Class 12 English (Core) Exam Today’s Term 2 Question Paper & Answer Key 2024

English (Core) (Class 12) Term 2 Question Paper 2024

Section - A: Reading Skills 1. Read the text given below : (1) Five enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of sustainable educational toys. (2) The government authorities, educational institutions and EdTech start-ups are planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not only throw light on Indian values and civilizations, but also help in developing children's critical thinking, and decision-making skills. (3)"One such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities, that don't have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach children about ancient Indian civilizations. It has implanted a few artifacts at the site, which the children will have to find so that they are able to learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another startup has proposed to create miniaturized labs for schools in tier 2 and 3 cities where children can learn concepts of Physics. "We will ensure that these prototypes are developed within a year and then the production can be scaled up," says the senior manager of the project talking about the importance of indigenously-built educational toys. (4) Playtime is vital for the cognitive development of children and toys are an essential component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets. "Well-designed toys ignite students' curiosity,increase focus and can be very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all three." says HOD, Early Childhood Education. (5) Toys offer an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, problem-solving skills. "Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their special awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle differences, etc, with their peers." (6) Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain lessons longer. "A child's interest is piqued when he is taught in a contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math or Engineering. Answer the following questions, based on the given passage :

(i) By tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the author refers to

(A) Metro cities (B) Cities with huge population (C) Underdeveloped cities (D) Cities with less population

(ii) Complete the sentence with evidence from the text. The made-in-India educational toys serves dual purpose of................

(iii) The author's point of view that can be inferred from the above passage is that...........

(A) educational toys are the booming business. (B) educational toys are meant to entertain children. (C) educational toys will replace teachers. (D) educational toys will make education more pragmatic.

(iv) Complete the following sentence appropriately: Educational toys enhance the personality of children by ..........

(V)Read the five headlines (a) - (e), given below :

(a) Sustainable Educational Toys are Developmentally Appropriate. (b) Sustainable Educational Toys Promote Free play. (c) Sustainable Educational Toys - Free and Widespread. (d) Sustainable Educational Toys - Experiential Learning. (e) Sustainable Educational Toys - Hinder Interaction with people.

Identify the option that displays the headline that DOES/DO NOT correspond with what the passage highlights.

(A) only (e) (B) (a) and (b) (C) (c) and (e) (D) only (d)

(vi) What evidences do you gather from the passage to state that educational system is revolutionized by educational toys ? Answer in about 40 words.

(vii) Explain in about 40 words, how education at grassroot level is benefitted by these projects.

(viii) As opposed to learning by heart, experiential toys

(A) ignite interest (B) challenge the teachers (C) replace textbooks (D) confuse learners

(ix) Playing is usually considered a distraction. Is it justified on the part of the narrator to assert that playing is an important aspect of education ? Write your answer in about 40 words.

2. Read the text given below : (1) People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the Internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey 'Countering Misinformation in India'. This survey has been conducted jointly by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). (2）At least 40% of the respondents believed in 'misinformation' received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization. (3) The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media thus their faith in contents shared by common people over social media. (4) But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms. (5) However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organization and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on an individual. (6) The survey has found that first time or early users of the Internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan. Answer the following questions, based on the given passage: (i) Select the option that comes under conventional media : (A) Instagram (B) Newspaper (C)Facebook (D) E-mail (ii) Select the correct option : One factor that prompts people to believe fake news is that (A) it supports their point of view (B) they are biased (C) it is from a reliable site (D) it has more likes' and 'shares'

(iii) What according to the passage are the intentions of people who share information?

(iv) Which reason do you infer from the passage is responsible for journalists spreading misinformation ?

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately : The threat faced by the new entrants in social media is...........

(vi) Explain your understanding of the difference between 'misinformation' and 'fake news'.

(vii) As per your inference drawn from para (1), which category of people fall as victims to fake news ?

(viii) What is the blame game that goes on in fixing the onus of identifying fake news ?

Section - B: Creative Writing Skills Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the following two, in about 50 words. (a)Bharat Public School, I.P. Nagar, has recently constructed a Science Park, a dedicated area where specific equipments based on principles of Science are setup. As Rashi Kapoor, President of Science Club, draft a notice for the school notice board, informing students of the same. Mention relevant detailes

(b) You are the President, RWA Silver Oak Society. Draft a notice for the society notice board informing residents about the appointment of security guards at Gate Nos. 2, 3 & 4 and an increase of 7 1,000 in the annual maintenance charges to meet the expenditure. Mention relevant details.

(4) Attempt ANY ONE of the following two in about 50 words. (a)

(a) You are a student counsellor of N.J. Public School. You are invited by S.M. International School, Kala Puram, to address Class XII students on Goal Setting & Time Management. Write a formal letter of reply accepting the invitation and confirming your presence at the stated time, include relevant details.

(b) You are Mr. Anmol Gupta. You are planning to celebrate your sister's silver jubilee wedding anniversary. Draft the invitation card to be sent to relatives and friends, sharing all relevant details.

(5) Attempt ANY ONE of two, in about 120-150 words. (a) You are Mahesh / Mrinal of 36, M.K. Avenue, Pratap Nagar. You are a Commerce graduate. You saw the given advertisement in a newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter along with a detailed bio-data, expressing your interest in the advertised post.

S.K. GLOBAL BANK

We're hiring

Management Trainees

Qualification: Graduation in any Subject

Experience : 0 - 2 yrs.

Skills: Project management, Communication skills, Customer service skills

Apply with bio-data to The Manager, S.K. Global Bank, 45, Bannerghatta Road, Pratap Nagar

(b) You have recently come across a report stating that crime against the elderly is up by 22% in AB Nagar. Senior citizens especially those living alone are exposed to crimes like robbery, murder etc. As a concerned citizen, write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your concern and suggesting ways to protect them. Use the following cues along with your own ideas to draft the letter.

• Volunteer your services

• Environment to be made secure

• Not to leave old people alone

• Be in touch with them

• Regular police check

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, in 120-150 words. (a) You are Anuj, a student of Class XII. Whenever you are stressed, you listen to music and get relaxed. You strongly believe that music destresses you and refreshes your body and mind.

Based on your experience, write an article on Music as Therapy for a health magazine highlighting the healing power of music. Use the following cues along with your own ideas to compose this article:

music establishes connection with self

music helps in self-expression

comforts body, mind & soul

improves one's mood

(b) Your school recently conducted an Art exhibition in which students from all classes participated. Students presented various paintings, sculpture etc. Parenta and visitors congratulated the students on their efforta.

As a student editor, write a report on the exhibition to be published in your school magazine. Use the cues given below along with your own ideas to compose this report :

• date, venue, time

• participants

• types of painting, sculpture

• theme, if any.

• visitors' feed back

Section - C 7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions on ANY ONE of the given two. Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear The thought of so much childish longing in vain, The sadness that lurks near the open window there, That waits all day in almost open prayer. For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car, Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass, Just one to inquire what a farmer's prices are And one did stop, but only to plow up grass In using the yard to back and turn around; And another to ask the way to where it was bound; (A Roadside Stand)

(i) Select the option that has the same literary device as in 'The sadness that lurks near the open window there.

(A) Lucy moved across the room like a warship sailing into battle. (B) Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. (C) The water-wraith was shrieking. (D) The pen is mightier than the sword.

(ii) They prayed for the stopping of a car. When one car finally stopped, it brought _to the people of the roadside stand.

(A) help (B) happiness (C) disappointment D) cash flow

(iii) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, ......childish longing in vain'.

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately. The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is..............

(V) The expression 'selfish car' suggests that -

(Vi) Based on the rhyme scheme evident in the last two lines of the extract, which word would rhyme with the last line?

brass reply sound

(b) ... but soon put that thought away, 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, my childhood's fear, (My Mother at Sixty-six)

(i) Select the correct option. The impact of 'merry children' on poet's mind.....

(A) caused anxiety (B) created a sense of longing (C) brought comfort (D) reminded her of her own childhood

(ii) The tone of the poet expressed in the above lines is

(A) sadness and helplessness (B) excitement and eagerness (C) appreciation and gratitude (D) anger and anxiety

(iii) The words 'wan, pale' indicate the mother's......

(iv) Complete the following sentence appropriately. The poet looked at her mother again to........

(v)Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line 'felt that old familiar ache.

(vi) 'put that thought away. What is the intention of poet that can be inferred from the above line?

8. Read the two extracts given below and answer the questions on ANY ONE. (a) The reason the programme has been so successful is because it is impossible to go anywhere near the South Pole and not be affected by it. It's easy to be blase about polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone of our respective latitude and longitude, but when you can visibly see glaciers retreating and ice shelves collapsing, you begin to realise that the threat of global warming is real. Antarctica, because of her simple eco-system and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to study how little changes in the environment can have big repercussions. (Journey to the End of the Earth)

(i) As per the given extract, the reason for the success of the programme is

(A) the participation of young students. (B) the journey to Antarctica. (C) the exposure to reality. (D) it was impossible to go near south pole.

(ii) Complete the following sentence. The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is........

(iii) State whether the statement given is TRUE or FALSE with reference to the extract. Global warming is a threat to human survival.

(iv) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line "It's easy to be blase about polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone".

(b) From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram. The State banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition. (The Tiger King)

(i) Select the correct option : ... he would attend to all other matters only after killing hundred tigers'. This reflects Tiger King's

(A) courage (B) determination (C) selfishness (D) kindness

(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately. From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers. The above statement is ironical in the sense......

(iii)... if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated'. What trait of the king is reflected in the above line ?

(iv) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. The King's ambition is to save people from the tigers.

9. Read the two extracts given below and answer the questions on ANY ONE. (a) "Why do you do this?" I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning scrounging for gold in the garbage dumps of my neighbourhood. Saheb left his home long ago. Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory. There were many storms that swept away their fields and homes, his mother tells him. That's why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now lives. "I have nothing else to do," he mutters, looking away. "Go to school," I say glibly, realizing immediately how hollow the advice must sound. "There is no school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go." (Lost Spring)

(i) Choose the correct option. The expression 'scrounging for gold' refers to

(A) searching for gold items. (B) looking for something that can fetch money. (C) rummaging the garbage. (D) digging to find food to eat.

(ii) The influence of nature in Saheb's life was that it

(A) brought prosperity (B) yielded food for them (C) gave them home (D) brought disaster

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate word. Saheb's conversation with the narrator draws ......of readers towards Saheb.

(iv) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line "...... realizing how hollow the advice must sound".

(v) The expression 'when they build one, I will go' indicates Saheb's to go to school.

(vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. .... his home is not even a distant dream' states that Saheb sees his home often in his dream.

(b) Then the poet spoke. He couldn't have addressed a more dazed and silent audience - no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour ; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement - What are we doing ? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films for the simplest sort of people ? People whose lives least afforded them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry. The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained mystery. (Poets and Pancakes)

(i) Choose the correct option: The reason for the bewilderment of the audience is

(A) unknown identity of the visitor. (B) that the speaker had not been introduced to them. (C) the visit of an English poet to a Tamil film studio. (D) that they did not understand English.

(ii) By 'thrills and travails" the author refers to

(A) joy and happiness (B) interest and aspiration (C) excitement and pain (D) shocks and surprises

(iii) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, "He could not have addressed a more dazed and silent audience"

(iv) The failure of the speaker to connect with the audience with reference to the extract is his.......

(v) What information in the extract reveals the fact that the people have no exposure other than to their own circle ?

(vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. The audience were enthralled by the poet's impressive speech.

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words:

(i) Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line: "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" (The Last Lesson)

(ii) "Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart." What does the above statement speak of the father? (Deep Water)

(iii) The tigers in the panel that she made Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines ? (Aunt Jennifer's Tigers)

(iv) What is Pablo Neruda's complaint against fishermen ? (Keeping Quiet)

(v) How and why does Keats relate 'mighty dead' to the 'Thing of Beauty'? (A Thing of Beauty)

(vi) Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy'. What inference about Jansie's character is drawn from the above line ? (Going Places)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in 40-50 words each :

(i) 'They decided that the Maharaja must not come to know that he had missed the target. (The Tiger King) Why did the hunters try to hide the truth from the king ?

(ii) I must get rid of this man for your sake. How did Dr. Sadao act like a perfect husband? (The Enemy)

(iii)"I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet" and now my long hair was shingled like a coward's..." What inference about the life of Zitkala-Sa can be drawn from the above statement ? (Memories of Childhood)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words :

(a) Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of 'Keeping Quiet. He advises Robert Frost in the context of his conflict and pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your advice in a letter to Robert Frost. You may begin. Dear Frost, You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you...

OR

(b) While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court it is a 'conflict of duties'. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to the service, of the nation. You may begin like this, Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation ....

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in 120-150 words :

(a) Things out, shutting things in. (On the Face of It)

The above statement speaks about Mr. Lamb's open mindedness and large heartedness despite his disability. Inspired by his thought, you as a student leader, give a motivational speech to your class on how positive attitude and broad mindedness will help one succeed in life. You may begin like this. Good morning to one & all. Being positive and open minded will definitely make you evolve and grow....

(b) "that if the man were whole I could turn him over to the Police ...... But since he is wounded" (The Enemy)

The above statement clearly displays Dr. Sadao's commitment to his profession and compassion. Write an article in appreciation of Dr. Sadao's professional ethics and his ability to rise above prejudices. You may begin like this. Dr. Sadao proved himself to be a man with great humanitarian values.....