Page 1 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

Sample Paper 5
Class XII Exam 2023-24
English-Core (301)
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt question based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A-READING SKILLS 22

Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text. 12

1. No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing word sequences
and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to communicate tiny variations in
meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state whether an action has taken place or is soon
to take place, and perform many other word tricks to convey subtle differences in meaning. Nor is this
complexity inherent to the English language. All languages, even those of so-called ‘primitive’ tribes
have clever grammatical components. The Cherokee pronoun system, for example, can distinguish
between ‘you and I, ‘several other people and I’ and ‘you, another person and I. In English, all these
meanings are summed up in the one, crude pronoun ‘we. Grammar is universal and plays a part in every
language, no matter how widespread it is. So the question which has baffled many linguists is - who
created grammar?
2. At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar is created,
someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation, documenting its emergence. Many
historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to earlier languages, but in order
to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed, the researcher needs to observe
how languages are started from scratch. Amazingly, however, this is possible.
3. Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves from
a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under colonizer’s rule. Since they had
no opportunity to learn each others’ languages, they developed a make-shift language called a pidgin.
Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the landowner. They have little in the way of
grammar, and in many cases it is difficult for a listener to deduce when an event happened, and who
did what to whom. Speakers need to use circumlocution in order to make their meaning understood.
Interestingly, however, all it takes for a pidgin to become a complex language is for a group of children
to be exposed to it at the time when they learn their mother tongue. Slave children did not simply copy
the strings of words uttered by their elders, they adapted their words to create a new, expressive language.
Complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles, and they are invented by
children.

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Page 2 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

4. Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages are not simply
a series of gestures; they utilise the same grammatical machinery that is found in spoken languages.
Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The creation of one such language was
documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf people were isolated from each other, but
in 1979 a new government introduced schools for the deaf. Although children were taught speech and
lip reading in the classroom, playgrounds, they began to invent their own sign system, using the gestures
that they used at home. It was basically a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently, and there was
no consistent grammar. However, children who joined the school later, when this inventive sign system
was already around, developed a quite different sign language. Although it was based on the signs of the
older children, the younger children’s language was more fluid and compact, and it utilised a large range
of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the children used the signs in the same way.
A new creole was born.
5. Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at first. The
English past tense-ed ending may have evolved from the verb ‘do’ It ended’ may once have been ‘It end-
did. Therefore it would appear that even the most widespread languages were partly created by children.
Children appear to have innate grammatical machinery in their brains, which springs to life when they
are first trying to make sense of the world around them. Their minds can serve to create logical, complex
structures, even when there is no grammar present for them to copy.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. Why did the narrator say that it is impossible to say who created grammar? Answer in about 40 words. 2

ii. Complete the following sentence appropriately. 1

The language created by children of slaves with complex grammar system is called _____.

iii. All the following sentences about Nicaragua sign language are true EXCEPT : 1
(a) The language incorporates signs which children used at home.
(b) The language is based on speech and lip reading.
(c) The language has been created since 1979.
(d) The language was perfected by younger children.

iv. Sign language is not simply a series of gestures because 1

(a) they were basically pidgin
(b) they incorporated the same grammatical system found in spoken languages
(c) they were developed from the English language
(d) children developed it with lip reading system

v. What was the main disadvantage of the sign language used in the schools for deaf in 1979? 1

vi. Which word in para 3 have the same meaning as “extrapolate”? 1

(a) Complex
(b) Opportunity
(c) Evolved
(d) Deduce

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Page 3 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

vii. “Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade:’ Justify this statement in
about 40 words. 2

viii. How do children play a role in the creation of a language? Answer in about 40 words. 2

ix. The pidgin language was created so that _____. 1

1. colonisers can speak to the slaves
2. slaves can learn new languages
3. slaves with different languages could communicate with one another
4. to improve existing language of the land owners
5. slaves with different languages could not communicate with one another.
(a) only 1 (b) 2 and 5
(c) only 3 (d) 3 and 4

2. Read the following text. 10

1. Travel today, whether for purposes of business or leisure, takes up 25-30% of the annual budget of
family, according to a survey conducted in 2021.
2. Today, it is trending to spend money on experiences rather than consumables. Travel is no longer looked
at as just visiting a new place. It underlines an ethos, a culture, a pandora’s box full of surprises. People
who love to travel enjoy relaxation, new cultures, foreign food or incredible landscapes different from
their normal surroundings. Some people enjoy the motion of travelling, being on a boat, plane, train
or bus. The list is endless and the reasons range from simple to complex. The study further revealed
changing trends in travel tourism. While some are serious travellers who fall under the category of
medical tourism, a large percentage are splurging on pleasure travel. When questioned on why, what are
the benefits or purpose, the responses can be categorized under a few common headings.
3. Those who do it for fun, for a sense of adventure, to take on risks and challenges are the 18-30 year-
olds. While the 30-40 years bracket couple fun with education, a thirst for knowledge and experience-to
see beautiful places, explore cultures and cuisines. They believe that an ever-changing environment
is stimulating, refreshing and brings endless learning opportunities. Those between the 40-50 years
travelled to expand their minds and challenge perspectives. They want a break from their soul-destroying
lifestyles. The 60 years and above were the NOW travellers-they feel they might drop dead the day
before they retire or be too old and unfit to travel, or take on, physical challenges. The in-between 50-60
years adopt the best of both worlds.
4. The survey concluded that travel has become an integral part of people’s lives, and it provides us our
greatest stories, our most cherished moments and countless learnings that broaden our horizons and
above all teach us about ourselves and others.
Age-wise distribution of holiday-goers in percentages

Age Adventure Education Relaxation Now Travellers

Below 20 39 38 6 17
20 – 30 44 28 12 16
30 – 50 25 24 30 21
Above 50 8 10 40 42

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Page 4 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Infer two purposes of travelling as mentioned in the given paragraph. Answer in about 40 words. 2

ii. Which of the following options displays the most likely reason for people to make travel budgets? 1
(a) Undertake journeys that give relaxation, adventure or knowledge.
(b) Learn about new people and their language.
(c) Buy the latest designs in the market.
(d) In order to gain relief from work pressure.

iii. Do you think the researchers of the survey aimed to popularize a particular type of tourism? 1

iv. Identify the adventurous traveller from the following three travellers. 1
(a) Roshni – I love to capture photographs while travelling.
(b) Reshma – I love to travel with tight travelling budgets.
(c) Roshan – I love to explore isolated places full of challenges.

v. Which of the following is an example of an opportunity for a sense of adventure? 1

(a) Hiring a taxi or cab (b) Being a tourist
(c) Trying new things full of difficulties (d) Advance booking of the travel tickets

vi. How might the differences in purpose of travellers between adventure and education impact the age
groups offered by researchers in survey? Answer in about 40 words. 2

vii. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The similarities in the percentage of people belonging to below 20 age group who are interested in
adventure and educational travelling may be due to _____.

viii. State TRUE or FALSE. 1

The title, “Travelling for Fun”, is appropriate for this passage.

SECTION B- CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

3. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. 4

A. You lost your wristwatch in your school auditorium. Write a notice in nbt more than 50 words for your
school notice board giving a detailed description of the watch. You are Anirudh/Arundhati of class XII
of Springfield School, Pune.


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B. Your school is celebrating Grandparents’ Day next week. Write a notice in 50 words to be put up on the
school notice board informing students of the celebration and requesting them to be present with their
grandparents. You are Samir/Suman, Head Boy/Head Girl ABC Sen. Sec. School, Delhi.

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Page 5 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

4. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. 4

A. Modern Public School, Delhi is organising an inter school music competition. You have decided to invite
noted classical musician. Mohan Gandhi as the judge and guest of honour. Draft a formal invitation for
him in 50 words. You are Neeraj/Neetu, Cultural Secretary.

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B. As the principal of a reputed college, you have been invited to inaugurate a Book Exhibition in your
neighbourhood. Draft a reply to the invitation in not more than 50 words, expressing your inability to
attend the function. You are Tarun/Tanvi.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. 5

A. You are Raj/Rati, 115, Ram Nagar, Noida. Read the advertisement given below and write a letter to the
advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume, which you would send along with your
letter of application for the job. (120-150 words)
Wanted experienced Post Graduate Teacher in Chemistry to teach Classes XI and XII in a reputed
ICSE affiliated residential school. Fluency in English is a must. Working knowledge of computers is
preferable; salary commensurate with experience and expertise. Please apply to : Box No. 205, C/O The
Hindu, Noida.


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B. You have realised the necessity of education and financial independence of women for their family,
society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The National Times’ highlighting your
ideas on the importance of education of women leading to a better status for them. You are Tarun/Taruna,
B-7/9, Mall Road, Delhi (120-150 words)

6. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. 5

A. You are Anurag/Anjali, a reporter with a national daily. You have heard that a multistorey building near
the main railway station has collapsed causing panic in the area. You rush to the site of the accident along
with your team. Write a report in 120-150 words mentioning the time and place of the accident, number
of casualties, the cause of the accident and the rescue operation conducted by the authorities.

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B. There is a vast pool of women talent in our country. Given encouragement and opportunities, women can
excel in every field. They are contributing to the nation’s progress as scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs,
sports persons, etc. There is no limit to what they can achieve. Write an article in 120-150 words on
“Women Empowerment”. You are Ram/Roma.

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SECTION C- LITERATURE 40

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6
A. Now we will count to twelve
And we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
Let’s not speak in any language
Let’s stop for one second
And not move our arms so much.
(Keeping Quiet)

i. Why is the poet asking the people not to speak? 1

(a) It creates noise.
(b) The poet doesn’t like talkative people.
(c) It gives the people time to introspect their actions.
(d) There are less chances of infection.

ii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE. 1

The poet wants us to do nothing and remain inactive for one second.

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

“Not move our arms” in the given extract refers to _____.

iv. During counting to twelve, the poet wants us to remain _____. 1

v. In the given extract, the poet has used _____. 1

(a) metaphor
(b) blank verse
(c) heroic couplet

vi. Select the option that is NOT true. 1

(a) During this moment, we will forget our differences and experience a strength of togetherness.
(b) When we stop for a second, we get an opportunity to introspect our follies.
(c) We will realize the harm we are causing to the world with our words and actions.
(d) We should always remain lazy.

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B. When Aunt is dead, her temfied hands will lie
still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

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Page 7 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

i. Identify the figure of speech in ‘terrified hands’. 1

(a) Transferred epithet (b) Imagery
(c) Hyperbole (d) Synecdoche

ii. Which issue is the poet addressing through this poem? 1

iii. The rhyming scheme of the poem is _____. 1

(a) aaab (b) acad
(c) aabb (d) abca

iv. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE. 1

‘Difficulties faced by women’ is what the poet wants to deliver through this poem.

v. Aunt Jennifer’s life is ringed with ordeals. ‘Ringed’ has a significant meaning here. What is it? 1

vi. Complete the sentence given below. 1

Aunt Jennifer faced ordeals from the oppressive male _____ society.

8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 4
A. Friends everywhere. People come in .....everybody knows me. The gate’s always open. They come and
sit here. And in front of the fire in winter. Kids come for the apples and pears. And for toffee. I make
toffee with honey. Anybody comes. So have you.
(On the Face of It)

i. Why Mr. Lamb always keeps gate of his garden open? 1

ii. What does the phrase ‘gate’s always open’ show about the speaker? 1

iii. The extract shows the speaker to be _____. 1

(a) overthinker (b) genial
(c) pessimistic (d) None of these

iv. Name the writer of the given extract. 1

O
B. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among others. I told him about
the third level at Grand Central Station and he said it was a waking dream wish fulfillment. He said I
was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern world is full
of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it and that I just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t?
Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand Central
Station.
(The Third Level)

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Page 8 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

i. Why did the narrator go to a psychiatrist? 1

ii. What is ‘waking dream wish fulfillment’ according to the psychiatrist in the lesson? 1
(a) Charley’s finding, of a Third Level at Grand Central Station.
(b) Charley’s realisation of his wish to visit Galesburg Illinois.
(c) Charley’s escaping into his daydreaming everyday.
(d) Charley’s post stamp collecting habit.

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The third level, according to Charley, was _____.

iv. What does the psychiatrist explain to Charley? 1

9. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6
A. It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were more like ninety, and before I touched bottom my
lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit bottom I summoned all my strength and made what I
thought was a great spring upwards. I imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork. Instead, I came
up slowly. I opened my eyes and saw nothing but water - water that had a dirty yellow tinge to it.
(Deep Water)
i. Why did the nine feet deep pool seem ninety to Douglas? 1

ii. The expression “I imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork” implies that 1
(a) Frightened, Douglas was not able to shout for help.
(b) Douglas accepted his failure and ultimate death.
(c) Though Douglas was frightened he was not out of his wits.
(d) Douglas was afraid to die.

iii. Pick the word from the given extract which means to ‘make a quick, short movement up and down. 1

iv. What does the speaker mean by I summoned all my strength? 1

(a) That he called up his strength. (b) That he accumulated his strength.
(c) That he gathered his strength. (d) All of these

v. Where did the given event take place? 1

vi. ‘It seemed a long way down. What was the author referring to? 1

O
B. He was involved, he told the court, in a ‘conflict of duties’- on the one hand, not to set a bad example
as a lawbreaker; on the other hand, to render the ‘humanitarian and national service’ for which he had
come. He disregarded the order to leave, not ‘for want of respect for lawful authority, but in obedience
to the higher law of our being, the voice of conscience.’ He asked the penalty due.
(Indigo)

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Page 9 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

i. List any two details about Gandhiji discussed in the extract. 1

ii. Why did Gandhiji call fighting for the rights of the poor farmers ‘national service? 1
(a) Because he wanted all sharecroppers throughout the country to unite against the landlords.
(b) Because the plight of the sharecroppers was the same throughout the country.
(c) Because the sharecroppers of Champaran were leading the fight.
(d) Because the sharecroppers refused to be convinced by the commission.

iii. What was the consequence of the court proceeding? 1

iv. Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that Gandhiji disobeyed the authority. 1

v. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract? 1
(a) Gandhiji – an authoritarian (b) Gandhiji – a humanitarian and nationalist
(c) Gandhiji – a lawbreaker (d) Gandhiji – a political activist

vi. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The ‘conflict of duties’ refers to _____.

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5 # 2 = 10
i. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?
(Poets and Pancakes)

ii. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
(The Rattrap)

iii. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

iv. Describe the endless fountain of immortal drink.

(A Thing of Beauty)

v. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel ?

(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

vi. What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ convey?

(Lost Spring)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2#2 = 4
i. Why did the Maharaja decide to get married?
(The Tiger King)

ii. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the cutting of her hair?

(Memories of Childhood)

iii. What indicates that Dr. Sadao’s father was a very traditional and conventional man?
(The Enemy)

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Page 10 NODIA Sample Paper 5 CBSE XII English-Core

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5
A. Describe the difficulties the bangle makers of Firozabad have to face in their lives.
(Lost Spring)

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B. Imagine a child from the farmer’s family migrates to the city for their education. As the child, write back
to your family telling them whether you would or would not want to turn into a city-person. Use the
context of the poem “A Roadside Stand” in mind to pen down this letter.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5
A. In which section of the play does Mr Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment? What are the
ways in which Mr Lamb tries to overcome these feelings?
(On the Face of It)


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B. How did the Tiger King stand in danger of losing his Kingdom? How was he able to avert the danger?
(The Tiger King)

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