CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 05 Page 1

Sample Paper 05
English core (301)
Class-XII Exam 2024-25
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii This question paper contains three sections :
Section A : Reading Skills
Section B : Creative Writing Skills
Section C : Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv Seperate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 22

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12
1. The coastal town of Clearwater was famous for its peaceful beaches and calm atmosphere.
The ocean stretched far into the distance, glittering under the warm sunlight. Gentle
waves rolled onto the shore, and the sound of the sea created a soothing rhythm. By the
docks, fishermen quietly mended their nets, getting ready for the next day’s work. The
fresh, salty breeze reminded everyone of the ocean’s ever-present influence on the town’s
way of life. Tourists often came to Clearwater to enjoy its beauty, but for the locals, the
sea was not just a scenic view—it was a part of their everyday life and livelihood.
2. Clearwater was not just known for its natural beauty; it also had a rich history. One
of the most famous landmarks was the old lighthouse, standing proudly at the edge
of the town. Built more than a hundred years ago, it had once guided ships safely to
the harbor when sailors depended on its light to avoid dangerous rocks. Over time,
modern technology replaced the lighthouse’s role, but it remained a symbol of the
town’s resilience. The lighthouse represented the community’s ability to adapt while
still holding on to their past. Today, it served as a historical site, attracting visitors who
marveled at its enduring presence.
3. The heart of Clearwater was its bustling marketplace, where the energy of the town
came alive. Fishermen sold their daily catch, while farmers offered fresh produce, and
artisans displayed handmade goods. The marketplace wasn’t just about commerce; it
was a social hub where townspeople gathered, exchanged stories, and celebrated their
shared way of life. The people’s lives were deeply connected to the sea, and there was
a strong sense of pride in maintaining traditions that had been passed down through
generations.

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4. As evening approached, the town began to slow down. The setting sun cast a golden
glow over the ocean, and families gathered by the beach to watch it sink below the
horizon. In those quiet hours, the bond between the town, its people, and the sea felt
strongest, as if time itself slowed down to match the rhythm of the waves.
5. Though Clearwater had changed with the times, its connection to the sea remained
unbroken. The town’s identity had been shaped by the ocean for generations, and it
continued to be a source of life, beauty, and inspiration for all who lived there.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, what does the ocean’s salty breeze symbolize for the people
of Clearwater? 1

ii. How does the author describe the role of the lighthouse in Clearwater’s history, as
mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “a sense of pride in maintaining their traditions” in paragraph 3 suggests
that the people of Clearwater feel connected to their past and are proud to keep their
customs alive.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The phrase ‘a sense of pride’ refers to _____.
(A) the modern changes in the town
(B) the traditions shaped by the sea

iv. Complete the following with ONE reason, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The marketplace in Clearwater is important to the town because _____.

v. Why does the writer refer to the lighthouse as a “symbol of resilience” in paragraph 2? 1
Because
(A) It has stood tall for over a century.
(B) It represents the town’s strength in keeping its history alive.
(C) It still guides ships today.
(D) It is a landmark that tourists come to see.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to prove the following : 1
The bond between the people of Clearwater and the sea grows stronger during the
evening.

vii. In the line, ‘As evening approached, the town began to slow down...’ (Paragraph 4),
what does the phrase ‘slow down’ mean in this context? 2

viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 4: 1

dusk: night :: golden light: _____
(A) sunset (B) lighthouse
(C) dawn (D) marketplace

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ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the town’s identity had been shaped by the
ocean’ in paragraph 5, uses figurative language? 1
(A) It is comparing the town’s development to the ocean’s physical influence.
(B) It exaggerates the importance of the ocean to the town.
(C) The town has literally changed its shape due to the ocean.
(D) It is a symbolic way to show how deeply the town depends on the sea.

x. Evaluate the potential benefits or challenges of preserving Clearwater’s traditional way

of life, as suggested in paragraph 5. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Introduction :
In modern urban areas, waste management has become a crucial aspect of maintaining
public health and environmental sustainability. This case study explores the waste
disposal habits among various residential communities and evaluates the effectiveness of
recycling programs in reducing landfill waste.
2. Methodology :
A survey was conducted in multiple urban residential communities to assess their waste
disposal practices. Participants were asked to provide information on how they segregate
and dispose of waste and their participation in local recycling programs. Data was
collected and analysed to identify trends in waste management habits across different
demographics.
3. Survey Examination :
The survey delved into waste management habits, focusing on key aspects such as the
frequency of waste disposal, participation in recycling programs, and the reasons for
adopting or not adopting sustainable waste practices. The study examined factors that
influenced people’s decision to recycle, such as convenience, environmental concerns, and
economic incentives.
4. Results :
The survey results highlighted the following trends in waste management practices:
Demographic % Participation in Reasons for Participation
Recycling Programs
Young Adults 50% Environmental awareness,
Accessibility of programs
Middle-aged 70% Economic benefits, Environmental
concern
Elderly 80% Health concerns, Government
incentives, Ease of disposal
5. Implications for Interventions :
The survey results indicate that waste management programs need to be tailored to
address the specific needs of different demographic groups. For example, increasing
economic incentives for young adults may encourage more participation in recycling.

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Similarly, enhancing accessibility to recycling programs for middle-aged individuals could

improve participation rates further. For the elderly, ensuring ease of waste segregation
and disposal may increase engagement in sustainable practices.
6. Conclusion :
This study provides important insights into urban waste management practices and
highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote recycling. By addressing the
unique concerns of each demographic, communities can work towards more effective
waste management strategies that protect public health and the environment for future
generations.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
i. Complete the following suitably. 1
In the introduction, the researcher links waste management with public health and
environmental sustainability to highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To assess waste disposal habits in residential communities and evaluate the effectiveness
of recycling programs.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Method of analysis (B) Primary objective
(C) Research outcome (D) Secondary objective

iii. Give two points to support why recycling programs were included as a focus in the
survey on waste management practices. 2

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘factors’ and ‘influences.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘factor’ or ‘influence’:
Sentence 1 : Economic benefits drive middle-aged individuals to participate in recycling
programs.
Sentence 2 : Government incentives increase recycling participation among the elderly.

v. Read the following : 1

Ravi disposes of his household waste regularly but rarely participates in recycling
programs. His neighbor, Anjali, diligently recycles every week, and Arjun, who lives
nearby, segregates his waste but struggles to find time to recycle.
Select the option that identifies the correct demographic Ravi, Anjali, and Arjun belong to.
(A) Ravi – young adult; Anjali – elderly; Arjun – middle-aged
(B) Ravi – middle-aged; Anjali – elderly; Arjun – young adult
(C) Ravi – young adult; Anjali – middle-aged; Arjun – elderly
(D) Ravi – elderly; Anjali – young adult; Arjun – middle-aged

vi. Although the elderly and middle-aged groups both show high participation in recycling
programs, why is the percentage highest among the elderly? 1

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vii. Analyse how tailored interventions can improve recycling participation rates across
different demographic groups. (Paragraph 5) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Increase economic benefits for recyclers
(B) Build a comprehensive urban waste management strategy
(C) Encourage more frequent waste disposal
(D) Promote a reduction in government incentives

SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words 1#4 = 4

A. As librarian of Crescent International School, Gwalior, draft a notice in not more than 50
words asking all students and teachers to return the library books they have borrowed,
two days before the commencement of the examination.


O
B. Your school is organizing a SPICMACAY programme on the occasion of the World
Dance Day wherein the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, Geeta Chandran would be
giving a lecture demonstration. As the President, Cultural Society of your school, draft
a notice in about 50 words, informing the students about the same. You are Rakhsita/
Rohit of MVN Public School.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4
A. As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal
invitation in not more than 50 words for the inauguration of the club in your school.


O
B. You are Amit Dubey. You have received an invitation from the Director, Health Services,
Punjab who has invited leading medical practitioners of the state to attend a workshop
on ‘child care’ on 25 July, 20x x at 9 a.m. in New Hope Hospital, Ambala. Draft a reply
to the invitation in 50 words.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. You have seen an advertisement in a national newspaper for the post of Senior Teacher
in English at Sunrise Global School, Noida. You are Karuna, M-114, Mall Road, Delhi.
You are MA (English), B.Ed. from Delhi University and yet to have any teaching
experience. Write a job application in 120-150 words to the principal.


O
B. Write a letter the Editor, ‘The Hindu’ about the mosquito menace due to stagnant water
in your locality. Give suggestions to improve the situation. You are Raman/Renu, living
in Rajaji Nagar, Tiruneveli.

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6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. It is very important to take significant actions to save our planet. Write an article in
about 120-150 words for your school magazine on how can we save and protect our
planet. You are Akshay/Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.


O
B. As part of an Entrepreneurship project the commerce students of your school recently
launched a product called oatlicious. They not only set up a company to produce the
product but also designed its advertising and marketing strategy. Write a report in
about 120-150 words for your school magazine giving details of the enterprise and its
launch. You are Akshay/Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.

SECTION C- LITERATURE 40
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two -
(A) or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. What I want would not be
confused with inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
Perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
Of never understanding ourselves
And of threatening ourselves with death.
(Keeping Quiet)
i. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Power of war (B) Power of violence
(C) Power of silence and thought (D) Power of disputes

ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet wants people to pause and reflect, but not confuse this with
complete inactivity or death.
Reason : The poet believes that constant movement and activity prevent us from truly
understanding ourselves and lead to sadness.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 05 Page 7

iii. Complete the following suitably.

The poet asks to _____ in the whole extract of the poem.

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The literary device used in the line, “what I want should not be confused with total
inactivity” is _____ (enjambment/Alliteration).

v. Based on the poem rhyme scheme, evident in lines 3 to 7, of the given extract, which
word would rhyme with line 2?

vi. Select the option that is NOT true about the punctuation mark used in the line 3 of the
given extract.
(A) Creates a sense of anticipation and expectation for the reader.
(B) Encourages the reader to continue reading seamlessly without any pause.
(C) Creates a sense of continuity and flow that connects the line with the second one.
(D) Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding line.


O
B. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
i. Why are the tigers called ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers?

ii. Match the following correctly :

(i) Prance (a) to walk with long steps in a direction.

(ii) Pace (b) move about in a predatory manner.

(iii) Stride (c) to move quickly with exaggerated steps.

(iv) Prowl (d) to walk up and down in a small area many times.

(A) (i)-c, (ii)-d, (iii)-a, (iv)-b

(B) (i)-d, (ii)-a, (iii)-b, (iv)-c
(C) (i)-b, (ii)-a, (iii)-d, (iv)-c
(D) (i)-a, (ii)-c, (iii)-b, (iv)-d

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iii. Why are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prancing across the screen?

iv. Complete the following suitably.

Name of the poet of the given extract is _____.

v. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer represent strength and confidence.
Reason : The tigers move with certainty and do not fear the men beneath the tree.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

vi. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
A person, an animal or a plant that lives & grows in a particular place is known as
_____ (denizen/citizen).

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
A. She crouched close to the sleeping face of the young American. It was a piteously thin
face she thought, and the lips were twisted. The man was suffering whether he knew
it or not. Watching him, she wondered if the stories they heard sometimes of the
sufferings of prisoners were true. They came like flickers of rumour, told by word of
mouth and always contradicted.
(The Enemy)

i. The above extract has been taken from _____

ii. Which word in the above extract is the synonym of ‘confute’ ?

(A) Flicker (B) contradict
(C) Twisted (D) Rumour

iii. The young American was wounded because he had been _____.

iv. The wounded person who came to the house belonged to _____.

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B. Now, I don’t know why this should have happened to me. I’m just an ordinary guy
named Charley, thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a
straw hat with a fancy band; I passed a dozen men who looked just like me. And I
wasn’t trying to escape from anything; I just wanted to get home to Louisa, my wife.
(The Third Level)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately.
This incident took place while he was _____.

ii. What did Charley want?

(A) He wanted to lead a stressfree life.
(B) He wanted to lead a normal life with his wife.
(C) He wanted to live in the third world.
(D) He did not want anything.

iii. Why did Charley not want to escape anything?

iv. What is the writing style of the narrator?

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds-one of the family, caught in a web
of poverty, burdened by the stigma of caste in which they are born; the other a
vicious circle of the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of law, the
bureaucrats and the politicians. Together they have imposed the baggage on the child
that he cannot put down. Before he is aware, he accepts it as naturally as his father.
... a flash of it in Mukesh I am cheered. “I want to be a motor mechanic” he repeats.
(Lost Spring)
i. Who is being burdened under the baggage of two worlds?

ii. The phrase ‘stigma of caste’ here refers to the _____.

(A) poor families living in the slums
(B) the untouchables living in Firozabad
(C) grief stricken life of the bangle makers
(D) children unable to get proper food and clothes
iii. Pick out the word from the given extract that means the same as ‘Brutal’.
iv. Mukesh’s dream that he wanted to be a motor mechanic, suggest that _____.
(A) he is completely different from all the members of his family
(B) he is just like other boys of his place
(C) he is passionate about driving
(D) he has to work to earn his livelihood.

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v. Who is the narrator of the given extract?

vi. What is meant by the word ‘baggage’ here?

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B. As he walked along with the money in his pocket he felt quite pleased with his
smartness. He realised, of course that at first he dared not continue on the public
highway, but must turn off the road, into the woods. During the first hours this caused
him no difficulty. Later in the day it became worse, for it was a big and confusing
forest which he had gotten into. He tried, to be sure, to walk in a definite direction,
but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely! He walked and walked without
coming to the end of the wood and finally he realised that he had only been walking
around in the same part of the forest. All at once he recalled his thoughts about the
world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come.
(The Rattrap)
i. Why is the peddler’s decision to avoid the highway good for him?

ii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

_____ caused him no difficulty during the early hours.
(A) Finding the food to eat
(B) Looting the wealth of the rich
(C) Carrying the money he had
(D) Walking in the woods

iii. How had the peddler fallen prey to a rattrap?

iv. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the protagonist had fallen
prey to the rattrap.

v. Based on the above extract, choose the option which states the state of the mind of ‘he’
in the extract?
(A) Confident and happy
(B) Exhausted and hopeless
(C) Fearful and strange
(D) Proud and arrogant

vi. Complete the given sentence appropriately.

The ‘smartness’ in the given extract refers to _____.

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 05 Page 11

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5 # 2 = 10

i. How and why was M. Hamel dressed differently that day? (The Last Lesson)

ii. Mention any two long term consequences of the drowning incident on Douglas.
(Deep Water)

iii. According to Keats what moves away the pain and suffering from human life?
(A Thing of Beauty)

iv. What does the poet realise with pain? Why does the poet ‘put that thought away’ and
look outside? (My Mother at Sixty-Six)

v. What is the ‘childish longing’ of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? Why is it
‘in vain’ ? (A Roadside Stand)

vi. Sophie was dreaming of so many things in her life. What were they? (Going Places)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each : 2#2 = 4

i. Why are the youngsters called the future policy makers of the earth?
(Journey to the end of the Earth)

ii. Which actions of the people would Bama watch keenly in the bazaar?
(Memories of Childhood)

iii. Would it be proper to call the Maharaja ‘penny-wise, pound foolish’ ? Give reasons for
your answer. (The Tiger King)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did
it have on them? Why? (The Last Lesson)


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B. Why did Gandhiji consider freedom from fear more important than legal justice for the
poor peasants of Champaran? (Indigo)

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13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. What efforts were made by Dr. Sadao and Hana to save the life of the injured man?
(The Enemy)


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B. Discuss the qualities of Mr. Lamb which made him overlook the deformity of Derry.
(On The Face of It)

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