Answer Key and Solutions to Class 12 CBSE English Board Exam 2023

Section – A

Reading Skills

Read the passage given below:

1. I know many friends of mine who drink coffee regularly but do not know that coffee exists in different forms other than instant coffee. There are many who swear by Nescafe Classic or Bru Gold, which they consider premium coffee. I may sound offensive but instant coffee is not the only way; in fact it’s a very bad way of making coffee! Instant coffee cannot match up to brewed coffee’s flavour nor does it have Arabica beans. It uses Robusta beans that are lower in flavour. Don’t know the difference?! Read on…
2. That plant might be a genius! It created a chemical that would keep pests away. Fortunately for us and unfortunately for the plant – that plan did not work the way it intended to. The chemical might have averted a few pest attacks, but attracted far greater threat – human beings. The plant I am talking about is coffee and chemical is caffeine.
3. To begin from the beginning – coffee is from a more mature part of the tree – the seed – unlike other stimulants. The ripe berry is picked and de-pulped leaving us with a seed called ‘green bean’ or ‘green coffee’. Green bean is uncharacteristically bland with a taste nowhere close to that of coffee, but it is valued for its higher antioxidant levels.
4. It’s an interesting phenomenon to see how this bland green bean turns to a flavourful coffee bean. Coffee bean is a seed and like any other seed is rich in proteins, fats and all necessary ingredients for giving birth to a new plant. When exposed to heat, the fats and carbohydrates in the bean turn into essential oils, which give the characteristic taste and aroma to the coffee bean. The degree of roasting depends on the need or purpose of use.
5. These beans are ground so that the surface area of the bean is increased, which makes extraction easier. The bean can be ground or crushed but making the particles uniform will ensure equal extraction, or else the smaller particle will get over extracted and the larger one under extracted. Hence, the burr grinder is used to ensure that the coffee bean gets ground in a uniform way in which all particles are of similar sizes.
6. Does under extraction give a lighter coffee and over extraction a stronger one? No. For a lighter or stronger coffee less or more coffee powder has to be used. Why? Under extraction will not get all the flavours of the coffee as the water runs too quickly. It will not get what you want – It will taste sour. Over-extraction will bring out all unnecessary flavours rendering the taste bitter.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:

Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.

(i) The author complained that his friends _______

(a) consumed only Flora classics,

(b) were not aware of different forms of coffee.

(c) were severely addicted to drinking coffee. 

(d) considered Coco gold as premium coffee.

(ii) Comment on the writer's reference to the unique feature of coffee plant. (paragraph 2)

The writer's reference to the coffee plant is simultaneously hilarious and sarcastic. By referring to plants as organisns with thought and showing coffee-drinkers as "pests", the author has successfully gained a few laughs from the audience.

(iii) List the reason why the author refers to humans as 'great threat to coffee' plants.

The author refers humans as a great threat to coffee plants because the chemical that the plants had originally produced to ward off pests, is the same chemical that humans call coffee and chug happily. So, in the end, the real "threat" to the plants came not from the pests, but from humans, who mass-manafactured plants for coffee.

(iv) Select an option that conveys the same meaning as 'energiser' from words used in paragraph 3. 

(a) bland                                        

(b) mature

(c) antioxidant                                   

(d) stimulants

(v) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following :

Fats and carbohydrates turn into essential oils leading to the characteristic taste and aroma of the coffee bean

(vi) Comment on the writer's reference to the interesting phenomenon in paragraph 4.

The writer does an excellent job of describing the interesting phenomenon of the green bean turning into a flavorful coffee bean. They explain that when the bean is exposed to heat, the fats and carbohydrates turn into essential oils, which give the characteristic flavor and aroma to the coffee bean. They also touch on the importance of uniform grinding so that all particles are of similar sizes in order to ensure equal extraction. This is a great explanation and well-referenced to the process of making coffee.

(vii) Over-extraction does not give a stronger coffee. Based on your understanding of paragraph 6, list one method to get stronger coffee.

One method to get stronger coffee is to use more coffee powder. This will ensure that the water has enough time to extract all the flavours from the coffee beans, giving you a stronger cup of coffee.

(viii) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph five EXCEPT

(a) The burr grinder grinds coffee beans uniformly.

(b) Less surface area makes extraction easier.

(c) Grinding gives stronger aroma.

(d) Good coffee is a mix of smaller and bigger particles.

(ix) Why is it fair to say that the right degree of extraction of coffee is important?

The right degree of extraction of coffee is important because it will determine the flavor, aroma and overall taste of the coffee. If the extraction is done incorrectly, the coffee will either taste sour and under-extracted or bitter and over-extracted. The right degree of extraction requires precise control over the amount of coffee and the time it is exposed to water. Only then can you create the perfectly balanced cup of coffee.

(x) Select the most suitable title of the above passage.

(a) The Art of Coffee Making

(b) Benefits of Consuming Coffee

(c) Green Coffee - The perfect antioxidant

(d) The Coffee Addict

2. Read the passage given below:

1. News — If you can’t remember the last time you saw a teenager reading a book, newspaper or magazine, you’re not alone. In recent years, less than 20 percent of U.S. teens report reading a book, magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure, while more than 80 percent say they use social media every day, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
2. “Compared with previous generations, teens in the 2010s spent more time online and less time with traditional media, such as books, magazines and television,” said lead author Jean M. Twenge, PhD, author of the book iGen and professor of psychology at San Diego State University. “Time on digital media has displaced time once spent enjoying a book or watching TV.”
3.  Swaner and her colleagues analyzed data concluded from an ongoing study that surveys a nationally representative sample of approximately 50,000 eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students annually. They looked at survey results from 1976 to 2016, representing more than 1 million teenagers. While the study started with only 12th-graders in the 1970s, eighth- and 10th-graders were added in 1991.
4.  Use of digital media increased substantially from 2006 to 2016. Among 12th-graders, internet use during leisure time doubled from one to two hours per day during that period. It also increased 75 percent for 10th graders and 68 percent for eighth-graders.
5. “In the mid-2010s, the average American 12th-grader reported spending approximately two hours a day texting, just over two hours a day on the internet — which included gaming — and just under two hours a day on social media,” said Twenge. “That’s a total of about six hours per day on just three digital media activities during their leisure time.”
6. In comparison, 10th-graders reported a total of five hours per day and eighth-graders reported four hours per day on those three digital activities. And all that time in the digital world is seriously degrading the time they spend on more traditional media, according to Twenge.
7. The decline in reading print media was especially steep. In the early 1990s, 33 percent of 10th-graders said they read a newspaper almost every day. By 2016, that number was only 2 percent. In the late 1970s, 60 percent of 12th-graders said they read a book or magazine almost every day; by 2016, only 16 percent did. Twelfth-graders also reported reading two fewer books each year in 2016 compared with 1976, and approximately one-third did not read a book (including e-books) for pleasure in the year prior to the 2016 survey, nearly triple the number reported in the 1970s.
8. “There's no lack of intelligence among young people, but they do have less experience focusing for longer periods of time and reading long-form text, “ she said. “Being able to read long-form text is crucial for understanding complex issues and developing critical thinking skills. Democracies need informed voters and involved citizens who can think through issues, and that might be more difficult for people of all ages now that online information is the norm.”

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 

(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1?

The writer believes that very few teens indulge in reading as a pleasurable activity.

Select from the following :

• True : if the statement agrees with the information.
• False : if the statement contradicts the information.
• Not given : if there is no information on this.

(ii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for this research.

In order to find out .......

(a) reading choices of teenagers.
(b) digital competency of teenagers.
(c) Speed of reading text.
(d) The decline of time spent on traditional media.

(iii) Complete the statement based on the following statement:

Traditional media has been replaced by digital media, we can say this because teenagers are spending more time online and less time with traditional media, such as books, magazines and television, and there has been a substantial increase in internet use during leisure time among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders since 2006

(iv) Do you think that the researchers of study added tenth and eighth graders to the survey deliberately?

Yes, the researchers of the study added tenth and eighth graders to the survey deliberately in order to get a better and more comprehensive understanding of how teens are using digital media. By including younger teens in the survey, the researchers were able to get a more accurate picture of how digital media is impacting teens of all ages.

(v) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:

The concluding sentence of the text makes a clear case for ___ by listing it as a core competency for analysis and application.

(a)    Following social media
(b)    Reading long texts
(c)     Building focus and concentration
(d)    Developing constructive habits

(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:

The digital activities that the twelfth-graders indulge in are

(a) texting, gaming, television

b) texting, gaming, social media

(c) newspaper, books, magazine

(d) television, books, gaming

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words:

Teens today hardly read print media for pleasure

(viii) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement:

"Time on digital media has displaced time once spent enjoying a book or watching T.V."

Although it is true that digital media has become increasingly popular with teenagers, there is evidence that suggests that the amount of time spent reading books and watching TV has not decreased as drastically as suggested. A study published by the American Psychological Association in 2019 showed that, although digital media use has increased, the amount of time spent reading books and watching TV has remained relatively stable.

(ix) What does the author mean by 'degrading the time' in para 6 ? 

(a) spending less time
(b) waste of time 
(c) consuming more time
(d) saving time

(x) As per Fig. 1, the percentage of people above 50 yrs is ____ percentage of teenagers using social media.

(a) greater than
(b) less than
(c) equal to
(d) negligible to

Section B

Creative Writing Skills

3. Attempt any one of any ONE of the following in about 50 words.
You are Vijay/Veena. Head Boy/Girl of Minerva Public School Workshop Bhopal. Your school is planning to organise a career counselling workshop for the students of classes 9-12. Draft a notice in  about 50 words informing students about the workshop mentioning day, date, time and venue.

                                                                       Minerva Public School, Bhopal
  24 Feb'23                                                             NOTICE
                                                                       Career Counselling Workshop
Minerva Public School Workshop Bhopal is organizing a Career Counselling Workshop for students of classes 9-12. The workshop will be held on Saturday, 5th March 2023, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the school auditorium. This workshop aims to provide insights and guidance to help you choose the right career path. We encourage all students to attend this informative workshop.

Vijay/Veena
Head Boy/Girl

OR

Your school is planning to organise a Water Conservation Awareness Programme for the students. As school captain of SLV Public School, Lucknow, draft a notice in about 50 words informing the students about the programme mentioning day, date, time and venue. You are Sanjay / Sanjana.
                                                                    SLV Public School, Lucknow
 24 Feb'23                                                         NOTICE
                                                                   Water Conservation Awareness
SLV Public School, Lucknow, is organizing a Water Conservation Awareness Programme for all students on Thursday, 3rd March 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the school auditorium. This programme aims to create awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainable use of water resources. We encourage all students to attend this informative programme.

Sanjay / Sanjana
School Captain, SLV Public School, Lucknow.

4. Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below :
(a) You have bought a new house in Meerut. Write an informal letter of invitation inviting your friends and relatives to the housewarming ceremony. Mention the day, date, time and venue. As Rajesh Sharma,  draft an invitation in about 50 words. 

B-21
XYZ Road
ABC City

24 Feb'23

Dear [Name of Friend/Relative],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and in high spirits. I am writing to inform you that I have recently bought a new house in Meerut, and I would be delighted if you could join me at the housewarming ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Sunday, 6th March 2023, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at my new residence: [A-42 Bawana Nagar, Merrut]. I am looking forward to having you over and sharing this special occasion with you. Please do let me know if you are able to attend.

Warm regards,
Rajesh Sharma.

OR

You are Manoj / Meena. You have received an invitation from your friend Vijay to a party to celebrate his admission in a prestigious Management Institute. Write an informal letter in about 50 words accepting the invitation. Mention the day, date, time and venue.

B-21
XYZ Road
ABC City

24 Feb'23

Dear Vijay,

Thank you so much for inviting me to your party to celebrate your admission in the prestigious Management Institute. I am really happy for you, and I would love to be a part of your celebrations. The day, date, time and venue you have mentioned in the invitation suit me perfectly. So, I will be there at your party on Saturday, 4th March 2023, at 7:00 PM, at your residence: [A-42 Bawana Nagar, Merrut]. I am really looking forward to meeting you and celebrating your success. Thank you once again for inviting me.

Warm regards,
Manoj/Meena.

5. Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below :

You have recently come across an advertisement for the post of a software engineer in S.K. Global Solutions. Write an application with bio-data in about 120-150 words to The Manager, S.K. Global Solutions, J.P. Nagar, Bangalore. You are Ranjan / Ritu of Indra Nagar, Bangalore.

SK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

Required Software Engineer

Job Responsibilities :

• Write well-designed software
• Develop layouts
• Execute software development cycle.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications: 

• B. Tech. - Computer Science 
• Experience - 3-5 years.
• 
  B-21
  Indra Nagar,
  Bangalore
  
  
• 24  Feb'23
  
  To
  The Manager,
  S.K. Global Solutions,
  J.P. Nagar,
  Bangalore
• Subject: Application for the post of Software Engineer.
  Respected Sir/Madam
  
  I am writing to apply for the post of Software Engineer in your esteemed organization. I came across your advertisement in the local newspaper, and I feel that my qualifications and experience make me a suitable candidate for this position.
  I am a B.Tech. Graduate in Computer Science from Bangalore University and have 3 years of experience in software development. I have attached my resume, which highlights my educational qualifications, work experience, and skills. I am confident that my skills and experience align with the job responsibilities and preferred qualifications mentioned in the advertisement.
  I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you in person. Thank you for considering my application.
  Sincerely,
  Ranjan / Ritu,
                                                            BIO-DATA
  

  

OR

You are Sujoy / Sujata of Nehru Colony, Indore. You recently visited Shimla with your family. You were perturbed to see the tourist throwing empty bottles and cans all over the place. Write a letter to the editor of National in about 120-150 words expressing your concern and offering suggestions to improve  the situation with your own ideas to compose the letter.

Eco-Friendly Travel 
create less waste 
dispose garbage properly
40% pollution increase during the tourist season 
do sustainable travel 
waste and pollution have far-reaching impacts on wildlife, the environment, visitors & communities, create - a clean and healthy vacation destination 
Ecological Conservation - A need of the hour 
C-25
Nehru Colony
Indore

24 Feb’23

The Editor
The Times of India
NRK Business Park
Indore

Subject: Concerns over increasing pollution and waste during tourist season
Respected Sir/Madam 
I am writing this letter to express my concern over the increasing pollution and waste during the tourist season, which I recently observed during my visit to Shimla with my family. It was disheartening to see tourists throwing empty bottles and cans all over the place, spoiling the natural beauty of the place.
As we know, tourism has become an important source of income for many places, but it also has a negative impact on the environment. Waste and pollution have far-reaching impacts on wildlife, the environment, visitors, and communities. The ecological conservation of the place is a need of the hour. I suggest some measures to create a clean and healthy vacation destination. Firstly, we should encourage eco-friendly travel by promoting public transport, cycling, and walking. Secondly, we should create less waste by carrying our own reusable water bottles and avoiding single-use plastics. Lastly, we should dispose of garbage properly by using designated bins.
I believe that sustainable travel is the key to preserving the beauty of tourist destinations. We must ensure that tourism does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action towards ecological conservation and create a safe and healthy environment for tourists and locals.

Yours truly
Sujoy/Sujata 

6. Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below
You are Rahul / Rekha. There are frequent power cuts in your locality. You strongly feel that it is time to shift to solar power. Write an article in about 120-150 words on the topic "Solar Power. An Apt Global Solution for Energy Crisis'. Support your ideas with the cues given below.

• Renewable energy 
• reduce energy bill 
• completely clean no arrow water pollution no greenhouse gas effects carbon free no emissions 
• low maintenance cost

Solar Power: An Apt Global Solution for Energy Crisis
By Rahul/Rekha
In recent times, the demand for energy has been on a constant rise. However, our conventional sources of energy are depleting at an alarming rate. The need of the hour is to switch to renewable energy sources, and solar power is the perfect solution. It is the most abundant and readily available source of energy on earth.
Solar power has numerous benefits. Firstly, it helps to reduce energy bills significantly. Once the initial installation cost is covered, solar energy is virtually free. Secondly, solar energy is completely clean and has no adverse impact on water pollution, air pollution or greenhouse gas effects. It is carbon-free and emits no harmful gases. Hence, it is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Furthermore, solar energy requires low maintenance cost. It only needs to be cleaned periodically to remove dust and dirt. It is a one-time investment that has long-term benefits. Solar panels have a lifespan of 20-30 years, and they can be used to generate electricity for a long period.

To conclude, solar power is an apt global solution for the energy crisis. It is renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Governments and individuals must take necessary steps towards shifting to solar power to ensure a sustainable and greener future. It is high time we realise the importance of renewable energy sources and take action towards creating a brighter and cleaner future.

OR

Your school recently conducted an inter school heritage quiz contest as a student reporter write a report of the event in about 120 to 150 words to be published in your school magazine you are Amit/ Archana mention day date time and venue

Know Your Heritage

An Inter-School Quiz Contest

• History
• Mythology
• Culture
• Monuments
• Handicraft
• Attractive prizes for audience question
• Friday 14th March, St. Marks School

Know Your Heritage

by Amit/Archana

St. Marks School hosted an exciting Inter-School Quiz Contest called 'Know Your Heritage' on Friday, 14th March. The contest was focused on topics related to history, mythology, culture, monuments, and handicrafts. Students from various schools in the city attended the event.

The quiz contest consisted of multiple rounds of challenging questions. Each round tested the participant’s knowledge and awareness of Indian heritage. The questions were based on various aspects of Indian culture and tradition, which made the event informative and engaging. Apart from the quiz, there was an audience question round, where the audience could win attractive prizes. The quiz was conducted in a fun, and interactive manner, which kept the participants and the audience engaged throughout the event.

The students' enthusiasm and eagerness to participate made the event a great success. The winners were awarded exciting prizes, and all the participants were appreciated for their efforts. In conclusion, 'Know Your Heritage' was a successful and informative event that educated the participants and audience about the rich heritage of India. The quiz contest served as a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and love for their culture and tradition. The event was a great opportunity for students to learn and have fun at the same time.

Section C

Literature

7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any ONE :

A thing of beauty is a joy forever 
Its loveliness increases, it will never 
pass into nothingness :but will keep 
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet 
and breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth 
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(i) Keats defines beauty as

(a) transient              

(b) eternal          

(c) illusionary    

(d) short lived

(ii) 'will keep a bower quiet for us means all of the following EXCEPT

(a) create a peaceful, shady place 

(b) provide a shelter 

(c) will decrease noise pollution 

(d) nature's canopy

(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below :

1. Beautiful things uplift the soul.
2. Beauty is everchanging.

(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.

(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.

(c) both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.

(d) both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.

(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are

(1) lack of noble nature
(2) old tunes
(3) dull days
(4) calm mind
(5) a flowery band
(6) strong relationships

Choose the most appropriate option:

(a) (1) and (2)

(b) (1) and (3)

(c) (4) and (5)

(d) (3) and (6)

(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from used example :

flowery band : metaphor ::  ___noble nature___     : alliteration

(vi) According to the poet ‘every morrow we are wreathing a band of flowers

OR

Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green, They do not fear the men beneath the tree:
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttered through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of the uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

(i) Denizens of the world of green refer to

(a) huntsmen

(b) Aunt Jennifer

(c) uncle

(d) tigers

(ii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the second line of the extract.

(a) heart of stone

(b) trees sprouting

(c) silver spoon

(d) white murder

(iii) The men setting beneath the tree are courageous / brave

(iv) What quality of uncle can be inferred through these lines?

(a) compassionate nature

(b) courageous

(c) confident

(d) dominating

(v) The tigers in the extract are symbolic of

(a) creativity and courage

(b) confidence and gentleness

(c) cruelty and fear

(d) aggression and starving

(vi) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across

(1) the screen
(2) the fields
(3) the embroidered tunic
(4) the cage

Which of the following is the most appropriate choice?

(a) (1) and (2)

(b) ( and (4)

(c) (1), (2), and (3)

(d) (1) and (3)

8. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any ONE:

(a) To make sure. I walked over to the newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers at his feet. It was The World and The World hasn’t been published for years. The lead story said something about President Cleveland. I’ve found that front page since, in the Public library files. and it was printed on June 11, 1894.
I turned toward the ticket windows knowing that here – on the third level at Grand Central – I could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the United States we wanted to go. In the year 1894. And I wanted two tickets to Galesburg. Illinois.

(i) The newspaper that covered the lead story about President Cleveland was

(a) The Pioneer

(b) The New York Times

(c) The World

(d) The Times

(ii) The narrator wanted to buy tickets to Galesburg.

(iii) Which of the following in the extract most nearly means the opposite of ‘stare’?

(a) glance

(b) Peek

(c) ignore

(d) Examine

(iv) Charley wanted two tickets because he wanted to go with

(a) Sam

(b) Cleveland

(c) Louisa

(d) the Psychiatrist

OR

When I was studying in the third class. I hadn’t yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt. experienced and been humiliated by what it is.
I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually, it would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along watching all the fun and games that were going on. all the entertaining novelties and oddities in the streets, the shops, and the bazaar.

(i) The narrator was humiliated because she belonged to a lower caste.

(ii) The narrator dawdled along as she

(a) enjoyed looking at the various sights

(b) was getting late for school

(c) she didn’t like going home

(d) she loved haggling and shopping

(iii) On the basis of the extract. choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below:

(I) The distance from school to home was very short.
(II) She was feeling upset and so dawdling her way home.

(a) (I) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot

(b) (II) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot

(c) Both (I) and (II) cannot be inferred from the extract

(d) Both (I) and (II) can be inferred from the extract

(iv) The word ‘novelties’ in the passage most nearly means

(a) colorful trinkets

(b) wooden toys

(c) unique and interesting items

(d) expensive souvenirs

9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any one.

(a) "I sometimes find a rupee, even a ten rupee note”, Saheb says, his eyes lighting up when you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage. you don’t stop scrounging. for there is the hope of finding more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders, it is a means of survival.
One winter morning I see Saheb standing by the fenced gate of the neighborhood club. watching two young men dressed in white, playing tennis. “I like the game”. he hums, content to watch it standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no one is around” he admits. “The gatekeeper lets me use the swing.”

(i) Saheb found a rupee

(a) on the street

(b) in the garbage dump

(c) in Firozabad

(d) on the tennis court

(ii) Which emotion of Saheb is revealed in the phrase 'his eyes lighting up'?

(a) anxiety

(b) envy

(c) happiness

(d) greed

(iii) For the elders garbage is means of survival and for children it is treasure hunt.

(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to I and II given below:

I. Saheb watches the game from outside.
II. Saheb had lost the previous match.

(a) I is true and II is not

(b) II is true but I is not

(c) Both I and II are true

(d) Both I and II are untrue

(v) 'Scrounging' in the passage most nearly means.

(a) digging

(b) searching

(c) flinging

(d) burying

(vi) "There is hope for finding more". Explain with reference to the above extract.

He hopes to find something precious if he keeps stealing.

OR

"Or an actress. Now there's real money in that. Yes, and I could may be have the boutique on the side. Actresses don't work full time, do they ? Anyway, that or a fashion designer. You know -something a bit sophisticated". And she turned in through the open street door leaving Jansie standing in the rain. "If I ever come into moneyI'll buy a boutique". "Huh,if you ever comeinto money ... if you ever come into money you'll buy us a blessed decent house to live in, thank you very much."
Sophie's father was scooping shepherd's pie into his mouth as hard as he could go, his plump face still grimy and sweat - marked from the day.
"She thinks money grows on trees, don't she Dad ? Said little Derek, hanging on the back of his father's chair. 6 x 1 Their mother sighed.

(i) Sophie wants to become an actress to

(a) become famous

(b) to earn money

(c) to support her father

(d) to compete with Jansie

(ii) Jansie wanted Sophie to spend her money on

(a) her marriage

(b) her career 

(c) to open a boutique 

(d) buying a house

(iii) Sophie is daydreaming about opening a boutique.

(iv) The phrase 'money grows on trees' indicates that Sophie is not very practical.

(v) Sophie's mother's sigh is one of

(a) regret 

(b) delight

(c) relief

(d) helplessness 

(vi) From the extract Jansie comes across as a ____ person.

(a) practical 

(b) dominating

(c) immature 

(d) starstruck

10. Answer any FIVE out of six questions given below in about 40-50 words :

(a) What does Gandhi refer to as a 'conflict of duties'?

Gandhi referred to the conflict between his duty to obey the law and his duty towards the people of India who were suffering. This was a "conflict of duties".
He had disregarded the order to leave not for want of respect for lawful authority but in obedience to the voice of conscience. 

(b) What does the expression 'polished traffic' refer to? What does it reveal about city people?

The expression "polished traffic" refers to the cars and other vehicles that pass by the new shed at the edge of the road. It reveals that city people are in a hurry and have little time to spare for the people living in the countryside. They are focused on their own lives and goals and do not help the poor country people who are in dire need of a little extra earning to better their life.

(c) Why did the iron master compare Edla to a parson ?
Ironmaster compared Edla to a Parson as she preached to him just like one when she told him to let the vagabond stay in the house even though he was not an acquaintance. She reinforced the Christian value of celebrating Christmas by helping others. She didn't want to chase away a human being whom they had asked to come and to whom they had promised Christmas cheer.

(d) What is the significance of the word 'but' in 'but all I said was, see you soon, Amma? (My Mother at Sixty-Six)

The word "but" in this context is used to emphasize the contrast between the narrator's thoughts and feelings and the words she actually said. The narrator is reflecting on their mother's age and how it made her feel, but despite this, she still manages to put on a brave face and say, "see you soon, Amma". The use of "but" emphasizes the contrast between the narrator's inner thoughts and feelings and the words she spoke.

(e) What handicap did Douglas suffer from? How did he overcome that?

Douglas suffered from a fear of water, which he had developed after a traumatic experience in a pool. This deprived him of the basic joys of life.  He overcame this fear by gradually exposing himself to water with the help of an instructor who taught him how to swim. He eventually conquered his fear and swam in various places to challenge himself and overcome his fear completely.

(f)  What, according to Pablo Neruda in the poem 'Keeping Quiet', is the lesson that we should learn from mother earth? 

According to Pablo Neruda in the poem 'Keeping Quiet', the lesson that we should learn from mother earth is to remember that just as a seed remains in a latent state under the earth but germinates the moment the environment is conducive; likewise, we can also learn to rectify our follies and make the earth a better place to live. We shouldn't think that there is no undoing to the damage done to the earth; rather, we should learn from the earth.

11. Answer any TWO out of three questions given below in about 40-50 words : 

(a) Why was Dr Sadao not sent abroad with the troops?

Dr Sadao wasn't sent with the troops because the General might have needed his assistance at any moment, and there wasn't any other surgeon he trusted. Since the General was ailing, he made the decision not to send Dr Sadao. Furthermore, he was carrying on research on the way to clear out the wounds altogether, so his presence in Japan was of more significance. 

(b) What was the hidden agenda behind the Tiger King's marriage with the princess in the neighbouring state?

The hidden agenda behind the Tiger King's marriage with the princess in the neighbouring state was to achieve his goal of killing a hundred tigers, and marrying a princess from a state with a large tiger population was one way to ensure that he had access to enough tigers to reach his goal. He had run out of tigers in his kingdom, and he needed to hunt thirty more tigers so as to prove the astrologer wrong. 

(c) What are the significant features of the 'Students on Ice Programme'?

The Students on Ice program aims to provide high school students with inspiring educational opportunities to take them to the ends of the world and foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. The main goal of the program is to inspire future generations of policy-makers to act on environmental issues, and the main benefit of participating is understanding the real threat of global warming.

12. Answer any ONE in about 120-150 words :
(a) The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidence from the text. 

The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. This is evident in the text when M. Hamel talks about how the people of Alsace had a habit of putting off learning until tomorrow. He says, “Every day we have said to ourselves, ‘Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow.’ And now you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till tomorrow.” This reflects the lack of foresight and the tendency to procrastinate, which led to the people of Alsace not being able to speak or write their language. This is further evident when M. Hamel talks about how the parents of the children in his class were not anxious enough to have them learn and how he had often sent them to water his flowers instead of learning their lessons. This reflects the lack of emphasis on education and the tendency to prioritise other activities over learning, which is why the people of Alsace missed their opportunity to speak or write their language.

OR

(b) A Roadside Stand is a social satire depicting the two contrasting worlds existing in society. Justify this statement with reference to the poem. 

The poem “A Roadside Stand” is a social satire that highlights the stark contrast between the two worlds existing in society. The poem paints a vivid picture of a little old house with a new shed at the edge of the road, where the polished traffic passes without a second thought. The roadside stand is a metaphor for the people living in poverty, who are desperate for a better living standard. The poem also highlights the contrast between the city and the country, with the city being portrayed as a place of wealth and opportunity while the country is seen as a place of poverty and despair. The poem also serves as a commentary on the power dynamics between the rich and the poor, as the people in the city are seen as having the power to buy whatever they want, while the people in the country are seen as powerless and unable to make their own decisions. Overall, “A Roadside Stand” is a social satire that highlights the stark contrast between the two worlds existing in society.

13. Answer any ONE in about 120-150 words:

(a) Mr Lamb stands as a symbol of optimism and hope. Support your answer with examples from the text.

Mr Lamb stands as a symbol of optimism and hope because he is willing to accept Derry for who he is, despite his disfigurement. He does not judge Derry based on his appearance but instead takes the time to get to know him and understand his perspective. He is also willing to offer Derry a place of refuge in his garden, where Derry can feel safe and accepted. Mr Lamb also encourages Derry to take risks and not to be afraid of being judged by others. He tells Derry that “You’d have to take the risk. So would they.” He also encourages Derry to explore the World and not to be afraid of setting goals and achieving them. These examples show that Mr Lamb is a symbol of optimism and hope, as he encourages Derry to embrace life and not to focus on his deformity but rather appreciate the beauty of the World.

(b) Dr Sadao emerges as a saviour of humanity. Substantiate your answer with evidence from the text.

Dr Sadao emerges as a saviour of humanity by showing compassion and mercy to the enemy. When he and his wife Hana find the wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore, they show no hesitation in helping him. Despite the fact that the man is their enemy, Sadao immediately begins to search for the wound and treat it with expert precision. Furthermore, when the man wakes up, Sadao orders him to lie down and not overexert himself, showing his concern for the man’s wellbeing. He even kept him hiding so as to give him enough time to recover. Finally, when the assassins didn't turn up, he offered him a safe passage by suggesting him to take a Korean fishing boat and escape. These actions demonstrate Sadao’s humanity and his willingness to help those in need, even if they are his enemies.