English - 2025 -26 II PUC MODEL QUESTION PAPER – 2

PART-A

I. Answer the following questions by choosing the right option. 10x1=10

1. The word "garish" is associated with ______ in 'Romeo and Juliet'.

a) Ethiope b) Sun c) Snowy dove d) Romeo.
2. Choose the right sequence of incidents as they place in 'Too Dear!'.
a) The Guard was dismissed - expenditure came to 600 francs - the criminal did not run away - death
punishment was changed to life imprisonment.
b) Death punishment was changed to life imprisonment -expenditure came to 600 francs -the guard
was dismissed – the criminal did not run away.
c) The Criminal did not runaway - The guard was dismissed- expenditure came to 600 francs- death
punishment was changed to life imprisonment.
d) The Criminal did not runaway- - death punishment was changed to life imprisonment- the guard was
dismissed - expenditure came to 600 francs.
3. The main speaker of the poem ‘On Children’ is a ________
a. child b. woman c. prophet d. God
4. Match the Column A with Column B with reference to the play 'A Sunny Morning' and choose
the correct option.
A B
A. Wild boar's head i. Laura's boudoir
B. Tiger's Skin ii. As a shoe brush
C. Handkerchief iii. Gonzalo's Study

a) A-iii, B-i, c-ii b) A-ii, B-iii, c-I c) A-iii, B-ii, c-I d) A-i, B-iii, C-ii
5. In the story ‘The Gardener’, ________ found it hard to decide whether the old man’s arrival was for the
better or for the worse.
a) Tammanna b) the old man c) Basavaiah d) the owner’s wife
6. Which of the following quote is by Bernard Shaw as mentioned in ‘I Believe That Books Will Never
Disappear’?
a) All that is near becomes far. b) This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies. c) Every book worth being
re-read has been written by the spirit d) The Gods wrought and spun the skein of ruin for men.
7. According to George Mikes, ____________has more dangers than anything else in Japan.
a) feeding deer b) eating soup c) crossing the road d) making a phone call
8. Identify the correct statement with reference to ‘The Voter’.
a) Rufus Okeke voted only for PAP. b) Elders expressed their willingness to vote for Maduka
without taking money. c) Rufus Okeke tore the ballot paper into two pieces and put one half in each box.
d) Markus Ibe knew that he would be defeated in election.
9. _____________is the owner of Ram's Cycles in 'Where There Is A Wheel'.
a) S. Kannakarajan b) Muthu Bhaskarn c) Sheela Rani Chunkath d) N. Kannammal.
10. The Panchama had to wait at the well until___________ arrived, to draw water, in the poem 'Water.’
a) an untouchable b) a kamma landlord c) a shudra d) a Bisleri man

11. Fill in the blanks with the passive form of the verb given in the brackets. 3x1=3

Basavaiah tried to outshine Tammanna in his own way. A palatial house _was built__(build) by him.
People were appointed (appoint) just to praise him. Scholars, poets and musicians were invited (invite) to his
place.
 12. Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate expressions given in brackets. 2×1=2
[put up, give up, face lit up]

Ramesh had promised to_____give up_____________ sweets as per doctor's advice as he was a
diabetic. His ____face lit up_________when he saw a sweet printed 'Sugar free'.

13. Read the following paragraph and match the pronouns in Side A with the nouns / noun phrases in
Side B they refer to 5×1=5

Goldsmith was also called Dr. Goldsmith because he (a)had studied medicine. One day a poor
woman visited at his (b)house, and she (c) asked him if he would come to see her husband, who (d) was sick
and would not eat any food. Goldsmith gave her a small box which (e) had money in it.

A (Pronouns) B (Nouns / Noun phrases) Answers

a. He i. A Small box a. He → iv. Dr. Goldsmith
b. His ii. Poor Woman's husband b. His → vi. House
c. She iii. Dr. Goldsmith's c. She → v. A poor woman
d. Who iv. Dr. Goldsmith d. Who → ii. Poor woman’s husband
e. Which v. A poor Woman e. Which → i. A small box
vi. House

PART-B

II. Answer ANY THREE of the following questions in two sentences / words / phrases each. 3x2=6

14. Give any two images that describe the beauty of Juliet in 'Romeo and Juliet".
Juliet is compared to a bright jewel in an Ethiope’s ear. She is also described as a snowy dove among crows.

15. What do bows and arrows refer to, in the poem ‘On Children’?
Bows refer to parents, and arrows refer to children in the peom.

16. What were the parents of Vandana Shiva?

Vandana shiva’s father was a forest conservator, and her mother was a farmer.

17. Where does the water sit innocently in the poem ‘Water’? Where does it dance into in?
Water sits innocently in a Bisleri Bottle, and dances its way into the Pepsi man’s bottle.

III Answer ANY FOUR of the following questions in about 60 words each. 4×3=12

18. Why did Vandana Shiva Start Navdanya farm?

Vandana Shiva started Navadanya farm to protect traditional seeds and natural farming practices. She
believed that modern farming methods and chemicals harm the soil, environment, and farmers’ lives.
Navadanya farm promotes organic farming and seed saving. It also helps farmers become independent and
confident by teaching sustainable agricultural methods.

19. Why do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo choose not to reveal their true identities to each other?
Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo do not reveal their true identities because they want to protect
their pride and memories. They were lovers in their youth, but time has changed them both. Instead of
admitting who they are, they prefer to share romantic and idealized stories. This allows them to relive their
past without disappointment.
20. How does the poet explain that one man’s love is different from that of others in the poem ‘When
You Are Old’?
The poet explains that most people loved the woman only for her beauty and charm, which would fade
with time. But one man lover her inner self, including her weaknesses and true personality. His love was deep,
sincere, and lasting. This difference shows that real love is based on the soul, not physical appearance.

21. 'To The Foot From Its Child' represents the conflict between illusion and real life. Elaborate.
In the poem, the child’s foot dreams of freedom and adventure. It wants to explore the world without
limits. But as the child grows, life shapes the foot through shoes, rules and responsibilities. The foot slowly
loses its dreams and accepts reality. This shows how hopeful imagination faces the hard truth of life.

22. How does the poet create heaven on Earth, according to Kuvempu?
Kuvempu describes nature as the source of heaven on earth. The sun, sky, mountain, rivers, forests
and fresh breeze make the world beautiful. When people live peacefully and appreciate nature, life becomes
joyful and meaningful. According to the poet, harmony with nature creates a heavenly environment for all
living beings.

23. Describe the playful yet risky interaction between drivers and pedestrians in Brazil, according to
George Mikes.
According to George Mikes, walking in Brazil feels like a game between pedestrians and drivers.
Pedestrians try to cross the road bravely, while drivers rush toward them as if challenging them. It looks playful
but is actually dangerous because both sides take risks. This unusual behavior makes crossing roads exciting
but frightening.

IV. Answer ANY THREE of the following questions in about 100 words each. 3×4=12

24. Why did the king of Monaco keep changing his mind in dealing with the criminal in ‘Too Dear!’?
The king of Monaco kept changing his mind because every punishment became too expensive for the
small kingdom. First, he ordered the criminal to be executed, but maintaining a guillotine and an executioner
cost too much. Then he changed the punishment to life imprisonment, but keeping a guard and feeding the
prisoner also became costly. The king wanted justice but did not want to spend a lot of money. So, he finally
allowed the criminal to live freely with a small pension. His decisions were based on expenses rather than
justice.

25. ‘A Sunny Morning’ revolves around concealing one’s own identity. Discuss.
In the play, Laura and Gonzalo, meet in a park as old strangers. When they begin talking, they slowly
understand that they were lovers in their youth. However, both are too proud to admit it first. Instead, they
pretend and create imaginary stories to hide their feelings. They talk about their past using third-person
references. They act as if they do not care, but their emotional reactions show their true feelings. Their behavior
shows a playful mixture of pride, nostalgia, and affection while hiding their identities.

26. "Man lives for some kind of vengefulness. Without it, there would be no reason for his existence.”
Evaluate this statement in the light of the story ‘The Gardener'.
In the Gardener, Tammanna and Basavaiah keep competing with each other. At first, they fight over
land, wealth, and status. Later, Tammanna uses songs as a weapon to hurt Basavaiah’s pride. Their rivalry
becomes emotional and personal. Tammanna realises that his life feels meaningful only when he is trying to
defeat Basavaiah. Without this competition, he feels empty. This shows that sometimes humans gain
motivation through rivalry or revenge. The statement means that people sometimes need challenges or enemies
to give purpose to their actions.
27. What are the views of Borges toward his mother?
Borges speaks about his mother with great love and respect. He says that she was strong, intelligent, and
independent. She helped him when he became blind and supported his literary work. Borges admired her
courage and positive attitude toward life, even in old age. He also believed that his mother had a more powerful
personality than he did. He felt grateful for her care, guidance and influence. To Borges, she was not only a
parent but also a companion and inspiration throughout his life.

28. Give an account of Roof's role as an election campaigner in the story ‘The Voter.’
Roof played an important role in the village election because he was trusted by everyone. He worked for
Marcus Ibe and was good at persuading people to vote for him. Roof visited homes, spoke politely, and used
friendly strategies to convince voters. He knew how to use humor and flattery to win support. Roof also
accepted money secretly from both sides, showing his cleverness. On Election Day, he could not decide whom
to support, so he tore his ballot in half. His actions show his importance in the election and his tricky nature.

29. Explain the economic implications of cycling among women in Pudukkottai.

Cycling helped women in Pudukkottai become more independent and confident. Before learning cycling,
many women had to walk long distances or depend on others for travel. After learning to cycle, they could
reach workplaces, markers, hospitals and schools faster. This saved time and increased job opportunities. Some
women started small businesses because mobility was no longer a barrier. Cycling also reduced travel costs
since they did not need to pay for transport. It opened new possibilities for earning money and improving
family income. Thus, cycling created economic freedom and support.

PART-C

V. 30. A. Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 9x1=9

Gerty was born in 1896 in Prague. Now, Prague is the capital of Czech Republic. Her father was a
manager at a sugar factory. Gerty was tutored at home by her mother. When she was sixteen, she decided to
become a doctor. She didn't know enough Mathematics, chemistry and physics and Latin. She decided to
learn them properly. She learnt them in one year. Others would have taken eight years to learn what she
learnt in one year.

Gerty was one of the first women to be admitted to the medical school at Charles University in
Prague. She became close friends with a fellow student called Carl Cori. He loved her for her sense of
humour and her passion for mountain climbing. Both graduated from the medical school. Later, they got
married. They started working together. They conducted many experiments and published research articles.
Later, they migrated to USA. Here also they continued to work together. Many universities refused to
employ them together. They didn't like the idea of married couple working together. But, both Carl and
Gerty didn't budge an inch. They worked side by side only in those institutions that agreed to employ them
together. They discovered how glucose is broken down by enzymes in the body to release energy. This
process is now called as ‘Cori Cycle.’

The research of Gerty and Carl Cori has helped thousands of children with diabetes. It won the Nobel
Prize in Medicine for them in 1947. Gerty was the first women to win Nobel Prize in medicine. The Coris
were one of the very few married couple to win the Nobel Prize jointly - She died in 1957.

a. Where did Gerty meet Carl Cori? Gerty met Carl Cori at the medical school at Charles University in Prague.
b. Which is the capital city of Czech Republic? Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic.
c. What was Gerty's father? Gerty’s father was a manager at a sugar factory.
d. Gerty decided to become a doctor at the age of ___________. (Fill in the blanks) sixteen.
e. Where did Gerty and Carl migrate to? Gerty and Carl migrated to the USA.
f. Why did many universities refuse to employ Coris? Many universities refused to employ the Coris because they
did not like married couples working together.
g. Make the antonym of the word 'agree' with suitable prefix. The antonym of the word agree with a suitable prefix
is disagree.
h. Who did the discovery of Cori Cycle' help? The discovery of the Cori Cycle helped thousands of children with
diabetes.
i. Name the idiom used in the passage that means 'refuse to change'. The idiom used in the passage that means
refuse to change is “didn’t budge an inch.”

OR

B. Read the following poem and answer the questions set on it. 9x1=9

HOME THEY BROUGHT HER WARRIOR DEAD

Home they brought her warrior dead: Stole a maiden from her place,
She nor swoon’d nor utter'd cry: Lightly to the Warrior stepped,
All her maidens, watching, said, Took the face-cloth from the face;
"She must weep or she will die"! Yet she neither moved nor wept.

Then they praised him, soft and low, Rose a nurse of ninety years,
Call'd him worthy to be loved, Set his child upon her knee
Truest friend and noblest foe; Like Summer tempest came her tears-
Yet she neither spoke nor moved. "Sweet my child, I live for thee."

a. Who were watching the warrior's wife? All her maidens were watching the warrior’s wife.
b. How did warrior's wife react when her husband was brought dead? She neither swooned nor uttered a cry.
c. Where was the warrior brought dead? The warrior was brought home dead.
d. How old was the nurse? The nurse was ninety years old.
e. Who took the face-cloth from the face of the dead warrior? A maiden took the face-cloth from the face of the
dead warrior.
f. What did the warrior's wife do after the removal of the face cloth? She neither moved nor wept.
g. Who set the child on warrior's wife knee? A nurse of ninety years set the child on the warrior’s wife’s knee.
h. Make an antonym for the word 'worthy', using a suitable prefix. The antonym of worthy using a suitable prefix is
unworthy.
i. Complete the analogy: Cry : die :: Knee : ________ thee

PART -D

VI. 31. A. Rewrite as directed 4 X 1=4

i. The Lecturer in English told us to submit __the__ first assignment on Monday. [Use proper article]

ii. this rascal / you must / with /some cheaper way / find / of dealing. [Rearrange Segments into a meaningful
Sentence] You must find some cheaper way of dealing with this rascal.

iii. Biodiversity_has_ (has/have) been the teacher of abundance. [choose the verb that agrees with the subject]

iv. In 2011, the UN General Assembly__organised___(organize) a conference on Harmony with Nature.

[Fill in the blanks with appropriate form of the verb given]

OR
B. Fill in the blanks with the right linkers. 4×1=4
[because, after, however, as though]

The old man started telling his story._After__ proceeding to some extent, he started to fumble___as though___
he had committed a mistake. She felt like going away saying that it was none of her concern. ___however___,
she continued to sit there quietly ____because____she did not want to hurt the old man.

A. Rewrite as directed 2x1=2

i. He is a great actor, _________ ? [Add a suitable question tag] isn’t he?

ii. We played kabaddi during our school days.
[Frame 'wh' question to get the underlined words as answer] What did you play during your school days?

OR

B. Rectify the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them. 2x1=2

i. Children likes sweets. Children like sweets.

ii. A sun rises in the east. The sun rises in the east.

33. Read the following paragraph and make notes by filling the boxes given below. 4x ½ =2

The Phantom is a fictional comic strip hero who was created by Lee Falk, an American. He lives in the
fictional African country of Bangalla solving the problems of the tribal people. He is also called Mr. Walker,
the Ghost who walks. Lee Falk also created the character Mandrake the Magician.

1. Lee Falk (an American)

2. Fictional African country of Bangalla
3. Mr. Walker
4. The Ghost Who Walks

34. Report the following Conversation. 5x1=5

Roof : We have a minister from our village. Do you want him to lose in this election?

Elders : No, we will not betray our son. We shall see him win.

Roof : Thank you for your Support.

Roof told the elders that they had a minister from their village and asked them whether they wanted him to lose
in that election. The elders replied that they would not betray their son and added that they would see him win. Roof
thanked them for their support.

35. Complete the following dialogue 3x1=3

Student : ____________ (Greeting) Good morning, sir.
Teacher : Very Good Morning
Student : ______________ sir? (Requesting) May I borrow this book, sir?
Teacher : Sure, you can have the book
Student : ______________ (Expressing gratitude) Thank you very much, sir.
VII. 36. A. Write a letter of application in response to the following advertisement that appeared in the
"Deccan Times", dated 1st November 2025. 5

(Write XXXX for name, YYYY for address)

xxx

Wanted
Office Assistants
Qualification: PUC
Basic Computer Knowledge
Fluency in English and Kannada
Apply to:
The Manager
5G Digital Solutions
Hassan – 573201

LETTER OF APPLICATION
XXXX
YYYY

2nd November 2025

The Manager
5G Digital Solutions
Hassan – 573201

Sir/Madam,

Sub: Application for the post of Office Assistant

Ref: Advertisement in Deccan Times dated 1st November 2025

With reference to your advertisement mentioned above, I wish to apply for the post of Office Assistant in your
esteemed organisation.

I have completed my PUC from a recognised board. I possess basic computer knowledge and I am fluent in
English and Kannada, as required for the post. I am hardworking, punctual and willing to learn new skills.

I assure you that I will discharge my duties sincerely and to the satisfaction of my superiors. My resume is
enclosed for your kind consideration.

I request you to give me an opportunity to serve in your organisation.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
XXXX
 CURRICULUM VITAE
Name : XXXX
Address : YYYY
Date of Birth : XX / XX / XXXX
Nationality : Indian
Languages Known : English, Kannada

Educational Qualifications

Qualificatio Board / University Year of Passing Percentage

n
PUC Karnataka PU Board 2025 75%
SSLC Karnataka State Board 2023 80%

Computer Skills : Basic computer knowledge (MS Word, MS Excel)

Experience : Fresher

Hobbies : Reading newspapers, listening to music

Place : Hassan
Date : 2nd November 2025

Sd/-
XXXX

OR

B. Imagine that you are the Secretary of your students' Union and prepare a speech of about 120
words on "World No Tobacco Day". 5

Use the following information.

Consuming tobacco is injurious to health - Smoking and chewing tobacco - ill effects on health -
a silent killer - may lead to cancer - [Link]

Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,

I feel honoured to speak to you today as the Secretary of our Students’ Union on the occasion of World
No Tobacco Day. The purpose of this day is to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.

Consuming tobacco is injurious to health. Smoking and chewing tobacco slowly damage our body.
Tobacco is a silent killer that affects the lungs, heart and other vital organs. Continuous use of tobacco may
lead to serious diseases like cancer, which can be fatal. Many people lose their lives every year due to tobacco-
related illnesses.

Young people should understand that tobacco does not give strength or relief. Instead, it destroys health
and happiness. Let us take a pledge today to stay away from tobacco and lead a healthy life.

Thank you.