iv.

Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its

description.
Based on the information given in the excerpt, Scientists found that after 30
minutes of spinning on a stationary bike than riding the bike people
scored_____________ Ans: higher on tests of memory, reasoning, and
planning. 1
CLASS-XII v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the word 'inactive'. 1
Subject-English Core(301) Set-B Max Marks:80 Ans:(B) Sedentary.
Date- 19.12.2024 Marking Scheme Time- 3 Hours vi. Explain, in about 40 words, how exercise helps in brain growth? 2
SECTION:A(READING SKILLS) [22 Marks] Ans: As we age, our brain shrinks and the connections weaken.
1.Read the following text. [12] Exercise restores and protects the brain cells. Neuroscientists say,
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. "Adults who exercise display sharper memory skills, higher
i.Select the option that describes the work of neurotransmitters? 1 concentration levels, more fluid thinking and greater problem-solving
(A) They are like messengers between brain and cells. ability than those who are sedentary.'
(B) With the help of neurotransmitters, cells can communicate with each vii. ‘Exercise is like fertiliser.....', what comparison does the word "fertiliser"
other. refer to? 1
(C) It makes the functioning better and faster. Ans: The fertiliser is added to plants to increase their productivity.
(D) All of the above Similarly, exercise helps brain to work more efficiently.
Ans:(D) All of the above viii. How does Dr. Manjari's statement impact the readers? Answer in about
Explanation: You also release neurotransmitters (the messengers between 40 words. 2
your brain cells), so all those cells, new and old, can communicate with Ans: Dr. Manjari says that "Exercise works in the same way as
each other for better, faster functioning. psychotherapy and antidepressants in the treatment of depression, maybe
ii. What is the significance of the nerve cells during exercise? 1 better". Her statement will help the readers to engage in some or the other
(A) the body experiences stress. kind of exercise and win over their depression.
(B) the brain is strengthened by multiplying them. ix. Read the following sentences. 1
(C) you start to lose your temper. (a) Higher level of stress
(D) your stationary cycle starts to beep. (b) More fluid thinking
Ans:(B) the brain is strengthened by multiplying them. (c) Sharp memory skills
Explanation: When you pedal, you also force more nerve cells to fire. The (d) Inability to solve problems
result: you double or triple the production of these cells literally building Identify the opinion which tells why exercise is so important for adults.
your brain. Ans:(B) (b) and (c)
iii. Share evidence from the text in about 40 words to support the view that 2. Read the following text. [10]
'exercise itself a stress?’ (i) Infer two possible recommendations by the author to the people. Answer
Ans: As soon as one starts exercising, the body reacts immediately. It in about 40 words. 2
releases a particular hormone to raise the heart rate, blood pressure and Ans: (a) The author wants people to be aware that air pollution is a
blood glucose levels. As one gets fitter, it takes a longer, harder ride to major threat to human health. It is associated with an increased risk
trigger that same response. 2 of acute respiratory infections.
(b) He advises people to follow pollution averting activities seriously B. The Environment Club of your school is organising a tree plantation
to live a healthy life. drive on World Environment Day around your school and in the
(ii) The author's opinion on the development of mega cities is: 1 neighbourhood. Write a notice inviting students to volunteer for the event.
Ans: (B) Urbanisation leads to deterioration of air quality. Give all the relevant details. You are the Secretary of the Club.
Explanation: "Urban air quality in most mega cities has been found to be Format: 1 Content: 2 Expression: 1
critical." 4. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. [4]
(iii) What is the main idea of the passage? 1 A. Your school is planning to organise a talk on the 'Importance of
Ans:The main idea of the passage is to educate people on the Promoting Art Education' at various levels. You plan to invite The Director,
'Exceedance Factor' method and share the results of the study. Delhi School of Art, as a Key Note Speaker. As CCA Coordinator of Vidya
(iv) Identify the correct 'cause and effect’ relationship. 1 Mandir Vidyalaya, draft an invite for the same giving all the necessary
Ans: (C) Cause: Air pollution. Effect: Respiratory diseases details.
(v) Which of the following option displays the true statement as per the Format: 1 Content: 2 Expression: 1
given figure? 1 OR
Ans: (B) Pollution caused by transport is much more than the B. You are Natasha, residing in Pune. Your cousin, from the same city is
pollution caused by industries. hosting your grandmother's eightieth birth anniversary and has extended
Explanation: Transport - 22.5%; Industries - 17.2% an invite to you. He has also requested your assistance for the
(vi) What is the author's opinion on the development of mega cities? 2 arrangements needed. Draft a reply of acceptance.
Ans: The author's opinion on the development of mega cities is that Format: 1 Content: 2 Expression: 1
urbanisation leads to deterioration of air quality. The causes of high 5. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. [5]
concentration of pollutants in the form of NO₂ and RPM have been A. Sunshine Public School, Pune requires two sports coaches (one male
identified in earlier studies as vehicular emission (51.4%), followed by and one female). Each should be a degree holder in physical education as
industrial sources (24.5%) and dust particles (21.1%). well as an SAI certified coach in athletics. You have seen their
(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately. 1 advertisement and you know that you have qualifications. Write an
To live a healthy life and have better well-being, practising _pollution application with your resume. You are Praveen/Praveena, M-114,
averting activities in one's day-to-day activities is needed. Najafgarh, Delhi.
(viii) State TRUE or FALSE. 1 Format: 1 Content: 3 Expression: 1
Air pollution kills 4.6 million people every year in India.
Ans: FALSE OR
Explanation: Air pollution kills 4.6 million people around the globe and not B. You feel that India will face a severe water crisis by the year 2025. Write
in India. a letter to the Editor of "The National Daily' expressing your concern about
SECTION - B ( CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS -18 MARKS) it and requesting individuals and authorities to take steps to avert this crisis.
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. [4] You are Shalini/Shaheen.
A. While walking in a park in your neighbourhood you found a small plastic Format: 1 Content: 3 Expression: 1
bag containing some documents and some cash. Write a notice to be put
on the park notice board asking the owner to identify and collect it from 6. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. [5]
you. You are Amar/Amrita, 9399XXXXXX. A.The tendency to use violence at the slightest provocation and thus to
Format: 1 Content: 2 Expression: 1 solve personal and general problems is growing among people in our
OR society. This is not a civilised way of dealing with problems. Violence solves
no problem; it must be shunned. Write an article in on the topic, 'Don't take 1. 'My Mother at Sixty-six is a________ poem.
law into your own hands.' You are Shan/Shobha. You may use the given (A) political (B) confessional
cues along with your own ideas. (C) traditional (D) cultural
Problems Ans: (B) confessional
• increase in the number of cases of violence in all spheres Explanation: This is a confessional poem that presents the common
• no respect for the law or each other feelings children have for their mothers. In this regard, this poem is a
•no fear of consequences representational work and the title is apt.
Reasons 2.Capitalisation of 'Young Trees' enhances the contrast between poet's sick
• stressful lifestyle •hope given by media and pale mother and trees. What does this imply?
•growing intolerance •mob mentality Ans: This implies that youth passes very quickly.
Solutions Explanation: Trees are still young with all their greenery ahead of
• the responsible role of schools/parents/media in spreading awareness them but mother is an ashen image of death.
• effective policing 3. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to
• stricter laws, stricter implementation the extract.
•encourage de-stressing alternatives 'My Mother at Sixty-Six' is a poem that highlights a daughter's painful
Format: 1 Content: 3 Expression: 1 feelings of growing old herself. __________
Ans:False
Explanation: The daughter is scared to lose her mother through the
OR passage of death.
B. Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami 4.Complete the sentence appropriately.
celebrations, had organised a three- day cultural festival. You are Just as the brightness of the winter's moon is veiled behind the haze and
Bhupinder/Priyanka Bisht. Your newspaper had deputed you to cover the mist, similarly age has fogged mother's youthful appearance
inaugural event of this festival. As a newspaper reporter, use the given Explanation: Just like winter loses its magnificence and beauty when
cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same. covered with fog and mist, similarly the poetess's mother has lost her youth
•Big crowds - main grounds of the marketplace and vitality and has become inactive and withered.
• Colourful decorations 5. The use of the word 'winter's moon' in the extract suggests that during
• Inauguration - local panchayat member to inaugurate. winters, the sky is usually covered with mist. This is compared with
• Folk dance and songs mother's physique because age has fogged the mother's youthful
• Speeches appearance.
Format: 1 Content: 3 Expression: 1 Explanation: The poetess's mother is getting old and the winter's moon
symbolises old age.
SECTION-C (Literature) (40 Marks) 6.Select the option that is NOT true about the poet's feelings depicted in
7.Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the extract.
the two, given. [6] (A) Growing up has developed a sense of maturity in the poet.
A. “And looked out at Young Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out (B) Childhood memories are revived of the fear of separation from mother.
of their homes, but after the airport's security check, standing a few yards (C) The poetess feels some relief after seeing the happy children.
away, I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter's moon and felt that (D) The poetess never wanted to encounter such situation.
old familiar ache...” (My Mother At Sixty-Six) Ans:(D) The poetess never wanted to encounter such situation.
Explanation: The poetess is trying to divert her attention from the painful 2. Complete the sentence appropriately.
thought of separation from her mother. The society represented in the above extract is Orthodox and upper class
OR Explanation: It describes about the society where the men were smoking
B. ‘Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man cigars and talking quietly, the women were waving palm-leaf fans.
gathering salt would look at his hurt hands. Those who prepare green wars, 3.Imagine that the city of Galesburg is hosting a series of conferences and
wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors would put on clean workshops. In which of the following conferences or workshops are you
clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing.' least likely to find the description of Galesburg given in the above extract?
(Keeping Quiet) Ans:(C) Re-imagining a Warless Future: Technology for Peace
1. What does the poet want to suggest? Explanation: Longing for a peaceful world.
Ans:(D) War is useless 4. How is the line 'To be back there with the First World War still twenty
Explanation: War never benefits anyone. years off, and World War II over forty years in the future' an example of
2.What does the use of the word 'green wars' in the extract suggest? contrast?
Ans:It suggests war against the environment. Ans: The line is in contrast as the world in which the narrator was living was
3.How will a few moments of introspection affect the mood, thinking and full of insecurities and fear whereas the world before World War was quite
actions of the people? peaceful and pleasant.
Ans:(D) All of these OR
Explanation: Self-realisation will pave the way for a larger goal. B.
4.State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to 1.In which tone author says, 'it was celebration time for all tigers'?
the extract. Ans:It was a sarcastic tone.
The 'victory with no survivors' indicates that there are no victories without Explanation: Even though tigers were safe at the hands of others, the
survivors. Maharaj wouldn't leave a single one of them.
Ans:False. 2.Complete the sentence appropriately.
This indicates that there will be no survivors to enjoy victories. The Maharaja paid no heed to matters_related to his kingdom.
5. What does the poet hint at when he says, "Those who prepare green 3.In which of the following options can the underlined words NOT be
wars,"? replaced with 'proclamation'?
Ans: The poet hints at those people who manufactured the nature of Ans:(C) The communique made by the official had a disastrous effect.
war which is intended to satisfy specific interests of interested parties Explanation: Communique is made through media.
and devastate the lives of others. 4.On the basis of this passage, which character traits of the king are
6. The line "and the man gathering salt enumerated?
would look at his hurt hands." brings out the theme of environmental Ans:The king was an arrogant, apathetic, tyrant and wilful person.
conservation and social justice. 9.Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of
8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [6]
the two, given. [4] A. He was illiterate but resolute. He had come to the Congress Session to
A. complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar. (Indigo)
1. What kind of summers were there in 1894? 1.Who is he in the above extract?
Ans: In 1894, summer evenings were twice as long, and people sat out on Ans: He is Rajkumar Shukla.
their lawns, the men smoking cigars and talking quietly, the women waving 2. 'he' has been described as being 'resolute' because____________
palm-leaf fans, with the fire-flies all around. Ans:(B) he had followed Gandhiji wherever he went
3.Which city had 'he' come to where the Congress Session was going on? 6. Complete the sentence appropriately.
Ans: Lucknow. Almost all the families are engaged in bangle making. Firozabad is the
4.Why had 'he' come to the Congress Session? centre of India's glass blowing industry.
Ans: He came to complain about the injustice of the landlords in Bihar. He 10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions,in about 40-50
wanted to resolve the problems of the farmers. words. (2X5=10)
5. Which among the following is NOT TRUE regarding the sharecropping i.Why has Raj Kumar Shukla been described as being resolute?
arrangement in Champaran? Ans: i. Rajkumar Shukla, the Champaran sharecropper, requested Gandhiji
Ans: to fix a date to visit Champaran where the sharecroppers were being
(C) 15 per cent of the indigo harvest had to be surrendered as rent. subjected to injustice. He did not leave him until Gandhiji fixed a date to go
6.Complete the sentence in ONE word. with him. Gandhiji was impressed by his tenacity and determination and
The country which developed synthetic indigo was Germany. finally agreed to go there from Calcutta.
OR ii.How do you think the author's life might have been impacted after her
B. interactions with the children and their families mentioned in ‘Lost Spring’?
1.What does the author try to convey by the expression 'being his own Ans: Listening to them, the author must have seen the web of poverty,
master'? burdened by the stigma of caste in which they are born. She must have felt
Ans:(C) Mukesh takes his own decisions. as caught in similar clutches of the Indian system of society. So, Anees
Explanation: Mukesh is his own master and has a brain of his own to take Jung gives voice to eliminate child labour and to enforce the laws against
his own decisions. child labour by the government strictly. The call is to end child exploitation
2.What is the narrator trying to convey through the expression "... looking and let the children enjoy the days of the spring that bring joy under their
straight into my eyes?" feet.
Ans: The narrator is trying to convey that Mukesh displayed his courage
iii.If the world is “ nothing but a big rattrap” as the tramp stated in the story
and determination in expressing his opinion. ‘The Rattrap’, who might the rattrap peddler be? Discuss.
3.Identify the line from the text that bears the evidence to the fact that
Mukesh's dream is elusive and illusive. Ans: If the world is "nothing but a big rattrap", God would be the rattrap
Ans: "His dream looms like a mirage' is the line that suggests that Mukesh's peddler. The poor rattrap peddler struggled for his existence. He could not
dream is elusive and illusive. make both ends meet so he had to resort to both begging and petty
Explanation: Elusive - indefinable and abstract; illusive - imaginary and thievery. Despite this, his condition was deplorable. Thinking of his
unreal miserable plight, he was struck by the idea that the whole world was
4.Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that Mukesh wasn't nothing but a big rattrap. It baited people in various forms. The moment one
scared of anyone and was determined to do something in his life. is tempted by the material joys, the world closes in on him and traps him.
Ans:The evidence from the extract is "I will learn to drive a car," he
iv.What does the poet's smile in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’ show?
answers, looking straight into my eyes.
5. "None of them know that it is illegal for children to work in glass Ans: Value Points
furnaces". Select the inference in with reference to the above statement.
Ans:(B) Their illiteracy and ignorance are exploited by the unscrupulous -Reassuring herself and her mother
businessmen.
Explanation: Their illiteracy and ignorance are exploited by the
unscrupulous businessmen.
-masking/hiding/covering her fear of separation, fear of mother's death, -As a doctor adhere to sense of duty
hiding her fear of not being able to see her mother alive again, hiding her
-As a human being a sense of humaneness
guilt/sorrow at leaving her mother at that critical juncture.
-Acceptance of the general's plan - in accord with loyalty to his country
which was at war with Tom country.
Detailed Answer: The poet's smile in the poem shows that she is trying to
mask her feelings. She is feeling guilty for leaving her mother at that critical ii. What were the indignities that Zitkala - Sa had to suffer for being from a
stage. She smiles to reassure herself and her mother that they would meet marginalised community?( Memories of Childhood)
soon. Value Points:
-tossed around like a wooden puppet
v.Getting rid of fear is an extremely difficult task.Elucidate with reference to -humiliated like a coward
the chapter “Deep Water”. -was treated like an animal and had none to comfort her.
Ans: Value Points:
iii.Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement.
-After his successful attempts in Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake, he
( Journey to the End of the Earth).
became confident and understood that 'all we have to fear is fear itself'
Ans: Antarctica is the only continent with no permanent human
-during near death experience at the Y.M.C.A. pool. habitation, for being almost covered with ice. Here winter lasts for
eight months of the year. The temperatures and strong icy winds
Detailed Answer: Douglas learnt this lesson after overcoming his fear of
impede any effort we try and make to get around. Also, there is no
water by hiring a trainer and learning how to swim. He tried swimming in
infrastructure down here like roads, railways, etc.
Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake. Both attempts were successful. He
became confident and understood 'all we have to fear is fear itself'. He 12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150
realised that all obstacles, fears and terrors can be conquered. We must words. [5x1=5]
have the determination and courage to face them. A. The prose selections, Deep Water and Indigo, bring out the importance
of overcoming fear, in order to be able to lead our lives successfully.
vi.What does the writer mean by ‘ the fiery misery’ of those subjected to Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high
make up in the text ‘Poets and Pancakes’? school students. Write this address elaborating on occurrences from the
Ans: By 'the fiery misery' writer means that the make-up room had several two texts to inspire your audience and to convince them about the
incandescent lights. They gave out intense heat. Those who were importance of overcoming fear. You may begin like this...
subjected to make-up had to endure that scorching heat miserably and lot Good morning, students!
of discomfort.
We all know what it's like to be afraid. Fear is our body's natural response
11.Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50
to a perceived threat or danger.
words. (2X2=4)
Ans:Value Points
i.Sadao’ s acceptance of the General’s plan to assassinate Tom was - Fear immobilises us and prevents us from progressing - as in the case of
counterproductive to have put him on the path of recovery . Substantiate William Douglas - due to his fear of water he could not lead a normal life -
with reasons. ( The Enemy) could not go fishing, canoeing, etc. Similarly, due to their fear of the
Britishers, the peasants of Champaran could not take a stand for their
Value Points: rights.
-Need to face our fear, devise a plan and work through it - William Douglas I hope this letter will also help you in overcoming many problems in life.
worked through his fear rather than giving into it. When the peasants
gathered around the courthouse in Motihari, it was a step towards Warmly
overcoming their fear. Tushar
-Require determination - persistence - it took Douglas months to overcome
his fear of water and learn swimming. It took nearly a year to get justice for 13.Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions,in about 120-150
the peasants in Champaran. words. [5x1=5]
-strength in unity when fighting a common fear - only when the people in A.On returning home, Charley writes his experiences at the 'Third Level' of
Champaran were able to overcome their fear and fight for justice. Grand Central. Imagine yourself to be Charley, create a diary entry and
-But once overcome, one is free to live his/her life to the fullest. express his experiences.

OR You may begin like this: I couldn't have thought in my dream that the third
B. The last two years of school tend to be about planning for life after level was so different and..........(The Third Level)
school. This can be motivating, overwhelming or encouraging for some, Sunday 9:00 p.m.
and stressful for others. Write a letter to your friend Sanjeev telling him
about your thoughts taking ideas from Pablo Neruda's poem. You can take 2 March 20XX
the help of the following points.
• Neruda's ideas in 'Keeping Quiet as a guide in this situation. Dear Diary
• Thinking differently about your decisions with reference to Neruda's
'Keeping Quiet. I couldn't have thought in my dream that the third level was so different and
Ans: old-fashioned. There were fewer ticket windows. The information booth was
Delhi made of wood. The lights were open flame gas lights There were brass
20 May, 2020 spittoons on the floor. Men had beards and sideburns. Women wore
Dear Sanjeev old-fashioned dresses and high buttoned shoes. The railway engine was
After completing schooling, there are numerous things I want to do and small with a funnel-shaped stack. Everything looked a century old. Then I
accomplish in my life. My admirations aren't much different from the walked to the newsboy where I glanced at "The World". The lead story was
average person, but it will still take a lot of hard work to get to where I want about President Cleveland. Later, I found out from the library files that it
to be. I have many goals, but to accomplish these goals I have to get was printed on June 11, 1894. 1 wanted to go to Galesburg. In 1894, it was
through the many obstacles that could get in the way. One of the obstacles a heaven of peace and tranquillity. People lived a carefree life. Therefore, I
is getting admission in a good college. I know if I stay focused, I have the asked for two tickets to Galesburg. I paid the fare in modern notes so the
power to get over the obstacles that stand in my way. What I plan to do clerk thought that the notes were fake. He threatened to get me arrested. I
now might not be what I want to do in a few years. Even if my plans do immediately turned around and fled as fast as I could.
change, I will always have goals for myself. With hard work and
determination, I plan to accomplish my goals, whatever they may be, and OR
live up to my full potential. Keeping quiet and introspection shall always B. The Tiger King had decided to kill hundred tigers. For that purpose, he
help me to restore my calmness, give me strength and make right made many efforts and tried to achieve his target. Afterwards, he wrote a
decisions for the benefit of myself and society. diary which was later found by his son. Imagine yourself to be his son,
describe his efforts. (The Tiger King)
Sunday 9:00 p.m.

20 March 20XX

Dear Diary

Today I found my father's diary in which he wrote all his efforts made
to achieve his target of killing hundred tigers. "The Tiger King', as he
was called, made his first effort by banning tiger hunting except by
himself as the forests had only a limited population of tigers. After
killing seventy tigers, the population of tigers became extinct. He
decided tigers so to marry a girl whose state had a large number of
that he could kill the remaining thirty tigers to fulfil his vow of killing
hundred tigers. When he had killed ninety-nine tigers, only one tiger
was left. He could not find it and he doubled the land taxes and fired
his Deewan. This act of his led to the finding and bringing a tiger from
people's park which the Tiger King killed thinking him to be the
hundredth tiger.
_________________________________________________________