DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, SAMPLE PAPER – II

2024-25 (2022-23)
Class : XII Time Allotted : 3 hours
Subject : English (301) Max Marks : 80

· General instruction:
· This paper has been divided into THREE sections.
Section – A 20 Marks
Section – B 20 Marks
Section – C 40 Marks
· Don’t write anything on the question paper.

SECTION- A (READING SKILLS: 20 MARKS)

12
1. Read the passage given below. 10 Marks
1. No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing
word sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to
communicate tiny variations in meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state
whether an action has taken place or is soon to take place, and perform many other word
tricks to convey subtle differences in meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the English
language. All languages, even those of so-called ‘primitive’ tribes have clever grammatical
components. The Cherokee pronoun system, for example, can distinguish between ‘you and I’,
‘several other people and I’ and ‘you, another person and I’. In English, all these meanings are
summed up in the one, crude pronoun ‘We’. Grammar is universal and plays a part in every
language, no matter how widespread it is. So, the question which has baffled many linguists
is—who created grammar?
2. At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar
is created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation, documenting its
emergence. Many historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to
earlier languages, but in order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually
formed, the researcher needs to observe how languages started from scratch. Amazingly,
however, this is possible.
3. Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time,
slaves from a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under colonizer’s
rule. Since, they had no opportunity to learn each other’s languages, they developed a make-
shift language called a pidgin. Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the
landowner. They have little in the way of grammar, and in many cases it is difficult for a
listener to deduce when an event happened, and who did what to whom. Speakers need to use
circumlocution in order to make their meaning understood. Interestingly, however, all it takes
for a pidgin to become a complex language is for a group of children to be exposed to it at the
time when they learn their mother tongue. Slave children did not simply copy the strings of
words uttered by their elders, they adapted their words to create a new, expressive language.
Complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles and they are
invented by children.
4. Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages
are not simply a series of gestures; they utilize the same grammatical machinery that is found
in spoken languages. Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The
creation of one such language was documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf
people were isolated from each other, but in 1979 a new government introduced schools for
the deaf. Although children were taught speech and lip reading in the classroom, in the
playgrounds they began to invent their own sign system, using the gestures that they used at
home. It was basically a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently, and there was no
consistent grammar. However, children who joined the school later, when this inventive sign
system was already around, developed a quite different sign language. Although it was based
on the signs of the older children, the younger children’s language was more fluid and

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compact, and it utilized a large range of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more,
all the children used the signs in the same way? A new creole was born.
5. Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at
first. The English past tense –“ed” ending may have evolved from the verb ‘do’. ‘It ended’ may
once have been ‘It end-did’. Therefore, it would appear that even the most widespread
languages were partly created by children. Children appear to have innate grammatical
machinery in their brains, which springs to life when they are first trying to make sense of the
world around them. Their minds can serve to create logical, complex structures, even when
there is no grammar present for them to copy.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Complexity in language is inherent to ____________________ .
(a) all the languages (b) English (c) tribal languages (d) primitive
languages

ii. The Cherokee pronoun system can distinguish between____________________ .

(a) you and I (b) several other people and I
(c) you, another person and I (d) all of these

iii. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the
correct sequence of the sentences associated with the formation/ creation of
grammar.
1. In order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed, the
researcher needs to observe how languages started from scratch.
2. Slaves developed a make-shift language called a pidgin.
3. Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at
first.
4. To find out how grammar is created, someone needs to be present at the time of a
language’s creation.
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 3, 4, 1, 2 (c) 4, 1, 2, 3 (d) 2, 1, 3, 4

iv. All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are true except:
(a) the language has been created since 1979
(b) the language is based on speech and lip reading
(c) the language incorporates signs which children used at home
(d) the language was perfected by younger children

v. Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the (Complete it).

vi. What is common among all languages?

vii. According to the passage what can be attributed as a consequence of the Atlantic
slave trade?

viii. What are creoles?

ix. Which word in the passage means opposite to ‘easy’? (para 1)

x. Pick the option that correctly tells how the younger children’s mind work in the
absence of grammatical knowledge.
1. They create logical structures. 2. They imitate others.
3. They have innate grammatical machinery in their brains. 4. They learn other languages.
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4

2. Read the passage given below. 10 Marks

1. The Global animation industry is offering enormous growth opportunities for the
manufacturers, vendors, customers in developed as well as emerging economies worldwide.
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Animation involved the practice of controlling a series of the still images by showing them in
order at a certain pace, producing the illusion of the action of images. Recent animation
includes computer generated imagery. In the CGI animated data are created or programmed
using software as well as animation tools.
2. Currently, animation has a wide variety of technologies and platforms, for example
television and video, digital platforms, entertainment, and games. The use of cartoon
characters in animation and animated films has grown over the last decade. Most animation
films have quickly and slowly achieved recognition and success in new years. Rapid
advancements across communication and technology sectors across the globe are anticipated
to drive growth of the global animation market.
3. Addition to this, budding media and entertainment business is also boosting growth of the
global market. A report from Precedence Research projects that the global animation market
size is expected to hit around US$ 642.5 bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to
2030. It was previously valued at US$ 354.7 billion in 2020. Active Companies in the markets
today include Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: GROM), The Walt Disney Company
(NYSE: DIS), Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Sony Group Corporation (NYSE: SONY), GRAVITY
Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRVY). In India2Digitoonz, Prayan Animation and Reliance Animation are
growing at a rapid speed.

4. The technological advancements in the communication and the television industry are major
driver for the global animation market growth. Addition to this, in the recent movies, the
adoption of the visual effect technology is increasing which is projected to have positive effect
on the global industry growth. Increasing entertainment and the media industry is anticipated
to create numerous opportunities for the growth industry growth in the near future.
5. Increasing base of the video viewers owing to increased usage of smartphones, internet
penetration, easily accessible multimedia devices and growth in the usage of the tablets are
among major factors anticipated to augment the growth of global animation industry over the
forecast period of time arrival of AI and VR will create huge opportunities in the global
industry."

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Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Give the most appropriate Title to the above Passage.

ii. Mention the platforms animation industry uses to reach the masses throughout the
world?

iii. What, according to you, are some of the reasons of the tremendous growth of the
animation industry?

iv. From 2020, what is the expected growth in Global Animation Industry in 2030
(within 10 years)? Choose the correct option:
(a) Almost double (b) Four times (c) No growth (d) Ten times

v. Compare and contrast the growth of animation industries of USA and India?

vi. Who are the target customers of the animation industry according to the passage?

vii. What is the full form of CGI? Choose the correct option and write in your answer
sheet.
(a) Computer graphics Imagery (b) Computer Generated Imagery
(c) Computer Generated Imagination (d) Computer Graphics Images

viii. What can be reason for On-line gaming which is catching up fast with the young
people?

ix. What is the most appropriate meaning of “illusion” (para 1)?

(a) Correct belief (b) Wrong perception of an experience
(c) Action of images (d) Wrong experience

x. Identify the opposite of “Augment” (para-5) from the following options:

(a) decrease (b) makes something great by adding to it (c) makes something less (d) Alter

SECTION- B (CREATIVEWRITING SKILLS: 20 MARKS)

3. You are Suyash, Head Boy of Shanti Public School. Write a notice in not more than
50 words urging the students to lend a helping hand in more and more numbers to
the less privileged during Covid-19 crisis. 4 5 Marks
OR
Your school, Delhi Public School, Defence Colony, New Delhi, is organizing an Inter
House Speech Competition on the Topic- “Importance of Sports in School Life”
among the Secondary Wing for classes 9-12 under the CCA Activities. Draft a Notice
for the School Bulletin Board inviting names of the student contestants from all the
four House Captains. You are Garima/ Gautam, School CCA Secretary.

4. Draft an invitation in about 50 words on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Lakshmi Raj of 29,
Civil Lines Prayagraj, inviting their friends and relatives on the 1st birth anniversary
of their son Tarun at their residence on 26th October, 2022. 4 5 Marks
OR
You are Hanumant/Hemadri. You have been invited to attend a seminar on
‘Conservation of Water’ organized by department of water supply of your district.
Send a formal reply in not more than 50 words accepting the invitation.

5. You have seen an advertisement published in ‘The Hindu’ for the post of ‘Chief
Chef’ in a 5- Star Hotel. Draft an Application for a Job in response to the
advertisement giving your detailed resume. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town,
Delhi. (120-150 words) 5 Marks
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 SITUATION VACANT

Wanted a young and Graduate in Hotel Management for the post of “CHIEF CHEF” in 5-star
Hotel Royale Plazo, GTB Road, New Delhi. He/she must have some work experience in cooking
at some reputed restaurant also. Apply to the Director with your complete Bio-Data within 7
days of the publication of this advertisement.

OR
You are Vinit/Vinita of 34, Model Town, Lucknow. Write a letter to the editor of a
local newspaper in 120- 150 words expressing your concern over the increasing
cases of chain snatching and daylight robbery in your locality. (100-125 words)

6. The increasing stress and today’s lifestyle has affected the people a lot. They are
becoming the victim of many ailments and diseases and the only way to curb it, is to
stay healthy. Write an article on the topic ‘Health and Fitness’ in 120-150 words. You
are Mohan/Mohini. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas. 5
Ø Healthy mind in a healthy body
Ø Avoid junk food
Ø Regular exercise, proper sleep
Ø Prime Minister’s initiative of International Yoga Day
Ø Eat healthy and stay fit
OR
You are Sanjay/Sanjana. Recently when you were going to office in the morning, you
witnessed a road accident. Write a report in 120-150 words for the local newspaper.
Use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same.
Ø 15 killed in Road Accident
Ø The accident took place around 9:00 a.m.
Ø Truck rammed a tempo and then hit another car
Ø Injured taken to the local medical college
Ø The Chief Minister expressed his condolences
Ø A magisterial enquiry has been ordered, said by the ADG of Police

SECTION- C (LITERATURE: 40 MARKS)

7. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x6=6
“Why not organize yourself into a cooperative?” I asked a group of young men who have fallen
into the vicious circle of middlemen who trapped their fathers and forefathers.

i. Who is asking to organize into a cooperative?

(a) Gandhiji (b) Rajkumar Shukla (c) Rajendra Prasad (d) None of these

ii. Why does the writer say that the young men have fallen into the vicious circle of
middlemen?
(a) because they are not able to form cooperative societies for their betterment.
(b) because they are exploited by them (c) because they fall prey to middlemen
(d) all of these
iii. Which of the following words cannot replace the word, ‘vicious’?
(a) ruthless (b) remorseless (c) malevolent (d) benevolent

iv. Since when the so called ‘young men’ had been exploited?
(a) since their childhood (b) when they grew up
(c) since the time of their father (d) since the time of their ancestors

v. Name the author of this extract.

vi. Whose story has been described here?

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 OR
Yes, Because I consider myself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays. It’s not a
joke. I participate in academic conferences and not meetings of Pen Clubs and writers. I
identify myself with the academic community.
But okay, if they [most people] have read only the novels… (laughs and shrugs). I know that
by writing novels. I reach a larger audience. I cannot expect to have one million readers with
stuff on semiotics.

i. Who is ‘I’ here?

ii. What does ‘I’ consider himself?

(a) Dancer (b) Degree College Principal (c) University Professor (d) Prime Minister

iii. Name the famous Novel written by ‘I’ referred above.

(a) The name of the roses (b) Emma Woodhouse(c) A Passage to India (d) Arms and the Man

iv. In which type of activities do ‘I’ participate.

(a) Lectures (b) Political Meetings (c) Recreational gathering (d) Academic Conferences

v. What do you mean by Semiotics?

vi. ‘I’ writes novels on __________________ .

8. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x4=4
I turned into Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue, and went down the steps to the first level,
where you take trains like the Twentieth Century. Then I walked down another flight to the
second level, where the suburban trains leave from, ducked into an arched doorway heading
for the subway and got lost!

i. The trains in Twentieth Century can be boarded _________________ .

(a) from the first level (b) from the second level
(c) from the third level (d) nowhere

ii. “where you take trains like the Twentieth Century”, means that the narrator was
living presently in ____________ .
(a) 21st Century (b) 19th Century (c) 20th Century (d) 18th Century

iii. The suburban trains leave ____________ .

(a) from the first level (b) from the second level
(c) from the third level (d) from the ground level

iv. From where did the narrator enter the Grand Central?
(a) from the ground level (b) from Vanderbilt Avenue
(c) from Times Square (d) from Roosevelt Hotel

OR
Friends everywhere. People come in …. Everybody knows me. The gate’s always open. They
come and sit here. And in the front of the fire in winter. Kids come for the apple and pears.
And for toffee. I make toffee with honey. Anybody comes. so have you.

i. Who is the speaker here?

(a) Derry (b) Mr. Lamb (c) Derry’s mother (d) None of these.

ii. Where do people come in?

(a) Lamb’s mother’s garden (c) Derry’s house (c) Derry’s school (d) Lamb’s garden

iii. Who is ‘you’ in the last sentence?

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iv. Name the author of this extract.

9. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x6=6
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

i. Which lovely tales does poet mention here?

(a) the mythological stories (b) glorious stories of ancestors
(c) the stories of bravery (d) the folk tales

ii. Which image used by the poet tells that the beauty is never ending?
(a) ‘endless fountain of joy’ (b) ‘lovely tales’
(c) ‘immortal drink’ (d) ‘heaven’s drink’

iii. Which literary device is used by the poet in “An endless fountain of immortal
drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink”?
(a) personification (b) allegory (c) imagery (d) metaphor

iv. From where is this ‘immortal drink’ pouring?

(a) from the river (b) from the mountains
(c) from the angel’s palms (c) from nature’s endless fountain

v. Name the poem and the poet.

vi. Give the rhyming words and rhyming scheme in last two lines of the above
extract.

OR
“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.
What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.”

i. ‘Have no truck with death’ means:

(a) will not die of the truck accident (b) remove poverty and illiteracy
(c) have no association or deal with death (d) will not drive a truck

ii. According to the poet, life is _____________ .

(a) More about movement than wait (b) More about activity than passivity
(c) Getting Alive and alert when time ripens (d) Getting inactive and Quiet
iv. Poet’s advice can be confused with ‘total Inactivity’ because_____________ .
(a) He wants us to be still and quiet (b) People have become greedy
(c) People think that activity is the only way forward (d) Both (a) and (c)

v. What symbol from nature the poet uses to prove that ‘keeping quiet’ is not ‘total
inactivity’?
(a) Sun (b) Soil (c) earth (d) Nature and earth

v. Find out the similar word from the above extract which means the same as
“relation”.

vi. Name the poem and the poet.

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10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2 x 5 = 10 Marks
i. What was the most surprising thing that Franz had observed on the day of last lesson?
ii. What were the parting words of the poet in My Mother at Sixty Six? What do her words
signify?
iii. How did the misadventure affect the life of William O. Douglas in his childhood?
iv. Write characteristic sketch of Edla Willmansson?
v. Who were Sophie and Jansie? For what were they earmarked after the school?
vi. Describe any two merits of an interview?

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2 x 2 = 4 Marks
i. Who was the Tiger King? What did the astrologer foretell about his future?
ii. Sketch the character of Dr. Sadao Hoki.
iii. What advice did Bama’s bother give her so that she may overcome from any situation in her
life?

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5 Marks
Kothamangalam Subbu was a trouble shooter for his boss. Elucidate.
OR
The Rattrap is a philosophical story which is entertains too. Prove giving instances from the
text.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5 Marks
How does Kalki imply dramatic irony in the Tiger King?
OR
Justify the title of the lesson ‘On the Face of It’ giving examples from the text.

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 SAMPLE PAPER – II I
2024-25 (2022-23)
Class : XII Time Allotted : 3 hours
Subject : English (301) Max Marks : 80

· General instruction:
· This paper has been divided into THREE sections.
Section – A 20 Marks
Section – B 20 Marks
Section – C 40 Marks
· Don’t write anything on the question paper.

SECTION- A (READING SKILLS: 20 MARKS)

1. Read the passage given below. 12 10 Marks

1. If you enjoy watching crime shows on TV, you know that fingerprints play a large role in
identifying people. But you might be surprised to find out that using fingerprints for
identification is not a new science. In fact, it is very old - dating back at least as far as 1885-
1913 B.C.E. In Babylon, when people agreed to a business contract, they pressed their
fingerprints into the clay in which the contract was written. Thumbprints have also been found
on clay seals from ancient China.
2. In 14th century Persia, which is now Iran, a government doctor recognized that all
fingerprints are different. In 1684, a British doctor, Nehemiah Grew, spoke about the ridged
surfaces of the fingers. In 1686, a professor of anatomy (the study of the structure of the
human body) named Marcello Malpighi, wrote about the ridges and loops in fingerprints.
Malpighi’s work was considered so important that a layer of skin found on the fingertips was
named after him. This layer of skin is called the Malpighian layer. Although scientists had
studied fingerprints, the value of fingerprinting in the identification of individuals did not
become clear until later.
3. Sir William James Herschel is generally thought to be the first European to realize that
fingerprints were unique to each person. In his work as chief magistrate in the Hoogly district
in Jungipoor, India, Herschel asked people to put their handprints on contracts. Herschel
believed that personal contact with the contracts made people more likely to honor their
commitments, or to keep their promises. As he looked at more and more handprints, he began
to see that all the handprints were different. He started to believe that fingerprints were
unique, which means they are all different from each other, and permanent, which means that
they do not ever change. To prove that they never change, Herschel kept track of his own
fingerprints over his entire lifetime.
4. Dr. Henry Faulds, a British surgeon at a Japanese hospital, began studying the furrows (also
called ridges) on fingertips in the 1870s. He published an article in a scientific journal about
the use of fingerprints as a tool in identification. He also devised, or invented, a system of
classifying fingerprints. He wrote Charles Darwin about his findings, but Darwin was getting too
old to work on the findings. So, he promised to pass the information to his cousin, Sir Francis
Galion. Using Henry Faulds’ findings, Galton published a major book on classifying fingerprints
based on arches, loops, and whirls. His work with Sir Edward R. Henry on fingerprint
classification was the basis of a classification system which is still used by law enforcement
agencies in English-speaking countries.
5. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) now uses a variation of the Galton- Henry system.
Although the use of fingerprinting in identification originated in Britain, it has been developed
in the United States. In 1924, two large fingerprint collections were combined to form the
foundation of the Identification Division of the FBI. Within the Identification Division, the
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (IAFIS) can search and find
fingerprints anywhere in the United States within thirty minutes. The IAFIS can compare

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results with automated fingerprint systems in countries around the world. The IAFIS has the
fingerprints of more than 250 million people on file.
6. About one in six Americans has fingerprints on file with the FBI. But not all the fingerprints
are related to criminal investigations. People need to have their fingerprints taken for many
other reasons. People have their fingerprints taken for employment, licenses, and adoption.
For example, when people want to work for the government in classified, secret jobs, their
fingerprints are checked to be sure they do not have a criminal background. When prospective
parents adopt a child, their fingerprints are matched against those of all criminals for the
safety of the child.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. The science of using fingerprints dates back to ____________ .
(a) 1684 (b) 1686 (c) 1870s (d) 1885-1913 BCE

ii. A layer of skin is called _____ layer.

(a) Marcello (b) Malpighi (c) Malpighian (d) Henry

iii. _____ spoke about ridged surfaces of fingers in 1684.

(a) Malpighi (b) Nehemiah Grew (c) James Herschel (d) Henry Faulds

iv. In the 14th century Persia, a government doctor found that ____________ .
(a) all fingerprints are different
(b) fingerprints change with time
(c) fingerprints are useful to check criminal record only
(d) fingerprints are never helpful in any kind of investigation

v. According to Galton-Henry, fingerprints’ classification varies into ____________ .

1. shapes 2. sizes 3. arches 4. loops and whirls
(a) Both 1 and 2 (b) only 2 (c) Both 3 and 4 (d) only 4

vi. “Usage of fingerprints for identification is not a new science.” What does the
above expression mean?

vii. How were fingerprints used in ancient era?

viii. Who wrote about ridges and loops?

ix. What did Sir William James Herschel realise?

x. Who didn’t take up the research of fingerprints?

2. Read the passage given below. 10 Marks

1. Among the natural resources which can be called upon in national plans for development,
possibly the most important is human labour. Since the English language suffers from a certain
weakness in its ability to describe groups composed of both male and female members, this is
usually described as “manpower”.
2. Without a productive labour force, including effective leadership and intelligent middle
management, no amount of foreign assistance or of natural wealth can ensure successful
development and modernization.
3. The manpower for development during the next quarter of century will come from the
world’s present population of infants, children and adolescents. But we are not sure that they
will be equal to task. Will they have the health, the education, the skills, the socio-cultural
attitudes essential for the responsibilities of development?
4. For far too many of them the answer is no. The reason is basic. A child’s most critical years,
with regard to physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development, are those before he
reaches five years of age. During those critical formative years he is cared for almost
exclusively by his mother and in many parts of the world the mother may not have the
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capacity to raise a superior child. She is incapable of doing so by reason of her own poor
health, her ignorance and her lack of status and recognition of social and legal rights, of
economic party of independence. One essential factor has been overlooked and ignored. The
forgotten factor is the role of women. Development will be handicapped as long as women
remain second class citizen, uneducated without any voice in family or community, decisions
without legal or economic status, married when they are still practically children, and
henceforth producing one baby after another, often to see half of them die before they are of
school age.
5. We can enhance development by improving ‘women power, by giving women the
opportunity to develop themselves. Statistics show that the average family size increases in
inverse ratio to the mother’s years of education- is lowest among college graduates, highest
among those with only primary school training, or no education. Malnutrition is most frequent
in large families, and increases in frequency with each additional sibling. The principle seems
established that an educated mother has healthier and more intelligent children, and that is
related to the fact that she has fewer children. The tendency of educated, upper class mothers
to have fewer children operates even without access to contraceptive services.
6. The educational level of women is significant also because it has a direct influence upon
their chances of employment, and the number of employed women in country’s total labour
force has a direct bearing on both the gross national product and disposable income of the
individual family. Disposable income, especially in the hands of women, influences food
purchasing and therefore the nutritional status of the family. The fact that the additional
income derives from the paid employment of women provides a logical incentive to restrict the
size of the family.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. According to the passage, the development can be enhanced by improving _____.

ii. Human labour is usually described as ‘manpower’ because _____.

iii. According to the passage, which are the most critical years for a child’s
development?

iv. Pick out the option that is not true with reference to the above passage.
1. In many parts of the world, a woman is not capable to raise a superior child due to her poor
health.
2. Mother plays an important role in overall development of a child.
3. Development can never be improved till the time women are considered second class
citizen.
4. The larger a family is, the healthier it will be since it has more members to work and earn
money.
(a) Both 1 and 2 (b) only 4 (c) only 3 (d) Both 2 and 3

v. According to the passage, malnutrition is most common in ___________ .

(a) small families (b) large families (c) nuclear families (d) joint families

vi. As per the principle mentioned in the above passage, it seems that a/an _____
mother has healthier and more intelligent children.

vii. What factor is there that weakens a woman’s identity as an individual?

1. Consideration of women as a second class citizen.
2. Responsibilities that are laid on a woman’s shoulder.
3. Marriage at a very young age.
4. Ignorance in her social and legal rights.
5. Being financially independent.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 2, 4 and 5

viii. The educational level of women is significant and it also has a direct bearing on
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1. her personal statue 2. the gross national product
3. disposable income of the individual 4. the marketing of local products
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4

ix. The above passage gives stress on _____.

x. Disposable income, in the hands of a woman ensures the _____ status of a family.
(a) emotional (b) nutritional (c) financial (d) none of these

SECTION- B(CREATIVEWRITING SKILLS: 20 MARKS)

3. You have lost your wristwatch in your school auditorium. Write a notice on your
notice board not more than 50 words giving a detailed description of the watch. You
are Anirudh/Arundhati of class XII of Springfield School, Pune. 4 5 Marks
OR
Your school is celebrating Grandparents’ Day next week. Write a notice in 50 words
to be put up on the school notice board informing students of the celebration and
requesting them to be present with their grandparents. You are Samir/Suman, Head
Boy/Head Girl, Rama Sr. Sec. School, Delhi.

4. As the principal of a reputed college, you have been invited to inaugurate a Book
Exhibition in your neighbourhood. Draft a reply to the invitation in not more than 50
words, expressing your inability to attend the function. You are Tarun/Tanvi. 5 Marks 4
OR
Modern Public School, Delhi is organising an inter school music competition. You
have decided to invite noted classical musician. Mohan Gandhi asthe judge and guest
of honour. Draft a formal invitation for him in 50 words. You are Neeraj/Neetu,
Cultural Secretary.

5. You are Raj/Rati, 115, Ram Nagar, Noida. Read the advertisement given below
and write a letter to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed
resume, which you would send along with your letter of application for the job. (120-
150 words) 5 Marks

Wanted experienced Post Graduate Teacher in Chemistry to teach Classes XI and XII
in a reputed ICSE affiliated residential school. Fluency in English is a must. Working
knowledge of computers is preferable; salary commensurate with experience and
expertise. Please apply to: Box No. 205, C/O The Hindu, Noida.
OR
You have realised the necessity of education and financial independence of women
for their family, society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The
National Times’ highlighting your ideas on the importance of education of women
leading to a better status for them. You are Tarun/Taruna, B-7/9, Mall Road, Delhi
(100-125 words)

6. There is a vast pool of women talent in our country. Given encouragement and
opportunities, women can excel in every field. They are contributing to the nation’s
progress as scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, sports persons, etc. There is no limit
to what they can achieve. Write an article in 120-150 words on “Women
Empowerment”. You are Ram/Roma. 5 Marks
OR
You are Anurag/Anjali, a reporter with a national daily. You have heard that a multi-
storey building near the main railway station has collapsed causing panic in the area.
You rush to the site of the accident along with your team. Write a report in 125-150
words mentioning the time and place of the accident, number of casualties, the cause
of the accident and the rescue operation conducted by the authorities.

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 II
SECTION- C(LITERATURE: 40 MARKS)

7. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x6=6
“No, I couldn’t think of it!” he said, looking quite alarmed. He thought of the thirty kronor. To
go up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den. He
only wanted a chance to sleep here in the forge and then sneak away as inconspicuously as
possible.

i. Who is thinking about the thirty kronor?

(a) Ironmaster (b) The peddler (c) The crofter (d) Edla

ii. Which figure of speech has been used by the author in the phrase “Lion’s den”?
(a) Personification (b) Metaphor (c) Simile (d) Allusion

iii. What does the word ‘inconspicuous’ mean here?

(a) unnoticeable (b) attractive (c) exposed (d) noticeable

iv. The above passage is taken from ____________ .

(a) The Rattrap (b) The Enemy (c) The Last Lesson (d) Deep Water

v. Why was he alarmed?

vi. Who is the author of the given extract?

OR
Gandhi told Shukla he had an appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed to go to other
parts of India. Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Then Gandhi returned to his ashram. For
weeks he never left Gandhi’s side. “Fix a date,” he begged. Impressed by the sharecropper’s
tenacity and story Gandhi said, “I have to be in Calcutta on such-and such a date. Come and
meet me and take me from there”.

i. Who was Shukla?

(a) A lawyer (b) A government officer (c) A politician (d) A poor peasant

ii. Why was Shukla following Gandhi ji?

(a) Because he wanted to get ideas to become famous.
(b) Because he wanted to learn from him the art of speaking.
(c) Because he wanted to seek his guidance for his own upliftment.
(d) Because he wanted to seek his help for the poor sharecroppers of his village.

iii. Which quality of Shukla impressed and convinced Gandhi to come with him?
(a) His stubbornness (b) His perseverance (c) His arrogance (d) His indecisiveness

iv. The author of this chapter is __________________ .

(a) Pablo Meruda (b) Selma Lagerlof (c) R.K. Narayan (d) Louis Fisher

v. What kind of person was Shukla?

vi. What is the meaning of the word ‘tenacity’?

8. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x4=4
It won’t make my face change. Do you know, one day a woman went by me in the street - I
was at a bus-stop - and she was with another woman, and she looked at me, and she said ....
whispered ... only I heard her .... she said, “Look at that, that’s a terrible thing. That’s a face
only a mother could love’.

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i. Who is the speaker of the above lines?
(a) Derry (b) Lamb (c) An old woman (d) A child

ii. Why is the woman speaking about her/his face?

(a) Because he is so handsome. (b) Because he has a big mole on his face.
(c) Because he has a birthmark on his face. (d) Because half of his face burnt in an accident.

iii. How does the speaker feel while describing the incident?

iv. From which chapter is the given extract given?

OR
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
day, from all I hear, and he started my collection. It’s a nice collection too, blocks of four of
practically every U.S. issue, first-day covers, and so on. President Roosevelt collected stamps
too, you know.

i. Choose the option which is the correct meaning of the word ‘refuge.
1. sanctum 2. exposure 3. peril 4. haven 5. retreat 6. Security
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 1, 4, 5, 6 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 4, 5, 6

ii. How would you describe Charley’s vision of his grandfather’s life and times?
(a) Wistful escapism (b) Idealized sentimentality (c) Nostalgic simplicity (d) Dreamy perfection

iii. What does the narrator use as a temporary refuge?

iv. What all was there in narrator’s collection?

9. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1x6=6
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.

i. According to the above extract, Man needs to learn from _____________ .

(a) death (b) earth (c) stars (d) moon

ii. Why does the poet count up to twelve?

(a) To recall the numbers (b) To take time to calm down
(c) To calculate the twelve hours (d) To memorise the events of the last twelve days.

iii. What will keeping quiet help us achieve?

1. Monotony 2. Intelligence 3. Peace 4. Tranquility 5. Vigour
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 1 and 4

iv. This poem is written in ________________ .

(a) ballad form (b) blank verse (c) free verse (d) the form of sonnet

v. What does the earth teach us?

vi. What is the significance of ‘Keeping Quiet’?

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 OR
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.

i. What do Aunt Jennifer’s fluttering hands through her wool tell us?
(a) about her old age
(b) about her love for embroidery
(c) about her for mastery over art and craft
(d) about the lost freedom and fear of Jennifer’s mind because of marital restraints

ii. The expression ‘Massive weight of the wedding band’ implies

(a) the overweight body of uncle (b) the burden of her failed marriage bond
(c) the heavy weight of marriage band she is wearing (d) none of these

iii. What is the rhyme scheme of the above stanza?

(a) abba (b) ccdd (c) abcd (d) aabb

iv. Which poetic device has been used by the poet in the phrase ‘fingers fluttering’?
(a) Antithesis (b) Assonance (c) Alliteration (d) Apostrophe

v. What does the poet try to convey through Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers?

vi. Which form of art does Aunt Jennifer use to express her inner emotions?

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2 x 5 = 10 Marks
i. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?
ii. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
iii. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?
iv. Describe the endless fountain of immortal drink.
v. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?
vi. What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ convey?

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2 x 2 = 4 Marks
i. Why did the Maharaja decide to get married?
ii. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the cutting of her hair?
iii. What indicates that Dr. Sadao’s father was a very traditional and conventional man?

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5 Marks
In which section of the play does Mr. Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment?
What are the ways in which Mr. Lamb tries to overcome these feelings?
OR
How did the Tiger King stand in danger of losing his Kingdom? How was he able to avert the
danger?

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1 x 5 = 5 Marks
Describe the difficulties the bangle makers of Firozabad have to face in their lives.
OR
The peddler declined the invitation of the ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why?

140