SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER

CLASS XII
ENGLISH CORE
Time- 3 hr. SET A M.M-100
The question paper is divided into three sections.
Section A : Reading 30 Marks
Section B : Advanced Writing Skills 30 Marks
Section C : Literature, Text Books & Long Reading Texts 40 Marks

Instructions:
1. All questions are compulsory.
2. You may attempt any section at a time.
3. All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
SECTION A
READING – 30 Marks
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: 12

1. That large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a general assumption
which has passed from one work to another; but I do not hesitate to say that it
is completely false, and that it has vitiated the reasoning of geologists on some
points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has
probably been derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of
elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles, are associated together in
every one's mind. If, however, we refer to any work of travels through the
southern parts of Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page either to
the desert character of the country, or to the numbers of large animals
inhabiting it. The same thing is rendered evident by the many engravings
which have been published of various parts of the interior.

2. Dr. Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of
Capricorn, informs me that, taking into consideration the whole of the southern
part of Africa, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country. On the
southern coasts there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the
traveler may pass for days together through open plains,
covered by a poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we look to the animals
inhabiting these wide plains, we shall find their numbers extraordinarily great,
and their bulk immense.

3. It may be supposed that although the species

are numerous, the individuals of each kind are few. By the kindness of Dr.
Smith, I am enabled to show that the case is very different. He informs me, that
in lat. 24', in one day's march with the bullock-wagons, he saw, without
wandering to any great distance on
either side, between one hundred and one hundred and fifty rhinoceroses - the
same day he saw several herds of giraffes, amounting together to nearly a
hundred.

4. At the distance of a little more than one hour's march from their place of
encampment on the previous night, his party actually killed at one spot eight
hippopotamuses, and saw many more. In this same river there were likewise
crocodiles. Of course it was a case quite extraordinary, to see so many great
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 animals crowded together, but it evidently proves that they must exist in great
numbers. Dr. Smith describes the country passed through that day, as 'being
thinly covered with grass, and bushes about four feet high,
and still more thinly with mimosa-trees.'

5. Besides these large animals, anyone the least acquainted with the natural
history of the Cape has read of the herds of antelopes, which can be compared
only with the flocks of migratory birds. The numbers indeed of the lion,
panther, and hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the
abundance of the smaller quadrupeds: one evening seven lions were counted at
the same time prowling round Dr. Smith's encampment. As this able naturalist
remarked to me, the carnage each day in Southern Africa must indeed be
terrific! I confess it is truly surprising how such a number of animals can find
support in a country producing so little food.

6. The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in search of it; and their
food chiefly consists of underwood, which probably contains much nutriment
in a small bulk. Dr. Smith also informs me that the vegetation has a rapid
growth; no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by a fresh
stock. There can be no doubt, however, that our ideas respecting the apparent
amount of food necessary for the support of large quadrupeds are much
exaggerated. The belief that where large quadrupeds exist, the
vegetation must necessarily be luxuriant, is the more remarkable, because the
converse is far from true.

7. Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing struck him
more forcibly than the splendour of the South American vegetation contrasted
with that of South Africa, together with the absence of all large quadrupeds. In
his Travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the respective weights (if
there were sufficient data) of an equal number of the largest herbivorous
quadrupeds of each country would be
extremely curious. If we take on the one side, the elephants hippopotamus,
giraffe, bos caffer, elan, five species of rhinoceros; and on the American side,
two tapirs, the guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccari, capybara (after which
we must choose from the monkeys to complete the number), and then place
these two groups alongside each other it is not easy to conceive ranks more
disproportionate in size.

8. After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against anterior

probability that among the mammalia there exists no close relation between the
bulk of the species, and the quantity of the vegetation, in the countries which
they inhabit. (809 words)

Adapted from: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin (1890)

1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option: (1x4=4)

1. The author is primarily concerned with

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 A. discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of
vegetation in their habitats
B. contrasting ecological conditions in India and Africa
C. proving that large animals do not require much food
D. describing the size of animals in various parts of the world

2. According to the author, the „prejudice‟ (Para 1) has lead to

A. errors in the reasoning of biologists

B. false ideas about animals in Africa
C. incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists
D. doubt in the mind of the author

3. The flocks of migratory birds (Para 5) are mentioned to

A. describe an aspect of the fauna of South Africa
B. illustrate a possible source of food for large carnivores
C. contrast with the habits of the antelope
D. suggest the size of antelope herds

4. Darwin quotes Burchell‟s observations in order to

A. counter a popular misconception

B. describe a region of great splendor
C. prove a hypothesis
D. illustrate a well-known phenomenon

1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: (1x6=6)

1. What prejudice has vitiated the reasoning of geologists?

2. Why does Dr. Smith refer to Africa as a sterile country?
3. What is the „carnage‟ referred to by Dr. Smith?
4. What does Darwin‟s remark, „if there were sufficient data‟, indicate?
5. To account for the „surprising‟ number of animals in a „country producing so little
food‟, what partial explanation does Darwin suggest?
6. What does the author conclude from Dr. Smith and Burchell‟s observations?
(1 x2 = 2)
1.3 Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to
the following:
a) Dense (Para 1)
b) Barren ((Para 2)
Q2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. I‟ve always held the belief that rationale or logic has no place in faith. If you
have faith in the Supreme then you must also accept that you are not out there
to defend your faith based on any scientific evidence. Those who don‟t share
your belief have an equal right to their opinion. What matters is your personal
stand. If you feel peaceful and joyous, if you feel inspired to do good deeds by
having your faith, then by all means keep it, there‟s no reason to abandon it.
2. Einstein once got a letter asking if he believed in the Supreme. Einstein sent a
telegram in response stating, “I believe in Spinoza‟s idea of the Supreme who

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 reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in someone who
concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings.” In case you are
not familiar, Baruch Spinoza (1632 – 1677) was a Dutch philosopher (yes, not
just brilliant engineers, they have philosophers too). An unorthodox and
independent thinker, his views were revolutionary at the time. His philosophy
is thought-provoking. So, where does that leave us in regards to faith?
3. To me, faith is a sentiment, it‟s an emotion. Just like you fall in love and you
surrender in love and you find yourself willing to do anything for the person
you love, same is with faith. Faith is love. When you have faith, you let go off
your worries of the future, you let go of your guilt of the past, because you
have surrendered to the divine will. You remain committed to a life of
goodness and action. But, you also recognize that there are other bigger forces,
of immense scale, in play in the grand scheme of things and it‟ll do you much
good to play along.
4. You gain this courage, zest and zeal to work hard, to excel, to serve. Life looks
beautiful and everything looks priceless then, because it truly is. Even our
suffering is priceless. It gives you strength, it makes you reflect on you. It is
priceless because you appreciate life more, it brings you closer to you, the real
you. Don‟t limit yourself by asking petty things from the Supreme. Trust the
immensity of nature. Faith does not mean all your dreams will come true, it
simply means you look upon everything that‟s granted to you as a blessing.
Just focus on your deeds, and before long, you‟ll be filled beyond measure
5. Accepting the transient nature of this world, and its eternal impermanence, is
the definitive path to inner peace. Either live in complete surrender or exercise
total control. If your boat is neither anchored nor guided, it‟ll just drift then. (1x2=2)
It‟ll drift in the direction of your thoughts, desires and emotions. Here today,
there tomorrow.
6. Cosmic intelligence is infinitely more subtle, smart, organized and selfless than
individual intelligence. Anchor your ship if you are tired of rowing. Have faith.
(499 words)

A Mystic‟s Viewpoint-Blog by Om Swami

2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
a) Faith
i. does not depend on rationale and logic
ii. is a personal stand (1x6=6)
iii. fills us with joy and peace
iv. All of the above
b) „Here today, there tomorrow‟ (Para 5) refers to
i. our thoughts
ii. our faith
iii. our emotions
iv. our desires

2.2 Answer the following briefly:

a) What was Einstein‟s belief about faith?
b) What does one gain from having faith?
c) In what way does suffering become priceless?
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 d) Why does the writer compare life to a birthday party?
e) What is the definitive path to inner peace?
f) How is cosmic intelligence superior to individual intelligence?
g) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following:
i) proof (para 1)
ii) celestial (para 7)
Q3. Read the following passage carefully: 8

1. Classical dance evolved from Tamil Nadu‟s temples across centuries. The revived
and reformed Bharatanatyam keeps the art born of these ancient temples alive
even to this day. Once sustained and nurtured in temples as part of a rich and
vibrant temple tradition, classical dance in South India has remained over centuries
a dynamic, living tradition that is continuously renewed.

2. Even 2000 years ago, dance in India was a highly evolved and complex art. It was
an integral part of ancient Indian theatre as established by the Natya Shastra, the
oldest and exhaustive treatise on theatre and dramaturgy. Dance dramas were
performed in temple precincts. Dance movements were crystallised in stone as
karanas in temple sculpture. Following the Bhakti movement in the 6th century,
dance and music became powerful vehicles of veneration. The deity was treated
like a much-loved king, praised and royally entertained with music and dance, as
part of the daily sacred rituals of worship. Gifted, highly educated temple dancers
or devadasis were supported by the temples that were richly endowed by the
rulers. Some 400 temple dancers were dedicated to and maintained by the
Brihadeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Dance evolved as a composite art in temples
as dancers, nattuvanars (dance gurus), musicians, poets, composers, architects,
sculptors and painters shared a holistic approach to all the arts.

3. The evolution of Bharatanatyam derives from the invaluable contribution of The

Tanjore Quartet. The four Pillai brothers – Chinnayya, Ponnayya, Sivanandam and
Vadivelu – served as court musicians at the kingdom of Maratha king, Serfoji II in
the early 19th century. Their legacy to Bharatanatyam has been their restructuring
of the dance repertoire into the margam format and their vast and diverse music
compositions set specifically for dance. Some of their descendants like Guru
Meenakshisundaram Pillai evolved the famous Pandanallur bani (style) and
trained many eminent dancers.

4. From the temples, dance made its way into the courts of kings and dancers were
not just devadasis, but also rajanartakis. By the early 17th century dance forms
like sadir or chinna melam, precursors to Bharatanatyam as we know it today had
become popular in the courts of the Maratha rulers in Thanjavur. However, in the
19th century, colonial propaganda perceived such dance as vulgar and immoral. It
led to the Anti-Nautch Movement and legislation against temple dance and
dancers. Divested of all patronage and temple support, devadasis were thrown into
dire straits. In the early 20th century, thanks to enlightened visionaries like EV
Krishna Iyer and later, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and the dedication of a handful of
devadasis and nattuvanars, classical dance was resuscitated and revived as
bharatanatyam. Today, apart from a few cultural festivals in some temples, dance
has left the temple for the proscenium stage. ( 454 words)

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 a. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings
and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Give an
appropriate title. 5
b. Write a summary of the above in 80 words using the notes.
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SECTION B
ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS – 30 Marks
4. You are Manager, Infocom Network C-3 Main Shopping Center, Vasant Vihar, New
Delhi. Draft an advertisement offering office furniture for sale. Give details. 4
OR
You are the President, Literary Society of Sunshine International School. Draft an
invitation to author, Ms Manjul Bajaj requesting her to conduct a workshop on
creative writing in your school. You are Romi/Rohit of Zenith Public School.
5. Draft an application with bio-data in about 120-150 words for the post of the 6
Librarian in Vision Senior Secondary School, Calicut. You are Radhika/Rajeev from
21, Cherry Road, Madurai
OR

You are Seetha / Surya living in Bangalore. You and your friends are planning a week
long holiday to a hill station. Write a letter making necessary enquiries from the tour
operator before you make your final decision.
6. The use of tobacco in cigarettes and other forms is a great health hazard. People do not 10
pay much heed even to the statutory warning on cigarette packs. On the occasion of
No Tobacco Day write a speech in about 150-200 words about the hazards of tobacco,
giving arguments for your stand. You are Shalini/Suraj of Greenfields Public School.
OR

Due to incessant rains during the past few weeks, the Army has launched
'Operation Megh Rahat' in Naoshera, Rajouri, Thanamandi and Poonch districts of
Jammu and Kashmir in coordination with the civil authorities for search, rescue
and relief of people. Taking cue from the above picture write a speech in about
150-200 words to be given at the Republic day programme in your school,
applauding the role of the army and the need to boost their morale. You are
Shalini/Suraj of Greenfields Public School.
7. On the occasion of Teachers‟ Day the Honourable PM of India had an interactive 10
session with students from all over the country through satellite link. Your school also
made special arrangements for the students to view the telecast. Write an article in
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 about150-200 words for your school magazine giving details of the talk and its impact
on you. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Brightland Public School.
OR
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 Akshay/
Akshita of Brightland Public School
SECTION C
(LITERATURE, TEXT BOOKS , A LONG READING TEXT) – 40 Marks
8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

On sour cream walls, donations, Shakespeare’s head,

Cloudless at dawn, civilized dome riding all cities.
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed map
Awarding the world its world.

a) What is the condition of the classroom wall? 1

b) What are the two things that show a civilized race? 1
c) What is the specialty of the Tyrolese valley? 1
d) Explain: „Awarding the world its world‟. 1

OR

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;
An endless fountain of immortal drink
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink

a) Name the poem and the poet. 1

b) Who does „the mighty dead‟ refer to? 1
c) What is the „endless fountain‟ that the poet imagines? 1
d) Explain the figure of speech used in the third line of the stanza. 1
9. Answer any four of the following in about 30 -40 words each: 3x4=12
a. How is the bangle industry of Firozabad a curse for the bangle makers?
b. What did the gift of the rat trap signify?
c. The poem „Aunt Jennifer‟s Tigers‟ is replete with symbols. Interpret any 3 symbols
used in the poem.
d. What different images does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother‟s old age?
e. „„But Sadao searching the spot of black in the twilight sea that night, had
his reward‟‟. What was the reward?
f. Why did Roger Skunk go to the wizard?
10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: 6
Sophie‟s dream world clashes with the world of her family and friends”. Bring out the
stark difference between the two worlds.
OR
„Dialogue and not violence can resolve situations of conflict and injustice.‟
Prove the statement with reference to the lesson Indigo.
11. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words 6
What is the bond that unites old Mr. Lamb and Derry, the boy? How does the
old man inspire the boy?

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 OR
Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is practiced in the
society. What kind of experience did both of them go through?
12. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words 6
Characterize Squire Cass‟s relationship with his sons. How different is the
Squire from his sons?
OR
Assess the character of Marvel, the tramp.
13. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words 6

What are Godfrey‟s arguments for adopting Eppie? Compare these arguments
with those of Silas and Eppie.

OR
Discuss the major themes in the novel „The Invisible Man

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 MARKING SCHEME SET A
CLASS XII
ENGLISH CORE
Time- 3 hr. M.M-100
SECTION A (READING) (30M)
Q1 Reading Passage 1 12 marks
I On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the (1x4 = 4)
following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:

1 A discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and

the nature of vegetation in their habitats

2 C incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists

3 D suggest the size of antelope herds

4 A counter a popular misconception

II Answer the following questions briefly: (1x6=6)

5. large animals require luxuriant vegetation.
6. The traveler may pass for days together through open plains,
covered by a poor and scanty vegetation.
7. number of prey animals killed by predators
8. comparison of the weights of herbivores is largely speculative
9. food requirements have been overestimated/large area for
animals to forage in/rapid regrowth of plant material/food
which is a concentrated source of nutrients (any 1)
10. There exists no close relation between the bulk of the species,
and the quantity of the vegetation, in the countries which they
inhabit.
III Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar (1 x2 = 2)
in meaning to the following:
a) impenetrable

b) sterile

Q2. Reading Passage 2 10 marks

I On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer (1x2 = 2)
the following questions by choosing the most appropriate
option:
 a) iv

b) ii
II Answer the following briefly: 1x6=6
a) Spinoza‟s idea of the Supreme, reveals himself in the orderly
harmony of what exists, not in someone who concerns himself
with the fates and actions of human beings.
b) courage, zest and zeal to work hard, to excel, to serve.
c) you appreciate life more, it brings you closer to you, the real
you
d) Some gifts you‟ll like, some you won‟t, some you will get
repeatedly, but nothing will last. It can‟t. Nothing is designed to
last forever.
e) Accepting the transient nature of this world, and its eternal
impermanence
f) more subtle, smart, organized and selfless
g) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the 1x2=2
following:
i evidence
ii cosmic
Q3 Note making and summary 8

Title: Evolution of Bharatnatyam 1

Abbreviation 1

Content 3

1.Temples of Art

1.1 Dance an expression of the divine

1.2 eternal rhythms of the universe
1.3 symbolised in the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.
1.4 Once sustained and nurtured in temples as part
of a rich and vibrant temple tradition
1.5 classical dance in South India a dynamic, living
tradition

1.6 continuously renewed over centuries

2.Temple Dance

2.1 Even 2000 years ago, dance in India highly

evolved and complex art
2.2 integral part of ancient Indian theatre
established by the Natya Shastra- the oldest
 and exhaustive treatise on theatre and
dramaturgy.

2.3 Dance dramas performed in temple

precincts.

2.4 Dance movements crystallised in stone as

karanas in temple sculpture.

2.5 Following the Bhakti movement, dance and

music became powerful vehicles of veneration.

2.6 Gifted, highly educated temple dancers or devadasis

supported by the temples.

2.7 Some 400 temple dancers were dedicated to and

maintained by the Brihadeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
2.8 Dance evolved as a composite art in temples
3 Tanjore Quartet

3.1 evolution of bharatanatyam derives from The Tanjore

Quartet-the four Pillai brothers – Chinnayya, Ponnayya,
Sivanandam and Vadivelu
3.2 served as court musicians at the kingdom of Maratha king,
Serfoji II in the early 19th century.
3.3 restructured the Bharatnatyam dance repertoire into the
margam format and their vast and diverse music
compositions set specifically for dance.
4 Bharatanatyam
4.1 From the temples, dance made its way into the courts of
kings
4.2 dancers were not just devadasis, but also rajanartakis.
4.3 By the early 17th century dance forms like sadir or chinna
melam, precursors to bharatanatyam had become popular in
the courts of the Maratha rulers in Thanjavur.
4.4 However, in the 19th century, colonial propaganda
perceived such dance as vulgar and immoral.
4.5 led to the Anti-Nautch Movement
4.6 In the early 20th century classical dance left the temple for
the stage.

Q4 Option –I Classified Advertisement 4

Title: For Sale ( 1)

Content: (2)
  Furniture items
 condition
 expected price
 Contact
Expression-grammatical accuracy, spellings (1)

Option –II Invitation 4

Content: 2

 Format of a letter
 Name of the event
 Time, Date, Venue of the event
 Any other relevant information

Expression-grammatical accuracy, spellings 2

Q5 LETTER WRITING 6

[Note: - No marks are to be awarded if only the format is given.

Credit should
be given to the candidate‟s creativity in presentation of ideas.
Use of both the
traditional and the new format is permitted. However, mixing
up of the two is
NOT acceptable.In the job application the bio-data may be
written separately
or within the letter. ]
Format 2 marks
(1. sender‟s address, 2. date, 3. receiver‟s address, 4. subject
heading,5. salutation, 6. complimentary close.)
Content 2 marks
Expression 2 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [1]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [1]
Suggested value points:
Option I (APPLICATION FOR JOB)
– post applied for
– qualifications: Academic, Professional
– experience / positions held
– references
– salary expected (optional)
– contact address & telephone number
Option II (LETTER OF ENQUIRY)
– reference to advertisement
– information to be given: choice of destination, group size,
 tentative dates suitable to you
– requirements/ enquiries : discount, passport, visa, itinerary,
type of hotel, airways and timing / any other
Q6 SPEECH 10
Format (Greeting/ addressing the audience and thank you at the
end along with the speaker‟s name) 1 mark
Content 4 marks
Expression 5 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [2½]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2½]
Suggested Value Points
OPTION I

 Tobacco easily available

 cigarettes
 pouches of chewable tobacco
 brands endorsed by filmstars and celebrities
 filmstars shown smoking on screen
 Youngsters are misled into believing that smoking or
chewing tobacco is trendt
 health hazards like respiratory diseases
 causes cancer

OPTION II

 Courageous
 Help in times of emergency
 save people‟s lives
 deploy resources to affected areas in times of floods,
earthquake etc.
 Need to be honoured for their selfless service
 Institute schemes for welfare of the army and their kin

Q7 ARTICLE 10
Format 1 mark
Title and writer‟s name
Content 4 marks
Expression 5 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [2½]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [2½]
OPTION I (An Inspiring Talk/ any other relevant heading)
Suggested Value Points
– Message for students
– impact on you
 – detailed description of the interaction
 motivation,
 difficulties,
 how they were overcome,
 sense of achievement, satisfaction
– any other relevant detail
OPTION II
– Importance of Earth Day
– Eco- friendly campaigns initiated by the school
– detailed description of the activities
 motivation,
 difficulties,
 how they were overcome,
 sense of achievement, satisfaction
– community outreach
– impact on you
SECTION C LITERATURE 40
8 [This question has been designed to test the students‟
understanding of the text and their ability to interpret, evaluate
and respond to the questions based on
the given stanza. In other words it attempts to test their reading
comprehension ONLY.]
Value points:
(a) creamy / sour/ dull 1
(b) Shakespeare's statue & the high rising dome 1
(c) Belled, flowery 1
(d) The world map depicts the world of the rich and the 1
powerful which has been donated to the slum dwellers
who live in a different world

OR
(a) A Thing of Beauty by John Keats 1
(b) our ancestors who have created beautiful objects for 1
us/people whose achievements made them great and
powerful inspire us through their sagas of their noble
works.
(c) joy provided to us by the bounties of nature and other 1
things of beauty, in the form of nectar pouring on us
from heaven.
(d) Metaphor/ Imagery/hyperbole: endless fountain of 1
Immortal drink is a thing of beauty or love. beauty or
love is like an endless fountain. If one drinks it, one is
immortalized and the experience is heavenly.

9. Short answer type questions ( Answer any Four) 3x4=12

Questions are to be answered in about 30-40 words.
 Distribution of marks:
Content: 2 mark
Expression:1mark

(deduct ½ mark for two or more grammatical/spelling mistakes)

a)  high temperatures, lack of proper ventilation and light
 long working hours in front of hot furnace
 eyes are more adjusted to dark than light
 dust from polishing bangles affects their eyes
 exploited by moneylenders, police, bureaucrats,
politicians
 fear of being ill treated by police
 lack of a leader who can organize them
 live in state of intense poverty
 sleep on empty stomach, live in stinky lanes
overcrowded with humans and animals.
(any 4 points)

b)  small rat trap with thirty kronors and a note

 wishes money to be returned to crofter
 confesses that he had made a mistake
 got caught in his own rat trap
 thanks for treating him like a real captain
 turns over a new leaf
 Life is one big rat trap, one gets trapped by own deeds
 everyone should get a second chance to improve oneself
(any 4points)

c)  Wedding band: symbol of oppression in an unhappy

marriage/ Ringed means encircled or trapped, losing
individuality and freedom
 Aunt Jennifer: a typical victim of male oppression in an
unhappy marriage, who suffers loss of individuality,
dignity and personal freedom silently. She becomes
dependent, fearful and frail
 Tigers: symbolize untamed free spirit. Here they are
antithesis of their creator‟s personality. They pace and
prance freely, proudly, fearless, confident and majestic
in their bearing. The use of colours implies that Aunt
Jennifer's tigers and their land are more vital and enjoy a
sense of freedom far greater than her. Yellow (bright
topaz) connotes the sun and fierce energy, while green
reminds one of spring and vitality
 Embroidery: symbol of creative expression. The
artwork expresses the Aunt‟s suppressed desires and
 becomes her escape from the oppressive reality of her
life
 Aunt (last stanza): as opposed to Aunt Jennifer. It shows
that she has lost her identity completely, thus lost even
her name.
(Any 3)

d)  late winter‟s moon

 Her pale, bloodless and wrinkled face resembles that of
a corpse
 She has no vigor and energy left in her. She looks wan
and pale
 The sprinting trees and merry children are happy and
young
 They present a contrast to the mother‟s pain and old age
and the poet‟s worry and fear.
 They symbolise youth, vigor and spring whereas the
mother is old, decaying and frail.

e)  The “reward” was the escape of the enemy.

 Despite all moral dilemma, Dr. Sadao listens to his heart
every time and takes the right decision and his wife
Hana very gently follows him.
 At last the general forgets to keep his promise, which
gives Sadao an opportunity to reconsider his decision.
 He gives the soldier a boat, food ,bottled water and
quilts and asks him to wait for a Korean fishing boat to
escape.
 Dr. Sadao searched the spot of black in the twilight sea
that night to see if the man was still there but there was
no light. Obviously the man had gone.
f)  Everybody made fun of Roger Skunk
 because he gave out a bad smell
 he was upset about this
 He met the old owl who advised him to go to the wizard
 which would help him and give him a pleasant smell
10. [These questions have been set to test the students' 6
understanding of the text and their ability to interpret, evaluate
and respond to the issues raised therein. Hence no particular
answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All
presentations may be accepted as equally correct provided they
have been duly supported by the facts drawn from the text. The
important thing is that the student should be able to justify his
or her viewpoint.]
Distribution of marks:
Content 3 marks
Expression 3 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [1½]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [1½]

 Sophie was a girl given to imagination and day

dreaming
 thought of having a boutique
 Jansie was very much aware about their financial
conditions and family background
 She knew that both were earmarked for the biscuit
factory after passing school
 Sophie wanted to have a boutique
 She imagined herself to be like Mary Quant and would
have the most amazing shop this city had ever seen
 But Jansie asked Sophie to be sensible because her dad
would never allow it.
 She had another option of becoming actress along with
her boutique.
 She also thought of becoming a fashion designer.
 But Jansie discouraged her because she knew that both
were earmarked for the biscuit factory.
 Both belonged to a lower middle class family and their
families were not well off financially.(Any 4 points)
OR

 Gandhiji‟s meeting with Shukla/Problems of Peasants/

Gandhiji arrived at Champaran/
 wanted to meet secretary of British Landlord‟s
Association/was refused/tried to meet Commissioner of
Tirhut/was bullied and ordered to leave
Champaran/Defied order/
 Prevented from meeting peasant/Disobeyed notice to
leave Champaran/was summoned at court/worked whole
night to get the support/peasants gathered in large
number to show support to him/
 Gandhiji proved that British power was no longer
unchangeable/authorities got afraid and postponed the
case/Gandhiji released on bail/lawyers decided to follow
Gandhiji/
 First Triumph of Civil Disobedience/Case dropped
against Gandhiji/he planned Civil Disobedience/
commission of enquiry appointed by governor/evidence
 against landlords found/
 Gandhi agreed for 25% refund as was agreed by
landlords/
 indigo share cropping abandoned and land given to
peasants(Any 4 points)

11. [These questions have been set to test the students' 6

understanding of the text and their ability to interpret, evaluate
and respond to the issues raised therein. Hence no particular
answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All
presentations may be accepted as equally correct provided they
have been duly supported by the facts drawn from the text. The
important thing is that the student should be able to justify his
or her viewpoint.]
Distribution of marks:
Content 3 marks
Expression 3 marks
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings [1½]
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style [1½]

 It is not only Mr.Lamb‟s strange ideas that attract Derek

but also his loneliness and longing for company –
 he returns to him at the end- the two have a great
affinity – both have suffered loneliness –
 both long for company- both are physically impaired-
both have suffered rejection from others
 /Mr. Lamb revives the almost dead feelings of Derry
towards life/
 He motivates him to think positively about life, changes
his mind set about people and things/
 Everything appears to be the same but is different‐ eg.
of bees and weeds/
 The gate of the garden is always open/
 Derry is inspired and promises to come back.
OR
 Auto biographical accounts deal with women of
marginalized communities/
 Both narrate prejudices and humiliation faced from
mainstream culture/
 Both are brave who use their talent, education to stand
up for this own and community/rights
 Both use the power of pen to fight oppression/
 Zitkala Sa„s first day at school is unpleasant/
 at the breakfast table, she does not understand the rules
and makes several mistakes/
  She was tied to a chair and her long hair was cut/ she
felt humiliated and her spirit was crushed/
 Bama experienced untouchability very early in life/
 saw an example of it with an elder of her ommunity/
 Her brother told her to work hard to win honour and
dignity

12  relationship an administrator has with two bad, lazy, 6

ineffective, and difficult employees who also happen to
be related by blood to him/
 Squire Cass did not trust either of them enough to
administer the Red House.
 The sons also knew that they would never be at par with
their father because none of them had the work ethics,
the strength of morale, nor the attitude to take over a job
as well as the Squire.
 Hence, it is the relationship of master and servant,
soldier and commander, boss and employee/
 Godfrey seems to appear to the public as the gentler,
kinder, and nicer of the two brothers/
 he is weak of character, prone to being misled, and
easily fooled/
 Dunstan is arrogant, senseless and selfish/
 is intellectually dull/reckless and morally depraved.
OR
 Marvel was a short, fat tramp who sported a shabby hat
and thrived on charity.
 He was lazy and did not show any intention to work
hard for improving his life.
 Griffin did not have a very high opinion about Marvel‟s
abilities, still he made him his accomplice because Marvel was
an obvious weakling who could be easily intimidated.
 His cowardice did not let him defy Griffins commands.
Surprisingly, this apparently good -for-nothing fellow
managed to cheat a wicked and dangerously evil man
like Griffin.
 He was a simple person, ill-equipped in every sense, as
compared to the all powerful Invisible Man. He had no
choice but to obey each order coming from his self
proclaimed master.
 Marvel was more of a slave than an accomplice in
crime. When he succeeded in sneaking away, it was
actually to save his life.
 Of course towards the end he does show smartness
by hiding the entire money and the three books of Griffin.
  He also exhibits his keen business acumen by wisely
investing this money to open an inn.
 His decision to name this venture after the Invisible
Man again shows that Marvel knew how to turn
circumstances in his favour.
 He never revealed to anyone that the three books of
Griffin were in his possession. He pondered over them
in private trying to figure out the coded message. This
was done for survival rather than treachery.
13  Godfrey attempts to broach the subject of adopting 6
Eppie in a number of ways, first saying that his family
owes Marner a great debt
 then that Marner seems too old to work at the loom.
 When these approaches fail, Godfrey states plainly and
coarsely that they are offering to take Eppie into their
care as their own child .
 Godfrey insists that he has a claim on Eppie and
confesses that he is her father.
 Godfrey tells Silas that he is standing in the way of
Eppie‟s welfare/
 Eppie firmly refuses the Casses‟ offer saying that
Marner was the only father she knew and would not
leave him.
 Marner asks Godfrey why he waited 16 years to take
Eppie back/
 Godfrey says that he is repenting now/ Marner argues
that his repentance does not make Eppie rightfully his/
OR
 Ambition and lust for unchallengeable power led Griffin
to dissociate himself from his brethren and eventually
caused his downfall.
 Unregulated human aspirations and follies leads to
wasted lives.
 Griffin was a young science student at the University
College. He was a six feet albino, lacking pigment in
skin, hair and eyes. He won a medal for excellence in
Chemistry but his fascination for light made him drop
medicine and he then took up physics.
 He pursued an unrealistic ambition to find a formula
that could make a living being invisible.
 He followed his target with insane persistence because
of which he withdrew himself from everything that
could associate him with a normal life.
 His selfish nature hindered him from sharing the credit
of his work with anybody else. He worked single
 handedly and was therefore always alone in his great
moments‟. He worked in isolation for three long years
with absolutely cramped means. Eventually he found it
impossible to complete this research because of paucity
of money.
 His obsession with invisibility stripped him of all
human emotions and he stooped so low as to rob his
own father driving him to commit suicide.
 His overambition hurled him from the summit of
success to the abyss of total disaster and his lust for
power and money stripped him of all ethics.
 His untamed ambition and desire and unlimited power
made him absolutely inhuman and heartless. An
intelligent scientist, who could have made the world a
better place, instead became a menace.
 The downfall caused by his inappropriate desires
eventually drove him to his death at the hands of the
people.
 Thus the story of the Invisible Man poignantly
elucidates the theme of selfishness, isolation and
overambition leading to the irrevocable destruction of a
capable life.