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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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FAQs on ICSE English Sample Paper with Solutions - 2025 - Class 12

1. What are the key components of the ICSE English syllabus for Class 12?
Ans. The ICSE English syllabus for Class 12 typically includes components such as literature, language skills, and writing skills. The literature section often covers poetry, prose, and plays, focusing on analysis and interpretation. Language skills encompass grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Additionally, writing skills may involve essays, letters, and reports, emphasizing clarity and coherence in communication.
2. How can students effectively prepare for the ICSE English examination?
Ans. Students can effectively prepare for the ICSE English examination by creating a study schedule that includes regular revision of literature texts and language concepts. Practicing past exam papers helps familiarize students with the exam format and types of questions. Group discussions and reading extensively can enhance comprehension and analytical skills. Additionally, seeking feedback on writing assignments can improve writing proficiency.
3. What types of questions are commonly found in the ICSE English exam?
Ans. The ICSE English exam commonly features a variety of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay-type questions. Literature sections may ask for character analysis, themes, and critical appreciation of texts. Language sections often include grammar exercises, comprehension passages, and writing tasks where students must demonstrate their ability to convey ideas effectively and accurately.
4. What is the importance of practicing past papers for the ICSE English exam?
Ans. Practicing past papers is crucial for ICSE English exam preparation as it helps students understand the exam format and time management. It provides insight into frequently asked questions and allows students to assess their understanding of the syllabus. Additionally, reviewing past papers helps identify areas of weakness, enabling targeted revision and boosting confidence before the actual examination.
5. How can students improve their writing skills for the ICSE English exam?
Ans. Students can improve their writing skills for the ICSE English exam by regularly practicing different writing formats, such as essays, letters, and reports. Reading a variety of texts can enhance vocabulary and exposure to different writing styles. Seeking constructive feedback from teachers or peers on written work can help identify areas for improvement. Additionally, focusing on structure, coherence, and clarity in writing will contribute to better performance in the exam.
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