ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI

SOLUTION : PRACTICE ACTIVITY SHEET – 1

SECTION – I
Q. 1. (A)
A1. The exceptional qualities of the place were :
(1) lack of municipal lighting
(2) flare from the groundnut heap nearby
(3) hissing gaslights, some with naked flares, and some lit by old cycle lamps
(4) bewildering crisscross of light rays and moving shadows
A2. Four tactics used by the astrologer to earn his wages are :
(i) Shrewd guesswork
(ii) Study of human nature and practice at reading people
(iii) Saying things that pleased people
(iv) Transacting his business in a busy market place
A3. (1) He had not in the least intended to be an astrologer when he began life.
(2) He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was
going to happen to himself the next minute.
(3) He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers.
(4) … that was more a matter of study, practice and shrewd guesswork.
A4. Model Answer : Superstitions hinder the growth and development of society. They
create a sense of fear in us. Often, we do not put in our best efforts due to our
superstitious beliefs. For example, we may believe that wearing a lucky bracelet will
help us pass examinations without studying. Sometimes, superstitions lead to criminal
activities too. We should try to eradicate superstitious beliefs and develop a scientific
attitude.
A5. (i) (d) He had left his village with neither any previous thought nor plan.
(ii) (a) The crisscross of light rays bewildered everyone.
A6.
Word Suffix New Word
enchant ence enchantment
know ment knowledge
innocent able innocence
reason ledge reasonable
Q. 1. (B)
B1. (i) (a) Simple sentence.
(ii) (c) She said that she had lived one hour as a proud rose.
(iii) (c) David was not an abnormal child.
B2. She plays the violin so well that she can perform at concerts.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY SHEET – ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI (SOLUTIONS) : STD. XII 1

Q. 2. (A)
A1. (1) The writer’s father has now dispensed with his rigid, cold facade, because –
now he is free from the burden of bringing up his children.
(2) The children were kept on a tight leash with his stern countenance because –
he feared that the children would go astray if given any liberties.

A2. As Chennai’s climate is hot, hotter and hottest, so was the mood of the writer’s father.
Yet, like millions of Madrasis who have not only survived their city’s climate but have
also grown to love it, the writer and his siblings came to love their father the way he
was.

A3. (1) from the movement of his eyes or the few words he spoke
(2) from his rough voice
(3) his throat producing grunts and rumbles
(4) from his silence

A4. Model Answer : If my father is upset or has lost his temper, I will try to figure out
if I am a reason for it. If it’s so, I will say ‘sorry’ promptly. Even if I am scolded, I
will not argue or back-answer. I understand that my father really loves me and he
wants me to have a better life. Hence, he is upset out of concern for me. I will also
give an assurance of not repeating that mistake and will really take care of it.

A5. (i) (d) A quiet smile of satisfaction is exuded by him.

(ii) (c) He kept us on a tight leash, didn’t he?

A6. (a) having to choose between two unpleasant things – on the horns of a dilemma
(b) under strict control – on a tight leash

Q. 2. (B) Discipline
The narrator’s father played an important role in the upbringing of his children.
He raised his children with strict discipline, so that they wouldn’t go astray. The
children were scared of him during those childhood years and so didn’t ever dare to
do anything wrong or show indisciplined behaviour. They loved him but realized the
reason behind his strict approach only when they grew up as decent individuals. Their
father gave up his strict appearance at an old age. He now laughs a lot and so it is
difficult for his grandchildren to believe that their grandfather and laughter were
complete strangers once upon a time.
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Q. 2. (C) Better Broadens Enhances critical
comprehension knowledge thinking

Intellectual development

Entertainment
Social
Importance of Reading and social
connection escape

Sharing of ideas Relaxation and

Building relationships enjoyment
Fostering social skills Cultural enrichment Transportation to
different worlds
Stimulates
imagination
Exposure to Appreciation Understanding
diverse of different of different
perspectives cultures cultures
SECTION – II
Q. 3. (A)
A1.
To an unknown A person who has lost
Friends
brother hope
By helping someone By warm cheerful greetings By doing or saying something
to instil hope and courage

A2. The poet suggests that in case the readers could not make out or they were not sure
how their day was spent, they should close their eyes before going to bed and think
about it. Then they could assess their own performance. If, after assessment, the reader
is confident of a positive response from God, then he would surely have earned his
tomorrow as a gift from God. Otherwise, God might make his own decision about the
reader’s action or inaction and tomorrow might not be assured.
A3. Model answer : The poet intends to give very important message through the poem
that one should consider one’s actions and deeds carefully and plan accordingly for a
better future. One’s life is meaningful only if it is useful to humanity at large. The
poet says that one’s conscience has to know if one’s existence is justified. Or else, he
or she should not feel he/she has the right to ask for one more day of life.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY SHEET – ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI (SOLUTIONS) : STD. XII 3

 A4. Alliteration :
The sound of the letter ‘t’ is repeated pleasingly.

A5. Gratefulness
One is never sad and empty
Who is full of gratitude to almighty
The soul is close to God
When it is full of thankful nod.
Q. 3. (B) Appreciation of the poem :
Walt Whitman’s ‘Song of the Open Road’ is taken from the poet’s collection of
poems ‘Leaves of Grass’. The poem is about starting the journey of life. It is a beautiful
blend of self-awareness, free will and tenderness of heart. It gives us the poet’s
realization that along the journey of life one will face a test of wisdom which is not
tested in any school or university.

The title ‘Song of the Open Road’ is most appropriate to the theme of the poem.
The road is used here as a metaphor for life. This road is open, which means there
are no limitations or restrictions.

There is nothing to stop a person who is willing to work hard. Life is open for
all to make use of. Optimism makes the heart sing with hope. So, the title ‘Song of
the Open Road’ reflects the optimism and energy of someone ready to face life,
overcome the challenges, and succeed.

Whitman is often referred to as the ‘father of free verse’. The poem does not
have any regular meter. There is no rhyme scheme and the length of the lines is
irregular. Yet Whitman uses many poetic devices.
The poem is a monologue. The poet uses figures of speech like alliteration and
repetition. The absence of rhyme scheme is an indication of ‘freedom’ as a theme in
the poem. The poet does not need any favour from the stars : nor does he need the
patronage of influential people.

The last four lines in parenthesis are the inner feelings. He has problems but he
feels he can resolve them. He calls the past as ‘delicious burdens’. They are pleasant
to remember but they can be burdensome as they can drag one back from moving on.
He says he will carry them yet move ahead. I liked the poem and found it very
positive and optimistic.
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 SECTION – III

About Self-assessment of Writing Skill Questions [i.e. Q. 4 (A) (B) (C) (D)]
While answering the writing skills questions, students are expected to write their
thoughts in their own words/language. Such answers are open-ended type. Students may
attempt these questions on their own.
Students may study the answers given in the Solved Activity Sheet and consider the
marking scheme given along with them. They may try to self-assess their own answers.
They can also get the guidance from their teacher, if necessary.
For more guidance on Writing Skills and other questions,
refer to Navneet English Writing Skills : Standards XI – XII.

SECTION ─ IV
Q. 5. (A)
(i) (a) The world ‘novella’ originated from the Italian word ‘novelle’, a type of prose
fiction.
(b) In Allegorical novel, the surface meaning is different from the symbolic meaning.
(c) Theme is the central idea in the novel which can be expressed in a nutshell.
(d) The characters in the Realistic novel interact with other characters and undergo
plausible and everyday experiences.
(ii) (1) Gulliver’s Travels – (c) Jonathan Swift
(2) Pamela – (b) Samuel Richardson
(3) The Pilgrims Progress – (c) John Bunyan
(4) Raj Mohan’s Wife – (a) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Q. 5. (B)
(i) The theme of the extract is the student-teacher relationship and the proceedings of the
half-yearly report of the students’ Council. The extract shows the improvement in the
conduct of the narrator’s students, and the increase in their level of confidence and
courtesy. It also shows the freedom and candor in student-teacher interaction in the
school. It indicates how anxious the narrator was for his students to shine, and how
happy he was when they did.
(ii) Denham in his half-yearly report programme severely criticised the general pattern of
P.T. and games. He pointed out that the P.T. activities were not properly planned. He
laid emphasis on the limitation of space and its effects on the activities. He complained
about the activities being pointless and monotonous. This report of his was received
with a loud shout by all the boys showing their agreement. During the questioning
session, he was of the opinion that exercise could only benefit the students if it is
performed daily and for longer period of time. He counter–argued Miss Phillips’

PRACTICE ACTIVITY SHEET – ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI (SOLUTIONS) : STD. XII 5

 response by stating that if what Miss Phillips stated was true, then only those students
who need P.T. should be made to take it and the boys like Denham who don’t depend
on it for the exercise, should be allowed to use the time as they see fit.

Q. 5. (C)
(i) (a) Liverpool : Liverpool is the place where Fogg disembarks from his steamer and
from where he has to catch a train to London. Liverpool is also the place where
he is arrested by Fix. Fogg misses his train here as a result of his arrest. It is in
Liverpool that he arranges a special train in an attempt to reach London on time.
Thus, Liverpool plays an important role in the development of the plot.
(b) Reform club : Reform club is a place which Fogg frequented on a regular basis.
It is at the Reform club that Fogg gets involved in an argument over an article,
and where the wager with his fellow club members takes place. It is the place
where Fogg was supposed to return to, before 8.45 p.m. on 21st December, 80 days
later. It is the place where his antagonists are waiting anxiously for him and which
he reaches at practically the last second to win his wager.
(ii) Phileas Fogg is the major character of the novel. He accepts the challenge to go
around the world in eighty days. He is very adventurous, honest, calm, honourable,
generous, very punctual, non-materialistic, and with plenty of self-respect. With his
quick thinking he finds innovative solutions to even the most complicated problems.
Though he initially lived a solitary life and cared little about other people, by the end
of the trip he recognizes the importance of human connection. Phileas Fogg is
considered as a master calculator and obsessive organiser. Due to all his qualities he
not only wins the wager but also the heart of charming Aouda.

Q. 5. (D)
(i) These words are said by Watson to Holmes when Mary Morstan had left after discussing
her case. Watson’s approach to the client is different from Holmes’. Watson is attracted
to her and full of admiration for her. When he voices his admiration, Holmes, who is
focusing on the problem, says without any trace of enthusiasm or feeling that he had
not noticed whether she is attractive or not. Watson is indignant and calls him an
unemotional calculating machine.
(ii) (i) Miss Morstan meets Holmes and Watson at their house.
(ii) Miss Morstan showed Holmes the pearls and letter.
(iii) Miss Morstan discussed her problem with Holmes and Watson.
(iv) They planned to meet the writer of the letter.

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