2 DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL MEERUT

CLASS XII
ENGLISH CORE CODE NO. 301

SYLLABUS (2024-25)
SECTION A (22 MARKS)

I-READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH UNSEEN PASSAGE

1. One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis and inference.

Vocabulary assessment will also be assessed via inference. The passage may be factual,
descriptive or literary.
2. One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts
etc. to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation.

o Note: The combined word limit for both the passages will be 700-750 words.
o Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions and Short Answer Type Questions (to
be answered in 40-50 words) will be asked.

SECTION B (18 MARKS)

II. CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. Notice, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (4 Marks: Format :1
/ Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1).
4. Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to
be answered.
(4 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1).
5. Letters based on verbal/visual input, to be answered in approximately 120-150 words. Letter
types include Application for a job with bio data or resume. Letters to the Editor (giving
suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest). One out of the two given questions to be
answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and
Grammar :1).
6. Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be
answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks:
Format: 1 /Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1).

SECTION C (40 MARKS)

III. LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT

This section will have variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type
Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension,
interpretation, analysis, evaluation and extrapolation beyond the text.

7. One Poetry extract out of two, from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension,
interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. (6x1=6 Marks)
8. One Prose extract out of two, from the book Vistas, to assess comprehension, interpretation,
analysis, evaluation and appreciation. (4x1=4 Marks)
9. One prose extract out of two from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation,
analysis, inference and evaluation. (6x1=6Marks)
10. Short answer type questions (from Prose and Poetry from the book Flamingo), to be
answered in 40-50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical
thinking. Five questions out of the six given, are to be answered. (5x2=10 Marks)
11. Short answer type questions, from Prose (Vistas), to be answered in 40- 50 words each.
Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Any two out of three
questions to be done. (2x2=4 Marks)

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12. One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo), to be answered in 120- 150
words. Questions can be based on incident / theme / passage / extract / event as reference
points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and
evaluative response from the student. Any one out of two questions to be done. (1x5=5 Marks)
13. One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Vistas, to be answered
in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text.
Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses using incidents, events, themes, as
reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. (1x5=5 Marks)

LITERATURE SYLLABUS

1. FLAMINGO:

(Prose)
• The Last Lesson
• Lost Spring
• Deep Water
• The Rattrap
• Indigo
• Poets and Pancakes
• The Interview
• Going Places

(Poetry)
• My Mother at Sixty-Six
• Keeping Quiet
• A Thing of Beauty
• A Roadside Stand
• Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

2. VISTAS:
• The Third Level
• The Tiger King
• Journey to the End of the Earth
• The Enemy
• On the Face of It Memories of Childhood
• The Cutting of My Long Hair
• We Too are Human Beings

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QUESTION BANK
I. FLAMINGO:

PROSE
1. THE LAST LESSON LOST SPRING DEEP WATER

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

What a thunderclap these words were to me! Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town-
hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write! I should never learn anymore! I must stop
there then! Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking bird‘s eggs, or going sliding on
the Saar! My books that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and
my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn‘t give up. And, M. Hamel, too; the idea that he
was going away, that I should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler and how cranky he
was.
(i) What were the startling and unexpected words to Franz?
(a) The order from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
(b) The transfer order of the French teacher M. Hamel.
(c) Order to recite the rules for participles.
(d) Order to take his seat before the lesson begins.
(ii) Franz expresses his __________ in not learning his mother tongue seriously.
(a) anger (b) elation (c) remorse (d) contentment
(iii) Franz‘s feelings and attitude towards his school and M. Hamel changed because-
(a) he began to realise the real worth of his school and the teacher.
(b) he was afraid of Prussian soldiers.
(c) the teacher explained everything with much patience.
(d) the village elders told him to do so.
(iv) Select the suitable option for the given statements.
(1) Franz forgets the irritable nature of M. Hamel.
(2) M. Hamel goes away from the school for good.
(a) (1) is true, but (2) is false (b) (2) is true, but (1) is false.
(c) (1) is the reason for (2) (d) (2) is the reason for (1)
(v) Who are called wretches?
(a) Students (b) Elderly villagers (c) Germans (d) People of France
(vi) Bulletin board at the town hall brought news about-
(a) the orders of the commanding officer (b) the lost battles
(c) the draft (d) All of the above

Q2 What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school?

Q3 What did Franz notice that was unusual about the school that day?
Q4 What had been put upon the bulletin board? OR
What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?
Q5 How did Franz’s feelings about M Hamel change?
Q6 The people in this story suddenly realize how precious their language is to them. What shows
you this? Why does this happen?
Q7 Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What could this mean?

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Q.8 What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did
they mean?
Q.9 According to M. Hamel what were the reasons for the children not learning French?
Q.10 What did M. Hamel say about the French language? What did he ask his people to do and
why?

2. LOST SPRING

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

This morning, Saheb is on his way to the milk booth. In his hand is a steel canister. I now work in a tea
stall down the road, he says, pointing in the distance. I am paid 800 rupees and all my meals. Does he
like the job? I ask. His face, I see, has lost the carefree look. The steel canister seems heavier than the
plastic bag he would carry so lightly over his shoulder. The bag was his. The canister belongs to the man
who owns the tea shop. Saheb is no longer his own master.

a) Where is Saheb working and how much is he paid?

b) Was he happy working in the tea stall? Why?
c) Explain ―The steel canister seems heavier than the plastic bag.
d) Identify the literary device in the line ―The steel canister seems heavier than the plastic bag.

Q.2 Was Saheb happy working at the tea stall?

Q.3 How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
Q.4 What forces conspire to keep the workers held up in the bangle industry of Firozabad in
poverty?
Q.5 Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangle industry.
Q.6 Why should child labour be eliminated and how?
Q.7 how in your opinion can Mukesh realize his dreams?
Q.8 Describe the irony in Saheb's name. After months of knowing, the narrator asks Saheb's name.
Q.9 Why does the author make the statement ‘The steel canister seems heavier than the plastic
bag?’

3. DEEP WATER

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Then all the efforts ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp: and a blackness swept over my brain. It
wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be
afraid of. This is nice to be drowsy…. To go to sleep….no need to jump…. Its nice to be carried gently…..to
float along in space…..tender arms around me…..tender arms like mother‘s…..now I must go to sleep….
a) Why did he give up his efforts?
b) Why there was no more terror or panic?
c) What state was the author going through?
d) Which word in the above lines mean same as feeling sleepy‘?
Q.2 What was the Misadventure that happened at the YMCA pool?
Q.3 What were the series of emotion and fear that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into
the pool? What plans did he make to come to the surface?
Q.4 How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the old terror?
Q.5 How did Douglas overcome his fear of water? (Hydrophobia)
Q.6 “All we have to fear is the fear itself,” says Roosevelt. Explain.
Q.7 Douglas says, “The instructor was finished, but I was not finished.” Explain.

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Q.8 How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas?
Q9. What was the incident that nearly killed Douglas and developed in him a strong aversion to
water?
Q.10 Describe the efforts made by Douglas to save himself from drowning in the YMCA pool?

4. THE RATTRAP

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

The old man was just as generous with his confidences as with his porridge and tobacco. The guest was
informed at once that in his days of prosperity his host had been a crofter at Ramsjo Ironworks and had
worked on the land. Now that he was no longer able to do day labour, it was his cow which supported him.
Yes, that bossy was extraordinary. She could give milk for the creamery every day, and last month he had
received all of thirty kronor in payment.
a) Who was the old man? How did he welcome the guest?
b) Who is the guest referred to in this passage?
c) How did the crofter sustain himself financially?
d) Find the word from the passage which means very unusual or remarkable.‘
Q.2 From where did the peddler get the idea of the world being a rat trap? Why as he amused with
this idea?
Q.3 Why did the crofter show 30 kroners to the peddler?
Q.4 When did the ironmaster realize his mistake? What did the peddler say in his defense when it
was clear that he was not the person the ironmaster had thought him to be?
Q.5 Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler? Why did the peddler sign himself as
Captain Von Stahle?
Q.6 What made the peddler finally change his ways?
Q.7 How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
Q.8 Why did the peddler have to resort to both begging and petty thievery?
Q.9 How was he welcomed by the crofter?
Q 10 How did the peddler prove false to his host – he old crofter?

5. INDIGO

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.

The news of Gandhi's advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzzafarpur and to
Champaran. Sharecropper's from Champaran began arriving in large numbers on foot and by conveyance
to see their champion. Muzzafarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him. They frequently represented
peasant groups in court, they told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee.
1) What was the nature of Gandhi's mission as mentioned in the passage?
a) To teach self-dependence b) To start a movement
c)To help the poor peasants d) To chide the lawyers Ans) To help the poor
peasants
2) Of the four meanings of 'Champion', select the option that matches in meaning with its
usage in the extract;
a) Vigorous advocator b) Hero c)Popular Leader d)Number one title
holder
3)What does ' their cases' refer to in the context?
a) Their professional history b) cases against British authorities
c) cases against tyrannical landlords d)Their work for the upliftment of peasants
4) Select the terms that can be associated with the following phrases:
i) Spread quickly through Muzzafarpur

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a) Gandhiji's popularity b) The extent of exploitation
c)Belief in Gandhi d) seriousness of the issue
ii) Reported the size of their fee
a) Pride in their capability b) Arrogance and selfishness
c) Self-belief d) Lawyers Greed
5) Select the option that lists the feelings and attitudes of the sharecroppers towards
Gandhi?
1.Hope 2.courage 3.Accountability 4.Leadership 5.Fear
a)1&2 b)2&4 c)3&5 d)1&4 d) 1&4
Q.2 At Motihari, why was the government baffled? What did Gandhiji prove by that?
Q.3 Gandhi was involved in ‘a conflict of duties.’ What did he decide in the end. Why?
Q.4 “Civil Disobedience had triumphed the first time in India.” Justify.
Q.5 How did Gandhi teach us a lesson in self – reliance? Why did he refuse help from C. F.
Andrews?
Q.6 Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being resolute?
Q.7 What was the average Indian's attitude in smaller localities towards advocates of home rule?
Q.8 Why did Gandhiji tell the court that he was involved in a 'conflict of duties'?
Q.9.Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers?
Q.10.Why do you think that the Champaran episode was a turning point in Indian struggle for
Independence?

6. POETS AND PANCAKES

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow.

The lawyer was also officially known as the legal adviser, but everybody referred to him as the opposite.
An extremely talented actress, who was also extremely temperamental, once blew over on the sets. While
everyone stood stunned, the lawyer quietly switched on the recording equipment. When the actress
paused for breath, the lawyer said to her, ―One minute, please,ǁ and played back the recording. There
was nothing incriminating or unmentionably foul about the actress‘s tirade against the producer. But when
she heardher voice again through the sound equipment, she was struck dumb.
i) How was the lawyer referred at Gemini Studios?
A. Opposite B. Professional C. Legal D. None of the above
ii) What happened to the actress on the set?
A. She was very happy and started hugging everyone
B. She got happy after her voice was recorded
C. She got angry
D. All the above
iii) Who recorded the actress’ voice?
A. Asokamitran B. Mr. Vasan C. Lawyer D. Subbu
iv) What happened when the actress heard her voice again?
A. She got dumbstruck B. She got speechless
C. She got shocked D. All the above
v) There was nothing incriminating or unmentionably foul about the actress‘s tirade
against the producer. What does tirade means?
A. Long angry speech B. Short angry speech
C. Long happy speech D. Short happy speech
Q.2 What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?
Q.3 Who was Subu’s Principal? Subbu is described as a many sided genius. List four of his special
abilities.
Q.4 Why was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the studio?
Q.5 Name one example to show that Gemini Studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA?
Q.6 Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as an unexplained mystery?

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Q.7 Why is the visit of Englishman referred to us as unexplained mystery?
Q.8 Did Asokamitran consider Kothamangalam Subbu an immensely talented person?
Q.9 What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up?
Q.10 Did the people at Gemini Studio have any particular political affiliations?

7. THE INTERVIEW

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in wonderland, was said to have had a just horror of the interviewer
and he never consented to be interviewed- It was his horror of being lionized which made him thus repel
would be acquaintances, interviewers and the persistent petitioners for his autograph and he would
afterwards relate the stories of his success in silencing such people with much satisfaction and
amusement.
I. Choose the most appropriate option that resonates LewisCarroll‘s opinion about
interviews:
i. Frightening ii. Satisfying iii. Pleasing iv. Appalling
a. ii and iii b. i and iv c. I and ii d. iii and iv
II. Which of the following statements CAN be related to the opinion of interviews as
expressed in the above extract:
a. Interview is a source of truth and, in its practice an art.
b. Interview is a satisfying and amusing mode of journalism.
c. A repulsive and horrifying experience
d. A supremely serviceable medium of communication
III. What does the word lionized mean?
a. To show disrespect b. To give a lot of public attention and approval
c. To dishonour d. To treat with contempt
IV. Why did Lewis Carroll never consent to be interviewed?
a. He disliked interviews. b. He did not consider interview as a medium of communication
c. Had horror of the interviewer. d. Considered interviews as thumbprints on his windpipe
Q.2 What are some positive views on interview?
Q.3 Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?
Q.4 How does Eco find time to write so much?
Q.5 Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?
OR
Why did Eco say that he was a professor who wrote novels on Sunndays?
Q.6 What is the reason for the huge success of the novel ‘The Name of the Rose’
OR
‘The Name of the Rose’ is a very serious novel, yet it enjoyed a mass audience. Justify.
Q.7 Why do most celebrities hate being interviewed?
Q.8 What do you infer from the expression ―thumbprints on his windpipe?
Q.9 Why does Denis Brian believe that interviewer holds a position of unprecedented power and
influence?
Q.10 How does Eco find time to write so much and do many things?

8. GOING PLACES

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

On Saturday they made their weekly pilgrimage to watch United. Sophie and her father and little Derek
went down near the goal — Geoff, as always, went with his mates higher up. United won two-nil and

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Casey drove in the second goal, a blend of innocence and Irish genius, going round the two big defenders
on the edge of the penalty area, with her father screaming for him to pass, and beating the hesitant
goalkeeper from a dozen yards. Sophie glowed with pride. Afterwards Geoff was ecstatic.
i) Their visit to the match was like a ‘weekly pilgrimage’ refers to
a) strong bond as a family. b) love for a fixed routine.
c) similar feelings of devotion. d) excitement for the match.
ii) Based on the following statements, choose the correct option:
Assertion: ―Geoff, as always, went with his mates higher up.
Reason 1: Geoff was not very close to his family and lived in his own world.
Reason 2: Geoff was rude and indifferent towards everyone around him and didn‘t care about
anyone at all.
a) Reason 1 and Reason 2 both can be inferred from the assertion.
b) Reason 1 can be inferred but Reason 2 cannot be inferred from the assertion.
c) Reason 1 cannot be inferred but Reason 2 can be inferred.
d) Reason 1 and Reason 2 both cannot be inferred.
iii) ‘Sophie glowed with pride.’ Her pride is the result of-
a) belonging to a region where everyone thought of Danny as a hero.
b) watching her father cheer and support Danny.
c) The information she gathered from her brother, about Danny.
d) being an avid fan and her sense of closeness with Danny.
iv) Ecstatic in this context means-
a) extremely happy b) sad c) amazed d) invigorated
Q.2 What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her from
having such dreams?
Q.3 Does Geoff believe what Sophie tells him about her meeting with Daney Casey? Why?
Q.4 How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her fancy of her future?
Q.5 Did Sophie really meet Daney Casey?
Q.6 Does Sophie have means to fulfill her dreams? Why does Jansie say “soaf, you really should
be sensible”? OR
Jansie is Sophie’s classmate and friend but does not entertain any ‘wild dreams’ like her. Why?
Q.7 Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective,
what did he symbolize?
Q.8 What socio – economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indications about her
family’s financial status?
Q.9 Why did Sophie choose to walk by the canal? What did she do there?
Q.10 Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?

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I. FLAMINGO:

POETRY
• MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX

Q.1 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:
….. 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
a) What was the childhood fear that troubled the poet?
i) The fear of losing her mother ii) The fear of being alone
iii) The fear of ageing of her mother iv) Her mother‘s pale face
b) What do the parting words suggest?
i) assuring her mother that she will be young and energetic
ii) Consoling her mother about her future prospects
iii) Assuring her mother that they will meet again
iv) both i) and ii)
c) Which figure of speech has been used in ―smile and smile and smile
i) simile ii) metaphor iii) alliteration iv) Repitition
d) What do you understand by―familiar ache
i) Fear of losing her mother ii) Fear of getting separated
iii) Childhood fear of losing her mother iv) All of the above
Q.2 What kind of pain and ache the poet feels?
Q.3 Why has the poet brought the image of merry children spilling out of their home?
Q.4 Why has the mother been compared to late winter’s moon?
Q.5 What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

• KEEPING QUIET

Q.1 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:
It would be an exotic moment without rush,
without engines we would all be together in a sudden strangeness….
a) Which is the moment mentioned here?
b) What will unify humanity according to the poet?
c) What is the poetic device used here?
Q.2 Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death? Why?
Q.3 What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
Q.4 Why does the poet ask us to count up to 12?
Q.5 “Let’s not speak in any language.” Explain.
Q.6 Explain, “Victory with no survivors.”
Q.7 Explain, “I want no truck with death.”
Q.8 What have we not been focusing on?
Q.9 When can a huge silence do us good? How?
Q.10 What can earth teach us?
• A THING OF BEAUTY

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

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A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o‘er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
i) Based on the poem, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given
below:
Statement 1: The earth without the beautiful things is a place full of despair and unpleasantness.
Statement 2: The ornate band created by human beings; ushers hope in their lives.
a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
ii) In which of the following options can the underlined words be replaced with
‘despondence’?
a) The man paced about the room showing restlessness.
b) A chat with a close friend can take away our blues.
c) I was in jitters, seeing the boy trapped in the trench.
d) Being dogged is what led him to negotiate the challenges
iii) Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing A flowery band to bid us to the earth –
We tie ourselves to the Earth with _____.
a) life b) band of flowers c) gloom d) beautiful things
iv) Why do we need to tie ourselves to the Earth?
a) Earth is a beautiful place b) Earth is a Spiteful place
c) Earth is a busy place d) Earth is a bountiful place
v) ‘inhuman dearth’ shows that there is:
a) lack of beauty. b) lack of energy.
c) lack or shortage of human beings with good values. d) lack of resources.
vi) Which of the following phrases have the poetic device expressed in leaping lizard?
a) inhuman dearth b) gloomy days c) over darkened ways d) noble natures
1. What do we wreath ourselves with?
2. Why does the poet refer to the ‗spite of despondence?
3. What does ―made for our searching ―mean?
4. What, according to the poet happens in spite of all?
5. Why are our days gloomy?

Q.2 Describe bad and evil things that we possess.

Q.3 Explain “The grandeur of the dooms.”
Q.4 Explain “Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth.”
Q.5 What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
Q.6 What image does the poet use to describe the beautiul bounty of the earth/nature?
Q.7 How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
Q.8 How is the pall of despondence moved away from our dark spirits?
• A ROADSIDE STAND

Q.1 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:

The little old house was out with a little new shed In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled, It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread, But for some of
the money, the cash, whose flow supports The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
i) Where was the new shed put up?
ii) What was its purpose?

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iii) Why does the poet use the word ‘pathetic‘?
iv) Explain: ‘too pathetically ‘pled’
v) Who are referred to as ‘the flower of cities‘?
vi) Identify the figure of speech used in ‘pathetically pled‘.
MCQ
i) The new shed had been put up by-
A] The roadside B] In front of the house C] The window D. All the above
ii) The purpose behind the stand fails because
A] The city people don‘t have the seeing eye. B] No one stops their car.
C] The farmer is asking for a dole of bread. D] Both A and B
iii) The word ‘pathetic‘ has been used by the poet to highlight
A] The badly put up shed B] To highlight the ignorance of the farmer
C] To make the reader understand the penury of the farmer D] None of the above
iv) The poetic device used in ‘pled‘ is
A] Personification B] Alliteration C] Metaphor D] Both A and B
v) From the quoted lines pick out the words that bring out the farmers desperation
A] The little old house was out with a little new shed B] Pathetically pled
C] Pled for some city money D] both C and B
vi) Identify the poetic device in ‘the flower of the cities‘
A] Oxymoron B] Metaphor C] Personification D] Transferred epithet
Q.2 What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand?
Q.3 What was the complaint of the city folk about?
Q.4 What is the ‘childish longing’ that the poet refers to? Why is it in ‘vain’?
Q.5 How does the poet feel at the thought of the plight of the rural poor?
Q.6 Explain “Too pathetically pled.”
Q7 ‘The thought of so much childish longing in vain’.
Explain ‘childish longing’.
Q.8 Explain ‘greedy good – doers’ and ‘beneficent beasts of prey’.
Q.9 Why will these people not have to think for themselves anymore?
Q.10 Why didn‘t the ‘polished traffic’ stop at the roadside stand?
• AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS

Q.1 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:
Aunt Jennifer's finger fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand.
a) Identify the figure of speech in ‘fingers fluttering’. What does the expression suggest?
Value point: Fig of Speech – Alliteration. It suggests Aunt‘s physical tiredness. It also implies her fear of
her husband.
b) What has caused this condition?
Value Point: Her troubled marriage and domination by her husband has caused this condition.
c) What does the weight of the ‗band‘ symbolize?
Value point: Band symbolizes oppression by her husband – burdened by marital responsibilities – feels
subjugated.
d) Describe the irony in the third line
Value point: The wedding band is a symbol of conjugal happiness but for Aunt Jennifer, it has become a
burden.
e) What is Aunt Jennifer doing with her wool?
Value point: working on an embroidery panel creating tigers.
f) Why does she find it difficult to pull her ivory needle?
Value point: she is weak, afraid and has lost confidence in herself

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Q.2 Why do you think aunt Jenifer’s hand are ‘fluttering through the wool’ in the poem? Why does
she find the needle so hard to pull?
Q.3 What is suggested by ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding band’?
Q.4 What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by. Why is it significant that the poet uses
the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’?
Q.5 How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male dominance?
Q.7 What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tiger when she is dead?
Q.8 Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer? Why?

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II. VISTAS

PROSE
1. THE THIRD LEVEL

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like a tree, pushing out new corridors and staircases like roots.
There’s probably a long tunnel that nobody knows about feeling its way under the city right now, on its
way to Times Square, and maybe another to Central Park. And may be — because for so many people
through the years Grand Central has been an exit, a way of escape — maybe that’s how the tunnel I got
into... But I never told my psychiatrist friend about that idea.

i) Identify the figure of speech used that conveys the growing/developing nature of the Grand
Central station?
A. Metaphor B. simile C. synecdoche D. transferred epithet
ii) Why does the writer talk about the tunnels to Times Square and Central Park?
A. To tell us that these two places are in New York.
B. Both these places are accessible
C. These are exits of Grand Central
D. Grand Central is ever growing
iii) The development of the station seems to be inconspicuous. How do we know?
A. Growing like branches of tree
B. Can accommodate any number of passengers
C. New tunnels are being developed without causing disturbance
D. a third level to the station is added
iv) What is it that Charley did not disclose to his friend?
A. Grand Central is an exit B. Grand Central has many exits
C. Many people enter Grand Central D. None of the above
v) Why didn‘t Charley disclose ‗that idea‟ to his psychiatrist?
A. Psychiatrist wouldn‘t maintain its secrecy
B. Psychiatrist wouldn‘t believe him
C. Psychiatrist would want to visit the third level
D. Psychiatrist would convey to the presidents of railroads
Q.2 What does the third level refer to?
Q.3 Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
Q.4 ‘The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.’ What are the ways in which
we attempt to overcome them?
Q.5 Do you see an intersection of time & space in the story?
Q.6 What did the narrator see unusual at the third level?
Q.7 What did Sam’s letter signify to Charley?

2. THE TIGER KING

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:
The Maharaja‘s anxiety reached a fever pitch when there remained just one tiger to achieve his tally of a
hundred. He had this one thought during the day and the same dream at night. By this time the tiger farms
had run dry even in his father-in-Iaw‘s kingdom. It became impossible to locate tigers anywhere. Yet only
one more was needed. If he could kill just that one single beast, the Maharaja would have no fears left.
He could give up tiger hunting altogether.

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i) Which of the following does not imply the same meaning as implied by ‘fever pitch’ in
the extract?
a. Extreme impatience b. Extreme excitement
c. Extreme fever d. Extreme Magnitude
ii) By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-Iaw‘s kingdom. Which of
the following sentences carry the same meaning as conveyed by this sentence?
a. Now tigers in his father in law‘s kingdom had no water to drink.
b. Now tigers in his father in law‘s kingdom were living in dry land.
c. Now tigers in his father in law‘s kingdom did not want to bathe.
d. Now his father in law‘s kingdom did not have any tiger.
iii) Which of the following words as used in the extract imply ‘forever’?
a. Tally b. Altogether c. Even d. single
iv) How many more tigers did the maharaja want to kill?
a. Ninety nine b. Hundred c. One d. None of these
v) Which of the following options is correct in respect to the statements given below?
Statement 1: By killing tigers the maharaja wanted to be without fear.
Statement 2: maharaja wanted to stop hunting the tigers.
a. Statement 1 can be inferred and statement 2 cannot be inferred.
b. Statement 2 can be inferred and statement 1 cannot be inferred.
c. Both statements are false.
d. Both statements can be inferred.
Q.2 The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. Discuss the dramatic irony in the story.
Q.3 What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of
human beings?
Q.4 We need a new system for the age of ecology – a system which is embedded in the care of all
the people and also in the care of the Earth and all life upon it. Discuss.
Q.5 How did the hundredth tiger take its revenge upon the tiger king?
Q.6 How was at one time the Maharaja in danger of losing his throne?
Q.7 How did the Maharaja manage to retain his kingdom?
3. JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH

Q.1 What was Akademic Shokalskiy? Where was it headed and why?
Q.2 Describe the author's emotions when she first set foot on Antarctica.
Q.3 How is present day Antarctica different from Gondwana?
Q.4 How do geographical phenomenon help us to know about the history of mankind?
Q.5 ‘The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the study of this region useful
to us ?
Q.6 ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.’ What is the
relevance of this statement in the context of the Antarctica environment?
Q.7 Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and future?
Q.8 What was the first impression of the narrator on facing Antarctica?
Q.9 How does one lose all earthly sense of perspective and time in Antarctica?
4. THE ENEMY

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:
Sadao had taken this into his mind as he did everything his father said, his father who never 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 a very serious man.

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b. His father as very credulous.
c. He had concern for his son.
d. Both a and c
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) Sadao respected his father in every aspect. This statement is…..
a. Partially true b. True c. Cannot be inferred d. Partially false
III. A.d B.a C.b.
Q.2 There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private
individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss.
Q.3 Dr Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana,
his wife, sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff?
Q.4 What explains the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier? Was it human
consideration, lack of national loyalty, dereliction of duty or simply self-absorption?
Q.5 While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable, especially during wartime,
what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices? OR
Do you think Dr Sadao’s solution to the problem was the best possible one in the circumstances?
Q.6 Why did the servants refuse to stay in Dr Sadao’s house? How did the couple face the
situation?
Q7. “If all Japs were like you there wouldn’t have been a war” said Tom. Justify.
Q.8 Why did Dr Sadao help the American to escape? Was it an act of treachery?

5. ON THE FACE OF IT

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:
And no one’ll kiss me, ever. Only my mother, and she kisses me on the other side of my face, and I don’t
like my mother to kiss me, she does it because she has to. Why should I like that? I don’t care if nobody
ever kisses me.”
i) Who is the speaker?
ii) Why does his mother kiss on the other side of his face?
iii) Why is he not happy when his mother kisses him?
Q.2 What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb in spite of himself?
Q.3 How does Mr Lamb try to overcome his loneliness and disappointment?
Q.4 The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than
the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What kind of behaviour such a person
expects from others?
Q.5 “Both Derry and Mr Lamb suffer physical disabilities but their attitudes towards life and people
are totally different.” Elaborate.
Q.6 Why did the boy enter Mr Lamb‘s garden?
Q.7 Why did Derry insist that he has to go?
Q.8 Why did the boy climb the garden wall?
Q.9 Why does Derry say that people are afraid of him?
Q.10 Mr Lamb has allowed weeds to grow in his garden. Why?
6. MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

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“A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in a line of girls who were marching
into the dining room. These were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls
wore sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt like sinking to
the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders.ǁ
i) Who is the ―Iǁ in these lines?
(a) Bama (b) Zitkala -Sa (c) Hana (d) Yumi
ii) How was the narrator feeling in her new school?
(a) Relieved (b) Uncomfortable (c) Ecstatic (d) Mesmerised
iii) What are moccasins?
(a) Soft leather shoes (b) Hard leather shoes
(c) Leather shoes with stiff soles (d) None of these
iv) Who had shingled hair?
(a) Asian girls (b) European girls (c) American Indian girls (d) None of these
Q.2 Why did the narrator feel sad and provoked after having seen the man with vadais?
Q.3 What did Annan say about his community to the narrator?
Q.4 How was the narrator inspired by the words of her elder brother(Annan)?
Q.5 The two accounts that you read about in the passage are based in two distant cultures. What
is the commonality of theme found in both of them?
OR
Describe the main issues raised in both the autobiographical episodes in the lesson?
Q.6 It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed
early in life. Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children?
Q.7 Why was Bama first amused at the scene of the old man carrying a food packet by its strings
without touching it? Why was she filled with anger, dismay and revolt later?
7. WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS

I. WRITING SKILLS

NOTICE WRITING

1. Water supply will be suspended for eight hours (10 am to 6 pm) on 6th of March for cleaning of the
water tank. Write a notice in about 50 words advising the residents to store water for a day. You are Karan
Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, Secretary, Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar, Kurnool.

2.While walking in a park in your neighbourhood you found a small plastic bag containing some documents
and cash. Write a notice in about 50 words to be put on the park notice board asking the owner to identify
and collect it from you. You are Amar/Amrita 9399123456.

3.As Sports Secretary of G.D.G. Public School, Pune, draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your
school notice board informing the students about the sale of old sports goods of your school. You are
Rohini/Rohit.

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4. You are Srinivas / Srinidhi of D.P. Public School, Nagpur. As Student Editor of your school magazine,
draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board inviting articles and sketches from
students of all classes.

5. You are Smitha/Sunil, Secretary AVM Housing Society. You are going to organize a blood donation
camp. Write a notice in not more than 50 words, urging the members of your society to come in large
numbers for this noble cause. Invent all the necessary details.

ARTICLE WRITING
1. On the occasion of Earth Day, you participated in various eco-friendly campaigns initiated by your
school. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of these
campaigns and the impact on you. You are Shubhangi/ Deepak of Brightland Public School.
a. Suggested Value Points – Importance of Earth Day – Eco- friendly campaigns initiated
by the school – detailed description of the activities ¾ motivation, ¾ difficulties, ¾ how
they were overcome, ¾ sense of achievement, satisfaction – community outreach –
impact on you
2. They may have stood the test of time but there is a growing demand for the need to protect the
country‘s monuments. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your school magazine on how
we can conserve our built heritage. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.
a. Suggested Value Points – pride in our built heritage – condition of the monuments –
suggestions and remedial measures – any other relevant detail
3. As part of an Entrepreneurship project the commerce students of your school recently launched
a product called Oatlicious. They not only set up a company to produce the product but also
designed its advertising and marketing strategy. Write an article in about 150-200 words for your
school magazine giving details of the enterprise and its launch. You are Stephen/ Celine of
Graham Public School, Indore.
a. Suggested value points: – description of the product – advertising and marketing strategy
– detailed description of the activities – struggles faced and support received – response
of the community
4. On the threshold of being a world super power, India does have a large young workforce but
unfortunately not many in this force are employable for want of necessary skills. Write in about
150-200 words, an article for a newspaper on the topic'Skill Development is the need of the hour'.
You are Anita/Arnav.
a. Suggested value points: • Introduction- •mention briefly the status of the issue • Topic
analysis • discuss why Indian education fails to develop employability skills among youth.
• describe how this deficit affects Indian economy, industry, business and people •
Conclusion • suggest what can be done to develop these skills among the young people
who are going to be the mainstay of the workforce of the future.
5. Taking selfies has become a rage and is a global phenomenon. It has cost us several lives and
also immortalised several moments. Write an article for a National Daily on the trend of taking
selfies and its impact on people. You are Aditi/ Aditya.
a. Suggested value points: • Introduction • mention briefly the problems associated with the
selfie culture and its ramifications- A great obsession • Topic analysis • Do not enjoy the
moment or nature • Too occupied posting it on social media • Take risks to click them •
Conclusion • Need to create awareness about the drawbacks • Teach responsible use of
technology • Suggest positive use of this technology

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