Download the CBSE Class 12 English Core 2024 Solved Paper with a bilingual
concept map for effective revision and exam preparation

CBSE Class 12 English Core 2024 Solved Paper with Bilingual Concept Map

ENGLISH (Core)            QP Code: 1/5/3 SET-3

Time allowed: 3 hours           Maximum Marks: 80

Candidates must
write the Q.P. Code on the title page of the answer-book.
Q.P. Code: 1/5/3 202 C

General
Instructions:

• Read the instructions very
  carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper comprises 13
   questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE
   sections:
• Section – A: Reading Skills
• Section – B: Creative Writing Skills
• Section – C: Literature

 

Concept Map of English Core Question Paper

1. Section A: Reading Skills
(22 Marks)

• Passages
• Two
  unseen passages to test comprehension.
• Types of Questions:
• Multiple
  Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Short
  answer questions
• Inference-based
  questions
• Skills Tested:
• Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Inference Drawing
• Context Understanding

2. Section B: Creative
Writing Skills (18 Marks)

• Notices & Letters (नोटिस और पत्र)
• Notice
  Writing (50 words)
• Letter
  Writing (Formal Letters)
• Acceptance
  letters
• Invitation
  letters
• Job Application (नौकरी आवेदन)
• Writing
  an application for a job
• Specified
  formats
• Article & Report Writing (लेख और रिपोर्ट लेखन)
• Article
  on current issues (Impact of OTT on Youth)
• Report
  on school event (Adventure trip)
• Skills Tested:
• Formal Writing (औपचारिक लेखन)
• Clarity & Organization (स्पष्टता और संगठन)
• Creative Expression (रचनात्मक अभिव्यक्ति)

3. Section C: Literature (40
Marks)

• Prose & Poetry Extracts (गद्य और कविता अंश)
• Based
  on prescribed texts
• Types of Questions:
• Extract-based
  questions
• Literary
  devices (साहित्यिक
  उपकरण)
• Inference-based
  questions
• Textbooks Covered (पाठ्यपुस्तकें):
• Flamingo
• Prose
  (e.g., “The Last Lesson”, “Lost Spring”)
• Poetry
  (e.g., “My Mother at Sixty-Six”, “Aunt Jennifer’s
  Tigers”)
• Vistas
• Short
  stories (e.g., “The Tiger King”, “The Enemy”)
• Skills Tested:
• Literary Analysis (साहित्यिक विश्लेषण)
• Critical Thinking (आलोचनात्मक सोच)
• Thematic Understanding (थीम की समझ)

Key Sections in Literature (साहित्य में मुख्य खंड):

• Theme & Message (थीम और संदेश)
• Social
  Issues (सामाजिक
  मुद्दे)
• Personal
  Growth (व्यक्तिगत
  विकास)
• Environmental
  Concerns (पर्यावरणीय
  चिंताएँ)
• Character Analysis (चरित्र विश्लेषण)
• Important
  characters’ role and development
• Relationships
  with other characters (अन्य
  पात्रों के साथ संबंध)
• Literary Devices (साहित्यिक उपकरण)
• Personification
  (मानवीकरण), Simile (उपमा), Metaphor (रूपक), etc.

 

Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)

1. Read the
text given below:

(1) Five
enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of
sustainable educational toys.

(2) The
government authorities, educational institutions, and EdTech start-ups are
planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not
only throw light on Indian values and civilizations but also help in developing
children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.

(3) “One
such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach
children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can
resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities that don’t
have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach
children about ancient Indian civilizations. It has implanted a few artifacts
at the site, which the children will have to find so that they are able to
learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another start-up has proposed to
create miniaturized labs for schools in tier 2 and 3 cities where children can
learn concepts of Physics. ‘We will ensure that these prototypes are developed
within a year and then the production can be scaled up,’ says the senior
manager of the project talking about the importance of indigenously-built
educational toys.”

(4) Playtime is
vital for the cognitive development of children, and toys are an essential
component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets.
“Well-designed toys ignite students’ curiosity, increase focus, and can be
very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These
can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all
three,” says HOD, Early Childhood Education.

(5) Toys offer
an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, problem-solving skills.
“Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their spatial
awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help
students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle
differences, etc., with their peers.”

(6)
Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain
lessons longer. “A child’s interest is piqued when he is taught in a
contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system
has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and
gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across
subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math or Engineering.”

Answer the
following questions, based on the passage given above:

(i) By tier 2
and tier 3 cities, the author refers to:

• (A) Metro cities
• (B) Cities with huge population
• (C) Underdeveloped cities
• (D) Cities with less population

Answer:
(D) Cities with less population

(ii) Complete
the sentence with evidence from the text.
The made-in-India educational toys serve the dual purpose of ______.

Answer:
The made-in-India educational toys serve the dual purpose of teaching children
about Indian values and civilizations while also developing their critical
thinking and decision-making skills.

(iii) The
author’s point of view that can be inferred from the above passage is that
______.

• (A) Educational toys are a booming
  business.
• (B) Educational toys are meant to
  entertain children.
• (C) Educational toys will replace
  teachers.
• (D) Educational toys will make
  education more pragmatic.

Answer:
(D) Educational toys will make education more pragmatic.

(iv) Complete
the following sentence appropriately:
Educational toys enhance the personality of children by _______.

Answer:
Educational toys enhance the personality of children by improving cognitive
development, focus, problem-solving skills, and social skills through
experiential learning.

(v) Read the
five headlines (a) – (e), given below: (a) Sustainable Educational Toys are Developmentally
Appropriate.
(b) Sustainable Educational Toys Promote Free Play.
(c) Sustainable Educational Toys – Free and Widespread.
(d) Sustainable Educational Toys – Experiential Learning.
(e) Sustainable Educational Toys – Hinder Interaction with People.

Identify the
option that displays the headline that DOES/DO NOT correspond with what the
passage highlights:

• (A) Only (e)
• (B) (a) and (b)
• (C) (c) and (e)
• (D) Only (d)

Answer:
(A) Only (e)

(vi) What
evidence do you gather from the passage to state that the educational system is
revolutionized by educational toys?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
The educational system is revolutionized by educational toys as they provide
practical learning experiences, foster cognitive and social skills, and
introduce innovative tools like VR and mini-labs, making education more
contextual and less dependent on rote learning.

(vii) Explain
in about 40 words, how education at the grassroots level is benefitted by these
projects.

Answer:
Education at the grassroots level, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, is
benefitted by these projects as they introduce scientific concepts like
electromagnets and ancient history through hands-on learning, helping schools
without infrastructure to offer quality education.

(viii) As
opposed to learning by heart, experiential toys:

• (A) Ignite interest
• (B) Challenge the teachers
• (C) Replace textbooks
• (D) Confuse learners

Answer:
(A) Ignite interest

(ix) Playing is
usually considered a distraction. Is it justified on the part of the narrator
to assert that playing is an important aspect of education?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
Yes, it is justified because playtime and toys contribute to cognitive
development, improve social skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and
create a more engaging, hands-on learning environment, which are essential
components of modern education.

2. Read the
text given below:

(1) People
below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake
news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the
concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey
‘Countering Misinformation in India’. This survey has been conducted jointly by
the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

(2) At least
40% of the respondents believed in ‘misinformation’ received over social media
if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believed
the information when it was shared by a trustworthy organization.

(3) The
dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief
that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the
response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that
at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional
media, thus their faith in content shared by common people over social media.

(4) But even
then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least
53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media and
only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.

(5) However,
what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know
about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know
that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the
respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or
identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying
such fake news on an individual.

(6) The survey
has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more
susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities
and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.

Answer the
following questions, based on the given passage:

(i) Select the
option that comes under conventional media:

• (A) Instagram
• (B) Newspaper
• (C) Facebook
• (D) E-mail

Answer:
(B) Newspaper

(ii) Select the
correct option: One factor
that prompts people to believe fake news is that:

• (A) It supports their point of
  view
• (B) They are biased
• (C) It is from a reliable site
• (D) It has more ‘likes’ and
  ‘shares’

Answer:
(C) It is from a reliable site

(iii) What
according to the passage are the intentions of people who share information?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
According to the passage, people share information primarily because they
believe it might benefit others or contribute to their safety. This sense of
social responsibility drives many to forward information, even if they are
unaware of its authenticity.

(iv) Why is it
important for journalists to give authentic background and evidence in their
reporting?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
It is important for journalists to provide authentic background and evidence
because the public relies on verified information to make informed decisions.
Ensuring accuracy helps in building trust and preventing the spread of
misinformation and fake news.

(v) Complete
the sentence appropriately:
The threat faced by the new entrants in social media is ______.

Answer:
The threat faced by new entrants in social media is their increased
susceptibility to fake news, as they are often unaware of how to differentiate
between reliable and misleading information.

(vi) Explain
your understanding of the difference between ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news’.
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
Misinformation refers to incorrect or misleading information shared without the
intent to deceive, whereas fake news is deliberately fabricated and spread with
the intent to mislead or manipulate public opinion.

(vii) As per
your inference drawn from para (1), which category of people fall as victims to
fake news?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
According to para (1), people below the age of 20 and above 50 are more likely
to fall victim to fake news, especially those who are new to using the internet
and are not familiar with the concept of misinformation.

(viii) What is
the blame game that goes on in fixing the onus of identifying fake news?
(Answer in about 40 words)

Answer:
The blame game around identifying fake news involves shifting responsibility
between individuals and media organizations. While some believe it is the
media’s job to curb fake news, others feel that individuals must take personal
responsibility for verifying information.

Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)

3. Attempt ANY
ONE of the following two, in about 50 words. (4 Marks)

(a) Bharat Public School, I.P. Nagar, has
recently constructed a Science Park, a dedicated area where specific equipment
based on principles of science is set up. As Rashi Kapoor, President of Science
Club, draft a notice for the school notice board, informing students of the
same. Mention relevant details.

OR

(b) You are the President, RWA Silver Oak
Society. Draft a notice for the society notice board informing residents about
the appointment of security guards at Gate Nos. 2, 3 & 4 and an increase of
₹1,000 in the annual maintenance charges to meet the expenditure. Mention
relevant details.

Answer (Option
a)

BHARAT PUBLIC
SCHOOL, I.P. NAGAR
NOTICE
Science Park Inauguration
Date: October 4, 2024

This is to
inform all students that a new Science Park has been constructed in our school
premises. The park contains various scientific equipment for hands-on learning
and will be inaugurated on October 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM. All students
are invited to visit and explore the new facility.

Rashi Kapoor
President, Science Club

Answer (Option
b)

RWA SILVER OAK
SOCIETY
NOTICE
Appointment of Security Guards
Date: October 4, 2024

Residents are hereby
informed that new security guards have been appointed at Gate Nos. 2, 3, and 4
to ensure enhanced safety. Due to this, the annual maintenance charges will be
increased by ₹1,000, effective from November 1, 2024.

President, RWA
Silver Oak Society

4. Attempt ANY
ONE of the following two in about 50 words. (4 Marks)

(a) You are a student counsellor of N.J.
Public School. You are invited by S.M. International School, Kala Puram, to
address Class XII students on Goal Setting & Time Management. Write a
formal letter of reply accepting the invitation and confirming your presence at
the stated time. Include relevant details.

OR

(b) You are Mr. Anmol Gupta. You are
planning to celebrate your sister’s silver jubilee wedding anniversary. Draft
the invitation card to be sent to relatives and friends, sharing all relevant
details.

Answer (Option
a)

N.J. Public
School
Kala Puram
October 4, 2024

The Principal
S.M. International School
Kala Puram

Subject:
Confirmation of Invitation

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am delighted to accept the invitation to address Class XII students on Goal
Setting & Time Management at S.M. International School on October
15, 2024, at 11:00 AM. I look forward to interacting with the students and
guiding them on this important subject.

Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
Student Counsellor,
N.J. Public School

Answer (Option
b)

Invitation
You are cordially invited to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Wedding
Anniversary of
Mr. and Mrs. Gupta
on October 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM
at Hotel Radisson Blue, Banquet Hall, Sector 5.

We look forward
to your presence to make this occasion memorable.
RSVP: Anmol Gupta (9876543210)

5. Attempt ANY
ONE of the two, in 120-150 words. (5 Marks)

(a) You are Niharika / Nitish, a qualified
software engineer. You saw the following advertisement in a newspaper and wish
to apply for the position advertised. Draft an application for the position.

TECH MAHINDRA
Requires Software Engineer
Qualification: B.E. Computer Science
Experience: Min. 2 yrs. in the relevant field
Age: Not more than 28 yrs.
Skills: Knowledge of HTML, Research skills, Software building
Apply to: The Manager, Tech Mahindra, 40, L.G. Road, Teenalipuram

OR

(b) The civic authorities have upgraded
the central park in your colony with a walking track, open-air gym, and a
children’s play corner with swings. Write a letter to the editor of a national
daily expressing your views on the responsibilities of citizens to support
civic authorities in ensuring the upkeep of neighbourhood parks. Use the given
cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are Reena/Trikha.

Answer (Option
a)

Nitish Kumar
45, Green Park
Teenalipuram
October 4, 2024

The Manager
Tech Mahindra
40, L.G. Road
Teenalipuram

Subject:
Application for the position of Software Engineer

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Software Engineer at
Tech Mahindra, as advertised in the newspaper. I hold a B.E. in Computer
Science and have over two years of experience in software development. I am
well-versed in HTML, software building, and possess excellent research skills.
I am confident that my qualifications align with your requirements.

I look forward
to discussing my application in detail. Please find my resume attached for your
reference.

Thank you for
considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Nitish Kumar
(9876543210)

Answer (Option
b)

Reena Sharma
34, Orchid Colony
New Delhi
October 4, 2024

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject:
Importance of Citizen Responsibility in Park Maintenance

Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention
to the vital role citizens must play in supporting civic authorities to
maintain neighborhood parks. The recent upgrades in our colony park, including
a walking track, open-air gym, and children’s play area, have greatly improved
the community’s well-being. However, it is essential for residents to ensure
the cleanliness and upkeep of these facilities. Organizing R.W.A. meetings,
increasing the number of garbage bins, and spreading awareness about park maintenance
can go a long way in preserving these spaces.

I hope this
letter encourages fellow citizens to take proactive steps in maintaining our
public parks.

Yours
sincerely,
Reena Sharma

6. Attempt ANY
ONE of the following two questions in 120-150 words. (5 Marks)

(a) You are Vinita, a student of Class
XII. You decide to write an article on ‘Impact of OTT Platforms on Youth’ for
your school magazine. You may use the cues given below along with your own
ideas to compose this article.

• Easy to access
• Violent & brutal scenes
• Teens’ addiction to OTT
• Insomnia

Suggestions:

• Censor for OTT
• Time limitation
• Choice of content
• Parental monitoring

OR

(b) Your school recently organized an
adventure trip to Manali. Students from various classes joined the trip and
participated in various activities. As a student editor, write a report on the
trip to be published in your school newsletter. You are Lata of Class XII. Use
the cues given below along with your own ideas to compose this report.

• Date, duration
• No. of students
• Activities: Trekking, river
  rafting
• Students’ feedback

Answer (Option
a)

Impact of OTT
Platforms on Youth

By Vinita,
Class XII

In recent
years, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others have taken the
world by storm. While they provide easy access to a vast array of content,
their impact on youth has been both positive and negative. Many teens are increasingly
becoming addicted to binge-watching, often at the cost of their sleep and
academic performance. The presence of violent and brutal scenes on these
platforms also raises concerns about their effect on young minds.

To mitigate
these issues, parental monitoring is crucial. OTT platforms should introduce
stricter censorship, and parents should limit screen time. Moreover, teens
should be encouraged to choose content wisely and maintain a healthy balance
between entertainment and studies.

Answer (Option
b)

Adventure Trip
to Manali

By Lata, Class
XII

Our school
recently organized a thrilling adventure trip to Manali from September 20 to
September 25, 2024, in which 40 students from various classes
participated. The trip was filled with exciting activities like trekking,
river rafting, and nature walks. Students were thrilled by the breathtaking
views of the mountains and enjoyed every moment of the adventure. The trip also
provided an opportunity for students to bond and learn survival skills in the
wilderness.

The feedback
from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to
participate in more such activities in the future. Overall, it was a memorable
and enriching experience for all who attended.

Section C: Literature, Textbook and Supplementary Reading
Text (40 Marks)

7. Read the
following extracts and answer the questions on ANY ONE of the given two: (6 Marks)

(a) Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly
bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer.
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are
And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was bound.
(From “A Roadside Stand”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) Select the
option that has the same literary device as in ‘The sadness that lurks near the
open window there’.

• (A) Lucy moved across the room
  like a warship sailing into battle.
• (B) Art washes away from the soul
  the dust of everyday life.
• (C) The water-wraith was
  shrieking.
• (D) The pen is mightier than the
  sword.

Answer:
(B) Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
(This is an example of personification, as in the line from the extract where
“sadness” is personified.)

(ii) They
prayed for the stopping of a car. When one car finally stopped, it brought
_______ to the people of the roadside stand.

• (A) Help
• (B) Happiness
• (C) Disappointment
• (D) Cash flow

Answer:
(C) Disappointment

(iii) Explain
one inference that can be drawn from the line, ‘……childish longing in vain’.

Answer:
The line suggests the hopeless longing of the people at the roadside stand who
yearn for the attention and support of passing travelers. Their longing remains
unfulfilled as very few stop to help or even acknowledge them.

(iv) Complete
the sentence appropriately.
The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is _______.

Answer:
The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is sympathy for
the people at the roadside stand, who are overlooked and ignored by travelers.

**(v) The
expression ‘selfish car’ suggests that _______.

Answer:
The expression “selfish car” suggests that the travelers are
indifferent and self-centered, as they pass by without considering the needs of
the poor people running the roadside stand.

(vi) Based on
the rhyme scheme evident in the last two lines of the extract, which word would
rhyme with the last line?

Answer:
“Ground” would rhyme with the last line. It follows the ABAB rhyme
scheme.

(b) … but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s security check,
standing a few yards away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
(from “My Mother at Sixty-six”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) Select the
correct option.
The impact of ‘merry children’ on the poet’s mind ________.

• (A) Caused anxiety
• (B) Created a sense of longing
• (C) Brought comfort
• (D) Reminded her of her own
  childhood

Answer:
(C) Brought comfort

(ii) The tone
of the poet expressed in the above lines is:

• (A) Sadness and helplessness
• (B) Excitement and eagerness
• (C) Appreciation and gratitude
• (D) Anger and anxiety

Answer:
(A) Sadness and helplessness

**(iii) The
words ‘wan, pale’ indicate the mother’s _______.

Answer:
The words ‘wan, pale’ indicate the mother’s frailty and old age, as she
appears weak and feeble, similar to the fading light of the late winter moon.

**(iv) Complete
the following sentence appropriately.
The poet looked at her mother again to _______.

Answer:
The poet looked at her mother again to reassure herself of her mother’s
presence and health, despite her fears about her aging condition.

(v) Explain one
inference that can be drawn from the line ‘felt that old familiar ache’.

Answer:
The line “felt that old familiar ache” reflects the poet’s deep-seated
fear of losing her mother. It conveys her emotional pain and vulnerability,
stemming from her childhood fear of separation and death.

**(vi) ‘Put
that thought away’.
What is the intention of the poet that can be inferred from the above line?

Answer:
The intention of the poet is to suppress her anxiety and sadness about her
mother’s aging and possible death, as she tries to distract herself by focusing
on the outside world.

8. Read the two
extracts given below and answer the questions on ANY ONE. (4 Marks)

(a)
The reason the programme has been so successful is because it is impossible to
go anywhere near the South Pole and not be affected by it. It’s easy to be
blasé about polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone of our
respective latitude and longitude, but when you can visibly see glaciers
retreating and ice shelves collapsing, you begin to realize that the threat of
global warming is real.

Antarctica,
because of her simple ecosystem and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place
to study how little changes in the environment can have big repercussions.
(from “Journey to the End of the Earth”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) As per the
given extract, the reason for the success of the programme is:

• (A) The participation of young
  students.
• (B) The journey to Antarctica.
• (C) The exposure to reality.
• (D) It was impossible to go near
  the South Pole.

Answer:
(C) The exposure to reality

**(ii) Complete
the following sentence.
The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is ________.

Answer:
The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is that the visible
effects of climate change, such as melting ice caps and collapsing ice shelves,
highlight the urgent need to address global warming.

**(iii) State
whether the statement given is TRUE or FALSE with reference to the extract.
Global warming is a threat to human survival.

Answer:
TRUE

**(iv) Explain
one inference that can be drawn from the line “It’s easy to be blasé about
polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone”.

Answer:
The inference that can be drawn is that people often ignore or downplay the
seriousness of climate change when they are physically distant from its
effects. However, witnessing the destruction in places like Antarctica makes
the issue impossible to ignore.

(b)
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting
Pratibandapuram. The State banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja.
A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much
as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated.

The Maharaja
vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred
tigers. Initially, the king seemed well set to realize his ambition.
(from “The Tiger King”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) Select the
correct option.
‘… he would attend to all other matters only after killing a hundred tigers’.
This reflects the Tiger King’s:

• (A) Courage
• (B) Determination
• (C) Selfishness
• (D) Kindness

Answer:
(B) Determination

**(ii) Complete
the sentence appropriately.
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers. The above
statement is ironical in the sense _______.

Answer:
The above statement is ironical in the sense that the ban on tiger hunting
was celebrated, but it actually led to the systematic killing of tigers by the
Maharaja, defeating the purpose of protecting them.

**(iii) ‘… if
anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and
property would be confiscated’.
What trait of the king is reflected in the above line?

Answer:
The trait of the king reflected in the above line is his authoritarian and
strict nature, as he imposes severe punishments to ensure the survival of
tigers, although his actions contradict his words.

**(iv) State
whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
The King’s ambition is to save people from the tigers.

Answer:
FALSE

9. Read the
extracts given below and answer the questions on ANY ONE. (6 Marks)

(a)
“Why do you do this?” I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning scrounging for
gold in the garbage dumps of my neighbourhood. Saheb left his home long ago.
Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory.
There were many storms that swept away their fields and homes, his mother tells
him. That’s why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now lives.

“I have nothing
else to do,” he mutters, looking away.

“Go to school,”
I say glibly, realizing immediately how hollow the advice must sound.

“There is no
school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.”
(from “Lost Spring”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) Choose the
correct option.
The expression ‘scrounging for gold’ refers to:

• (A) Searching for gold items.
• (B) Looking for something that can
  fetch money.
• (C) Rummaging the garbage.
• (D) Digging to find food to eat.

Answer:
(B) Looking for something that can fetch money

**(ii) The
influence of nature in Saheb’s life was that it _______.

• (A) Brought prosperity
• (B) Yielded food for them
• (C) Gave them a home
• (D) Brought disaster

Answer:
(D) Brought disaster

**(iii)
Complete the sentence with an appropriate word.
Saheb’s conversation with the narrator draws _______ of readers towards Saheb.

Answer:
Saheb’s conversation with the narrator draws sympathy of readers towards
Saheb.

**(iv) Explain
one inference that can be drawn from the line “…… realizing how hollow the
advice must sound”.

Answer:
The inference that can be drawn is that the narrator feels guilty for offering
impractical advice to Saheb, as attending school is not a viable option for him
due to the lack of educational infrastructure in his neighborhood.

**(v) The
expression ‘when they build one, I will go’ indicates Saheb’s _______ to go to
school.

Answer:
The expression ‘when they build one, I will go’ indicates Saheb’s desire and
willingness to go to school, but his circumstances prevent him from doing
so.

**(vi) State
whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
‘… his home is not even a distant dream’ states that Saheb sees his home often
in his dream.

Answer:
FALSE

(b)
Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent
audience – no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any
attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour;
then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement – What are we
doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films
for the simplest sort of people? People whose lives least afforded them the
possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry. The poet looked pretty
baffled too, for he must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the
thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained
mystery.
(from “Poets and Pancakes”)

Answer the
following questions:

(i) Choose the
correct option.
The reason for the bewilderment of the audience is:

• (A) Unknown identity of the
  visitor.
• (B) That the speaker had not been
  introduced to them.
• (C) Visit of an English poet to a
  Tamil film studio.
• (D) That they did not understand
  English.

Answer:
(C) Visit of an English poet to a Tamil film studio

(ii) By
‘thrills and travails’ the author refers to:

• (A) Joy and happiness
• (B) Interest and aspiration
• (C) Excitement and pain
• (D) Shocks and surprises

Answer:
(C) Excitement and pain

**(iii) Explain
one inference that can be drawn from the line, “He could not have addressed a
more dazed and silent audience”.

Answer:
The inference that can be drawn is that the audience was confused and
uninterested because they did not understand what the poet was saying due to
the language barrier and the mismatch between the poet’s subject and the
interests of the studio staff.

**(iv) The
failure of the speaker to connect with the audience with reference to the
extract is his _______.

Answer:
The failure of the speaker to connect with the audience with reference to the
extract is his inability to communicate in a language and context relevant
to them.

Section C: Literature, Textbook and Supplementary Reading
Text (Continued)

10. Answer ANY
FIVE of the following six questions, in 40-50 words each: (5 × 2 = 10 Marks)

(i) Explain the
inference that can be drawn from the line “Will they make them sing in German,
even the pigeons?”
(From “The Last Lesson”)

Answer:
The line “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
reflects the deep frustration and helplessness of the people of Alsace. It
highlights the oppressive nature of the order to teach only German in schools,
making it seem as though everything, even nature, would be forced to change its
identity.

(ii) “Father
laughed, but there was terror in my heart.”
What does the above statement speak of the father?
(From “Deep Water”)

Answer:
The statement shows that the father was unaware of the child’s inner fear of
water. While the father laughed, thinking it was a simple act of pushing his
son into the water, the boy felt terrified due to his near-drowning experience.
This reflects the father’s lack of understanding of his son’s deep fear.

(iii) The
tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
(From “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”)

Answer:
The tone of the poet in these lines is optimistic and contrasting. While
Aunt Jennifer is oppressed and burdened by her marriage, the tigers she creates
in the panel represent her inner strength and desire for freedom. They
symbolize courage and independence, qualities she longs for.

(iv) What is
Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
(From “Keeping Quiet”)

Answer:
Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen is that they are contributing to the
destruction of nature by killing whales. He expresses his desire for them to
stop their harmful activities for a moment of introspection, allowing them to
understand the damage they are causing to marine life and the environment.

(v) How and why
does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
(From “A Thing of Beauty”)

Answer:
Keats refers to the “mighty dead” as those historical figures and
heroes whose great deeds are remembered and admired. He connects them to a
“thing of beauty” because their legacies continue to inspire awe and
wonder, leaving behind beautiful and everlasting memories that uplift the human
spirit.

(vi) ‘Jansie,
knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy’.
What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
(From “Going Places”)

Answer:
Jansie’s melancholy reflects her realistic and pragmatic nature.
Unlike Sophie, who daydreams of a glamorous future, Jansie is aware of the
harsh realities of life and accepts that they are both destined to work in the
biscuit factory. This shows that she has come to terms with their limited
prospects.

11. Answer ANY
TWO of the following three questions, in 40-50 words each: (2 × 2 = 4 Marks)

(i) My stamp
collecting, for example, that’s a temporary refuge from reality.
(From “The Third Level”)
How can a hobby give one an escape from reality?

Answer:
A hobby like stamp collecting can provide a mental escape from the stresses and
pressures of daily life by allowing individuals to immerse themselves in an
activity they enjoy. It offers a distraction, helps reduce anxiety, and
provides a sense of control and pleasure in a world that may otherwise seem
overwhelming.

(ii) “I will
have nothing to do with it,” Yumi said, “I am a poor person and it is not my
business.”
(From “The Enemy”)
What inference can be drawn about the character of the speaker from the above
expression?

Answer:
Yumi’s statement reflects her fear and sense of self-preservation.
As a servant, she is cautious about getting involved in matters beyond her
social standing, particularly when it concerns the life of an enemy soldier.
Her response shows that she is unwilling to risk her safety or position in
society.

**(iii) “The
words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me.”
(From “Memories of Childhood”)
How was Annan able to inspire Bama?

Answer:
Annan inspired Bama by teaching her that education is the key to overcoming
social discrimination and caste-based oppression. His words encouraged her to work
hard, excel in her studies, and rise above societal barriers. This advice had a
profound impact on Bama, motivating her to strive for success.

12. Answer ANY
ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words: (5 Marks)

(a) “Well I’ll
be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.”
(From “Going Places”)
Sophie (Going Places) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (Deep Water) faces
reality and realises the importance of learning how to swim. Analyse based on
the two texts the importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming. Write
an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather
than dreaming.

Answer:
The Importance of Doing Over Dreaming

By [Your Name]

In today’s
fast-paced world, the youth must learn the difference between mere dreaming and
taking action to achieve their goals. Sophie, from “Going Places,”
lives in a world of fantasy, dreaming of becoming a manager or meeting her
favorite football player, but she never takes any concrete steps toward making
these dreams a reality. In contrast, Douglas, from “Deep Water,”
faces his fear of water head-on, realizing the importance of learning how to
swim, which ultimately saves his life.

Dreams are
essential as they provide direction and motivation, but without action, they
remain just that—dreams. The youth today must cultivate a mindset of hard work,
persistence, and perseverance. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come
their way, they should actively pursue them. Success comes to those who do, not
to those who merely dream. While it is important to have aspirations, turning
those aspirations into reality requires determination and effort.

In conclusion,
the youth must balance dreaming with action and embrace the attitude of
“doing” to achieve their full potential.

(b) Where the peasants are so crushed and
fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free
from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring) are fear-stricken to
form a co-operative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen, politicians,
etc. These exploiters don’t allow them to take any initiative. You agree that
fear is the worst deterrent factor in one’s life. As a motivational speaker,
give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a successful
life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.

Answer:
Speech: Overcoming Fear to Lead a Successful Life

Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success.
Fear often prevents people from taking necessary actions to change their lives.
In “Indigo,” we see how the peasants of Champaran are crushed and
fear-stricken, unable to fight for their rights until Mahatma Gandhi steps in
and encourages them to overcome their fear. Similarly, in “Lost
Spring,” the bangle makers of Firozabad are trapped in a vicious cycle of
exploitation, too afraid to break free from the control of middlemen and
politicians.

Fear is the
worst deterrent factor in life. It stops you from taking risks, speaking up for
yourself, or striving for success. But remember, success comes to those who are
brave enough to confront their fears. Fear can be conquered through education,
self-confidence, and perseverance. By facing your fears head-on, you can break
free from the chains that hold you back and open doors to new opportunities.

As students,
you must cultivate courage and self-belief. Whether it’s fear of failure, rejection,
or judgment, you have the power to rise above it. Stay determined, work hard,
and always believe in your potential. Only then will you be able to lead a
successful and fulfilling life.

Thank you.

13. Answer ANY
ONE of the following two questions, in 120-150 words: (5 Marks)

(a) Derry: It’s
got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.
(From “On the Face of It”)
You do agree with Derry that appearance doesn’t define a person. Only one’s
potential and innate qualities gain one respect and dignity in society. As
Derry, write a diary entry regretting how you wasted your time indulging in
self-pity and frustration and how your encounter with Mr. Lamb transformed your
personality.

Answer:
Diary Entry

October 4, 2024

I cannot
believe how much time I have wasted feeling sorry for myself because of my
face. I used to think that people judged me based on my appearance, and that
made me bitter, angry, and withdrawn. But after meeting Mr. Lamb, I’ve come to
realize how wrong I was. He taught me that it’s not what you look like on the
outside that matters, but who you are on the inside. Your potential, your
kindness, and your strength of character are what define you.

Mr. Lamb’s
positive attitude towards life has changed the way I see myself. I now know
that I don’t need to hide or feel ashamed of my face. I have so much to offer
the world, and I won’t let my appearance hold me back anymore. I regret all the
years I spent in self-pity, but now, thanks to Mr. Lamb, I am determined to
live my life to the fullest and prove that I am more than just my face.

• Derry

(b) The boy
drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an English nanny, tutored
in English ……
(From “The Tiger King”)
You realize that western influence on Indian culture is deep-rooted since the
days of the Tiger King. Write an article using material from the text, on the
pros and cons of western influence on Indian society.

Answer:
Western Influence on Indian Society: Pros and Cons

By [Your Name]

The influence
of the West on Indian culture is undeniable, and it has been deep-rooted since
colonial times, as illustrated in the story of “The Tiger King.” The
boy (the Maharaja) is raised in an environment steeped in Western practices—he
drinks English cow’s milk, is tutored by an English nanny, and receives an
English education. This reflects the pervasive impact of British colonialism on
Indian society.

On the positive
side, Western influence has introduced India to modern education, technological
advancements, and scientific thinking. It has also encouraged values such as
democracy, individualism, and equality, which have helped shape India’s current
political and social structure.

However, there
are significant drawbacks as well. The blind adoption of Western customs has
led to the erosion of traditional Indian values and cultural practices. The
emphasis on English as a language of power has marginalized regional languages,
and the increasing Westernization of lifestyle has created a disconnect between
the younger generation and their cultural roots.

In conclusion,
while Western influence has contributed to India’s modernization, it is
essential to strike a balance between embracing global progress and preserving
the rich cultural heritage of India.