HBSE Class 12 English Pre Board Assessment Jan 2024 Solved

HBSE Class 12 English Pre Board Assessment Jan 2024 Solved, Check your marks and assess your weaknesses and strong points. Lean accordingly for your final examination in March 2024.

HBSE Class 12 English Pre Board Assessment Jan 2024 Solved

Student name__________________ Roll Number________________________
Pre-Board Assessment-January 2024
Class – 12
Subject – English
Time: 3 Hrs. M.M: 80
___________________________________________________________________________
General Instructions:-
1. The Question Paper contains four sections- Reading, Grammar, Writing Skills and
Literature
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question
number in your answer sheet to indicate the option(s) being attempted.
___________________________________________________________________________

SECTION-A (Reading Skills) (15)
Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
Q.1 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1×10= 10 marks
Public libraries in some respect serve the same purpose as educational institutions. It is the
place where people come to collect material for reference work and for knowledge. It is really
one of the most useful institutions in the world.
A library is normally well stocked with all types of books, including the rare ones, and also
the expensive ones. Thus everyone has access to these books which otherwise would not be
available, or probably be beyond the reach of the common man cost-wise. In this sense,
libraries can afford to purchase the rare and expensive books, thus making them available to
general public.

Libraries also have sets and volumes of dictionaries, encyclopaedias and other reference
books which require a lot of storage space. So a library is an ideal place for such books. Since
individuals cannot afford to possess all of them, they can avail of them in libraries.
A library is an ideal place to study and to make reference as there is silence and no
disturbance. Tables and chairs are provided and one can study peacefully without any
disturbance. Students and scribes are the ones who frequently visit libraries. New materials
on different subjects are available there. Many established libraries in the West also stock
computers, compact discs CD-ROMS, Xerox machines so that they can have print-outs of the
necessary materials that are required for one‟s reference.
While many libraries are open to the public, some are exclusive, and by paying a nominal
sum of money one can membership to it. By paying a small amount one can derive enormous
benefits from it.

In every library there is a librarian who helps you to locate the book you seek. If a new book
has been released and it is not there in the library, you can apprise the librarian about it, and
he will soon make it available to you for reference. As good citizens, it will be each one‟s
responsibility to see that books are handled with care to preserve them for prosperity
Choose the correct option to answer the following (1-5) :
Page 2 of 9
1. Why do people come to public libraries?
(a) to gain knowledge (b) for collecting material for reference work
(c) to spend spare time (d) both (a) and (b)

People come to public libraries for (d) both (a) and (b) – to gain knowledge and for collecting material for reference work.
2. What type of books are found in library other than general ones?
(a) rare ones (b expensive ones
(c) torn ones (d) both (a) and (b)

The types of books found in libraries, other than general ones, are (d) both (a) and (b) – rare ones and expensive ones.
3. Why do individuals visit public libraries?
(a) because they don‟t want any company
(b) because there is peace and silence
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) because they cannot afford to buy all the books.

Individuals visit public libraries (c) Both (a) and (b) – because there is peace and silence, and they cannot afford to buy all the books.
4. What has one to do to visit an exclusive library?
(a) nothing
(b) has to get membership by paying money
(c) by making friends with the librarians
(d) by exchanging books

To visit an exclusive library, one has to (b) get membership by paying money.
5. Why should one preserve the books of public libraries ?
(a) for their siblings (b) for their friends
(c) for prosperity (d) both (a) and (b)

One should preserve the books of public libraries for (c) prosperity.
Answer the following questions briefly (6-10):
6. What is the meaning of the word prosperity?

The meaning of the word “prosperity” is success, wealth, and flourishing condition.
7. How is a common man benefitted by public library?

A common man is benefited by a public library as it provides access to rare and expensive books which would otherwise be beyond his reach cost-wise.
8. What can one do if a new book released is not available in the library?

If a new book released is not available in the library, one can apprise the librarian about it, and he will soon make it available for reference.
9. Make another sentence using the word „apprise‟.

Sentence using the word “apprise”: I need to apprise the manager of the recent developments in the project.
10.What is the responsibility of a good citizen?.

The responsibility of a good citizen is to handle books with care to preserve them for prosperity and future generations.

OR
Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. One can‟t exist without the other. Duties
without rights are merely slavery. Similarly rights without duties amount to lawlessness. In
any civilized society, rights and duties must go side by side. But in today‟s world, everybody
talks much about his rights. There is a great hue and cry if our rights are infringed. But
nobody seems to bother much about his duties. That is why there is a great unrest in our
present day life. Actually duties come first and rights afterwards. Many a time one man‟s
rights is another man‟s duty and vice versa. For example, everyman has the right to have an
undisturbed sleep. So it becomes the duty of the neighbours to not to tune their radio at too
high pitch. If we want to enjoy our rights we should act in such a way that the rights of others
are not trespassed. It can happen only if we take due account of our duties also. In short,
rights and duties are complementary things and not contradictory.
It is difficult to agree on which rights should be guaranteed to a citizen. For example, does a
child have the right to be educated in his/her mother tongue? Some enthusiasts may say ,
“Certainly”. But others may say that while everyone must have a right to education, the
government should not be enforced to spend money to employ teachers for the language of
every group and community. Take another example. Does every adult have a right to a job ?

some will say, “Yes”. Others will disagree and say that this is a privilege, not a right. They
say that in these days of population explosion, it is not possible for any government to ensure
full employment.
There can be disagreement on such controversial issues, but there can be no disagreement on
such things as the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom
from fear.
Based on the Understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow:
(i) What are two sides of the same coin mentioned in the passage?
(a) slavery and lawlessness (b) freedom and rights
(c) rights and duties (d) all of the above
(ii) What place do rights and duties have in a civilized society?
(a) Rights come before duties (b) Rights and duties go side by side
(b) Duties come before rights (d) Rights and duties have no place
(iii) Rights and duties are……
(a) contradictory things (b) complimentary things
(c) complementary things (d) none of the these
(iv) The synonym of „restrict‟ given in the passage is :
(a) Complementary (b) infringe
(c) Disagree (d) trespass
(v) Why is there great unrest in present-day life?
(a) because nobody seems to bother much about his duties
(b) because rights and duties go side by side
(c) because duties come before rights
(d) because there are neither rights nor duties
(vi) Give the antonym of „obedience‟ that is given in the passage.
(vii) What does nobody seem to bother?
(viii) Complete the following sentence: Rights and duties are……………..
(ix) What does not come first?
(x) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Q2. Read the following passage carefully and make notes on it using headings and subheadings, Give an appropriate title to it :- (4+1=5)
A vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10 per
cent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting hundred
thousands of people at risk. The startling findings of scientists working with the United
Nations Environment Programme indicate that the spectacular economic growth seen in this
part of the world in the past decade may soon falter as a result of pollution. Research carried
out in India indicates that the haze caused by pollution might be reducing winter rice harvests
by as much as 10 per cent, the report said. “Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain,
have the potential to damage crops and trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impact
of reduced sunlight on earth‟s surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading
to several hundred thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher levels of respiratory
diseases,” it said. Results from seven cities in India alone, including Delhi, Mumbai,
Ahmedabad and Kolkata, estimate that air pollution was annually responsible for 24000
premature deaths in early 1990s.

Ans.

Title: Pollution and its effects

1. Polution

1.1 Bad affects of pollution

1.2. Cut down sunlight

1.3. Dmg. agri.

1.4. Rainfall pattern changed

1.5. Life at risk

2. Scientists view on pollution

2.1. Faulty economic growth

2.1.1. Haze due to pollution reduces rice prod. by 10%

2.1.2 Acid rain dmg. crops and trees

2.1.3. Ash reduces sunlight

3. Side effects of haze

3.1. Reduces rice production

3.2. Causes premature deaths due to respiratory diseases

4. Result of pollution in seven cities

4.1. Air pollution causes 24000 deaths in 1990s

Abbreviations: 

1. Damaged: Dmg.
2. Agriculture: agri.
3. Production: prod.

BSEH Class 12 English Pre Board Assessment Jan 2024 

SECTION-B (Grammar)
Q3. Attempt any two from each Sub-Part:- 10 marks
a) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
(i) He_______(buy) it last month.
(a) brought (b) was buying
(c) bought (d)had bought
(ii) I _______ (finish) this work by tomorrow evening.
(a) have finished (b) will finish
(c) was finishing (d) had finished
(iii) He________(try) to solve this problem since yesterday.
(a) tried (b) was trying
(c) will try (d) has been trying
(B).Change the narration:-
1. Ram will say, “ I saw my teacher in the park”.
(a) Ram will say that he had seen my teacher in the park.
(b) Ram will say that he had seen his teacher in the park.
(c) Ram will say that he saw his teacher in the park.
(d) Ram will say that he saw my teacher in the park.
2 He said to me, “ I am reading a novel”.
(a) He said to me that he was reading a novel.
(b) He told me that he was reading a novel.
(c) He told me that I was reading a novel.
(d) He told me that he has been reading a novel.
3. The teacher said, “Don‟t make a noise”.
(a) The teacher said to the boys do not make a noise.
(b) The teacher said to the boys that do not make a noise.
(c) The teacher ordered the boys not to make a noise.
(d) The teacher ordered the boys that do not make a noise.
(C). Fill in the blanks with suitable articles.
1. He is______active player of volleyball.
a) a b) the c) an d) x
2. I read________Geeta every day.
a) a b) the c) an d) x
3. John Keats was______great poet.
a) a b) the c) an d) x
(D).Change the voice:-
1. They will have bought a pen.
a) A pen will be bought by them.
b) A pen will have been bought by them.
c) A pen would have been bought by them.
d) a pen will have to be bought by them.
2. Are you making a good plan?
a) Is a good plan made by you?
b) Is a good plan being made by you?
c) Was a good plan made by you?
d) Was a good plan being made by you?
3. She accused him of theft.
a) He is accused of theft by her.
b) He was accused of theft by her.
c) He had been accused of theft by her.
d) None of the above.
(E).Fill in the blanks with appropriate Modals
1. There__________be a famous shop here.
a) Should b) may c) used to d) can
2. __________we leave now, please?
a) might b) may c) should d) would
3. We walked fast lest we___________miss the bus.
a) should b) could c) ought to d) need.

Answers Of Q.No.3 English Grammar Class 12 Pre-Board

a) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:

(i) He _______ (buy) it last month.

Answer: (c) bought

(ii) I _______ (finish) this work by tomorrow evening. Answer:

(b) will finish

(iii) He _______ (try) to solve this problem since yesterday.

Answer: (d) has been trying

(b) Change the narration:

1. Ram will say, “I saw my teacher in the park”.

Answer: (c) Ram will say that he saw his teacher in the park.

1. He said to me, “I am reading a novel”. Answer:

(b) He told me that he was reading a novel.

1. The teacher said, “Don‟t make a noise”.

Answer: (c) The teacher ordered the boys not to make a noise.

(c) Fill in the blanks with suitable articles:

1. He is _______ active player of volleyball.

Answer: (c) an

1. I read _______ Geeta every day.

Answer: (b) the

1. John Keats was _______ great poet.

Answer: (c) a

(d) Change the voice:

• They will have bought a pen. Answer:

(b) A pen will have been bought by them.

• Are you making a good plan?

Answer: (b) Is a good plan being made by you?

• She accused him of theft. Answer:

(b) He was accused of theft by her.

(e) Fill in the blanks with appropriate Modals:

1. There _______ be a famous shop here.

Answer: (b) may

1. _______ we leave now, please?

Answer: (c) should

1. We walked fast lest we _______ miss the bus.

Answer: (a) should

SECTION-C (Writing Skills) (15)
Q4. Attempt any one of the following ( word limit 50 words): (5)
a) Suppose your name is Rita/Ramesh . you are secretary of History Club of your school.
Your school is planning an educational tour to Rajasthan during summer vacations. Write a
notice for the same informing all the students by developing necessary details.

History Club [School Name]

NOTICE

Date: [Date]

Attention Students! Explore the rich history of Rajasthan with us! The History Club is excited to announce an educational tour to Rajasthan during the summer vacations. Join us for an enriching experience as we delve into the historical wonders of this vibrant state. Details: Destination: Rajasthan Date: [Starting Date] to [Ending Date] Highlights: historical monuments, cultural experiences, interactive sessions, and much more! Interested students are requested to submit their names to the History Club office by [submission deadline]. Don‘t miss this opportunity to make history come alive!

[Your Name]

Secretary, History Club

b) You want to sell your washing machine which you bought last year and is in excellent
condition. Draft an advertisement to be published in a local daily under classified columns
c) Design a poster creating awareness on the need to grow more trees.
Q5. Attempt any one of the following (5)
(a) Your school has observed a Road Safety Week recently. Write a report on the same as the
student editor of your school magazine in 120-150 words.

Road Safety Week Report

The recently observed Road Safety Week at [School Name] was a resounding success, promoting awareness and responsible road behavior among students. Various activities, including seminars, workshops, and road safety drills, were organized throughout the week. Students actively participated in poster-making competitions and street plays, emphasizing the importance of following traffic rules. The school premises echoed with slogans advocating safe driving practices. To conclude the week, a special assembly highlighted the key takeaways, emphasizing the need for responsible road behavior and the consequences of neglecting safety norms. Let‘s continue to make our roads safer for everyone! [Your Name]

Student Editor,

[School Magazine Name]

(b) Write an article in about 120 words on „Corruption in Public Life‟.
Q6. Attempt any one of the following: (5)
(a) The sector road leading to your society is always filled with water due to lack of proper
drainage especially. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor, The Tribune drawing
attention of the concerned authorities to this problem of the residents. You are Ms. Jyotsna of
Sector 82 , Gurgaon..

The Editor

The Tribune

[Editor‘s Address]

[Date]

Subject: Urgent Attention Needed: Waterlogging Woes in Sector 82, Gurgaon

Dear Editor

I am writing as a concerned resident of Sector 82, Gurgaon, to bring attention to a persistent problem that demands immediate action. The sector road leading to our society is consistently waterlogged due to inadequate drainage.

This issue poses a threat to the safety and well-being of the residents, causing inconvenience and health hazards. I urge the concerned authorities to address this matter urgently by implementing proper drainage systems to alleviate the waterlogging problem.

The residents of Sector 82 look forward to a swift resolution to ensure a safer and healthier living environment.

Sincerely

Ms. Jyotsna

[Your Contact Information]

(b) Write an application to the management of Rohini International school to apply for the
position of councillor.

SECTION-D Literature (40)
7. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 5 marks
( A ) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
My acquaintance with the barefoot rag pickers leads me to Seemapuri, a place on the
periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically. Those who live here are squatters
who came from Bangladesh back in 1971. Saheb‟s family is among them. Seemapuri was
then a wilderness. It still is, but no longer empty. In the structures of mud, with roofs of tin
and tarpaulin, devoid of sewage, drainage or running water, live 10,000 rag pickers.
QUESTIONS:
1. Name the chapter from which these lines have been taken.
(a) The Last Lesson (b) Lost spring
(c) The Rattrap (d) Deep Water
2. Name the writer of the passage.
(a) William Douglas (b) Anees Jung
(c) Louis Fischer (d) None of the above
3. Which place is situated in the periphery of Delhi ?
(a) Dhaka (b) Bangladesh (c) Seemapuri (d) Mumbai
4. Where did the squatters come from?
(a) Delhi (b) Mumbai
(c) Dhaka (d) Bangladesh
5. How many rag pickers live in the periphery of Seemapuri?
(a) 5,000 (b) 10,000
(c) 20,000 (d) 15,000
OR
My American publisher said while she loved my book, she didn‟t expect to sell more than
3000 copies in a country where nobody has seen a cathedral or studies Latin. So I was given
an advance for 3000 copies, but in the end it sold two or three million in the U.S. A lot of
books have been written about the medieval past far before mine. I think the success of the
book is a mystery. Nobody can predict it.
QUESTIONS:-
1. -Name the chapter this passage has been taken from.
(a) The Last Lesson (b) Indigo
(c) The Interview (d)Poet and Pancakes
2. Name the speaker of the above lines.
(a) Anees Jung (b) Umberto Eco
(c) Asokamitran (d) A.R. Barton

3. According to the speaker, the huge success of the novel is…………
(a) Impossible (b) rare
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) a mystery
4. What do you think was the content of the novel?
(a) the modern age (b) the ancient times
(c) the medieval age (d) the post-independence period
5. what did the American publisher think of the Speaker‟s novel?
(a) she expected it to sell 300 copies
(b) she didn‟t expect it to sell more than 3000 copies
(c) that it was a fabulous novel
(d) None of the above
8 Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5
Explain the significance of the title “Lost Spring “giving elaborate description of childhood
period of Saheb and Mukesh. (Lost Spring)

The term “Lost Spring” is exceptionally significant since it captures the moving story of Saheb and Mukesh’s youth that was stolen from them. Saheb prematurely loses his innocence as a result of being compelled by social and financial limitations to engage in the ragpicking trade. His carefree days and unrestrained play are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and exploitation at the springtime of his life.
Mukesh, who was raised in Pukka Saheb’s household, experiences childhood bereavement in a different way. He lives in a physical home, but he is trapped in the bonds of child labor, working in the glassblowing business. The term captures the collective grief that many children feel in a society that denies them the opportunity to play and receive an education.
“Lost Spring” emphasizes how tragically a happy childhood may turn into a time of hardship and suffering. It acts as a powerful wake-up call to the pressing need for social reform in order to recover the lost springs of innumerable innocent lives.
OR
How have different writers and celebrities reacted to the concept of interview? Give a brief
account of various views expressed by different celebrities. (The Interview)

As of January 2022, when I last updated my knowledge, I am not aware of any particular information regarding the opinions of various celebrities regarding the idea of interviews in relation to “The Interview.” I don’t have access to current data or updates, and the information I do have is restricted to that date.

But generally speaking, writers and celebrities tend to have very different perspectives on interviews. Interviews are seen by some as a crucial component of their public persona since they provide them a chance to interact with the public and express their opinions. Interviews could be perceived by some as invasive or a possible cause of misunderstanding.

I suggest looking up recent interviews, articles, or social media postings from the relevant writers and celebrities to acquire the most up-to-date and detailed information on how they have responded to the idea of interviews. Public personalities frequently share their thoughts on a variety of platforms, and those opinions may change over time.

9 Answer any four questions in about 40- 50 words 2×4 = 8 marks
(i) What did Mr Hamel say about the French language?
(ii) How is Mukesh‟s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
(iii) Why did Rajkumar Shukla go to meet Gandhi ji?
(iv) How does Eco find time to write so much?
(v) What were Sophie‟s plans after school?

Answers: 

(i) Mr. Hamel expressed the significance and beauty of the French language, emphasizing that it was the most beautiful language in the world.

(ii) Mukesh’s attitude differs as he desires education, while his family is resigned to their impoverished fate.

(iii) Rajkumar Shukla met Gandhi Ji to seek his intervention in addressing the grievances of indigo farmers in Champaran.

(iv) Eco manages to write prolifically by waking up early in the morning and devoting his mornings to writing.

(v) Sophie planned to go to Paris after school to pursue further studies and explore opportunities.

10. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 5 marks
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing,
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
(a) ‘Keeping Quiet’ by John Keats
(b) ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ by Kamala Das
(c) ‘Keeping Quiet’ by Pablo Neruda
(d) „A Thing of Beauty‟ by John Keats
(ii) Whose loveliness increases day by day ?
(a) A bower quiet
(b) A thing of beauty
(c) Quiet breathing
(d) none of the above
(iii) What does the word „morrow‟ mean ?
(a) the previous day (b) the next day
(c) the day after tomorrow (d) None of the above
(iv) What does the speaker suggest about a “thing of beauty”??
(a) It brings temporary joy (b) It fades into nothingness
(c) It is a source of everlasting joy (d) It is only appreciated in the moment
(v) What happens when we are surrounded by beautiful things?
(a) we get good health (b) we can sleep peacefully
(c) we can breathe well (d) all of the above

Answer: 

(i) ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats.

(ii) Whose loveliness increases day by day? (b) A thing of beauty.

(iii) What does the word ‘morrow’ mean? (b) The next day.

(iv) What does the speaker suggest about a “thing of beauty”? (c) It is a source of everlasting joy.

(v) What happens when we are surrounded by beautiful things? (d) All of the above.

OR
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with N turned wrong and S turned wrong
Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts
(i) What does polished traffic stand for?
(a) for rich people of the city who passed by them in their cars
(b) for branded new cars
(c) for newly polished cars
(d) none of the above
(ii) Who is the poet of this poem?
(a) John Keats
(b) Robert frost
(c) William Wordsworth
(d) None
(iii) What is being sold on roadside stand?
(a) Furniture (b) cosmetics
(c) Diesel and petrol (d) wild berries and golden squash
(iv) Why was roadside stand built?
(a) so that people can wait there
(b)To make it a bus stop
(c) to earn some money
(d) none of these
(v) Why do rich people who passed that way in their cars look at the landscape?
(a) to buy some items
(b) to point at the wrongly marked N and S directions
(c) to appreciate their hard work
(d) to soothe the villagers

Answer: 

(i) What does polished traffic stand for? (c) for newly polished cars

(ii) Who is the poet of this poem? (b) Robert Frost

(iii) What is being sold on roadside stand? (d) wild berries and golden squash

(iv) Why was roadside stand built? (c) to earn some money

(v) Why do rich people who passed that way in their cars look at the landscape? (b) to point at the wrongly marked N and S directions

11. Answer any two questions in about 40-50 words 2×3= 6 marks
(a) “Kamala Das‟ mother loves her very much”. Support your answer with reference to the
poem. ( My Mother at Sixty Six)

(a) In “My Mother at Sixty-Six,” Kamala Das expresses her mother’s deep love through the poem. The line “I look at her and the blood loves the blood in her” reflects the profound and unconditional love between mother and daughter, emphasizing the emotional bond between them.

(b) How, according to Keats, does a thing of beauty give us the reason to live and love the
life? (A Thing of Beauty)

(b) According to Keats in “A Thing of Beauty,” a beautiful object provides eternal joy and serves as a source of inspiration for a meaningful and fulfilling life. It uplifts the human spirit, offering solace and tranquility that contribute to a deeper appreciation of life and love.

(c) What was the Plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand? ( A Roadside stand)

(c) The plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand was to sell wild berries and golden squash in wooden quarts. Their intention was to make a living by offering these natural products for sale to those passing by, reflecting the economic struggles and aspirations of common people.

Q12. Answer any one of the following in about 80-100 words.
Why did the Tiger King take a vow to kill one hundred tigers? How do you see the story as a
satire? Elaborate.

The Tiger King took a vow to kill one hundred tigers because he wanted to prove his supremacy and establish his authority as the ruler. The astrologer’s prediction that a tiger would be the cause of his death fueled his fear, leading him to eliminate all potential threats. The story is a satire as it mocks the absurdity of the king’s obsession with tiger-hunting, highlighting the irrationality of pursuing such a goal for personal glory. It satirizes the misplaced priorities of rulers and the absurdity of their decisions.
OR
How does Dr.Sadao rise above the narrow prejudices of race and country for assisting a
human being in need?