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CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER–2013 (with Value-based Question) Time allowed: 3 hours Max. Marks: 100 General Instructions: 1. All the questions are compulsory. 2. Your answer should be to the point, try to stick to the word limit given. Section A: Reading 20 Marks Q.1. Read the passage given below and then answer the questions which follow: (12 marks) 1 In spite of all the honours that we heaped upon him, Pasteur, as has been said, remained simple at heart. Perhaps the imagery of his boyhood days, when he drew the familiar scenes of his birthplace, and the longing to be a great artist, never wholly left him. In truth he did become a great artist, though after his sixteenth year he abandoned the brush for ever. Like every artist of worth, he put his whole soul and energy into his work, and it was this very energy that in the end wore him out. For him, each sufferer was something more than just a case that was to be cured. He looked upon the fight against hydrophobia as a battle, and he was absorbed in his determination to win. The sight of injured children, particularly, moved him to an indescribable extent. He suffered with his patients, and yet he would not deny himself a share in that suffering. His greatest grief was when sheer physical exhaustion made him give up his active work. He retired to the estate at Villeneuve Etang, where he had his kennels for the study of rabies, and there he passed his last summer, as his great biographer, Vallery Radot, has said, “practising the Gospel virtues.” 2 “He revered the faith of his father,” says the same writer, “and wished without ostentation or mystery to receive its aid during his last period.” 3 The attitude of this man to the science he had done so much to perfect can be best summed up in a sentence that he is reputed to have uttered once, concerning the materialism of many of his contemporaries in similar branches of learning to his own: “The more I contemplate the mysteries of Nature, the more my faith becomes like that of a peasant.” 4 But even then in retirement he loved to see his former pupils, and it was then he would reiterate his life principles: “Work,” he would say, “never cease to work.” So well had he kept this precept that he began rapidly to sink from exhaustion. 5 Finally on September 27, 1895, when someone leant over his bed to offer him a cup of milk, he said sadly: “I cannot,” and with a look of perfect resignation and peace, seemed to fall asleep. He never again opened his eyes to the cares and sufferings of a world, Downloaded from WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM Downloaded from WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM Downloaded from WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM Downloaded from WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM www.studiestoday.com

1. 2. Q.1. Read the passage given below and then answer ... Clas…Vallery Radot, has said, “practising the Gospel virtues. ... where Ustad Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916,

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CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER–2013(with Value-based Question)

Time allowed: 3 hours Max. Marks: 100

General Instructions:

1. All the questions are compulsory.

2. Your answer should be to the point, try to stick to the word limit given.

Section A: Reading 20 Marks

Q.1. Read the passage given below and then answer the questions which follow:

(12 marks)

1 In spite of all the honours that we heaped upon him, Pasteur, as has been said,remained simple at heart. Perhaps the imagery of his boyhood days, when he drew thefamiliar scenes of his birthplace, and the longing to be a great artist, never wholly lefthim. In truth he did become a great artist, though after his sixteenth year heabandoned the brush for ever. Like every artist of worth, he put his whole soul andenergy into his work, and it was this very energy that in the end wore him out. For him,each sufferer was something more than just a case that was to be cured. He looked uponthe fight against hydrophobia as a battle, and he was absorbed in his determination towin. The sight of injured children, particularly, moved him to an indescribable extent.He suffered with his patients, and yet he would not deny himself a share in thatsuffering. His greatest grief was when sheer physical exhaustion made him give up hisactive work. He retired to the estate at Villeneuve Etang, where he had his kennels forthe study of rabies, and there he passed his last summer, as his great biographer,Vallery Radot, has said, “practising the Gospel virtues.”

2 “He revered the faith of his father,” says the same writer, “and wished withoutostentation or mystery to receive its aid during his last period.”

3 The attitude of this man to the science he had done so much to perfect can be bestsummed up in a sentence that he is reputed to have uttered once, concerning thematerialism of many of his contemporaries in similar branches of learning to his own:“The more I contemplate the mysteries of Nature, the more my faith becomes like thatof a peasant.”

4 But even then in retirement he loved to see his former pupils, and it was then he wouldreiterate his life principles: “Work,” he would say, “never cease to work.” So well had hekept this precept that he began rapidly to sink from exhaustion.

5 Finally on September 27, 1895, when someone leant over his bed to offer him a cup ofmilk, he said sadly: “I cannot,” and with a look of perfect resignation and peace, seemedto fall asleep. He never again opened his eyes to the cares and sufferings of a world,

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

which he had done so much to relieve and to conquer. He was within three months of his seventy-third birthday.

6 Thus passed, as simply as a child, the man whom the French people were to vote at aplebiscite as the greatest man that France had ever produced. Napoleon, who hasalways been considered the idol of France, was placed fifth.

7 No greater tribute could have been paid to Louis Pasteur, the tanner’s son, thescientist, the man of peace, the patient worker for humanity.

1.1 Answer the following questions: (9 marks)

(a) Even accolades and honours did not change the simple man that Pasteur was.Give reasons. 2

(b) How did Pasteur view those who suffered from diseases? 1

(c) How did Pasteur engage himself in the estate? 2

(d) What advice did he always give to his pupils? 2

(e) How did France, the country of his birth, honour this great scientist? 2

Ans: (a) Pasteur did not change from the simple man that he was because he continued tolive in his childhood. He also remained a simple-hearted person always. Pasteurused to paint and he always wished to be a painter.

(b) Pasteur believed that the sufferer was something more than just a case to be dealt with and cured.

(c) Pasteur retired to the estate at Villeneune Estang and conducted a study on rabies.He also practised the gospel virtues.

(d) Pasteur advised his pupils never to stop working. According to him, work was themost important of life’s principles.

(e) The greatest tribute that was paid to Louis Pasteur was that the French peoplevoted him as the greatest man that France had ever produced.

1.2 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: (3 marks)

(a) To give up (para 1)

(b) People belonging to the same period (para 3)

(c) Vote by the people of the country to decide a matter of national importance (para 6)

Ans: (a) Abandoned

(b) Contemporaries

(c) Plebiscite

Q.2. Read the passage given below: (8 marks)

Residents of the Bhirung Raut Ki Gali, where Ustad Bismillah Khan was born onMarch 21, 1916, were in shock. His cousin, 94-year-old Mohd Idrish Khan had tears inhis eyes. Shubhan Khan, the caretaker of Bismillah’s land, recalled: “Whenever inDumaraon, he would give rupees two to the boys and rupees five to the girls of the locality.”

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

He was very keen to play shehnai again in the local Bihariji’s Temple where he hadstarted playing shehnai with his father, Bachai Khan, at the age of six. His originalname was Quamaruddin and became Bismillah only after he became famous as ashehnai player in Varanasi.

His father Bachai Khan was the official shehnai player of Keshav Prasad Singh, theMaharaja of the erstwhile Dumaraon estate, Bismillah used to accompany him. ForBismillah Khan, the connection to music began at a very early age. By his teens, he hadalready become a master of the shehnai. On the day India gained freedom, BismillahKhan, then a sprightly 31-year-old, had the rare honour of playing from Red Fort. ButBismillah Khan won’t just be remembered for elevating the shehnai from aninstrument heard only in weddings and naubatkhanas to one that was appreciated inconcert halls across the world. His life was a testimony to the plurality that is India. Apractising Muslim, he would take a daily dip in the Ganga in his younger days after about of kusti in Benia Baga Akhada. Every morning, Bismillah Khan would do riyaaz at the Balaji Temple on the banks of the river. Even during his final hours in a Varanasihospital, music didn’t desert Bismillah Khan. A few hours before he passed away earlyon Monday, the shehnai wizard hummed a thumri to show that he was feeling better.This was typical of a man for whom life revolved around music.

Throughout his life he abided by the principle that all religions are one. What markedBismillah Khan was his simplicity and disregard for the riches that come withmusical fame. Till the very end, he used a cycle-rickshaw to travel around Varanasi.But the pressure of providing for some 60 family members took its toll during his later years.

2.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes using headingsand sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations where necessary. (5 marks)

Ans: Notes

1. Shock at the demise

1.1 Cousin – tears in eyes

1.2 Caretaker recalled

1.2.1 Giving two Rs. - boys

1.2.2 Five Rs. to girls

2. His early life

2.1 Org. name Quamaruddin

2.2 Play shehnai at temp. – with father

2.3 Rec. as Bismillah at Varanasi

3. Music as family heritage

3.1 Father court poet at Dumaraon

3.2 Pld. shehnai from age six

3.3 at 31, pld. shehnai – Red Fort – 1947

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Abbreviations Used

Rs. – Rupees

Org. – Original

Temp. – Temple

Rec. – Recognised

Pld. – Played

Fml. – Family

Mem. – Members

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII284

4. Daily routine in Varanasi

4.1 Take a dip in the Ganga

4.2 Riyaaz at Balaji temple

4.3 Before his last breath – hummed thumri

4.4 Used cycle-rickshaw to travel

4.5 Bread-earner for 60 fml. mem.

5. Bismillah beyond religion

5.1 Main principle – all religions one

5.2 Life testimony of plurality

5.3 Practising Muslim

2.2 Make a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words using thenotes made and also suggest a suitable title. (3 marks)

Ans: Ustad Bismillah Khan was born and brought up at Dumaraon and got the taste ofmusic at a very early stage of life. He started accompanying his father who was anofficial musician at the Estate of Dumaraon. He got an honour to play shehnai at RedFort on the occasion of independence. He believed that all religions are one. He led a life of simplicity. Music was his soul and even on his deathbed, he hummed thumri in thehospital at Varanasi.

Title: Tribute to Bismillah Khan

Section B: Advanced Writing Skills 35 Marks

Q.3 A.K. International School is looking for a receptionist for the school. Write anadvertisement on behalf of the administrative officer in the classifiedcolumns of the local newspaper giving necessary details. Draft theadvertisement in not more than 50 words. (5 marks)

Or

Suman/Suresh has cleared the Pre-Medical Dental Entrance Examination. Thefamily is elated at the achievement and they decide to have a get-together forall friends. Draft an informal invitation for the get-together.

Ans:

A.K. International School is looking for a young talented receptionist with a

pleasant personality. She should have a good command over spoken English.

An MBA graduate in the age group of 20-25 years should apply to the

administrative officer of the school before 10th March at 24, College Street,

New Delhi-88.

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

Or

265, Harshdeep SocietyDwarka

New Delhi

12th August, 20XX

Dear Friends

You shall be pleased to know that Suman has cleared the Pre-Medical Dental EntranceExamination. To celebrate this moment of happiness, we would like to invite all herfriends for a small get-together at her residence. This is a surprise party for her on the20th of August at 6.00 p.m. So please make yourself available at our residence and joinin the congratulatory party and wish her good luck. Your presence shall be highlysolicited. Hoping to see you on time.

Yours sincerely

Kalpana

(Mother of Suman)

Q.4. You are Shekhar/Tripta a student of A.P. Public School. Principals of twoschools from Bhutan visited your school as part of a cultural exchangeprogramme. Students of the school put up a cultural show in their honour.Write a report about it for your school magazine. (100-125 words) (10 marks)

Or

It was raining heavily. You were walking to your house after the school, whensuddenly you saw a huge neem tree coming down and falling on the pavementand the road thereby hitting a car parked on the pavement. The traffic cameto a standstill. Describe the chaotic traffic scene in 100-125 words.

Ans: Cultural Exchange Programme

(By Tripta, Cultural Society Member, Std. XII)

Our school was, very recently, honoured to have principals of two schools from Bhutanvisiting us. The visit was under the aegis of cultural exchange programme beingorganized by the Government of India for a better harmonious relationship withBhutan. Students of the Dance Club, Music Club, Dramatics Club and the PoetrySociety got together to put up an excellent cultural show in their honour.

The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by our Principal Madam and thefew guests from Bhutan; along with the chanting of verses from the Bhagwad Gita. This was followed by a patriotic group song and dance drama. Next was a poetrypresentation. There were a few more presentations like a welcome song, classical andwestern dance mix presentation. The visiting principals were surprised to see thevaried and rich culture of our country India. They also invited the principal, teachersand students of our school to Bhutan so that there can be an educational and culturalexchange programme between students of India and Bhutan. Our principal conveyedher acceptance to the invitation extended from Bhutan and gave her vote of thanks. Allin all, it was an enriching experience for everyone and all left with the hope that suchprogrammes shall be held more often.

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

Or

Disaster on the Streets

The monsoon had arrived late. But when it did arrive, it rained with a lot of storm andfurore. Everybody was very excited to get wet in the rain. But the thunder andlightning that followed after the rain was very frightening. But somehow I had reachedmy school before it started raining heavily. We all got busy with our classes and rainhad also subsided.

But the worst was yet to come. It was only just before the last period was to end that itstarted raining and storm. While returning home, I took to the street that had lesstraffic. But suddenly a neem tree fell right in front of us, about two blocks away, thereby hitting a car parked and the pavement. The glass panes of the car were smashed topieces. Although nobody was injured, but the traffic on that road came to a standstill.The cars on both sides had to take to service lane or other roads. The MCD was given acall to get the tree removed from the way. I hope such accidents do not take place andpeople should be more careful during rain and thunder.

Q.5. You are Nitin/Natasha a student of Class XII at K.P.N. Public School,Faridabad. The student is required to cope with lot of pressure in today’scompetitive environment. Write a letter to the editor of a national dailyhighlighting the increasing stress faced by students and suggest ways tocombat the same. (10 marks)

Or

You are Suresh/Smita. You come across the following advertisement in anational daily. You consider yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Writean application in response to the advertisement.

Applications are invited for the post of a Nursery Teacher in a reputed school of Delhi.The candidate must have at least 5 years’ experience of teaching tiny-tots. Theapplicant must have a pleasant personality. He/She should be creative andinnovative. Attractive salary. Interested candidates should apply to The Principal,AKS International, Indirapuram, New Delhi within 10 days with detailed resume.

Ans: K.P.N. Public School,

Faridabad.

14 August 20XX

The Editor,

The Times of India

New Delhi-01

Sir,

Subject: Unbearable pressure an adolescent faces and how to cope

Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I would like to put forth my viewsregarding the unbearable pressure on adolescents and how to cope with it. Thispressure is because of the increasing competition among students to score high marks.

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

The children feel the pressure even more because they have no time for recreation.The manifestation of this unbearable stress is in the form of anger and violentbehaviour be it in the house, in the school, among friends, on the streets or in publicdisplay.

The best way to get rid of this stress is to indulge in games or practise yoga. One can getinvolved with any hobby, be it dancing or singing or playing any instrument orpainting. Listening to good soothing music is another way of combating stress.

Our youth should not be bowed down by challenges; but face them boldly. Many peoplework best under pressure. Hence the pressure to prove and achieve the best should betaken as a challenge and not a burden.

I hope this article draws the attention of the youth and makes them think twice.

Yours sincerely

Natasha

Class XII

Or

45, R.K. Puram

New Delhi

14th August, 20XX

The Principal

AKS International

Indirapuram

New Delhi

Sir,

Subject: Application for the post of Nursery Teacher

This is with reference to the advertisement published in the Times of India, Delhiedition regarding the job for the post of NTT in your school. I was very pleased to seethis vacancy in the newspaper as I was on the lookout for such a job. Earlier, I had beenworking in Ramjas School, R.K. Puram, New Delhi for the last two years. But now, asI am about to get married, I will have to shift to my in-laws’ place. I am hereby enclosingmy biodata and testimonials.

Waiting for an early positive response.

Yours sincerely

Smita

BIODATA

Name : SMITA THAKKAR

Father’s Name : Raj Thakkar

Date of Birth : 24th Feb. 1985

Correspondence Address : 45, R.K. Puram

New Delhi

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

Educational Qualification : X – Mount Carmel – 88%

XII – Mount Carmel – 85%

B.A. (Hons.) – Delhi University – 80%

Professional Qualification : NTT, Delhi University – 80%

Experience : I have been serving Ramjas School,

R.K. Puram, as Nursery Teacher for the

last two years.

I hereby declare that all details are true to the best of my knowledge.

Yours sincerely

Smita

Q.6. Some colleges conduct entrance test for admission to undergraduate courses

like English (Hons.) and Journalism (Hons.). Do you think that the entrance

test is the right method of selecting students? Write an article in about 150-200

words. You are Shan/Shweta, a student of class XII at A.P. International School,

Agra. (10 marks)

Or

Computer games and video games have become popular with children today.

As a result, outdoor games seem to have no place in their life anymore. You

are Mukesh/Meena. You decide to write a speech to be delivered in the school

assembly on your experiences about the joys of playing outdoor games in

about 150-200 words.

Ans: Admission Tests for Undergraduate Courses(Shweta, Class XII, A.P. International School)

A new trend has developed in the process of admission for some undergraduate courses

like English (Hon.) and Journalism (Hon.). Some feel that this is totally wrong because

other courses do not ask to appear for entrance tests. It would be unnecessarily being

too strict for students offering these courses.

For those believing that such tests should be taken, they give enough reasons.

Language acquisition till class XII does not test the true abilities of the students. The

subject of language is not taken seriously, by either the science, commerce or

humanities stream students. Board results, some believe, do not reveal the true

potential of the child. Instead, entrance tests try to bring out their true capabilities.

Only those students who are serious about the course will take the tests. So these

entrance tests for some courses like journalism and English are a must according to

some critics. On the contrary, children and teachers believe that the child is already

under a lot of stress after studying this subject for the whole year. It would be unfair to

put so much of pressure on some students for entrance.

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

Or

Outdoor Games a Must for GrowthBy Mukesh

Good Morning Principal Mam, teachers and my dear friends.

Today I would like to speak about importance of outdoor games for good physique andmental growth. Computer and video games have become popular with children today.As a result, outdoor games seem to have no place in the lives of people.

Outdoor games always make us physically active, agile and alert.

Playing and running around with friends makes a child happy. It is exciting when weplay, fight, agree or disagree. At least it helps us to interact with each other. There is alot of exchange of ideas and thoughts when you go to play outdoors. There is a definiteincrease in the number of friends. Hence social circle is broadened. Moreover, it is morejoyful than sitting alone on a computer and playing games and chatting.

Hence, it is an earnest appeal to one and all to indulge in outdoor games as it helps youhave a proper physical development. Only a healthy mind rests in a healthy body.

Thanks

Section C: Textbooks 45 Marks

Q.7. Read the following extract from the poems and answer the questions thatfollow: (3 marks)

They do not fear the men beneath the tree;

They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

(a) Are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers real ? Give reasons for your answer. 1

(b) Why do the tigers not fear the men beneath the tree? 1

(c) What do you understand by ‘chivalric certainty’? 1

Or

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness; but will keep

A bower quiet for us.

(a) ‘A thing of beauty is joy for ever.’ Explain. 1

(b) Why does a beautiful thing ‘pass into nothingness’? 1

(c) What does poet mean by ‘a bower quiet for us’ ? 1

Ans: (a) No, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are not real. They are on a screen and they can be seenwoven on a panel.

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

(b) The tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree because they are powerful. Thesetigers are a symbol of chivalry.

(c) These tigers are very confident, brave and sure of their power. They are veryaware of the strength they possess.

Or

(a) A thing of beauty has a long lasting impact on anyone and anything that comes incontact with her. A thing of beauty never moves into emptiness. We even think ofa thing of beauty in our dreams.

(b) Any beautiful thing leaves a long standing impression. It is not subject to time.

(c) Nature creates a bower which is a beautiful thing. It’s a shady place for one to sitand ponder.

Q.8. Answer any three of the following questions in about 30-40 words. (2×3 = 6 marks)

(a) According to Pablo Neruda, what is it that human beings can learn fromNature?

(b) Why does Spender call Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example?

(c) What kind of ordeals is Aunt Jennifer surrounded by?

(d) What is the significance of the parting words of the poet and her smile, in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?

Ans: (a) Human beings can learn to be quiet and still. They can learn to grow at one’s ownplace and be contented with what we have.

(b) Spender calls Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example because thesehave no meaning for the children of the slum. Moreover, they will tempt them tosteal.

(c) Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by the constraints of married life. The dominance ofthe women by their husbands is a painful ordeal of marriage. The compulsion oftheir domestic life and the responsibility towards the family is anotherceremonial ordeal of marriage.

(d) The smile and the parting words of the poet for her mother signify hope. Shemakes a promise of visiting her mother again and soon. She also leaves behind onan optimistic note with her smile for her mother to remember the face even after.

Q.9. Answer any three of the following questions in about 30-40 words.(2×3= 6 marks)

(a) For Franz, what was much more tempting than going to school and why?

(b) Mention any two hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.

(c) How did Douglas overcome ‘the old terror’?

(d) The crofter can be called a ‘good host’. Why?

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

Ans: (a) For Franz, it was more tempting to go out to play in the bright warm sun. He loved to see the birds chirping in the open field. He desired to watch the Prussiansoldiers practise their drill. These were more tempting to observe than learningthe rules for participles.

(b) There is a chance of losing one’s eyesight. There is a possibility of skin burn too.Although, the hazards are many—physical, emotional and economical.

(c) Douglas overcame the old fear by confidently continuing to swim on. The nextmorning he dived into the lake, swam across to the other shore and back.

This is how he conquered his fear of water.

(d) The crofter welcomed the tramp. He offered him hot supper and gave him tobaccoto smoke. He also played cards with him. Thus, we can say that crofter was a goodhost.

Q.10. Answer the following in about 125-150 words. (10 marks)

Franz’s attitude towards school as well as towards M. Hamel changes when he comes to know about the takeover of his village by Prussians. Do you agree?Discuss with reference to the ‘The Last Lesson’.

Or

How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? Explain with the reference to the text, ‘Indigo’.

Ans: Franz had always been a shirker. He disliked going to school and learning his lessonswas a burden for him. He wanted to freak out instead of having to memorise the rules ofparticiples. He did not seem to have friendly feelings towards his teacher M. Hamel,who, he felt, was strict and cranky. His feelings for his teacher, however, changed whenhe reached school on the fateful day of the last lesson. During the lesson, a grimrealisation dawned on him that he could barely write the language and how suddenlyhe was being deprived of the opportunity of learning his language. He was guilt-riddenfor having neglected his lessons and escaping school. His books which have always been a burden and a nuisance for him suddenly became his prized possessions. The thoughtof losing his teacher M. Hamel forever pained him and made him forget his iron rulerand his cranky nature.

Or

What began as an attempt to fight injustice against the hapless peasants and toalleviate their sufferings later turned out to be Gandhiji’s loud and clear pronouncementthat Britishers couldn’t order him about in his own country. It initiated the meek andmute masses into courage. The episode established the efficacy of non-cooperation as ameans of fighting injustice. Gandhiji was appalled at the condition of the sharecroppers in Champaran. He got a doctor for the village to help sick people. The value ofself-reliance was taught by Gandhiji and the people understood it well. He got supportfrom the lawyer to fight the case of sharecroppers. In this way, he tried to alleviate thedistressed peasants. Thus he made the ordinary people contribute in national freedom.This became the turning point of his career.

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

Q.11. Read the following and answer the question that follows: (5 marks)

Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk and, bearing on with all his

might, he wrote as large as he could—

“Vive La France!”

Abraham Lincoln, a former President of America said,

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.

I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

After reading the lesson and the above quote of Abraham Lincoln you begin to reflect on the lost spirit of patriotism amongst the youth in India due to which there is no respect for one’s countrymen and no determination amongst the

youth to lead the country to a better future.

Write an article in about 100 words for a national magazine on the need forrevival of patriotic spirit amongst the youth in India.

Ans: Even after 66 years of independence, one is forced to ponder on the usage of thecountry’s youth. Devoid of the attachment to moral values and traditions of one’sfamily, the country’s youth seem to be value-starved. They seem to face a total crisis asthey are being brought up in nuclear families, in metropolitans, away from the richcultural heritage of villages.

Violence in towns and cities, separation from roots, families, and also among parents,the inter- and intra-group conflicts and political apathy is the reigning order of theday.

We Indians, born in free India, have although reaped the harvest of a secure freedom,but not utilised freedom in its true perspective. This is the right time for the youngpeople to wake up and create their own identity. The need of the hour is good leadership and governance.

We need to inculcate the spirit of nationalism along with humanism in children rightfrom the beginning.

Q.12. Answer the following in about 125-150 words. (7 marks)

‘The modern consumerist world is full of fear, insecurities, stress and wars.’What are the ways in which we try to combat them? Answer with reference to‘The Third Level’.

Or

How can we say that Antarctica is the best place to study and understandabout Earth’s present, past and future? Answer with reference to, ‘Journey tothe End of the Earth’.

Ans.: Insecurity of war, worry, fear and stress rob man of his peace of mind. Thus oursubconscious mind constantly forces the invasion of tension and anxiety. Stripped of allthrill and excitement, modern man rather than living life in the real senses of the worldmerely goes through the process of existing. In order to get out of this quagmire, heturns to religion, world of fiction, fantasy, hobbies, sports, music and creativity. Thesethings divert man’s attention from harsh realities. Thus man experiences some sort of a relief from his worries. The degree of involvement in these activities ascertains the

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CBSE Sample Question Paper (Solved)

level of calmness he attains. The tranquillity that he experiences saves him from thepsychiatric problems caused by stress, strain and apprehension.

Or

Six hundred and fifty million years ago the present-day Antarctica was surrounded by a giant amalgamated southern supercontinent called Gondwana. Thus Antarcticabelongs to ancient geological era when human beings had not yet evolved, the climatewas warm in the continent and supported a huge variety of flora and fauna. Thedinosaurs had been wiped out and mammals were beginning to evolve. At thisjuncture, the Gondwana got separated into countries and shaped the globe as we see it today.

Today Antarctica, the mysterious white continent on the South Pole holds the key tothe past, present and future of the planet. It is in a way responsible for the formation ofCordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields as well as the appearance of SouthAmerica, India and Himalayas on the face of the earth.

No human markers –billboards and buildings are to be seen here, yet this continent islive and kicking with a variety of living species like the penguins, seal, midges andmites existing there and countless marine species thriving in the salt water under itssheet of ice.

Since the planet is unravaged by human population and civilization, it remainsrelatively pristine. Its ice-cores hold more than half-million-year-old carbon recordswhich are so crucial for the study of the past, present and future of our planet. Thus, itis a perfect place to study how little changes in the environment can have bigrepercussions. Thus Tishani Doshi is very right when she says, “If we want to study and examine the earth’s past, present and future, Antarctica is the place to go”.

Q.13. Answer the following briefly (30-40 words). (2×4=8 marks)

(a) Even though the Maharaja lost `3 lakhs, he was still happy. Why? (The Tiger King)

(b) In a short span of 12 thousand years man has managed to create a ruckus on this earth. How? (Journey to the End of the Earth)

(c) Why did Roger Skunk go in search of the wizard? (Should Wizard Hit Mommy?)

(d) Mention any two reasons because of which it would take thirty minutesto an hour for Bama to reach home.

(Memories of Childhood: We Too are Human Beings)

Ans: (a) Maharaja had bought fifty diamond rings and sent to the wife of the British officer to choose from. But she kept all of them and sent a thank you note. This is how hemanaged to retain his kingdom and made her happy.

(b) Man has created villages, towns, cities and megacities by destroying nature. Therapid increase of human population resulted in burning of fossil fuels and globalwarming.

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Xam idea English (Core)–XII

(c) Everybody made fun of Roger Skunk as he gave out a foul smell. He was veryupset about it. Hence, he met the owl who advised him to go to the wizard whowould help him to give a pleasant smell.

(d) She would watch all the fun and games that were going on the road.She would look at shops and bazaars, snake charmers, monkey performing etc.

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