Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Chandigarh Region

CLASS: XII
Pre Board- I (2024-25)
SUBJECT: ENGLISH (CORE)
[Link]: 80 TIME: 3 HOURS

General Instructions:
1. The question paper contains three sections- READING, WRITING and LITTERATURE.
2. Attempt question based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 Marks)

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. 12 Marks
In a disarmingly frank talk at the Indian Merchants Chamber in Mumbai, the Japanese
Ambassador in India dwelt at length on issues that exercise the minds of Japanese
investors when they consider investment proposals in India. Raising the question
―What comparative advantages does India offer as an investment market? He said,
though labour in India is inexpensive, wage levels are offset by productivity level to a
large extent.

Acknowledging that the vastness of the Indian market is a great inducement for
investment in manufacturing industry, he wondered if it was justifiable to provide that
overseas remittance of profit in foreign exchange be fully covered by exchange
earnings as had been done.

Significantly, on the eve of the Prime Minister‘s visit to Japan, the government
delinked profits repatriation from exports, meeting this demand. The Ambassador said
foreign investors needed to be assured of the continuity and consistency of the
liberalization policy and the fact that new measures had been put into force by means
of administrative notifications without amending government laws acted as a damper.
The Ambassador pleaded for speedy formulation of the exit policy and pointed to the
highly restrictive control by the government on disinvestment by foreign partners in
joint ventures in India.

While it is all too easy to dismiss critical comment on conditions in India

contemptuously, there can be little doubt that if foreign investment is to be wooed
assiduously, we will have to meet exacting international standards and cater at least
partially to what we may consider the idiosyncrasies of our foreign collaborators. The
Japanese too have passed through a stage in the fifties when their products were
derided as sub-standard and shoddy. That they have come out of that ordeal of fire to
emerge as an economic superpower speaks as much of their doggedness to pursue
goals against all odds as of their ability to improvise and adapt to internationally
acceptable standards.

There is no gainsaying that the past record Japanese investment is a poor benchmark
for future expectations. For attaining a level field for equal play, India will have to
accelerate reforms in all fields. Economic reforms embarked on in early 1990s have
almost reached their saturation and new areas for reforms will not only have to be
identified, but also be implemented in an expedite manner. Stability in implementing
laws will definitely pave the path of reforms, as we all know what havoc the
retrospective implementation of some laws produced in India.
To reap the demographic dividends, India will have to cater to the needs of the
aspiring young population.
i. The author has appreciated the Japanese for their 1
A quality of products manufactured in the fifties.
B passing through an ordeal.
C perseverance in raising quality of products.
D future expectations.
ii. According to the Japanese Ambassador, which of the following motivates the foreign 1
investors to invest in Indian manufacturing industry?
A very large scope of Indian market
B overseas remittance of profit in foreign exchange
C assurance of continuity of the liberalization policy
D high productivity levels

iii. The purpose of the author in writing this passage seems to be to 1

A discourage foreign investment in India.
B critically examine Indian investment environment.
C paint a rosy picture of India‘s trade and commerce.
D criticize government‘s liberalization policy.
iv. Write at least two suggestions expected from the Japanese Ambassador? 2

v. According to the Japanese Ambassador, what motivates the investors to invest in a 1

country like India?
vi. For seeking more and more foreign investment, what are different suggestions 2
(minimum two) given by the speaker?

vii. Complete the following statement with two words. 1

From the passage it can be inferred that the author is a _________ ________.
viii. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about the critical comments on 1
. investment conditions in India?
(A) These comments are difficult to be countered.
(B) These comments are received from various international quarters.
(C) These comments are based more on biases than on facts.
A. Only C
B .Only B
C .Only A
D. A and B only
ix. What does the author attribute Japan‘s emergence as an economic superpower to? 1

x Find the word in the passage which means,” with careful and consistent efforts ”Para3 1

2. Read the following text.

(1) The average age of India will be just 27 in 2020, which means that much of the country
will comprise young students and youth. But even now with the clock ticking, the
unemployment crisis is raging the country. The main reason behind this problem is that
there is a huge number of youths passing out from schools and colleges every year
unaware of the many new career options and job roles being added to various
industries. And a recent survey by Mindler, an online career-counselling platform, has
proved that the majority of Indian students are aware of just seven career paths, even
though there are 250 career options that can be pursued in India -- most new and in-
demand
(2)
"Our research on over 10,000 students across India suggests an alarming ignorance of
the career options available to students today," said Prateek Bhargava, founder, and
CEO of Mindler, who has recently launched a platform for career counselling in tier II
and tier III cities across India.
This shocking lack of awareness among Indian students regarding their future career
options can spell a death knell for the economic bonus that could have come to India
due to its demographic dividend- the time period where its population is young and
earning.
(3) Since children constantly interact with the environment around them, "effective career
planning would thus need to take into account all the stakeholders in which parents and
teachers are the most important, given the time they spend with the child and the
impact they have,” Bhargava says.

(4) Thus, if parents and teachers can build their own awareness regarding new career
options coming up, then they can be a very helpful part in their child's career decisions
rather than being one of those parents who push their child into one of the most common
careers simply because they are unable to understand which area would be the perfect fit
for their child.
(5) Parents need to remember that shaping a student's profile with the right set of activities
in sync with their strength, capability and dreams is the way forward, Bhargava stresses.
"Children feel much more confident in choosing a particular career when they are
supported by their parents. Thus, parents play a vital role in this entire process," he says.

Courtesy- [Link]

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

(i) Which important issues does the passage throw light upon? 2
(ii) According to Fig. 1, ………… is the least popular career option among
students.1
(iii) State TRUE or FALSE. 1
Career counselling of students may help in reducing unemployment.

(iv) Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Indian youth is facing unemployment crisis.
Statement 2: Teachers push students into common career options.
a) Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred. 1
(v) What was the conclusion of the survey conducted by Mindler? 1

(vi) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word.

Every child is unique. Hence, his/ her...................should always be taken into
consideration when deciding on a future career. 1

(vii) A Suitable Title for this passage would be ……

a) India’s Economic Downfall
b) Smart Career Planning: Need of the Hour
c) Achieve Your Goals with Mindler
d) India’s Obsession with Engineering 1

(viii)How do parents play a vital role in their child’s career selection? 2

SECTION B : CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)

3. Attempt any one of two in about 50 words. 4 marks
Maruti Public School will be conducting an online course on news reading during the summer
vacations for students of Class XI and XII. In this course, students will learn to understand news
A. reports, build the habit of reading the news regularly, and will have a chance to interact with
well-known journalists. As Rutwik Sen, Editor of the school magazine, draft a notice in about 50
words for the school notice board, urging students to sign up. Mention any other relevant details
required for the notice.
OR
You are the Secretary of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Jastinapur, Sector D-3 Society.
Draft a notice for the Society notice board, informing residents about the change of personnel,
B. Head Security, Gate 2 and share necessary details. Also, include the news of installation of the
much awaited security camera, on the Eastern periphery of the Society.
4. Attempt any one of two in about 50 words. 4 marks
You are Dhruv/Deepa. Your father, Shri Dheeraj Garg of Gurugram wants you to draft an
invitation to be sent to friends and relatives on the occasion of your elder sister’s marriage.
A. Prepare a formal invitation giving necessary details in not more than 50 words.
OR
You are Dr. Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public
School, Jammu, to conduct a seminar for students on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward”. This
B. seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of art in dealing with personal and social
problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the invitation.
5. Attempt any one of two in about 120 to 150 words. 5 marks
India still faces a long road ahead in its quest to achieve Zero Hunger. Over 25 years since India
ushered in its economic reforms, the country’s has undergone significant structural
transformations, encouraging planners to turn their focus away from agriculture and instead
A. towards the service and manufacturing sector. Keeping the priority to providing food security,
reducing poverty and generating employment under COVID-19 into consideration, write a letter
to the Editor of a National Daily highlighting the issue. You are Tarun/Taruna, B – 7/9, Mall
Road, Delhi.
OR
 You are Suresh/Smita. You come across the following advertisement in a national daily. You
consider yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Write an application in response to the
B. advertisement

6. Attempt any one of the two in about 120 to 150 words. 5 marks

Teenagers are full of energy as well as ideas. Write an article, in 120-150 words on the topic
“How to channelize the Energy of the Teenagers?” You are Tejinder/Simran. You can use the
A. following hints:
Teenagers curious—full of questions—question elders—sometimes even wrongly—generation
gap—may go astray—effect on society—how to channelize—productive hobbies—social
work—sports—part-time job, etc.

OR
Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami celebrations had organized a
three-day cultural festival. You are Bhupinder/ Priyanka Bisht. Your newspaper had deputed you
B. to cover the inaugural event of this festival. As a newspaper reporter, use the given cues along
with your own ideas to write a report about the same in 120-150 words.
● Big crowds -main grounds of the marketplace
● Colourful decorations
● Inauguration-local panchayat member to inaugurate.
● Folk dance and songs
● Speeches

SECTION C: LITTERATURE & SUPPLEMENTRY READING TEXT (40 Marks)

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the two given. 6 marks
“I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
A. familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile......”

i. What is the tone of the poet in the above lines?

(i) aggressive
(ii) tolerant
(iii) Sarcastic
(iv) resigned
1
(v) emotional

A. Only (i)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (iv) and (v)
 D. Only (iii)
ii. Identify and write the phrase/expression from the extract, that suggests the
following:
“Fear of separation from the loved one is universal.” 1

Just as the brightness of the winter’s moon is veiled behind the haze and mist,
similarly:
iii. A. The pain of separation has shaded mother’s expression
B. Age has fogged mother’s youthful experience
C. Growing up has developed a seasoned maturity in the poet 1
D. Memories warm the heart like the pale moon in winter
iv. Complete the following sentence by filling in the blanks using the same word.
The poet’s smile is an effort not only to ………………….. herself but also to 1
……………. her mother.
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and
(2) given below. 1
(1) The poet knows her mother has aged.
(2) The poet feels the pain of separation.
A. (1) is true but (2) is false.
B. (2) is true but (1) is false.
C. (2) is the reason for (1).
D. (1) is the reason for (2)..
vi. Mention one poetic device used in the lines. 1
OR
B. A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
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
i. What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate ? 1
ii. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in extract. 1
A. I’m as happy as I can be.
B. Life is a roller coaster ride.
C. Nature is God’s gift to us.
D. The dazzling divas enchanted all.
iii. What does the poet mean by “a thing of beauty is a joy forever”?

A. Anything that is beautiful provides us with an, everlasting and eternal joy. 1
B. A beautiful thing is a constant source of joy.
C. Anything that is beautiful creates beautiful memories.
D. All of the above

iv. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given
below.

(1) We are surrounded by beautiful things.

(2) Beautiful things provide us joy.

A. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

 B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
C. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
D. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below.

We are surrounded by beautiful things.

Beautiful things provide us joy. 1
A. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
C. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
D. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.
vi. Answer in ONE word. 1
When the poet says that ‘a thing of beauty’ will never pass into nothingness, he means
that it is __________________ .
8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 4marks
Climate change is one of the most hotly contested environmental debates of our time. Will the
West Antarctic ice sheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream ocean current be disrupted? Will it
be the end of the world as we know it? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Antarctica is a crucial
element in this debate — not just because it’s the only place in the world, which has never
sustained a human population and therefore remains relatively ‘pristine’ in this respect; but more
importantly, because it holds in its ice-cores half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its
layers of ice. (Journey to the End of the Earth)
i. How does the absence of a human population in Antarctica make it significant in the
climate change debate? 1
ii. Why is "climate change" described as a "hotly contested" issue in the extract
provided?
This is so, because there _____.
A. is universal agreement on the causes and implications of climate change 1
B. is a planned path ahead about how to address climate change
C. are differing views on the causes and implications of climate change
D. are minimal reports of fresh threats to climate change
iii. The analogy of a time machine is an appropriate analogy for the role of carbon records
in the study of climate change because ________________________. 1
iv. Give one reason why the writing style of the extract can be called factual and 1
informative.
OR
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.
Not that he faced no dangers. There were times when the bullet missed its mark, the tiger leapt
upon him and he fought the beast with his bare hands.
Each time it was the Maharaja who won.
i. What is the tone of the author when he says, ‘it was celebration time for all tigers’? 1

ii. Pick the pair of TRUE statements based on the extract.

1. Tiger hunting was absolutely banned in the kingdom.
2. The Maharaja was extremely courageous and fearless.
3. The Maharaja paid no heed to matters related to his kingdom.
4. The Maharaja was able to fulfill his ambition, without any perils.
1
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 1 and 4
iii. On the basis of this passage, mention two characteristics of the king. 1

iv. What was Maharaja’s attitude towards his responsibilities of his kingdom? 1

9. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. 6marks
A. “Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in
return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas
season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the
money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor wanderers.
The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap
if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself.
“Written with friendship and high regard,
Captain von Stahle.
i. Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the above
extract?
A. indebtedness
B. reform 1
C. self-pity
D. self-awareness
ii. . Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present? 1
iii. The word ‘frame’ has been used to indicate a rigid structure that surrounds something
such as a picture, door, or windowpane. There are other meanings of ‘frame’ too. 1
Choose the option that DOES NOT list the meaning of ‘frame’.
1) A thing solid object that seals a container or hole; a lid.
2) The triangular structure for positioning the red balls in snooker. 1
3) A single complete picture in a series forming a cinema, or video film
4) a person’s body with reference to its size or build
A Option (1)
B Option (2)
C Option (3)
D Option (4)
iv. Prove that this communication includes regret. 1
v Why did the peddler sign as ‘Captain Von Stahle’? 1

vi Identify the literary device used in the expression “The rattrap is a Christmas 1
present from a rat.”
OR
B. But Champaran did not begin as an act of defiance. It grew out of an attempt to alleviate the
distress of large numbers of poor peasants. This was the typical Gandhi pattern — his politics
were intertwined with the practical, day-to-day problems of the millions. His was not a loyalty to
abstractions; it was a loyalty to living, human beings. In everything Gandhi did, moreover, he
tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his own feet and thus make India free.
i. Statement 1: His was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living,
human beings.
Statement 2: Gandhi was a humanitarian at heart. 1
A Statement 1 is the cause of Statement 2.
B Statement 2 is the effect of Statement 1.
C Statement 2 can be inferred from Statement 1.
D Statement 1 and Statement 2 are independent of each other.
ii. The given extract DOES NOT talk about
A details of the daily problems faced by human beings. 1
B efforts to relieve suffering of the common people.
C the reason for the occurrence of Champaran.
D Gandhi’s principles in the field of politics.
iii. Use the word ‘alleviate’ in your sentence which corresponds to the meaning of
the word in the given extract. 1
iv. Prove that Gandhian way of tackling the problem was more practical than
theoretical. 1
v What is the tone of the writer in the above passage? 1
vi State at least one reason to prove the given statement as TRUE. 1
Gandhiji helped Indian become self-sufficient.
10. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 to 50 words. (5 x2 10marks
)
i. Why does Sophie's father look at Sophie with disdain in the following scene from 'Going Places'?
"Sophie's met Danny Casey", Geoff said.
ii. “When I sense a flash of it (daring) in Mukesh I am cheered.” Comment on this statement in the
light of the story, Lost Spring.
iii. Douglas uses sensory details to create a vivid image of the unfortunate experience in the pool.
What might be the impact on the reader if the narration were more informative than sensory?
iv. What does the story of Subbu's success in the film industry reveal about the importance of
loyalty, creativity, and versatility in this field? (Poets and Pancakes)
v. Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to attaining a
better, more peaceful world. (Keeping Quiet)
vi. How has Aunt Jennifer created her tigers? What traits of tigers do they reveal? (Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers)
11. Answer any two of the following three questions in about 40 to 50 words.(2 x 4marks
2)
i. At the dining table, why did Zitkala-sa begin to cry when others started eating?
ii. How, according to Annan, was the caste system discriminatory? How can one overcome the
indignities? (Memories of Childhood)
iii. The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress. What are the ways in which
we attempt to overcome them? (The Third Level)
12. Answer any one of the two following questions in about 120 to 150 words. 5 marks

A. In the story “The Last Lesson” M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it
was the most beautiful language in the world — 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.
Why did M. Hamel lay so much emphasis on preservation of one’s language? Answer the
question in 120-150 words citing example(s) from the history substantiating M Hamel’s point of
 view in the form of a letter addressed to Mast Franz.

OR
B. Jansie is just as old as Sophie but she is very different from her. Bring out the contrast between
the two friends citing relevant instances from the story, “Going Places” in the form of a speech.
13. Answer any one of the two following questions in about 120 to 150 words. 5 marks
A. In which section of the play does Mr Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment?
What are the ways in which Mr Lamb tries to overcome these feelings? Express it in the form of
a diary entry.

OR
B. Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection. Discuss as expressed in
the story ‘The Third Level’. Write your response in the form of a diary entry.