CBSE Sample Question Paper English Elective (2019-20) | English Class 12 PDF Download

 Page 1


ENGLISH ELECTIVE  
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
2019-20 
CODE NO. 001 
CLASS XII 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                                              Maximum Marks: 80 
General Instructions:  
1. This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. All sections are compulsory.  
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.  
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
 SECTION – A  
Reading – 20 Marks 
 
Q.1  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 
 
1. I was only a year and some months younger than Valodya; we grew up, 
studied and played together. No distinction of elder and younger was 
made between us. But just about the time I am speaking of I began to 
realize that I was no companion for him, either in age, in interests or in 
ability. It even seemed to me that Valodya himself was aware of his 
superiority and was proud of it. This idea (it may have been a wrong 
one) was inspired by my vanity which suffered every time I came in 
contact with him. He was better than me in everything; at lessons, in 
arguments and in manners, and all this took me farther from him and 
caused me moral anguish which I could not understand. When Valodya 
was given a tucked linen shirt for the first time I was unhappy for not 
having a shirt like that. I am sure I would have felt happier if I was 
convinced that every time he arranged his collar it was not done to 
annoy me.   
 
2. What tormented me most was that it sometimes seemed to me Valodya 
understood what was going on inside me but tried to hide it. But perhaps 
my sensitiveness and tendency to analyse deceived me in this case. It 
may be Valodya did not feel at all as I did. He was impulsive and his 
enthusiasm in different hobbies did not last long. 
 
3. He would suddenly develop a passion for pictures, himself take up 
painting, spend all his money buying them and beg them of his drawing-
master, of papa and of grandmamma. Then it would be a craze for curios 
to decorate his table, collecting them from every room in the house, or a 
mania for novels which he obtained on the sly and read all day and 
night. I could not help being impressed by his hobbies but I was too 
proud to imitate him and too young and not independent enough to 
choose a hobby for myself. But there was nothing I envied so much as 
Valodya’s happy large heartedness which showed itself most strikingly 
when we quarreled. I always felt that he was behaving well but I could 
not do likewise. 
 
4. Once when his passion of ornaments was at its height, I went up to his 
table and accidentally broke an empty bright-coloured little scent bottle. 
12 Marks 
 
(1 x 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2


ENGLISH ELECTIVE  
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
2019-20 
CODE NO. 001 
CLASS XII 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                                              Maximum Marks: 80 
General Instructions:  
1. This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. All sections are compulsory.  
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.  
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
 SECTION – A  
Reading – 20 Marks 
 
Q.1  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 
 
1. I was only a year and some months younger than Valodya; we grew up, 
studied and played together. No distinction of elder and younger was 
made between us. But just about the time I am speaking of I began to 
realize that I was no companion for him, either in age, in interests or in 
ability. It even seemed to me that Valodya himself was aware of his 
superiority and was proud of it. This idea (it may have been a wrong 
one) was inspired by my vanity which suffered every time I came in 
contact with him. He was better than me in everything; at lessons, in 
arguments and in manners, and all this took me farther from him and 
caused me moral anguish which I could not understand. When Valodya 
was given a tucked linen shirt for the first time I was unhappy for not 
having a shirt like that. I am sure I would have felt happier if I was 
convinced that every time he arranged his collar it was not done to 
annoy me.   
 
2. What tormented me most was that it sometimes seemed to me Valodya 
understood what was going on inside me but tried to hide it. But perhaps 
my sensitiveness and tendency to analyse deceived me in this case. It 
may be Valodya did not feel at all as I did. He was impulsive and his 
enthusiasm in different hobbies did not last long. 
 
3. He would suddenly develop a passion for pictures, himself take up 
painting, spend all his money buying them and beg them of his drawing-
master, of papa and of grandmamma. Then it would be a craze for curios 
to decorate his table, collecting them from every room in the house, or a 
mania for novels which he obtained on the sly and read all day and 
night. I could not help being impressed by his hobbies but I was too 
proud to imitate him and too young and not independent enough to 
choose a hobby for myself. But there was nothing I envied so much as 
Valodya’s happy large heartedness which showed itself most strikingly 
when we quarreled. I always felt that he was behaving well but I could 
not do likewise. 
 
4. Once when his passion of ornaments was at its height, I went up to his 
table and accidentally broke an empty bright-coloured little scent bottle. 
12 Marks 
 
(1 x 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Who asked you to touch my things?” demanded Valodya coming into 
the room and seeing how I had upset the symmetry of the different 
treasures on his table. “And where is the scent bottle? You must 
have…..” 
 
5. “I knocked it over by accident and it broke. What does it matter?”   
 
 
“Do me the favour-never dare touch my things again”, he said, putting 
the pieces of broken flask together and looking at theme sorrowfully.   
 
“And you please don’t issue orders” I retorted, “that’s all.”  And I 
smiled, though I did not feel in the least like smiling.  
 
“Yes, its nothing to you but it does matter to me,” pursued Valodya, 
jerking his shoulder, a gesture he had inherited from pap. “He goes and 
breaks it and then laughs, the nasty little brat!”   
 
“I am a little brat; and you’re big but you’re stupid.”   
 
“I am not going to quarrel with you,” said Valodya, giving me a slight 
push, “go away.”   
 
“Don’t push!”  
 
“Get away!” 
 
“Don’t push, I tell you!”  
 
Valodya took my word and tried to drag me away from the table; but I 
was beside myself by now; I got hold of the leg of the table and tipped it 
over. “There now!” And all his china and glass ornaments crashed to the 
floor.  “You disgusting little boy!” cried Valodya, trying to save some of 
his falling treasures.   
 
“Well, now it is all over between us,” I thought as I left the room, “we 
have quarreled for good.” 
 
6. As soon as afternoon lessons were over I left the room. I was too scared, 
uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with my brother. After our 
history lesson in the evening I took my exercise books and started 
towards the door.  As I passed Valodya, though I wanted to go up to him 
and make friends I scowled and put on an angry expression.  At that 
moment Valodya raised his head and, with a meaningful smile, looked 
me full in the face.  Our eyes met and I knew that he understood me; but 
some irresistible feeling made me turn away.  
 
7. “Nicky!” he said in a most natural voice without a scrap of pathos.  
“Don’t be cross any more. Forgive me if I offended you.” And he held 
out his hand.  Something that came higher and higher seemed to be 
pressing my chest and stopping my breath but this only lasted a second; 
tears came to my eyes and I felt better. “Forgive….m-me, Val-dya,” I 
stammered, squeezing his hand. Valodya looked at me as if he could not 
make out at all why there should be tears in my eyes. 
- Leo Tolstoy 
(Excerpts from his autobiographical novel ‘Boyhood’ originally written in 
Russian, translation by C.J. Haqar) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 3


ENGLISH ELECTIVE  
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
2019-20 
CODE NO. 001 
CLASS XII 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                                              Maximum Marks: 80 
General Instructions:  
1. This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. All sections are compulsory.  
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.  
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
 SECTION – A  
Reading – 20 Marks 
 
Q.1  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 
 
1. I was only a year and some months younger than Valodya; we grew up, 
studied and played together. No distinction of elder and younger was 
made between us. But just about the time I am speaking of I began to 
realize that I was no companion for him, either in age, in interests or in 
ability. It even seemed to me that Valodya himself was aware of his 
superiority and was proud of it. This idea (it may have been a wrong 
one) was inspired by my vanity which suffered every time I came in 
contact with him. He was better than me in everything; at lessons, in 
arguments and in manners, and all this took me farther from him and 
caused me moral anguish which I could not understand. When Valodya 
was given a tucked linen shirt for the first time I was unhappy for not 
having a shirt like that. I am sure I would have felt happier if I was 
convinced that every time he arranged his collar it was not done to 
annoy me.   
 
2. What tormented me most was that it sometimes seemed to me Valodya 
understood what was going on inside me but tried to hide it. But perhaps 
my sensitiveness and tendency to analyse deceived me in this case. It 
may be Valodya did not feel at all as I did. He was impulsive and his 
enthusiasm in different hobbies did not last long. 
 
3. He would suddenly develop a passion for pictures, himself take up 
painting, spend all his money buying them and beg them of his drawing-
master, of papa and of grandmamma. Then it would be a craze for curios 
to decorate his table, collecting them from every room in the house, or a 
mania for novels which he obtained on the sly and read all day and 
night. I could not help being impressed by his hobbies but I was too 
proud to imitate him and too young and not independent enough to 
choose a hobby for myself. But there was nothing I envied so much as 
Valodya’s happy large heartedness which showed itself most strikingly 
when we quarreled. I always felt that he was behaving well but I could 
not do likewise. 
 
4. Once when his passion of ornaments was at its height, I went up to his 
table and accidentally broke an empty bright-coloured little scent bottle. 
12 Marks 
 
(1 x 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Who asked you to touch my things?” demanded Valodya coming into 
the room and seeing how I had upset the symmetry of the different 
treasures on his table. “And where is the scent bottle? You must 
have…..” 
 
5. “I knocked it over by accident and it broke. What does it matter?”   
 
 
“Do me the favour-never dare touch my things again”, he said, putting 
the pieces of broken flask together and looking at theme sorrowfully.   
 
“And you please don’t issue orders” I retorted, “that’s all.”  And I 
smiled, though I did not feel in the least like smiling.  
 
“Yes, its nothing to you but it does matter to me,” pursued Valodya, 
jerking his shoulder, a gesture he had inherited from pap. “He goes and 
breaks it and then laughs, the nasty little brat!”   
 
“I am a little brat; and you’re big but you’re stupid.”   
 
“I am not going to quarrel with you,” said Valodya, giving me a slight 
push, “go away.”   
 
“Don’t push!”  
 
“Get away!” 
 
“Don’t push, I tell you!”  
 
Valodya took my word and tried to drag me away from the table; but I 
was beside myself by now; I got hold of the leg of the table and tipped it 
over. “There now!” And all his china and glass ornaments crashed to the 
floor.  “You disgusting little boy!” cried Valodya, trying to save some of 
his falling treasures.   
 
“Well, now it is all over between us,” I thought as I left the room, “we 
have quarreled for good.” 
 
6. As soon as afternoon lessons were over I left the room. I was too scared, 
uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with my brother. After our 
history lesson in the evening I took my exercise books and started 
towards the door.  As I passed Valodya, though I wanted to go up to him 
and make friends I scowled and put on an angry expression.  At that 
moment Valodya raised his head and, with a meaningful smile, looked 
me full in the face.  Our eyes met and I knew that he understood me; but 
some irresistible feeling made me turn away.  
 
7. “Nicky!” he said in a most natural voice without a scrap of pathos.  
“Don’t be cross any more. Forgive me if I offended you.” And he held 
out his hand.  Something that came higher and higher seemed to be 
pressing my chest and stopping my breath but this only lasted a second; 
tears came to my eyes and I felt better. “Forgive….m-me, Val-dya,” I 
stammered, squeezing his hand. Valodya looked at me as if he could not 
make out at all why there should be tears in my eyes. 
- Leo Tolstoy 
(Excerpts from his autobiographical novel ‘Boyhood’ originally written in 
Russian, translation by C.J. Haqar) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, answer the following 
questions briefly:- 
 
(a) Why did Nicky feel that he was not an apt companion for Valodaya? 
(b) About which aspect of Valodya’s personality was Nicky most upset? 
(c) Why did Nicky feel uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with his 
brother ? 
(d) What did Nicky do to show that he was sorry for all that he had done in 
the morning? 
(e) Was the narrator repentent for his behavior? How do you know? 
(f) What does Valodaya’s behavior show about his character? 
(g) Choose the correct option:  
Which of the following is NOT true for Valodaya? 
(i) He was fond of reading. 
(ii) He was inclined towards painting. 
(iii) He was reckless with money. 
(iv) He liked collecting curios and works of art. 
(h) “I am a little brat, and you’re big but you are stupid.” 
This line highlights that Nicky –  
(i) was disrespectful towards his brother 
(ii) was impulsive and volatile, but loved his brother 
(iii) was jealous of his brother 
(iv) was unapologetic towards his brother 
(i) Choose the synonym of pride (para 1) 
(i) vanity 
(ii) superiority  
(iii) anguish  
(iv) distinction  
(j) Choose the antonym of comforted (para 2) 
(i) deceived  
(ii) tormented  
(iii) impulsive 
(iv) enthusiasm  
(k) Choose the right answer which explains the underlined phrase: 
We have quarreled for good 
(i) It is very good  
(ii) Forever 
(iii) For good reason 
(iv) For good things to follow 
(l) “Something that came higher and higher seemed to be pressing my 
chest,” implies  
(i) his brother towered over him. 
(ii) he was in a state of confusion. 
(iii) his brother tried to overpower him. 
(iv) he felt choked with emotions. 
 
 
 
 
1  
1  
1  
1 
 
1  
1  
 
1   
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
Q.2 Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:   
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings  
By Maya Angelou 
The free bird leaps 
on the back of the wind 
and floats downstream  
8 marks 
(2 x 4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 4


ENGLISH ELECTIVE  
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
2019-20 
CODE NO. 001 
CLASS XII 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                                              Maximum Marks: 80 
General Instructions:  
1. This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. All sections are compulsory.  
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.  
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
 SECTION – A  
Reading – 20 Marks 
 
Q.1  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 
 
1. I was only a year and some months younger than Valodya; we grew up, 
studied and played together. No distinction of elder and younger was 
made between us. But just about the time I am speaking of I began to 
realize that I was no companion for him, either in age, in interests or in 
ability. It even seemed to me that Valodya himself was aware of his 
superiority and was proud of it. This idea (it may have been a wrong 
one) was inspired by my vanity which suffered every time I came in 
contact with him. He was better than me in everything; at lessons, in 
arguments and in manners, and all this took me farther from him and 
caused me moral anguish which I could not understand. When Valodya 
was given a tucked linen shirt for the first time I was unhappy for not 
having a shirt like that. I am sure I would have felt happier if I was 
convinced that every time he arranged his collar it was not done to 
annoy me.   
 
2. What tormented me most was that it sometimes seemed to me Valodya 
understood what was going on inside me but tried to hide it. But perhaps 
my sensitiveness and tendency to analyse deceived me in this case. It 
may be Valodya did not feel at all as I did. He was impulsive and his 
enthusiasm in different hobbies did not last long. 
 
3. He would suddenly develop a passion for pictures, himself take up 
painting, spend all his money buying them and beg them of his drawing-
master, of papa and of grandmamma. Then it would be a craze for curios 
to decorate his table, collecting them from every room in the house, or a 
mania for novels which he obtained on the sly and read all day and 
night. I could not help being impressed by his hobbies but I was too 
proud to imitate him and too young and not independent enough to 
choose a hobby for myself. But there was nothing I envied so much as 
Valodya’s happy large heartedness which showed itself most strikingly 
when we quarreled. I always felt that he was behaving well but I could 
not do likewise. 
 
4. Once when his passion of ornaments was at its height, I went up to his 
table and accidentally broke an empty bright-coloured little scent bottle. 
12 Marks 
 
(1 x 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Who asked you to touch my things?” demanded Valodya coming into 
the room and seeing how I had upset the symmetry of the different 
treasures on his table. “And where is the scent bottle? You must 
have…..” 
 
5. “I knocked it over by accident and it broke. What does it matter?”   
 
 
“Do me the favour-never dare touch my things again”, he said, putting 
the pieces of broken flask together and looking at theme sorrowfully.   
 
“And you please don’t issue orders” I retorted, “that’s all.”  And I 
smiled, though I did not feel in the least like smiling.  
 
“Yes, its nothing to you but it does matter to me,” pursued Valodya, 
jerking his shoulder, a gesture he had inherited from pap. “He goes and 
breaks it and then laughs, the nasty little brat!”   
 
“I am a little brat; and you’re big but you’re stupid.”   
 
“I am not going to quarrel with you,” said Valodya, giving me a slight 
push, “go away.”   
 
“Don’t push!”  
 
“Get away!” 
 
“Don’t push, I tell you!”  
 
Valodya took my word and tried to drag me away from the table; but I 
was beside myself by now; I got hold of the leg of the table and tipped it 
over. “There now!” And all his china and glass ornaments crashed to the 
floor.  “You disgusting little boy!” cried Valodya, trying to save some of 
his falling treasures.   
 
“Well, now it is all over between us,” I thought as I left the room, “we 
have quarreled for good.” 
 
6. As soon as afternoon lessons were over I left the room. I was too scared, 
uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with my brother. After our 
history lesson in the evening I took my exercise books and started 
towards the door.  As I passed Valodya, though I wanted to go up to him 
and make friends I scowled and put on an angry expression.  At that 
moment Valodya raised his head and, with a meaningful smile, looked 
me full in the face.  Our eyes met and I knew that he understood me; but 
some irresistible feeling made me turn away.  
 
7. “Nicky!” he said in a most natural voice without a scrap of pathos.  
“Don’t be cross any more. Forgive me if I offended you.” And he held 
out his hand.  Something that came higher and higher seemed to be 
pressing my chest and stopping my breath but this only lasted a second; 
tears came to my eyes and I felt better. “Forgive….m-me, Val-dya,” I 
stammered, squeezing his hand. Valodya looked at me as if he could not 
make out at all why there should be tears in my eyes. 
- Leo Tolstoy 
(Excerpts from his autobiographical novel ‘Boyhood’ originally written in 
Russian, translation by C.J. Haqar) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, answer the following 
questions briefly:- 
 
(a) Why did Nicky feel that he was not an apt companion for Valodaya? 
(b) About which aspect of Valodya’s personality was Nicky most upset? 
(c) Why did Nicky feel uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with his 
brother ? 
(d) What did Nicky do to show that he was sorry for all that he had done in 
the morning? 
(e) Was the narrator repentent for his behavior? How do you know? 
(f) What does Valodaya’s behavior show about his character? 
(g) Choose the correct option:  
Which of the following is NOT true for Valodaya? 
(i) He was fond of reading. 
(ii) He was inclined towards painting. 
(iii) He was reckless with money. 
(iv) He liked collecting curios and works of art. 
(h) “I am a little brat, and you’re big but you are stupid.” 
This line highlights that Nicky –  
(i) was disrespectful towards his brother 
(ii) was impulsive and volatile, but loved his brother 
(iii) was jealous of his brother 
(iv) was unapologetic towards his brother 
(i) Choose the synonym of pride (para 1) 
(i) vanity 
(ii) superiority  
(iii) anguish  
(iv) distinction  
(j) Choose the antonym of comforted (para 2) 
(i) deceived  
(ii) tormented  
(iii) impulsive 
(iv) enthusiasm  
(k) Choose the right answer which explains the underlined phrase: 
We have quarreled for good 
(i) It is very good  
(ii) Forever 
(iii) For good reason 
(iv) For good things to follow 
(l) “Something that came higher and higher seemed to be pressing my 
chest,” implies  
(i) his brother towered over him. 
(ii) he was in a state of confusion. 
(iii) his brother tried to overpower him. 
(iv) he felt choked with emotions. 
 
 
 
 
1  
1  
1  
1 
 
1  
1  
 
1   
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  
 
 
 
 
 
Q.2 Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:   
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings  
By Maya Angelou 
The free bird leaps 
on the back of the wind 
and floats downstream  
8 marks 
(2 x 4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
till the current ends  
and dips his wings  
in the orange sun rays  
and dares to claim the sky. 
 
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage 
can seldom see through his bars of rage 
 his wings are clipped and his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing. 
 
The caged bird sings with fearful trill 
of the things unknown but longed for still 
and his tune is heard 
on the distant hill for the caged bird  
sings of freedom 
 
The free bird thinks of another breeze 
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees 
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn 
and he names the sky his own. 
 
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams 
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream 
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing 
 
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill 
of things unknown but longed for still 
and his tune is heard on the distant hill 
for the caged bird sings of freedom. 
 
On the basis of your reading of the poem, answer the following 
questions in 50-60 words each. 
 
a) What is the grave of dreams and why does a caged bird stand on it? 
b) Why does a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see 
through his bars of rage? 
c) Who are referred to as free bird and caged bird in the poem? Why? 
d) Is the situation of the caged bird relevant to the contemporary times?  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  
2  
2  
2   
 SECTION - B 
Creative Writing Skills and Applied Grammar – 30 Marks 
 
   
Q. 3 Attempt any two of the following three questions in 120-150 words each. 
 
a) Describe an influential person and explain why you feel this person is a 
positive role model. 
 
b) Water is the force behind agriculture, industries, trade and commerce. 
Lately, India has been facing severe scarcity of this vital resource. Write 
an article for your school magazine on the need for water conservation. 
You are Rajiv/Ragini. 
 
c) Technology appears to create global network, bringing people together. 
But, it also replaces real life communication, thus bringing social 
isolation. Write your views on the impact of technology on human 
connections for an e-journal. You are Sourabh/Surabhi. 
12 marks 
(6 x 2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 5


ENGLISH ELECTIVE  
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 
2019-20 
CODE NO. 001 
CLASS XII 
Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                                                              Maximum Marks: 80 
General Instructions:  
1. This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. All sections are compulsory.  
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. 
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.  
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. 
 
 SECTION – A  
Reading – 20 Marks 
 
Q.1  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 
 
1. I was only a year and some months younger than Valodya; we grew up, 
studied and played together. No distinction of elder and younger was 
made between us. But just about the time I am speaking of I began to 
realize that I was no companion for him, either in age, in interests or in 
ability. It even seemed to me that Valodya himself was aware of his 
superiority and was proud of it. This idea (it may have been a wrong 
one) was inspired by my vanity which suffered every time I came in 
contact with him. He was better than me in everything; at lessons, in 
arguments and in manners, and all this took me farther from him and 
caused me moral anguish which I could not understand. When Valodya 
was given a tucked linen shirt for the first time I was unhappy for not 
having a shirt like that. I am sure I would have felt happier if I was 
convinced that every time he arranged his collar it was not done to 
annoy me.   
 
2. What tormented me most was that it sometimes seemed to me Valodya 
understood what was going on inside me but tried to hide it. But perhaps 
my sensitiveness and tendency to analyse deceived me in this case. It 
may be Valodya did not feel at all as I did. He was impulsive and his 
enthusiasm in different hobbies did not last long. 
 
3. He would suddenly develop a passion for pictures, himself take up 
painting, spend all his money buying them and beg them of his drawing-
master, of papa and of grandmamma. Then it would be a craze for curios 
to decorate his table, collecting them from every room in the house, or a 
mania for novels which he obtained on the sly and read all day and 
night. I could not help being impressed by his hobbies but I was too 
proud to imitate him and too young and not independent enough to 
choose a hobby for myself. But there was nothing I envied so much as 
Valodya’s happy large heartedness which showed itself most strikingly 
when we quarreled. I always felt that he was behaving well but I could 
not do likewise. 
 
4. Once when his passion of ornaments was at its height, I went up to his 
table and accidentally broke an empty bright-coloured little scent bottle. 
12 Marks 
 
(1 x 12) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Who asked you to touch my things?” demanded Valodya coming into 
the room and seeing how I had upset the symmetry of the different 
treasures on his table. “And where is the scent bottle? You must 
have…..” 
 
5. “I knocked it over by accident and it broke. What does it matter?”   
 
 
“Do me the favour-never dare touch my things again”, he said, putting 
the pieces of broken flask together and looking at theme sorrowfully.   
 
“And you please don’t issue orders” I retorted, “that’s all.”  And I 
smiled, though I did not feel in the least like smiling.  
 
“Yes, its nothing to you but it does matter to me,” pursued Valodya, 
jerking his shoulder, a gesture he had inherited from pap. “He goes and 
breaks it and then laughs, the nasty little brat!”   
 
“I am a little brat; and you’re big but you’re stupid.”   
 
“I am not going to quarrel with you,” said Valodya, giving me a slight 
push, “go away.”   
 
“Don’t push!”  
 
“Get away!” 
 
“Don’t push, I tell you!”  
 
Valodya took my word and tried to drag me away from the table; but I 
was beside myself by now; I got hold of the leg of the table and tipped it 
over. “There now!” And all his china and glass ornaments crashed to the 
floor.  “You disgusting little boy!” cried Valodya, trying to save some of 
his falling treasures.   
 
“Well, now it is all over between us,” I thought as I left the room, “we 
have quarreled for good.” 
 
6. As soon as afternoon lessons were over I left the room. I was too scared, 
uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with my brother. After our 
history lesson in the evening I took my exercise books and started 
towards the door.  As I passed Valodya, though I wanted to go up to him 
and make friends I scowled and put on an angry expression.  At that 
moment Valodya raised his head and, with a meaningful smile, looked 
me full in the face.  Our eyes met and I knew that he understood me; but 
some irresistible feeling made me turn away.  
 
7. “Nicky!” he said in a most natural voice without a scrap of pathos.  
“Don’t be cross any more. Forgive me if I offended you.” And he held 
out his hand.  Something that came higher and higher seemed to be 
pressing my chest and stopping my breath but this only lasted a second; 
tears came to my eyes and I felt better. “Forgive….m-me, Val-dya,” I 
stammered, squeezing his hand. Valodya looked at me as if he could not 
make out at all why there should be tears in my eyes. 
- Leo Tolstoy 
(Excerpts from his autobiographical novel ‘Boyhood’ originally written in 
Russian, translation by C.J. Haqar) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, answer the following 
questions briefly:- 
 
(a) Why did Nicky feel that he was not an apt companion for Valodaya? 
(b) About which aspect of Valodya’s personality was Nicky most upset? 
(c) Why did Nicky feel uncomfortable and ashamed to be alone with his 
brother ? 
(d) What did Nicky do to show that he was sorry for all that he had done in 
the morning? 
(e) Was the narrator repentent for his behavior? How do you know? 
(f) What does Valodaya’s behavior show about his character? 
(g) Choose the correct option:  
Which of the following is NOT true for Valodaya? 
(i) He was fond of reading. 
(ii) He was inclined towards painting. 
(iii) He was reckless with money. 
(iv) He liked collecting curios and works of art. 
(h) “I am a little brat, and you’re big but you are stupid.” 
This line highlights that Nicky –  
(i) was disrespectful towards his brother 
(ii) was impulsive and volatile, but loved his brother 
(iii) was jealous of his brother 
(iv) was unapologetic towards his brother 
(i) Choose the synonym of pride (para 1) 
(i) vanity 
(ii) superiority  
(iii) anguish  
(iv) distinction  
(j) Choose the antonym of comforted (para 2) 
(i) deceived  
(ii) tormented  
(iii) impulsive 
(iv) enthusiasm  
(k) Choose the right answer which explains the underlined phrase: 
We have quarreled for good 
(i) It is very good  
(ii) Forever 
(iii) For good reason 
(iv) For good things to follow 
(l) “Something that came higher and higher seemed to be pressing my 
chest,” implies  
(i) his brother towered over him. 
(ii) he was in a state of confusion. 
(iii) his brother tried to overpower him. 
(iv) he felt choked with emotions. 
 
 
 
 
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Q.2 Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:   
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings  
By Maya Angelou 
The free bird leaps 
on the back of the wind 
and floats downstream  
8 marks 
(2 x 4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
till the current ends  
and dips his wings  
in the orange sun rays  
and dares to claim the sky. 
 
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage 
can seldom see through his bars of rage 
 his wings are clipped and his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing. 
 
The caged bird sings with fearful trill 
of the things unknown but longed for still 
and his tune is heard 
on the distant hill for the caged bird  
sings of freedom 
 
The free bird thinks of another breeze 
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees 
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn 
and he names the sky his own. 
 
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams 
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream 
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied 
so he opens his throat to sing 
 
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill 
of things unknown but longed for still 
and his tune is heard on the distant hill 
for the caged bird sings of freedom. 
 
On the basis of your reading of the poem, answer the following 
questions in 50-60 words each. 
 
a) What is the grave of dreams and why does a caged bird stand on it? 
b) Why does a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see 
through his bars of rage? 
c) Who are referred to as free bird and caged bird in the poem? Why? 
d) Is the situation of the caged bird relevant to the contemporary times?  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 SECTION - B 
Creative Writing Skills and Applied Grammar – 30 Marks 
 
   
Q. 3 Attempt any two of the following three questions in 120-150 words each. 
 
a) Describe an influential person and explain why you feel this person is a 
positive role model. 
 
b) Water is the force behind agriculture, industries, trade and commerce. 
Lately, India has been facing severe scarcity of this vital resource. Write 
an article for your school magazine on the need for water conservation. 
You are Rajiv/Ragini. 
 
c) Technology appears to create global network, bringing people together. 
But, it also replaces real life communication, thus bringing social 
isolation. Write your views on the impact of technology on human 
connections for an e-journal. You are Sourabh/Surabhi. 
12 marks 
(6 x 2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Q. 4 Attempt any one of the following two questions in 150-180 words. 
 
a) It is seen that public property is often defaced and damaged. The 
infrastructure (public transport, subways, roads, gardens) provided by 
the government helps the nation develop and it’s the responsibility of 
each citizen to ensure that it remains unharmed. Write a speech voicing 
your concerns over the need to have a sense of ownership and national 
pride. You are Rati/Rahul. 
 
b) You are Malini/Manoj. Write an article to be published in a leading daily 
urging all parents to give their time and moral support to their children, 
especially the adolescents who face multiple pressures in this crucial 
phase of their lives. Many of your friends are getting expensive gifts 
from their parents, but not their attention and time.  
 
10 marks 
(10 x 1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Q. 5 Transform the following sentences as per the given instructions. 
 
a) I am reading a book at the moment. It is very interesting. (combine the 
sentences using the beginning given)  
The book ___________________ 
b) The fire alarm has been sounded by him. (transform to active voice) 
c) “What do you mean by these words?”, asked the teacher angrily. 
(transform to indirect speech) 
d) Though he was powerful, he was lonely. (rewrite as a compound 
sentence) 
e) The teacher insists that the students write neatly. (Rewrite the sentence 
using ‘writing’) 
f) Open the window. (rewrite using the beginning given) 
Would _________ 
g) The soldiers who were victorious were honoured by the President. 
(rewrite as a simple sentence) 
h) She was so tired that she could not finish the task. (rewrite the sentence 
using ‘too’) 
8 marks 
(1 x 8) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SECTION – C  
Literature (20 Marks) 
 
Q. 6 Answer any one of the following two questions in 50-60 words. 
 
(a) What do the swans in the poem, ‘The Wild Swans at Coole’ symbolize? 
(b) What type of relationship does Eveline have with Frank? 
2 marks 
(2 x 1) 
 
Q.7 Answer any two of the following three questions in 60-80 words each. 
 
(a) Comment on the use of the shadows for the idea that the poet wants to 
convey in the poem – (A Lecture Upon the Shadow) 
(b) How can the poem Kubla Khan by Coleridge be read as an illustration of 
the power of imagination?  
(c) Why did the author think that Frau Frieda’s dreams were a stratagem for 
surviving? Did he believe in her prophetic ability? (I  Sell My Dreams) 
8 marks 
(4 x 2) 
 
Q.8 Answer any two of the following three questions in 80-100 words each. 
 
(a) How does D.H. Lawrence assert that the novel is a book that can touch 
10 marks 
(5 x 2)