Subject: English Core
Class XII
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Max. Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
SECTION A: READING SKILLS
1. Read the passage given below:
I got posted in Srinagar in the 1980s. Its rugged mountains, gushing rivers and vast meadows reminded me of the landscapes of my native place – the Jibhi Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Unlike Srinagar which saw numerous tourists, Jibhi Valley remained clouded in anonymity. That is when the seed of starting tourism in Jibhi was planted. I decided to leave my service in the Indian Army and follow the urge to return home. We had two houses – a family house and a traditional house, which we often rented out. I pleaded with my father to ask the tenant to vacate the house so that I could convert it into a guest house. When my family finally relented, I renovated the housekeeping its originality intact, just adding windows for sunlight. I still remember the summer of 1992 when I put a signboard outside my first guest house in Jibhi Valley! The village residents, however, were skeptical about my success. My business kept growing but it took years for tourism to take off in Jibhi Valley. Things changed significantly after 2008 when the government launched a homestay scheme. People built homestays and with rapid tourism growth, the region changed rapidly. Villages turned into towns with many concrete buildings. Local businesses and tourists continued putting a burden on nature. Then, with the 2020–21 pandemic and lockdown, tourism came to a complete standstill in Jibhi Valley. Local people, who were employed at over a hundred homestays and guest houses, returned to their villages. Some went back to farming; some took up pottery and some got involved in government work schemes. Now, all ardently hope that normalcy and tourism will return to the valley soon. In a way, the pandemic has allowed us to introspect, go back to our roots and look for sustainable solutions. For me, tourism has been my greatest teacher. It brought people from many countries and all states of India to my guest house. It gave me exposure to different cultures and countless opportunities to learn new things. Most people who stayed at my guest house became my regular clients and good friends. When I look back, I feel proud, yet humbled at the thought that I was not only able to fulfill my dream despite all the challenges but also played a role in establishing tourism in the beautiful valley that I call home.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(i) The scenic beauty of Srinagar makes the writer feel ______________ .
Ans. Nostalgic
(ii) A collocation is a group of words that often occur together. The writer says that Jibhi valley remained clouded in anonymity. Select the word from the options that correctly collocates with ‘clouded in’.
(A) disgust
(B) anger
(C) doubt
(D) terror
(iii) Complete the given dialogue as per the context in paragraph II.
Father: Are you sure that your plan would work?
Writer: I can’t say.
Father: That’s a lot of uncertainty, isn’t it?
Writer: ___________________________________.
Ans. I am not sure but I can say that I believe in myself
(iv) Which signboard would the writer have chosen for his 1992 undertaking, in Jibhi Valley?
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
(v) List one way that clearly indicates the situation before and after 2008, in Jibhi Valley.
Ans. Before 2008, there were picturesque landscapes whereas after 2008, construction sites and commerce could be seen there.
(vi) What is the relationship between (1) and (2)?
(1) Tourism came to a complete standstill in Jibhi Valley.
(2) Tourism has been my greatest teacher.
(A) (2) is the cause for (1).
(B) (1) repeats the situation described in (2).
(C) (2) elaborates on the problem described in (1).
(D) (1) sets the stage for (2).
(vii) The writer mentions looking for sustainable solutions. He refers to the need for sustainable solutions because he realises that:
(A) even though all natural ecosystems are essential pillars of resilience, we need to focus on using their resources to address the economic needs of mankind, as a priority.
(B) the exposures to pandemics are a reality and a big threat to countries across the world.
(C) for an economic recovery to be durable and resilient, a return to ‘business as usual’ and ‘environmentally destructive investment’ patterns and activities must be avoided.
(D) there is an increasing urgency in the climate movement and the need for collaborative action for the future.
viii) Select the option that lists the customer review for the writer’s project.
(A) Beautiful accommodation in the lap of nature. Luxurious cottage with indoor pool and garden.
(B) Comfortable and peaceful. Neat room with ample sunlight. Pleasant and warm host.
(C) Enjoyed the sprawling suite on the fifth floor. Great view. Professional service.
(D) Remote locale, good food and clean room. Would have loved more natural light, though.
(ix) Which quote summarises the writer’s feelings about the pace of growth of tourism in Jibhi Valley?
(A) We kill all the caterpillars, then complain there are no butterflies. – John Marsden
(B) Nature will give you the best example of life lessons, just open your eyes and see. –Kate Smith
(C) We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understanding and our hearts. –William Hazlitt
(D) I’d rather be in the mountains thinking of God than in church thinking of the mountains. – John Muir
(x) Select the option that lists what we can conclude from the text.
(1) People of Jibhi Valley practised sustainable tourism.
(2) The people of Jibhi valley gradually embraced tourism.
(3) Tourists never revisited Jibhi Valley.
(4) The writer was an enterprising person.
(A) (1) and (2) are true.
(B) (2), (3) and (4) are true.
(C) (2) and (4) are true.
(D) (1), (3) and (4) are true.
II. Read the following passage [1 × 10= 10]
The present generation is well updated with the use of the internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and the increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes have 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
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.
However, research on the 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. 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. 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 above passage, answer the questions given below. [1 × 10= 10]
(i) Which word used in paragraph three conveys the same meaning as ‘incredible’?
Ans. tremendous
(ii) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of the internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.
(A) Option (1)
(B) Option (2)
(C) Option (3)
(D) Option (4)
(iii) 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 computers for personal use.
(2) About 18% of 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 email.
(A) (1) and (3)
(B) (2) and (4)
(C) (1) and (2)
(D) (3) and (4)
(iv) 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
(v) In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is.
Ans. indignant
(vi) 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 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(C) More than 50% of respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(D) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.
(vii) 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)
(viii) List one reason for the recent transformation of education.
Ans. Easy availability of the internet.
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.
(ix) Comment on the writer’s reference to 2018 Academic Student e-book experience survey.
Ans. According to the 2018 Academic student e-book Experience survey, most of the respondents chose print books for leisure reading whereas most of them i.e., 45% chose ebooks for research or assignments.
(x) Which word in the passage means the same as based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed?
(A) Implement
(B) Conventional
(C) Reference
(D) Research
SECTION B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
(All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.)
1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. [1 × 5 = 5]
(A) You are Simar/Smriti of Lotus International School, Jodhpur. Your school has decided to contribute to controlling traffic near your school and requires the names of volunteers from IX to XII. Write a notice to be displayed on the notice board. (50 words)
Ans.
OR
(B) You are Dhruv/Nidhi, the Student Editor of your school magazine, ‘The Buds’. Write a notice in not more than 50 words to be placed on your school notice board, inviting short stories, articles, poems, etc., from students of all classes for the school magazine. Give all the necessary details.
Ans.
2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. [1 × 5 = 5]
(A) 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. (50 words)
Vidhya Mandir Vidyalaya
Delhi
20 January 20XX
The Director
Delhi School of Art
Delhi.
Sub: Invitation to be the Key Note Speaker
Dear 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 the Key Note Speaker. We will be highly obliged if you spare some time and enlighten us with your views. Kindly send you confirmation at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours truly
XYZ
(CCA Co-ordinator)
OR
(B) You are Dr. Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public School, Jammu, to conduct a seminar for students on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward’. This seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of Art in analysis, using appropriate format and fluency, appropriacy of style and tone dealing with personal and social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the invitation
Ans.
25, Jammu Estate
Jammu
11 October 20XX
The Principal
G.D. Public School
Jammu
Sub: Acceptance of Invitation
Sir
Thanks for your invitation for a seminar on ‘Art Therapy – The Way Forward’ and your concern for introducing students to the usefulness of Art in dealing with personal and social problems.
I would like to utilize this opportunity to share my experience with the young minds of your esteemed social.
I hereby consent to conduct for the same.
Your sincerely
Dr. Stanzin
3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. [1 × 5 = 5]
(A) You are Shubha/Krushna Mohanty, residing in Subhadra Apartments, Bhuvneshwar, Orissa. You have observed, with increasing concern, that garbage collection continues to be done without segregation in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the editor of ‘The Real Times’, Bhuvneshwar, 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.A can participate in this program.
Ans.
Subhadra Apartments
Bhuvaneshwar
Orissa
17October, 20xx
The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvaneshwar
Subject: Expressing concern over non-segregation of garbage
Sir
Through the column of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my concern and draw the attention of authorities towards the serious issue of non-segregation of waste which can be hazardous for the environment and human health.
The main cause behind this non-segregation is ignorance regarding urgent requirement of segregation of garbage, on the part of the residents who continue to dump all garbage in one bin. The garbage collectors and domestic helpers further compound the problem by dumping biodegradable and non-bio-degradable waste at landfill sites. The consequences of this unmindful dumping are far-reaching. On one hand, the non-biodegradable waste pollutes the soil, air and water affecting the health of residents, on the other hand, a precious chance to recycle and reuse waste material is lost.
Hence, RWA can take adequate steps to spread awareness regarding segregation of waste through door-to-door interaction, organising orientation programs, training waste collectors, and distribution of separate bins for dry waste and net waste. The residents will also have to take onus for the protection of the environment through proper waste segregation.
To conclude, the segregation of waste is an important matter and must be adhered to at all levels. Hoping to find space in your newspaper.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Shubha Mohanty
OR
(B) You have read an advertisement in the newspaper for the post of Software Engineer in Alex Software. You believe that you have the requisite qualifications, and experience and you are innovative. Write an application in about 150 words for this post emphasising your strong points. Also, write your resume. You are Sourav/Shikha of 14, Mall Road, Chandigarh.
Ans.
14, Mall Road
Chandigarh
14 March, 20xx
The Director
Alex Software
Pune
Sub: Application for the post of Software Engineer
Sir,
With reference to the advertisement in ‘Pune Times’, dated 12 March, 20xx for the post of Software Engineer, I hereby offer my candidature for the same. I believe that my skills and qualifications match your requirements. I have worked as a software engineer at HCL Technologies for 2 years. My area of specialty is User Interface and Coding. I have been appreciated for my efficiency by my previous employers. If given the opportunity, I am sure I will be able to prove my capabilities to you as well.
The enclosed C.V. lists my qualifications and details of my experience. I am looking for a challenging and responsible position where I can show my result–oriented skills.
I shall be pleased to present myself for the interview as and when required.
Thank you
Yours Sincerely
Sourav
Encl: Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. [1 × 5 = 5]
(A) Rashmi is the President of her school’s Library Club. She decides to write an article on the need to develop the habit of reading as she strongly feels it is fading among present-day students. (Word limit: 120–150 words)
Ans.
Why is reading important?
-by Rashmi
Mark Haddon has rightly quoted, “Reading is a conversation. All books talk, but a good book listens as well.” Every book opens up new dimensions of thoughts for the reader. Reading books is one of the constructive habits that help one improve his or her focus and broader horizons of thought processes. However, the habit of reading is taking a backseat due to many reasons.
Digital technology is the major reason for deteriorating reading habits among students. To improve reading habits in children, they should be taken on trips to a library. They should be encouraged to read textbooks to inculcate reading habits. Most importantly, a reading space for children should be created.
Thus with collective efforts, reading habits can be instilled in the children as it is a wonderful way to build a child’s language, social and emotional skills. Francis Bacon has rightly said, “Reading maketh a full man.”
OR
(B) Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami, celebrations had organised a three-day cultural festival. You are Bhupinder/Priyanka Bhisht. Your newspaper had deputed you to cover the inaugural event of this festival. As a newspaper reporter, use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same in 120–150 words.
• Big crowds – main grounds of the marketplace
• Colourful decorations
• Inauguration – local panchayat member to inaugurate.
• Folk dance and songs
• Speeches
Ans.
Basant Panchami in Ranikhet
-by Priyanka Bhisht,
Staff Reporter New Delhi, January 15, 20XX: The Uttarakhand Government organized a three-day cultural event to mark the celebrations of Basant Panchami on 14th January.
The event was inaugurated on Saturday by the local Panchayat member who had been a professional tourist guide in the past. The entire grounds of the marketplace were specially decorated for the event. Stalls have been put up to promote the cultural and regional heritage of the state of Uttarakhand as well as the bordering regions of the states of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The stalls of Almora, Chamoli, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi won the hearts of the majority. There were colorful decorations all around. The folk dances of the region were showcased to revive the importance of these dances as they bind us to our roots. The event was also marked by speeches by the chief guest, the village sarpanch, and a local tour operator. The chief guest in his speech said, “Basant Panchami celebration is a festival to strengthen our roots.”
The popularity of the event can be judged by the presence of thousands of locals and tourists for the entire day even after the formal inauguration ceremony was over
SECTION C: LITERATURE
IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. [6 × 1 = 6]
(A) And looked out at Young Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes, but after the airport’s security check, standing a few yards away, I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon and felt that old familiar ache…
(i) What is the most likely reason the poetess capitalised ‘Young Trees’? This was to:
(A) convey a clearer meaning.
(B) highlight the adj.– noun combination.
(C) enhance the contrast.
(D) draw a connection with the title.
(ii) Choose the option that appropriately describes the relationship between the two statements given below.
Statement 1: The poetess knows her mother has aged.
Statement 2: The poetess feels the pain of separation.
(A) Beginning–Ending
(B) Cause–Effect
(C) Question–Answer
(D) Introduction–Conclusion
(iii) Choose the option that completes the sentence given below. Just as the brightness of the winter’s moon is veiled behind the haze and mist, similarly.
(A) the pain of separation has shaded the mother’s expression.
(B) age has fogged the mother’s youthful appearance.
(C) growing up has developed a seasoned maturity in the poet.
(D) memories warm the heart like the pale moon in winter.
(iv) Choose the correct option out of the ones given below:
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
(v) Fill in the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ is a ____________ poem.
Ans. confessional
(vi) ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ is a poem that highlights a daughter’s painful feelings of ____________ .
Ans. fear of losing her mother.
(B) If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.
(i) Look at the images given below. Choose the image to which the above extract can be seen as an appropriate response.
(A) Option (1)
(B) Option (2)
(C) Option (3)
(D) Option (4)
(ii) What do you think is the mood of the poet in the above extract?
Ans. The mood of the poet in the above lines is introspective.
(iii) Pick the option that DOES NOT complete the given sentence suitably, as per the extract.
Threatening ourselves with death _______________________.
(A) feeds on the fear of death.
(B) challenges finiteness of life.
(C) keeps us rushing through life.
(D) makes us restless and impatient.
(iv) What might the “huge silence” signify?
Ans. Huge silence’ signifies deep understanding and realisation of the truth.
(v) What is the expectation of the poet from all human beings?
(A) Maintaining harmony
(B) Stopping destruction
(C) Live in peace
(D) All of these
(vi) The tone of the poem, Keeping Quiet, is ____________ .
(A) agitated
(B) enthusiastic
(C) optimistic
(D) serene
2. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. [1 × 4 = 4]
(A) In the afternoon the second thing happened. Hana, working hard on unaccustomed labour, saw a messenger come to the door in official uniform.
(i) Which day did two things happen?
(A) The day the war broke.
(B) The day of the arrival of the American prisoner.
(C) The day Japan won the war.
(D) The seventh day after the arrival of the American prisoner.
(ii) What was the second thing that happened that very day?
Ans. The General sent for Dr. Sadao as he was not well.
(iii) What problem did the General have?
Ans. The General’s gall bladder was much affected.
(iv) Why was Hana working in spite of having servants?
(A) The servants were on leave.
(B) The servants had gone to buy groceries.
(C) The servants had left the job.
(D) The servants had died.
OR
(B) Early this year, I found myself aboard a Russian research vessel—theAkademik Shokalskiy heading towards the coldest, driest, windiest continent in this world.
(i) ‘I’ in these lines refers to____________.
Ans. Tishani Doshi, the author and narrator of the lesson.
(ii) Which continent is ‘I’referring to?
(A) Asia
(B) America
(C) Antarctica
(D) South Africa
(iii) ‘I’ began his/her journey.
(A) Chennai, north of equator
(B) Public Park, Gondwana
(C) Public park, Pune
(D) Chennai, south of equator
(iv) How many time zones did ‘I’ cross before reaching the destination?
Ans. ‘I’ crossed nine time zones before reaching the destination.
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. [1 × 6 = 6]
(A) They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in trouble with the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. The officials felt powerless without Gandhiji’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians. The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
(i) The officials felt powerless because _____________________.
(A) of Gandhiji’s refusal to co-operate with them
(B) of Gandhiji’s polite and friendly behaviour
(C) the crowd was listening only to Gandhiji
(D) the crowd was getting violent
(ii) The demonstration proved that the __________________.
(A) policies of the British had failed.
(B) dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.
(C) dealings with the Indian citizens had been unsuccessful.
(D) might of the British had not been understood by Indians.
(iii) Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, when he says, “Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors”?
(A) Humorous
(B) Dramatic
(C) Sarcastic
(D) Persuasive
(iv) Gandhiji’s behavior towards the British prior to the proposal of postponement of the trial was that of ____________ .
Ans. Calm acceptance.
(v) Which among the following statements is correct?
(A) Gandhiji was happy with taking the cases of sharecroppers to law courts.
(B) Gandhiji wanted to make the peasants of Champaran free from the fear of the British.
(C) Gandhiji and Rajendra Prasad were the representatives of the peasants in the official commission of inquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’ situation.
(D) Gandhiji was ready to furnish bail for 120 minutes.
(vi) The officials at Motihari court sought the cooperation of Gandhiji to ____________ .
Ans. Regulate the crowd around the courthouse.
OR
(B) Naturally, the first thing he saw was the tall ragamuffin who had eased his way so close to the furnace that steam rose from his wet rags. The ironmaster did not follow the example of the blacksmiths, who had hardly deigned to look at the stranger. He walked close up to him, looked him over very carefully, then tore off his slouch hat to get a better view of his face.
(i) Who is ‘He‘ in the first line?
Ans. ‘He’ in the first line refers to the owner of Ramsjo Ironmills.
(ii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank with reference to the given statement. ‘The ironmaster did not follow the example of the blacksmiths…’. This shows that the ironmaster was ____________.
(A) haughty
(B) furious
(C) kind and considerate
(D) dominant
(iii) How was the attitude of the ironmaster different from that of blacksmith?
Ans. The master blacksmith did not pay attention to the peddler whereas the ironmaster did not ignore him.
(iv) Choose the option from the passage means ‘to do something that one considers to be below one’s dignity‘?
(A) Ragamuffin
(B) Deigned
(C) Tore
(D) Slouch
(v) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract; The ironmaster associates the ragamuffin with ____________ .
Ans. an old acquaintance of his, Nils Olof.
(vi) How did the ragamuffin react towards the ironmaster’s invitation?
(A) He agreed readily.
(B) He was angry.
(C) He denied it completely.
(D) He started screaming
V. Answer ANY FIVE the following in about 40–50 words. [5 × 2=10]
(i) Comment on any one aspect of the writing style of the author Selma Lagerlof in the Rattrap.
Ans. Selma Lagerlof, the author of ‘The Rattrap’ was a Swedish writer. She has written the story in the manner of a fairy tale. It begins with – Once upon a time and is in the end all the problems were untangled. The story covers a universal theme, i.e., the goodness in a human being can be awakened through love. The reader notices the transformation of the tramp into ‘Captain Von Stahle’ and the story has a happy ending.
(ii) Would you say that the poem ends on a note of hope? Justify your opinion. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger)
Ans. There is no hope for Aunt Jennifer. Her bondage lasts until her death, when her frightened hands lie still in a coffin, still dominated by men. Her tigers, however, continue unafraid on the screen she made. Although her body has died, still mastered by her ordeals, the tigers, the denizens of her imagination, persevere, royal and powerful remained free. This is a feminist twist on the classic signature tune of art’s ability to live longer than human life.
(iii) What do we come to know about the author of “Deep Water’ – William Douglas after reading the text?
Ans. William Douglas, the author of Deep water, had a great willpower and was resolute. He developed an aversion to water when he was two or three years old which later turned into a phobia. But with his determination, he was able to overcome it. He never lost his wits even in times of stress. Only his strategy to jump up with force when he was thrown into water helped him survive the misadventure. The statement ‘Tough times’ never lost but tough people do’ rightly fits his character
(iv) Mention two things of beauty that Keats refers to in his poem. How do they influence us?
Ans. The poet refers to the objects of nature as things of beauty. The bushes of dancing daffodils and the thickets in green forests sprinkled with musk roses make us joyful just by looking at them or by dreaming about them. All the beautiful objects in nature help us to overcome sadness and uplift our souls.
(v) How were the parents and M Hamel responsible for the children’s neglect of the French language?
Ans. Mr. Hamel, during his last lesson, regretted the fact that he had not fully utilised the time to teach French to his students. There were times when he would give them the day off, to go for his fishing trips or he would send them to water his plants. He also blamed the parents who instead of sending their children to school sent them to the fields to work. Now that French would not be taught anymore in their district, he wished he could have utilized all the time to teach French to the students.
(vi) Does the poet reach a conclusive solution for the issue at hand? Discuss with reference to The Roadside Stand.
Ans. The poet hopes that these people are put at one stroke out of their pain. The poet wants that the authorities should come to him and offer to put him ‘gently out of my pain’. The poet identifies himself with the village folks as far as their economic conditions are concerned.
VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40–50 words. [2 × 2=4]
(i) What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley?
Ans. Sam was a psychiatrist, but he too had his dreams. The description of Galesburg given by Charley infected him. He too wanted to escape from the present world. He did not like to pursue his present profession. He wanted to live in a small town like Galesburg. He wanted to settle as a hay, feed, and grain businessman. Therefore, he also discovered the ‘third level’ to escape.
The letter he wrote to Charley bore the postmark of July 18, 1894. Probably, it was a first-day cover sent to Charley’s grandfather by somebody. However, strangely, the letter was addressed to Charley by Sam. It meant that Sam had really escaped into the past. He had crossed the boundaries of time and space to reach the Galesburg of 1894. Or else, it was Charley who was daydreaming.
(ii) Why did Zitkala-Sa oppose tooth and nail the shingling of her long hair?
Ans. Zitkala-Sa resisted the shingling of her hair because cropped hair was a sign of either mourning or cowardice in her community. Her mother had told her that shingled hair was worn by unskilled captured warriors who were captured by the enemy, and thus it was indecent and undignified to have short hair
(iii) Why was Dr. Sadao not arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
Ans. Dr. Sadao was not arrested for giving shelter to an enemy soldier because his servants did not disclose the secret to the police. Also, the old General, who knew the matter, was silent about it. Hence, there was no proof to find Dr. Sadao guilty.
VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120–150 words. [1 × 5 = 5]
(i) It is not unusual for a lower middle-class girl to dream big. How unrealistic were Sophie’s dreams?
Ans. Sophie is a typical teenager who indulges in fantasy and daydreaming most of the time. Her dreams are to open a boutique or to become a fashion designer. She wants to be an actress too. She always plans to do something which does not belong to the people of the middle class. Her family conditions are not good and so her dreams seem to be unrealistic and impractical. Her friend, Jansie, unlike Sophie, lived in a world of reality and knows that both of them are marked for a biscuit factory. Opening a boutique or becoming a fashion designer is next to impossible. Sophie has neither the means nor money to raise herself to the standard of becoming an actress or a fashion designer. She has many limitations that she is not aware of. She also lacks the skills to achieve those dreams. She can be called an escapist from the real world who is caught in the web of her own creations. She is not ready to accept what life has to offer her. She fails to differentiate between reality and fantasy and goes to meet Danny Casey. She also has fantasies about Danny Casey, which are never to be fulfilled. In a nutshell, we can say that Sophie is an escapist and a daydreamer. She is an adolescent who ignores the ground realities of life
OR
(ii) Imagine Asokamitran witnesses a film shooting and visits a film set of present-day Bollywood. As Asokamitran write a diary entry penning down the transformation you notice between film making of yesteryears and today.
Ans.
Dear Diary,
Today I went to the Gemini Studios and was totally taken aback. There has not been a more exciting time for aspiring filmmakers than now. Earlier, the storage of films was in the form of negatives that required huge space, infrastructure and funds. There have been instances when copies of films were destroyed subject to multiple calamities – natural and otherwise. We can now consider losing a cinema print as a thing of the past. The process of showing a movie has become easier and cheaper. Therefore, releasing a movie throughout the country at the same time has become a common practice. Earlier, analogue prints had to be sent physically to different places of the country. Therefore, not every place in the country had access to a movie at the same time. Movie enthusiasts had to wait for months to see a coveted film. Currently, digital prints can be sent through the infinitesimally easier electronic route. One of the other major advantages of cinema digitisation has been in the arena of postproduction. Computerised non-linear editing has ensured more flexibility and better final products. The usage of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and advanced Visual Effects (VFX) has transformed the cinematic experience for viewers. If the story is good and the execution plan is neat, there is no reason as to why the eventual product won’t be good. The audio– visual content is no longer the same anymore. The technology has taken this area also in a sweep and a sea change can be seen Asokamitran
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120–150 words. [1 × 5 = 5]
(i) Imagine that you come across Louisa’s diary. What might you find in it about the third level? Compose at least one diary entry based on any of the events from the story, ‘The Third Level’.
Ans.
Sunday 9:00 p.m.
10 March, 20xx
Dear Diary,
Yesterday, I came across Louisa’s diary. After reading her diary, I came to the conclusion that Lousia, Charley’s wife, is a very simple lady. In fact she is very loving and caring towards her husband. At the same time, I felt that it is not difficult to take her in any illusionary explanation.
Initially, on the point of the claim regarding third level by Charley, she refuses to accept the psychiatrist’s observation that her husband was just day-dreaming. He explained that it was only an escape from his present life.
She takes that comment as a personal attack on her husband. She felt ‘Kind of mad’. But when the psychiatrist further explained her that the imagination of third level provided her husband an exit from the modern world, full of insecurity, fear, etc. she felt herself satisfied with his explanation.
Later, she got alarmed when her husband, Charley talked to her about his predicament regarding the third level. She, then advised him not to look for the third level anymore. One of the major causes of concern was her husband’s exchanging new currency with the old one.
v
OR
(ii) Imagine that Yumi, the cook and the gardener meet each other after leaving their job at Dr. Sadao’s house. Imagine a conversation between the three. Create this exchange with reference to the chapter, ‘The Enemy’
Ans.
Yumi: Three days have passed when we left our master’s house. I don’t know whether we took the right decision or not.
Cook: Oh, come on, Yumi! It was right on our part. How could we stay in a house when an enemy had been sheltered.
Gardener: I think the cook is right. After all, Dr. Sadao’s father would have never allowed the sheltering of an enemy at his house, had he been alive. The master should not have done it.
Yumi: But the children must be crying without me.
Gardener: Stop all this Yumi. We can’t live with a family who is a traitor. The master ought not have operated upon the enemy.
Yumi: Maybe, you’re right. But we must go back once they hand over the prisoner to the police.