D.A.V.

INSTITUTIONS, WEST BENGAL ZONE

FIRST PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION
SESSION 2024-2025
Class: XII Maximum Marks: 80
Subject: ENGLISH
Marking Scheme/Hints To Solution
(Note: Any other relevant answers, not given herein but given by the candidates be
suitably rewarded)
Q. Value points / Key points Marks Total
No. allotted Marks
to each
value /
key pt.
1(I) snow-dusted peaks and glistening mountain streams. 1 12
(II) twinkling lights blending seamlessly into the starlit sky. 1
(III) D. "Rough paths lead to the sweetest destinations." 1
(IV) tranquil respite from the relentless demands of urban life - 2
Mussoorie welcomed us with its invigorating air, serpentine
roads, and lush, verdant landscapes - refreshing contrast to the
chaotic urban environment - a delightful prelude to the wonders
awaiting - Quaint tea stalls and scenic viewpoints - inviting us
to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
(V) B. Fascination 1
(VI) B. Reflective and appreciative 1
(VII) C. They reflect Mussoorie's unique traditions and customs, 1
providing memorable keepsakes
(VIII) Mention of luxuriant greenery, waterfall cascaded into pool 2
(visual), symphony of rushing water, birdsong (auditory)
(IX) The term suggests that the author's intimate connection to 2
Mussoorie and its profound emotional influence left them with
treasured recollections of the place's beauty and tranquilly.
2(I) BORE 1 10
(II) B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation 1
of A
(III) Explaining the column where crop loss has been mentioned. 2
(IV) Reason was the power outage for nearly two days – Sridhar 2
found it difficult to continue his studies in the evening and night
hours because of no power supply, whereas his mother
predicted the power outage to impact the water supply as a
consequence of the cyclone, hence she stored drinking water in
advance.
(V) A. Closure of schools and institutions impacted the local 1
economies in both states.
(VI) C. Tidal surges 1
(VII) Paddy farmers 1
(VIII) Highlights (any other relevant word to be accepted) 1

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3.A 4

ST. MICHAEL’S CONVENT SCHOOL, RAIPUR

NOTICE
4 May, 2OXX
School Calendar of Activities
This is to inform all students that the school committee is going
to meet next week to prepare a ‘Calendar of Activities’ for the
year 2025-2026. All the students are invited with
their suggestions for preparing the calendar of activities. All
suggestions have to be directed to the undersigned latest by
(day, date) between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Riya/Ramesh
Students’ Representative
B → Correct format (as listed)
→ Drawing attention of residents aging 12-18yrs
→ Stating the information
→ Giving details –
→Invites people to attend
→ Line with reference to the undersigned
4. A (Card type formal/third person/ center aligned) 4
Format – 1 Mark
Proper layout, including institution/association name at the
top
Clear mention of "Invitation" and event name
Salutation (if applicable)
Content – 2 Marks
What: Purpose of the invitation (Alumni Meet)
Who: Recipient (alumni/former students)
When: Date and time of the event
Where: Venue of the event
Additional Details: Program highlights, RSVP details
Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar – 2 Marks
B Letter type-informal reply

5.A LETTER to EDITOR- Format 1+Content 2 + Expression 2 5

B → Cover Letter 5
→ Reference to the advertisement
→ Conveying suitability for the position
→ Submission of application Bio data as separate enclosure
→ Profile of self
→ Educational Qualifications (include advertised
requirements)
2
 → Work experience/s (if relevant) - only internship/part-time
relevant here
→ References Any other relevant information
6 ARTICLE WRITING: Format 1 Content 2 Organisation 1 5
Accuracy of spelling and grammar 1
Format and Organisation
» Headline and Byline
» Paragraphing organisation (introductory paragraph + one or
two Body paragraphs including event details + Concluding
paragraph inclusive of witness accounts)

» Title (illustrate thematic content, eye-catching

» Byline (Name/designation of the writer — use fictitious
info. if the Q does not display it)
» Intro para (relevant topic sentence + expansion)
» Topic development paras (discussion of various aspects of
the topic — causes, effects, etc. presented with strong
evidence)
» Concluding para (writer's opinion/comments +
recommendations or solutions + hope/call for action/warning)

A → Introduction: Listening skills are important as they help

one to learn more, to create an environment that is conducive
to sharing, and encourage people to listen to our ideas.
→ Ways to show and develop active listening:
• paraphrase or clarify what other people have shared —
this shows that one is listening to the points
• use body language to convey active listening — nod
your head if you agree with a point; change your facial
expressions to show appreciation, thinking, or to
indicate when you are confused; sit straight to show
attention
• have a favourable mindset — everyone can teach us
something, showing respect leads to earning respect,
do not listen to respond
→ Conclusion:
• Listening can be a great way to contribute
meaningfully to discussions and make the environment
welcoming for others.
There are ways to develop active listening which includes
certain actions, body language, and the right mindset.

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 B REPORT WRITING
Format 1 Content 2 Organisation 1 Accuracy of spelling
and grammar 1
Format and Organisation
» Headline and Byline
» Reporting place and date
» Paragraphing organisation (introductory paragraph + one or
two Body paragraphs including event details + Concluding
paragraph inclusive of witness accounts)

→ Reason why the Auto-Mela was conducted

→ organised — by whom? for whom? when?
→ Event details (refer to the cues)
→ Conclude by including witness/participant accounts
SECTION C
LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY
READING TEXT (40 marks)
7.A. The common theme represented in the given extract is the 1 1x6=6
I contrast between urban development and rural beauty,
highlighting how modern progress disrupts the natural
landscape.
II (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is 1
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
III it symbolizes the relentless movement and modernization that 1
often overlook the aesthetic and emotional value of rural
landscapes.
IV Confusion 1

V A. The disruption caused by hasty poorly designed traffic 1

signs
VI The poet’s depiction of "polished traffic" passing with a mind 1
ahead contributes to the theme of the excerpt by illustrating
how urban life is driven and focused, often ignoring the beauty
of the rural landscape it disrupts. This highlights the
indifference of modern society toward the effects of
development on natural surroundings.
B.I The common theme represented in the given extract is freedom 1
versus oppression. The tigers, depicted as confident and
unafraid, symbolize strength and liberation, contrasting with
Aunt Jennifer’s own sense of constraint and limitation.
II B. The tigers exhibit a graceful and noble demeanor 1
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 III it symbolises their ability to break free from societal 1
restrictions and expectations.
IV Noble 1
V The tigers’ ‘chivalric certainty’ symbolizes the strength and 1
confidence Aunt Jennifer yearns for but lacks in her own life,
highlighting her desire for liberation from her oppressive
circumstances.
VI B. Both the assertion and the reason are true but the reason is 1
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
8.A.I The author implies that the man’s unconscious state and wet 1 1x4
appearance underscore the urgency of his medical treatment by
highlighting the immediate need for first aid and stabilization
to address his critical condition
II A. The exclamation mark indicates Hana’s shock and surprise 1
upon realizing that the injured man is white
III it forces them to confront their moral beliefs and societal 1
expectations in a moment of crisis, ultimately testing their
compassion and humanity.
IV The detailed depiction of the man’s appearance in the extract 1
contributes to the descriptive writing style by using vivid
imagery to create a clear visual representation of his condition.
Phrases like "wet yellow hair, long, as though for many weeks
it had not been cut," evoke a strong sense of neglect and
urgency, allowing readers to feel the gravity of the situation.
B.I emphasize the harsh conditions and the discomfort 1
experienced by the protagonist.
II On the first day in the land of apples, ZitkalaSa felt 1
overwhelmed and disoriented. The harsh, unfamiliar
environment, constant noise, and loss of freedom left her
feeling deeply distressed and trapped.
III B. Despair- She feels that her efforts to gain her freedom are 1
futile.
IV The line "The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-cold 1
one" effectively establishes the tone by vividly describing the
weather. It also conveys a sense of harshness and discomfort,
reflecting the narrator's initial experience in an unfamiliar and
challenging environment. This sets the stage for further
exploration of the narrator's journey and their interactions
within this new setting.
9.A. I Sophie directly asks Danny Casey about his identity. She 1 1x6
knows how he looks as she sees him every weekend.
II (a) he had not expected someone to recognize him 1
III Sophie imagines herself talking to Danny Casey at the arcade 1
IV He seemed lonely 1
V he did not have paper or pen 1
VI a dreamer 1
B.I The publisher told his books would not be loved by people as 1
nobody has seen a cathedral or studied Latin.
II (a) Detective & medieval mystery. 1
III Americans do not know about medieval cathedrals or Latin 1
IV in the end it had sold 3 million copies 1
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 V (d) both (a) & (b) 1
VI surprise 1
10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 2 5x2=10
40-50 words.
I Subbu was an extremely loyal employee who identified himself
completely with his principal and turned his entire creativity to
his principal’s advantage. He was also a highly versatile and
creative person who could be inspired to come up with
numerous alternatives when given a problem to solve. He
qualified all the qualities that are essentially required to succeed
in this industry.
II The belief that photographing someone steals their soul 2
signifies a deep-seated fear of losing one’s identity or essence.
It reflects concerns about how capturing an image might
compromise or diminish the personal and spiritual integrity of
an individual.
III The imagery of the roadside stand and passing cars symbolizes 2
the disconnect between rural life and urban society. The stand
represents a longing for recognition and support, while the cars
speeding by reflect indifference. This contrast highlights the
isolation felt by those in the countryside and their desire for
connection and acknowledgement from the busy world.
IV Geoff is skeptical of Sophie’s claim but wants to believe her 2
story. Despite the doubts he might want to believe her story
because he cares about her and doesn’t want to hurt her
feelings.
V The message of the poem would shift to celebrate her bravery 2
and determination. It would emphasize her ability to assert
herself and pursue her own happiness, showcasing her personal
growth and transformation as she takes control of her life.
VI The writer’s purpose in describing Sophie's vision of riding 2
behind Geoff in new, shining black leathers and a yellow dress
with a cape is to highlight her sense of excitement and
imagination of the future. It emphasizes her imaginative
anticipation and desire for adventure and recognition.
11.I In “The Enemy,” the importance of maintaining humanity amid 2 2x2=4
adversity is illustrated through Dr. Sadao’s moral dilemma. His
decision to help the soldier despite the fact that he was an
American and a threat to his country challenges conventional
notions of right and wrong. He fulfills his responsibility as a
surgeon putting his life at risk. Both he and his wife risk their
safety, highlighting the resilience of human empathy.
II Mr. Lamb changed the thoughts of Derry from negativity to 2
Positive, made him understand that his face was not important.
No one told Derry of the things which Mr. Lamb told him.
III Bama's experience highlights how education combats 2
discrimination and social injustice. As a child, she saw unfair
treatment but it lacked understanding until education clarified
discrimination's nature. Education also fostered cross-cultural
friendships, showing that awareness and understanding reduce
prejudice. Bama’s story underscores education's role in
addressing social inequities.

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12.A. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 5 1x5=5
120-150 words
Value points for the answer:
Briefly introduce both poems and their overarching themes of
inequality.
•Highlight the struggles faced by rural individuals.
•Discuss Aunt Jennifer’s oppression and societal expectations.
•Mention the longing for freedom and empowerment.
•Reflect on acts of defiance or dreams of liberation.
B. “Good morning, everyone! I, Christopher Silvester, am feeling 5
grateful to be invited in the seminar and would like to throw
some light on the challenges of conducting interviews and the
skills interviewers must have in order to conduct good and
ethical interviews.
We all know that the interviewer is solely responsible for the
interview methods that he/she employs in the interview. The
interviewer’s conscience acts as the benchmark in controlling
his/her behaviour. He/she must view that the interview is for
the general public: so, if he/she begins to justify or rationalise
the techniques used, then then it becomes unethical.
Interviews are information gathered by all possible sources. It
is a hard work and should be established on thorough
preparation. No excuse, including fatigue or disinterest,
ethically permits taking shortcuts in an interview. If unethical
means are used, then the end cannot be trusted to provide
valid information. Thank you.
13 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 5 1x5=5
120-150 words
A In the narrative of "The Enemy," Dr. Sadao faces a profound
moral dilemma that deeply troubles him. An American prisoner
of war, gravely injured, washes ashore, and ends up at his
doorstep. As a physician, Dr. Sadao's primary duty is to heal
and preserve life, irrespective of the patient’s nationality.
However, his patriotism conflicts with this duty, as aiding an
enemy combatant during wartime could have severe
repercussions.
Dr. Sadao finds himself caught between his professional oath
to provide medical care and his loyalty to his country. Treating
the injured soldier could put his safety and that of his family at
risk, while turning the prisoner over to the authorities might
leave him burdened with the knowledge that he could have
saved a life. This intense conflict between his humanitarian
responsibilities and national loyalty weighs heavily on his
conscience. The narrative effectively explores this tension,
reflecting the broader themes of duty versus compassion and
the consequences of one's choices in a time of war.
B Derry’s encounter with Mr. Lamb in the garden reveals
significant insights into his thoughts and feelings about his
appearance and personal challenges. During the visit, Derry
expresses his deep insecurity about his burnt face, feeling that
it is ugly and that others view him the same way. However, Mr.
Lamb’s reaction is markedly different. He engages with Derry
kindly and emphasizes that everyone and everything created by
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God has its own unique value, irrespective of physical
appearance. Mr. Lamb shares his own experience of being
teased for his tin leg, which helps Derry reflect on how others'
opinions should not define his self-worth. This interaction
signifies a turning point for Derry. Mr. Lamb’s acceptance and
perspective encourage Derry to reconsider his own self-image
and the impact of external judgments. Derry’s wish to visit Mr.
Lamb again and his regret upon discovering Mr. Lamb’s death
underscore the deep connection and personal growth he
experienced through this friendship. This encounter highlights
Derry’s internal struggle with self-acceptance and his gradual
movement toward overcoming these personal obstacles.

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