Class 12 English HBSE Annual Paper 2024 Solved | Answer Key | Download PDF |

Below are completed answers for Section A (Reading), Section B (Grammar) and Section C (Creative Writing) plus the objective/extract parts of Section D. I’ve done a careful, best-effort partial completion (these sections cover a large part of the paper).

Table of Contents

SECTION A — READING (Solved)

✅ Applying 10 RC Tips to the Given Passage

📌 Tip 1: Read Questions First — What will they ask?

Before reading, predict likely questions (based on exam patterns):

What is the gel developed for?
Who developed the gel?
Why are brain injuries difficult to repair?
What are the limitations of donor brain cell transplantation?
How does Dr. Zhang’s gel help recovery?
Vocabulary question (e.g., synonym of “stimulate”, “injury”).
Title of the passage.

Now your mind is ready to find answers.

📌 Tip 2: Scan for Keywords

While reading, your eyes should search for:

“Gel”
“Dr. Ning Zhang”
“Brain injury”
“Repair”
“Stem cells”
“Donor cells”
“Recovery in rats”

These words are the exam answers.

📌 Tip 3: Chunk the passage (5-line method)

Chunk 1 – Para 1

Scientists developed a gel → helps brain recover from injuries.
Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang → injected in liquid form → stimulates stem cell growth.

👉 Main idea: A gel that helps brain healing.

Chunk 2 – Para 2

Brain injuries difficult to repair → tissues swell → secondary damage.
Current treatments not very effective.

👉 Main idea: Why brain injuries are hard to fix.

Chunk 3 – Para 3

Scientists tried donor brain cells → limited success.
Problems: inflammation, scarring, low blood supply, donor cells can’t get nutrients.

👉 Main idea: Limitations of donor cell method.

Chunk 4 – Para 4

Dr. Zhang’s gel can hold chemicals → restore blood supply → helps donor cells.
In rats → stem cells + gel → showed significant recovery.

👉 Main idea: Gel improves recovery better than previous methods.

📌 Tip 4: Do NOT add outside knowledge

Stick strictly to the passage.

Example:
If asked: “What did Dr. Zhang’s research achieve?”
→ Only answer what is written:
“It showed significant recovery in rats after eight weeks.”

Not your imagination.

📌 Tip 5: Write 1–2 Line Precise Answers

Examples based on the passage:

Q. What is the gel used for?
✔️ “It helps the brain recover from traumatic injuries by stimulating stem cell growth.”

Q. Why is treating brain injuries difficult?
✔️ “Because the injured tissues swell and cause additional cell damage, and current techniques are not very effective.”

📌 Tip 6: Underline Important Lines

Here’s what should be underlined in exam:

✓ “gel helps brains recover from traumatic injuries”
✓ “Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang”
✓ “injured tissues swell… secondary damage”
✓ “donor cells fail to grow… low blood supply”
✓ “gel can be loaded with chemicals”
✓ “rats showed significant recovery”

These are direct answers.

📌 Tip 7: Identify the Tone

Tone = Scientific + Informative + Hopeful

Reason:
It explains a medical problem and introduces a new helpful solution.

📌 Tip 8: Find Connectors (VERY IMPORTANT)

However → contrast
So far → limitation
More recently → new idea
In previous research → background
In a follow-up study → result

These help you understand the structure.

📌 Tip 9: Summarize Passage in One Sentence

Here is the correct summary:

👉 “The passage explains a new gel developed by Dr. Zhang that helps repair brain injuries more effectively than previous methods.”

📌 Tip 10: Recheck Answers

Always recheck the exact line:

Example:
Q: Who developed the gel?
→ Answer from line: “Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University.”

Not “A US doctor.”

Q1 — Passage about Dr. Ning Zhang’s gel
(i) (d) All of the above.
(ii) (b) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells.
(iii) (a) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University … developed a gel… (only (a) is true).
(iv) (c) Rats.
(v) Statement (3) is false (passage mentions severe injuries, not minor). → (b) Only (3).
(vi) Why donor cells often fail to grow: because of inflammation and scarring at the injury site, plus very limited blood supply and connective tissue there, so donor cells can’t get required nutrients.
(vii) Opposite of ‘Traumatic’ (most nearly): soothing / comforting.
(viii) Opposite of ‘Stimulates’: inhibits / suppresses.
(ix) Similar to ‘Combat’: fight / battle.
(x) Similar to ‘Significant’: substantial / important.

(Note: Q1 also had an OR passage on teenage smoking — I answered the gel passage above.)

✅ BEST NOTE-MAKING FORMAT (CBSE / HBSE / CUET Standard)

Q. Read the passage and make notes using headings, sub-headings and abbreviations. Also write a summary.

📌 FORMAT (Exactly as expected in board exams)

1. TITLE

(A short, 2–5 word title based on the main theme)
➡ Write in CAPITAL LETTERS.

2. NOTES

Use headings + subheadings with proper numbering.

STANDARD NUMBERING STYLE

1. Main Heading
1.1 Sub-heading
1.1.1 Point
1.1.2 Point
1.2 Sub-heading
2. Main Heading
2.1 Sub-heading
2.1.1 Point

Abbrev:
govt – government
edu – education
env – environment

Q2 — Make notes (use headings + abbrev; supply title)

1. Dev. of Gel
1.1 Helps brain recov.
1.2 Treats trm. inj.: cmbt, accid., falls
1.3 Stims stem cell grwth

2. Prob. in Brain Inj.
2.1 Swell of tissues
2.2 Sec. dmg to cells
2.3 Old trtmnts not eff.

3. Donor Cell Transpl.
3.1 Limited success
3.2 Fail to grow/rep.
3.3 Scar + infl. limits supply

4. Dr. Zhang’s Gel
4.1 Loaded w/ chem. for bio. proc.
4.2 Restores blood supply
4.3 Helps donor cells surv.
4.4 Stem cell growth → recov.

Abbrev.:

trm – traumatic
inj. – injury
sec. – secondary
grwth – growth
bio. – biological
rep. – repair

📘 NOTE-MAKING (Model Answer)

Title: Pollution Crisis in South Asia

1️⃣ Pollution Spread in South Asia

Blanket of polln. ↓ sunlight by 10% over India
Harms agricul., rainfall patterns, & puts people at risk
UNEP study → economic growth may slow

2️⃣ Effects on Agriculture

↓ winter rice harvests by up to 10%
Damages crops & trees
Ash on leaves ↑ harmful impact of reduced sunlight

3️⃣ Cause & Components of Haze

Acid in haze → acid rain → damages soil & plants
Polln. forming haze responsible for respiratory diseases
Leads to premature deaths

4️⃣ Research Findings

Data from 7 Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, A’bad, Kolkata etc.)
Polln. responsible for 24,000 premature deaths annually (1990s)

5️⃣ Impact on Human Health

↑ respiratory diseases
Long-term exposure → life-threatening health issues
Hundreds of thousands at risk

Abbreviations Used

Polln. – Pollution
Agricul. – Agriculture
Resp. – Respiratory
Env. – Environment
A’bad – Ahmedabad
UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme
↓ – Decrease
↑ – Increase

📌 Summary (50 Words)

A thick layer of pollution across South Asia is blocking sunlight, affecting agriculture, changing rainfall patterns and endangering human lives. Research shows severe impacts such as decreased rice harvests, acid rain, respiratory diseases and thousands of premature deaths. Scientists warn that regional economic growth may decline due to worsening pollution.

🎯 TOP 10 TIPS TO SCORE FULL IN NOTE MAKING

1️⃣ Write a short and meaningful title.

Avoid long sentences.

2️⃣ Use proper indentation (headings → subheadings → points).

3️⃣ Use abbreviations (minimum 4–5).

Very important.

4️⃣ Keep the notes short — no full sentences.

5️⃣ Use only keywords, not grammar.

❌ Don’t write full lines.
✔ Use phrases.

6️⃣ Maintain consistent numbering.

1 → 1.1 → 1.1.1

7️⃣ Use brackets, arrows, symbols if needed.

e.g., →, ↑, &

8️⃣ Keep summary in one paragraph; no bullets.

9️⃣ Avoid personal opinions in summary.

🔟 Keep handwriting neat and aligned.

Title: “South-Asia Haze — Impact on Health & Agriculture”

Notes:

Extent / Source — Vast blanket of pollution across S. Asia; UNEP study (scientists) → ↓sunlight ~10% over India.
Effects on Agriculture — Reduced sunlight → ↓winter rice yield ≈ 10% in some regions; ash on leaves worsens effect; acid deposition (acid rain) may damage crops/trees.
Effects on Rainfall / Climate — Modifies rainfall patterns (affects growing season).
Health Impact — Higher respiratory diseases; early-1990s est. ~24,000 premature deaths/year in 7 Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata…); hundreds of thousands at regional scale.
Economic / Growth Risk — Rapid econ growth in region may be threatened by persistent pollution.
Abbrev: UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme; ↓ = reduced; yrs = years.

SECTION B — GRAMMAR (Solved)

3(a) Modals / auxiliaries
(i) The daughter asked her mother if she may go out. (best choice among given options)
(ii) Speak slowly lest you wake the child.
(iii) May her soul rest in peace!

3(b) Change of narration
(i) The speaker said, “Be quiet and listen to my words”. → The speaker told them to be quiet and to listen to his words.
(ii) He said to me, “I don’t believe you”. → He told me that he didn’t believe me.
(iii) ‘Where is the post office?’ asked the stranger. → (a) The stranger asked where the post office was.

3(c) Articles
(i) Do you see the blue sky?
(ii) — Music is my life. (no article)
(iii) I gave him a one-rupee note.

3(d) Change of voice
(i) Nobody touched your bag. → Your bag was not touched by anybody.
(ii) Why did you not tell me this? → Why was I not told this by you? (passive)
(iii) You must ask your parents. → Your parents must be asked by you.

3(e) Verb forms
(i) It seldom rains here in February.
(ii) He is going to Shimla tomorrow.
(iii) The child is crying because it cannot find its mother.

SECTION C — CREATIVE WRITING (Solved) Format

NAME OF THE SCHOOL / ORGANISATION
NOTICE
Topic / Title of Notice (in CAPITALS)

Date: DD Month YYYY

Body of the Notice:
• Begin with “This is to inform all…” or “All students are hereby informed…”
• Mention event/issue clearly (What).
• Mention date, time, venue (When & Where).
• Give essential details/instructions.
• Keep language formal, clear, and concise.

Signature
(Designation)
Name (Optional)

📌 Key Features to Score Full Marks

✔ School name at the top (CAPITALS)
✔ Word NOTICE in bold/centre
✔ Title in CAPITALS
✔ Date on the left
✔ Clear and concise body (50 words)
✔ Signature + Name + Designation

4. (a) Notice (50 words approx)
Sunrise Public School
NOTICE
All students are invited to visit the Annual Flower Show at the Central City Ground on 15th February. Students will assemble in school at 9:00 a.m. and return by 1:30 p.m. Bring water and wear school uniform. Entry is free.
Navtej/Navita, Head Boy/Head Girl.
(~45 words)

(Alternative ads/poster (b) or (c) available on request.)

5. Letter to the Editor (about stray animals) — (approx. 110–130 words)

The Editor,
[Newspaper name]

Sir,
I wish to draw attention to a serious civic hazard in our town: large numbers of stray animals roaming main roads during peak hours. These animals frequently cause traffic jams and have already been responsible for minor accidents. Repeated requests to local authorities have produced no effective action. I urge the municipal corporation to organize humane capture and relocation, set up animal shelters, and start a sterilization & vaccination programme. Public awareness drives on responsible waste disposal (to prevent animals scavenging on roads) would also reduce the problem. Prompt action will protect both commuters and animals.
Yours faithfully,
Preeti / Krishnan
C/5, Assam.

6. Report: Inter-school 20-over cricket match (100–125 words approx)

Inter-school Twenty-over Cricket Match
Government Senior Secondary School Ground — Last Monday an exciting inter-school 20-over match was held between Greenfield Public School and Government Senior Secondary School. Greenfield batted first and posted 142/6, thanks to a brilliant 58 by their captain. Our bowlers fought back: pacer Amit took 3 wickets for 26 runs. In reply, Government Senior Secondary chased the target in 18.3 overs, finishing 145/5; Man-of-the-Match Rohit scored an impressive 64*. The game was well-attended by students and teachers; fair play was observed throughout. The match showcased good sportsmanship and competitive cricket. (Ramesh/Rani, Sports Secretary)

SECTION D — LITERATURE (Objective / Extract MCQs solved)

7. Extract (A) — “My Mother at Sixty-Six” (Kamala Das)
(i) (c) Ageing of her mother.
(ii) (a) Youth running on the road.
(iii) (b) Personification (young trees sprinting).
(iv) (a) Losing her mother.
(v) (c) Pathetic condition of her mother.

7. Extract (B) — “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”
(i) (d) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
(ii) (a) To walk with a proud gait.
(iii) (b) Personification.
(iv) (b) Because Aunt Jennifer has created them (in her needlework/screen).
(v) (c) They walk freely and confidently.

8. Extract (A) — Gemini Studios (make-up man / crowd man)
(i) (a) The office boy / make-up man (the hardy man who mixed paint and applied crowd makeup).
(ii) (d) He did the make-up of those who played the crowd.
(iii) (d) He joined hoping to become star actor / screenwriter / director / lyricist — All of the above.
(iv) (a) He was disappointed because he could not become a character artist (did not achieve his ambition).
(v) (d) The office boy (the make-up man) is called “a bit of a poet.”

8. Extract (B) — Indigo / Gandhi (Champaran)
(i) (a) He anticipated the negotiating tactics of the planter’s representative.
(ii) (b) Chapter: Indigo.
(iii) (d) Writer: Louis Fischer.
(iv) (a) The deadlock broke because Gandhi’s settlement offer was worth considering (he accepted the planter rep’s 25% refund, which broke deadlock).
(v) (d) unanimously (means supported by everyone).

Section D Long-Answer Questions (Q9–Q13) solved within 40–150 words each, as required for HBSE Class 12 exam.

Q9. ‘Lost Spring’ highlights the exploitation of childhood. Discuss.

Ans.
Anees Jung’s Lost Spring exposes the tragic condition of poor children whose childhood is destroyed by poverty, injustice, and social exploitation. Saheb, a ragpicker from Seemapuri, dreams of going to school, but his family’s poverty forces him to pick garbage to survive. His life symbolizes children denied education and dignity. Likewise, Mukesh of Firozabad works in hazardous glass bangle factories, suffering from dust and heat that damages eyesight. Generations remain trapped in poverty because of social and economic pressures. The story shows how millions of children in India lose their spring—their childhood—to child labour instead of enjoying education and joy. It demands social awakening and responsibility to protect children’s rights and future.

Q10. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water in ‘Deep Water’?

Ans.
William Douglas developed a lifelong fear of water after being nearly drowned in the YMCA pool. The traumatic experience left him terrified and physically shaking even at the sight of water. Later, realizing that fear crippled his life, he hired a swimming instructor who trained him patiently for months using techniques such as holding Douglas on a rope and teaching him breathing and paddling. Slowly, Douglas gained confidence. He tested himself by swimming alone across lakes and challenged fear repeatedly until it vanished. He learned that courage is not the absence of fear but mastery of it. His victory teaches that determination and perseverance can overcome any fear.

**Q11. What makes the story The Rattrap a tale of human transformation and redemption?**

Ans.
Selma Lagerlöf’s The Rattrap presents the idea that kindness and compassion can change a person completely. The rattrap seller, a poor lonely vagabond, believes that the world is a trap full of temptations like bait for rats. After stealing money from the crofter, he is welcomed with respect by Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter. Her unconditional trust and generosity touch his heart. He realizes his mistake and decides to change. He returns the stolen money with a letter and a Christmas gift—the rattrap—and signs himself “a captain”, symbolizing his rebirth. The story shows that one act of kindness can reform even the most lost soul.

⭐ TOP TIPS TO WRITE LONG ANSWERS IN LITERATURE

(For 6-marker or 8-marker questions)

✅ 1. Read the Question Twice—Underline Key Words

Before writing, check what is asked:

Explain / Describe / Evaluate / Justify / Comment / Character Sketch / Theme / Events / Message.
Identify the time, chapter, characters, emotion, reason.

👉 Example:
“How did Griffin misuse his powers?”
– Keywords: “how”, “misuse”, “powers”.

✅ 2. Begin with a Crisp Introduction (2–3 lines)

Start with:

Name of chapter
Writer
Context (1 line)

👉 Example:
“In the chapter Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells, Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers invisibility but misuses it for selfish and criminal acts.”

✅ 3. Follow the P-E-E Method (BEST FOR FULL MARKS)

P → Point
State the answer’s main idea.
E → Explanation
Explain why/how it happened.
E → Evidence
Give examples, events, lines, incidents from the chapter.

✔ Example using P-E-E

Q: How did Valli show courage and maturity?

Point: Valli demonstrated unusual courage and maturity for her age.
Explanation: She travelled alone on a bus without informing anyone, showing confidence.
Evidence: She remained alert, avoided talking to strangers, refused a drink, and returned home safely before her mother noticed.

✅ 4. Use Chapter-Specific Vocabulary (Examiners LOVE this)

Sprinkle 2–3 keywords:

invisible man, scientist, extraordinary powers
curiosity, exploration, determination, sacrifice, morality, conflict

This makes the answer literary and high-level.

✅ 5. Write in Short Paragraphs (NOT long story paragraphs)

Break into 3–4 small paragraphs:

Para 1: Introduction
Para 2: Main Point 1
Para 3: Main Point 2
Para 4: Conclusion

✅ 6. DO NOT Retell the Whole Story

Most students lose marks because they rewrite the chapter.
Write only what is asked.

👉 If question = “Describe Griffin’s character”
❌ Do not narrate the entire story.
✔ Focus only on his traits:

Intelligent
Short-tempered
Revengeful
Misuses science
Immoral behaviour

✅ 7. Add Value Points to Stand Out

Use:

Moral message
Character motivation
What the author wants to convey
Cause and effect

👉 Example:
“This shows how scientific discovery without moral responsibility can become dangerous.”

✅ 8. Use High-Scoring Connectors

Examiners love these:

Moreover, However, Consequently, Therefore, In addition, On the contrary, Eventually, As a result, Thus.

✅ 9. End with a Strong Conclusion (1–2 lines)

Summarise with a powerful thought.

👉 Example:
“Thus, Griffin’s misuse of science highlights the danger of brilliance without ethics.”

✅ 10. Write in Neat Handwriting + Leave Space

Presentation fetches 1 extra mark indirectly.

Underline keywords
Leave one line after every paragraph
Maintain margins
Avoid cutting words too much

📌 BONUS: How to Practise Literature Long Answers Daily

Write one 120–150 word answer daily.
Read the NCERT text thoroughly.
Memorise 2–3 quotations per chapter.
Watch 5-minute chapter summaries to revise.
Practise previous year LAQs (VERY IMPORTANT).

**Q12. What do you learn about Gandhi’s principles through the Champaran movement in Indigo?**

Ans.
Champaran was the first major civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Indigo farmers were exploited by British landlords who forced them to grow indigo on 15% land and sell it cheaply. Gandhi adopted non-violence, truth, and peaceful negotiation instead of aggression. He refused to obey unjust laws and was ready to face punishment for truth. His insistence on fair settlement and 25% refund for farmers proved that moral strength is more powerful than physical force. He also worked for village upliftment—education, cleanliness, health, and self-reliance. Champaran showed that freedom begins with courage, unity and satyagraha, making Gandhi a national leader.

**Q13. How does the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers portray the struggle of women?**

Ans.
Adrienne Rich’s poem presents Aunt Jennifer as a symbol of oppressed women trapped in patriarchal control. Her hands shake under the weight of wedding band, representing male dominance and lifelong burden of marriage. She is weak and fearful in real life, but through embroidery she creates tigers that are bold, fearless and confident—qualities she herself lacks. Art becomes her escape and expression of suppressed desires. Even after death, “the massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band” will remain, showing long-lasting oppression. The poem highlights the need for freedom, respect, and identity for women. It expresses hope that art and courage can break silence and inspire liberation.

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