SET C

CENTRAL CLUSTER EXAMINATION-2024-25

CLASS XII

ENGLISH CORE (301)

TIME: 3 hours MAX.MARKS:80

General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
4. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
5. 15-minutes prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.

SECTION A (READING SKILLS - 22 MARKS)

Read the passage given below:

1. 1.Academics has always been an essential part of human development. It prepares 12M
us to survive in the outside world and establish an identity of our own. But, is an
individual’s development restricted to merely academics? In India, from an early
age, we have been taught that education is limited to the boundaries of academics
only, the idea of getting out into the field, for gaining practical experience, is always
considered a hoax. This has hindered students’ development. But, the truth is that
education represents a considerably broader field than we know of it. Our
teaching, from the basics, has been focused on getting good grades and job offers,
rather than being creative and unique.

2.In the 21stcentury, the pure academic type of education is slowly paving way for
a whole new type. The paradigm shift in the whole education system is evident.
People have now come to understand that education is a 360 degree activity that
should focus on students’ overall development, rather than restricting him/her to
the classroom.

3.Co-curricular activities that take place outside the classroom but reinforce or
supplement classroom curriculum, in some way, have become a point of focus
today. These activities help in the growth of the child, in more than one way.
Participating in such activities helps youngsters grow mentally, socially and

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individually. Intellectual development of a student is developed in the classroom,

but for the aesthetic development such as team- building, character- building, and
physical growth, students must step out into the outside world. For instance, if a
student is a part of school football team, he/ she will learn team- work and
coordination, in a practical manner, which cannot be taught in the class.

4.Similarly, in colleges and institutions, there is a need for practical exposure so

that the students can experience the actual working of an industry. For example,
taking a student to a manufacturing firm will give him/ her the real insight and an
opportunity for better learning of the industry. Catering to this change, most
professional colleges including B- schools, have started providing practical
exposure to students through regular guest lectures, industrial visits, conferences,
seminars, cultural festivals, and so on. With industry visits, students are able to
better identify their prospective areas of work in the overall organizational
function. Moreover, they help enhance interpersonal skills and communication
techniques. In addition, guest lectures are equally important for all – round
development of students. It is a great way for students to gain maximum exposure,
as guest speakers talk about their real- life experiences and not what is there in the
text books.

5.Through such events, students are made to participate and coordinate different
events wherein, they get to know how exactly things are managed. Classroom
teaching provides the foundation and co-curricular or extra- curricular activities
provide practical exposure and opportunities to implement what students learn in
the classroom. This helps in developing the overall personality of the students,
inculcating various soft – skills in them, which otherwise are difficult to teach.
Clearly, life beyond academics creates creative and empowered professionals.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage.

a.The shift in the education means _________.

i. to restrict to classroom activities

ii. to focus on academic development
iii. to ignore 360 degree activity
iv. to focus on overall development

b. Guest speakers talk about ______.

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A. all round development

B. their real life experiences

C. What is in textbook

D. Gaining exposure

i. only A ii. only B iii. only C iv. C and D

c. What has hindered students’ development in India? (2M)

d. Classroom teaching provides………………………… .

e. From earlier times, what has not been the focus of education?

Getting good marks

Option A

Getting job offers

Option B

Idea of gaining practical knowledge

Option C

Individual’s development restricted to

academics

Option D

i.Option A ii.Option B iii.Option C iv.Option D

f. What should students do for the aesthetic development? (2M)

g.To get a better insight into industry, students should …………………

h.What kind of co-curricular activities have become a point of focus today?

i.What is the relationship between (A) and (B)?

A. The pure academics type of education is paving way for a whole new type.

B. People have now come to understand that education is a 360-degree activity.

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i.B contradicts A. ii.B elaborates A.

iii.They are not related in any way. iv.A refutes B.

j. Suggest any suitable title for the passage .

2. Read the following Passage given below : 10M

1. Make in India, launched by the Indian government in September 2014, aims to
transform the country into a global manufacturing hub. It's driven by factors like
India's vast consumer market, with over a billion people, accounting for roughly
18% of the global population. The initiative's success is evident in its impact on
foreign direct investment (FDI), which reached a record high of $81.72 billion in
2021. This increase is partly due to the liberalization of FDI rules in sectors like
defence, railways, and insurance.

2. The 'Ease of Doing Business' campaign, introduced by the government, has

streamlined processes, reduced red tape, and simplified regulations. India's rank in
the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index improved from 142nd in 2014 to
63rd in 2019, making it easier for businesses to operate in the country.

3. The initiative has also focused on sectors like electronics, aerospace, and
defence, resulting in remarkable growth. As of 2021, India had become an export
hub for automobiles, with foreign automakers like Hyundai, Kia, and Suzuki
expanding their manufacturing facilities. Over 4.77 million units were exported in
the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

4. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign, launched in response to the COVID-19

pandemic, promotes self-reliance in domestic production. This has further
emphasized the importance of making products in India, leading to increased
domestic manufacturing. In summary, Make in India has effectively leveraged
India's large consumer base, attracted significant FDI, improved the ease of doing
business, and revitalized key sectors, making it a critical step towards India's
economic growth and global self-reliance.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
a. Infer two potential benefits that could arise from the survey conducted, as
mentioned in paragraph (1)? Answer in about 40 words.(2m)

b. What was the impact of the Make in India initiative on foreign direct investment

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(FDI) in India, as mentioned in the passage?

A) FDI in India remained stagnant.
B) FDI reached a record high of $81.72 billion in 2021.
C) FDI saw a decline due to strict regulations.
D) FDI increased in some sectors but decreased overall.

c. What key factor motivates the Make in India initiative, as described in the
passage?

d. Identify the type of reforms that the Indian government introduced to facilitate
the Make in India initiative, as mentioned in the passage.

e. What is the main achievement of the Make in India initiative in the automobile
sector, according to the passage?
A) Increase in domestic automobile sales.
B) Decrease in foreign investment in the sector.
C) India becoming an export hub for automobiles.
D) A reduction in the number of car manufacturers in India.

f. What is the main difference between the Make in India initiative and the
'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign?(2M)

g. Complete the sentence appropriately

India had become an export hub for __________.

h. State TRUE or FALSE.

The Make in India initiative primarily focuses on reducing the ease of doing
business for companies setting up operations in India.
SECTION B (CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS - 18 MARKS)

3. A. You are Anish /Anisha ,cultural secretary of MSM Vidyalaya, Madurai.Your 4M

school is organising a cultural evening to collect funds for the Chennai flood relief.
Draft a notice in about 50 words.

OR

B. An International Book Fair is being held at Y.M.C.A ,Nandanam,Chennai from

10th January 20XX to 27th January 20XX.As the Librarian, Well Wish Public

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School ,T.Nagar,Chennai, write a notice in not more than 50 words informing the
students about the fair. Give all the necessary details.

4. A.You are Rajeev/Radhika. You have received an invitation from your friend Rekha
to a party to celebrate her admission in a prestigious Management Institute. Write
4M
an informal letter accepting the invitation. Mention day,date,time and venue.

OR

B. You are Dr Avinash Mehtrotra,B-57,Subhadra Park, New Delhi. Draft a formal

invitation for your friends and relatives, inviting them on the first birth anniversary
of your daughter Niveda at your residence. Give complete details like-date ,time
and place.

5. A.You are Aadhira of 452 ,Santrupti Apartment,Bangalore.You have graduated from 5M

Symbiosis Bangalore, and have done a secretarial practice course from
ASN,Chennai.You have seen an advertisement for the post of receptionist, in a
national daily by Oxford Publishers, Wall Mart Road,Bangalore.Write an application
with complete resume to the Director for the post of receptionist.

OR

B.You are Shubha/Subin residing in AJKD Apartment, Bhubaneswar , Odisha. You

have observed, with increasing concern, that garbage collection continues to be
done without segregation in your neighbourhood .Write a letter to the editor of
the The Good Times, Bhubaneswar , explaining your concern along with rationale
behind the importance of garbage segregation .Suggest ways in which the Resident
Welfare Association can participate in this programme.

A. Rising prices of essential commodities make life difficult for the layman. You are 5M
6 Nalini/Nalan. Write an article in 120-150 words describing the causes, possible

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solutions and how students can help their parents to cope with the problem.

OR

B.You visited an old age home and were very disturbed by the scene there. Write a
report in about 120-150 words on your visit. Use the following hints. You are
Shiva/Shivani

-cramped accommodation

- unhygienic conditions

-food, not good enough

-poor medical facilities

-uncivil behaviour of staff

SECTION C (LITERATURE TEXT BOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT – 40

MARKS)
6M
7. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context:
(6x1m)

A.

Yes, in spite of all

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits, Such the sun, the moon.
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills.

a.Pick out the rhyming words.

b.Boon means :

i.curse ii. hindrance

iii. blessing iv. misfortune

c. ‘Pall ‘in the given stanza is

i.a verb ii. a noun

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iii. a preposition iv. an interjection

d. What does the shape of beauty do?

e. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE.

Beauty in any shape drives away the sadness from our life.

f. The poet celebrates the beauty of a ‘tree’ as _________.

OR

B.

Fishermen in the cold sea

would not harm whales

and the man gathering salt

would look at his hurt hands.

Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas, wars with fire,

victory with no survivors ,

would put on clean clothes

and walk about with their brothers

In the shade, doing nothing.

a. What is suggested by ‘Fishermen would not harm the whales’ ?

i. The fishermen would not disturb the whales in water.

ii. The people will not destroy wild animals and nature

iii. The fishermen will stop their business of fishing

iv. None of the above

b.What do you understand by ‘the man gathering salt would look at his hurt
hands’?

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c.Explain ‘green wars’

i.Warriors wear green clothes

ii.They hold green flags during war

iii.Deforestation /destruction of forests and plant life.

iv.All of the above.

d. Give a synonym of ‘gathering’

e. ‘Wars with gas’ here means _________.

f. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE.

The poet is addressing his enemies.

Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context: 4M
8. (4x1m)

A. The reason the programme has been so successful is because it is impossible to

go anywhere near the South Pole and not be affected by it. It's easy to be blase
about polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone of our respective
latitude and longitude, but when you can visibly see glaciers retreating and ice
shelves collapsing, you begin to realise that the threat of global warming is real.

Antarctica, because of her simple eco-system and lack of biodiversity, is the

perfect place to study how little changes in the environment can have big
repercussions.

a.As per the given extract, the reason for the success of the programme is :

i.the participation of young students.

ii.the journey to Antarctica.

iii.the exposure to reality

iv.It was impossible to go near south pole

b. Complete the following sentence.

The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is __________..

c. State whether the statement given is TRUE or FALSE with reference to the

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extract.

Global warming is a threat to human survival.

d. Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line ‘’It’s easy to be blase
about polar icecaps melting while sitting in the comfort zone’.

OR

B.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 maybe 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.

a.Where is probably a long tunnel?

b.Who got into the tunnel?

i.A friend of the narrator

ii. The narrator himself

iii. Both the narrator and his friend

iv. None of the above

c. ‘Escape’ means________

d.Who is ‘I’ in the last sentence ?

Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context: 6M
9. (6x1m)

A.Not till then, when I had got a little over my fright, did I see that our teacher had
on his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and the little black silk cap, all
embroidered,
that he never wore except on inspection and prize days. Besides, the whole school
seemed so strange and solemn.
But the thing that surprised me most was to see, on the back benches that were
always empty, the village people sitting quietly like ourselves; old Hauser, with his
three-cornered hat, the former mayor, the former postmaster, and several others
besides.

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a.Who is the speaker here ?

i. M.Hamel ii. Franz iii. Hauser iv.None of these

b. What was it that surprised Franz the most ?

c. M. Hamel wore his special dress because ________.

d. What did the narrator notice after ‘getting over his fright’?

i. The back benches were occupied by the children

ii. The old Hauser was writing something

iii. M.Hamel was in his special dress

iv. None of the above.

e. Name the lesson .

f. What does the word ‘Fright 'mean?

OR

B.I went to the pool when no one else was there. The place was quiet. The water
was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a bathtub. I was timid
about going in alone, so I sat on the side of the pool to wait for others.
I had not been there long when in came a big bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen
years old. He had thick hair on his chest. He was a beautiful physical specimen, with
legs and arms that showed rippling muscles. He yelled.
''Hi Skinny! 'How'd you like to be ducked?

a.What impression do you form about the narrator?

i. He is a beginner in swimming lessons.

ii. He has made friends during his swimming lessons.

iii. The big boy was well built and handsome.

iv. The narrator lacks courage and confidence to enter the pool alone

b. The description of the big boy by the narrator is one of ______.

c. Give a probable reason for the big boy’s behaviour towards the narrator.

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d. Name the figure of speech in the expression ‘as white and clean as a bathtub.’

e. The writing style of the narrator indicates that the passage can be classified
under a/an______.

i. interview ii. Autobiography

iii.Fiction iv.Short story

f. Name the lesson.

10 Answer ANY FIVE of the following questions in 40-50 words each: (5x2m) 10M

a.What is the irony behind by the image 'massive weight of uncle’s wedding
band’? (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

b.‘Mukesh is a rebel: Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Lost
Spring )

c.What did Franz notice in the school that seemed unusual about the school that
day? (The Last Lesson )

d.Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death? (Keeping Quiet )

e.Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning

point in the life? (Indigo)

f.What reason do you find for the huge success of the novel” The Name of the
Rose?” (The Interview)

11 Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in 40- 50 words each: (2x2m) 4M

a.Why was Zitkala-Sa embarrassed when she reacted to the sound of the first bell
at the breakfast table? What was expected of them? (Memories of Childhood)

b.What did the Maharaja do to find the required number of tigers to kill? (The Tiger
King)

c.What did Sam say in his letter to Charley? (The Third Level)

12 Answer ANY ONE of the following in 120- 150 words: (1x5m) 5M

A.How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament
? (The Rattrap)

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OR

B.Childhood fears are deeply entrenched in our mind. Determination, hard work
and the right training are needed to get rid of them. Comment on the statement in
the light of Douglas' efforts to overcome his fear of water. (Deep Water )

13 Answer ANY ONE of the following in 120- 150 words: (1x5m) 5M

A. What is it that draws Derry (Derek) towards Mr Lamb in spite of himself?

(On the Face of it)

OR

B.Do you think the doctor’s final solution to the problem was the best possible one
in the circumstances? (The Enemy )

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