HBSE ✨ Solved Model Test Paper – English Core (Class 12, 2025–26) ✨
HBSE Sample Paper- 2025- 2026 SET A Class 12 English Solved
CLASS : 12th (Sr. Secondary) Code No. 1201
Series : HB/Sample paper- 2025- 2026 SET : A
R0ll No.
ENGLISH (Core)
[ For all Groups I, II, III]
ACADEMIC/OPEN
( Only for Fresh/Re-appear/Improvement/ Additional Candidates)
Time Allowed : 3 hours Maximum marks : 80
Please make sure that the printed pages in this question paper are 19 in number
and it contains 14 questions.
The Code No. and Set on the right side of the question paper should be written by
the candidate on the front page of the answer book.
Before beginning to answer a question, its Serial Number must be written.
Don’t leave blank page/pages in your answer-book.
Except answer-book, no extra sheet will be given. Write to the point and do not
strike the written answer.
Candidates must write their Roll No. on the question paper. Except Roll No. do not
write anything on question paper and do not make any mark on answers of
objective type questions.
Before answering the questions, ensure that you have been supplied the correct
and complete question paper, no claim in this regard, will be entertained after
examination.
General Instructions:
(I ) This question paper is divided into four sections : A , B, C and D
(ii) All the sections are compulsory.
(iii) Attempt all the parts of a question together.
(iv ) Stick to the word limit wherever prescribed.
SECTION A 15 marks
Reading Skills
1 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow; 10×1 = 10
1.Doing housework, taking care of children and carrying out assorted jobs for
husbands are work just as much as is performing paid employment in an office or
factory. To ignore this is to do a disservice to women in the labour force. The
reality of housework is that women’s work in the home averages 56 hours per
week for the full time home maker and 26 hours per week for the employed
wife/mother. Husbands and children barely increase their contribution to
housework and child care when the wife/mother is in the labour force. As a
result, the employed woman gives up her most of leisure to carry out
responsibilities of family life.
2. We realize that it may sound strange to hear women’s activities in the
home, called work. Since women, who do housework and take care of children
receive no salary or wages; home-making is not considered ‘work’. Economists
have finally helped us to recognize the importance of women’s work in the family
by estimating the monetary value of home making. These estimates range from $
4705 (1968) through $ 8200 (1972) to over $ 13000 per year in 1973 depending
on whether the work of the home maker is considered equivalent to an unskilled,
skilled or a professional worker, respectively. For example, is child care
comparable to baby-sitting at $ 0.75 per hour, to a nursery school aid at $ 3 per
hour, or to the care of a child psychologist at $ 30 per hour?
3. Some people have proposed that the solution to the problem of the
employed housewife would be to pay women for being housewives. Hence,
women with heavy family responsibilities would not have to enter the labour
force in order to gain income for themselves and/or their families. This is not a
solution for many reasons – wages provide income, but they do not remedy the
isolating nature of the work itself nor the negative attitudes housewives
themselves have towards housework ( but not towards child care).
4. Wages for housework would reinforce occupational stereotyping by freezing
women into their traditional roles. Unless women and men are paid equally in the
labour force and there is no division of labour based on sex, women’s work in the
home will have no value.
5. Since it is not clear what constitutes housework, and we know that
housework standards vary greatly, it would be difficult to know how to reward it.
Pay for housework might place home-makers( mainly wives) in the difficult
position of having their work assessed by their husbands, while in the case of
single home-makers , it is not clear who would do the assessing.
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow:
10×1 = 10 marks
(i) According to the passage ,__________ do not get salary for their work.
(a) The women who do the work of baby- sitting
(b) The women who are in labour force
(c) The women who do housework
(d) The women whose husbands are unemployed
(ii) Why is home-making not considered at par with paid work?
(a) It is not very clear what constitutes housework.
(b) House work varies from home to home
(c) It is not known how to assess and reward housework.
(d) All of the above.
(iii On the basis of the passage, study the two statements, I and II given below:
(I) women’s work in the home will acquire recognition when they will be
paid equally in labour force.
(II) Most of the time husbands and children help housewives in their
housework.
Choose the correct option:
(a) I is true II is false
(b) II is true I is false
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) Both I and II are false
(iv) Who made us recognize the significance of women’s work?
(a ) Some people
(b ) The home-makers
(c ) The economists
(d ) Employed housewives
(v ) A full time housewife works 56 hours per week and gets _________
(a ) $ 4705
(b ) $ 8200
( c) $ 13000
(d ) None of the above
(vi ) Find the word from para 1 which means ‘ different’.
(vii ) Find the antonym of ‘ same’. (para 5)
(viii ) Complete the following sentence:
The traditional role of woman is to ______________
(ix ) Why is an employed woman deprived of the joys of leisure?
(x ) When will women’s work in the home be valued?
SECTION – A (Reading Skills, 15 marks)
Q1 (A) Passage on Housework
(i) (c) The women who do housework
(ii) (d) All of the above
(iii) (a) I is true, II is false
(iv) (c) The economists
(v) (d) None of the above
(vi) Assorted = different
(vii) Antonym of ‘same’ = different (para 5: “vary”)
(viii) The traditional role of woman is to do housework and child care.
(ix) Because she has to sacrifice her leisure for family responsibilities.
(x) When men and women are paid equally in the labour force and no division of labour is based on sex.
OR
(B) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow;
1. Money came into existence to answer a need of mankind, but this need did not arise
until civilization had grown beyond its earliest stages. Primitive man lived by hunting,
each hunting only for himself and his family or tribe. At such a stage when strangers
were avoided or driven away, money and trade were unnecessary. Later, when he had
learnt to domesticate wild animals , man lived a nomadic and pastoral life, constantly
wandering as he drove his flocks and herds to new pastures. As the road to wealth was
then the possession of beasts, money in its modern form was still not necessary,
although the beasts themselves were a form of money. It would suit, what few
craftsmen there were to be paid for their wares in cattle and farmers and herdsmen to
pay in that way.
2. When human communities began to settle down and cultivate the land, in stead of
wandering over it with their flocks and herds, the division of labour increased and
people specialized in crafts and trades. Most men specialized in growing and producing
something of which only a very small portion was necessary for their own wants. So
they had to get rid of their surplus. In exchange for it, they wanted something which
would give them the power to choose what they wanted from the surpluses of other
people. A few transactions might take place in straightforward exchange or barter, but
only certain things could be treated in this way. It was unlikely for instance, that a shoemaker needing supplies of corn for his family from time to time would always find that
the farmer would take shoes in exchange. It would be more convenient, if there were
some other object that would always be useful to both the shoe-maker and the farmer.
3. Once the people have agreed what this other object is to be and once they are
prepared always to accept it or offer it in payment, then we have money in its primitive
form. It is the go-between in all business transactions or as the economists say, ‘a
medium of exchange’. We have seen that in the pastoral stage of human history, cattle
themselves were this generally acceptable commodity; it is therefore not strange that
the Latin word for money, ‘pecunia’ comes from a similar Latin word, ‘ pecus’ meaning
cattle.
4. The trouble about the cattle is that they may become diseased, are easily driven
away while their owners are asleep, require a lot of land on which to graze and can not
easily be subdivided without being killed and so losing their value. The precious metals
such as gold and silver do not suffer from any of these disadvantages. It can be buried
and hidden away easily, it does not rust or lose weight through storage; it can be
weighed out into quite small quantities without loss of value. Even some modern
communities have used the precious metals by weight as their standard money. For
many years the standard money of China was the ‘tael’ which was not a coin, but a
weight of silver.
5. There are, however, disadvantages in using weighed quantities of these metals.
Dishonest person may mix them with less valuable metals of the same appearance and
weight. The obvious way out of this difficulty is for the state to make coins of a
standard shape, weight and fitness which are then called currency.
Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow:
10×1 = 10 marks
(i) _________ was China’s standard money for many years.
(a) Pecunia (b) Pecus (c ) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’ (d) tael
(ii) On the basis of your reading of the passage, find the incorrect statement.
(a) Primitive man lived by hunting only for himself and family or tribe.
(b) Money and even trade were unnecessary in primitive time.
(c) Beasts were never used as a form of money.
(d) The primitive stage and the nomadic stage are the first two stages in
the development of human society.
(iii) On the basis of the passage, study the two statements, I and II given below:
(I) The passage mentions three stages in the development of human society.
(II) Man had learnt to domesticate wild animals in nomadic stage.
Choose the correct option:
(a) I is true II is false
(b) II is true I is false
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) Both I and II are false
(iv ) Complete the following sentence by choosing the most appropriate option.
The word ‘pecunia’ originated from _____________
(a) English language
(b) Latin language
(c) French language
(d) Sanskrit language
(v ) The only way to subdivide the cattle was to__________
(a ) kill them (b) make them graze (c) drive them away (d) All of these
(vi) Find the synonym of “ early” from the para 1 of the text.
(vii ) How did money come into existence?
(viii ) Complete the following sentence
In nomadic stage man wandered in search of __________
(ix ) Find the synonym of “ clear” from para 5.
(x) Why is it necessary for the state to mint coins?
2. Read the passage given below 5 marks
The kingdom of books is as vast as the universe, for there is no corner of it which they
have left unexplored. There is no dearth of books on any topic, be it as simple as the
composition of sodium nitrate or as intricate as the mechanism of a spacecraft
rocketing towards Mars. We make use of books for the dissemination of useful ideas,
for popularizing the fruits of our research in various fields of knowledge, and for
spreading our progressive views on matters which are of vital concern to our fellow
beings. In fact, no single product of human labour has been as helpful to the
advancement of civilization as books which are written in all languages of the world and
which are decoratively placed in bookselves in our homes and tastefully displayed in
bookstalls and libraries. If to Keats, works of ancient poets like Homer were realms of
gold from which he derived much joy as well as inspiration, to the modern lover of
books, the labour of all geniuses, including those of Keats, are mines of inestimable
intellectual wealth which he goes on exploring for the sake of his mental and spiritual
advancement.
There was a time some five centuries back when books, as we know them today, did
not exist, and when there were few people who could read things written on stuff that
certainly was not paper. At that time our ancestors used rocks, pillars and parchments
With a view to recording and perpetuating their most important thoughts and
achievements in the language they then understood.
Now-a-days, the book producing machinery gives to the work of every great scientific
thinker, poet or philosopher, the character of permanence reproduces in attractive
forms old and rare manuscripts and caters to the differing taste of millions of people
for whom book reading is an extremely pleasant, intellectual exercise. Moreover, the
high percentage of literacy, the growth of libraries in towns and villages and the
tendency of intellectuals to have their own private collection of useful books, have
given birth to a number of big publishing houses with branches in many parts of the
world and publication numbering thousands. In recent years paperbacks have begun to
reveal their attraction for the reading public, and although they have not completely
thrown into neglect the hard cover market, they have appeared to people who would
not thought of buying books not so very long ago. These paperbacks are generally
reprints of popular fiction or of established classics or translations from foreign works
which are in constant demand at all bookstalls.
Based on the understanding of the passage, make notes using headings and sub
headings or in points. Use recognizable abbreviations ( wherever necessary, minimum
four). Also supply an appropriate title to it.
Q2 (Notes) Passage on Books
Title: Books – Treasures of Knowledge
Notes:
-
Vast Kingdom
1.1 Covers all subjects
1.2 Spread ideas, knowledge, research -
Importance
2.1 Advancement of civilization
2.2 Written in all languages -
History
3.1 No books 5 centuries ago
3.2 Used rocks, pillars, parchments -
Modern Times
4.1 Printing machines → permanence of thoughts
4.2 Growth of literacy & libraries
4.3 Publishing houses expand -
Paperbacks
5.1 Popular & cheaper
5.2 Reprints of classics/fiction
Abbreviations: imp (important), info (information), diff (different), pub (publishing)
SECTION –B 10 marks
GRAMMAR
3 Attempt any two from each sub- part :
3.1 Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals/auxiliaries 2×1= 2
(I ) What _______ you prefer coffee or tea?
( ii) The child is serious. He ______ be taken to hospital immediately.
(iii ) Choose the correct option:
______ I use your mobile phone to call my brother?
(a ) Would (b) may (c ) ought to ( d ) must
3.2 Change the narration 2×1 =2
(I ) Geeta said to Ravi, “How can we find a solution to this problem?”
(ii ) Keats says, “ A thing of beauty is joy forever.”
(iii ) Choose the correct option
The doctor said to the patient, “Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.”
(a) The doctor advised the patient to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
(b) The doctor advised the patient not to drink water to avoid dehydration.
(c) The doctor advised the patient to drank a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
(d) The doctor told the patient that he drink water to avoiding dehydration.
3.3 Fill in the blank with suitable articles wherever necessary 2×1=2
(I ) _______ sooner______ better.
(ii ) ______ English is spoken worldwide.
(iii ) He did his _______ best to win the match.
(a ) a (b) an (c ) the (d) x
3.4 Change the voice 2×1= 2
(I ) She made me cry.
(ii ) You are requested to sit down.
(iii ) Choose the correct option.
Birds fly in the sky.
(a) Birds are flown in the sky.
(b) The sky is flown in by birds
(c) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’.
(d) None of the above.
3.5 Fill in the blank with correct form of verb. 2×1=2
(I ) I wish I ________ that match. ( to watch)
(ii ) Police _____ into the matter for two days ( to look)
(iii ) Choose the correct option.
He along with his family members ___________ Madhogarh Fort every year.
(a) visit (b ) visits (c) are visiting (d ) visited
SECTION – B (Grammar, 10 marks)
Q3.1 (Modals)
(i) What would you prefer, coffee or tea?
(ii) He must be taken to hospital immediately.
(iii) (b) May I use your mobile phone?
Q3.2 (Narration)
(i) Geeta asked Ravi how they could find a solution to that problem.
(ii) Keats says that a thing of beauty is joy forever.
(iii) Correct option: (a) The doctor advised the patient to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
Q3.3 (Articles)
(i) The sooner the better.
(ii) x English is spoken worldwide.
(iii) He did his the best to win the match.
Q3.4 (Voice)
(i) I was made to cry by her.
(ii) Please sit down.
(iii) Correct option: (d) None of the above.
Q3.5 (Verbs)
(i) I wish I had watched that match.
(ii) Police have been looking into the matter for two days.
(iii) Correct option: (b) visits.
SECTION C
Creative Writing Skills ( 15 marks)
4 Attempt any one from (A) , (B) and (C) given below: 5
(A) You are the secretary, Science Club of Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Kothal Kalan,
Mahendergarh. Write a notice for your school notice-board encouraging the
bright science students of classes XI and XII to participate in the Inter- School
Science Exhibition to be held next week in a neighbouring school. Sign yourself as
Mohit/Priya. ( Word Limit 50 words)
Q4 (Notice)
NOTICE
Inter-School Science Exhibition
The bright students of classes XI & XII are invited to participate in the Inter-School Science Exhibition to be held next week at Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Mahendergarh. Interested students should give their names to the undersigned by Monday.
Mohit/Priya
Secretary, Science Club
OR
(B ) Draft a matrimonial advertisement for publication in a newspaper for a
suitable match for your brother. ( word limit 50 words)
OR
( C ) You are making an effort to spread the message of communal harmony.
Prepare a poster with catchy slogans to be displayed in the school premises. (
Word limit- 50)
5 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A ) You are Sumit/ Priti of Narnaul. Of late, chain snatching incidents are increasing in
the city. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hindu drawing the attention of the
concerned authorities. Also give suggestions. ( word limit 120-150)
Q5 (Letter to Editor)
Sumit, Narnaul
Date…
The Editor,
The Hindu, New Delhi.
Subject: Rising Incidents of Chain Snatching
Sir,
Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities towards the increasing incidents of chain snatching in our city. Women and elderly people are the most affected. These incidents create fear among the public.
I suggest strict patrolling, installation of CCTV cameras, and awareness drives for public safety. Immediate action is necessary.
Yours sincerely,
Sumit
OR
You are Ansul/ Manisha. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and want
to apply for the position advertised.
M. S. Public School
Requires PGT ENGLISH
Young Male or Female
Qualifications
MA English, B.Ed
Good communication skills
Experience 2 years
Job Profile: Taking remedial classes
Teaching classes 9- 12
Organize co- curricular activities
Salary : As per merit and school policy
Apply within 10 days to Principal, M.S Public School, Rewari
Write an application to the Principal, M.S. Public School, Rewari, along with your
bio- data in 120-150 words applying for the post advertised.
6 Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5
(A ) The mushrooming of fast food outlets is creating a health hazard for the youth.
School going children are adopting unhealthy eating habits. Your school organized a ‘
Let’s Eat Healthy Week’. As student editor of the school magazine, write a report on
the event. You are Sonu/Sunita.
Q6 (Report)
Report: Let’s Eat Healthy Week
Our school organized a week-long campaign titled Let’s Eat Healthy to create awareness among students about balanced diets. Various activities like poster-making, quiz, and a lecture by a dietician were held. Students pledged to avoid junk food and adopt healthy eating habits. The campaign was a huge success in spreading health awareness.
– Sonu (Editor)
OR
(B ) You are Nishant/ Palak studying in Delhi Public School, Ambala. While
commuting for your school everyday you find many of your school boys and girls
taking free lift from the passing cars, which you do not like. Write an article in about
120 to 150 words on “ The Evil of Hitch- hiking” for publication in your school
magazine.
SECTION D 40 marks
Literature
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:
What I want should not be confused
With total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
About keeping our lives moving
(i) “Total inactivity’ refers to _________________.
(a) Life
(b) Death
(c) Introspection
(d) Counting
(ii) The figure of speech used in “ I want no truck with death” is
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Alliteration
(d) Personification
(iii) Read the statements given below and choose the correct option
1 The poet values an active and meaning life
2 inactivity is equated with leisure, which the poet rejects
(a) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false
(b) Statement 2 is true but 1 is false
(c) Both the statements 1 and 2 are true
(d) Both the statements 1 and2 are false
( iv) The tone of the extract is
(a) Explanatory
(b) Humorous
(c) Cheerful
(d) mournful
(v ) Name the poet of the above extract.
(a) John Keats
(b) Robert Frost
(c) Kamla Das
(d) Pablo Neruda
Q7 (A) Extract from Keeping Quiet
(i) (b) Death
(ii) (c) Alliteration
(iii) (a) Statement 1 true, 2 false
(iv) (a) Explanatory
(v) (d) Pablo Neruda
OR
( B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Therefore on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all unhealthy and o’ver-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all’
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
( i) In difficult times who/what helps us to overcome the difficulties?
(A) Our relatives
(B) Our best friends
(C) Our local Society
(D) Some shape of beauty
(ii) Complete the following analogy with a word from the given options:
despondence : dejection :: dearth : ______________
(a) scarcity
(b) beneficent
(c) comfort
(d) none
(iii) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below:
(I) Despondency, depression, unhealthy and wrong ways taken up by humans cause
suffering and pain.
(II) The imagery ‘ flowery band’ represents earthly ties.
Choose the correct option:
(a) I is true II is false
(b) II is true I is false
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) Both I and II are false
(iv ) Which of the following word rhymes with the word ‘all’
(a) days (b) pall (c ) earth (d) ways
(v) Identify the figure of speech used in ‘ noble nature’.
(a) Simile
(b) Alliteration
(c) Transferred epithet
(d) Antithesis
8 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:
For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It was so
warm, so bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of woods; and in the open field
back of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting
than the rule for the participles, but I had the strength to resist, and hurried off to
school.
(i) Complete the following sentence by choosing the appropriate option.
He hurried off to school resisting ________________
(a) Temptation
(b) The rules for participles
(c) Aversion
(d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’
(ii) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below:
(I) The bright day, birds’ chirping, Prussian soldier drilling all tempted Franz.
(II) Franz bunked the school and spent the day out of doors.
Choose the correct option:
(a) I is true II is false
(b )II is true I is false
(c ) Both I and II are true
( d) Both I and II are false
(iii) _________ is the narrator of this extract.
(a ) M. Hamel
( b) Franz
( c) Alphonse Daudet
( d) The Mayor
(iv) Find the correct pair
(a) sawmill — onomatopoeia
(b) participles —- onomatopoeia
(c) chirping —- onomatopoeia
(d) Woods —— onomatopoeia
(v) The narrator wants to bunk the school because _____
(a) He wanted to seek bird’s eggs
(b) He did not like M.Hamel
(c) He was not prepared for the test on participles
(d) He wanted to spend some time with his friends
Q8 (A) Extract from The Last Lesson
(i) (a) Temptation
(ii) (a) I true, II false
(iii) (b) Franz
(iv) (c) Chirping – onomatopoeia
(v) (c) He was not prepared for the test on participles
OR
( B) Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:
When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, in central India, he said,
“I will tell you how it happened that I decided to urge the departure of the British. It
was in 1917.” He had gone to the December 1916 annual convention of the Indian
National Congress party in Lucknow. There were 2301 delegates and many visitors.
During the proceedings, Gandhi recounted, “a peasant came up to me looking like any
other peasant in India, poor and emaciated, and said, “ I am Rajkumar Shukla. I am
from Champaran, and I want you to come to my district!
( i) Rajkumar Shukla belonged to __________
(a) Sevagram
(b) Champaran
(c) Lucknow
(d) Chandigarh
(ii) Complete the following analogy:
Departure : Arrival :: _________ : chubby
(a) Emaciated
(b) delegate
(c) Convention
(d) Proceeding
(iii ) “When I first visited Gandhi.” Who is “I” here?
(a) Rajkumar Shukla
(b) Dr. Rajender Prasad
(c) Louis Fischer
(d) Charles Andrews
(iv ) When did Gandhi Ji decide to start his mission for independence?
(a) In 1916
(b) In 1917
(c) In 1942
(d) In 1947
(v ) Rajkumar Shukla met Gandhi ji in________
(a) In 1916 at Lucknow
(b) In 1917 at Champaran
(c) In 1942 in Delhi
(d) In 1916 at Kanpur
9. Attempt any one of the two extract (A) and (B) given below 1X4
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow;
Anyway , here is what happened at Grand Central. One night last summer I worked
late at the office. I was in a hurry to get uptown to my apartment so I decided to
take the subway from the Grand central because it is faster than the bus. Now I do
not know why this should have happened to me. I am just an ordinary guy named
Charley, thirty one years old and was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat
with a fancy band; I passed a dozen men who looked just like me.
(i) State whether the following statement is ‘True’ or ‘False’
Charley used the subway because it was quicker than the bus.
(ii) How old was Charley?
(iii) Which time frame is represented through the kind of outfit mentioned in the
extract?
(iv) Complete the following sentence;
Grand central is a/an____________
Q9 (A) Extract from The Third Level
(i) True
(ii) 31 years old
(iii) 1890s (tan gabardine suit & straw hat)
(iv) Grand Central is a railway station
Or
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow;
Derry : I’d not come to steal anything
Mr. Lamb : No, no. the young lads steal…. Scrump the apples.
You are not so young.
Derry : I just…just wanted to come in. into the garden.
Mr. Lamb: so you did. Here we are ,then.
Derry : you don’t know who I am.
Mr. Lamb : A boy. Thirteen or so
Derry : Fourteen.( Pause) But I’ve got to go now. Good-bye.
Mr. Lamb : Nothing to be afraid of. Just a garden. Just me.
Derry : But I am not…. I’m not afraid. (Pause) People are afraid of me.
(i) State whether the following statement is ‘True’ or ‘False’.
Derry entered the garden as he wanted to meet Mr. Lamb.
(ii) How old was Derry?
(iii) According to Mr. Lamb who comes to steal apples from the Garden?
(iv) Complete the following sentence;
People are afraid of Derry because__________
10 Answer any three questions in about 30- 40 words 2×3 = 6 marks
(a) What forces conspire to keep the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad in
poverty? (Lost Spring)
(b) “All we have to fear is fear itself” says Roosevelt. Explain the importance of
the statement. ( Deep Water)
(c) What work was assigned to Asokamitran in the Gemini Studio?
(Poets and Pancake)
(d) Why was Gandhi Ji not allowed to draw water from the well? ( Indigo)
(e) What do you understand by “ interstices”? How does Umberto Eco utilize his
interstices? ( The Interview)
Q10 (Short answers, 30–40 words)
(a) Poverty in Firozabad is due to tradition, middlemen, police, lack of education, and social pressures.
(b) Roosevelt’s line means fear itself weakens us. Courage helps overcome obstacles like Douglas in Deep Water.
(c) Asokamitran’s work was cutting film stills into pieces for the Gemini Studio.
(d) Gandhi was not allowed because villagers believed his touch would pollute the well.
(e) Interstices = gaps. Eco used them productively for writing.
11 Answer any two questions in about 40-50 words 2×3= 6 marks
(a) Describe the poetic devices used by Kamala Das in ‘ My Mother at Sixty Six. (
My Mother at Sixty Six)
(b) What is the ‘childish longing’ that the poet refers to? Why is it ‘vain’?(A
Roadside Stand)
(c) After reading the poem ‘ Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, what opinion do you form
about Aunt Jennifer’s husband? ( Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers)
Q11 (40–50 words)
(a) Kamala Das uses simile (“face ashen like a corpse”), imagery (pale face), and contrast (young trees vs. old mother).
(b) Childish longing = to be loved and cared for. It is vain because villagers are poor and helpless.
(c) Aunt Jennifer’s husband is dominating and oppressive, symbolizing patriarchal control.
12 Answer any two questions in about 30-40 words: 2×2= 4 marks
(a) What was Gondwana? ( Journey to the End of the Earth)
(b ) What were the two ‘amazing’ things of the royal infant? ( The Tiger King)
(c ) State any two qualities of Hana. ( The Enemy)
(d ) Who was Mr. Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden? ( On the Face of It)
Q12 (30–40 words)
(a) Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
(b) The royal infant in Tiger King spoke and asked intelligent questions at birth.
(c) Hana was kind, compassionate, and brave enough to help an enemy soldier.
(d) Mr. Lamb was a lonely man. Derry entered his garden accidentally.
13 Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5
(a)What is ‘ linguistic chauvinism’? Analyse the order from Berlin in this light. How do
you justify M. Hamel’s views about French and the new found love of the people
towards their language?
Q13 (120–150 words)
(a) Linguistic Chauvinism: It means dominance of one language over others. The Berlin order forced French out of schools, hurting French pride. M. Hamel emphasized love for mother tongue. The villagers realized the value of French only when it was too late.
OR
(b) “ The whole world… was nothing but a big rattrap”. How does the author
use the metaphor of the rattrap in the story? How does the peddler save himself
to be trapped in the rattrap? ( The Rattrap)
14 Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5
(a) Kalki’s ‘The Tiger King’ is a satire on the pride and unbridled power and rule of the
stubborn Maharaja of Pratibandapuram. Describe the use of dramatic irony leading
to the death of the Tiger King. ( The Tiger King)
Q14 (120–150 words)
(a) The Tiger King – Satire: The Maharaja’s pride and arrogance in killing tigers led to his ironic death by a wooden tiger’s splinter. This shows the futility of human power before destiny. Kalki uses dramatic irony to highlight this.
or
(b) Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and
future? Elaborate your answer with reference to the lesson ‘Journey to the end of
the Earth. ( Journey to the end of the Earth)
