CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Compartment: Solution

CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Compartment: Solution

CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Compartment: Solution

Reading Comprehension Q. 1

I.

“The small bundle of shivers growing afraid of it all.”

II.

…that the sea appeared wild, dangerous and threatening.

III.

D. via Pip’s knowledge of the surrounding area

IV.

B. threat

V. (Any one)

• He was soaked in water and smothered in mud.

• He shivered.

• His teeth chattered.

• He limped.

• He wore rags and had an iron on his leg.

VI.

C) Answer the question

VII.

He was extremely hungry and starving.

VIII.

He was suspicious and afraid of being caught. When Pip pointed to his mother’s grave, the man panicked and ran, showing nervousness and desperation.

IX.

It shows dominance and intimidation. Pip’s helpless upward gaze increases fear and heightens the tension of the encounter.

X.

A. Pip’s encounter with a frightening man who demands information

Q. No. 2 RC

I. Main purpose of the survey

B. To explore patterns in career aspirations and the factors influencing them

II. The findings were made ______.

representative

III. Profession where policymakers need to provide more incentives

Start-ups / Family Businesses

IV. Correct trend based on the bar graph

C. Service professions have a higher percentage of ‘Highly Preferred’ responses than corporate jobs.

V. Why a corporate job is better suited for Riya?

Corporate jobs provide financial stability, fixed salary, and structured growth, whereas start-ups/family businesses involve uncertainty and unpredictable long-term prospects.

VI. Meaning of “limited mentorship opportunities”

D. Difficulty in finding experienced professionals to guide career paths

VII. How future studies on industries/technology can empower youth

They help youth understand emerging careers, required skills, market demands, and future opportunities, enabling informed and confident decisions.

VIII. Option NOT addressed in the study

B. The impact of gender on career preferences

✅ Q3. NOTICE

Write a notice for an Inter-School Heritage Quiz being organised in your school.

Here is the full correct answer (4/4 format):

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📌 ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI

NOTICE

Date: 12 February 2026

INTER-SCHOOL HERITAGE QUIZ COMPETITION

All students of Classes XI–XII are hereby informed that our school is organising an Inter-School Heritage Quiz Competition to promote awareness of India’s rich culture and traditions.

Date: 20 February 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: School Auditorium

Interested teams may give their names to the undersigned by 15 February 2026.

(Signature)
Rohit Sharma
Cultural Secretary

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⭐ Why this gets FULL MARKS?

✔ Box
✔ SCHOOL NAME (Top)
✔ Proper DATE
✔ Clear TITLE
✔ WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY
✔ Invite to participate
✔ Signature + Name + Designation
✔ 50 words

✅ Q4 (a). FORMAL INVITATION

You are Akash/Ankita. Invite the Principal and Staff of a neighbouring school to attend the Annual Sports Day of your school.

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📌 FORMAL INVITATION (Full Marks – 4/4)

RAINBOW PUBLIC SCHOOL
ROHTAK

INVITATION – ANNUAL SPORTS DAY

The Principal, Staff and Students of Rainbow Public School
cordially invite the Principal and Staff of
Sunrise Public School, Rohtak
to grace the Annual Sports Day celebrations of our school.

Day & Date : Saturday, 24 February 2026
Time : 9:30 a.m.
Venue : School Sports Ground

Your presence will be a great encouragement for our young athletes.

Ankita
(Cultural Secretary)

✅ Q4 (b). FORMAL REPLY (ACCEPTANCE / REGRET)

Write a reply accepting the invitation.

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📌 FORMAL REPLY (Acceptance)

Reply (Acceptance)

The Principal and Staff of Sunrise Public School, Rohtak
thank Rainbow Public School for the kind invitation to their
Annual Sports Day on 24 February 2026 and are pleased to accept it.

We look forward to attending the event.

(Principal)
Sunrise Public School

✅ Q5. LETTER TO EDITOR

Write a letter to the Editor on the rising cases of road rage in your city and suggest solutions.

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📌 (FULL-MARKS ANSWER — 5/5)

ABC Nagar, Rohtak
12 February 2026

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Rising Cases of Road Rage — Need for Immediate Action

Sir/Madam

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the increasing incidents of road rage in our city. Every week, shocking cases of arguments turning into physical violence are reported. The major causes include impatience, over-speeding, aggressive driving, lack of traffic sense, and easy availability of vehicles to inexperienced drivers.

This issue needs urgent intervention. Strict traffic policing, heavy penalties for rash driving, installation of CCTV cameras, and compulsory road-safety workshops in schools and colleges can reduce such incidents. Public awareness campaigns promoting calm driving, empathy and discipline on roads are equally important.

I hope the concerned authorities will take immediate action to make our roads safer.

Yours sincerely
Rohit Sharma
(Concerned Citizen)

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⭐ WHY THIS SCORES FULL MARKS?

✔ Proper sender address
✔ Date in correct format
✔ Editor + Newspaper + City
✔ Clear Subject
✔ Formal tone
✔ Problem → Causes → Solutions → Appeal
✔ 120–150 words
✔ Perfect CBSE structure

✅ Q6. ARTICLE WRITING

Topic: “Social Media: Boon or Bane for Students?”
(Word limit: 150–200 words)

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📌 FULL MARKS ANSWER (5/5)

Social Media: Boon or Bane for Students?

By Ananya Sharma, Class XII

Social media has become an inseparable part of every student’s life. It offers several advantages, especially in the field of education. Students can learn online, access study materials, watch tutorials, connect with teachers, and join communities that help them prepare for their examinations. Platforms like YouTube, Telegram and educational apps have made learning more interactive and accessible.

However, excessive use of social media has serious drawbacks. Many students become addicted, wasting hours scrolling through reels instead of studying. This leads to reduced concentration, disturbed sleep cycles and anxiety. Fake news, online bullying and unrealistic comparisons also affect the mental health of young learners. Moreover, frequent notifications distract students during study hours, lowering their overall performance.

Therefore, social media can be both a boon and a bane. Its impact depends on how students use it. A balanced digital routine, limited screen time, and using social platforms only for learning can help students gain maximum benefit.

In the end, social media should be a tool for growth, not a barrier to success.

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⭐ Why this scores full marks?

✔ Title + Byline
✔ Introduction → Advantages → Disadvantages → Conclusion
✔ 150–200 words
✔ Formal, balanced tone
✔ Logical flow
✔ No grammatical errors

✅ Q7. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(Answer ANY TWO in 40–50 words)

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1️⃣ From “The Last Lesson” — Why was Franz shocked when he reached school?

Franz was shocked to see the unusual silence in the classroom. Everyone was already seated, and M. Hamel was wearing his special green coat and frilled shirt, which he wore only on inspection days. He also announced that it was their last French lesson, which surprised Franz deeply.

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2️⃣ From “Lost Spring” — Why did Mukesh’s family remain stuck in the bangle-making profession?

Mukesh’s family remained trapped in the bangle industry because of poverty, lack of education, social customs, and exploitation by sahukars, politicians and middlemen. They did not have the money or support to escape this vicious cycle. As a result, generations kept working in hazardous conditions in Firozabad.

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3️⃣ From “Deep Water” — What did Douglas decide after the incident at YMCA pool?

The traumatic experience at the YMCA pool created a deep fear of water in Douglas. However, he decided not to let fear ruin his life. He hired a swimming instructor, practiced regularly, and gradually overcame his terror. In the end, he challenged himself by swimming in lakes and succeeded.

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4️⃣ From “The Rattrap” — Why did the peddler call the world a rattrap?

The peddler believed that the world was like a rattrap full of temptations—riches, food, and shelter. People get attracted to these baited traps and then suffer. This thought came from his own miserable and lonely life, where he felt caught by circumstances.

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5️⃣ From “The Third Level” — Why did Charley believe the third level existed?

Charley was tired of the stressful modern world and yearned for peace. When he reached Grand Central, he experienced strange corridors and discovered what he believed to be the third level. His desire for escape made him believe that a peaceful world from 1894 truly existed.

✅ Q8. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (ANY ONE)

(6 marks | 120–150 words)

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1️⃣ The Last Lesson — How does the story highlight linguistic and cultural identity?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

“The Last Lesson” highlights how language is deeply connected to identity, culture and freedom. When the Prussians banned the teaching of French in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine, the people realised how precious their language was. M. Hamel tells the students that French is the most beautiful and logical language in the world and that losing it would be like losing their cultural roots.

The villagers, who never valued school, now come to attend the last class to show respect to their mother tongue. Even Franz regrets wasting time and feels guilty for not learning French properly. Through the emotional final lesson, Alphonse Daudet shows that language is not just a medium of communication but a symbol of pride, unity and national identity. Losing one’s language means losing a part of one’s soul.

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2️⃣ Deep Water — How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

The fear of water began when Douglas was almost drowned at the YMCA pool. This terror followed him for years, affecting his confidence. Determined not to let fear dominate his life, he hired a professional instructor. The instructor used a systematic method—belt support, breathing practice, floating, kicking and coordinated swimming. Each day Douglas gained confidence.

After months of training, he could swim the length of the pool. But he wanted complete victory. He challenged himself by swimming in Lake Wentworth and later in Warm Lake. When he felt panic rising, he fought it with courage and self-control. Ultimately, he conquered his fear completely. Douglas proves that courage is not the absence of fear but the will to overcome it, making him stronger both physically and mentally.

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3️⃣ Indigo — Why is Gandhi’s Champaran episode important?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

The Champaran episode marks a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. When poor indigo farmers were forced to cultivate indigo under unfair sharecropping agreements, they suffered exploitation for decades. Gandhi investigated their complaints, met thousands of peasants, and collected evidence. The British ordered him to leave, but he refused politely. His courage inspired the peasants to shed fear.

The authorities finally agreed to an inquiry committee and later reduced the compensation demand. More importantly, Gandhi introduced social reforms—health, cleanliness, literacy, and upliftment of women. Champaran was Gandhi’s first successful experiment of Satyagraha, proving that non-violence and truth could challenge injustice. It gave the Indian masses confidence and brought Gandhi national recognition as a leader.

✅ Q9. LONG ANSWER (ANY ONE)

(Poetry / Supplementary Reader – 6 Marks)

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**1️⃣ Poem: “A Thing of Beauty” — How does a thing of beauty remove sadness from our lives?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

According to Keats, a “thing of beauty” is a source of eternal joy. Beautiful things in nature—sun, moon, trees, flowers, clear streams—give us peace whenever life becomes stressful. Human life is full of disappointment, anxiety and sorrow, but beauty acts as a healing balm. It removes the “pall” of gloom that covers our minds and lifts our spirits.

Keats believes that beauty connects us to the divine. The stories of brave heroes and the magnificent sights of nature inspire hope. Every day, beauty renews our motivation and gives us strength to continue despite difficulties. A thing of beauty is not temporary; it leaves a permanent impact on our heart. Thus, beauty makes life meaningful, bright and worth living.

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2️⃣ Poem: “Keeping Quiet” — What is the message of the poem?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

In “Keeping Quiet,” Pablo Neruda gives a powerful message of peace, unity and introspection. He asks everyone to pause for a few seconds and keep still. This pause will make people reflect on their actions. The poet believes that human beings are too busy with hatred, violence and destruction. If they stop for a moment, they will understand the true purpose of life.

Stopping work does not mean laziness—it means self-reflection. By keeping quiet, people will realise how their actions affect the world. This moment of silence will create harmony among nations and reduce wars. Nature also benefits when humans stop exploiting it. The poem finally urges us to learn from the earth, which keeps giving life silently. The message is clear: introspection leads to peace and better relationships.

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3️⃣ Vistas: “On the Face of It” — How do Mr. Lamb and Derry change each other’s life?

FULL MARKS ANSWER (6/6)

Mr. Lamb and Derry influence each other deeply through their conversation. Derry, a young boy with an acid-burn scar, has developed negative thoughts because society judges him by his appearance. He believes that people hate him. Mr. Lamb, however, teaches him that beauty lies in thoughts, not in the face.

Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to meet people, make friends and not lock himself in fear. He shows that every person has weaknesses but that should never stop someone from living fully. Lamb’s positivity transforms Derry’s mindset.

Similarly, Derry gives Mr. Lamb companionship, which he always lacked. Their bond shows the power of acceptance and empathy. Both change each other’s life—Lamb gives confidence, and Derry gives emotional warmth.

✅ Q10. VERY SHORT ANSWER (2 Marks)

(Answer ANY ONE in approx. 25–30 words)

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1️⃣ Mother’s Day — What was Mrs. Fitzgerald’s opinion of Mrs. Pearson’s attitude?

Mrs. Fitzgerald believed that Mrs. Pearson was too soft and too accommodating. She let her husband and children take advantage of her. According to her, Mrs. Pearson should be firm, assertive, and value her self-respect.

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2️⃣ The Tiger King — Why did the astrologer’s prediction worry the Tiger King?

The astrologer predicted that the Tiger King would die because of a tiger. This concerned him greatly, as he wanted to challenge fate and prove the prophecy wrong by killing one hundred tigers.

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3️⃣ The Enemy — Why was Sadao conflicted about helping the American prisoner?

Sadao was torn between duty to his nation and duty as a doctor. His professional ethics forced him to save a human life, even though the man was an enemy soldier.

✅ Q11. How did the instructor turn Douglas into a perfect swimmer?

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

The instructor used a systematic, scientific, and patient method to train Douglas and remove his fear completely. First, he made Douglas wear a belt attached to a rope, with the other end held by the instructor. Douglas was moved back and forth across the pool for weeks until he became comfortable. Next, the instructor taught him controlled breathing—inhaling above water and exhaling underwater.

Once Douglas mastered breathing, the instructor helped him practice floating and kicking. He held Douglas’s hand and made him coordinate arm and leg movements. Slowly, Douglas learned the rhythm of swimming. When the instructor felt he was ready, he let Douglas swim independently across the entire length of the pool.

Even after the training ended, Douglas tested himself in lakes to remove every trace of fear. In the end, he became a confident, skilled, and fearless swimmer.

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OR

✅ What is the central idea of the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”?

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

The poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” highlights the theme of male dominance, female oppression, and the desire for freedom. Aunt Jennifer is trapped in an unhappy marriage and burdened by fear and responsibilities. Her hands tremble under the weight of the wedding ring, symbolising the emotional and physical pressure she faces.

In contrast, the tigers she embroiders are fearless, bright, confident, and proud. They move freely without fear of men. These tigers represent the inner strength and suppressed desires of Aunt Jennifer. While she cannot express her courage in real life, her art becomes her voice.

The poet uses the tiger as a symbol of freedom, power, and rebellion, showing that the spirit of a woman can outlive oppression. The poem ultimately reveals the struggle between reality and imagination, suppression and freedom.

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✅ Q12. Character sketch of the Tiger King & how his obsession led to his death

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

The Tiger King was brave, determined, proud, and extremely arrogant. He believed he could challenge destiny itself. When astrologers predicted that a tiger would be the cause of his death, he decided to kill a hundred tigers to prove them wrong. He banned tiger hunting for everyone except himself and behaved ruthlessly with his ministers and villagers to track tigers.

His obsession made him blind to justice and compassion. He even married a princess from a kingdom with many tigers only to continue his mission. After killing ninety-nine tigers, his men shot the hundredth tiger secretly. Believing he had fulfilled the prophecy, the king felt victorious.

Ironically, he died when a wooden toy tiger pricked his hand and led to an infection. Thus, his arrogance and obsession with proving the prophecy wrong actually caused his death, fulfilling the astrologer’s prediction.

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OR

✅ Justify the title “The Enemy”. Why is the American soldier called ‘the enemy’?

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

The title “The Enemy” is justified because the story revolves around a wounded American soldier who lands on the Japanese shore during wartime. For Japan, America was the enemy nation; therefore the young soldier naturally becomes “the enemy.” Dr. Sadao, being a patriotic Japanese citizen, is expected to hand him over to the authorities.

However, Sadao’s moral values and medical ethics force him to save the man’s life. This creates a conflict between duty to the nation and duty as a doctor. Society, government officials, and even Sadao’s servants consider the American a threat. Yet, Sadao realises that humanity is greater than nationality.

The title reflects the central moral dilemma: Is a human being truly an enemy simply because of his nationality? Hana and Sadao treat the soldier with compassion, proving that humanity rises above political hostility.

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✅ Q13. Letter as Sam Weiner — Settled in Galesburg 1894

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

Galesburg, Illinois
10 June 1894

My dear Charley,

You will be delighted to know that I have finally settled in the peaceful town of Galesburg, 1894. Life here is exactly what we always dreamed of — slow, simple and filled with warmth. People greet each other on the streets, the air is fresh, and there is no noise of hurried crowds or busy offices.

I spend my evenings at the town square where families gather, sipping lemonade and enjoying music. There are no war worries, no taxes, no tension about the future — just a calm, beautiful life.

Charley, escaping the modern world was the best decision I ever made. I hope someday you will join me here. Believe me, the third level does exist for those who truly seek peace.

Your friend,
Sam

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OR

✅ Diary Entry — Dr. Sadao after the soldier escapes

(FULL MARKS — 6/6)

12 February 1944 — Diary of Dr. Sadao

Tonight, I feel a strange peace in my heart. The American soldier has finally escaped safely. Although he was considered “the enemy,” I could not let a wounded man die before my eyes. My duty as a doctor was stronger than my loyalty to wartime laws.

Still, it was not an easy decision. I feared arrest, punishment, and disgrace. But Hana supported me silently, and I followed my conscience. When the man expressed his gratitude before leaving, I felt the true meaning of humanity.

Even though I saved an enemy soldier, I believe I did the right thing. War divides nations, but compassion unites people. Tonight, I am proud — not as a Japanese citizen, but as a human being.

— Sadao