PB Xii Eng Core.2023-24
PB Xii Eng Core.2023-24
General Instructions:
Amelia was an amateur astronomer who spent her nights gazing at the stars through her trusty telescope.
The night sky was her sanctuary, a place of endless wonder where she often found solace and inspiration.
Tonight, she was particularly excited because a rare celestial event was about to occur—a meteor shower
that happened only once every decade. She had read about it in her cherished astronomy books and marked
her calendar for this special night.
As she peered through her telescope, a streak of light illuminated the darkness. The meteor shower had
begun. Amelia marveled at the beauty of nature's fireworks display as meteors streaked across the heavens,
leaving shimmering trails of stardust in their wake. Each meteor felt like a cosmic brushstroke on a vast
canvas. She felt a deep connection to the cosmos, a sense of being part of something much larger than
herself.
Amelia's passion for astronomy had grown over the years. She had joined a local astronomy club, attended
stargazing parties, and even given talks at schools about the wonders of the universe. The night sky had
become a canvas where she painted her dreams and shared her knowledge with others. It was not just a
hobby; it was her life's purpose.
The meteor shower reached its peak, and the sky was alive with celestial activity. Amelia's telescope
captured the breathtaking scene, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. She had pursued her
passion, often against the skepticism of others, and it had rewarded her with a front-row seat to one of the
universe's grand spectacles.
As the meteor shower waned and the last streak of light vanished into the darkness, Amelia felt a
bittersweet mix of emotions. The event she had eagerly anticipated was over, but the memories and the
sense of awe it had instilled in her would stay with her forever. In those fleeting moments, she had felt
closer to the cosmos than ever before, and she knew that her journey under the stars would continue, for
there was always something new to discover in the boundless expanse of the universe.
Amelia's story became an inspiration to many, proving that pursuing one's passion, no matter how niche or
unconventional, could lead to a lifetime of wonder and fulfillment. The night sky, which had once been her
personal sanctuary, had become a beacon for others to explore the mysteries of the universe. She welcomed
newcomers to the astronomy club and shared her knowledge, igniting their curiosity about the cosmos.
The meteor shower of that night had not only painted the sky with streaks of light but had also illuminated
the path of countless dreamers who, like Amelia, sought to uncover the secrets of the night sky. It was a
reminder that the universe had much more to offer to those who were willing to look up and wonder.
C. It is a source of boredom.
iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words, to support the view that the writer's writing style is
descriptive and evocative.
Based on the information given in the excerpt, Amelia's passion for astronomy can be described as
____________.
v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to "The night sky was her sanctuary."
vi. Explain, in about 40 words, how the passage conveys a sense of Amelia's deep connection to the
cosmos.
vii. In the line, "As she peered through her telescope, a streak of light illuminated the darkness," what
atmosphere or mood is created by the phrase "illuminated the darkness"?
(e) "Meteor Shower Event Draws Crowds from Near and Far"
Identify the option that displays the headline/s that corresponds with occurrences in the passage.
A. Only (a)
C. Only (c)
In recent years, the realm of communication has undergone a profound transformation, shaped by the
relentless march of technology. The advent of social media platforms, messaging apps, and digital
connectivity has not only redefined how individuals interact but has also blurred the lines between personal
and professional communication. To better understand the shifting landscape of communication
preferences, a comprehensive survey was conducted among a diverse group of adults aged 25-40. The
survey aimed to explore their choices and recorded the percentage variation for 10 key factors that
influence these preferences.
Among those who favor face-to-face communication, a deep-seated yearning for genuine, in-person
connections emerged as the primary motivation (55%). The ability to interpret and respond to non-verbal
cues was a close second, with 48% of respondents valuing this aspect. Furthermore, those who favored
face-to-face communication extolled the intimate and profound nature of conversations (42%), which often
led to meaningful and lasting connections. Many cited the opportunity to establish trust more effectively
(36%) as a defining characteristic of this mode of interaction.
In contrast, digital communication enthusiasts cited convenience and speed as their primary reasons for
favoring this medium (58%). The ability to keep a record of conversations for future reference was another
key factor (50%). The prospect of reaching a broader audience through digital means resonated with 44%
of respondents. Moreover, digital communication provided the unique ability to multitask, enabling
individuals to engage in multiple conversations concurrently (32%).
Interestingly, both groups shared common ground when it came to privacy and security concerns. A
substantial 45% of face-to-face communicators and 42% of digital communicators were equally focused on
ensuring that their communications remained private and secure. Similarly, both groups held dear the
freedom to express themselves openly (38% for face-to-face communicators and 35% for digital
communicators).
Nonetheless, significant disparities existed between the two groups. Face-to-face communicators
prioritized the formation of personal connections and relationships (40%) to a greater extent than their
digital counterparts (25%). In contrast, digital communicators valued efficiency and the ability to get things
done (30%), which outweighed similar considerations among face-to-face communicators (18%).
The survey findings reveal a complex tapestry of communication preferences. They suggest that both face-
to-face and digital communication have distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and priorities,
reflecting the multifaceted nature of human interaction in today's interconnected world.
i.Infer two possible ways that the survey, mentioned in paragraph (1), could be beneficial.
ii.Which communication choice point of the survey would influence technology companies to enhance
their messaging apps with features like read receipts and message archiving?
iii.What do the top choices in the survey, for face-to-face and digital communication, suggest about
communication preferences among adults aged 25-40?
(a) Sarah - I prefer texting because I can respond while I'm at work or on the go.
(b) John - I enjoy meeting people in person, understanding their body language and expressions.
(c) Emily - I use video calls for important conversations; it feels more personal.
vi. How might the differences in communication priorities between face-to-face and digital communicators
impact the way companies develop new communication tools and platforms?
The similarities in the percentage of both face-to-face and digital communicators interested in maintaining
privacy and security in their communications may be due to ________.
A. Sunshine High School has recently created a new garden, called the "Sunshine Garden," which features
a variety of native plants and flowers. As the president of the school's Garden Club, you are tasked with
drafting a notice for the school notice board to inform students about a guided walk through the Sunshine
Garden, which will be held in the month of November. You should also invite students to apply to be
volunteers to help care for the garden. OR
B.Imagine you are the mayor of a city facing a public health crisis, such as a severe outbreak of a
contagious disease. Write a notice to the city's residents outlining the measures they should take to
minimize the spread of the disease, including quarantine guidelines, travel restrictions, and hygiene
recommendations. Make sure to convey the urgency of the situation while also offering reassurance and
clear instructions.
A.You are the Head Organizer for an upcoming school Science and Innovation Fair. Write an invitation
letter to renowned scientists and researchers, inviting them to be guest speakers at the event. Provide details
about the fair, its significance, and what you expect from their participation. Be sure to express the school's
commitment to fostering scientific curiosity among students." OR
B. Mrs. Patricia Johnson, a retired teacher, has received an invitation from her long-lost school friend, who
lives in another city. The invitation is for a special reunion and dinner event to celebrate their school's 50th
anniversary. Mrs. Johnson is eager to attend the event but requires assistance due to her recent hip
surgery.Compose a suitable response on behalf of Mrs. Johnson, accepting the invitation, and addressing
the need for accommodation due to her mobility issue.
A. Imagine you are a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. You come across
an advertisement in a local newspaper for a position at a leading environmental conservation organization.
Write a letter to the organization expressing your interest in the advertised position and attach your bio-
data. Highlight your passion for environmental conservation and how your academic background has
prepared you for this role.
A.In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Discuss the
environmental and economic benefits of widespread EV adoption, and analyze the potential challenges that
need to be addressed for a successful transition to electric mobility. You are Manav Mandal of class XII.
Write an article for your school magazine. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this
article.
Environmental Benefits:
Improved Air Quality:
Elimination of harmful pollutants.
Enhance urban air quality.
Conservation of Natural Resources:
Use of renewable energy sources.
Economic Benefits:
Cheaper charging compared to gasoline.
Reduced maintenance costs.
B. Imagine you are a journalist covering a recent environmental conservation event in your area. Write a
detailed report summarizing the event, its objectives, key activities, and the outcomes achieved. In your
report, ensure you provide a clear structure, use appropriate language, and include relevant data or statistics
to support your findings. Additionally, describe the community's engagement and any challenges faced
during the event.
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6M
1.What is the author's attitude towards the idea of an "exotic moment" in the extract?
2.In the absence of rush and engines, what does the author suggest about human interactions?
The absence of engines and rush would lead to a state of calm and familiarity, according to the author.
4. What emotions or feelings might the author be trying to evoke in the reader with the phrase "we would
all be together in a sudden strangeness"? How does this line contribute to the overall message of the
extract?
c) Joy and excitement, underlining the thrill of experiencing something new and exotic.
d) Isolation and loneliness, suggesting that a lack of rush and engines isolates people from one another.
5.Consider the role of the man gathering salt in the extract. His act of looking at his hurt hands is
significant as it underscores the _________________.
OR
B. Aunt Jennifer‟s fingers fluttering through her wool Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle‟s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer‟s hand.
1.What does the passage suggest about Aunt Jennifer's ability to sew?
Aunt Jennifer's fingers are nimble and easily manage the ivory needle.
Aunt Jennifer‟s fingers find it difficult to pull the ivory needle through the wool due to
____________________________.
8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 4M
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. Well, who doesn‟t?
Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don‟t wander down into any third level at Grand Central
Station. But that‟s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it. they claimed. My
stamp collecting, for example; that‟s a „temporary refuge from reality.‟ Well, maybe, but my grandfather
didn‟t need any refuge from reality; things were pretty nice and peaceful in his days, from all I hear, and he
started my collection.
a) To avoid responsibilities
2.What does the protagonist's stamp collecting represent, according to his friend?
3.What was the main reason behind the protagonist's unhappiness, as explained by him at Grand Central
Station?
4.What was the protagonist's response to the claim that his stamp collecting was a "temporary refuge from
reality," and how did he connect it to his grandfather's time?
OR
B. The two servants were frightened at what their master had just told them. The old gardener, who was
also a house servant, pulled the few hairs on his upper lip. “The master ought not to heal the wound of this
white Iman,” he said bluntly to Hana. “The white man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught
him and wounded him with her rocks. If the master heals what the gun did and what the sea did they will
take revenge on us.” “I will tell him what you say,” Hana replied courteously.
1.What do the two servants fear about their master's decision regarding the white man?
2.Why does the old gardener suggest that the white man ought to die?
a) She agrees with him and suggests the same to the master
b) She scolds him for his opinion
d) She politely says she will convey his opinion to the master
4.What do the old gardener and the house servant fear in relation to the white Iman, and how does Hana
respond to their fear?
9. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 6M
A.Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in return,
as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas season by a thief; but
you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the
window frame as a bait for poor wanderers.
The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world‟s rattrap if he had
not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself. “Written with friendship and
high regard, Captain von Stahle.”
1.Which of the following is NOT a reason why the peddler left a Christmas present for Edla?
a) The captain b) The narrator c) The old man on the roadside d) The thief
The peddler leaves Edla a Christmas present because he wants to be nice to her, just like she was nice to
him. He signs the letter as Captain von Stahle to show her ___________________________________.
5.What is the symbolic meaning of the rattrap in the passage, and how does it relate to the concept of being
raised to a captain?
6.How does the narrator's intention to protect the recipient from embarrassment tie into the theme of the
passage?
OR
B. They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally and deceitfully
extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed adamant,” writes Reverend J.
Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran who observed the entire episode at close range. “Thinking
probably that he would not give way, the representative of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25
percent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his word, thus breaking the deadlock.” This
settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission.
2.What was the final settlement reached between the sharecroppers and the planters?
(A) Gandhi was adamant on demanding repayment in full of the money extorted from the sharecroppers.
(B) The planters were initially unwilling to make any refunds to the sharecroppers.
(C) The final settlement reached between the sharecroppers and the planters was a compromise.
4.Which of the following qualities did Gandhi display during the Champaran episode?
(A) Determination
(B) Flexibility
(C) Compassion
5. Explain why Gandhi was willing to accept a settlement of 25% repayment from the planters.
6. What are the implications of the Champaran episode for understanding Gandhi's political strategy?
10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5x2=10
1.How does the forced imposition of a new language reflect the broader themes of cultural identity and
resistance in the story? (The Last Lesson)
2. How do Mukesh‟s circumstances affect his dreams and aspirations?( Lost Spring)
3.Explore the complexities of the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee. How does their
interaction reveal deeper layers of human nature and power dynamics? (Interview)
4.How does the story depict the conflict between societal expectations and personal dreams? What choices
do the characters make, and what consequences do they face? (Going Places)
5.What insights does Subbu's journey in the film industry provide into the significance of loyalty,
creativity, and adaptability within this domain? ( Poets and Pancakes)
6. Analyze the protagonist's psychological journey throughout the story. How does his fear of water
symbolize his internal struggles, and how does he ultimately resolve them?( Deep Water)
11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x2=4
1.The Tiger King: How does the author use irony to highlight the Maharaja's hubris and the futility of
trying to control fate? ( The Tiger King)
2. Journey to the End of the Earth: What are some of the ways in which the author conveys the sense of
awe and wonder inspired by the vastness and remoteness of Antarctica?(Journey to the End of earth)
3. How does the theme of loneliness and isolation play a role in "On the Face of It," and how do the
characters in the story cope with it?
12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5M
A."You see us here, day in and day out, by the side of the road, offering our wares. We are the ones who
provide you with fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, and a glimpse into a way of life that is far removed
from your own. But what do you really know about us? Do you ever stop to think about the lives we lead,
the struggles we face, the dreams we hold?.” Write a letter from a farmer to a city dweller keeping in view
the theme of the poem “A Roadside Stand” offers.
B. In your role as a school counselor, you are asked to deliver a speech to a group of high school students
who are at a crossroads in life, just like Sophie in 'Going Places.' Your goal is to inspire them to pursue
their dreams while also being mindful of practical realities. Draft your speech highlighting what advice
would you offer to help these students strike a balance between their dreams and the practical aspects of
life?
13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5M
A. What if the 'Third Level' described by Charley was not just a figment of imagination but an actual
gateway to another time or dimension? How would my life change if I could access it? What historical
events or periods would I visit, and how might those experiences impact my understanding of the world?
Write a diary entry with reference to „The Third level‟.
B.Reflecting on the vivid recollections of Zitkala Sa and Bama from their childhoods, I wonder: How do
our early experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our identities and perspectives on the world? What
can I learn from their stories about resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of one's roots? Write a
diary entry with reference to “Memories of Childhood.”
Answer Key to MCQs
Reading Passage
iii. The evidence for the descriptive and evocative writing style can be found in the passage's vivid
descriptions of the meteor shower and its impact on Amelia, such as "a streak of light illuminated the
darkness" and "sens of being part of something much larger than herself."
iv. Her passion for astronomy can be described as a lifelong pursuit filled with wonder and fulfillment.
vi. The passage conveys a sense of Amelia's deep connection to the cosmos through her sense of awe, her
passion for astronomy, and her ability to inspire others.
vii. The phrase "illuminated the darkness" creates an atmosphere of wonder and amazement.
viii. The passage impacts the reader by conveying the beauty and awe of the meteor shower, drawing the
reader into Amelia's experience of the celestial event.
2. Reading passage
i.a. Providing insights for communication technology companies to improve their products.
b.Helping individuals and organizations understand evolving communication trends for better adaptation.
iii.The top choices in the survey for face-to-face and digital communication suggest that communication
preferences among adults aged 25-40 are diverse and multifaceted. Face-to-face communicators prioritize
genuine connections, while digital communicators value convenience and speed.
iv. (b) John - "I enjoy meeting people in person, understanding their body language and expressions."
vi.The differences in communication priorities between face-to-face and digital communicators might
impact the way companies develop new communication tools and platforms by influencing them to tailor
features and functionalities to cater to the distinct preferences of each group. For example, creating more
efficient and feature-rich messaging apps for digital communicators and fostering tools for building
personal connections for face-to-face communicators.
vii. The similarities in the percentage of both face-to-face and digital communicators interested in
maintaining privacy and security in their communications may be due to a shared concern for safeguarding
their personal and sensitive information.
viii.FALSE
Literature:
7. A.
1. c) Positive
3.False
4.b) Confusion and unease, highlighting the unsettling nature of a sudden change.
7.B.
5.Aunt Jennifer‟s fingers find it difficult to pull the ivory needle through the wool due to the massive
weight of Uncle‟s wedding band.
8.A.
8.B.
3.d) She politely says she will convey his opinion to the master.
9.A.
9 B.