Page 1
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
1
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
? You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
? You must NOT start writing during reading time.
? This question paper has 7 printed pages.
? It has 5 questions in all.
? Answer all questions.
? While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only
ONE option as the correct answer.
? Internal choice has been given in the long answer questions on Drama,
Prose and Poetry.
? Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in
Section B.
? The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
Instruction to Supervising Examiner
? Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.
Page 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
1
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
? You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
? You must NOT start writing during reading time.
? This question paper has 7 printed pages.
? It has 5 questions in all.
? Answer all questions.
? While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only
ONE option as the correct answer.
? Internal choice has been given in the long answer questions on Drama,
Prose and Poetry.
? Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in
Section B.
? The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
Instruction to Supervising Examiner
? Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
2
SECTION A– 20 MARKS
Question 1 [10]
Choose the correct options for the following questions.
(i) How does Lady Macbeth attempt to divert the attention of the guests from
Macbeth’s strange behaviour at the banquet? (Recall)
(a) She uses her social grace and charm to distract the guests.
(b) She engages the guests in conversation and entertainment.
(c) She pretends that Macbeth has an illness that is momentary.
(d) She speaks of Macbeth’s courage in troubled times.
(ii) What is Macbeth's reaction when he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet?
(Recall)
(a) He pretends to remain calm and collected.
(b) He is terrified and loses control over himself.
(c) He blames Ross and Lennox for playing tricks on him.
(d) He is proud and boastful.
(iii) What does Banquo’s soliloquy in Act III Scene i of the play Macbeth, reveal
about him? (Understanding)
(a) He is afraid of Macbeth.
(b) He is puzzled and confused.
(c) He is jealous of Macbeth and wishes to seize the throne.
(d) He is suspicious of Macbeth’s actions.
(iv) In Act V of the play Macbeth, which one of the following do you think reflects
the tragic arc of the play? (Analysis)
(P) Macbeth’s soliloquy; “Out, out brief candle, Life’s but a walking
shadow.”
(Q) Lady Macbeth’s breakdown: “What’s done cannot be undone.”
(R) Macduff’s greeting: “Hail, King of Scotland.”
(S) Malcolm’s final words: “So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom
Page 3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
1
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
? You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
? You must NOT start writing during reading time.
? This question paper has 7 printed pages.
? It has 5 questions in all.
? Answer all questions.
? While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only
ONE option as the correct answer.
? Internal choice has been given in the long answer questions on Drama,
Prose and Poetry.
? Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in
Section B.
? The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
Instruction to Supervising Examiner
? Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
2
SECTION A– 20 MARKS
Question 1 [10]
Choose the correct options for the following questions.
(i) How does Lady Macbeth attempt to divert the attention of the guests from
Macbeth’s strange behaviour at the banquet? (Recall)
(a) She uses her social grace and charm to distract the guests.
(b) She engages the guests in conversation and entertainment.
(c) She pretends that Macbeth has an illness that is momentary.
(d) She speaks of Macbeth’s courage in troubled times.
(ii) What is Macbeth's reaction when he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet?
(Recall)
(a) He pretends to remain calm and collected.
(b) He is terrified and loses control over himself.
(c) He blames Ross and Lennox for playing tricks on him.
(d) He is proud and boastful.
(iii) What does Banquo’s soliloquy in Act III Scene i of the play Macbeth, reveal
about him? (Understanding)
(a) He is afraid of Macbeth.
(b) He is puzzled and confused.
(c) He is jealous of Macbeth and wishes to seize the throne.
(d) He is suspicious of Macbeth’s actions.
(iv) In Act V of the play Macbeth, which one of the following do you think reflects
the tragic arc of the play? (Analysis)
(P) Macbeth’s soliloquy; “Out, out brief candle, Life’s but a walking
shadow.”
(Q) Lady Macbeth’s breakdown: “What’s done cannot be undone.”
(R) Macduff’s greeting: “Hail, King of Scotland.”
(S) Malcolm’s final words: “So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
3
we invite to see us crowned at Scone.”
(a) (P) and (R)
(b) (P) and (Q)
(c) (R) and (S)
(d) (P) and (S)
(v) Read the two statements from the short story, The Cookie Lady and choose the
correct option from the ones given below. (Analysis)
Statement I: “Why don’t you read to me from your books? You know I
don’t see too well anymore and it’s comfort to me to be read to.”
Statement II: “You don’t mind if I touch your arm, do you?”
(a) Statement I and II are similar.
(b) Statement I and II are not related to each other.
(c) Statement II is the reason for Statement I.
(d) Statement I is the reason for Statement II.
(vi) Which of the following BEST captures the central idea of the short story,
The Medicine Bag? (Interpret)
(a) Embracing one’s cultural roots.
(b) Disrespect for the older generation.
(c) The fruits of modernisation.
(d) Peer pressure in adolescents.
(vii) Which natural element plays a crucial role in the end of the story There Will
Come Soft Rains? (Recall)
(a) Hail
(b) Wind
(c) Heat
(d) Rain
(viii) In the poem Telephone Conversation, the potent metaphor “stench of rancid
breath” is used to: (Interpret)
(a) evoke a strong sense of repulsion and disgust.
(b) describe bad odour in the telephone booth.
Page 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
1
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
? You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
? You must NOT start writing during reading time.
? This question paper has 7 printed pages.
? It has 5 questions in all.
? Answer all questions.
? While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only
ONE option as the correct answer.
? Internal choice has been given in the long answer questions on Drama,
Prose and Poetry.
? Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in
Section B.
? The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
Instruction to Supervising Examiner
? Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
2
SECTION A– 20 MARKS
Question 1 [10]
Choose the correct options for the following questions.
(i) How does Lady Macbeth attempt to divert the attention of the guests from
Macbeth’s strange behaviour at the banquet? (Recall)
(a) She uses her social grace and charm to distract the guests.
(b) She engages the guests in conversation and entertainment.
(c) She pretends that Macbeth has an illness that is momentary.
(d) She speaks of Macbeth’s courage in troubled times.
(ii) What is Macbeth's reaction when he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet?
(Recall)
(a) He pretends to remain calm and collected.
(b) He is terrified and loses control over himself.
(c) He blames Ross and Lennox for playing tricks on him.
(d) He is proud and boastful.
(iii) What does Banquo’s soliloquy in Act III Scene i of the play Macbeth, reveal
about him? (Understanding)
(a) He is afraid of Macbeth.
(b) He is puzzled and confused.
(c) He is jealous of Macbeth and wishes to seize the throne.
(d) He is suspicious of Macbeth’s actions.
(iv) In Act V of the play Macbeth, which one of the following do you think reflects
the tragic arc of the play? (Analysis)
(P) Macbeth’s soliloquy; “Out, out brief candle, Life’s but a walking
shadow.”
(Q) Lady Macbeth’s breakdown: “What’s done cannot be undone.”
(R) Macduff’s greeting: “Hail, King of Scotland.”
(S) Malcolm’s final words: “So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
3
we invite to see us crowned at Scone.”
(a) (P) and (R)
(b) (P) and (Q)
(c) (R) and (S)
(d) (P) and (S)
(v) Read the two statements from the short story, The Cookie Lady and choose the
correct option from the ones given below. (Analysis)
Statement I: “Why don’t you read to me from your books? You know I
don’t see too well anymore and it’s comfort to me to be read to.”
Statement II: “You don’t mind if I touch your arm, do you?”
(a) Statement I and II are similar.
(b) Statement I and II are not related to each other.
(c) Statement II is the reason for Statement I.
(d) Statement I is the reason for Statement II.
(vi) Which of the following BEST captures the central idea of the short story,
The Medicine Bag? (Interpret)
(a) Embracing one’s cultural roots.
(b) Disrespect for the older generation.
(c) The fruits of modernisation.
(d) Peer pressure in adolescents.
(vii) Which natural element plays a crucial role in the end of the story There Will
Come Soft Rains? (Recall)
(a) Hail
(b) Wind
(c) Heat
(d) Rain
(viii) In the poem Telephone Conversation, the potent metaphor “stench of rancid
breath” is used to: (Interpret)
(a) evoke a strong sense of repulsion and disgust.
(b) describe bad odour in the telephone booth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
4
(c) create a toxic atmosphere.
(d) create a mental image of the lady with bad breath.
(ix) Why does Shane Koyczan begin the poem, Beethoven, with the word “Listen”?
(Analysis)
(a) To highlight the fact that Beethoven was abused.
(b) To make the poem appealing and lend rhythm.
(c) To add novelty to the beginning.
(d) To align it with the theme of music.
(x) How is Death personified in the opening lines of the poem, Death be Not
Proud? (Recall)
(a) As a desperate man
(b) As a gentle agent of Fate
(c) As a mighty conqueror
(d) As a reaper of souls
Question 2
Complete the following sentences by providing a reason for each in brief. Do not
write the question.
[10]
(i) Macbeth returns to the witches in Act IV Scene i because
__________________. (Understanding)
(ii) In Act V Scene viii of the play Macbeth, Macbeth initially refuses to fight
Macduff because__________________. (Recall)
(iii) In Act III Scene iv of the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth dismissed the guests at
the banquet without standing on any ceremony because__________________.
(Analysis)
(iv) The escape of Fleance in Act III Scene iii of the play, Macbeth, is significant
because__________________. (Interpret)
(v) In the short story, Atithi, Motilal Babu and Annapurna choose Tarapada as a
prospective groom for their daughter because __________________.
(Recall)
Page 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
1
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allotted: Three Hours
Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
? You are allowed additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
paper.
? You must NOT start writing during reading time.
? This question paper has 7 printed pages.
? It has 5 questions in all.
? Answer all questions.
? While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only
ONE option as the correct answer.
? Internal choice has been given in the long answer questions on Drama,
Prose and Poetry.
? Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in
Section B.
? The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
Instruction to Supervising Examiner
? Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present
in the examination hall.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
2
SECTION A– 20 MARKS
Question 1 [10]
Choose the correct options for the following questions.
(i) How does Lady Macbeth attempt to divert the attention of the guests from
Macbeth’s strange behaviour at the banquet? (Recall)
(a) She uses her social grace and charm to distract the guests.
(b) She engages the guests in conversation and entertainment.
(c) She pretends that Macbeth has an illness that is momentary.
(d) She speaks of Macbeth’s courage in troubled times.
(ii) What is Macbeth's reaction when he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet?
(Recall)
(a) He pretends to remain calm and collected.
(b) He is terrified and loses control over himself.
(c) He blames Ross and Lennox for playing tricks on him.
(d) He is proud and boastful.
(iii) What does Banquo’s soliloquy in Act III Scene i of the play Macbeth, reveal
about him? (Understanding)
(a) He is afraid of Macbeth.
(b) He is puzzled and confused.
(c) He is jealous of Macbeth and wishes to seize the throne.
(d) He is suspicious of Macbeth’s actions.
(iv) In Act V of the play Macbeth, which one of the following do you think reflects
the tragic arc of the play? (Analysis)
(P) Macbeth’s soliloquy; “Out, out brief candle, Life’s but a walking
shadow.”
(Q) Lady Macbeth’s breakdown: “What’s done cannot be undone.”
(R) Macduff’s greeting: “Hail, King of Scotland.”
(S) Malcolm’s final words: “So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
3
we invite to see us crowned at Scone.”
(a) (P) and (R)
(b) (P) and (Q)
(c) (R) and (S)
(d) (P) and (S)
(v) Read the two statements from the short story, The Cookie Lady and choose the
correct option from the ones given below. (Analysis)
Statement I: “Why don’t you read to me from your books? You know I
don’t see too well anymore and it’s comfort to me to be read to.”
Statement II: “You don’t mind if I touch your arm, do you?”
(a) Statement I and II are similar.
(b) Statement I and II are not related to each other.
(c) Statement II is the reason for Statement I.
(d) Statement I is the reason for Statement II.
(vi) Which of the following BEST captures the central idea of the short story,
The Medicine Bag? (Interpret)
(a) Embracing one’s cultural roots.
(b) Disrespect for the older generation.
(c) The fruits of modernisation.
(d) Peer pressure in adolescents.
(vii) Which natural element plays a crucial role in the end of the story There Will
Come Soft Rains? (Recall)
(a) Hail
(b) Wind
(c) Heat
(d) Rain
(viii) In the poem Telephone Conversation, the potent metaphor “stench of rancid
breath” is used to: (Interpret)
(a) evoke a strong sense of repulsion and disgust.
(b) describe bad odour in the telephone booth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
4
(c) create a toxic atmosphere.
(d) create a mental image of the lady with bad breath.
(ix) Why does Shane Koyczan begin the poem, Beethoven, with the word “Listen”?
(Analysis)
(a) To highlight the fact that Beethoven was abused.
(b) To make the poem appealing and lend rhythm.
(c) To add novelty to the beginning.
(d) To align it with the theme of music.
(x) How is Death personified in the opening lines of the poem, Death be Not
Proud? (Recall)
(a) As a desperate man
(b) As a gentle agent of Fate
(c) As a mighty conqueror
(d) As a reaper of souls
Question 2
Complete the following sentences by providing a reason for each in brief. Do not
write the question.
[10]
(i) Macbeth returns to the witches in Act IV Scene i because
__________________. (Understanding)
(ii) In Act V Scene viii of the play Macbeth, Macbeth initially refuses to fight
Macduff because__________________. (Recall)
(iii) In Act III Scene iv of the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth dismissed the guests at
the banquet without standing on any ceremony because__________________.
(Analysis)
(iv) The escape of Fleance in Act III Scene iii of the play, Macbeth, is significant
because__________________. (Interpret)
(v) In the short story, Atithi, Motilal Babu and Annapurna choose Tarapada as a
prospective groom for their daughter because __________________.
(Recall)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2025
5
(vi) In the short story, The Cookie Lady, Mrs. Drew wanted Bubber to keep visiting
her because__________________. (Understanding)
(vii) In the short story, Indigo, Aniruddha asked Sukhanram if there were ghosts in
the bungalow because__________________. (Recall)
(viii) In the poem, Telephone Conversation, the speaker resented the landlady asking
him about the colour of his skin because__________________. (Analysis)
(ix) In the poem, Small Towns and the River, the dead are placed pointing west
because__________________. (Recall)
(x)
Beethoven amputated the legs of his piano because__________________.
(Recall)
SECTION B – 60 MARKS
MACBETH –WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Question 3
(i) How does Malcolm’s character grow and change over the course of the play?
Incorporate the following details and write your answer in a short paragraph of
about 100-150 words. (Analysis)
[5]
(a) Malcolm’s testing of Macduff in Act IV
(b) His generalship and the restoration of order through Macduff
(ii) In what ways does power corrupt in the play Macbeth? Discuss any one
character who is corrupted by power in the play.
Incorporate the following details and answer in 100-150 words.
(Understanding)
[5]
(a) The character’s traits before coming to power
(b) The character’s degeneration after coming into power
(iii) (a) Do you agree with the view that Macbeth is fighting a lost battle against
forces beyond his control? Justify your point of view in about 200- 250
words by referring to the Acts studied. (Evaluate)
[10]
OR
(b) When do you have flashes of sympathy and admiration for Lady
Macbeth in the course of the play? Explain by citing examples from the
Acts studied. Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
(Interpret)
[10]
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