Class 12 English: CBSE Sample Question Paper- Term II (2021-22)- 1 | Sample Papers for Class 12 Commerce PDF Download

Class-XII
Time: 120 Minutes

General Instructions: 

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections- READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

I. Read the passage given below: 

1. Air pollution is an issue which concerns us all alike. One can willingly choose or reject a food, a drink or a life comfort, but unfortunately there is little choice for the air we breathe. All that is there in the air is inhaled by one and all living in those surroundings.
2. Air pollutant is defined as a substance which is present while normally it is not there or present in an amount exceeding the normal concentrations. It could either be gaseous or a particulate matter. The important and harmful polluting gases are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The common particulate pollutants are the dusts of various inorganic or organic origins. Although we often talk of the outdoor air pollution caused by industrial and vehicular exhausts, the indoor pollution may prove to be as or a more important cause of health problems.
3. Recognition of air pollution is relatively recent. It is not uncommon to experience a feeling of ‘suffocation’ in a closed environment. It is often ascribed to the lack of oxygen. Fortunately, however, the composition of air is remarkably constant all over the world. There is about 79 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen in the air the other gases forming a very small fraction. It is true that carbon dioxide exhaled out of lungs may accumulate in a closed and overcrowded place. But such an increase is usually small and temporary unless the room is really airtight. Exposure to poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide may occur in a closed room heated by burning coal inside. This may also prove to be fatal.
4. What is more common in a poorly ventilated home is a vague constellation of symptoms described as the sick-building syndrome. It is characterized by a general feeling of malaise, headache, dizziness and irritation of mucous membranes. It may also be accompanied by nausea, itching, aches, pains and depression. Sick building syndrome is getting commoner in big cities with the small houses, which are generally over-furnished. Some of the important pollutants whose indoor concentrations exceed those of the outdoors include gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and organic substances like spores, formaldehydes, hydrocarbon aerosols and allergens. The sources are attributed to a variety of construction materials, insulations, furnishings, adhesives, cosmetics, house dusts, fungi and other indoor products.
5. By- products of fuel combustion are another source of pollution in houses with indoor kitchens. It is not only the burning of dried dung and fuel wood which is responsible but also kerosene and liquid petroleum gas. Oxides of both nitrogen and sulphur are released from their combustion.
6. Smoking of tobacco in the closed environment is an a major source of indoor pollution. It may not be high quantitatively, but significantly hazardous for health. It is because of the fact that there are over 3,000 chemical constituents in tobacco smoke, which have been identified as harmful for human health.
7. Microorganisms and allergens are of special significance in the causation and spread of diseases. Most of the infective illnesses may involve more persons of a family living in common indoor environment. These include viral and bacterial diseases like tuberculosis.
8. Besides infections, allergic and hypersensitivity disorders are spreading fast. Although asthma is the most common form of respiratory allergic disorders, pneumonia is not uncommon but more persistent and serious. These are attributed to exposures to allergens from various fungi, moulds, hay and other organic materials. Indoor air ventilation systems, coolers, air-conditioners, dampness, decay, pet animals, production or handling of the causative items are responsible for these hypersensitivity diseases.
9. Obviously, the spectrum of pollution is very wide and our options are limited. Indoor pollution may be handled relatively easily by an individual. Moreover, the good work must start from one’s own house.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions from the nine given below.
Q.1. What is an air pollutant? 

An air pollutant is a substance which is present while normally it is not there in an amount exceeding the normal concentrations.

Q.2. In what forms are the air pollutants present? 

Air pollutants are present as gaseous or particulate matter. The harmful polluting gases are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The common particulate pollutants are the dusts of various inorganic or organic origins.

Q.3. Why do we feel suffocated in a closed environment? 

We often feel suffocated in a closed environment due to the lack of oxygen.

Q.4. What is sick building syndrome? How is it increasing? 

Sick building syndrome is a vague constellation of symptoms in a poorly ventilated room. Sick building syndrome is characterised by a general feeling of malaise, headache, dizziness and irritation of mucous membranes. It may also be accompanied by nausea, itching, aches, pains and depression. This syndrome is increasing in big cities which have an increasing number of small houses which are generally over furnished.

Q.5. How is indoor smoking very hazardous? 

Indoor smoking is very hazardous because over 3,000 chemical constituents are present in tobacco smoke and these are harmful for human health.

Q.6. How can one overcome the dangers of indoor air pollution?  

The dangers of indoor pollution can be avoided through well ventilated houses and improving greenery around houses. Also, it can be avoided by not smoking tobacco inside houses and by not burning coal inside closed rooms.

Q.7. In addition to infections, how are people getting affected by the indoor pollution?  

Besides infections, allergic and hypersensitivity disorders are spreading fast. Asthma and pneumonia are attributed to exposures to allergens from various fungi, moulds, hay and other organic materials. Indoor air ventilation systems, coolers, air-conditioners, dampness, decay, pet animals, production or handling of the causative items are responsible for the hypersensitivity diseases.

Q.8. Find a word from the above passage which means the same as ‘giddiness’ (Para 4).

dizziness

Q.9. Which word can replace ‘persistent’ in Para 8? 

constant

II. Read the following passage.

1. Of the 197 million square miles making up the surface of the globe, the interconnecting bodies of marine water cover 71 per cent; the Pacific Ocean alone covers half the earth and averages nearly 14000 feet in depth. The continents- Eurasia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica- are the portions of the continental masses rising above the sea level. The submerged borders of the continental masses are the continental shelves, beyond which lie the deep-sea basins.
2. The oceans attain their greatest depths not in their central parts but in certain elongated furrows or long narrow troughs, called deeps. These profound troughs have a peripheral arrangement, notably around the border of the Pacific and the Indian oceans. The position of the deeps, like the highest mountains, are of recent origin, since otherwise they would have been filled with wastes from the lands. This suggestion is strengthened by the fact that the deeps are frequently the sites of world shaking earthquakes. For example, the ‘tidal wave’ that in April 1946 caused widespread destruction along Pacific coasts resulted from a strong earthquake on the floor of the Aleutian Deep.
3. The topography of the ocean floor is none too well known, since in great areas the available soundings are hundreds or even thousands of miles apart. However, the floor of the Atlantic is becoming fairly well known as a result of special surveys since 1920. A broad well-defined ridge- the Mid Atlantic Ridgeruns north and south between Africa and the two Americas, and numerous other major irregularities diversify the Atlantic floor. Closely spaced soundings show that many parts of the oceanic floors are as rugged as mountainous regions of the continents. Use of the recently perfected method of echo sounding is rapidly enlarging our knowledge of submarine topography. During Second World War great strides were made in mapping submarine surfaces, particularly in many parts of the vast Pacific basin.
4. The continents stand on the average 2870 feet – slightly more than half a mile above the sea level. The following graph depicts the height of continents above sea levels with regard to North America, Europe and Asia.
   

The highest point on the globe, Mount Everest in the Himalayas is 29000 feet above the sea; and as the greatest known depth in the sea is over 35000 feet or exceeds 12 miles. The continental masses and the deep-sea basins are relief features of the first order; the deeps, ridges, and volcanic cones that diversify the sea floor, as well as the plains, plateaus, and mountains of the continents, are relief features of the second order. The lands are unendingly subject to a complex of activities summarized in the term erosion, which first sculpts them in great detail and then tends to reduce them ultimately to sea level. The modelling of the landscape by weather, running water and the other agents is apparent to the keenly observant eye and causes thinking people to speculate on what must be the final result of the ceaseless wearing down of the lands. Long before the science of Geology existed science of Geology, Shakespeare wrote, “The revolution of the times makes mountains level.”

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY SIX out of the seven questions given below.

Q.1. The revolution of the times as used in the final sentence means:

The revolution of the times means the passage of years.

Q.2. What information is imparted by the above passage? 

It gives us the following information: 

(a) Which continental subdivision is, on the average, 1150 feet above the sea level? 

(b) How deep is the deepest part of the ocean?

Q.3. From the passage, it can be inferred that earthquakes: 

occur more frequently in newly formed land or sea formations.

Q.4. Strong earth quakes in the deeps result in ________.

tidal waves

Q.5. Molesting the land, with complex destructive activities results in __________.

levelling of land.

Q.6. What can be inferred about the height of continents above sea levels with regard to North America, Europe and Asia after studying the graph given in the passage?

North America averages 2300 feet; Europe averages only 1150 feet and Asia, the highest of the larger continental subdivisions, averages 3200 feet.

Q.7. Which word in the last para can be replaced by ‘make educated guess’?

speculate

III. Your school is planning to organise a talk on the ‘Importance of Promoting Art Education’ at various levels. You plan to invite The Director, Delhi School of Art, as a Key Note Speaker. As CCA Coordinator of Vidya Mandir Vidyalaya, draft an invite for the same giving all the necessary details.

Vidya Mandir Vidyalaya
Delhi
20 January 20xx
The Director
Delhi School of Art
Delhi
Subject: Invitation to be the Key Note Speaker
Sir
With due regards, we inform you that our school has planned to organise a talk on the ‘Importance of Promoting Art Education’ at various levels. We extend invitation to you to be a Key Note Speaker. We will be highly obliged if you spare some time and enlighten us with your views.
Kindly send your confirmation at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours truly
XYZ
(CCA Co-ordinator)

IV. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below.
(A) June 5 has been recognized as World Environment Day. Your school conducted various activities to commemorate the day. Write a report about it in about 120-150 words for your school magazine. You are Karuna/ Karan.
OR
(B) You are Shobha / Sushil from 56, A Block, Saket, Agra. Write an application along with a personal resume in 120 – 150 words in response to the following advertisement: Wanted an experienced hockey coach having B.P. Ed Degree for our school. Apply to the Principal Agrasen Public School, Agra by 15th March, 2019.

(A)

Celebration of World environment Day by Karuna

Every year on June 5, World Environment Day is celebrated with an aim to encourage awareness and action for the protection of our environment. World Environment Day provides an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment. Various activities, in correspondence to a particular theme, are planned around the globe to tackle the factor causing environmental degradation.
Greenwoods Global School celebrated the day on June 5, 2018 with great zeal. Many events such as poster-making, debate, slogan writing, essay writing, quiz, etc., were held on the theme of ‘Save Earth’ and ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Mr. Kamal Mehar, the Mayor of the city had been invited to preside over the celebration. A seminar on conservation of environment was organised as part of the celebration followed by a mime which was presented by students of class VIII depicting the plight of environment caused by pollution.
The chief guest highly praised the performances of the students. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the chief guest appealed the students and the teachers to adopt green ways of life. At the end, the winners of the various competitions were given certificates.

OR
(B) 56 A Block
Saket
Agra
13th March, 20XX
The Principal
Agrasen Public School
Agra
Subject : Application for the Post of Hockey Coach  
Sir
With reference to your advertisement in 'The Times of India' dated 10th March 20XX, I wish to inform you that I am interested in the job and would like to apply for the same.
I am a young, energetic man having four years of experience in the same field. I ensure you that I will provide my services with full dedication and sincerity towards the institution.
My resume is attached for your reference.
Looking forward to for a positive response from your end.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Sushil

(v) Attempt ANY FIVE of the six questions given below, within 40 words each.

Q.1. What do we learn about the crofter ’s nature from the story, “The Rattrap“? 

The crofter was generous and happy when the peddler knocked at the door because he used to stay there alone. He was happy to have some company and someone to share his things and achievements with. He was happy to share his confidence of getting thirty kronors by selling the milk of his cow.

Q.2. Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer.

Aunt Jennifer ’s tigers are very brave and chivalric. They roam about confidently in the forest just like the knights. They are the inhabitants of the forest and have no fear of the people sitting under the tree.

Q.3. “Jo was starting to fuss with her hands”. What does this show about Jo?

This means that Jo was getting bored as Jack’s stories were predictable and monotonous.

Q.4. What problem did Roger Skunk face when he went to play with his friends? How did he solve it?

Roger Skunk’s problem was that he smelled foul. It was because of his stink that nobody mingled with him. Even his friends avoided him and did not play with him. For this reason, Roger used to remain disturbed and even cry. To find a solution to this problem, he went to the wise owl who suggested him to meet the wizard. The wizard helped him by giving him a spell after which he started smelling like roses. The wizard asked him for seven pennies but Roger had only four.

Q.5. How does Mr. Lamb react when Derry enters his garden?

Unlike Derry ’s thought that Mr. Lamb would be angry at him if he saw him entering stealthily into the garden. Mr. Lamb treated Derry very gently and welcomed him to his garden. In fact, he was happy to get someone to talk to him in his loneliness. Like a father, he even gave Derry advice to be careful while fetching apples as he might slip and get hurt physically.

Q.6. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort?

In the hot season, man and beast get comfort by taking shelter under the shade of the tree or by being one with absorbing nature and the coolness it provides. The things of beauty, which nature offers are simple. However, they have a calming effect on every living being.

(vi) Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120-150 words each.

Q.1. Give a detailed account of the preparations made by the Governor for Evans James to write his examination.

Evans, the prisoner, was famous as ‘‘Evans the Breaker ’’. So, the prison officers were quite alert while conducting the O’ level exam and took all the precautions to prevent him from escaping. First of all, it was requested that the board should conduct the exam in the cell itself and the request was accepted. Two prison officers, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Stephens, were appointed to make all necessary arrangements. They took away his razor as well as nail-scissors so that he could not use them for any type of injuries to McLeery, the invigilator. The cell was searched for two hours and every objectionable thing was removed. Heavy security arrangements were made in the cell. Stephens was given the charge of staying there all the time to keep an eye on Evans and also to leave McLeery at the gate when the exam was over. The Governor was all the time in touch with the officers so as to thwart any untoward incident. Hence, it was a foolproof plan on the part of the prison officials. Even then, Evans had the last laugh and escaped from the prison.

Q.2. How did Gandhiji use Satyagraha and Non-Violence at Champaran to achieve his goal?

The peasants of Champaran were in great fear of the British government because they were forced to plant 15% of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire produce to the landlords. When synthetic indigo came, the landlords released them from this condition after demanding compensation from them. The innocent peasants agreed without realising what they were doing. When Raj Kumar Shukla told Gandhi ji about it, Gandhiji visited Champaran and realized that the peasants were greatly in fear of the British. He realized that it was necessary to rid them of their fear. He started the Civil Disobedience Movement. That is why the Champaran episode is considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence as everyone realized that they could stand against the British, and they could not order them around in their own country. The farmers learnt courage and realised that they too had rights just like the defenders. Thus, the Champaran episode was a landmark and is considered to be the beginning of Indian struggle for independence.

Q.3. How did Edla bring about a change in the peddler?

The peddler met the ironmaster ’s daughter for the first time at the forge. She had come to request him to come over their house as her father had mistaken him to be an old acquaintance, a captain. She was able to convince him and took him home. At home, when her father realized that they had made a mistake and he was not the captain, the daughter was very polite and kept him at home as it was Christmas. The rattrap seller was greatly influenced by the ironmaster’s daughter. In fact, it was because of her that he had turned over a new leaf and returned the money that he had stolen from an old man. It was the kind nature of the girl that changed him.