Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions and marking scheme Term 2 Set 4 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Term 2 Set 4 with Solutions
General Instructions :
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections. Reading, Writing and Literature.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 2 Hrs
Section A Reading
Question 1.
Read the passage given below.
1. Ask anyone who has organised traditional Indian wedding what the most painstaking task of all is, and the chances are the answer would be the entire process of sending out invitations. First one has to make a thousand calls to collect the addresses, write each of them on the card and then courier or post them. In addition to this, there is that special lot that needs to be delivered personally no matter how much time is wasted braving long hours in the traffic jam.
2. It is a little wonder that e-invites or e-vites as they are popularly called, are catching on with the young and techie these days. They save paper, time and money and can be personalised to suit the couple. It is also environmentally friendly. The people can also be non-traditional in the sense that they can send light, amusing messages in the e-vites retaining the main purpose but this liberty can be taken with just a handful of people who would understand.
3. Paper invites, especially the designer ones, are expensive and can cost even Rs. 10,000 per card. For a Delhi’s industrialist’s wedding in Dubai, iPad Air Tabs were sent out as special invites and each reportedly cost Rs. 30,000. Excess, however, doesn’t always impress, no matter, how expensive or exotic the invitation. It eventually lands up in trash!
4. E-invites have their pros. They are not easy only to create and cheap to make but also make the process of inviting guests faster. There are no reports of cards getting lost on the way. However, a few cons cannot be overlooked. They make a wedding feel less formal, can land up in scam and guests may still keep waiting for a physical invite and not send RSVPs. Some couples choose a middle path- send a save-the-date via e-mail followed by a physical invite.
5. There are many websites and apps that allow people to create their e-vites. Paperless post, offers around 390 free designs. It also lets you use the same design for digital as well as physical invites. Users can play around with fonts and colours of the text as well as the texture and shade of the envelope. And of course, the content is personalised. On Desievite.com, one can make e-invites in ten Indian languages apart from English. This site which is located in the US, has e-invites for a number of Indian festivals and religious events like Satyanarayan puja and Kali puja.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight questions from the nine given below. (1 x 8)
(i) Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that process of sending out
invitations is painstaking. (1)
(ii) State any one reason why e-vites can be non-traditional. (1)
(iii) The author of the passage states that excess doesn’t always impress. Why? (1)
(iv) How are e-vites better than traditional invites? (1)
(v) Rewrite the given sentence by replacing the underlined phrase/word with another
phrase/ word from the passage. ()
Certainly it’s safer here than enduring the storm to find shelter.
(vi) What can be the cons of e-vites?. (1)
(vii) Select the suitable phrase/word from the passage to complete the following
sentence appropriately. (1)
He’d been content to with the others and test his magic.
(viii) Desievite.com can make e-invites in ten Indian languages apart from English. Does this means that it has assimilated the Indian culture? (1)
(ix) Analyse how the content of e-vites can be personalised. (1)
Answer:
(i) The entire process of sending out invitations is called painstaking because one has to make a thousand calls to collect the addresses, write each of them on the card and then courier or post them. There is also the task of delivering them personally to some people.
(ii) E-vites can also be non-traditional in the sense that they can send light, amusing messages in the e-vites all the while retaining the main purpose of the invite.
(iii) The author of the passage states that excess doesn’t always impress because most of the invites, no what how expensive or exotic it is, eventually lands up in trash.
(iv) E-vites are better than traditional invites because they are environmentally friendly. They save paper, time and money and can be personalised to suit the couple. They are also very experimental as people can change fonts, colours and even add light, amusing messages in them.
(v) Certainly it’s safer here than braving the storm to find shelter.
(vi) The cons of e-vites are that they make a wedding feel less formal. People may think that e-vites can be a part of a scam and guests may still keep waiting for a physical invite and not send RSVPs.
(vii) He’d been content to play around with the others and test his magic.
(viii) The fact that Desievite.com can make e-invites in ten Indian languages apart from English shows how it is catering to their Indian audience. Further, it had templates for Indian festivals as well that show that it is in fact assimilating Indian culture.
(ix) The content of e-vites can be personalised as there are many websites and apps that allow people to create their e-vites with around 390 free designs. It also lets you use the same design for digital as well as physical invites in which users can play around with fonts and colours of the text as well as the texture and shade of the envelope.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below.
1. A new survey by Ipsos paints a bleak picture of the return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey for the World Economic Forum, conducted among more than 21,000 adults on average across 30 countries and markets under the age of 75 between 19th February, 2021 and 5th March, 2021 on Ipsos’ Global Advisor online platform, finds that 59% expect being able to return to something like their normal pre-COVID life within the next 12 months, including 6% who think this is already the case, 9% who think it will take no more than three months, 13% four to six months, and 32% seven to 12 months. About one in five think it will take more than three years-(10%) or that it will never happen (8%).
2. Views on when to expect a return to normal vary widely across countries: Over 70% of adults in Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, and mainland China are confident their life will return to pre-COVID normal within a year. China was understandably one of the most optimistic countries in the survey, even though only 17% said that life was already back to normal even for them. India and Brazil, which both experienced long first waves before only recently starting heavy second waves, were seemingly caught in a more optimistic moment in time by the survey.
3. In contrast, 80% in Japan and more than half in France, Italy, South Korea, and Spain expect it will take longer. Japan, South Korea and several European countries like Spain, Italy and France were the most pessimistic. Potentially fueled by the anger about the Olympic Games going ahead with spectators in the country, two thirds of Japanese said they expected COVID restrictions to last for more than 12 months still. The country also had the highest share of people thinking things would never return to normal at 14% behind Hungary’s 15%.
4. Countries with successful vaccination campaigns, like the UK or the U.S. ranked higher than average. 31% in the U.S. and 25% in the UK thought that the pandemic would only last 6 more months or that life had already normalised.
5. At a global level, expectations about how long it will take before one’s life can return to its pre-COVID normal and how long it will take for the pandemic to be contained are nearly identical. These findings suggest that people across the world consider that being able to return to ‘normal’ life is entirely dependent on containing the pandemic.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the seven questions given below. (1 x 6)
(i) What does the author mean to say by pointing out that the survey shows a bleak picture? (1)
(ii) Why was Japan pessimistic in its view that it will take long for life to go back to normal? (1)
(iii) With reference to figure, write one conclusion about the people’s views regarding life returning to normalcy. (1)
(iv) Why do countries think that life would return back to normal most probably in six months? (1)
(v) Briefly describe the survey conducted by Ipsos. (1)
(vi) What is essential for life to return to normal? (1)
(vii) Identify the word in the passage which means to be powered by something. (1)
Answer:
(i) By pointing out that the survey shows a bleak picture, the author wants to state that the COVID pandemic has changed the world. People now think that life would not go back to normal very soon.
(ii) Japan was pessimistic in its view that it will take long for life to go back to normal because they were angered about the Olympic Games going ahead with spectators in the country in the middle of a life-threatening disease.
(iii) The given figure shows that on an average people do not think that life is returning back to normal anytime soon. They know that it will happen but if would take more than a year for life to become normal again.
(iv) People in countries like the UK or the US thought that the pandemic would only last six more months or that life had already normalised because of the successful vaccination campaigns.
(v) The survey conducted by Ipsos was carried out for the World Economic Forum, among more than 21,000 adults on average across 30 countries and markets under the age of 75 between 19th February, 2021 and 5th March, 2021 on Ipsos’ Global Advisor online platform.
(vi) For people across the world it is essential that to return to ‘normal’ life, we must work towards containing the pandemic.
(vii) Fueled
Section B Writing
Question 3.
Mata Sundri School, Agra is going to organise a one-act play competition in the School Auditorium. Noted Stage artist, Subhu Lakshmi is invited to grace the occasion as a judge. Draft a formal reply of acceptance on her behalf. (3)
Answer:
XYZ Dramatic House
Agra
18th January, 20XX
The Principal
Mata Sundri School
Agra
Subject Acceptance of Invitation
Respected Sir/ Ma’am
I am honoured to receive the invite to be a part of the one-act play competition held in your School Auditorium on 24th January, 20XX during school hours. I have hereby written the letter to tell you that I would be present for the occasion to see young children get interested in the art of dramatics. However, it will be kind, if you could provide me with the transportation to and fro from the school.
Yours truly
Subhu Lakshmi
Question 4.
Attempt any one from A and B given below.
A. You are Vishal of 16, TT Nagar, Nagpur. You have read the following advertisement in the leading newspaper and wish to apply for the same. Write an application applying for the job. (6)
Situation Vacant
Required a Project Manager in a reputed Construction firm in Nagpur. For application, write to Public Relation Officer, Chantac Enterprises, Nagpur.
Or
B. The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), formerly the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), is the qualifying test for MBBS and BDS programmes in Indian medical and dental college was conducted recently. Write a newpaper report based on the following information. You are Karuna/Prem, TOI correspondent. (5)
(i) Dharanisri R, daughter of a weaver in Kanchipuram topped.
(ii) S Rasika of Maygakuvakkam in Chennai came second.
(iii) Of the 480 students who have prepared from government and government-aided schools for NEET in Chennai.
(iv) 130 have cleared it.
Answer:
A. 16, TT Nagar
Nagpur
14th August, 20XX
The Public Relations Officer
Chantac Enterprises
Nagpur
Subject Application for the Post of a Project Manager
Sir/Ma’am
f This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Times of India’ dated 11th August, 20XX for the post of a project Manager, I wish to apply for the same.
I possess requisite qualifications and experience required to handle the responsibilities that come with the post. In my previous capacity as an Assistant Manager at Enu Construction facilities. Having worked on many teams and as a people-oriented person, I am very enthusiastic about the possibility to work with a diverse team.I welcome the opportunity discuss to how my qualifications would be an asset to the organisations continued success.
I am enclosing my detailed Bio Data for your perusal. You may call me for an interview on any date as per your convenience. I shall be able to join my duties at one month’s notice if appointed.
I hope of a positive reply.
Yours sincerely
Vishal
Enclosure Detailed Bio Data and Certificates
Bio Data
Name : Vishal
Father’s Name : Sh. Raman Verma
Date of Birth : 30 November 1970
Address : 16, TT Nagar, Nagpur
Email id : [email protected]
Nationality : Indian
Educational Qualification :
| Name of the Exam | Name of the Institute | Year | Percentage/GPA |
| MBA | PQR University | 1993 | 82% |
| B. Com | Delhi University | 1991 | 73% |
Hobbies : Music, Net Surfing, Photography, Sports.
Languages Known : Hindi, English and German
Experience : Assistant Manager at Enu Construction facilities
References :
- Mr. Ashok Kumar Director PQR University
- Mr. Rajesh Sharma Chief HR Enu Construction Facilities
B. Government School Girl Tops NEET
By-Karuna, TOI Correspondent
12th April, 20XX, Chennai Dharanisri R, daughter of a weaver in Kancheepuram topped government school students with 447 of 720 marks in the National Eligibility – cum – Entrance Test (NEET). S Rasika of Maygakuvakkum in Chennai came second with 439. Both said they prepared for three months.
A student of Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Ekanampet in Kancheepuram, Dharanisri said she thought of joining MBBS after Class XII. ‘I was a bit afraid in the beginning, but I developed an interest as I read more/ said the girl who prepared with NCERT tesxbooks. Teachers said she is likely to get into a government college under 7.5% special reservation for government school students.
Rasika fo Government Girls higher Secondary School in Porur, who found physics challenging, said her dream was to become a doctor.
“Of the 480 students who have prepared from government and government-aided schools for NEET in Chennai, 130 have cleared it, Last year, 26 students got medical seats from Chennai destrict and we expect more students to get MBBS seats this year,” an official said.
Section C Literature
Question 5.
Attempt any five of the six questions given below, within 40 words each. (2 x 5)
(i) The peddler’s pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap is derived from the treatment he had received from the world. Comment. (2)
(ii) “The battle of Champaran is won!.” What led Gandhiji to make this remark? (2)
(iii) Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings. Substantiate. (2)
(iv) How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male dominance? (2)
(v) Validate Jo’s thought that Roger Skunk was better off with the new smell. (2)
(vi) How did Evans outwit the Governor in the end? (2)
Answer:
(i) It is true that the peddler’s pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap is derived from the treatment he had received from the world. The world had never been kind to the poor peddler. Wherever he went, he was greeted with sour faces and was turned or chased away. Therefore, he derived pleasure from thinking ill of the world in this way.
(ii) Gandhiji exclaimed, “The battle of Champaran is won!” when the lawyers, who had first decided to return home if Gandhiji was arrested, declared that they would fight for the peasants’ cause in the event of Gandhiji’s arrest. They also volunteered to court arrest for the cause of the sharecroppers.
(iii) Human beings suffer in their lives from hopelessness and sadness. The lifestyle and our actions makes us anxious and grim. We at times, suffer due to our self-centered and wicked nature. However, in spite of all our troubles and sufferings, we are able to derive pleasure from our surroundings. The beautiful objects from nature help us shed our gloom, give us a glimmer of hope, and make us love life amidst all troubles.
(iv) Aunt Jennifer does not openly express her bitterness and anger against male dominance. She is too terrified to openly resist the oppression that she is victim of. So she expresses her bitterness and anger against male dominance silently through her art. She creates tigers; animals that are symbolic of bravery, fearlessness and strength on her tapestry. Besides, she portrays these tigers as creatures unafraid of the men around them.
(v) Jo is a child. It is obvious for her to think of happy endings, and innocent fairytale-like world. So, while listening to the story, Jo identified that Roger was happy with the new smell. She wanted him to be in the way he was happy and thus felt that he was better off with the new smell.
(vi) Evans was recaptured by the Governor and handcuffed by a prison officer. He was given farewell by the Governor, who thought he was sending Evans back to Oxford jail. Ironically, it was not so. The prison officer, who was actually a friend of Evans in disguise, took Evans to the police van and unlocked the handcuffs as soon as the Governor was out of sight. Evans finally escaped to Newbury. Thus, Evans outwitted the Governor and had the last laugh.
Question 6.
Answer any two of the following in about 120-150 words each. (4 x 2)
(i) There is a saying ‘kindness pays, rudeness never’. In the story ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s attitude towards men and matters is different from her father’s attitude. In this light state how are the values of concern and compassion brought out in the story, ‘The Rattrap’. (4)
(ii) Analyse the theme of Marriage, and Power in Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers. (4)
(iii) With proper guidance, experience and optimism, we can change the pulse and complexity of a man. Explain with reference to ‘On the Face of It’. (4)
Answer:
(i) The ironmaster, father of Edla Williamson is completely different from his daughter. When the ironmaster, came for inspection in night, he sees a tall ragged rattrap peddler and considers him as his old comrade. He insists on taking the peddler to his home, but the rattrap peddler refuses to go to his house. However, when Edla Williamson, the daughter of ironmaster invited him, he couldn’t refuse.
Even though, Edla had gathered that he was not her father’s old acquaintance, she still invited the peddler showing that she is a very kind hearted, compassionate and noble young woman. It was only due to her friendly manner that she was successful in persuading the peddler to go to their home to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Later, when the rattrap peddler was bathed, shaved and dressed the ironmaster realised that he was not his regimental comrade. It is obvious that the ironmaster wanted him to leave. However Edla requested the peddler to stay-back just to enjoy one day of peace with them. She asked the peddler to sit down and eat. She told him to keep her father’s suit, which he was wearing as a ‘Christmas gift’. Her behaviour towards him transformed the rattrap peddler and he returned the thirty kronors stolen by him requesting her to give the money back to the old crofter.
The peddler who always considered the whole world to be a rattrap finally felt released from this rattrap due to the sympathetic, kind and generous treatment of Edla that was able to bring out his basic human goodness.
(ii) Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger is a poem in which a woman names Aunt Jennifer creates a needlepoint that shows tigers leaping across the canvas. Bright and vibrant, like topaz gems, the tigers live within the green world of the canvas. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers move swiftly and delicately, yet she finds it physically difficult to pull even a small needle.
Her husband’s wedding band feels huge, and weighs down heavily on her hand. When Aunt Jennifer dies one day, her frightened hands will finally be still. Yet they will still be marked by the difficulties that ruled over her while she was alive. Meanwhile, the tigers she created will continue to leap across her needlepoint without shame or fear.
It is clear from the poem that Aunt Jennifer uses embroidery as a creative outlet while living in an unhappy marriage. The poem describes the ‘terrified’ Aunt Jennifer’s fear-filled existence in a marriage full of ‘ordeals’ in which she is ruled over by her husband, suggesting that the power dynamic of a traditional marriage serves to oppress women.
Aunt Jennifer is trapped in a difficult marriage to a man who terrifies her. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers are described as ‘fluttering,’ suggesting anxiety and nervousness. The nervousness of Aunt Jennifer’s hands is directly linked to the ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band,’ a symbolic representation of how stifling and burdensome this marriage is. The ring is associated with ‘ordeals’ that Aunt Jennifer faced.
The fact that it is ‘Uncle’s’ wedding band and not Aunt Jennifer’s again affirms Uncle’s dominance in this relationship. Uncle owns the wedding band and, in a way, he also owns Aunt Jennifer. He is her master, reflecting the reality that a woman in marriage is traditionally considered the man’s property.
(iii) It is true that with proper guidance, experience and optimism, we can change the pulse and complex of a man. This is exactly what happened when Mr. Lamb met Derry. Derry”s brief association with Mr. Lamb changed him from a bitter, pessimistic and complex-ridden boy to a mature and confident person. His attitude towards life underwent a transformation.
He got encouraged by Mr. Lamb’s unending enthusiasm and unceasing zeal to live life. Thus Mr. Lamb’s unfailing optimism helped transform Derry completely. Mr. Lamb’s conversation with him about everything and everybody being essentially the same, his notion of beauty being relative, his talk about pretty girls and love, his concept of the world and friendship and the incident of the timid man, all fascinated and inspired Derry.
Gradually, Derry was able to shed his old self and rediscover life. He was able to experience the joy of little things of life like rain drops falling pitter-patter on the roof. He even told his mother, ‘You shouldn’t believe all you hear.’ Thus, Derry’s brief association with Mr. Lamb became a turning point in his life.