HBSE Pre Board Assessment January 2024-25 Class12 ENGLISH . For more papers
Name of the student _____________________________ Roll Number_________
Pre Board Assessment– January 2024-25
Class: 12
Subject: ENGLISH (Core)
Time: 3 Hours Max. Marks: 80
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HBSE Pre Board Assessment– January 2024-25 Class12 ENGLISH (Core)
General Instructions:
1. This question paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D
2. All the sections are compulsory.
3. Attempt all the parts of a question together.
4. Before beginning to answer a question, its Serial Number must be written.
5. Stick to the word limit wherever prescribed.
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SECTION: A (Reading Skills) 15 marks
1. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
(A) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 10×1 = 10
There is an enemy beneath our feet- an enemy more deadly because of its complete
impartiality. He recognizes no national boundaries, no political parties. The enemy is the earth
itself. When an earthquake comes, the whole world trembles. An earthquake strikes without
warning. When it does, its power is immense. If it strikes a modern city, the damage it causes is
as great as if it has struck a primitive village. Gas mains burst, explosions are caused and fires
are started. Underground railways are wrecked. Whole buildings collapse. Dams burst. Bridges
fall. Gaping crevices appear in busy streets. If the quake strikes at sea, huge tidal waves sweep
inland. If it strikes in a mountain region, avalanches roar down into the valley.
In 1968, an earthquake struck Alaska. As this is a relatively unpopulated part of the world, only
a few people were killed. But it is likely that this was one of the most powerful quakes ever to
have hit the world. Geologists estimate that during the tremors, the whole of the state moved
above 80 feet farther west into the Pacific Ocean. But first- just what is an earthquake? And
what causes it? In the early history of the earth, when it was cooling down, the rocks deep in the
earth’s crust created huge ‘islands’ which floated on the softer and hotter rocks below rather like
wood floats on water. Slowly, these ‘islands’ drifted apart to make the land masses we know
today as continents. But even now, these ‘islands’ are not stable and are still drifting very, very
slowly. It is these imperceptible movements which create stresses in the rock, many miles below
the surface. Every so often, one of these stresses will break the rock- and on the surface, the
deep underground movement is felt as an earthquake.
It is believed that there are other contributory causes to earthquakes. One could be the position
of the sun and moon in the sky. At certain times, the gravitational pull of these combine to exert
a stronger-than-normal influence on the earth. At these times, it is possible that great stress is
placed on the deep rocks and earthquake become more likely. Another factor is the wobbling of
the earth as it spins on its axis. This wobbling is caused by the change in position of the earth in
relation to the stars.
SECTION A: Reading Skills (15 marks)
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow: 10×1 = 10
(i) How was the earth in the beginning?
(A) Very hot (B) Very cold
(C) Very hard (D) very soft
(ii) Give the noun form of the word ‘contributory’.
(A) contribute (B) contributable
(C) contributive (D) contribution
(iii) What word in the passage means ‘unable to be seen or felt’?
(A) Impartiality (B) Imperceptible
(C) Avalanches (D) Tremors
(iv) The earthquake causes more damage in………..
(A) Villages (B) modern cities
(C) Forests (D) same in all areas
(v) Which word does ‘drift’ not correspond to?
(A) float (B) move away
(C) settle (D) glide
(vi) Why has the Earth been called an enemy?
(vi) The Earth has been called an enemy because it causes immense destruction through earthquakes, which occur without warning.
(vii) How does an earthquake strike?
(vii) An earthquake strikes suddenly and without prior notice.
(viii) What happens when an earthquake strikes?
(viii) It causes gas main explosions, fires, building collapses, bridge destruction, and tidal waves.
(ix) What effect does an earthquake show in mountain regions?
(ix) In mountain regions, earthquakes trigger avalanches that roar into valleys.
(x) Which country faced an immense earthquake in 1968?
(x) Alaska faced an immense earthquake in 1968.
OR
(B) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow;
(1) About one in five of all the people in the world follow the teachings of the Buddha, who lived
about 2600 years ago. (He was born in 563 BC) “The Buddha” is a title, not a name. It means
‘the Enlightened one who knows’. The Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha. He was the son of a
Sakya king in Northern India. He and his family were all Hindus and belonged to the Gautama
clan.
(2) Gautama Siddhartha was brought up in luxury. He lived in his father’s palace and saw
nothing of the outside world until he was a young man. Then, one day, accompanied by his
charioteer Channa, Prince Siddhartha went round the city. On his way, he saw some sights that
he had never seen before. First, he saw a man who was very old and was bent with age. Then
he saw a man who was suffering from a terrible disease, possibly leprosy. And then he saw a
dead man who was being taken to the cremation ground. These sights made the prince very
sad.
(3) Now, a complete change came in Gautama Siddhartha’s life. He was filled with a longing to
find the cause and cure of human sufferings. He wanted to find the true meaning of life and help
his fellow men. Although he was married and had a baby son, he left his home in search of
truth. He was then only 28.
(4) First of all, Gautama went to the Hindu priests. He wanted to know from them the cause of
human sufferings. But the priests could not give him any satisfactory answers. Now Gautama
tried to live the life of an ascetic. For six years he tortured himself so that he could become
indifferent to any kind of pain.
(5) He was reduced to a mere skeleton. But eventually he realized that all this was foolish and
useless. Now he sat in deep meditation under a tree near Gaya (in Bihar). Here at last he
attained enlightenment and found the answers to his questions. He was then 35 years old.
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow: 10×1 = 10
marks
(i) When was Buddha born?
(a) 563 A.D. (b) 563 B.C.
(c) 653 B.C. (d) None of the above
(ii) Which clan did Buddha belong to?
(a)Gautama (b) Pandavas
(c) Kuru (d) None of them
(iii) Buddha’s father was the ruler in……….
(a) Southern India (b) Eastern India
(c) Western India (d) Northern India
(iv) Where did Gautama first go to seek answers to human suffering?
(a) Hindu priests (b) Greek priests
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of them
(v) Where did Buddha sit under a tree in deep meditation?
(a) Haryana (b) Himachal
(c) Bihar (d) Tamil Nadu
(vi) How many people in the world follow the teachings of the Buddha?
(vi) One in five people in the world follow Buddha’s teachings.
(vii) What does Buddha literally mean?
(vii) “Buddha” literally means “the Enlightened One who knows.”
(viii) Name prince Siddhartha’s charioteer.
(viii) Prince Siddhartha’s charioteer was Channa.
(ix) What did Gautama decide at the age of 28?
(ix) Gautama decided to leave his home to seek answers about human suffering.
(x) What did prince Siddhartha not know as a young man?
(x) As a young man, Prince Siddhartha did not know about old age, disease, or death.
2. Read the following passage carefully and make notes on it using headings and sub-headings.
Supply an appropriate title also. 5
Skipping breakfast, especially among primary and secondary school children, affects mental
performance in the classroom, thus lending weight to the old adage that a healthy breakfast
gets you off to a good start for the day. New research shows that eating breakfast benefits the
memory. It provides essential nutrients and energy that contribute to the overall diet quality and
adequacy. Children who skip breakfast do not make up for nutrients and energy deficits later in
the day and they tend to perform more poorly in tests of cognition than those who eat their
breakfast. A study undertaken by doctors at the University of Wales in the U.K. found that a
higher blood glucose level after eating breakfast is one of the key reasons for the improvement
in mental performance. It particularly affects the speed of recalling new information, but does
not influence other aspects such as intelligence test results or mental tasks related to
conditioning or developed skills. Eating breakfast was found to improve performance on
retention of new information like recall of stories and word lists. This aspect of memory is called
‘declarative memory’ in which information can be consciously recalled and declared verbally,
says the study whose finding have been presented in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
2. Notes and Summary
Title: Importance of Breakfast for Mental Performance
Notes:
- Skipping Breakfast
- Affects classroom performance.
- Impacts memory and cognition.
- Nutritional Benefits
- Provides essential nutrients and energy.
- Improves diet quality.
- Study Findings
- Higher blood glucose improves memory.
- Affects declarative memory (e.g., recall of stories).
Summary:
Skipping breakfast affects classroom performance and cognition. Research shows eating breakfast improves memory, especially declarative memory, by increasing glucose levels.
SECTION: B GRAMMAR (10 marks)
3. Attempt any two from each sub- part:
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of verbs given in the brackets: 2×1=2
(i) My younger brother ………… to Shimla last month. (go)
(ii) It …………… since morning. (rain)
(iii) Choose the correct option: People ………….. the rising sun. (worship)
(a) Worships (b) Worship (c) worshipping (d) are Worshipped
B. Change the narration of the following sentences: 2×1=2
(i) George said to his brother, “Do you like chocolate?”
(ii) She said, “Open the door.”
(iii) Choose the correct option :He said, “I like swimming.”
(a) He said that he liked swimming. (b) He said that he had liked swimming.
(c) He liked to swim. (d) He told that he would have liked swimming.
C. Fill in the blank with suitable articles wherever necessary 2×1=2
(i) He is …….. doctor.
(ii) ………water of this well is very tasty.
(iii) Choose the correct option: The box was made of ………wood.
(a) a (b) an (c) the (d) x
D. Change the voice of the following sentences: 2×1=2
(i) She gave me a flower.
(ii) They will have won the race.
(iii) Choose the correct option: The boy killed the spider.
(a) The spider is killed by the boy. (b) The spider was killed by the boy.
(c) The spider was killed. (d) The boy had killed the spider.
E. Fill in the blanks with suitable Modals given in the brackets: 2×1=2
(i) You … wash your hands before cooking (will, must, should)
(ii)……….that I were a king. (would, might, shall)
(iii) Choose the correct option: He said that he ………pass.
(a) will (b) would (c) may (d) can
SECTION B: Grammar (10 marks)
3A. Verbs
(i) My younger brother went to Shimla last month.
(ii) It has been raining since morning.
(iii) (b) People worship the rising sun.
3B. Narration
(i) George asked his brother if he liked chocolate.
(ii) She asked to open the door.
(iii) (a) He said that he liked swimming.
3C. Articles
(i) He is a doctor.
(ii) The water of this well is very tasty.
(iii) (d) The box was made of wood.
3D. Voice
(i) I was given a flower by her.
(ii) The race will have been won by them.
(iii) (b) The spider was killed by the boy.
3E. Modals
(i) You must wash your hands before cooking.
(ii) Would that I were a king.
(iii) (b) He said that he would pass.
SECTION: C Creative Writing Skills (15 marks)
4 . Attempt any one from (A), (B) and (C) given below: 5
(A) Fireworks and crackers are known to create pollution during festivals. As an
environmentalist design a poster to create awareness of their ill effects. (word limit 50 words)
OR
(B) A multinational company wants to sell its five computers. Draft an advertisement in the
‘For Sale’ column of a newspaper stating the condition of the computers. You are manager of
the company. (word limit 50 words)
OR
(C) You are Sridhar, the head boy of Bhavan Vidyalaya School. Your school is organising a
career counselling workshop on 10 January 2025 for students in classes 11 and 12.
Draft a notice in about 50 words inviting students to participate by submitting their
names to their class teachers. The deadline for registration is 30 December 2024.
5. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A) You are Tara of 15, Nehru Park, Hisar. Write a letter to your friend who just met with an
accident informing him about his speedy recovery in a consoling tone.
(A) Letter to a Friend Consoling Them After an Accident
15, Nehru Park
Hisar
23 December 2024
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I was deeply shocked to hear about your recent accident. I hope you are recovering well and staying positive during this challenging time. It must have been a scary experience, but I’m so relieved to know that you are now safe and under proper care.
Please don’t worry about anything else and focus solely on your recovery. Rest as much as possible, follow the doctor’s advice, and take your medications on time. I am confident that you will be back to your energetic self soon.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help or if you need some company. Get well soon, my dear friend, and remember we are all rooting for your speedy recovery!
Take care and stay strong.
Warm regards,
Tara
OR
(B) You are Rohtash Kumar, a student of class XII of GSSS, Rohtak . There is a marriage in
your family because of which you will not be able to attend school for 4 days. Write an
application to your principal asking for leave for the same.
(B) Leave Application to the Principal
To
The Principal
GSSS, Rohtak
Date: 23 December 2024
Subject: Application for Leave
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Rohtash Kumar, a student of Class XII. I am writing to request leave for four days, from 25th December to 28th December 2024, as there is a marriage ceremony in my family. Being an important family event, my presence is essential.
I assure you that I will make up for the missed classes and complete all pending assignments promptly. I kindly request you to grant me leave for the mentioned period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Rohtash Kumar
Class XII
6. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A) What kind of information do newspapers provide to their readers? Describe in 120 – 150
(A) What kind of information do newspapers provide to their readers?
Newspapers provide a wide range of information to their readers, helping them stay informed about current events and issues. The primary categories of information include:
- News: Local, national, and international news updates on politics, economy, crime, and social events.
- Editorials and Opinions: Thought-provoking articles offering perspectives on various matters, often written by experts or editors.
- Sports: Coverage of games, player performances, match results, and sports events.
- Entertainment: Information about movies, celebrities, music, and other forms of entertainment.
- Advertisements: Promoting products, services, and offers that attract potential buyers.
- Weather Forecasts: Providing updates on the weather conditions for planning daily activities.
- Public Notices: Announcements about government policies, job vacancies, and public events.
- Health & Lifestyle: Articles about fitness, well-being, and lifestyle tips.
In essence, newspapers offer an essential and diverse source of information that keeps readers well-informed about the world around them.
words. OR
(B) A local river near your village has been affected with sewage water and waste. Write a
report in 150-200 words on the environmental concerns and the measures being taken to
protect it. You are the Sohan / Sohana.
B) Report on the Pollution of a Local River
Report by Sohan/Sohana
Title: Pollution of the Local River and its Environmental Concerns
The local river near our village has been severely affected by sewage and waste disposal, leading to significant environmental concerns. Over the past few months, the river’s water has turned murky, emitting a foul smell due to the untreated sewage being dumped by nearby industries and households. This has not only resulted in the destruction of aquatic life but also poses serious health risks to the villagers who rely on the river for drinking water and irrigation.
The river’s ecosystem is under threat, and the once vibrant fish population has dwindled. Additionally, the contamination has affected the soil, making it unsuitable for farming. The river’s pollution has created an environment conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases, causing health issues among the locals.
In response, several measures have been proposed by the local authorities and environmental groups. These include the installation of sewage treatment plants, awareness campaigns for proper waste disposal, and regular river clean-up drives. It is crucial for the community to come together and protect this vital water resource before the damage becomes irreversible.
SECTION C: Creative Writing Skills (15 marks)
4A. Poster:
Title: Stop Fireworks Pollution!
Content:
Say no to crackers!
- Harmful to health & the environment.
- Causes air & noise pollution.
Celebrate festivals sustainably!
4B. Advertisement:
Title: For Sale – Computers
Content:
5 well-maintained computers from a multinational company.
- Specifications: Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Price: Negotiable.
Contact: 9876543210.
4C. Letter:
Subject: Application for Leave Due to Illness
To: Principal, SJS GGSSS Silana
Content:
Respected Sir,
I am unwell and unable to attend school. Kindly grant me leave from [date] to [date].
Thank you.
Sincerely, [Your Name].
SECTION: D Literature 40 marks
7. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
………..and looked out at young
Trees sprinting, merry children spilling
Out of their home, but after the airport’s
Security check, standing a few yards away,
I looked again at her wan, pale
Extract A: Answers
(i) Name the poem from which the above lines have been taken.
(c) My Mother at Sixty-Six
(ii) What is wan and pale in the stanza?
(c) Mother’s face
(iii) What did the poetess look at again?
(b) Her mother
(iv) What are the trees doing?
(a) Sprinting
(v) Who is the poet of the poem?
(b) Kamala Das
OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Fishermen in the cold sea
Would not harm Whales
And the man gathering salt
Would look at his hurt hands
Extract B: Answers
(i) Who has written the poem?
(c) Pablo Neruda
(ii) What would the fishermen do?
(c) Would not harm the whales
(iii) What would the man gathering salt do?
(b) Would look at his hands
(iv) Who would look at his hurt hands?
(b) Salt gatherers
(v) Name the poem from which the above stanza has been taken.
(b) Keeping Quiet
8. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
But the jump made no difference. The water was still around me. I looked for ropes, ladders,
water wings. Nothing but water. A mass of yellow water held me. Stark terror took an even
deeper hold on me, like a great charge of electricity. I shook and trembled with fright. My arms
wouldn’t move. My legs wouldn’t move. I tried to call for help, to call for mother. Nothing
happened.
(i)What is the name of the lesson the above lines have been taken from?
(a) Lost Spring (b)The Last Lesson
(c) Deep Water (d) The Rattrap
(ii) Who is the writer of the chapter?
(a) Alphonse Daudet (b) Anees Jung
(c) William Douglas (d) Selma Lagerlof
(iii) What was there around the author when he was looking for something?
(a) Water (b) Ropes
(c) Water wings (d) Ladder
(iv)The author was helpless because his………….
(a) Arms wouldn’t move (b) Legs wouldn’t move
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of the above
(v) The colour of the water in the pond was………
(a)Blue (b) Black (c) Yellow (d) Green
Answers for Extract A
(i) What is the name of the lesson the above lines have been taken from?
(c) Deep Water
(ii) Who is the writer of the chapter?
(c) William Douglas
(iii) What was there around the author when he was looking for something?
(a) Water
(iv) The author was helpless because his………….
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(v) The colour of the water in the pond was………
(c) Yellow
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Since its invention a little over 130 years ago, the interview has become a commonplace in
Page 9 of 10
journalism. Today, almost everybody who is literate will have read an interview at some point in
their lives, while from the other point of view; several thousand celebrities have been
interviewed over the years, some of them repeatedly. So, it is hardly surprising that opinions
about the interview- of its functions, methods and merits- vary considerably. Some might make
quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of truth, and, in its practice,
an art.
(i) Which field is the chapter interview related to?
(a)Judiciary. (b)Fiction.
(c) Journalism. (d)Publicity.
(ii) When was the interview, as a genre, invented?
(a) In antiquity (b) About 130 years ago
(c) In the 21st century. (d) Merely 50 years ago
(iii) In what respect do the opinions about the interview vary?
(a)Functions (b)Methods
(c)Merits (d) All of the above
(iv) Which sort of interview is being talked about in the chapter?
(a)Printed in newspapers / magazines (b) Video-taped
(c)Broadcast on radio (d) Audio- taped
(v) What has become a commonplace in journalism?
(a) Acting (b) Dancing
(c) Interview (d) Singing
Answers for Extract B
(i) Which field is the chapter interview related to?
(c) Journalism
(ii) When was the interview, as a genre, invented?
(b) About 130 years ago
(iii) In what respect do the opinions about the interview vary?
(d) All of the above
(iv) Which sort of interview is being talked about in the chapter?
(a) Printed in newspapers/magazines
(v) What has become a commonplace in journalism?
(c) Interview
9. Answer any four questions in about 30-40 words: 2×4 = 8
(i) Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities?
(Poets and Pancakes)
OR
In ‘The Interview,’ Umberto Eco came up with the concept of ‘interstices’. What
does this tell us about his personality?
(ii) “All we have to fear is fear itself”. When did Douglas learn this lesson? (Deep Water)
(iii) Who do you think was at fault- the ironmaster or the paddler? Give two reasons.
(The Rattrap)
(iv) What was unique and distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style? (The Interview)
Page 10 of 10
(v) Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection? (Going Places)
(i) Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.
- Subbu could write poetry in Tamil and produce exceptional film scripts.
- He had a flair for storytelling and solving problems on set.
- His creativity helped in developing plots and dialogues for movies.
- Subbu’s ability to flatter his boss ensured his influence in Gemini Studios.
OR
In ‘The Interview,’ Umberto Eco came up with the concept of ‘interstices.’ What does this tell us about his personality?
- It shows Eco’s exceptional time management skills and his ability to utilize small gaps in his schedule for productive work.
- He was highly organized and valued even the smallest amounts of time.
(ii) “All we have to fear is fear itself.” When did Douglas learn this lesson?
- Douglas learned this lesson during his training to overcome his fear of water.
- The realization came after he successfully conquered his terror of drowning in the pool.
(iii) Who do you think was at fault – the ironmaster or the peddler? Give two reasons.
- The ironmaster was at fault because he mistook the peddler for an old acquaintance and insisted he visit his home.
- He displayed arrogance by threatening the peddler when the truth was revealed.
(iv) What was unique and distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
- Eco’s academic writing was clear, lucid, and accessible to both specialists and common readers.
- He avoided unnecessary jargon and focused on making complex ideas comprehensible.
(v) Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection?
- Sophie idolized her brother Geoff, admiring his independence and mysterious life.
- She longed for his approval and to be a part of his world, which felt more exciting than hers.
10. Answer any two questions in about 40-50 words 2x 3 =6
(a) What does the poet himself feel about the Roadside Stand? Describe. (A Roadside Stand)
(b) How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings? (A Thing of Beauty)
(c) How does Aunt Jeniffer express her bitterness and anger against the male domination?
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
Answers:
(a) What does the poet himself feel about the Roadside Stand?
- The poet feels deep sympathy for the owners of the roadside stand, who depend on passing travelers for their livelihood.
- He is distressed by the apathy of the city folk who ignore the stand and fail to help its poor owners.
(b) How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings?
- Keats laments the selfishness, negativity, and lack of sensitivity among humans.
- He contrasts this with the eternal beauty found in nature, which provides solace and joy, unlike human pettiness.
(c) How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male domination?
- Aunt Jennifer’s tigers, fearless and prancing freely in their world, symbolize the freedom she yearns for.
- Her embroidery reflects her suppressed desires and frustrations under the constraints of male domination in her marriage.
11. Answer any three questions in about 30-40 words. 3×2=6
(a) What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish fulfilled?
(The Tiger King)
(b) What was Gondwana like? How did it change. (Journey to the End of the Earth)
(c) What physical impairment is Mr. Lamb suffering from? (On the Face of it)
(d) What is common between Zitkala-Sa and Bama? (Memories of Childhood)
Answers:
(a) What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish fulfilled?
- The high-ranking British officer wished to photograph himself with the dead tiger killed by the Maharaja.
- His wish was not fulfilled, as the Maharaja refused, fearing it would diminish his royal pride and authority.
(b) What was Gondwana like? How did it change?
- Gondwana was a supercontinent about 650 million years ago, teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
- Over time, tectonic forces split it into smaller landmasses, shaping the continents and oceans we know today.
(c) What physical impairment is Mr. Lamb suffering from?
- Mr. Lamb is an amputee who lost one leg in an accident and uses a tin leg as a replacement.
- Despite this, he remains optimistic and teaches others to embrace life positively.
(d) What is common between Zitkala-Sa and Bama?
- Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama experienced social discrimination and oppression.
- Zitkala-Sa faced cultural suppression as a Native American, while Bama encountered caste-based discrimination in Indian society.
12. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: 5
(a) Examine the role of the villagers in the last lesson. What does their presence and reaction
reveal about the community’s values and concerns? (The Last Lesson)
OR
(b) How did Gandhiji’s refusal to leave Champaran impact the movement, and what does this
tell us about the power of nonviolent resistant. (Indigo)
Answer (a): Examine the role of the villagers in The Last Lesson.
The villagers play a significant role in The Last Lesson, as their presence in M. Hamel’s classroom during his final French lesson underscores their newfound appreciation for their language and culture. Traditionally indifferent to education, their attendance signifies a profound shift in their values and priorities.
Their reaction reveals a deep regret for having taken their language and heritage for granted. The occupation of their region by Prussia brings a stark realization that language is integral to their identity and freedom. By sitting silently in the classroom, they pay homage to M. Hamel’s years of dedication and express solidarity in preserving their cultural legacy.
This behavior reflects the community’s concern for their lost autonomy and a rekindled sense of national pride. Their presence becomes a silent yet powerful testament to the value of education and cultural preservation in the face of oppression.
Answer (b): How did Gandhiji’s refusal to leave Champaran impact the movement?
Gandhiji’s refusal to leave Champaran marked a turning point in India’s fight for independence. By defying the British order to leave, he demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance. His decision inspired the local peasants, who were being exploited by the indigo planters, to unite and demand their rights.
This act of civil disobedience brought national attention to the plight of the Champaran farmers and established Gandhiji as a leader of the masses. His steadfastness pressured the British authorities to agree to reforms, leading to significant improvements in the lives of the peasants.
The Champaran movement became a blueprint for future satyagraha campaigns, emphasizing the strength of peaceful protest. It showcased how courage, persistence, and moral conviction could effectively challenge injustice, even in the face of a powerful colonial regime.
13. Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5
Why did the narrator turn towards the ticket window? Why did he run back from there?
(The Third Level)
OR
How is Hana’s perspective about the white man different from Yumi’s perspective?
(The Enemy)
Answer (a): Why did the narrator turn towards the ticket window, and why did he run back from there? (The Third Level)
The narrator, Charley, turned towards the ticket window on the third level of the Grand Central Station because he was convinced that he had discovered a time-travel portal to the 1890s. He wanted to purchase two tickets to Galesburg, Illinois, a place he imagined as a utopia where life was simpler and happier. Charley believed this was his chance to escape the harsh realities of the modern world and start afresh in an idyllic past.
However, when he presented modern currency at the ticket window, the clerk found it suspicious and questioned him. Charley realized that his money was invalid in the 1890s, causing him to panic. Fearing arrest or confrontation, he ran back from the ticket window in a rush. This incident underscores Charley’s deep desire for escapism and the fragile boundary between fantasy and reality in his mind.
Answer (b): How is Hana’s perspective about the white man different from Yumi’s perspective? (The Enemy)
Hana’s perspective about the white man reflects her inner conflict between humanity and social norms, while Yumi’s view is shaped by cultural and national loyalty.
Hana, despite being a Japanese woman, decides to help the wounded American soldier because of her sense of compassion and moral duty as a human being. She suppresses her fears and societal conditioning to prioritize saving his life, even though she is aware of the risks involved. Her perspective is nuanced, driven by a blend of empathy and the influence of her husband, Dr. Sadao, who is a doctor first and a patriot second.
In contrast, Yumi, the household maid, refuses to assist the white man. Her perspective is straightforward, rooted in loyalty to her country during wartime. For Yumi, helping an enemy soldier is an act of betrayal, reflecting the cultural and nationalistic mindset of the time.
This contrast highlights the complexity of human emotions and the varying degrees of personal and societal values.
