Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English with Solutions and marking scheme Term 2 Set 5 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Term 2 Set 5 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.
India is so lively and refreshing. From here, the West looks somewhat old, gray and struggling. Indeed, India looks all set to regain the centre stage it occupied a few centuries ago. But while it is developing very fast and its elite is striving to match up with the West and is putting at stake much of its precious environment, culture, traditions and values? Presently, its ‘westernisation’ seems to be taking place at a frightening speed.
Foreign trade delegations are rushing into the country and starry-eyed businessmen, dressed in crisp black suits are hopping from one hotel to another, cracking mega deals. However, the West is not always exporting its very best to India. Because it’s not just higher standards of safety or environmental friendliness, or valuable technologies and know-how that are flowing from the western world.
Fast food, tobacco, alcohol and toxic skin-whitening creams are pouring into India. This wave is promoting a western lifestyle based on consumerism, individualism and meaninglessness. While the older generation of Indians would buy a new product only when the previous one’s useful life had ended, the young generation want the latest generation of gadgets because they have more money and more access to such goods.
These trends may be healthy ingredients for thriving capitalism. But they may not prove soothing for the soul. Even if they all possess their own television, car, washing machine and fridge, Westerners are not necessarily a happier lot. Surveys show that their happiness has declined in correlation with the development of consumerism. Moreover, most people in the so-called developed nations suffer from obesity, loneliness, depression and addiction to prescribed drugs.
To meet the growing demand, natural resources are now being exploited in India, displacing millions of tribal people towards urban slums fuelling growing pockets of civil war-like conflicts across the country. From environmental perspective, the current scenario is down-right terrifying. Mountains are being blown up, forest are being shaved, soil and sacred rivers are being polluted to cater to the endless production of goods that are meant to be replaced as fast as possible.
Instead of adopting unsustainable imports from the West, there are areas wherein India should inspire the latter. With its traditional squatting toilet for instance. Not just because it is cheaper, more hygienic and better adapted to the human anatomy, but mostly, in a context where clean water is increasingly rare and pricy, because it requires much less of it. Countless other sustainable concepts, values and products from India could benefit Westerners. Strong extended family ties, respect for elders, kriya yoga and tongue-scrapers are just a few of them.
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 the author is skeptical of Westernisation in India. (1)
(ii) State the traits of westernisation that makes author pessimistic of it. (1)
(iii) Foreign trade delegations are rushing into the country and starry-eyed businessmen, dressed in crisp black suits are hopping from one hotel to another, cracking mega deals. What can you conclude from it? (1)
(iv) Validate the fact the author points in saying that West is not always exporting its very best to India. (1)
(v) Rewrite the given sentence by replacing the underlined phrase/word with another phrase/ word from the passage. (1)
You know, go a bit enthusiastic about her essays or whatever.
(vi) Flow does the author prove the increasing consumerism and capitalism? (1)
(vii) Select the suitable phrase/word from the passage to complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
The sheer immensity calms the mind and …………………………….. .
(viii) Why does the author say that the people of the West are not the happier lot? (1)
(ix) Analyse how some Indian habits are better than that of West. (1)
Answer:
(i) We can state that the author is skeptical of westernisation in India when he/she mentions that while India is moving towards becoming better it is doing so at the cost of its precious environment, culture, traditions and values.
(ii) The author holds a pessimistic view of westernisation because it is promoting a western lifestyle based on consumerism, individualism and meaninglessness. This life does not necessarily make one happy.
(iii) The given line highlights how the western culture sees many possibilities in India and has been travelling to the nation for financial or political purposes. This, in turn, has been boosting the Indian Economy.
(iv) The author says that the West is not always exporting its very best to India because it’s not just higher standards of safety or environmental friendliness, or valuable technologies and know-how that are flowing from the western world. It is also bringing in capitalism and consumerism at extremities.
(v) You know, go a bit starry-eyed about her essays or whatever.
(vi) The author proves the increasing consumerism and capitalism by comparing the shopping habits of old people with the young generation. According to him, the older Indians would buy a new product only when the previous one’s life had ended. However, the young generation want the latest gadgets because they have more money and access to such goods.
(vii) The sheer immensity calms the mind and soothes the soul.
(viii) The author say that the people of the West are not the happier lot on the basis of a survey which shows that their happiness has declined in correlation with the development of consumerism. Moreover, people in the West suffer from obesity, loneliness depression and addiction to prescribed drugs.
(ix) The author of the passage point out how some Indian habits are better than that of West. For example traditional squatting toilet which is not only cheaper, more hygienic and better adapted to the human anatomy, but also requires much less of water. Further strong extended family ties, respect for elders, kriya yoga and tongue-scrapers can help better the people in the West.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below.
It’s safe to say we all drink coffee. But with the global shutdown caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, doing much of anything these days requires intentionality. There’s no more popping out for a quick coffee at moment’s notice (or for anything for that matter); going out requires planning.
So Sprudge- an online website wanted to know how has coronavirus affected coffee consumption habits. Have restrictions on movement caused people to drink less coffee? To find out, the site created a poll to hear from the coffee-consuming public. And with responses from around the world, they came about with some concrete conclusions.
First: coffee consumption is not going away due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before coronavirus people were consuming on average 2.45 cups of coffee a day. That number has since gone up to 2.77 cups, roughly a third cup extra a day representing an over 13% increase.
Over half the responses state their coffee consumption has stayed the same, but for people who did change their drinking habits, their cup count overwhelmingly went up as opposed to down. On average, those who cut down on their consumption did so by 56%, whereas those who increased consumption did so at a rate of 112%.
And no doubt in some part due to social distancing, the majority of coffee respondents are purchasing via delivery. 47% of people state they are ordering their coffee online, with another nearly 12% receiving theirs via a subscription. Grocery stores and coffee shops are duking it out for the remaining purchasers, at 14% and 18%, respectively. Most of these people, said they are making coffee with some sort of manual brew method. 92% of the remaining individuals opted for a coffee maker. Some just like instant.
In summation, if you feel like you’ve been drinking more coffee recently, you’re not t alone. We’ve found that coffee consumption during COVID-19 is trending upward and moving online. So drink more coffee, and enjoy the ritual of it all. The world may be a little uncertain right now, but brewing up a nice cup of coffee offers a little escape for those who can afford it, even only ever so briefly.
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 by ‘intentionality’? (1)
(ii) What was the reason behind conducting the survey? (1)
(iii) With reference to the figure write a conclusion about purchase of coffee? (1)
(iv) What conclusion did the website make about coffee consumption? (1)
(v) What data was revealed by the survey? (1)
(vi) Analyse the statement ‘for people who did change their drinking habits, their cup count overwhelmingly went up as opposed to down’. (1)
(vii) Identify the word which points out that coffee has become a necessity than a luxury. (1)
Answer:
(i) By pointing out ‘intentionality’ the author wants to highlight that going out of the house for even getting a coffee is now a well thought of activity. One needs to plan and decide to get out of the house in the pandemic times.
(ii) The reason behind conducting the survey was to understand how coffee consumption habits have changed due to the Covid pandemic and its restrictions.
(iii) From the given figure, we can conclude that people are still buying coffee through walk-ins and take outs (18.8%), while most people prefer online purchase of their coffee.
(iv) As per the data received by the website, it concluded that before coronavirus people were consuming on average 2.45 cups of coffee a day. That number has since gone up by an over 13% increase. On average, those who cut down on their consumption did so by 56%, whereas those who increased consumption did so at a rate of 112%.
(v) The data revealed by the survey points out that due to social distancing, the majority of coffee respondents are purchasing via delivery. 47% of people state they are ordering their coffee online, with another nearly 12% receiving theirs via a subscription. Grocery stores and coffee shops make up the remaining purchasers, at 14% and 18%, respectively.
(vi) The statement states how it was expected that coffee consumption would go down during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the data reveals that coffee consumption had gone up.
(vii) Ritual
Section B Writing
Question 3.
You are the Principal of Zodiac Senior Secondary School, Dehradun. The school has completed 25 years of its meritorious services to the society. The Silver Jubilee Celebrations are to be held on Sunday, the 30th December, 20XX. Mrs M. Kamath, the founder Principal will preside. Draft a suitable invitation to be sent to important dignitaries of the city and the parents of students. (3)
Answer:
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
ZODIAC SR. SEC. SCHOOL
invite you on the
SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
of their school
on
SUNDAY, 30th December, 20XX
at
10:00 p.m.
in
THE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
MRS M. KAMATH
FOUNDER PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL
has kindly consented to preside over the function and give away prizes/mementos
RSVP
Principal
Phone: 0123XXXX
Programme overleaf
Question 4.
Attempt any one from A and B given below.
A. You are Ritvik/Ritika of 131, Jagriti Vihar Gurugram. You recently read about a post of Creative Writer being advertised by Dilmah Research Ltd. Noida. You wish to apply for it. Apply with full details to the Managers of the Production Unit.
Write the letter In giving your Bio Data. (5)
Or
B. Your school organised an Orientation Programme for the parents of the newly admitted LKG students. Construct a report in 150-200 words giving details of the program for the school magazine. You are Kamla Nayyar, Staff Secretary, Primary Wing.
Answer:
A. 131, Jagriti Vihar
Gurugram
16th December, 20XX
The Manager
Dilmah Research Ltd
Noida
Subject Application for the Post of Creative Writer
Sir/Ma’am
In response to your advertisement in the ‘Hindustan Times’ dated 14th December, 20XX for the post of Creative Writer, I hereby offer my candidature for the same.
I possess requisite qualifications and experience. Having my postgraduate degree in English from a Delhi University, I have two years of experience in fields, ranging from content writing to handling International Culinary Competitions.
I have fluency in English and Hindi language. I have worked for many international campaigns as well. I am physically fit and mentally energetic to do the job.
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.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Ritvik
Enclosure 1. Bio-Data
Bio Data
Name : Ritvik
Father’s Name : Mr. Rajan
Date of Birth : 23rd May, 1990
Address : 131, Jagriti Vihar, Gurugram
Email id : [email protected]
Nationality : Indian
Educational Qualification :
| Name of the Exam | Name of the Institute | Year | Percentage/GPA |
| MA English | Delhi University | 2011 | 73% |
| BA English | Delhi University | 2009 | 64% |
Hobbies : Music, Photography, Reading and Trekkin
Languages Known : Hindi, English and Spanish
References : Mr. Mohit Agarwal Editor-in-Chief, ABC Express
Or
B. Parenting – A New Dimension
By Kamla Nayyar, Staff Secretary, Primary Wing
An orientation programme on ‘Parenting’ was held on 14th April for the parents of LKG students. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the school Principal, Mr. A.K. Dave, followed by his welcome address. The school choir presented an action song to welcome the guests.
The eminent child psychologist, Dr. PK Bhargava, was the main speaker who enlightened the gathering about the role of the parents in the holistic development of the child, the close bonding between parent-teacher and parent-child for enhancing a child’s confidence and self-esteem. In the enactment session, parents role-played different life situations. An energetic interactive session then began between the panel of experts and the parents. It was an enriching experience for all.
Section C Literature
Question 5.
Attempt any five of the six questions given below, within 40 words each. (2 x 5)
(i) The “bobble hat was an important part of the plan to conceal Evans” cropped hair. Substantiate. (2)
(ii) In what sense is the friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry fruitful? (2)
(iii) Validate Aunt Jennifer’s choice to embroider tigers on the panel. (2)
(iv) How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life? (2)
(v) Gandhi influenced the lawyers immensely. Comment using instances. (2)
(vi) “Edla sat and hung her head even more dejectedly than usual.” Which two reasons forced her to behave in that manner? (2)
Answer:
(i) The “bobble hat was an important part of the plan to conceal Evans” cropped hair. Evans knew that the duplicate McLeery, who was to invigilate during the O-level German examination, had short hair. So he cropped his hair to pass off as McLeery later and the hat was essential to cover it up.
(ii) The friendship that flourished between Mr. Lamb and Derry was indeed fruitful. Mr. Lamb’s unending enthusiasm and unceasing zeal to live life despite all odds helped Derry change his outlook towards life. Derry, who was just carrying on an unhappy existence, was able to see some meaning to his life after meeting Mr. Lamb.
(iii) Aunt Jennifer chose to embroider tigers on the panel because for her, the tigers were the symbols of bravery, fearlessness and strength. These creatures are not afraid of the men around them. Her embroidering the tigers is perhaps an expression of her own bitterness and anger against male dominance.
(iv) Beautiful things help us to live a happy life as we derive comfort and happiness when we look at objects of beauty, and the lasting impression they leave on our minds is a source of permanent joy. Beautiful things bind us to the Earth and help us strengthen our relationship with nature. They provide us relief from our everyday trials and tribulations and help us live a happy life.
(v) Gandhiji’s sincerity towards the peasants’ cause and convincing arguments and negotiations, thoroughly influenced the lawyers. He chided them for overcharging the peasants and encouraged them to court arrest for the peasants’ noble cause. He even rejected their proposal to seek Mr. Andrews help in their battle against the Britishers in order to be self-reliant and independent.
(vi) Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even after knowing that he was not a captain. This was the reason why she felt all the more dejected when she came to know that the peddler whom she had sheltered was actually a thief, who had recently robbed a crofter. Secondly, she also felt bad because the peddler had disproved the faith which she had shown in him.
Question 6.
Answer any two of the following in about 120-150 words each. (4 x 2)
(i) Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life. Elaborate. (4)
(ii) Keats says that ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Do you agree with him after reading the poem? (4)
(iii) ‘On The Face of It’ is an apt depiction of the loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Explain. (4)
Answer:
(i) The Champaran episode proved to be a turning point in Gandhi’s life as he realised his own power and made the Indians realise their power. He declared that the British could not order him in his own country. In everything he did, he tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his own feet and thus make India free. It was then that he decided to urge the departure of the British from India.
In fact, the Champaran episode was the first experiment of civil disobedience in India. When Gandhiji was on his way to Champaran, he stayed in Muzaffarpur, where he met the lawyers who were fighting cases for the sharecroppers. The peasants were so crushed and fear-stricken, that Gandhiji concluded that law courts were useless.
The real relief for them was to be free from fear. The spontaneous demonstration by the peasants showed that they were instilled with a new strength and spirit. Gandhiji showed the poor peasants how to fight the British with ‘satyagraha’. He made them aware of their power and the power of ahimsa.
All this laid the foundation of his future movements and served as a great source of strength and motivation for all Indians.
(ii) The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats describes thing of beauty to be a joy forever and I agree with him. It provides us with everlasting beauty and it would never pass into nothingness. Its beauty would increase and would never fade away. A bower that is quiet and shady provides us with peace and pleasure. It also provides asleep that is full of sweet dreams which keep us healthy.
We are wreathing ourselves with nature every moment which binds us strongly like a flowery band and in this way, the bond becomes stronger. The clear rills provide us with a cool shelter that makes us feel better. Moreover, this helps us to get rid of the inhuman qualities and soothes our mind. Nature is the ultimate source of beauty. The sun, the moon, the daffodils, and mighty dead are the sources of beauty which provide us with pleasure. It is like an endless fountain that is being poured from heaven. Thus, it is a ‘joy forever’.
(iii) The lesson ‘On The Face of It’ aptly depicts the loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by Derry and Mr. Lamb on account of disability. The actual pain and inconvenience caused by the disabilities is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the disabled person. Derry suffered from severe negative complexes because of his burnt face. He became a pessimistic loner who indulged in self-pity and was always suspicious of the intention of others. His anger and frustration made him withdrawn and an introvert.
Mr. Lamb, on the other hand, was inwardly a loner who craved for company and acceptance. Though outwardly he was always jovial, outgoing and optimistic, he was an extremely sensitive person. Thus, their physical disabilities caused pain and suffering not only to their body, but also to their mind and soul. He hold grudges against people who leave him with the promise of company. However, he had accepted his life and tries to enjoy it as much as he can.