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Code:301

Sample Paper -1 (2023-24)

CLASS –XII
SUBJECT:ENGLISH CORE
Time Allowed:___ Hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks)

1.
Read the following text

1. Online teaching is evidently different from that in a classroom teaching. It may seem difficult to
envision not teaching the way in which you would in your standard classroom setting, however, remote
education is an alternate arrangement with benefits, which requires a different teaching methodology. In
order to make the most of this time, help your students with a variety of written texts from existing
sources or online course readings, articles, websites, recordings from trustworthy resources. Teachers can
also make their own content, including lengthy discussions, visually appealing slideshows, or other
course materials. Since all of this can be reused, the effort required presently will pay off in future years

2. Another way to maximize on written content is to point out the significant parts of your static content.
And then in the video lessons later, you could feature things you need your students to concentrate on in a
concentrated manner. In asynchronous teaching, quizzes and other assignments assist students in
connecting with the course content and show off their learning skills. Also, ensure whether the students
have understood the written material, give immediate feedback, or even organize more tests with a
limited time setting.

3 An all-around planned online-teaching session makes solid social interaction among students as well as
encourages and extends their learning. Prepare questions that are debatable to urge them to relate, new
ideas to their own lived experiences or give clear guidelines, agendas, or topics with the goal that students
know what you need them to do, when, and how. Get into conversations with them on one to-one or non-
to-many levels every week, so you can encourage their co-development of information with more
questions, explanations, and understanding,
4.When you are teaching in a traditional classroom setup, you do a great deal of things to assist students
with feeling welcome and pleasant. You welcome them. You grin. You look. You even answer questions.
You show your help in innumerable manners. And when the physical classroom is not appealing
anymore, you do a great deal to improve the atmosphere to make it progressively pleasing again and, in
this manner, it increasingly helps in learning. Apply that equivalent rule to your online classes. A
conscious effort to make them more welcoming is probably going to bring out the best in both you and
your student. Make education more inspiring so that students can prevail with the assistance of visuals,
media, intuitive apparatuses. and learning exercises

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:12MARKS
(i)Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option. 1
Online teaching is different from classroom teaching primarily in the way ___________
1. it requires effective use of technology
2. it uses static content more effectively
3. it requires richer content and visually appealing Slideshows
4. it is a better way of learning if implemented well

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(a) 1and 2 (b) 2 and 3(c) 1and 4 (d) 1 and 3

ii.Comment on the writer's inference that collating online teaching materials and personal course content
made by a teacher are investments with dividends even in the future. 2
.
iii. List the two ways in which a teacher can make the most of their time preparing and collating
onlineresources. 2

1.____________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________

iv. Select the option that conveys the opposite of asynchronous, from words used in paragraph two.1

(a) Concurrent (b) Chronological (e) Digital (d) relative

V.The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph two, EXCEPT 1
(a) Only static content can be maximized while teaching
(b) Static content can be supplemented with onlineresources
(c) Teachers should treat dynamic content as having more potential
d) Static and dynamic content can complement eachother

vi. Online teaching Sessions help in extending the learning of students in different ways. Based on your
understanding of paragraph 3.List another major advantage that these have for both teachers and learners.
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vii. Why is it fair to say this about regular interactions between teachers and students "The more you
converse, the better is the depth and graph of their learning 1

viii .Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following 1

A teacher puts____________ class to hold the interest of the pupils.

ix.How can the solutions, suggested in paragraph four best be described? 1

(a) Ordinary (b) extraordinary(c) doable (d) far-fetched

x. Select the most suitable option that substantiates the statement: Apply that equivalent rule to your
online classes. 1

(a) grinning and pleasing (b) appealing and sling (c) welcoming and inspiring (d) helping and
answering

2. Read the passage given below. 10 Marks

1. More than 5 million international students were studying outside their home country in 2016. With
over 3, 00,000 Indian students studying overseas, India is the second largest source of international
students after China. The total number of Indian students overseas increased from 66,713 in 2000 to
3,01,406 in 2016, based on the analysis of data from UNESCO Institute of Statistics. This translates into
2,34,693 more students overseas in 2016 as compared to that in 2000—at a robust average annual growth
rate of 22% in a span of 16 years. The growing aspirations of Indian students to access to global
education reflect an expansion of high to middle-income families.

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2. One of the biggest reasons for this shift in the share of Indian student overseas had been the
proimmigration policies of Canada and Australia. Majority of Indian students are highly- price-sensitive,
value-maximisers who are constantly trying to search for options that lower cost and increase career
opportunities. And, hence they are more sensitive to immigration and work policies.

3. For example, Canada‘s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) introduced in 2006 allows
students to gain work experience which qualifies for permanent residency in Canada. Likewise, from
1999 onwards, Australia‘s point-based immigration policies were designed to encourage international
students to pursue a permanent residency in Australia.

4. The future demand for international education remains strong among Indian students. In 2018, over
17.7 million students used Studyportals to search for Master‘s degrees and about 5.7 million – for
Bachelor‘s programmes. Our data shows an increase of 37% and 77%, respectively, from users located in
India. While the demand is strong, the unwelcoming visa and immigration policies pose a significant
hurdle to translate that aspiration into reality to study abroad. India is at an inflexion point where two
broad segments of students are emerging. The first segment is the traditional segment of price-sensitive,
value-maximiser. The other emerging segment is the prestige-conscious, experience seeker.
5. Value-maximisers will search for options which offer more ―value for money‖ mostly through
master‘s programmes. For example, in addition to traditional destinations, this segment will seek
alternative destinations in the Middle East, Asia and Continental Europe offerings English-taught
Programmes. The new emerging segment of experience-seekers is concentrated at undergraduate level
and fields of study beyond engineering and computer science. These students have higher financial
resources to fund their education and are relatively less concerned about immigration and immediate
work opportunities.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10

1. The main purpose of this passage is to________________________________________ 1

a) Entertain the readers about the growing aspiration of Indian students to study abroad.
b) Inform the readers about the growing rate of Indian students studying abroad.
c) Persuade the students to study in the UK and the USA.
d) Teach students how to apply for admission in foreign countries.

2. Which of the details supports the main idea that the rate of Indian students studying abroad is grwoing
significantly? 1
a) Majority of Indian students are highly-price-sensitive.
b) Canada‘s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) was introduced in 2006.
c) The total number of Indian students overseas increased from 66,713 in 2000 to 3,01,406 in 2016.
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d) The number of Indian students in the UK in 2016 was same as that in 2005.

3. Based on the information given in the pie-chart, the countries that attracted more Indian students from
2000 to 2016 are 1

a) Australia and the USA b) Canada and the UK c) Canada and Australia d) the UK and the
USA

4. Based on the information given in the pie-chart, we can infer that 1

a) The number of Indian students seeking admission in the USA has dropped by 14 per cent in 2016.
b) The number of Indian students studying in the UK remained the same in 2000 and in 2016
. c) The number of Indian students studying in Australia was less in 2016 than in 2000.
d) Canada attracted more Indian students in 2000 than in 2016.
e) Canada and Australia have attracted more students in 2016.

i) a), b) and d) ii) a), c) and d) iii) a) , b) and e) iv) c), d) and e)

5. Choose the option that lists the reason for more Indian students seeking admission in Canada and
Australia as mentioned in Paragraph 2. 1
a) Low cost and more career opportunities
b) Higher cost and less career opportunities
c) Minimum value and maximum price
d) Temporary residency and work permit
6. What are the two emerging segment of students in India seeking admission abroad? 1
7. What details are given that support the fact that value-maximisers will seek options that offer more
value for money? 1
8. What evidence is given to show that the future demand for international education remains strong
among Indian students? 1
9. The Indian students are more sensitive to immigration and work policies because_____ 1
10. What could be the most appropriate title for Paragraph 1? 1

Section B – Creative Writing Skills(18 Marks)

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

A. As Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lucknow, draft notice in not more than 50 words informing
students of the change in school timings with effect from the 1st of October. State valid reasons for the
change . Or
B. You are Sapna Singh, the Secretary of Cultural Committee of your school. Write a notice in about 50
words inviting students to participate in the Annual Day of the school to be organized next month.

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below (4 Marks)

A . You are Dr. Girish Gupta, an eminent educationist. You have been invited to preside over an Inter-
Zonal Declamation Competition by Garima, the President of English Literary Club of Government Model
Sr. Sec. School Sector-19, Chandigarh. Write a reply of refusal of the invitation. Or
B. You are opening a coaching institute for students of classes IX-XII. Write an informal invitation,
inviting your best friend for its inauguration. Do not exceed more than 50 words. Invent necessary details.

5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below (5MARKS)

AWrite a letter to the Editor of The Hindu on the fear that is spreading among people due to their anxiety
over the widespread terrorism in the world. Give suggestions to ‘ curb such anti-social activities. You
are Vikram/Varsha.( word limit: 120-150).

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Or
B.You are Rohini/Rohit. You have seen an advertisement for the post of an English Teacher in Khetan
Public School Raipur. Write a letter in response to the advertisement applying for the post. Give your
detailed resume. Invent necessary details, (word limit: 120-150).

6. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below (5MARKS)

A.A few teachers and students from the Edwin University had visited your school on an ‘Innovation in
Technology’ programme. You welcomed them grandly. Write an article in for your school magazine.
(125-150 words) You are Brijesh/Benu. (5MARKS)
Or
B. Write a report in 120-150 words for your school magazine describing the prize distribution ceremony
that was held to honour the academic achievers of class XII of the previous year. (5MARKS)

SECTION C : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT (40

marks

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6Marks
A. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
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,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.

i.In which of the following options can the underlined words be replaced with ‘despondence’? 1
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

ii.Pick the option that is NOT an example of ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.’ 1
a) A person who is egoistic and looks down upon others.
b) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems.
c) A person who is uses evil ways to deceive others.
d) A person who is corrupt and manipulative.

Iii Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include. 1
1. selflessness 2. Insensitivity 3.Enthusiasm 4.Aggression 5.meticulousness 6. judiciousness
a) 1, 4 and 5
b) 2, 3 and 6
c) 2, 4 and 5
d) 1, 3 and 6

iv.Based on the poem, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.1
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

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v), Pick the opinion that is NOT TRUE about the theme of the poem. 1
1.A thing of beauty transcends time and doesn’t’ t fade away.
2.Beauty does n’t dispel darkness and is surrounded by evil.
3.A thing of beauty is not only physical but spiritual as well.
4.A beautiful thing has a therapeutic quality and brings in a r ay of hope.

a) Option 1b) Option 2c) Option 3d) Option 4

VI. Pick the statement that contradicts the idea of beauty as expressed by the poet 1
a) People are beautiful not in looks but just in what they are.
b) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss.
c) We must think of all the beauty that is left around us and be happy.
d) We must dwell on the beauty in life and be inspired by it.
OR

B. ………….but soon put that thought away

and looked out at young trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes…
(My mother at Sixty-six)

i.What did she see when she looked out of the car? 1
i.Her mother ii. Young trees iii. Merry children iv. Both ii & iii

ii) What are the merry children symbolic of? 1

i.Pale and wan ii. Lifeless iii . Exuberance iv.Weak

iii. Which thought did the poet put away? 1

i. Distressing reality of her mother ii Reaching airport soon
ii. Children iv Trees

iv) She put the thought away because she felt … 1

i.Guilty ii.Insecure iii.Sleepy iv. All of the above
v ) What do the ‘sprinting trees’ signify? 1
i. time running at a fast pace
ii. . energy and exuberance
iii. . Lifelessness
iv. old age
8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 4Marks

A. The presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroads will
swear on a stack of timetables that there are only two. But I say there are three, because I've been on the
third level of the Grand Central Station. Yes, I've taken the obvious step I talked to a psychiatrist friend of
mine, among others. I told him about the third level at Grand Central Station, and he said it was a waking-
dream wish fulfilment. He said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he
meant the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it, and that I just want to
escape.

i.Pick out the option which is a correct description of the phrase "waking-dream wish fulfilment". 1

(a) A pleasant wish that makes one forget the past's terrible experiences
(b) A pleasant wish that takes one to the future
(c) A pleasant wish that encourages to work
(d) A pleasant wish that makes one forget the present

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ii. What does the third level signify? 1
iii. Pick out the option that best describes the mentaltendency of the narrator. 1
1.Disappointed 2 .Escapism 3. Calm4. Satisfied
(a) 1 and 3(b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 and 4(d) 2 and 4

iv. "The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry." Signifies that: 1

(a) The world is full of chaos but at the same timemeans of happiness also for the narrator.
(b) The narrator is not at all satisfied with his life.
(c) The narrator wanted to explore more about the modern world.
(d) The narrator enjoys the feeling of pain andinsecurities in his life.

Or
2. Derry: [Panic] I've got to go.
Mr. Lamb: Not on my account. I don't mind who comes into the garden. The gate's always open. Only
you climbed the garden wall.
Derry: [Angry] You were watching me.
Mr Lamb: I saw you. But the gate's open. All welcome.You're welcome. I sit here. I like sitting.

i."Mr Lamb: Not on my account." Based on this line, do you think Mr. Lamb was angry with Derry?
ii. What does the statement "Only you climbed thegarden wall." mean?
(a) Everyone got permission before entering into thegarden.
(b) Mr. Lamb wanted Derry to be punished.
(c) Derry was the only person to sneak in through thewall.
(d) Derry doesn't know the location of the gate.
iii. Assertion (A): Mr. Lamb is a generous old man who welcomes everyone.

Reason (R): He had been threatened to not stoppeople from coming into the garden.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correctexplanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correctexplanation of A.
(c) Both A and R are false.
(d) A is true but R is false.
iv. Do you think Derry has the right to be angry at Mr. Lamb?

9.Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6Marks

A Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the
opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to
understand better, and the teacher’s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had
counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything
had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their
places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open
the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and how frightened I was.
(The Last Lesson)
i List any two sensory details present in this extract. 1

ii Why does the protagonist feel anxious about entering the classroom on this particular day? 1
A. The classmates have started the lesson B. The teacher is in a bad mood
C. The classroom is too quiet D. The protagonist is running late

iii Complete the sentence appropriately.

1

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The phrase "as quiet as Sunday morning" suggests that ____________.

iv Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that this was not the protagonist’s firsttime being
late to school. 1
v What does the term 'terrible iron ruler' indicate about M. Hamel? 1

vi Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract? 1
A. The Fears of a Latecomer
B. The Importance of Punctuality
C. The Rigidity of the School System
D. The Anxiety of a Young Student
OR

B.His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his criticsfelt.
Hecomposed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and alsowrote a sprawling
novel Thilliana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etchedcharacters. He quite successfully recreated
the mood and manner of Devadasis of the early20th century. He was anamazing actor - he never aspired
for the lead roles- but whatever subsidiary role he played inanyof the films, he performed better than the
supposed main players. He had a genuinelove for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent
residence for dozens ofnear and far relations and acquaintances.

1. Which of the following statements is NOT true about Subbu? 1

(A) His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films
(B) He was a gifted poet and writer and his literary works were noteworthy
(C) He was selfless in nature and was empathetic towards others
(D) He never hankered after lead roles and performed minor rolesin films

2. The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’. Pick the word with which the word
sprawling can’t be used. 1

(A) metropolis (B) handwriting (C) campus (D) portrait

3. The phrase ‘deftly etched’ shows that Subbu 1

(A) created the roles delicately(B) was skilful in creating the characters
(C) pondered beyond necessity of the characters(D) gave very little thought to the characters

4. Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the extract 1
1. Benevolent 2. Powerful 3.Accomplished4. Witty 5. Generous 6. Temperamental
(A) 4, 5 & 6
(B) 2, 3 & 4
(C) 1, 3 & 5
(D) 3, 4 & 6
5. ‘In any case, there was this man in the makeup department who would do direst things for Subbu’.
Here ‘direst things’ refers to something that is: 1

(A) urgent (B) Desperate (C) Disastrous (D) Dreadful

6.His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his critics felt. Explain

10.Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5x2=10
i) Together they have imposed a baggage on the child that he cannot 'Who are they'? And what baggage is
put on the child? (Lost spring)

(ii) What metaphor does the poet use to emphasize the beauties of the earth? Explain.- ( A Thing of
Beauty)

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(iii) What problems were the Champaran Indigo Share Croppers facing? (Indigo)

(iv) How is the lesson of earth relevant to poet's message? (Keeping Quiet )

(v) ‘Childish longing in vain’ has heaved a sigh with the line-“offer to put me gently out of my pain.’
Justify.
(vi). Sophie loves to dwell in dreams and she always thinks high. Do you agree with this assertion? Write
in support of your answer

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x2=4
A. Why does Charley say, 'he (Sam) certainly can't go back to his old business? (Third level)

B. What historical knowledge does Antarctica provide? (Journey to the End of the Earth)

C. What measures did Dr. Sadao take for the safety of the American? (The Enemy)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5 Marks
A.Entertainment in life is like a mirage for the children living in the slums. Moreover, dreaming to live
life with an aspiring future is shuttered. Discuss with the reference to Lost Spring.
Or/
If we determine to overcome the obstacles, we can simply get into what we look for. Then it can simply
be asserted that a sheer determination can help us fulfilling our dreams. Do you think this quality trait
help Douglas to learn swimming? Write your viewpoints logically.

13 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5Marks
Derry was drowned in the deep well of depression and Mr.Lamb was there to lift him up from there.
Justify the assertion with the reference to the drama ‘On the Face of It’.
Or
‘The Enemy ’ no where represents the enmity between Japan and America rather a strong bond of
friendship. How are you impressed with the theme of the text? Write a letter to your friend narrating the
impression you have in mind or the theme that touches your heart.
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