ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL, MUMBAI

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION -I (2024-25)

SET-B

CLASS – XII MAX MARKS: 80

SUBJECT-ENGLISH CORE Date: 27/11/2024 TIME: 3 HOURS
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General Instructions
 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
 The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
 Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
 This question paper has 13 questions and 12 pages.
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SECTION A - READING SKILLS

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12
1. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a vast arid region
in the northwestern part of India. It spans across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat,
and parts of Punjab and Haryana. The desert is characterized by its sandy terrain,
extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Despite the harsh conditions, the Thar
Desert is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including camels, desert foxes,
and several species of snakes. The survival of life in this region is a testament to the
adaptability of both plants and animals to the desert’s extreme environment.
2. The people living in and around the Thar Desert have also learned to adapt to the
challenging conditions. The local communities depend on livestock farming and
small- scale agriculture, often utilizing innovative techniques to conserve water.
Traditional practices such as rainwater harvesting and the construction of stepwells
have allowed people to thrive despite the limited water resources. In addition to
these agricultural practices, the region has a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant
festivals, music, and art that reflect the resilience of its people.
3. The monsoon season brings much-needed relief to the Thar Desert, though the rains
are often unpredictable. The arrival of rain transforms the barren land, bringing a
temporary burst of greenery and a brief window for agricultural activities. However,
the monsoon can also lead to flash floods, which pose a threat to both the people
and their livelihoods. The people of the Thar have developed unique ways to cope
with these challenges, including the use of flood-resistant crops and constructing
homes on higher ground.
4. The Thar Desert’s ecosystem is fragile, with ongoing threats from human activity,
such as overgrazing and deforestation. However, conservation efforts have been
initiated to protect this unique environment. Wildlife sanctuaries have been
established to protect endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, and efforts
are being made to restore native vegetation. The delicate balance between human
habitation and conservation in the Thar is a constant challenge, requiring sustainable
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 solutions to ensure the survival of both the desert and its inhabitants.

5. Despite its arid conditions, the Thar Desert is a place of stunning beauty. The
golden sands stretch for miles, punctuated by the occasional green oasis or ancient
fort. The desert offers a unique landscape that has fascinated travelers for centuries. For
those willing to brave the heat, the Thar Desert provides an experience of isolation and
tranquility, where the vast open spaces create a sense of timelessness.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to the passage, What does the survival of flora and fauna in the Thar Desert
demonstrate?

ii. How does the author describe the relationship between the people of the Thar
Desert and their environment?

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “rainwater harvesting” in paragraph 2 refers to the practice of collecting
and storing rainwater for future use.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the
sentence. Rainwater harvesting is essential in the Thar Desert because
.
(A) it ensures a steady water supply in the arid conditions
(B) it prevents flooding during the monsoon season

iv. Complete the following sentence: 1

The arrival of the monsoon in the Thar Desert brings .

v. Why does the writer emphasize the importance of conservation ? 1

Because
(A) They help in maintaining the beauty of the desert.
(B) They protect endangered species and restore native vegetation.
(C) They ensure tourism continues to thrive.
(D) They encourage large-scale farming.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence to support the following: 1

Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Thar Desert and its ecosystem.

vii. In the line, ‘The arrival of rain transforms the barren land’, what does the word
‘transforms’ suggest about the effect of the monsoon on the desert?

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viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 1: 1
camels: animals: stepwells:
(A) water (B) agriculture
(C) desert (D) people

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘The Thar Desert provides an experience
of isolation and tranquility’ in paragraph 5 uses descriptive language? 1
(A) It highlights the isolation of the desert.
(B) It describes the harsh weather of the desert.
(C) It explains how the Thar Desert has little wildlife.
(D) It focuses on the culture of the people living there.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of balancing conservation efforts with

the needs of the local communities.
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2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. A recent study revealed that less than 20% of teenagers report reading a book,
magazine, or newspaper daily for pleasure, while more than 80% say they use social
media every day. This shift in media consumption patterns is part of a larger trend in the
digital age, according to research published by the World Psychological Association.
2. Compared to previous generations, teens in the 2010s spend significantly more time
online and less time with traditional media, such as books and magazines.
According to the lead author of the book Yen, this displacement of traditional media
by digital platforms has transformed how young people engage with content.
3. A study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of approximately
50,000 eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students. The survey, conducted from 1976
to 2016, encompassed more than 1 million teenagers and examined their media
consumption habits over time.
4. The use of digital media increased substantially from 2006 to 2016. Among twelfth-
graders, internet use during leisure time doubled from one to two hours per day
during that period. Similarly, the study found a 75% increase in digital media use for
tenth- graders and a 68% increase for eighth-graders.
5. On average, twelfth-graders in the mid-2010s reported spending two hours a day texting,
just over two hours on the internet, and under two hours on social media—a total of
about six hours daily on digital media during their free time. This pattern was also
reflected among younger age groups, with tenth-graders spending about five hours
and eighth-graders about four hours per day on digital activities.
6. Time spent on digital media has significantly reduced the amount of time students
spend on traditional media, such as print books and newspapers. In the early 1990s,
33% of tenth-graders read a newspaper almost daily. By 2016, this figure had

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 dropped to 2%. Similarly, 60% of twelfth-graders in the late 1970s read books or
magazines regularly, while only 16% did so by 2016.
7. Despite having the ability to access large amounts of information, today’s youth
struggle with focusing on long-form content, which affects their ability to grasp
complex issues and develop critical thinking skills. Their dependence on digital media
often makes it challenging to concentrate for extended periods.

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Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links the shift from traditional media to social
media among teens to highlight _____________________

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the decline in reading traditional media and the rise in digital
media consumption among teenagers.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Secondary objective (B) Research outcome
(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why the increased use of digital media among teenagers
is seen as problematic. 2

iv. Paragraph 6 includes words – ‘traditional media’ and ‘digital media.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘traditional media’ or ‘digital media’:
Sentence 1: Twelfth-graders spend about six hours per day on digital activities, including
texting and social media.
Sentence 2: In the early 1990s, a third of tenth-graders read a newspaper almost daily.

v. Read the following: 1

Arjun spends two hours each day texting and browsing the internet. Priya, his friend,
rarely reads a book and spends about five hours on social media every day.
Meanwhile, Manish, another friend, struggles to focus on complex issues due to his
heavy reliance on digital platforms.
Select the option that identifies the correct digital media habits of Arjun, Priya, and
Manish.
(A) Arjun – two hours texting; Priya – five hours on social media; Manish – difficulty
focusing on complex issues
(B) Arjun – reading books; Priya – two hours on social media; Manish – no internet use
(C) Arjun – texting; Priya – no internet use; Manish – reading newspapers

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(D) Arjun – social media; Priya – newspapers; Manish – difficulty with short texts

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vi. Why is the decline in reading traditional media considered a significant issue, even
though teenagers are more informed than ever? 1

vii. Analyze how the shift to digital media has impacted students’ ability to focus and
develop critical thinking skills. (Paragraph 7) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Encourage more time spent on digital media
(B) Promote a balance between digital and traditional media consumption
(C) Limit social media usage to reduce screen time
(D) Increase access to social media for younger students

SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 4
A. Your school is organizing a Bal Mela on ‘Children’s Day’ in the school. The primary
wing of the school is going to put up various stalls in the mela. Draft a notice giving
details of the mela as well as inviting the senior students to attend the same. Sign
your name as Rajesh /Reema, Secretary, Cultural Society.

Or
B. As the librarian of your school, write a notice in about 50 words informing the
students of the penalty for losing or damaging the books issued to them.

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

A. You are going to open a confectionery store at Sipra Road, Jhansi, and want to
invite your friends and the people of your locality to its inaugural ceremony. Draft a
suitable invitation in 50 words.
Or
B. You are Anita/Rajnish. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your
friend’s sister during summer vacation. Respond to the invitation accepting the
invitation.

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

A. Meera Ranjan is a resident of Kerala. She writes a letter to the editor of a local
newspaper giving her strong views on the disadvantages of setting up a chemical
factory in your area and makes an appeal to the central government to reconsider its
decision, as it will worsen the environment of the city. Add your own ideas and write
this letter in 120-150 words.
Or
B. You saw an advertisement in a daily newspaper for the post of a Sales Executive in a
reputable MNC. Write a letter with bio-data in 120-150 words to the HR Manager,
Goel Sons Ltd, Vinod Nagar, Delhi, applying for the post advertised. You are
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 Rani/Rajesh.

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

A. As Shreya/Shery, write an article on ‘Transform your Diet’ to create awareness
among children that junk food is unhealthy and unhygienic.

Or
B. You recently attended a seminar on “Tiger Reserve: Economic and Environmental
Win- Win” at India International Centre, New Delhi. Write a report on the same in
about 120-150 words for your school magazine. You are Rohan/Reena Pandey,
Secretary, Cultural Club, Don School, Dehradun.

SECTION C- LITERATURE

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two - (A)
or (B)
1x6=6
A. A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness, but
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and
quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow are we
wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth: Spite
of despondence of the inhuman dearth of
noble natures of the gloomy days
Of all the unhealthy and over darkened
ways. Made for our searching. (A Thing of Beauty)
i. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Keats defines beauty as illusionary.
(B) Keats defines beauty as eternal.
(C) Keats defines beauty as transient.
(D) Keats defines beauty as short-lived.
ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet believes that beauty provides eternal joy and helps us stay connected
to life.
reason: Beauty exists despite the challenges of life, but it cannot ease the despondence
or gloom completely.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct

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 explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the
correct e 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.
‘will keep a bower quiet for us’ means .

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The things that create (gloom/delight) are lack of noble nature.

v. Based on the rhyming scheme of the poem, evident in lines 2-10, of the given
extract, which word would rhyme with line 1?

vi. What does the poet say about the nature of beauty in the given lines?
Or
B. Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
Let’s not speak in any language
Let’s stop for one second
And not move our arms so much. (keeping Quiet)

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

(A) Sustaining peace and silence (B) War and violence
(C) War (D) Introspection of others

ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet urges humanity to remain silent and still to promote unity and
peace. reason: The poet suggests that by stopping all movement and speech, people can
reflect on their differences and resolve conflicts.
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 asks us to stop for one second because __________________________

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet asks the readers to ‘count till twelve’ in the extract. This symbolizes the
way to (pacify/distress) our minds and focus on the present moment.

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v. Based on the rhyme scheme of the poem, evident in the extract, which word would
you rhyme with ‘second’?

vi. What is the significance of “the face of the Earth” in the extract?

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two,
(A) or (B).
(1x4=4)
A. MR LAMB: Rubbish? Look, boy, look. what do you see?
DERRY: Just. grass and stuff Weeds.
MR LAMB: Some call them weeds. If you like, then.... a weed garden, that. There’s
fruit and there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there.... weeds. I
grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’?
Where’s the difference? It’s all life. growing. Same as you and me.
DERRY: We’re not the same.
MR LAMB: I’m old. You’re young. You’ve got a burned face, I’ve got a tin leg. Not
important. You’re standing there. I’m sitting here. Where’s the difference?
(On the Face of It)

i. Why does Mr. Lamb draw Derry’s attention and stress on ‘looking?

ii. What are the fundamental differences between Derry’s and Mr. Lamb’s understanding
of the world and life, based on the given extract?
A. Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: extrovert
B. Derry: nervous; Mr. Lamb: domineering
C. Derry: self-pity; Mr. Lamb: accepting
D. Derry: unseeing; Mr. Lamb: appreciative

iii. How is Derry’s tone when he says, “We’re not the same?”
(A) Defensive and bitter
(B) Hopeful and optimistic
(C) Indifferent and uninterested
(D) Playful and teasing

iv. Why does Mr., Lamb emphasize the importance of weeds? What is the idea behind it?
Or
B. They saw when they came toward him that indeed it was so. The sand on one side of
him had already a stain of red soaking through. “He is wounded,” Sadao exclaimed. He
made haste to the man, who lay motionless, his face in the sand. An old cap stuck to his
head soaked with sea water. He was in wet rags of garments. Sadao stopped, Hana at
his side, and turned the man’s head. They saw the face. ‘A white man!” Hana
whispered. Yes, it was a white man. The wet cap fell away and there was his wet yellow
hair, long, as though for many weeks it had not been cut, and upon his young and
tortured face was a rough yellow beard. He was unconscious and knew nothing that
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 they did for him.
(The Enemy)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The white man’s face is described as ‘tortured’ because apparently .

ii. In the given extract, which option best suits the theme of the story?
(A)Compassion (B) Prejudice
(C) Sacrifice (D) Moral Dilemma

iii. What does Sadao’s reaction tell us about his character?

iv. How does the author’s description of the stranger's appearance contribute to the development
of the story's themes?

(A) It highlights the physical suffering of the stranger and evokes sympathy, emphasizing the
theme of humanity.
(B) It depicts the stranger as untrustworthy and dangerous, reinforcing societal prejudices.
(C) It serves to humanize the stranger, forcing the characters to confront their biases and moral
obligations.
(D) It portrays the stranger as a symbol of war, underscoring the futility of conflict.

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two,
A or B (6)
A. “Why do you do this?” I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning scrounging
for gold in the garbage dumps of my neighborhood. 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 neighborhood. 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

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 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.

OR
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.

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 10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each: 5 x 2 = 10

i. Is the title of the story ‘The Rattrap’ justified?

ii. Why do you think servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant? (Indigo)

iii. What did the publisher think of ‘The Name of the Rose’? (The Interview)

iv. What did M. Hamel tell his students about French language? What was his
suggestion to them? (The Last Lesson)
v. How did the author become a swimmer finally? (Deep Water)

vi. What was Kamala Ads’ fear as a child? Why does it surface when she is going to airport?
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: 2x2=4

i. What happened to the narrator’s psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner? What do you
deduce from it?
(The Third Level)

ii. What qualities of Mr. Lamb drew Derry towards him?

(On the Face of It)

iii.When did the author start her journey to Antarctica and what had she to pass
through?
(Journey to the end of the earth)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1x5=5

A. Sophie lives in her fantasies. She hopes to make it big. You realize that the modern-day
youth are also like that. You decide to write an article about the need to dream and
how can it prove to be harmful sometimes.
(Going Places)

Or
B. Imagine a child from the farmer’s family migrates to the city for their education. As
the child, write back to your family telling them whether you would or would not
want to turn into a city person.
Use the context of the poem “A Roadside Stand” in mind to pen down this letter.
You may begin this way: ( A Roadside Stand)
12, Davidson County
23 January xx
Dear mom
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I have been thinking about the roadside stall lately. Now that I find myself surrounded
by city-people all the time, I think……………………………………...
With love
Jennifer

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13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1x5=5

A. Recall the story ‘We too are Human Beings’ from the text ‘Memories of Childhood’.
Imagine that Bama stops the elderly man who was carrying the packet of Vadais,
and strikes up a conversation with him. She asks him a couple of questions. As the
man, responds to Bama’s questions.
You may begin like this .
Bama: Hi sir, I noticed that you were carrying that packet in a funny manner. Why
were you doing so?
Elderly man: ...

Or
B. How would you describe the behavior of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? 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?

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