CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 10 Page 1

Sample Paper 10
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 ques-
tion 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 ancient oak tree stood proudly in the center of the village square, its wide branch-
es spreading out like open arms. Its trunk was thick and covered in rough, weathered
bark that told tales of time long gone. Over the years, storms and seasons had left their
marks, making the tree look even more majestic. In spring, its leaves were fresh and
green, but now, with autumn arriving, the leaves had turned shades of gold and red.
A few had already fallen, leaving a colorful carpet on the cobblestone path beneath it,
gently rustling with the wind.
2. Underneath the oak tree was a stone bench that wrapped around its base, worn smooth
by generations of villagers. This bench had become a favorite resting place for the towns-
people, who enjoyed the tree’s shade during the day. Elderly villagers often gathered
there to share stories of the past, while children played nearby. It wasn’t uncommon to
find travelers sitting there as well, taking a break from their journey. The soft sound of
leaves fluttering in the wind added to the calming atmosphere.
3. Surrounding the square were small shops with brightly colored awnings. The scent of
freshly baked bread from the nearby bakery often mixed with the smell of the earth and
the crisp autumn air. The marketplace was always busy, with people coming to buy local
produce and crafts. Villagers walked slowly, greeting one another with smiles, enjoying
the warmth of the afternoon sun as they moved through the square. The oak tree, stand-
ing tall in the middle, was like a silent guardian, watching over them.
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4. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the square, the village seemed to
slow down. The golden light of the setting sun made the tree appear even grander, with
its shadow stretching far across the cobblestones. Families often gathered near the tree
in the evening, taking a moment to enjoy the last light of the day. The air was filled with
a sense of peace as the day came to a close.
5. For the villagers, the oak tree was more than just a part of the landscape. It was a sym-
bol of strength and continuity. No matter how much the village changed over time, the
tree remained a constant. It had witnessed the passing of countless seasons and gener-
ations, becoming a part of the village’s identity. The tree was a living reminder of the
past and a connection to the present, standing firm in the heart of the village.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, what do the scars on the oak tree’s trunk symbolize? 1

ii. How does the author describe the role of the stone bench under the oak tree in para-
graph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “a living reminder of the past” in paragraph 5 suggests that the oak tree
represents the village’s history and connection to its past.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The oak tree symbolizes _____.
(A) the village’s continuity and strength
(B) the changing seasons and landscape

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

v. Why does the writer refer to the oak tree as a “silent guardian” in paragraph 3? 1
Because
(A) It has stood for many years, watching over the villagers.
(B) It protects the village from harsh weather.
(C) It represents the village’s wisdom and strength.
(D) It provides a central gathering place for the community.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to prove the following : 1
The oak tree creates a peaceful atmosphere in the village square.

vii. In the line, ‘the village seemed to slow down...’ (Paragraph 4), what does the phrase
‘slow down’ suggest about the mood in the evening? 2
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viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 3 : 1

sunlight: warmth :: oak tree: _____
(A) shade (B) wisdom
(C) beauty (D) peace

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the oak tree had witnessed the passing of count-
less seasons’ in paragraph 5, uses figurative language? 1
(A) It personifies the tree as if it could witness time.
(B) It compares the tree to a human observer.
(C) It exaggerates the impact of the tree on the villagers.
(D) It gives the tree a symbolic meaning in the village.

x. Assess the potential challenges OR benefits of preserving the oak tree, as suggested in
paragraph 5. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Introduction :
In modern agriculture, water management is a critical factor affecting crop productivity
and environmental sustainability. This case study examines the water usage patterns
of different farming communities and evaluates the impact of irrigation techniques on
water conservation.
2. Methodology :
A survey was conducted among various farming communities, ranging from small-scale
to large-scale farmers, to assess their water usage practices. Participants were asked to
share information about their irrigation techniques, water sources, and any challenges
they face regarding water conservation. The data was then analysed to identify trends
and patterns in water usage across different farming practices.
3. Survey Examination :
The survey explored in-depth water management practices, focusing on the types of
irrigation systems used, the frequency of irrigation, and the challenges related to water
availability. Farmers were also asked to provide reasons for their choice of irrigation
methods, offering insights into the factors that influence their decisions, such as cost,
efficiency, and water scarcity.
4. Results :
The survey findings revealed the following trends in water usage:
Farming Group % Using Advanced Reasons for Choosing Irrigation Sys-
Irrigation Systems tems
Small-scale 40% Cost constraints, Simplicity, Limited
access to resources
Medium-scale 60% Efficiency, Cost management, Water
availability
Large-scale 80% High efficiency, Water conservation,
Long-term sustainability
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5. Implications for Interventions :

The survey results indicate that more support is needed for small- and medium-scale
farmers to adopt advanced irrigation systems. Providing subsidies or low-interest loans
for purchasing modern irrigation equipment could improve water conservation efforts.
Large-scale farmers can benefit from continued research into even more efficient systems
to maximize water use and maintain environmental sustainability.
6. Conclusion :
This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote efficient water
use in agriculture. By addressing the specific needs of different farming communities,
stakeholders can help ensure sustainable agricultural practices and protect vital water
resources for future generations.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links water management with crop productivity and
environmental sustainability to highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To assess water usage practices among different farming communities and evaluate the
effectiveness of irrigation techniques.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Method of analysis (B) Research outcome
(C) Primary objective (D) Secondary objective

iii. Give two points to support why irrigation techniques were included as a focus in the
survey on water usage patterns. 2

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

Classify the following sentences as ‘factor’ or ‘decision’:
Sentence 1: Water scarcity pushes farmers to adopt more efficient irrigation systems.
Sentence 2: The cost of advanced systems leads small-scale farmers to stick with tradi-
tional irrigation methods.

v. Read the following : 1

Suresh uses a basic irrigation system for his small farm, citing cost as the main reason.
Ramesh, who manages a medium-sized farm, recently upgraded to a drip irrigation
system due to water scarcity in his area. Meanwhile, Kiran, a large-scale farmer, has
implemented advanced automated irrigation systems to conserve water.
Select the option that identifies the correct farming group for Suresh, Ramesh, and
Kiran.
(A) Suresh – small-scale; Ramesh – medium-scale; Kiran – large-scale
(B) Suresh – large-scale; Ramesh – small-scale; Kiran – medium-scale
(C) Suresh – medium-scale; Ramesh – large-scale; Kiran – small-scale
(D) Suresh – small-scale; Ramesh – large-scale; Kiran – medium-scale
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vi. Although both medium- and large-scale farmers have adopted advanced irrigation sys-
tems, why is the percentage highest among large-scale farmers? 1

vii. Analyse how targeted interventions, such as subsidies or loans, can promote better water
management practices in small- and medium-scale farms. (Paragraph 5) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Increase crop yields across all farms
(B) Promote sustainable agricultural practices
(C) Reduce water scarcity in large-scale farms
(D) Enhance traditional irrigation methods

SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

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

A. You lost your wallet in the school playground. Write a notice for your school notice
board giving all the necessary details.


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B. As Teacher Co-ordinator of the Quiz Club of AMM School, Pune, draft a notice in not
more than 50 words informing students of the inter-class quiz contest asking them to
register their names with the Secretary of the Club within a week.

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

A. You are Riya/Ryan living at 40, Krishna Colony, Manali. You decided to hold a lunch
party to congratulate your grandparents on their golden wedding anniversary. Draft a
formal invitation in not more than 50 words to all family members to attend a grand
lunch at home.


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B. Draft a formal reply accepting an invitation to be present on the occasion of the wedding
of Ankush S/o Mr & Mrs Shankar of 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur. You are Vikram
Gaur of Raja Ki Mandi, Agra.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Two main parks in your locality have suffered from neglect on the part of local author-
ities. They have virtually been taken over by undesirable elements. As a result the res-
idents have stopped going to the parks. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of
a local newspaper expressing your concern about the problems the neglect has created
and suggest measures to reclaim the parks for children. You are Gautam/ Gauri of 2,
Gobind Enclave, Meerut.
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B. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in The
Hindu for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply for the job with complete
bio-data. Write in 120-150 words.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. You are Jay/Jaya, studying in Shyamala Memorial Hall, Trichy. Some students of our
school attend a first aid training camp for a week at Red Cross Headquarter of our state.
Write a report for your school magazine in 120-150 words on the events of the campo
and your participation and performance.


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B. Visiting new places and meeting new people enhance our understanding and knowledge
besides being a source of great pleasure. Write an article in 120-150 words on ‘Travel, a
Source of Knowledge and Pleasure. You are Gopal/Govindi.

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. I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late
winter’s moon and felt that old familiar ache,
my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile...
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

i. Name the poet of the above stanza.

ii. Compete the following suitably.

Poet’s mother is likened to a ‘late winter’s moon’ because _____.

iii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet feels a deep sense of fear when she looks at her aging mother.
Reason : The mother’s frail and pale appearance reminds the poet of the fear of losing
her mother, a fear she has carried since childhood.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship :
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explana-
tion of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct expla-
nation 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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iv. Identify the figure of speech used in the given lines, “pale as a late winter’s moon.”

v. What is the “old familiar ache” of the poet?

(A) Ageing and decaying of her mother
(B) Seeing happy children
(C) Leaving the country
(D) Leaving her mother alone

vi. Do you think that the poet was hopeful of seeing her mother again?


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B. “When Aunt is dead,
her terrified 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)

i. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
Tigers represent Aunt’s repressed desires for freedom and _____ (weakness/power).

ii. Select the phrase that suggests the following:

Aunt Jennifer was entrapped in her marriage.

iii. Which of the following CAN NOT be inferred from the given extract?
(A) Even in death, Aunt Jennifer cannot escape patriarchal subjugation.
(B) Aunt Jennifer feels oppressed and constricted in her marriage.
(C) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will keep her alive in everyone’s memory.
(D) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance as a lasting symbol of her desires.

iv. Complete the following suitably.

The theme associated with the extract is _____.

v. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : Even after Aunt Jennifer’s death, her tigers will continue to symbolize free-
dom and fearlessness.
Reason : The tigers represent Aunt Jennifer’s inner strength, which will remain un-
touched by the ordeals that oppressed her in life.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explana-
tion of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct expla-
nation 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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vi. Will Aunt Jennifer ever be able to escape the oppressive society?

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
A. Derry : [Panic] I’ve got to go.
Mr. Lamb : Not on my account. I don’t mind who comes into the garden. The gate’s
always open. Only you climbed the garden wall.
Derry : [Angry] You were watching me.
Mr Lamb : I saw you. But the gate’s open. All welcome. You’re welcome. I sit here. I
like sitting.
(On the Face of It)

i. “Mr Lamb : Not on my account.” Based on this line, do you think Mr. Lamb was angry
with Derry?

ii. What does the statement “Only you climbed the garden wall.” mean?
(A) Mr. Lamb wanted Derry to be punished.
(B) Everyone got permission before entering into the garden.
(C) Derry was the only person to sneak in through the wall.
(D) Derry doesn’t know the location of the gate.

iii. How did Derry enter the garden?

iv. Do you think Derry has the right to be angry at Mr. Lamb?


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B. His father had taken him often to the islands of those seas, and never had he failed
to say to the little brave boy at his side, “Those islands yonder, they are the stepping
stones to the future for Japan.”
“Where shall we step from them?” Sadao had asked seriously.
“Who knows?” his father had answered. “Who can limit our future? It depends on what
we make it”
(The Enemy)

i. Who did ‘the little boy’ refer to?

ii. What does the speaker mean by ‘stepping stone’ ?

1. Means of advancement
2. Means of progression
3. Means of disorganization
4. Means of paucity
(A) only 1 (B) 1 and 2
(C) only 3 (D) 3 and 4
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 10 Page 9

iii. Pick out the word/s that best describe/s the word ‘yonder’ as used in the passage.
1. Distant
2. Accessible
3 Proximate
4. Non-adjacent
5. Adjoining
6. Far-flung

iv. “Where shall we step from them?” Sadao had asked seriously.
Replace the word ‘seriously’ as given in the above line with an appropriate word.

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. ... But Gandhi was vehemently opposed. He said, “You think that in this unequal fight
it would be helpful if we have an Englishman on our side. This shows the weakness of
your heart. The cause is just and you must rely upon yourselves to win the battle....
“He had read our minds correctly:’ Rajendra Prasad comments, “and we had no reply
... Gandhi in this way taught us a lesson in self-reliance’:
Self-reliance, Indian independence and help to sharecroppers were all bound together.
(Indigo)

i. Gandhi taught the sharecroppers a lesson of self-reliance so that

(A) they could believe in themselves and be self-dependant.
(B) they learn and follow civil disobedience
(C) they understand that British could not be trusted
(D) they get to know to fight amongst themselves only.

ii. Pick out the word from the given extract which means same as ‘fiercely’.

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Rajendra Prasad who was a lawyer later on became _____.

iv. Why did Gandhiji vehemently opposed the idea of taking help from Charles freer An-
drews?

v. Assertion (A) : Gandhi was vehemently opposed to letting Andrews help him in Cham-
paran.
Reason (R) : Because Gandhi was always suspicious of new people who offered help.
(A) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false but R is true
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vi. “He had read our minds correctly:’ Rajendra Prasad commented. What is the sentiment
exposed here?


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B. Once upon a time there was a man who went around selling small rattraps of wire. He
made them himself at odd moments, from the material he got by begging in the stores
or at the big farms. But even so, the business was not especially profitable, so he had
to resort to both begging and petty thievery to keep body and soul together. Even so
his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were sunken, and hunger gleamed in his eyes.
(The Rattrap)

i. The peddler had to resort to both begging and thievery.

What does the above sentence demonstrates?

ii. Through peddler’s appearance it is signified that he was a/an (1)

(A) unfortunate man (B) thief
(C) beggar (D) crofter

iii. Complete the sentence with one word.

The peddler’s rattraps were made of _____.

iv. Who is the author of this chapter?

(A) Louis Fischer (B) Salman Rushdie
(C) Selma Lagerlof (D) Alphonse Daudet

v. What does the idiom ‘keep body and soul together’ mean?

vi. What does the word ‘rags’ indicate?

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

i. Franz reached school late. Yet, M. Hamel did not scold him. Why?
(The Last Lesson)

ii. What is the childish longing that the poet refers to? Why is it vain?
(A Roadside Stand)

iii. Explain Douglas’ statement, “The instructor was finished. But I was not finished:’
(Deep Water)

iv. What do celebrities dislike most about interviews?

(The Interview)
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 10 Page 11

v. What makes human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face?
(A Thing of Beauty)

vi. How does the poet describe Aunt Jennifer’s tigers?

(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

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

i. Why is Antarctica the place to go to if we want to study the earth’s past, present and
future?
(Journey to the and of the earth)

ii. What did Annan say about his community to the narrator?
(Memories of Childhood)

iii. Why did Charley run away from the third level?
(The Third Level)

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

A. Why should child labour be eliminated and how? Explain on the basis of Lost Spring.
(Lost Spring)


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B. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do
you feel any change in your state of mind?
(Keeping Quiet)

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

A. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less
than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What is the kind of be-
haviour that the person expects from others?
(On the Face of It)


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B. How did the Tiger King manage to retain his kingdom?
(The Tiger King)

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