CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 06 Page 1

Sample Paper 06
English core (301)
Class-XII Exam 2024-25
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii This question paper contains three sections :
Section A : Reading Skills
Section B : Creative Writing Skills
Section C : Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv Seperate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 22

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12

1. On the outskirts of the bustling city of Jaipur, in a quiet village, stands an old banyan
tree that has been there for centuries. The tree’s thick roots run deep into the earth,
and its wide branches stretch across the sky, casting a cool shadow on the ground below.
Locals say the tree has witnessed countless generations, standing as a silent guardian
over the village. During the hottest summer days, villagers gather beneath the tree to
escape the scorching sun, and in the evenings, the air is filled with the sounds of children
laughing and playing around its base.
2. The banyan tree is more than just a tree; it has become a part of the village’s daily
life and traditions. Every year, during the festival of Makar Sankranti, the villagers tie
colorful ribbons and small paper wishes to the tree’s branches, believing that the banyan
will carry their hopes and dreams to the gods. The tree has become a sacred place where
villagers come to offer their prayers, share stories, and seek peace. It stands as a symbol
of resilience and faith, connecting the people to their roots and their ancestors.
3. In the early mornings, when the village is still wrapped in mist, the tree appears almost
mystical. The dew-covered leaves glisten as the first rays of sunlight touch them, and the
soft rustle of the leaves in the breeze seems to whisper forgotten tales. Birds find refuge
in the tree’s vast branches, singing their morning songs, while the villagers begin their
day with quiet devotion at the tree’s base. Farmers often start their workday by bowing
their heads in respect before the tree, believing it will bring them good fortune.
4. As the seasons change, so does the appearance of the banyan tree. In spring, new leaves
sprout, and the tree is full of life and activity, with birds building nests and children
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playing in its shade. In the monsoon, the tree’s roots absorb the nourishing rains,
making it look even more vibrant and strong. Even in winter, when the air is cool and
dry, the tree stands tall, a reminder of the cycles of nature and life.
5. The banyan tree is not just a part of the landscape; it is woven into the fabric of the
village’s identity. It is a symbol of endurance, a place of gathering, and a witness to the
joys and sorrows of the people who live beneath its branches. The villagers believe that
as long as the banyan tree stands, their community will continue to thrive, rooted in
tradition and connected to the natural world.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, why do the villagers gather under the banyan tree during the
day? 1

ii. How does the author describe the significance of the banyan tree during the festival of
Makar Sankranti, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “woven into the fabric of the village’s identity” in paragraph 5 suggests that
the banyan tree is deeply connected to the daily lives and traditions of the villagers.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The banyan tree is important to the village because _____.
(A) it provides shade during the day
(B) it represents the village’s resilience and connection to their ancestors

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The banyan tree appears mystical in the morning because _____.

v. Why does the writer describe the banyan tree as a “symbol of resilience and faith” in
paragraph 2? 1
Because
(A) The tree has been standing for generations and plays a significant role in village
traditions.
(B) The tree provides shelter to the villagers and protects them from the weather.
(C) It is the oldest tree in the village, and people believe it grants wishes.
(D) It is the place where villagers gather to offer sacrifices to their gods.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following : 1
The banyan tree changes with the seasons but remains strong and resilient throughout
the year.

vii. In the line, ‘the banyan tree is not just a part of the landscape; it is woven into the fab-
ric of the village’s identity’ (Paragraph 5), what does the phrase ‘woven into the fabric’
suggest about the tree’s role in the village? 2
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viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 4 : 1

spring: new leaves :: monsoon: _____
(A) dry air (B) strong roots
(C) colorful ribbons (D) changing appearance

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the banyan tree stands as a symbol of endurance’
in paragraph 5 uses figurative language? 1
(A) It highlights the tree’s long-lasting presence in the village’s history.
(B) It compares the tree to a protector of the villagers.
(C) It describes the physical strength of the banyan tree.
(D) It exaggerates the importance of the tree in the village.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of preserving the banyan tree, as suggested in
paragraph 5. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Global water scarcity has become a critical issue, with 47% of the global population
expected to live in areas of high water stress by 2030. This case study examines water
consumption across various regions, focusing on disparities between developed and
developing countries, and the factors contributing to water shortages.
2. Data from the World Bank shows that water consumption in developed regions, such
as North America and Europe, averages 350 liters per person per day. However, in
developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, water consumption is
much lower, averaging just 50 liters per person per day. The global average is 200 liters
per person per day.
3. A breakdown of water usage shows that 70% of the world’s fresh water is used for
agriculture, 20% for industry, and 10% for domestic use. In water-scarce regions, the
demand for agricultural water is even higher, with 85% of available water being used for
farming. This heavy reliance on agriculture contributes significantly to water stress in
these areas.
4. The study also reveals that groundwater provides 40% of the world’s fresh water.
However, in many regions, over-extraction has led to significant depletion. Some regions
report water tables dropping by as much as 3 meters per year, raising concerns about
the long-term sustainability of groundwater reserves.
5. In areas of high water stress, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people live under conditions
where more than 80% of available water is used annually. These regions are at increased
risk of facing acute water shortages, particularly in the context of climate change.
6. The data highlights the importance of implementing effective water management
strategies. Efficient irrigation practices could reduce agricultural water consumption by
as much as 30% in water-stressed regions, offering a path toward sustainable water use
in the future.
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Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links global water demand with water scarcity to
highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the factors contributing to water consumption disparities between developed
and developing countries.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Method of analysis (B) Research outcome
(C) Primary objective (D) Secondary objective

iii. Give two points to support why agriculture was included as a focus in the study on water
consumption. 2

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘over-reliance’ and ‘over-extraction.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘over-reliance’ or ‘over-extraction’:
Sentence 1: The extensive use of groundwater for farming in dry regions leads to rapid
depletion of water sources.
Sentence 2: Many regions depend on water-intensive crops, such as rice and cotton,
further straining limited water resources.

v. Read the following : 1

Nina lives in a rural area where water scarcity is a daily challenge. Her family consumes
only 50 liters of water per day, most of which is used for farming. Her friend Alex, who
lives in an urban area, consumes 250 liters per day, with most of it used for domestic
purposes.
Select the option that identifies the correct water consumption patterns for Nina and
Alex.
(A) Nina – 350 liters; Alex – 50 liters
(B) Nina – 50 liters; Alex – 250 liters
(C) Nina – 100 liters; Alex – 350 liters
(D) Nina – 250 liters; Alex – 100 liters

vi. Although rural and urban areas both face water challenges, why is the per capita water
consumption lower in rural areas? 1

vii. Analyse how targeted water management interventions, such as improving irrigation
techniques, can significantly reduce water consumption in agriculture-heavy regions. 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Promote increased water usage in industrial regions
(B) Reduce global water stress and ensure sustainable water usage
(C) Limit the use of groundwater to urban areas
(D) Focus only on domestic water use
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SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4

A. You are Amit/Amita, Head Boy/Girl of your school (Zenith Public School). Write a
notice for your school notice board requesting for entries from students for Britannia
Quiz Contest to be held in your school.


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B. Gandhi Education Society, a charitable organization, is coming to your school to distribute
books for the needy students. As Head Boy/Head Girl, write a notice asking such
students to drop the list of books they need in the box kept outside the Principal’s office.
You are Akhilesh/Abhilasha of Modern Public School, Ghaziabad. Give all necessary
details.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4

A. You are Radhika Sinha, D/O Dinesh Sinha of Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. Your father
wants you to draft a formal invitation to be sent on the occasion of your brother, Akshat
Sinha’s marriage. Prepare the invitation with all necessary details.


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B. You are Rahul/Radhika of Krishna Nagar, Chennai. You have been invited to attend the
wedding of your uncle’s daughter/your cousin. Send a reply confirming your acceptance
to the invitation in not more than 50 words.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. You are Akhilesh/Abhilasha of Amar Colony, Ghaziabad. The road near your house was
washed away in the previous monsoon rains and has not been repaired since then. As a
result, people living in the colony are facing a lot of problems. Write a letter in 120-150
words to the editor of a national daily drawing the attention of the authorities concerned
to the grave situation in the colony.
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B. You are Prem/Parul, 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal. You would like to apply for the post of
the Marketing Manager in a reputable firm in Mumbai. Write a letter to the Public
Relations Officer, Chaitanya Enterprises, Mumbai, applying for the job. Write the letter
in 120-150 words giving your biodata.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Healthy environment is the utmost necessity of our life and use of plastic bags certainly
affects the quality of our life. Write an article on ‘Plastic Bags as Curse of Modern Life’
in 120-150 words to be published in a magazine. You may use the cues given below along
with your own ideas. You are Raghav/Rekha.
Plastic bags-a threat to environment
Most adverse effect on our health
Cause of diseases/asthma/cancer, etc.
Suggestions to remove plastic bags from our life

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B. You witnessed a ghastly train accident of Punjab Mail near Bhusawal in the early
morning hours. As a press reporter, write a report in 120-150 words to be published in
a local daily. You are Ashit/Ashima. You can use the cues given below along with your
own ideas.
Horrible train accident-heavy fog
Train crossing the bridge-derailed all of a sudden
Injured and wounded passengers seen all around
Help by local people/ambulances/medical staff
Visit by local minister/financial help announced

SECTION C- LITERATURE 40

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two -
(A) or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. Perhaps the Earth can teach us
As when everything seems dead
And later proves to be alive
Now I’ll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet and I will go.
(Keeping Quiet)

i. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?

(A) politics (B) violence
(C) anti-war (D) religion
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ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that Earth teaches us the cyclical nature of life and
renewal.
Reason : The poet suggests that, just like the Earth appears dead but later comes back
to life, moments of silence and stillness can lead to renewal and growth.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

iii. Complete the following suitably.

The poet wishes to leave the readers and go away because _____.

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The irony in ‘everything seems dead’ is the Earth, the biggest creator, regenerates_____
(silently/loudly).

v. Based on the poem rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-5, of the given extract, which word
would rhyme with line 4?

vi. Why does the poet wish to leave the readers and go away?


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B. Yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the Sun, the Moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils.
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
(A Thing of Beauty)

i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in ‘Some shape of
beauty’.
(A) Does it dry up like a raisin in the Sun?
(B) They can only shriek, shriek.
(C) What tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells!
(D) Mine is a long and a sad tale!

ii. What does ‘all’ in line one refer to?

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iii. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
Our spirits are dark because of suffering and _____ (disappointments/expectations).

iv. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that beauty in nature has the power to lift the gloom from
our spirits.
Reason : Elements of nature like the sun, moon, trees, and daffodils provide relief from
the hardships of life, bringing peace and joy.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

v. Give an apt title for the above extract.

vi. Complete the following suitably.

When the poet says that “Some shape of beauty moves away the pall away from our
dark spirits”, he refers to _____.

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
A. DERRY: Things.
MR LAMB: It’s all relative. Beauty and the beast.
DERRY: What’s that supposed to mean?
MR LAMB: You tell me.
DERRY You needn’t think they haven’t all told me that fair), story before. ‘It’s not what
you look like, it’s what you are inside. Handsome is as handsome does. Beauty loved
the monstrous beast for himself and when she kissed him, he changed into a handsome
prince.’ Only he wouldn’t, he’d have stayed a monstrous beast. I won’t change.
MR LAMB: In that way? No, you won’t.
(On the Face of It)
i. What is the playwright’s purpose of using contractions in the extract?

ii. What is Derry’s attitude towards other people? This is _____.

(A) his acid was hurting him more than his optimism.
(B) his optimism was hurting him more than acid.
(C) his pessimism was hurting him more than acid.
(D) his acid was hurting him more than his pessimism.
iii. The phrase ‘handsome is as handsome does’ means that _____.

iv. Give one reason why does the narrator use various symbols and imageries borrowed from
nature.
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B. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing
experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn and most importantly, act. The
reason the programme has been so successful is because it’s impossible to go anywhere
near the South Pole and not be affected by it.
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately with reference to the extract.
The life changing experience referred to here is _____.

ii. The “future generation of policy-makers” refers to _____.

iii. The aim of the journey towards Antarctica is

(A) to sensitise the young minds towards climatic change
(B) to travel the world
(C) to witness the geological conditions more closely
(D) to see the beauty of the Earth

iv. Why has the programme become so successful?

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds-one of the family, caught in a web of poverty,
burdened by the stigma of caste in which they are born in; the other a vicious circle of
the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of law, the bureaucrates and
the politicians. Together they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put
down. Before he is aware, he accepts it as naturally as his father. To do anything else
would mean to dare. And daring is not part of his growing up. When I sense a flash of
it in Mukesh I am cheered. “I want to be a motor mechanic,” he repeats. He will go to a
garage and learn. But the garage is a long way from his home. “I will walk,” he insists.
“Do you also dream of flying a plane?” He is suddenly silent. “No,” he says, staring at
the ground.
(Lost Spring)
i. How is Firozabad divided into two distinct worlds?

ii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

The role of Sahukars is _____.
(A) to share the burden of the working class
(B) to lend money at low rate of interest
(C) to establish the bangle industry
(D) to lend money at higher rate of interest

iii. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation.

The writer finds _____.

iv. What do the given lines tell us about Mukesh?

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v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that children in
Firozabad are bound to accept their family tradition.

vi. Based on the extract, choose the statement that is TRUE.

(A) Mukesh does not want to become a pilot.
(B) The writer become sad when Mukesh tells her about his dream.
(C) The politicians and middlemen are helpful towards the people of Firozabad.
(D) Parents encourage their children to dare.


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B. Then, from one thing to another; M Hamel went on to talk of the French language,
saying that it was the most beautiful language in the world – the clearest, the most
logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it, because when a people are
enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their
prison. Then he opened a grammar book and read us our lesson. I was amazed to see
how well I understood it. All he said seemed so easy, so easy! I think too, that I had
never listened so carefully, and that he had never explained everything with so much
patience. It seemed as if the poor man wanted to give us all he knew before going away,
and to put it all into our heads at one stroke.
(The Last Lesson)

i. What advice of M. Hamel shows that he was a patriot indulging in sentimental

exaggeration?

ii. The line, ‘The French language is the most logical and the most logical language in the
world,’ can be classified as:
(A) a perception (B) an opinion
(C) a fact (D) a theme

iii. Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line, “M. Hamel went
on to talk of the French language, saying that it was the most beautiful language in the
world the clearest, the most logical; and we must guard it among us and never forget it.”

iv. Identify the lines from the given extract which tell us that it is the last time M. Hamel
was teaching his students French.

v. Franz, who had been quite slow in learning his own native language, suddenly finds it
‘so easy’. Which of these options does not corroborate and match the explanation of the
given statement?
(A) Franz also realized the value of learning his native Language.
(B) M. Hamel was more patient in explaining the concepts.
(C) M. Hamel had put all the knowledge into their heads at one stroke.
(D) Franz was more attentive and receptive that day.
vi. Complete the sentence with ONE word.
A language gives a cultural and national _____ to the people and moulds their
perceptions.
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10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5 # 2 = 10

i. What impression does the character of M. Hamel leave on you?

(The Last Lesson)

ii. What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? Where is he and where has he come
from?
(Lost Spring)
iii. How did the fear of water stop Douglas to enjoy life?
(Deep Water)

iv. What is the untold sorrow of the owners of the roadside stand?
(A Roadside Stand)

v. What is the central idea of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ ?

vi. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding band’ ?
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each : 2#2 = 4

i. Why does Charley say that Grand Station is growing like a tree, in the story, ‘The Third
Level’ ?

ii. How do the servants react to the presence of an American in the house?
(The Enemy)
iii. What is ironical about the Tiger King’s death?
(The Tiger King)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Roosevelt said, ‘All we have to fear is fear itself.’ Douglas had fear and he overcame it.
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students.
Write this address in about 120-150 words elaborating the given quotation with reference
to the occurrences from the two texts, i.e. ‘Deep Water’ and ‘Lost Spring’ to inspire your
audience and to convince them about it.


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B. The man selling rattraps is referred to by many terms such as “peddler, stranger”
etc. Pick out all such references to him. What does each of these labels indicate of the
context or the attitude of the people around him.
(The Rattrap)
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13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. The two accounts that you read in Memories of Childhood are based on two distant
cultures. However, there lies the commonality of theme in both of them. Instead of
letting it pull them down, they both found a way to overcome it in their own way.
You wish to include a cameo of both in your upcoming blog post. (A cameo is a short
description that neatly encapsulates someone or something)
As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and
their responses to these experiences, in about 120-150 words. (Clue: include similarities
and differences in the discrimination they faced-their feelings-determination to overcome-
success)
(Memories of Childhood)


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B. “The Maharaja’s servants were obedient and adoring.” Do you find them truly sincere
towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey him? Do we find a similarity in
today’s political order? Elucidate in about 120-150 words.
(The Tiger King)

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