SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1

English Core (301)

Class XII (2024-25)

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections - Section A : Reading Skills, Section B
: Creative Writing Skills and Section C : Literature.
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION A – READING SKILLS
1. Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow: [12]
1. As a young adult, life can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Juggling
among school, work, social life, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to feel
alone and disconnected from the world around us. Dogs are the ultimate
companions for anyone looking to alleviate stress and loneliness. We'll explore
many reasons why dogs make the best companions for young adults.
2. Unconditional love: Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners,
no matter what. They don't judge us, criticize us, or hold grudges against us. No
matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our dogs will always love us
unconditionally. This kind of unwavering support and affection can be
incredibly comforting for young adults struggling to find their place in the
world.
3. Social connection: Dogs are great ice-breakers and conversation starters.
Whether you're walking them in the park, taking them to the dog beach, or
simply hanging out at home, dogs have a way of bringing people together. For
young adults who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers, having a
dog by their side can be a great way to connect with others and form new
friendships.
4. Increase physical activity: Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy
and happy. This means that young adults who own dogs are more likely to
engage in physical activity themselves. Whether its going for a run, playing
frisbee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, getting out with your dog can be a
great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
5. Emotional support : Dogs are also great emotional support animals for those
struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Their
presence alone can provide a sense of calm and comfort, and their ability to
sense their owner's emotions can be incredibly comforting. For young adults
dealing with mental health challenges, having a dog as a companion can be a
life-changing experience.
6. Improve responsibility and self-care : Owning a dog also comes with a great
deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding, grooming,
exercise, and attention, which can be a great way for young adults to develop a
sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Additionally, having a dog as a
companion can encourage young adults to take better care of themselves, such
as making sure they get enough sleep, eat healthy, and engage in regular
exercise.
7. For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for young
adults. Whether you're looking for emotional support, social connection,
increased physical activity , or simply someone to love and be loved by, a dog
can provide all these things and more. So the next time you're feeling stressed
or overwhelmed, consider finding a furry friend to take on the world with you.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
i. What is the significance of owning a dog for a young adult who is striving for
acceptance in society? (1)
A. It means increased physical activity.
B. It builds a sense of responsibility.
C. It helps young adults get more sleep.
D. It is a source of unconditional love.
ii. A dog can encourage its owner to lead a healthier life by ________.
Complete the above sentence appropriately, with a characteristic or description.
(1)
iii. Share evidence from the text, in approximately 40 words, to support the view
that dogs provide a sense of calm and comfort to those struggling with mental
 health issues. (2)
iv. Explain in about 40 words the statement that dogs are great ice-breakers. (2)
v. Which of the following activities help(s) young adults, owning a dog, build
their sense of responsibility and self-discipline? (1)
A. walking the dog daily
B. feeding it regularly
C. engaging the services of a dog trainer
D. Both (A) and (B)
vi. What does this article aim to do? (1)
A. Explain the benefits of owning a dog.
B. Provide advice on how to get a dog.
C. Discuss how to take proper care of a dog.
D. Describe the experiences of dog owners.
vii. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase take on the world. (1)
A. travel the world
B. accept a responsibility
C. to be pessimistic
D. have a global outlook
viii. What does the underlined part in the sentence consider finding a furry friend
to take on the world with you refer to? (1)
ix. What is the tone of the article? (1)
A. critical but supportive
B. indifferent and bored
C. positive and informative
D. humorous and casual
x. How do dogs exemplify unconditional love for their owners? (1)

2. Read the following passage carefully : [10]

Read the following report and answer the questions by choosing the correct/most
appropriate option:
1. How bird hits happen, why they are a concern?
New Delhi June 20
At least two bird strike incidents happened on Sunday. Both aircrafts returned
to their airports of origin and were grounded for maintenance. An ABC aircraft,
which took off from Guwahati towards Delhi, suffered damage to its left engine
following a bird hit at 1600 feet. The pilots returned to Guwahati. The other
strike happened on another flight from Patna to Delhi. The pilots of the aircraft
suspected a bird strike during the take-off roll but continued to climb.
Following the take off rotation, they were informed by the cabin crew of sparks
emanating from the left engine. Subsequently, the pilots were also informed by
air traffic control of smoke coming out of one of the engines. The pilots
declared an emergency and returned to Patna.
2. Why are bird strikes a concern?
Bird strikes are among the most common threats to aircraft safety, and they
typically occur during take-off or landing. Dozens of bird-strikes happen each
day but some can be more dangerous than others. Typically, when birds collide
with an aircraft’s airframe, it is unlikely to cause significant problems for the
pilots flying. But there
are instances when the aircraft engine ingests the birds. This can lead to a loss
of thrust for the engine and cause maneuverability problems for the crew. In
these cases, where a jet engine ingests a bird, procedures would generally call
for pilots to land the plane at the closest airport. While most airframe bird
strikes are not
considered critical to air safety, if a collision cracks a window or a wind screen,
pilots will look to land as early as possible.
3. How critical are bird strikes to air safety?
Smaller planes would generally be more susceptible to the dangers of bird
strikes than larger ones.
However, given that bird strikes mostly happen during take-off and landing,
these incidents could distract the pilots during what are highly critical phases of
flights that demand the complete attention of the crew.
4. What causes bird-strikes?
The presence of birds around an aircraft increases the chances of a bird strike.
In the monsoon, as water puddles emerge on open grounds attracting insects to
breed, the presence of birds increases. In some cases, bird hits also happen at
higher altitudes when a plane is cruising. These are more dangerous than the
low-altitude hits, given that they can cause rapid depressurization of cabins.
Other reasons for bird activity around the air field could be presence of landfills
or waste disposal sites that can attract a large number of birds.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
i. Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1.
(1)
When an airplane is hit by a bird or is suspected to have been hit, the
passengers must be asked to get down at once.
Select from the following :
True : If the statement agrees with the information.
False : If the statement contradicts the information.
Not Given : If there is no information on this.
ii. Select the option that displays the most likely reason for Bird hits. (1)
a. when the aircraft is overloaded
b. at the time of landing or taking off
c. when the crew become negligent
d. when the passengers become panicky
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately with one word. (1)
Smaller planes are generally more ________ than the larger ones.
iv. Complete the sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: (1)
When the window or the windscreen of the air plane is cracked due to a bird hit
________.
a. the crew must rush to the cockpit.
b. the pilot must land at the earliest airport.
c. the pilot must inform the maintenance engineer.
d. the pilot must get instructions from the aviation wing what should do in
emergency.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words. (1)
In cases where the aircraft engine infests the bird, it leads to the loss of thrust
 and causes problems in ________.
vi. Which are the areas more prone to bird hits and why (2)
vii. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement:
(2)
The area around airfields should be clear of any waste disposal sites.
viii. In order to save the lives of the passengers the pilots should (1)
a. be instructed not to cruise at high altitudes.
b. should not rotate engines.
c. not permit the passengers to open windows.
d. vigilance should be beefed up.

SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. An International Book Fair is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 7th to [4]
14th February 2020. As Librarian, Goodwill Public School, Maurice Nagar, Delhi,
write a notice informing the students about the fair. Give all the other necessary
details.

OR
Mr. Virendra Sehwag, who was to deliver a talk to help the cricket players to do well in
the game is not able to come on the given day. Write a notice in about 50 words
informing the students about the new date on which he is coming. You are
Gopal/Garima, Secretary Sports Club, Uday School, Green Park, Kanpur.

4. You are Manoj. You are going on a picnic with a group of your classmates to Kama [4]
Lake, near Karnal. Write an informal invitation to your friend Mohit to join you on
that day.

OR
You have received an invite on the wedding of your friend, Akshat. As Radhika/Rakesh,
write a letter expressing your extreme happiness at the news and explaining your
inability to attend the function. Convey your best wishes for the future to the couple.

5. National Book Trust organised a week-long book fair at Anna Grounds, Chennai. [5]
You visited the fair and bought a few books. You were pleased with the
arrangements, enthusiasm of the visitors and the fact that books have not yet lost
their relevance in the world of the Internet. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the
 editor of a local newspaper to express your feelings. You are Lalit/Latha, 112,
Mount Road, Chennai.

OR
You are Ram/Rajani, living at 1, Rana Pratap Marg, New Delhi. Read the advertisement
given below and apply for the job that suits you giving your bio-data separately.

SITUATION VACANT
Sun University requires lecturers in English and demonstrators in Physics,
Chemistry and Botany for their new Campus at Panipat. Only candidates with a
minimum of a 5-year of experience can apply. Excellent command over English is a
must. Excellent package and compensation for experienced persons. Those
interested may e-mail to sununiversityjobs@gmail.com or mail their response to
Box no 123, ‘The Harbinger’, New Delhi.

6. There are long traffic jams on roads due to the street markets that come up every [5]
evening. The narrow roads and number of honking cars creates a traffic hazard. You
are perturbed to see this daily squabble between the hawkers and commuters. Write
an article in 120-150 words drawing attention to this problem and suggesting ways
to resolve this problem. You are Rita/Rakesh. You may use the cues given below.
PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC JAMS
DUE TO STREET MARKETS
IMPACT
SOLUTIONS
* Accidents
* Create Awareness
* Traffic Jams
* Alternate Venue
* Road Rage
* Strict Action
* Inconvenience to Pedestrians

OR
 You are Sanjay/Sanjana, a reporter with. The Hindustan Times. You witnessed a fire
accident in a crowded market in Delhi. Write a report to be published in the newspaper.
Invent the necessary details.

SECTION C - LITERATURE
7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: [6]
I saw my mother beside me
doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with pain
that she was as old as she looked but soon
put that thought away, and looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes.
i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the expression
ashen like that of a corpse.
a. He was a lion in the battle.
b. The flood swallowed more than a dozen villages.
c. He walked as slowly as a snail.
d. The tree blocks the free flow of water.
ii. Choose the correct option that best explains the reason for the poet to put that
thought away.
a. The mother's face was pale and ugly.
b. It was unbearable for her to see her mother sleeping.
c. She was troubled by the thought of her mother's perpetual state of exhaustion.
d. She was deeply pained by the thought of the mother's imminent death.
iii. What do the expressions doze open mouthed describe about the poet's mother?
a. She is sleeping and relaxing.
b. She is aged and exhausted.
c. She is tired of travelling.
d. She is not in a mood to talk to her daughter.
iv. Answer in ONE word.
The poet uses the image of sprinting trees to emphasize the ________ to the
ageing mother.
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below.
(1) The poet portrays typical mother-daughter love and affection.
(2) The poet is horrified by the thought of losing her.
a. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
b. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
c. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
d. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.
vi. What mood does the expression merry children spilling bring in?
a. Happiness and enthusiasm
b. Innocence and playfulness
c. Laziness
d. Joy

OR
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong
“Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,
Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts,
Or beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene,
You have the money, but if you want to be mean,
Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along.”
i. What articles are offered for sale at the stand?
a. Wooden containers of wild berries
b. Golden squash or gourd
c. Paintings of mountain scenery
d. Both Wooden containers of wild berries and Golden squash or gourd
ii. What is the meaning of beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene?
a. A beautiful natural stay amid scenic mountains
b. The rustic view around the roadside stand
c. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
 d. The beautiful landscape of the mountains in the village
iii. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2)
given below.
(1) The poor people at the roadside stand feel dejected and angry when city people
decline to buy anything.
(2) They feel angry because they want to earn money after selling their goods.
a. (1) is true but (2) is false.
b. (2) is true but (1) is false.
c. (2) is the reason for (1).
d. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
iv. Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
'Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along', implies that the passersby should
not ________.
v. Complete the following analogy correctly.
marred: spoiled :: ________ : vessel
vi. Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following:
The people who live in the city, i.e; the city folk who drove through the countryside.

8. Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices
became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the
room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large
trunks. Someone threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light.
What caused them to stoop and look under the bed. I do not know. I remember
being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. In spite of
myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.
(Memories of Childhood)
i. Select the appropriate option: (1)
________ sounds came nearer and nearer ________.
A. describes the increase in volume.
B. adds suspense and anxiety to readers.
C. reflects the thought of the speaker.
D. is a factual narrative.
ii. Complete the following sentence: (1)
Inspite of myself' suggests that the speaker was ________.
 iii. What do you infer from the first line of the extract? (1)
A. It was her first day in school.
B. She did not want to get caught.
C. She was unprepared for the lesson.
D. She preferred to be by herself.
iv. State whether the statement given below is True or False: (1)
The speaker hoodwinked the people looking for her.

OR
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
He was flung up out of the ocean - flung, it seemed, to his feet by a breaker. He
staggered a few steps, his body outlined against the mist, his arms above his head. Then
the curled mists hid him again. "Who is that?" Hana cried. She dropped Dr. Sadao's
arm, and they both leaned over the railing of the veranda.
Here are the questions based on the extract from "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck:
1. How does Hana react when she sees the man outlined against the mist?
a) She calls for help.
b) She drops Dr. Sadao's arm.
c) She runs towards the man.
d) She steps back in fear.
2. What is Dr. Sadao and Hana’s initial reaction upon seeing the man?
a) They ignore him.
b) They immediately run to help him.
c) They lean over the railing of the veranda.
d) They call the police.
3. The man was flung up out of the __________, outlined against the mist.
4. What obscures the man's figure after he is flung up and seen by Hana and Dr. Sadao?

9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: [6]
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 teachers 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. What was observed when the school began usually?
a. A lot of activity leading to noise
b. Cleanliness of the school premises
c. Lessons of the patriotism
d. Focus on the language
ii. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
Franz was afraid to enter the class because ________.
iii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:
rapping: striking :: _______: clamour
iv. M. Hamel can be understood to be ________ as he is standing in the given
extract.
a. cranky
b. strict
c. irritation
d. arrogant
v. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE about that day.
a. By the time Franz reached, the teacher had left the classroom.
b. It seemed that the school was closed, like a Sunday morning.
c. Franz reached the class without being noticed.
d. M. Hamel was composed and was sitting quietly.
vi. The class was ________ that day.

OR
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I ask one.
“My mother did not bring them down from the shelf,” he answers simply.
“Even if she did he will throw them off,” adds another who is wearing shoes that do not
match. When I comment on it, he shuffles his feet and says nothing. “I want shoes”,
says a third boy who has never owned a pair all his life. Travelling across the country I
have seen children walking barefoot, in cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money
but a tradition to stay barefoot, is one explanation. I wonder if this is only an excuse to
explain away a perpetual state of poverty.
 i. Why was the one (being asked) not wearing chappals?
a. Because he had none
b. Because one of them was broken
c. Because his father had asked him not to wear
d. Because his mother did not bring them down from the shelf
ii. Infer the reason behind the given action of the boy.
He shuffles his feet and says nothing.
iii. What is the author's excuse to explain away their constant state of poverty?
a. Calling them habitual unhygienic
b. To term 'walking barefoot' as a tradition
c. To reuse the 'worn out shoes'
d. Not to bring chappals out of the shelf
iv. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
It was only an excuse to explain their transitory poverty.
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements (as per the author) given below.
(1) As if they had a tradition to stay barefoot.
(2) Walking barefoot was due to their poverty.
a. (1) Can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
b. (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.
c. (1) is true but (2) is false.
d. (2) is the reason for (1).
vi. What, according to the other boy, would Saheb do with his chappals?

10. Answer any five of the following questions in 40-50 words each: [10]

(i) When and how did Douglas develop the fear of water? [2]

(ii) What according to Pablo Neruda in the poem Keeping Quiet is the lesson that [2]
we should learn from Mother Earth?

(iii) What is the significance of the image Massive weight of uncle's wedding [2]
band in the poem Aunt Jennifer's Tigers?

(iv) Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in her brother's affections? [2]

(v) How was ‘Pancake’ brought to the Gemini Studios and why? [2]
 (vi) What drawbacks of interviews have been pointed out by Lewis Carrol? [2]

11. Answer any two of the following questions in 40-50 words each: [4]

(i) How does one lose all earthly sense of perspective and time in Antarctica? [2]

(ii) Why did Maharaja order the Dewan to double the tax? [2]

(iii) What happened to Gondwana 650 million years ago? [2]

12. Franz from The Last Lesson and the peddler from The Rattrap demonstrate the [5]
importance of learning from our mistakes to evolve into better people. Imagine that
Shubhangi, your friend, feels as if she has made a mistake by not taking her
academics seriously. Write an essay to Shubhangi in 120-150 words discussing
instances from the two texts to give her an insight into the human tendency to make
mistakes and learn from them.
You may begin like this:
Shubhangi, all of us have made mistakes at one point or another in our lives. After
all, to err is human...........

OR
...... but will keep
A bower quiet for us. (A Thing of Beauty)
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive. (Keeping Quiet)
Based on ideas from Keeping Quiet and A Thing of Beauty, as President of Eco Club
of your school. Draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of
mankind.
You may begin like this.
Good morning to one and all!
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe ________.

13. Derry who was always in search of secluded places, finds one in Mr. Lamb's [5]
garden. Although his seclusion did not last for long there as the owner turns up, he
ends up being a frequent visitor of this place. Create a diary entry as Derry
reflecting on the qualities of Mr. Lamb that attracted you towards him.
You may begin like this:
The moment I noticed that I was not alone as the old man could see me, I wanted to
leave. But an interesting rather peculiar conversation kept me glued...
 OR
In the story, 'The Enemy', Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the
enemy soldier. Hana, his wife, assisted him to get through this difficult time.
Recalling this challenging event, write a diary entry as Hana, which was defied even by
your domestic staff.
You may begin this way:
I was well aware of the fact that the act of saving the wounded enemy soldier was a
serious crime by law and would be questioned by everyone...