SECOND PRE BOARD EXAMINATION (2023--24)

ENGLISH (CORE) (Code – 301)

CLASS XII
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.

2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.

3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION: A (READING: 20 Marks)

I. A. Read the given passage carefully and the following questions. (12)

And then it was all over. Mr. Symonds, the gentleman who had welcomed me, leaned back in his
chair and looked from one to another of his associates. They nodded to him, and he said: ‘Mr.
Braithwaite, my associates and I are completely satisfied with your replies and feel sure that in terms
of qualification, ability and experience, you are abundantly suited to the post we have in mind. But
we are faced with a certain difficulty. Employing would mean placing you in a position of authority
over a number of our English employees, many of whom have been with us for a very long time, and
we feel that such an appointment would adversely affect the balance of a good relationship which
has always been obtained in this firm. We could not offer you that post without the responsibility,
neither would we ask you to accept the one or two other vacancies of a different type which do
exist, for they are unsuitable for someone with your high standard of education and ability. So, I’m
afraid, we will not be able to use you.’ At this he rose, extending his hand in the courtesy of
dismissal. I felt drained of strength and thought; yet somehow I managed to leave that office,
navigate the passage, lift and corridor, and walk out of the building into the busy sunlit street. I had
just been brought face to face with something I had either forgotten or completely ignored for more
than six exciting years – my black skin. It had not mattered when I volunteered for aircrew service in
1940, it had not mattered during the period of flying training or when I received my wings and was
posted to a squadron; it had not mattered in the hectic uncertainties of operational flying, of living
and loving from day to day, bothered to men who like myself had no tomorrow and could not afford
to fritter away today on the absurdities of prejudice; it had not mattered when, uniformed and
winged, I visited theatres and dance-halls, pubs and private houses. I had forgotten about my black
face during those years. I saw it daily yet never noticed its colour. I was an airman in flying kit while
on His Majesty’s business, smiled at, encouraged, welcomed by grateful civilians in bars or on the
street, who saw not me, but the uniform and its relationship to

the glorious, undying Few. Yes, I had forgotten about my skin when I so eagerly discussed my post-
war prospects with the Careers Officer and the Appointments people; I had quite forgotten about it
as I jauntily entered that grand, imposing building. . . . Now, as I walked sadly away, I consciously
averted my eyes from the sight of my face reflected fleetingly in the large plate glass shop windows.
Disappointment and resentment was a solid bitter rising lump inside me; I hurried into the nearest
public lavatory and was violently sick.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions that

Follow:
1 Why did Mr. .Symonds' associates nod at him?

A. They wanted his consent.

B. They wanted him to go ahead with the presentation of their opinion to

Mr. Braithwaite.

C. They simply wanted to nod at him.

D. He was happy .So, he nodded at them.

2 Why didn't Mr. .Braithwaite land the job?

3 Why hadn't Mr. Braithwaite not thought about racial discrimination earlier?

4 Why did his mind return to the issue?

5 Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word from the given passage.

He came down the stairs......................... (happy and confident)

6 What is the irony in Mr. Braithwaite not being selected for the job?

7 What do you think 'violently sick' means?

A. very unwell

B. very harsh

C. so ailing that the patient has to be admitted to the ICU!

D. totally disgusted

8 Why did he not look at his face in the display window of the shop?

9 What was the change in the author's mood as he entered the building and as he left it?

10 What do you think is the passage talking about? What do you think could be the solutions to help
people like Mr. Braithwaite feel included in society.

11. Give a suitable title to the passage.

12. Give a synonym of the following word from the passage: bias

2. Read the given passage carefully and the following questions. (10)

The Earth is burning. And we are the reason behind it. An unprecedented rise in the global
atmospheric temperature on earth can be termed as global warming. The average temperature on
earth has increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius since the last decade. Global warming is not a single
phenomenon; rather, a series of interlinked events that fuel the ultimate rise in global temperatures.
It has a plethora of effects across different levels of the ecosystem. In some parts of the world, the
effect is negligible, while in others, the effect is significant. Burning of fossil fuel and respiration by
animals releases gases like carbon dioxide that escapes into the atmosphere.

The heat rays reflecting from the surface of the earth get trapped in the atmosphere because of the
carbon dioxide present in it. This is known as the ‘greenhouse effect.’ It is necessary to prevent our
planet from becoming a frozen ball. But excessive carbon dioxide retains all the heat emanating from
the earth’s surface, leading to global warming. The main gases responsible for global warming are
known as greenhouse gases. The chief greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
and ozone. These gases, when present in unbalanced amounts, result in global warming. Global
warming can wipe out the entire human population from the surface of the earth and therefore,
must be curbed at the earliest.

While the damage cannot be reversed, we can ensure that the effects are controlled to some extent.
The first thing we need to do is lead a mass afforestation drive. Next, we can shift from conventional
sources of energy like petroleum to cleaner ones like solar and wind energy. Many researchers,
engineers and environmentalists are expressing deep concerns about changes in the overall climate
of the planet. Fossil fuels are being continuously used to produce electricity. The burning of these
fuels produces gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides which lead to global warming.

Deforestation is also leading to warmer temperatures. The hazard of global warming is continuously
causing major damage to the Earth's environment. Most people are still unaware of global warming
and do not consider it to be a big problem in years to come. What most people do not understand is
that global warming is currently happening, and we are already experiencing some of its withering
effects. It is and will severely affect ecosystems and disturb ecological balance. Because of the
treacherous effects of global warming, some solutions must be devised. The paper introduces global
warming, elaborates its causes and hazards and presents some solutions to solve this hot issue.
Above all, alternative energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bio mass) need to be seriously
pursued. Finding and using renewable sources of energy is one of the methods to combat the ever
increasing global warming effectively.

Types of greenhouse effects

Plants embodied in a greenhouse

Distribution of greenhouse gases

An assessment of the relative impact and risks connected with global warming. Five categories are
assessed. The bars are colour-coded to show level of impact/concern for each factor as a function of
temperature increase.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow:

1 Is the given statement in agreement with what is given in paragraph 1?

Human beings are the only causes for global warming!

Choose the most appropriate answer.

A. True...If the statement agrees with the information

B. False...If the statement contradicts the information

C. Not given...If there isn't enough information given in the paragraph to support it.

2 . Fill in the blanks with a word that conveys the opposite of the word available in the

First line of second paragraph.

The Champaran peasants were ............from the fear of the British landlords

3 Do you think the writer wishes to change the outlook of the readers by making the following
statement? (Write the answer with supporting evidence from the last paragraph.)
‘What most people do not understand is that global warming is currently happening, and we are
already experiencing some of its withering effects.’

4 Select the most suitable title for the above passage.

A. Global warming B. Global Warming and its causes

C. All about Global Warming D. Reducing Global Warming through Awareness

5 Complete the following statement by interpreting the bar graph.

The risks and impacts of global warming are...........................................................

6 Based on the reading of the following lines on bar diagram; state a point to challenge the given
statement:

Five categories are assessed. The bars are colour-coded to show level of impact/concern for each
factor as a function of temperature increase.

7 What solutions can you offer to the annual greenhouse gas emissions as seen in the pie chart?

8 What is the easiest way to curb global warming which is being practised among the common
masses?

9 Love your planet as thyself. Comment on this statement with reference to saving your ailing
environment.

10 Do you know of any method to tackle the extreme heat wave being experienced by the people
across the globe, if you don't possess/own air conditioners at home?

SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (20 Marks)

3. .Attempt any one from A & B given below. (4)

A. You are Ms. Varsha, Staff Nurse of Springfield School Pune. Draft a notice informing the students
of Classes I to V about a Medical Camp being organized in your School by Apollo Multi Specialty
Hospital, Pune. Give necessary details in not more than 50 Words.

OR

B.You are Anbu/ Varun, the School Captain of St. Joseph Senior Secondary School Kasauli, Shimla.
The Student Council Monthly Meeting has to be convened. Draft a notice informing the members of
Students Council about the meeting specifying the agenda in not more than 50 Words.

4. .Attempt any one from A & B given below. (4)

A . You are Zakir Hussain , a renowned Indian Classical artist. You have been invited by Don Bosco
College, New Delhi to inaugurate the Inter- College Youth Festival. Draft a reply accepting the invite
in not more than 50 words.

OR

B Draft a formal invitation for Don Bosco Inter-college Youth Festival to be organized on 1 December
20XX. Invent all necessary details in 50 words.

5. Attempt any one from A & B given below. 5 Marks

A You are disturbed by the demise of Cyrus Mistry, the industrialist, in a road accident. As a
concerned youth, raise your concerns regarding Road Safety through a letter to the Editor of a

National Daily using the cues given in the box.

OR

B. Save Life Foundation an Independent, non-profit non-governmental organization committed to

improving road safety and emergency medical care across India invites youngsters to be trained as
First-responders.

Eligibility: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)/

Diploma in Road Traffic Safety Management

Desirable: First Aid Specialists

Apply before 30 Sept 20XX with detailed CV to The Manager HR, Save Life Foundation, New Delhi.
You came across the above advertisement in The Hindu. Draft a job application furnishing a detailed
CV for the post of First-responders. Sign yourself as Rahul/Ranjana, M-114, Chanakyapuri, New
Delhi.

6. .Attempt any one from A & B given below in about 120-150 words. (5)

A UGC has introduced Common University Entrance Test (CUET) from this year for admission to
Undergraduate Programmes. Express your views on the introduction of CUET in the form of an
article in 120-150 words. You are Anjali/Arjun.

OR

B. As Kiran, Special Correspondent, The Hindu, draft a report on Delhi University admissions 2022
after the declaration of CUET results.

Suggested value points:

*Applications received

*Cut-off List

*Availability of seats

*Criteria of admission

SECTION : C (LITERATURE:40 Marks)

7. . Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. (1x6=6 Marks)

A. "Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas, wars with fire,

victory with no survivors,

would put on clean clothes and

walk about with their brothers

in the shade, doing nothing".

i. Which of the following statements doesn't air Neruda's view point about war?

a. Wars are manufactured.

b. The poet stands firmly against wars and believes that in silence the seeds of fraternity sprouts.

c. Wars never yield any winners, and the loss is far greater than what can be measured.

d. Wars are inevitable in the enduring struggle for human dignity and power.

ii. Who would 'put on clean clothes’?

iii. What does "put on clean clothes" mean?

a. change in attitude

b. Dress up for an occasion

c. wear a mask

d. hide one”s attitude

iv. What is the essence of the poem?

v. Why is the moment of silence called" exotic"?

vi. What can be a cure or an antidote to violent actions?

a. preaching of non-violence practices

b. use of weapons

c. use of polished language

d. Practice of silence

OR

B"..... I looked again at her

Wan ,pale as late winter’s moon

And felt that old familiar ache,

My childhood fear,

But all I said was, see you soon,

Amma".

i. What was the childhood fear that troubled the poet?

ii. What do the parting words suggest?

a..assuring her mother that she will be young and energetic

b. Consoling her mother about her future prospects

c. Assuring her mother that they will meet again

d. both i and ii

iii. Which figure of speech has been used in "smile and smile and smile"

iv. The poet uses the simile" as late as winter’s moon to signify:

a. shine and strength

b. energy and vigour

c. dull and decay

d. all the above

v. Why does the poet look at her mother again?

vi. The poet, Kamala Das, uses her elongated smile to:

a. make herself happy

b. make her mother feel sad

c.to hide her pain

d.to comfort her mothers

8.Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1x4=4 marks)

A. Sadao had taken this into his mind as he did everything his father said, his father whenever joked
or played with him but who spent infinite pains upon him who was his only son. Sadao knew that his
education was his father"s chief concern. For this reason, he had been sent at twenty-two to
America to learn all that could be learned of surgery and medicine.

i. What all can be inferred from the passage given above?

a. Sadao"s father was very short tempered.

b. His father was very credulous.

c. He had concern for his son.

d. All of the above

ii. Choose the correct alternative from the following options for assertion (A)and reason(R).

Assertion(A): Sadao did everything his father said.

Reason(R): He had been sent at twenty-two to America.

a. Both(A) and (R) are true. But(R )is not the correct explanation of (A).

b.(A) is true but (R) is false.

c.(A) is false but (R) is true.

d .Cannot be inferred.

iii. How can we say that Dr Sadao was a devoted and dutiful son?
iv. What had Sadao taken into his mind?

OR

B Of course, the money was old-style bills, half again as big as the money we use nowadays, and
different-looking. I turned away and got out fast. There’s nothing nice about jail, even in 1894.

i. Where did Charley get out fast from?

ii. What made Charley think about jail?

A. For trespassing into the third level

B. Clerk’s threat that he can’t escape

C. His failure to get tickets

D. His failure to keep change

iii. Why was Charley unable to get tickets from the Third level to go to Galesburg?

iv. Why did Charley turn away and get out fast?

A. Clerk refused to give tickets for he was looking strange

B. Clerk refused to give tickets for he did not have change

C. Clerk refused to give tickets for there were no trains to Galesburg

D. Clerk refused to give tickets because he thought that Charley was trying to cheat him

9. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1x6 = 6 marks)

A. For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It was so warm, so
bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open field back of the sawmill
the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles, but I
had the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.

i. What was the task given to the narrator by his teacher?

ii. Which among the following sentences gives the meaning of the word ‘drill’ as it issued in the
extract above?

A. The carpenter was drilling a hole into a wooden board.

B. The enemy soldiers drilled the target from 50 yards away.

C. The drill can be practiced every evening, especially during winter season.

D. A dentist can remove any decay or old filling from the tooth with a drill.

iii. When the narrator says, “I had the strength to resist”, he means that .........................

iv. Select the suitable option for the given statements.

1. The birds are chirping at the edge of the woods in a warm weather.

2. The narrator is scared of his teacher.

A. (1) is true, but (2) is false

B. (2) is false, but (1) is true

C. Both (1) and (2) are true, and related to each other

D. Both (1) and (2) are true, but unrelated to each other

v. What did Franz think for a moment?

vi. Which among the following is not a theme of the story “The Last Lesson”?

A. Love for one’s mother tongue

B. Rebellion against territorial invasion

C. Linguistic chauvinism

D. Patriotism

OR

B The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror an
conquered it can appreciate. In death there is peace. There is terror only in fear of death, as
Roosevelt knew when he said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Because I had experience both the
sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live some how grew in
intensity. At last, I felt released- free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.

i. What does the narrator mean by ‘in death there is peace.’?

ii. Choose the quote that DOES NOT resonate the central idea of the extract.

A. Overcoming challenges make life meaningful.

B. Fear is the path to the dark side.

C. Courage is the resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.

D. He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.

iii. What is the experience referred here?

iv. Why does the narrator at last feel released?

v. Assertion: In death there is peace.

Reason: There is terror only in the fear of death.

A. If A is the cause, R is the effect.

B. If A is the effect, R is the cause.

C. Both A & R are the effect of a common cause.

D. Both A & R are the effects of independent causes.

vi. “I had experienced both the sensation of dying and terror that fear of it can produce”, which of
the following idioms might describe the above statement
A. To be scared to death

B. Be close to death

C. Be at death’s door

D. Have fate worse than death

10. Answer any five of the following questions in about 40-50 words. (5x2 = 10 marks)

a. Bring out the significance of the word ‘ringed ‘in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.

b. Why does Anees Jung say, “Seemapuri in a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away

from it metaphorically?

c. Why is grandeur associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

d. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff’s silence?

e. Why were journalists and publishers puzzled at huge success of ‘The Name of the Rose’?

f. How was the makeup department of Gemini studio a fine example of national integration?

11. Answer any two of the following questions in about 40-50 words. (2x2 = 04marks)

i. What were Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students on Ice’

expedition?

ii. Why does Mr. Lamb not have any curtains at the windows of his house?

iii. Why did Zitkala Sa object to the cutting of her long hair?

12.Answer any one of the following questions in 125-150 words. ( 5 marks)

i. The lesson ‘Indigo’ highlights that ‘Dialogue not violence can resolve situations of conflict and
injustice.’ Imagine yourself to be a counsellor who has to address the students of class IX to XII on
the statement quoted above. Write the address emphasising the need of dialogues to solve all
national and international issues. Relate your address with occurrences from the texts.

ii. Greed is the greatest evil force that has tempted man into doing a lot of misdeeds. It is greed that
has led to so much corruption, violence and mayhem in the world. The peddler in 'The Rattrap' is not
conscientious nor does he think twice before robbing a crofter. Bearing these thoughts in mind,
write a blog post.

13. Answer any one of the following questions in 125-150 words. (5 marks)

i. Dr Sadao was extremely happy to see that there was no flash of light (signal). He decided to tell his
wife Hana about the plan of the General and the plan he executed to get rid of Tom. Imagine a
conversation between Dr Sadao and his wife Hana. Write the conversation. You may begin like this:

I want to share a secret with you and hope that you wouldn’t mind that I don’t tell it earlier

ii. You are the son of the tiger king. You feel that the life of your father reflected grandeur but his
death was an anti-climax. Express your thoughts.

You may begin like this:

No one would have thought that my father............