12 Class CBSE English Sample Question Paper

CBSE Sample Question Paper (2023-24)

Time Allowed: 3 hrs

Max. Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.

2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION-A (READING SKILLS)

(22 MARKS)

1. Read the passage given below:

(12 Marks)

(1) Arthur lay in his cabin, still trying to piece together the events of the last few hours. He had watched his home planet of Earth be demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, been saved by his friend Ford, and then whisked away on a ship that was powered by an "infinite improbability drive." It was all too much for him.

(2) Just then, Ford stuck his head around the door.

"Hey, Earthman," he said, "come and have a look at this." Arthur stumbled after him down a corridor and into the ship's control room. He gazed in amazement at the banks of controls and flashing lights. In the center of the room was a large console covered in buttons and switches, and in the middle of the console was a small, white mouse.

(3) "What's that?" asked Arthur.

"That's the ship's computer," said Ford.

Arthur stared at the mouse. "That's a computer?" he said.

"Yup," said Ford. "Five-dimensional, biologically based, super intelligent, and in the form of a white lab mouse. Pretty neat, huh?"

(4) "I don't know," said Arthur. "I don't think I really understand anything anymore. Why is a mouse the ship's computer?"

"It's a long story," said Ford. "But the short version is that the mice built the Earth as a giant computer to figure out the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Then they ran out of money and had to destroy it to make way for a hyperspace bypass. So now they're using the Heart of Gold to finish the calculation."

5) Arthur was about to say something, but at that moment the ship's intercom crackled to (life.

"Good evening, Heart of Gold," said a smooth, computerized voice. "This is Eddie, your shipboard computer. I'm feeling a bit depressed today. Would you like me to sing you a song?"

"Oh, not again," groaned Ford.

(6) "Eddie, would you mind shutting up?" said Arthur.

Arthur sighed and leaned back against the console, trying to make sense of everything but as he closed his eyes, he heard a voice inside his head.

"Hello?" it said.

Arthur jumped, startled. "Who's there?" he said.

"It's me," said the voice. "Marvin."

"Marvin?" said Arthur. "Who's Marvin?"

"The Paranoid Android," said the voice.

Arthur looked around, but he didn't see anyone. "Where are you?" he said.

"I'm down here," said the voice.

(7) Arthur looked down and saw a small, metal figure shuffling across the floor. It was about three feet tall, with a round head and a body that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts. Its eyes were a dull red, and its voice was a monotone. "I've been waiting for someone to talk to me for over two million years," said Marvin.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

(i) Select the option that classifies Arthur's confusion about drastic events such as the destruction of his home planet and the introduction of new technologies, correctly. (1)

(a) Routine and boredom

(b) Adventure and excitement

(c) Loss and change

(d) Calm and relaxation

(ii) What is the significance of the white lab mouse in the control room of the Heart of Gold spaceship? (1)

(a) It is the captain of the ship

(d) It is used for scientific experiments

(c) It is a pet of the crew

(b) It serves as the ship's computer

(iii) Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words to support the view that the writer's writing style is descriptive and humourous. (2)

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately with a characteristic or its description. (1)

Based on the information given in the excerpt, one can infer that the mice who built the Earth are

(v) Select the option that is similar in meaning to Ford's expression, "Pretty neat, huh?". (1)

(a) Easy, isn't it?

(b) Could be worse, no?

(c) Impressive, yes?

(d) Too difficult for you?

(vi) Explain, in about 40 words, why the name "The Paranoid Android" is considered

ironic. 2

(vii) In the line, "...a body that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts...", what comparison does the word "cobbled" refer to? (1)

(viii) How does the following, impact the reader, even though they know Marvin is just an android? (2)

"I've been waiting for someone to talk to me for over two million years," said Marvin.

Answer in about 40 words. (ix)

Read the five headlines (a)-(e), given below:

1. Humanity's Journey Witnessed by A Depressed Robot (1)

2. Hitchhiking Through Space: A Comical Take on the End of the World

3. New Study Finds Aliens Living Among Us

4. Groundbreaking Technology will soon enable time travel

5. Intergalactic Travel Via New Infinite Improbability Drive

Identify the option that displays the headline/s that DOES/DO NOT correspond with occurrences in the passage.

(a) Only 1

(c) Only 5

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 5

II. Read the passage given below:

(1) In recent years, there has been a surge in both group and solo travel among young adults in India. A survey conducted among young adults aged 18-25 aimed to explore the reasons behind their travel preferences and recorded the percentage variation for 10 common points that influence travel choices.

(10 marks)

(2) Among those who prefer solo travel, the most common reason cited was the desire for independence and freedom (58%), followed closely by the opportunity for introspection and self-discovery (52%). Additionally, solo travellers appreciated the ability to customize their itinerary to their preferences (44%) and the chance to meet new people on their own terms (36%).

(3) On the other hand, those who prefer group travel often cited the desire for socializing and making new friends (61%) as their primary reason. Group travel also provided a sense of security and safety in unfamiliar places (52%) and allowed for shared experiences and memories with others (48%). Additionally, group travellers enjoyed the convenience of having pre-planned itineraries and organized transportation (38%).

(4) Interestingly, both groups had similar levels of interest in exploring new cultures and trying new experiences (40% for solo travellers, 36% for group travellers). Similarly, both groups valued the opportunity to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life (36% for solo travellers, 32% for group travellers).

(5) However, there were also some notable differences between the two groups. For example, solo travellers placed a higher priority on budget-friendly travel options (38%) compared to group travellers (24%). Conversely, group travellers were more likely to prioritize luxury and comfort during their travels (28%) compared to solo travellers (12%).

(6) Overall, the survey results suggest that both group and solo travel have their own unique advantages and appeal to different individuals, based on their preferences and priorities.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

(i) Infer two possible ways that the survey, mentioned in paragraph (1) could be beneficial. Answer in about 40 words. (2)

(ii) Which travel choice point of the survey would influence tour operators to incorporate group dinners, social events, and shared accommodations in their itinerary? (1)

(a) Freedom to customise itinerary

(c) Security and safety

(4) Luxury and comfort

(d) Desire for making new friends

(664) What do the top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest about young adults?

(f) Identify the solo traveller from the following three travellers:(1)

(4) Reshma - 1 don't want to keep hunting for rickshaws or taxis. A pre-bonked vehicle is perfect. (1)

(6) Nawaz-I'm happy sharing a room in a hostel. I don't need hotel accommodation.

(c) Deepak - I'm not worried about my well-being, even while exploring remote areas.

(e) Which of the following is an example of an opportunity for self-discovery, as mentioned in paragraph 27 (1)

(a) Trying new cuisine

(b) Hiring a tour guide

(c) Purchasing local artifacts

(d) Advance booking travel tickets

(19) How might the differences in budget priorities between solo and group travellers impact the types of accommodations and activities offered by the travel industry in India? (2) (1)

The similarities in the percentage of both solo and group travellers who are

interested in exploring new cultures and trying new experiences may be due to

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Give one reason why having the least number of responses for 'Decision Making", is a matter that needs attention.

(1)

(viii) State TRUE or FALSE.

The title, "Wanderlust: The Solo Travel Trend Among Young Adults in India", is appropriate for this passage.

SECTION-B (CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS) (18 MARKS)

III. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words. (4)

(A) Bali High Public School has recently created Cure Green, a dedicated area for local medicinal herbs and shrubs, adjacent to the flower garden, on campus. As Rachel Tiwari, Captain of the Eco-Club, draft a notice for the school notice board, informing students of classes XI-XII, about a guided walk-through Cure Green, post assembly, on Friday, 10 July. Invite care-giver applications, for Cure Green.

OR

(B) You are the Secretary of the Neighborhood Watch Scheme, Jastinapur, Sector D-3 Society. Draft a notice for the Society notice board, informing residents about the change of personnel, Head Security, Gate 2 and share necessary details. Also, include the news of installation of the much-awaited security camera, on the Eastern periphery of the Society.

IV. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 50 words.(4)

(A) You are the Student Head, Cultural Affairs, at M.K. Sr. Sec. School. Your school is organizing a 2-day Yoga camp over the weekend, for parents of the school

students. Create an invitation, inviting the school parents for this Yoga camp. Share information about the camp organizers and include other necessary details.

OR

(B) Smt. Leelavati Khatri, your grandmother, has received an invitation from her childhood friend, residing at a distance in the same city. The invite is for the blessing ceremony and celebratory dinner, marking the birth of her granddaughter. Your grandmother wishes to attend the event but would need to be accompanied by a family member to assist her with her wheelchair. Create an appropriate reply. accepting this invitation, on behalf of your grandmother.

V. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. (5)

(A) You are Damanjit Singh, a fresh graduate of filmmaking (BFA), from JTTI, Chandigarh. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter to Mili Johar Arts, along with your bio- data, expressing your interest in the advertised post.

Mili Johar Arts

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

WANTED

For Feature Film

Opportunity for aspiring Assistant Directors

WHO DO WE NEED?

Freshers, Experienced, both welcome

REQUIRED: Degree/Diploma in Film Making

SKILLS: Camera handling, functional knowledge of Marathi, exceptional communication skills and ability to multi-task

Please send your resumes to- The Johar House, Offices 05-06 (latest by 23 July 2023) Divali Hill, Mumbai

OR

(B) Despite being an essential component of road safety infrastructure, many people do not respect zebra crossings and fail to follow traffic rules, which results in hazardous situations on the roads. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, sharing your concern, and examining the reasons for such behavior. Provide suggestions for spreading awareness of rules and etiquettes involved, and ways to ensure adherence. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter. You are Soma Baruah, a concerned city resident.

For awareness:

General public/educational institutions

how? In person/social media

Dire consequences - self and others

Adherence -

fines and penalties

revoking driving licenses

strengthening traffic police force - monitoring resources and technology

VI. Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. (5)

(A) You are Sohail Hassan of class XII-B. Write an article for your school magazine, sharing the importance of young adults, as volunteers in one's local community, the need to do so and the benefits involved. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this article.

Importance for personal growth + community development

Benefits For self: new skills, experiences, a sense of purpose for community: positive impact

What are the ways one could get involved?

OR

(B) The R.W.A (Resident Welfare Association), Nandipura -II, launched a volunteer programme for the young adults in and around the neighborhood, on 18 January 2023. As Sunitha. J, the local correspondent of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report, covering this event. Support your ideas with outline cues given below, to craft your report.

which volunteer programme? - purpose of the launch event-it's importance

activities that took place who attended.

any key messages delivered?

how were young adults encouraged to join the volunteer program?

any resources and information provided to attendees?

any insight into follow-up activities planned?

what impact is expected to be achieved in the community?

SECTION-C

(LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT)

(40 MARKS)

VII. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)

(A)

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead:

All lovely tales that we have heard or read: An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

(A Thing of Beauty)

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?

(a) The beauty of nature

(1)

(b) The power of imagination

(c) The immortality of art and literature

(d) The inevitability of death

(ii) State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract.

(1)

By referring to the dead as "mighty", the poet emphasizes their importance and the power they exerted on the people.

(1)

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately. The "endless fountain of immortal drink" is an apt analogy for the tales of the mighty dead because

(iv) The use of the word "brink" in the extract suggests that the immortality that is being poured onto us is on the verge of overflowing. This creates a powerful image of (1)

2) Based on the poem rhyme scheme, evident in lines 2-5, of the given extract, which ( word would rhyme with line 1? (1)

said

think

tombs

(vi)

 Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract. (1)

(a) Creates a sense of continuity and flow that connects the line with the second

line.

(b) Encourages the reader to continue reading seamlessly without any pause.

(c) Creates a sense of anticipation and expectation for the reader.

(d) Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding lines.

OR

...I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter's moon and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood's fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile......

(My Mother at Sixty-six)

(i) What is the speaker's emotional state when looking at her mother?

(a) Confused and disoriented

(b) Nostalgic and longing (1)

(c) Empathetic and understanding (ii) What does the use of the word "but" at the beginning of the

(d) Fearful and apprehensive

line, but all I said.', suggest?

(1)

(iii) Select the word that WILL NOT complete the sentence appropriately. (1)

E

The description of the mother as "wan, pale as a late winter's moon" creates a vivid image of

(a) vulnerability

(4) sensitivity

() frailty

(4) mortality

(1)

(n) State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, The poetic device used in the line, 'pale as a winter's moon' is the same as the one used in the line, 'the winter wind wistfully wailed at night'.

(2) What message do these lines highlight, in the context of familial relationships, and the speaker's sense of anxiety and fear at the prospect of losing her mother? (1)

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately. The repetition of the word, 'smile' suggests that

(1)

VIII. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (4)

(A) Climate change is one of the most hotly contested environmental debates of our time. Will the West Antarctic ice sheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream ocean current be disrupted? Will it be the end of the world as we know it? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Antarctica is a crucial element in this debate not just because it's the only place in the world, which has never sustained a human population and therefore remains relatively 'pristine' in this respect; but more importantly, because it holds in its ice-cores half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its layers of ice.

(Journey to the End of the Earth)

(i) How does the absence of a human population in Antarctica make it significant in the climate change debate? (1)

(ii) Why is "climate change" described as a "hotly contested" issue in the extract provided? (1)

This is so, because there

(a) is universal agreement on the causes and implications of climate change

(b) is a planned path ahead about how to address climate change

(c) are differing views on the causes and implications of climate change

(d) are minimal reports of fresh threats to climate change

(iii) The analogy of a time machine is an appropriate analogy for the role of carbon records in the study of climate change because (1)

(iv) Give one reason why the writing style of the extract can be called factual and informative. (1)

OR

(B) In other words, the Tiger King is dead. The manner of his death is a matter of extraordinary interest. It can be revealed only at the end of the tale. The most fantastic aspect of his demise was that as soon as he was born, astrologers had foretold that one day the Tiger King would actually have to die.

"The child will grow up to become the warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions.

But..." they bit their lips and swallowed hard. When compelled to continue, the astrologers came out with it. "This is a secret which should not be revealed at all.

And yet we are forced to speak out. The child born under this star will one day have to meet its death."

(1) Complete the sentence appropriately.

(The Tiger King)

(1)

The author's purpose in using foreshadowing, is to

(ii) In the given extract, what emotion were the astrologers feeling when they "bit their lips and swallowed hard"?

(a) Humiliation

(b) Disbelief

(1)

(c) Grief

(d) Unease

(iii) Which trait are the astrologers lauding when they say "warrior of warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions"? (1)

(iv) How is the line, "the most fantastic aspect of his demise", an example of contrast? (1)

IX. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. (6)

(A) Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to understand better, and the teacher's great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and how frightened I was. (The Last Lesson)

(i) List any two sensory details present in this extract.

(1)

(ii) Why does the protagonist feel anxious about entering the classroom on this particular day?

(a) The classmates have started the lesson

(1)

(b) The teacher is in a bad mood

(c) The classroom is too quiet

(d) The protagonist is running late

(1)

iii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (The phrase "as quiet as Sunday morning" suggests that

(iv) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that this was not the protagonist's first time being late to school.(1)

(2) What does the term 'terrible iron ruler' indicate about M. Hamel?

(vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?(1)

(a) The Fears of a Latecomer (1)

(b) The Importance of Punctuality

(c) The Rigidity of the School System

(d) The Anxiety of a Young Student

OR

(B) Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets with his friends, an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon. Over the months, I have come to recognise each of them.

"Why aren't you wearing chappals?" I ask one. "My mother did not bring them down from the shelf," he answers simply. "Even if she did, he will throw them off," adds another who is wearing shoes that do not match.

When I comment on it, he shuffles his feet and says nothing. "I want shoes," says a third boy who has never owned a pair all his life. Travelling across the country I have seen children walking barefoot, in cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot, is one explanation. (1) What is the writer's purpose in

(Lost Spring) allowing the boys to speak for themselves via

dialogue, as opposed to only a writer's commentary? (1) (ii) The line, "It is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot" can be best classified as: (1)

(a) a fact

(b) an opinion

(c) a theme

(d) a plot point

(iii) Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line, "an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon". (1) (iv) Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that the writer's association with the boys is not a recent one. (1)

(v) Based on the context provided in the extract, select the most likely comment that the writer would have made, based on the boy's reaction to the mismatched shoes. (1)

(a) "Why are your shoes mismatched? That's not a good look."

(b) "Don't worry about your shoes, you can wear a matching pair later."

(c) "I like your shoes. What matters is that they protect your feet."

(d) "Have you chosen to mismatch your shoes?

(vi) Complete the sentence with ONE word. (1)

The phrase "he answers simply", suggests that the boy's response to the writer's question about why he wasn't wearing chappals was

X. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. (5×2=10)

(i) What can be inferred from Rajendra Prasad's recorded upshot of the lawyer consultations, at Motihari?

[Reference - The senior lawyer replied, they had come to advise and help him; if he went to jail there would be nobody to advise and they would go home. What about the injustice to the sharecroppers, Gandhi demanded.) (Indigo)

(ii) Douglas uses sensory details to create a vivid image of the unfortunate experience in the pool. What might be the impact on the reader if the narration were more informative than sensory? (Deep Water)

(iii) How does the setting of the remote forest location in 'The Rattrap' contribute to the

overall tone and mood of the story?

(iv) How might the message of the poem, 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' be different, if the following last four lines were omitted?

When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie

Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.

The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

Umberto written The Name of the been the same. What can behave an (1) What does the story of She's in the ide

importance of loyalty, creativity, and versatility in the field

XI. Answer ANY TWO of the foll

6) How can we say that the vadai packet incident reveals that the writer lacked cognitive and emotional maturity required to understand the implications of untouchability

What does the play On the Face of suggest about the importance of empty in overcoming prejudice and stereotypes

(m) Answer the question in the context of the following lines from The Enemy "Stupid Yumi," she mattered fiercely. "Is this anything but a man? And a wounded

helpless man!" In the conviction of her own superiority, she bent impulsively and untied the knotted rugs that kept the white man covered

Explain the superiority Hana is convinced about.

XII. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words

(A) Imagine you are Pablo Neruda, the poet of Keeping Quit

What advice might you offer to Robert Frost, the poet of A Roadside Stand, in the context of his conflicted emotions, as displayed in the given lines-

The requisite lift of spirit has never been found. Or so the voice of the country seems to complain, I can't help owning the great relief it would be to put these people at one stroke out of their pain

Pen down your advice, in a letter to Frost. You may begin the way Dear Robert I recently read your poem, "A Roadside Stand," and

You may end this way

I hope this advice is helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything the I can do to support you.

Warmly

Pablo Neruda

OK

(B) The different portrayals of women in the texts Aunt Jennifers Tigers'. Going Places, Lost Spring', and 'My Mother at Sixty-Six offer insights into the experiences of women in society.

You have been asked to address your peers and share

the ways these portrayals highlight the diversity of the female experience -the importance of understanding each individual woman's challenges and experiences.

Compose this draft, with reference to any three of these prescribed texts listed

above.

You may begin this way:

Good morning, everyone.

As I analysed the allotted texts...

You may end this way. To conclude, I'd like to say that...

(5)

XIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.

(A) In the story, 'The Third Level' by Jack Finney, Charley is obsessed with finding the third level.

In an attempt to thrash out whether this obsession is a good quality or a harmful

one, Charley's wife expresses her thoughts in a diary entry. As Louisa, Charley's wife, write this diary entry. Support your response with reference to the story.

You may begin this way:

I have been married to Charley for a few years now and I have always known him to be an intelligent man with an imaginative mind. However, his recent obsession with finding the Third Level has

OR

(B) A grown up Zitkala-Sa, reflects on the incident about cutting of her long hair and is conflicted that she did not do enough to resist and surrendered easily. She also wonders if she could have tried something else to prevent the incident.

As the grown-up Zitkala-Sa, create a diary entry, expressing these thoughts and conclude by absolving yourself of any blame.

You may begin like this:

I find myself reflecting on an event that happened many years ago...

(Memories of Childhood)