Class 12 English: CBSE Sample Question Paper- Term I (2021-22)- 1 | English Class 12 PDF Download

Class-XII
Time: 90 Minutes

General Instructions: 

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.
2. Section A – READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific instructions for each question.
3. Section B – WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per specific instructions for each question.
4. Section C – LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for each question. 
5. All questions carry equal marks. 
6. There is no negative marking.

I. Read the passage given below: 

1. “Who doesn’t know how to cook rice? Cooking rice hardly takes time,” said my father. So, I challenged myself. I switched from news to YouTube and typed, “How to cook rice?” I took one and a half cups of rice. Since, I didn’t have access to a rice cooker, I put the rice in a big pot. Firstly, the rice has to be washed to get rid of dust and starch. I thought I won’t be able to drain the rice and that it will fall out of the pot. I observed the chef as I swirled the rice around and used my dexterous hands to drain it, not once, not twice, but three times. I looked down at the sink and saw less than 50 grains that made their way out of the pot. Suffice to say, I was up to the mark. 
2. The video stated that the key to perfect rice is equal amounts of rice and water. I have heard that professionals don’t need to measure everything; they just know what the right amount is. But as this was my first time in the kitchen, I decided to experiment by not measuring the water needed for boiling the rice. I wanted the rice to be firm when bitten, just like pasta. I don’t enjoy the texture of mushy rice. It has to have that chutzpah; it has to resist my biting power just for a bit before disintegrating. 
3. After what seemed like 10 minutes, all the water disappeared. I went in to give it a good stir. To my surprise, some of the rice got stuck to the pot. I tried to scrape it off but to no avail. At the same time, there was a burning smell coming from it. I quickly turned the stove off. “What have you done to the kitchen?” My mother shouted while coming towards the kitchen. I managed to ward her off. 
4. Finally, when the time came to taste my creation, I was surprised! It wasn’t bad at all. The rice had the desired consistency. Sure, a little more salt would’ve been better, but I just added that while eating. The experience was fairly rewarding and memorable. It taught me a new sense of respect for those who cook food on a regular basis at home or are engaged in gourmet creations professionally.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.
Q.1: Father ’s question to the narrator, about knowing how to cook rice, was intended to: 
(a) criticize the narrator ’s lack of abilities. 
(b) make the process sound simple. 
(c) encourage the narrator to take up cooking. 
(d) showcase his own expertise in cooking rice.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.2: “I switched from news to YouTube …” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘switch(ed)’ is NOT the same as it is in the passage. 
(a) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner. 
(b) “Forget these diet supplements and switch to yoga, if you want a true sense of well-being.” 
(c) Mom switched to reading fiction recently because she was bored with cook-books. 
(d) The company will switch the trucks to other routes to bring down city pollution.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.3: Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the process.
1. Use water to wash the rice.
2. Repeat the process three times.
3. Drain the water off.
4. Put rice in a utensil. 
5. Swirl the water in and around the rice. 
(a) 4,2,1,3,5 
(b) 1,3,2,5,4 
(c) 4,1,5,3,2 
(d) 5,1,2,4,3

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.4: The narrator says that he has dexterous hands. He would have had a problem, had it been the opposite. NOT BEING dexterous means, being .......................
(a) uncomfortable
(b) clumsy
(c) unclear
(d) clueless

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.5: Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking ‘perfect rice’?

(a) Image 1
(b) Image 2
(c) Image 3
(d) Image 4

Correct Answer is Option (a) 

Q.6: According to the passage, the fact that the narrator risked experimentation, on his maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows that he was ...........................
(a) conscientious
(b) nervous
(c) presumptuous
(d) courteous

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.7: Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘chutzpah’. 
(a) It is the court’s duty to dispense chutzpah to everyone irrespective of caste or creed. 
(b) The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you’ve got to admit she’s got chutzpah. 
(c) I could crack the code easily which proved me to be a chutzpah and I was the only one who could do so. 
(d) After his father ’s demise, the daughter took over the family ’s chutzpah to save it from disaster. 

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.8: Pick the option that correctly states what DID NOT happen after the writer checked on the rice.
(a) Turning the stove off.
(b) Being taken aback at the condition of rice.
(c) Forgetting to scrape the stuck rice.
(d) Smelling the delicious aroma of cooked rice.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.9: Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the writer with reference to the cooking experience.
1. frustrating
2. amusing 
3. satisfying 
4. disillusioning
5. exacting 
6. enlightening 
(a) 1 and 4 
(b) 2 and 5 
(c) 3 and 6 
(d) 1 and 3 

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.10: How did mother react to the burning smell?
(a) She commented on it.
(b) She brushed it aside.
(c) She enquired about it.
(d) She handled it.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

II. Read the passage and answer the questions given below: 

1. The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet:
   
2. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects
3. However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems. The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically. 
4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45 % of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments. 
5. When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct option. 
Q.11. The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as:
(a) expensive
(b) renowned
(c) innovative
(d) incredible

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.12: Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.

(a) Option (1) 
(b) Option (2) 
(c) Option (3) 
(d) Option (4)

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.13: Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.
1. The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
2. About 18% people use email once a week.
3. There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month. 
4. Less than 5% of people never use the email.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (b) 

Q.14: Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from respondents.
(a) Never using the internet for work and leisure. 
(b) Daily use of the computer for academic activities.
(c) Writing and receiving emails once a week.
(d) Using the internet for personal tasks once a month.

Correct Answer is Option (a) 

Q.15: In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is ______________.
(a) indignant 
(b) apologetic 
(c) obedient 
(d) inquisitive 

Correct Answer is Option (a) 

Q.16: Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?
(a) About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
(b) A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(c) More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.

Correct Answer is Option (c) 

Q.17: Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the most favourite:
1. downloading the entire e-book
2. choosing page numbers in citations 
3. highlighting text 
4. resizing text to fit screen
(a) 1, 3, 4, 2
(b) 3, 2, 1, 4 
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1 
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3 

Correct Answer is Option (a) 

Q.18: According to the passage, one of the reasons for the recent transformation of education is the:
(a) techno-efficiency of the present generation.
(b) expenses of courses on technology. 
(c) simplification of the teaching and learning method.
(d) easy availability of the Internet.

Correct Answer is Option (a) 

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context below.
Q.19: An advertisement is a ____________ of words.
(a) fun
(b) sports 
(c) flow
(d) play

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.20: In an advertisement, name and address of the company are ____________ details.
(a) essential 
(b) optional
(c) minor
(d) useless

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.21: Which of the following is NOT a part of the Notice issued for ‘Found’ object?
(a) Contact person’s details
(b) Name of the object ‘Found’
(c) Place of the object ‘Found’
(d) Identification mark of the object ‘Found’

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.22: Which of the following is not a type of Classified Advertisement?
(a) Lost & Found
(b) Tours & Travels
(c) Event like Annual Function 
(d) Missing

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.23: What is the ideal word limit for a Notice?
(a) 25
(b) 50
(c) 75
(d) 100

Correct Answer is Option (b)

IV. Answer any  six of the seven questions given below.
You are Shubha/Krushna Mohanty, residing in Subhadra Apartments, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. You have observed, with increasing concern that garbage collection continues to be done without segregation in your neighbourhood. Complete the letter to the editor of The Real Times, Bhubaneswar, in about 120 - 150 words, explaining your concern along with the rationale behind the importance of garbage segregation. Suggest the ways in which the R.W.As can participate in this program.
(24) _________
(25) _________
(26) _________
(27) _________
Sir
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to express my concern over non-segregation of waste.
Waste segregation is the separation of wet waste and dry waste. The generation of waste is unavoidable and the materials carried in this waste impacts human and environmental health. This segregation is all the more important as dry waste can be recycled and wet waste can be composted.  When we segregate waste, there is reduction of waste that reaches landfills and occupies space. Air and water pollution rates are considerably reduced. The segregated waste makes it easier to apply different processes of Composting, Recycling and Incineration.
The RWA scan play a pivotal role in encouraging the households through a few minor changes. They need to (28) __________ to have two garbage disposal bins at home, one for dry waste and one for wet waste. Items like aluminium foils, tetra packs, glass, paper, plastics, metals, etc., fall under the dry waste category, whereas kitchen waste such as stale food, fruits and vegetables come under wet waste.
This can be done using door-to-door meetings with residents and by distributing information, education and communication material, organizing orientation programs on solid-waste management and training waste collectors on the segregation and composting of garbage. RWAs can regularly impart awareness to domestic helpers and residents in order to emphasize segregation and waste reduction at the source, so that a minimum amount of waste goes to the landfill. To conclude, segregation of waste is an important matter and must be adhered to at all levels. I hope that this letter of mine (29) __________ to bring a revolutionary change in the society. Thank you.
(30) __________
Q.24:
(A) 
Subhadra Apartments
Bhuvaneshwar
Orissa.
(b) 
Subhadra Apartments
Bhuvaneshwar
Orissa.
(c) 
The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvaneshwar.
(d) 
To,
The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvaneshwar.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.25: 
(a) 11 October, 20xx
(b) 11 October 20xx
(c) October 1120xx 
(d) October 20xx

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.26:
(a)
Subhadra Apartments
Bhuvaneshwar
Orissa.
(b)
To,
Subhadra Apartments
Bhuvaneshwar
Orissa.
(c)
The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvaneshwar.
(d)
To,
The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvaneshwar.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.27:
(a) Subject: Garbage collection continues to be done without segregation in my neighbourhood
(b) Subject: Concern along with the rationale behind the importance of garbage segregation
(c) Subject: Concern
(d) Subject: Concern over non-segregation of waste

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.28:
(a) sensitize the households
(b) sanitize the households
(c) sane the households
(d) None of these

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.29:
(a) will help in sensitizing RWAs to take adequate efforts at association level
(b) will make you think to help in sensitizing RWAs to take adequate efforts at association level
(c) will make you to sensitize and take adequate efforts at association level
(d) will draw your attention to take adequate efforts at association level

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.30: ________
Shubha Mohanty
(a) Your Sincerely
(b) Yours sincerely
(c) yours sincerely
(d) your sincerely

Correct Answer is Option (d)

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow: 
The yellowish light was going out. Then all efforts ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to go to sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... it’s nice to be carried gently... to float along in space.

Q.31: Which of the following images depicts the state of the author as mentioned in the above para?
(a) Image 1
(b) Image 2
(c) Image 3
(d) Image 4

Correct Answer is Option (c)
He was too tired to make any effort under water.

Q.32: Why did the author cease all the efforts?
(a) He was feeling exhausted.
(b) He was feeling sleepy.
(c) He was feeling unhappy.
(d) He was feeling drowsy.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
He had already made lots of efforts to save himself and push himself out of the water but in vain. Finally, being exhausted, he stopped making efforts too.

Q.33: Why did ‘I’ feel quiet and peaceful?
(a) He was confident of being saved.
(b) He felt that his end was near and he was passing out.
(c) He had started rising in water as the water level started decreasing.
(d) He was swimming miraculously.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
No amount of effort or shrieking was working now, so he knew that he was going to die soon.

Q.34: What is the purpose of using “…” in the above passage?
(a) To replace an idea.
(b) To show omission.
(c) To indicate pauses.
(d) To shorten a dialogue.

Correct Answer is Option (c) 
The narrator took pauses to tell his state of mind.

Q.35: According to Douglas, death was:
(a) Frightening
(b) Merciless
(c) Brutal
(d) Peaceful

Correct Answer is Option (d)
He felt at peace when his end was near. It was complete inactivity.

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:
The presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroads will swear on a stack of timetables that there are only two. However, I say there are three, because I’ve been on the third level of the Grand Central Station.
Q.36: Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?
(a) Jack
(b) Galesburg 
(c) Sam
(d) Charley

Correct Answer is Option (d)
I- Charley

Q.37: What will the presidents of railway stations swear?
(a) There is only one level.
(b) There are only two levels.
(c) There are only three levels.
(d) There is sometimes a third level.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Third Level was only a figment of imagination.

Q.38: Why did ‘I’ contradict them?
(a) He feels that there are two levels.
(b) He feels that there are three levels.
(c) He has never seen the third level.
(d) None of these

Correct Answer is Option (b)
His mind was playing with him.

Q.39: Pick up the word which has the similar meaning as ‘a pile of objects’.
(a) Swear
(b) Stack 
(c) However
(d) Been

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Stack is a pile of objects.

Q.40: “The fast growing Grand Central station at times seems to be a maze to Charley.” This line points to which incident in the story?
(a) Charley lost  his way at Grand Central.
(b) Charley's plan for a journey not realised.
(c) Charley reached the Third Level.
(d) Charley came back after travelling in time.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The fast growing Grand Central station at times seems to be a maze to Charley. He had lost his way a couple of times earlier too while taking the subway. Once, he entered the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel while the other time he emerged at an office building that was three blocks away. But this time when he loses his way, something unique happens. He visits the third level!

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow: 
Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pallor:
The tall girl with her weighed-down head.
The paperseeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease, his lesson, from the desk. At back of the dim class one unnoted, sweet and young.
Q.41: The phrase ‘weighed-down head’ DOES NOT refer to being:
(a) burdened by poverty.
(b) ashamed at her plight.
(c) distressed due to difficulties.
(d) dizzy with a headache.

Correct Answer is Option (d)
It doesn't refer to any sickness.

Q.42: Pick the option that matches the words / phrases with the literary device.
Word/ phrase Literary device
 
(a) 1-A, 2-D, 3-C
(b) 1-D, 2-B, 3-A
(c) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B
(d) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Simile- comparison using 'like'; Metaphor- direct comparison; Pun- make a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word.

Q.43: Pick the option that enumerates the tone of the poet in this extract.
1. Apprehensive
2. Compassionate
3. Resentful
4. Thoughtful
5. Disillusioned 
6. Woeful 
(a) 2, 4 and 6 
(b) 1, 4 and 5 
(c) 3, 5 and 6 
(d) 1, 3 and 6

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The poet feels sorry for the poor state of slum dwellers and wants everyone to give a second thought and feel compassionate towards them so that instead of only feeling sorry we should work for their upliftment.

Q.44: The ‘gusty waves’, most likely, indicate:
(a) survival and struggle.
(b) verve and brightness.
(c) drudgery and dullness.
(d) animation and alertness.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
"Gusty" generally means 'blowing strongly'. However, in the context of the passage, "gusty waves" is used as a metaphor and probably refers to the lively and energetic aspect of a child's life which is lacking in the faces of the children mentioned in the passage.

Q.45: The literal meaning of ‘reciting’ refers to delivering the lesson aloud. What does its figurative meaning refer to?
(a) Showing extra interest in the lesson.
(b) Carrying his father ’s disease. 
(c) Resigning to his disease and condition.
(d) Voicing the poor conditions, he lives in.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The appearance of the child announces that he is the carrier of his father's disease i.e., crooked bone structure.

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:
He had hesitated a good deal about giving the man a flashlight. But he had decided to give it to him after all. It was a small one, his own, which he used at night when he was called. “If your food runs out before you catch a boat,” he said, “signal me two flashes at the same instant the sun drops over the horizon. Do not signal in darkness, for it will be seen. If you are all right but still there, signal me once. You will find fresh fish easy to catch but you must eat them raw. A fire would be seen.”
Q.46: For how many times the prisoner was asked to flash light if food ran short?
(a) Once 
(b) Twice
(c) Thrice
(d) Not at all

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Dr. Sadao asked the prisoner to flash the light for twice in case food ran short.

Q.47: Which boat the prisoner of was asked to escape by?
(a) A Japanese Boat
(b) An American Boat
(c) A Russian Boat
(d) A Korean Boat

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Dr. Sadao asked the prisoner to stay at the Island and escape only by a Korean boat.

Q.48: Sadao made the prisoner dress  up in:
(a) Korean clothes
(b) Chinese clothes
(c) Japanese clothes
(d) Indian clothes

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Dr. Sadao gave the prisoner Japanese clothes so that no one could know his real identity.

Q.49: Sadao advised the prisoner to eat only:
(a) raw fish
(b) cooked food
(c) ripe fruits
(d) raw vegetables

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The prisoner was advised to eat raw fish only. In case if he kindled the fire, he mght be seen.

Q.50: Why did Dr. Sadao initially hesitant handing over his torch to the prisoner?
(a) The torch was a gift given to him by one of his patients.
(b) The torch was old and he feared that it might break down.
(c) The torch Dr. Sadao possessed was his own and he used it whenever he was called at night by his patients.
(d) Sadao felt that the prisoner might use the torch in the dark leading to his arrest.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Dr. Sadao did not want to give his flash light to the prisoner as it was his own and he used that whenever he was called by his patients.

IX. Attempt the following.
Q.51: M. Hamel taught his pupils that even without arms, they have the power to challenge their subjugation.
Choose the correct option that corresponds with M. Hamel’s views.
(a) Option (i) 
(b) Option (ii) 
(c) Option (iii) 
(d) Option (iv)

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Although his land is occupied by Prussian adversaries who have the advantage of superior military strength, M. Hamel defies his oppressors using only a French grammar book, a blackboard and his own voice. In doing so, he teaches his pupils that even without arms, they have the power to challenge their subjugation.

Q.52: What does the narrative single sentence style of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’, highlight?
(a) Poet’s state of mind 
(b) Poet’s self-doubts 
(c) Poet’s point of view
(d) Poet’s intertwining thoughts

Correct Answer is Option (d)
It shows a single thread of thought mixed with harsh realities.

Q.53: “Unless, governor, inspector, visitor”, is an example of ____________.
(a) climax
(b) anti-climax
(c) reference
(d) people

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Anti-climax a figure of speech in which statements gradually descend in order of importance. The words governor, inspector, visitor have been written in a descending order according to their rank.

Q.54: How does Mukesh challenge his destiny?
(a) By dreaming of becoming a motor mechanic.
(b) By working in a motor garage which is quite far from his place. 
(c) By engaging in the work of bangle making which was his family business.
(d) Both (a) & (b)

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Mukesh wants to work in a garage and try to develop his skills as a motor mechanic. To fulfil his dream he certainly does practice and learn everything that is needed to be a professional mechanic.

Q.55: The name ‘Franz’ means:
(a) From France
(b) Always free
(c) Fun loving 
(d) Friendly

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The narrator ’s name— Franz—echoes the name of his motherland. The association between little “Franz” and “France” establishes an indelible link between the boy and his nation. He, like his teacher, will develop into a patriotic French citizen.

Q.56: ‘Keeping Quiet’ is not an activist’s call to action but a ____________ call to introspection.
(a) politician’s
(b) conjurer ’s
(c) philosopher ’s
(d) socialist’s

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The poet’s writing style in the poem is very soulful and it seems to come straight from the heart. This is probably why the poem appeals to the heart more than the faculties of the intellect. This poem is not an activist’s call to action but a philosopher poet’s call to introspection.

Q.57: Which of the following images show ‘catacombs’?
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Catacombs are man-made subterranean passageways for religious practice. Any chamber used as a burial place is a catacomb, although the word is most commonly associated with the Roman Empire.

Q.58: Choose the correct option that corresponds with the description of the poet’s mother.


(a) Option (i) 
(b) Option (ii) 
(c) Option (iii) 
(d) Option (iv)

Correct Answer is Option (d)
She wanted to make the servants understand the seriousness of the situation.

Q.59: When Yumi refused to offer help, Hana informed her ________.
(a) that she could leave the house immediately.
(b) to go back to the baby ’s room.
(c) to go and cook food.
(d) that they would hand over the prisoner to the police after making him conscious.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Old, frail looking woman, lacking spirit, nearing the end of her life.

Q.60: Which two nations mentioned in the story, ‘The Enemy ’ are at war with each other?
(a) Japan and Korea
(b) Israel and America 
(c) Malaysia and America
(d) Japan and America

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Dr. was from Japan; Prisoner was an American.