CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 07 Page 1

Sample Paper 07
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 Himalayas, the world’s tallest mountain range, stretch across northern India and
serve as a natural barrier between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. These tow-
ering peaks, some rising above 8,000 meters, include Mount Everest, the highest point
on Earth. The Himalayas are home to diverse ecosystems, from snow-covered summits
to dense forests in the lower regions. The variation in altitude results in a wide range of
climates and habitats, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered
species like the snow leopard and the red panda.
2. The people living in the Himalayan region have adapted to its rugged terrain and harsh
climatic conditions. Most rely on agriculture, though the short growing season at high
altitudes limits the crops they can cultivate. Terrace farming is commonly practiced to
make the most of the limited arable land. In addition, many communities depend on
livestock, and some have turned to tourism, offering trekking and mountaineering ser-
vices to adventurers from around the world.
3. The monsoon rains are crucial for life in the Himalayas, though they also bring risks.
The heavy rainfall during the monsoon season replenishes the rivers that flow from the
mountains, providing water for agriculture and daily needs. However, the rains can also
cause landslides and floods, devastating villages and infrastructure. The local population
has developed early warning systems and adapted their building methods to mitigate
these risks, but the unpredictable nature of the monsoon remains a challenge.
4. The Himalayan glaciers are a critical source of freshwater, not only for the people of the
region but for millions across South Asia. These glaciers feed the major rivers, including
the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. However, climate change poses a serious threat to

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the glaciers, which are melting at an alarming rate. If this trend continues, it could lead
to water shortages and increased flooding downstream. Efforts are being made to study
and protect the glaciers, but the magnitude of the problem requires global cooperation.
5. For those who visit the Himalayas, the experience is one of awe and inspiration. The
sheer scale of the mountains, the crisp, thin air, and the breathtaking views make the
Himalayas one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Himalayas are also a spiritual haven, attracting pilgrims
to its sacred sites, which are often located in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, how does the variation in altitude affect the ecosystems of the
Himalayas? 1

ii. How does the author describe the relationship between the people of the Himalayas and
their environment, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “terrace farming” in paragraph 2 refers to the agricultural practice of creat-
ing steps on the slopes of hills to grow crops.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
Terrace farming is essential in the Himalayas because _____.
(A) it prevents soil erosion and makes arable land available on the steep slopes
(B) it allows the cultivation of a wide variety of crops

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The monsoon season in the Himalayas brings _____.

v. Why does the writer emphasize the importance of the glaciers in paragraph 4? 1
Because
(A) They provide a habitat for endangered species.
(B) They are a major source of freshwater for the region and beyond.
(C) They help control the climate of the region.
(D) They are popular tourist attractions.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following : 1
Climate change is seriously affecting the Himalayan glaciers.

vii. In the line, ‘The sheer scale of the mountains’ (Paragraph 5), what does the phrase
‘sheer scale’ suggest about the Himalayas? 2

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

snow leopard: fauna :: dense forests: _____
(A) land (B) climate
(C) flora (D) altitude

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 07 Page 3

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the Himalayas are also a spiritual haven’ in
paragraph 5 uses descriptive language? 1
(A) It highlights the cultural significance of the Himalayas.
(B) It explains how the Himalayas are a popular adventure destination.
(C) It describes the physical challenges of reaching sacred sites.
(D) It focuses on the importance of spirituality in the region.
x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of balancing conservation efforts with the
needs of the local communities, as suggested in paragraph 4. 2
2. Read the following carefully. 10
1. Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with 1.1 billion people globally
breathing unhealthy air. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), urban
air pollution leads to approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide each year, and 4.6 million
people lose their lives due to pollution-related causes annually.
2. Several factors contribute to the aggravation of air pollution, including traffic, inade-
quate drainage facilities, lack of open spaces, carbon emissions, and waste accumulation.
In developing countries, air pollution is linked with an increased risk of Acute Respira-
tory Infections (ARI), which is a leading cause of child mortality.
3. Urban air quality in mega cities such as Kolkata is particularly concerning. An Exceed-
ance Factor (EF) analysis of ambient air quality in Kolkata found that out of 17 moni-
toring stations, five fell under the “critical” category, while 12 were classified as having
high pollution levels. The pollutants identified include RPM, SPM, NO, and SO2, with
major sources being vehicular emissions (51.4%), industrial sources (24.5%), and dust
particles (21.1%).
4. A health assessment conducted near highly polluted areas revealed that 85.1% of respond-
ents had respiratory diseases, compared to 14.9% who suffered from waterborne diseases.
Common respiratory ailments included Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) (60%), Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (7.8%), and Influenza (12.7%).
5. In order to promote well-being, it is essential for individuals to adopt pollution-avoiding
practices in their daily lives. Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of polluted air
can encourage these changes, helping people protect themselves and their communities.

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Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links urban air pollution with the global death toll
to highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To examine the contribution of various sources, such as vehicular emissions and indus-
trial sources, to air pollution in Kolkata.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Secondary objective (B) Research outcome
(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why awareness about air pollution is critical, based on the
passage. 2

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘vehicular emissions’ and ‘dust particles.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘vehicular emissions’ or ‘dust particles’:
Sentence 1: The majority of pollutants in Kolkata come from cars and other motor ve-
hicles.
Sentence 2: Air quality deteriorates significantly due to dust from construction sites.

v. Read the following : 1

Ravi works in an industry that is a major contributor to air pollution. Priya lives in an
area where dust particles are the primary source of pollution. Meanwhile, Arvind, who
drives a truck, contributes to vehicular emissions.
Select the option that identifies the correct sources of pollution associated with Ravi,
Priya, and Arvind.
(A) Ravi – industrial pollution; Priya – dust particles; Arvind – vehicular emissions
(B) Ravi – vehicular emissions; Priya – industrial pollution; Arvind – dust particles
(C) Ravi – dust particles; Priya – vehicular emissions; Arvind – industrial pollution
(D) Ravi – industrial pollution; Priya – vehicular emissions; Arvind – dust particles

vi. Why is the increased incidence of respiratory diseases in polluted areas considered a
major health concern? 1

vii. Analyse how the major sources of pollution in Kolkata contribute to deteriorating air
quality. (Paragraph 3) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Encourage more use of industrial resources
(B) Increase awareness of pollution-avoiding practices
(C) Promote the use of diesel generators for energy
(D) Limit the availability of medical assessments in polluted areas

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 07 Page 5

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 are planing a four-week course for the children of your housing society complex
for developing their soft skills as part of school project. Prepare a notice to be put up
on the society’s noticeboard stating the purpose of the course and giving all necessary
details asking the children to join the course. You are Yashika/ Yasu, studying in Class
XII in a reputable public school.


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B. You are Joseph Mathew, Vice Principal of Sr. Aloysius Higher Secondary School. Write
a notice for the school noticeboard informing the students about the audition schedule
for the Annual Play Festival to be organised soon.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4
A. You have opened up a new coaching centre catering to all subjects for Class XII. Based
on the inputs given below, prepare a draft of formal invitation letter for the purpose.
Shyam Coaching Centre - All subjects - Experts - morning, evening classes - inaugu-
ral discount small batch..


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B. You are Roshan/Roshni, a resident of Rajasthan. Invite your friend Ritika Agarwal who
lives in Delhi to spend a part of her winter vacation with you at your farm house near
outskirts of Udaipur.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. As a citizen of Delhi, you find that the Government’s odd-even formula did not reduce
the pollution to the extent that it helped in the de-congestion of the traffic on the roads.
It was a laudable effort nevertheless. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily
expressing your views on the initiative. Also give suggestions on how vehicular pollution
on Delhi roads can be reduced. You are Tina/Tarun Gautam of 14, Barakhamba Road.
New Delhi.


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B. You are Ram/Raman of 17, TT Nagar Bhopal. You would like to apply for the post of
Marketing Manager in an MNC in Delhi. Write a litter to the Director, Chipmuk En-
terprises, D-7 Vikas Marg, Delhi, applying for the job. Write the letter in 120-150 words
giving your bio-data

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. Nowadays children are becoming prey to many lifestyle diseases. Write an article in 120-
150 words putting stress on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You are Sharan/
Shilpa.


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B. You are Sapna Gupta, a news reporter. Write a report in 120-150 words on ‘child mar-
riage’ to be published in a local newspaper.

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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 should not be
confused
with total 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 qualities is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Ambitious (B) Futuristic
(C) Concerned (D) Hypocritical

ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet wants to embrace total inactivity as a way to connect with death.
Reason : The poet believes that if people pause their hectic lives and embrace silence,
they may find peace and understanding.
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.

iii. Complete the following suitably.

People should not misunderstand the poet’s suggestion of _____.

iv. Select the phrase that suggests the following:

The poet does not talk about ‘total inactivity’ related to no action in life which means
end of life.

v. If this poem is not written in free verse, which word would rhyme with line 5.

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 07 Page 7

vi. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The tone of the poet in the above lines is _____ (Aggressive/ Suggestive)


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B. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s finger 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.
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. What makes the tigers proud and unafraid?

ii. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
On the basis of the given lines, Aunt Jennifer can be called to be _____ (persecuted/
oppressed).

iii. These tigers indicate _____.

(A) their immortality
(B) permanency of their nature
(C) transience of human life
(D) change in Aunt’s condition

iv. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolize strength and fearlessness, which contrasts
with Aunt Jennifer’s oppressed life.
Reason : Despite Aunt Jennifer’s death and the struggles she faced in life, her tigers
will continue to prance proudly, representing the freedom she longed for but could never
achieve.
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.

v. Pick the example of alliteration present in the extract.

vi. Complete the following suitably.

The existence of the tigers even after Aunt Jennifer’s death indicates the theme of
_____.

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8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
A. DERRY : And no one’ll kiss me, ever. Only my mother, and she kisses me on the other
side of my face, and I don’t like my mother to kiss me, she does it because she has to.
Why should I like that? I don’t care if nobody ever kisses me.
MR LAMB : Ah, but do you care if you never kiss them.
(On the Face of It)

i. What is the tone of the speaker in the first line?

ii. Why does no one kiss Derry?

This is because of _____.
(A) his shabby appearance
(B) his haft-burnt leg
(C) his outdated clothes
(D) his half-burnt face

iii. What kind of attitude Derry has towards life?

iv. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The author’s purpose in using contractions, is to _____.

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B. “He remembered his old teacher of anatomy, who had been so insistent on mercy with
the knife, and then he remembered the face of his fat and slatternly landlady. He had
great difficulty in finding a place to live in America because he was a Japanese. The
Americans were full of prejudice and it had been bitter to live in it, knowing himself
their superior. How he had despised the ignorant and dirty old woman who had at last
consented to house him in her miserable home! He had once tried to be grateful to her
because she had in his last year nursed him through but it was difficult, for she was no
less repulsive to him in her kindness.”
(The Enemy)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately.
_____ had cared for Dr Sadao when he fell ill in America.

ii. Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately.
The Americans were full of prejudice and it had been bitter to live in _____.
(A) Dr Sadao’s place
(B) The General’s place
(C) America
(D) The White Man’s place

iii. How were the Americans, according to Sadao?

iv. What difficulty did Dr Sadao face in America?

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9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6

A. They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally
and deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 per cent. “There he
seemed adamant,” writes Reverend J. Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran who
observed the entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he would not give
way, the representative of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 per cent, and
to his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his word, thus breaking the deadlock” This
settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission.
(Indigo)
i. From the given extract, justify that the decision to agree for a 25% compensatory
amount was not a unilateral decision.

ii. Why was Gandhi adamant in asking for 50% in repayment of the money that the land-
owners owed to the sharecropper?
(A) He knew that the planters had the means to repay.
(B) The sharecroppers would not settle for any less.
(C) His own team of lawyers did not allow him to agree to a lesser amount.
(D) Reverend Hodge had prevailed upon him.

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Gandhi knew that he would not get an agreement on the demand for 50% repayment
because _____.

iv. Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that the claim regarding the com-
pensation amount to be paid to the planters by the landlords cannot be corroborated.

v. What does the expression ‘take someone at his word’ mean?

vi. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(A) The importance of British rule
(B) The breaking of deadlock
(C) The rigidity of British rule
(D) The anxiety of Gandhiji


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B. The stranger must have seemed incredulous, for the old man got up and went to the
window, took down a leather pouch which hung on a nail in the very window frame and
picked out three wrinkled ten-kronor bills. These he held up before the eyes of his guest,
nodding knowingly and then stuffed them back into the pouch.
(The Rattrap)
i. Why did the old man show him his ten-kronor bills?
(A) To give to the stranger
(B) To make him believe in his statement
(C) To let him know where he has kept it
(D) To make the stranger jealous

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ii. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
The stranger must have seemed incredulous for the old man.

iii. Which of the following is an antonym of the word ‘knowingly’ in the above extract?
(A) Apparently
(B) Unknowingly
(C) Purposefully
(D) Deliberately

iv. Rationalise, to support the given opinion.

The old man trusted the stranger enough to share his secrets.

v. How did the stranger behave with the old man?

vi. Complete the sentence with one word.

The old man got the money by selling the milk given by his _____.

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

i. “Ah how well I remembered it, that last lesson!” Why did Franz remember it well?
(The Last Lesson)
ii. When did the narrator develop his fear of water in ‘Deep Water’ ?

iii. What impression do the things of beauty make on us? Is it temporary or permanent?
(A Thing of Beauty)
iv. Aunt Jennifer’s efforts to get rid of her fear proved to be futile. Comment.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
v. How would the innocent be soothed out of their wits? (A Roadside Stand)

vi. “The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji utter these words?
(Indigo)

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

i. What convinced Charley that he had reached the third level at Grand Central Station
and not the second level? (The Third Level)

ii. Why was the old general not in favour of Dr. Sadao’s being arrested? (The Enemy)

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

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CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 07 Page 11

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. The prose sections ‘Going Places’ and ‘Lost Spring’, describe the aspirations and dreams
of the youth and the pain of unfilled promises and shattered dreams.
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school children.
Write this address in about 120-150 words elaborating on occurrences from the two texts to
inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of realistic dreams over
unrealistic ones.


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B. ‘The poem elaborates upon the qualities of the beautiful creations of nature.’ Imagine
yourself as the poet. Summarise the message of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. If we affect the dumb creatures, they do affect us in return. In the prose, ‘The Tiger
King’, the hundredth tiger take its revenge on the king.
Imagine yourself to be the hundredth tiger, and write down in about 120-150 words the
revenge you take from the king. You wish to include a cameo for the above statement’s
explanation in your upcoming blog post. (A short description that neatly encapsulates
someone or something) As a part of the research, discuss the statement in relation to
Antarctica.


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B. Both Bama and Zitkala Sa experienced discrimination in their childhood. Both of them
respond to their respective situations differently and overcome it. You wish to include a
cameo for the above statement’s explanation in your upcoming blog post. (A cameo is a
short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something)
As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences as well as responses
faced by the two.
(Memories of Childhood)

******

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