray reached Kittur along with a small British army force and a few of his officers. He thought
that the very presence of the British on the outskirts of Kittur would terrorise the rulers and people of
Kittur, and that they would lay down their arms. He was quite confident that he would be able to crush
the revolt in no time. He ordered that tents be erected on the eastern side for the fighting forces, and a
little away on the western slopes tents be put up for the familyu members of the officers who had
accompanied them. During the afternoon and evening of 20th October, the British soldiers were busy
making arrangements for these camps.
2. On the 21st morning, Thackeray sent his political assistants to Kittur fort to obtain a written assurance
from all the important officers of Kittur rendering them answerable for the important officers of Kittur
rendering them answerable for the security of the treasury of Kittur. They, accordingly, met Sardar
Gurusiddappa and other officers of Kittur and asked them to comply with the orders of Thackerary.
They did not know that the people were in a defiant mood. The commanders of Kittur dismissed the
agent's orders as no documents could be signed without sanction from Rani Chennamma.
3. Thackeray was enraged and sent for the commander of the Horse Artillery,, which was about 100 strong,
and ordered him to rush his artillery into the Fort and capture the commanders of the Desai's army.
When the Horse Artillery stormed into the fort, Sardar Gurusiddappa, who had kept his men on full
alert, promptly commanded his men to repel and chase them away. The Kittur forces made a bold front
and overpowered the British soldiers.
4. In the meanwhile, the Desai's guards had shut the gates of the fort and the British Horse Artillery men,
being completely overrun and routed, had to get out through the escape window. Rani's soldiers chased
them out of the fort, killing a few of them until they retreated to their camps on the outskirts.
5. A few of the British had found refuge in some private residences, while some were hiding in their tents.
The Kittur soldiers captured about forty persons and brought them to the palace. These included twelve
children and a few women from the British officers' camp. When they were brought in the presence of
the Rani, she ordered the soldiers to be imprisoned. For the women and children she ordered the soldiers
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
to be imprisoned. For the women and children she had only gentleness, and admonished her soldiers for
taking them into custody. At her orders, these women and children were taken inside the palace and
given food and shelter. Rani came down from her throne, patted the children lovingly and told them that
no harm would come to them.
6. She then, sent word through a messenger to Thackeray that the British women and children were safe
and could be taken back any time. Seeing this noble gesture of the Rani, he was moved. He wanted to
meet this gracious lady and talk to her. He even thought of trying to persuade her to enter into an
agreement with the British to stop all hostilities in lieu of an inam (prize) of elven villages. His offer was
dismissed with a gesture of contempt. She had no wish to meet Thackeray. That night she called Sardar
Gurusiddappa and other leading Sardars, and after discussing all the issues came to the conclusion that
there was no point in meeting Thackeray who had come with an army to threaten Kittur into submission
to British sovereignty.
On the Basis of your understanding of the above passage, complete the statements given below with the help
of the options that follow : 1×2=2
(a) Thackeray was a/an
(i) British tourist.
(ii) army officer.
(iii) advisor to the Rani of Kittur.
(iv) treasury officer.
Ans. (ii) army officer.
(d) Why did Kittur officials refuse to give the desired assurance to Thackeray?
Ans. no documents could be signed without sanction from Rani Chemamma/work ready to fight.
(g) How, in your opinion, would the British women have felt after meeting the Rani?
Ans. thankful to Rani/Rani was a noble lady.
(h) Why did the Rani refuse to meet Thackeray?
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EXAMINATION
Ans. there was no point in meeting Thackeray who had come to threaten Kittur.
(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following : 1×2=2
(i) aggressive/refusing to obey (Para 2)
Answer : dismissed
(ii) entered forcibly (Para 3)
Answer : stromed
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 8
The most alarming of man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers and sea
with lethal materials. This pollution is for the most part irrevocable; the chain of evil it initiates is for the
most part irreversible. In this contamination of the environment, chemicals are the sinister partners of
radiation in changing the very nature of the world; radiation released through nuclear explosions into the air,
comes to the earth in rain, lodges into the soil, enters the grass or corn, or wheat grown there and reaches the
bones of a human being, there to remain until his death. Similarly, chemicals sprayed on crops lie long in
soil, entering living organisms, passing from one to another in a chain of poisoning and death. Or they pass
by underground streams until they emerge and combine into new forms that kill vegetation, sicken cattle, and
harm those who drink from once pure wells.
It took hundreds of millions of years to produce the life that now inhabits the earth and reach a state of
adjustment and balance with its surroundings. The environment contains elements that are hostile as well as
supporting. Even within the light of the sun, there are short-wave radiations with power to injure. Given time,
life has adjusted and a balance reached. For time is the essential ingredient, but in the modern world there is
no time.
The rapidity of change and the speed with which new situations are created follow the heedless pace of man
rather that the deliberate pace of nature. Radiation is no longer the bombardment of cosmic rays; it is now the
unnatural creation of man's tampering with the atom. The chemicals to which life is asked to make
adjustments are no longer merely calcium and silica and copper and all the rest of the minerals washed out of
the rocks and carried in the rivers to the sea; they are the synthetic creations of man's inventive mind, brewed
in his laboratories, and having no counterparts in nature.
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and
sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary — minimum four) and a format you
consider suitable. 5
Ans. Title : Man's assaults upon the environment
1. Assults upon nature
1.I Pollution
1.I [a] air
[b] river
[c] sea
1.II Chain of evil
1.II [a] Chemi. assult
[b] redi. of nuc. expt.
1.III Impact on :
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EXAMINATION
1.III [a] rain
[b] soil
[c] bones human Being
[d] crops
2. Life on earth :
2.I millions years to produce
2.II a state of adjustment
2.III elements
2.III [a] hostile
2.III [b] supporting
3. Rapid Changes :
3.I Rediation – kombet
3.I [a] unnatural creation
3.II The chemicals
3.II [a] Ca
[b] Silica
[c] Cu
3.III Man's inuentino mind
Key to abbreviations
1. Chemi – Chemical
2. Nuc. – Nuclear
3. Expl. – Explosions
4. Hum.Be. – Human being
5. Komlet – Bombardment
6. Ca – Calcium
7. Cu – Copper
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
SECTION B – (WRITING SKILLS) 30
4. Your friend, P.V. Sathish, has invited you to attend the wedding of his sister, Jaya. You find that you have an
important paper of pre-board examination on the day of the wedding. Thus you cannot attend the event.
Write in about 50 words a formal reply to the invitation expressing your regret. You are Punnet/Puneeta Vij,
M-114, Fort Road, Chennai.
OR
You are Vikram/Sonia, an electronics engineer who has recently returned from the U.S. and looking for a
suitable job in the IT industry. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the Situations Wanted column of
a national newspaper. Your contact number is 9193010203.
Ans. 1/1 Formal reply to the invitation marks
OR
An advertisement
1/2 Notice
OR
A poster
Format – 1
Format – 2
Format – 1
1/3 A formal reply to the invitation
OR
An advertisement
5. Mountview Public School, Kalka is run by an NGO to give quality education to the children of the deprived
sections of society. The Principal of the school feels that blackboards in the classrooms need to be replaced.
She decides to ask the chairperson of the NGO named 'Education for All' for funds. Write her letter in 120 —
150 words. Her name is Shaweta Pandit.
OR
National Book Trust organized a week-long book fair at Anna Grounds, Chennai. You visited the fair and
bought a few books. You were pleased with the arrangements, enthusiasm of the visitors and the fact that
books have not yet lost their relevance in the world of the Internet. Write a letter in 120 – 150 words to the
editor of a local newspapaer to express your feelings. You are Lalit/Latha, 112, Mount Road, Chennai.
Ans. 1/1 A letter to the chairperson of NGO.
OR
A letter to the Editor
1/2 A letter to by commissioner (traffic)
OR
A Job application with resume.
1/3 A letter to the chairperson of NGO.
OR
A letter to the Editor
Marks
1. Format
[a] Sender's address,
[b] date,
[c] receivers address,
[d] subject,
[e] body,
[f] salutation
[g] complimentory close
2. Content
3. Expression
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
6. Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become tomorrow depends
on what our youth dream today. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on 'What I want to be in life'. You are
Simranjit/Smita. 10
OR
History Society of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Krishna Nagar Sent a group of students to visit a place of historical
interest. You, Anant/Anita, were its leader. Write a report in 150 – 200 words for the school newsletter on the
tour, describing the place, its history, how you reached there and all that you have learnt.
Ans. 1/3
An article
1/1, 1/2 'What I want to be in life'
Marks
1. Format – 1
2. Content – 4
3. Expression – 5 [Total = 10]
Suggested value points
– aimless life is death
– aim – doctor, officer, businessman etc.
– successful person
– cultured citizen
OR
A report on – 'A visit to a place of historical interest'
– historical places.
– School tour by bus / Gain
– no. of students / teacher
– What they want there
– Memorable events / time
– help by history teacher / guide
1/3 An article
Beautiful mind, better than a fair complexion
– Suggested value points
– Internal beauty in long lasting
– More than 70% of your personality is covered by your thinking, skills 'n' your lechariour
– the west, people like to be tanned
– fair complexion, only skin deep
– beautiful mind
– attitude to life.
OR
Report on 'an accident suggested value points'
– School's situated near a road intersection
– bus at great speed overturned
– Senior students formed, at once, a rescue team
– rescued many inquired passengers
– hospitalized 20 passengers
– me 'n' my friend Rahul were the first comers
7. Holi is a festival of colours. It expresses pure and simple joy. Sometimes we start throwing coloured water
and that too on strangers. As the Head boy / girl of your school write a speech in 150 – 200 words that you
will deliver in the morning assembly of your school, describing why Holi is played and how it should be
played.
OR
"It is cruel to put stray dogs to sleep." Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion.
Ans. Speech / Debate speech
1. Format – opening address 'n' conclusion – 1
2. Content – 4
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
3. Expression – 5
1/1, 1/3 Speech on 'Holi is a festival of colours suggested value points'
– Holi is a festival of colours
– a festival of lone 'n' happiness
– spirit of brotherhood.
– being coloured, we get feshness
– all evil feelings burns with holika
– should celebrate with happiness 'n' the spirit of brotherhood
– drinking must do beamed
OR
Debate speech
Topic : It is cruel to put stray dogs to sleep
For or against the motion suggested value points
– animals too need lone 'n' care.
– Earth is home for animals too
– dogs are loyal and useful animals
– street dogs are to face the hardship of weather
– they too need covering, food, care.
– dogs are good outdoors.
– dogs indoors means many illnesses
– finally animals are animals.
1/2 Speech
Topic : Mosquitoes caused diseases can sometimes prove to be fatal
Suggested Value Points
– Health is wealth
– after rainy season-mosquitoes start breading
– the diseases are malaria, dengue, chikungunya etc.
– awareness must be risen up
– Protection is the best cure
– We should take powerful steps
OR
Debate Speech
Topic : A career counselor is the best person to guide you in the choice of a career
For or against the motion
Suggested Value Points
– Every student has to have his/her aim
– Students are immature
– Today there are many options for career
– A career counselor is a joined one
– helps to get the right track
– Everyone known his/her faculty butter
– parents may be better guide.
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CBSE-XII-2017 EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION
SECTION C - (TEXT BOOKS AND LONG READING TEXT) 40
8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : 1×4=4
At back of the dim class
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream,
Of squirrel's game, in tree room, other than this.
(a) Why is the class dim?
(b) How is the young child different from others?
(c) What is he doing?
(d) What is a tree room?
OR
Aunt Jennifer's fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand.
(a) What is Aunt Jennifer doing with her wool?
(b) Why does she find it difficult to pull her ivory needle?
(c) What does 'wedding band' stand for?
(d) Describe the irony in the third line.
Ans. 1/1, 1/2, 1/3
[a] dull colour / dim light
[b] dreamy / alive / tatented
[c] line in a dream
[d] squirrels game
OR
[a] knitting
[b] because of the massive weight of uncle's wedding band.
[c] marriage
[d] marriage means a helping hand / help here massive weight.
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EXAMINATION
[d] marine life safe / human life is safe.
[e] to kill 100 tigers / to kill remaining 30 tigers.
[f] to punish the wizard / to get back shank's true identity.
1/2
[a] 'This is your last franch lesson' he was happy / he was sad / no punishment, no home work.
[b] he didn't know how to swim / he was losing his hope.
[c] fear of separation / losing her mother
[d] seeds beneath earth become plants later on
[e] shows caring airs / welcome him
[f] no tiger was there, married with the princess having high tiger population in her state.
1/3
[a] parents sent the children to work than school M. Hamel gave up classes many times for fishing 'n'
picnic.
[b] by the mishap honing / he was thrown to the deep end of the pool.
[c] smile symbolizes here her helplessness
[d] most more indoors / line for introspect / such become plank later on
[e] he did not get the 100th tiger there
[f] apple tree garden with weeds, because of the kids.
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EXAMINATION
11. Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words :
In India, the so-called lower castes have been treated cruelly for a long time. Who advised Bama to fight
against this prejudice, when and how?
OR
To choose between professional loyalty and patriotism was a dilemma for Dr. Sadao. How did he succeed in
betraying neither?
Ans. – Caste discrimination in India
– Bama's elder brother / Anna
– Bama saw the strange scene in the market / a man carrying food in a strange way
– hurt by it [the scene]
– to be educated / to be a big shot.
OR
– for Dr. Sadao, to be a true doctor and to be a true / loyal Japanees was a dilemma
– POW came and fall down in front of Dr's house.
– Dr. doctor in Sadao wins
– Saved the POW's life.
– Reported to the general.
– General for got his wards
– Sadao provided POW food, cloths, boat etc.
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CBSE-XII-2016 EXAMINATION
SECTION A - (READING)
(MARKS : 30)
1. Read the passage given below :
1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur
during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an
immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism.
Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of
Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom,
as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and
less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding
down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of
Mewar.
2. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent
and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its
establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana
Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached
Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through
victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily.
Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence even today. The
ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These
accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition sustained by several generations.
3. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time;
otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is
reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable
physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful
and liberal character of its people.
4. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but also
in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are
testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture.
Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and
artists did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha which
is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti
Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was which allowed people from
other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the
debate whether the Vijay Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the
capitals are standing side by side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
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5. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the
kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of
Mewar - the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was
running against the stream and the glorious traditions for sometime.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer each of the questions given below with the
help of the options that follow : [1 x 4 = 4]
(a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because :
(i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years
(ii) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar
(iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism
(iv) both (ii) and (iii)
Ans. (iv)
Ans. (iii)
(c) During thorny occasions :
(i) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered
(ii) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high
(iii) the people of Mewar showed gallantry
(iv) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief
Ans. (i)
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(g) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar?
Ans. The People of Mewar are loving and pleasant. They have cheerful and liberal character.
(i) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects?
Ans. The allowance to the people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry all the construction
work near the Vijay Stambha, symbolic of victory shows that the rulers cared for their subjects.
(j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify?
Ans. It reveals the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
(k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following : [1 x 2 = 2]
(i) surprising (para 4)
(ii) evidence (para 4)
Ans. (i) Astonishing
(ii) Testimony
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CBSE-XII-2016 EXAMINATION
5. The mother carries its cubs about by holding them by the scruff of their neck in its mouth. It trains them to
stalk, and teaches them how to deliver the bite of death to the prey. The cubs learn to treat all and sundry
with suspicion at their mother's heels. Instinctively the cubs seek seclusion, keep to cover and protect their
flanks by walking along the edge of the forest.
6. I have never had an opportunity to watch mother panther train its cubs. But in Pilibhit forests, I once saw a
tigress giving some lessons to its little ones. I was sitting over its kill at Mala. As the sun set, the tigress
materialized in the twilight behind my machan. For about an hour, it scanned and surveyed the entire area
looking and listening with the gravest concern. It even went to the road where my elephant was awaiting my
signal. The mahout spotted it from a distance and drove the elephant away.
7. When darkness descended upon the scene and all was well and safe. The tigress called its cubs by emitting a
low haa-oon. The cubs, two in number and bigger than a full-grown cat, soon responded. They came trotting
up to their mother and hurried straight to the kill in indecent haste. The mother spitted at them so furiously
that they doubled back to its heels immediately. Thereafter, the mother and its cubs sat under cover about 50
feet (15 m) away from the kill to watch, wait, look, and listen. After about half an hour's patient and
fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say 'paid for'. At this signal, the cubs cautiously advanced, covering
their flanks, towards the kill. No longer did they make a beeline for it, as they had done before.
8. The mother sat watching its cubs eat, and mounted guard on them. She did not partake of the meal.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage complete the statement given below with the help of options
that follow : [1 x 2 = 2]
(a) To protect its cubs the mother panther hides them :
(i) among rocks
(ii) branches of the trees
(iii) behind the tree trunks
(iv) at its heels
Ans. (iv)
(d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not born blind?
Ans. They may drift away from the place of safety in which they are lodged by their mother, and expose
themselves to the danger of their being devoured by hyenas, jackals and other predators.
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(g) From the narrator's observation what do we learn about the nature of the tigress?
Ans. She alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It keeps them out of the reach of the impulsive and impatient male
(h) Why does the panther not face the risk of extinction?
Ans. To ensure its perpetuity for all time to come it procreates sufficiently profusely.
(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following : [ 1 x 2 = 2]
(i) moving aimlessly (para 3)
(ii) came down/fell (para 7)
Ans. (i) Drifting
(ii) Descended
3. Read the passage given below: [8]
People tend to amass possessions, sometimes without being aware of doing so. They can have a delightful
surprise when they find something useful which they did not know they owned. Those who never have to
change house become indiscriminate collectors of what can only be described as clutter. They leave
unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for years in the belief that they may one day need them.
Old people also accumulate belongings for two other reasons, lack of physical and mental energy, and
sentiment. Things owned for a long time are full of associations with the past, perhaps with the relatives who
are dead, and so they gradually acquire a sentimental value.
Somethings are collected deliberately in an attempt to avoid wastage. Among these are string and brown
paper, kept by thrifty people when a parcel has been opened. Collecting small items can be a mania. A lady
cuts out from newspapers sketches of model clothes that she would like to buy if she had money. As she is
not rich, the chances are that she will never be able to afford such purchases. It is a harmless habit, but it
litters up her desk.
Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different and has many advantages. It provides relaxation for leisure
hours, as just looking at one's treasure is always a joy. One doesn't have to go out for amusement as the
collection is housed at home. Whatever it consists of - stamps, records first editions of books, chinathere is
always something to do in connection with it, from finding the right place for the latest addition to verifying
facts in reference books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject. But also in general matters
which have some bearing on it.
There are other benefits also. One gets to meet like-minded collectors to get advice, compare notes, exchange
articles, to show off one's latest find etc. So one's circle of friends grows. Soon the hobby leads to traveling,
perhaps a meeting in another town, possibly a trip abroad in search of a rare specimen, for collectors are not
confined to one country. Over the years one may well become an authority on one's hobby and will probably
by asked to give informal talks to little gatherings and then, if successful, to larger audiences.
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and subheadings.
Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary - minimum four) and a format you consider suitable.
Also supply an appropriate title to it. [5]
Ans. TITLE: THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCUMULATING THINGS
NOTES
1. Human Beings : habitual of accumulating things
1.1. Tend to amass possessions
1.2. Unwanted obj. used
1.3. Old people too accumulate
1.3.1. Due to lack of phy. strength
1.3.2. things associated with past
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2. Elevation of Int.
2.1. Thrifty people benefitted by collection
2.1.1. Collect string while opening parcel
2.2. Women collect newspapers sketches
3. Collection: A Great Hobby
3.1. Provides relaxation for leisure hrs.
3:2 no need to go out for amusement
3 :3 educates one in making choices
4. Benefits of collection
4.1 opportunity to meet like- minded collectors
4.2. one’s circle of friends grows
4.3. leads to travelling etc.
4.4. one gains popularity over the yrs.
Key to the Abbreviations
1.Obj. - Object
2.Phy. - Physical
3 .Int. - Interests
4. Etc. - Et cetera
5. Yrs- Years
Marking Scheme
1. Title 1marks
2. Notes 3 marks
3. Abbreviations 1 mark
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. [3]
Ans. Coherence, spellings grammar, sequence correct understanding of the content, and punctuation
OR
On 30th November your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You want Mr. Dhanraj Pillai, a noted
hockey player to give away the prizes to the budding sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in
about 50 words requesting him to grace the occasion. You are Karuna/Karan, Sports Secretary, Sunrise
Global School, Agra.
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CBSE-XII-2016 EXAMINATION
Ans. Invitation
Sunrise Global School
ABC Road
Agra
Dear Sir
We are glad to inform you that the Annual Sports Day is going to be organized on 30th November 20XX. We
would be highly honored if you kindly consent to preside over the function and give away the prizes to the
budding sportspersons of the school.
5. Along with air and water pollution, our cities are also under an attack of noise pollution. Marriage
processions, DJs during wedding receptions, loud music from neighbourhood flats etc. are all sources of
noise which is not good for the old, the ailing and students. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a
local newspaper describing the problem and making a request to the concerned authorities to solve it. You
are Karan/Karuna, M 114, Mall Road, Delhi. [6]
Ans. LETTER
Format : Writer’s add, date, receiver’s add, subject, salutation, complimentary close 1 mark
Content 3 marks
Expression- Coherence and relevance, grammar and spellings 2 marks
Noise Pollution
Value Points
- The highlights of the problem of noise pollution caused due to the marriage processions, DJs during
wedding receptions etc.
- Nobody can claim a fundamental right to create noise
- A cause of suffering and pain for the old, the ailing and the students.
- The offenders are detected as violating the rules.
- Should be liable to be seized and confiscated.
Requesting the concerning authorities to look into the matter and do the needful / stern action to be taken
against the offenders.
OR
In all big cities road rage has become a serious problem. A minor scratch, a little push, or a small brushing
past can lead to a scuffle sometimes resulting even in murder. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Police
Commissioner giving your views on the problem and its solutions. You are Karuna/Karan, M 114, Mall
Road, Delhi.
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6. 'The Internet cannot replace a classroom teacher'. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the
motion.
Debate: “The Internet cannot replace a Classroom Teacher”
For the Motion
Format: 1 mark
Content — Value points 4 marks
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OR
Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic , 'Water, a valuable
asset, conservation at home and at school'. You are Karuna/karan.
Ans. Speech: “Water a Valuable Asset”
Format : 1 mark
Content --- Value points 4 marks
7. For admission to colleges, there is a lot of competition today. For one available seat, there are hundreds of
candidates. Such a situation leads to stress on the minds of students in the schools. However, the practice of
Yoga can help them to feel calm and stress free. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, 'Importance
of Yoga to students'. You are Karan/Karuna. [10]
Ans. Article The Importance of Yoga to Students
- The ancient practice of yoga offers a multitude of benefits to modern day students.
- Yoga’s combination of breath & movement helps alleviate social & academic stress, clear the mind etc.
- Helps students get along better with one another fostering a more positive learning environment.
- Serves a preventive role in adolescent mental health.
- Combines strength and flexibility exercise with relaxation & meditation.
- Practicing yoga leads to considerable positive effects.
OR
While watching TV what we generally dislike most are commercial breaks, yet, a number of advertisements
do add to our information. Write an article in 150-200 words on 'Advertisements as a source of information'.
You are Karuna/Karan.
Ans. Article Advertisements as a Source of Information
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CBSE-XII-2016 EXAMINATION
(b) Which two activities does the poet want us to stop? [1]
Ans. The poet wants us to stop moving and remain quiet and not to speak any language so that peace and
tranquility can prevail in the world.
(c) What does the poet mean by 'let's not speak in any language'? [1]
Ans. Language breeds discrimination. If we don’t speak all these discriminations will wither way.
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(d) Identify and name the figure of speech used in these lines. [1]
Ans. Simile- ashen like that of a corpse.
9. Answer any four the following questions in 30-40 words each : [3 x 4 = 12]
(a) 'All we have to fear is fear itself. When did Douglas learn this lesson?
Ans. To conquer his old terror of water, Douglas went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire and swam for two
miles across the lake to Stamp Lake Island--- felt the old terror return but confronted it and swam on---
practiced the crawl, the breast stroke, side stroke, and back stroke--- swam across Warm Lake to the other
shore and back. It was only then that he was sure of having conquered his fear of water.
(b) Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?
Ans. In the uncertain glow of the furnace the ironmaster had mistaken the tramp for Captain Nils Olof ,an old
regimental comrade--- thought of making his future secure and comfortable— Spoke kindly to him and even
invited him home.
(c) How is 'Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example for the children of the school in a slum?
Ans. Shakespeare an epitome of literary excellence— for slum children wicked as no learning takes place there—
- slum children confined to narrow streets — so map a bad example.
(d) What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we find in the poem, 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'?
Ans. The poem brings out the struggles for survival of women at large— deep conflicts of bondage and freedom
have been reduced to gender conflicts.
(e) What was his German teacher's opinion of Evan's proficiency in German?
Ans. Evan sat for the O level German examination--- not so proficient in German--- no genuine interest--- the
German teacher who was actually a friend of Evans taught him basics as a means of escape from the prison.
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OR
Attempt a character sketch of Eppie.
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