Nirmala Memorial Foundation Junior College of Commerce and Science

Preliminary Exam 2025-26

XII-Commerce Subject: English
Duration:3hours SET- A Marks: 80
SECTION -I: PROSE [16]
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary and Mind Mapping)
Q.1 A Read the following extract carefully and do the below given activities: (12)
He had a working analysis of mankind’s troubles: marriage, money and the
tangles of human ties. Long practice had sharpened his perception. Within five
minutes he understood what was wrong. He charged three pies per question,
never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which
provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. When he told the
person before him, gazing at his palm, “In many ways you are getting the
fullest results for your efforts,” nine out of ten were disposed to agree with him.
Or he questioned “In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your
efforts,” nine out of ten were disposed to agree with him. Or he questioned “Is
there any woman in your family, maybe even a distance relative who is not
well disposed towards you?” or he gave an analysis of character: “Most of your
troubles are due to your nature. How can you be otherwise with Saturn where
he is? You have an impetuous nature and a rough exterior.” This endeared
him to their hearts immediately, for even the mildest of us loves to think that he
has a forbidding exterior.

The nuts vendor blew out his flare and rose to go home. This was a signal for
the astrologer to bundle up too, since it left him in darkness except for a little
shaft or green light which strayed in from somewhere and touched the ground
before him. He picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia and was putting
them back into his bag when the green shaft of light was blotted out. He looked
up and saw a man standing before him. He sensed a possible client and said:
“You look so careworn. It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat
with me.” The other grumbled some reply vaguely. The astrologer pressed his
invitation, whereupon the other thrust his palm under his nose, saying: “You
call yourself an astrologer?” The felt challenged and said, tilting the other’s
palm towards the green shaft astrologer of light: “Yours is a nature …” Oh,
stop that, “the other said. “Tell me something worthwhile…” Out friend felt
piques. I charge only three pies per question and what you get ought to be good
enough for your money…” At this the other withdrew his arm, took out an
anna, and flung it out to him, saying “I have some questions to ask. If I prove
you are bluffing, you must return that anna to me with interest.”

A1. Following are four statements from the extract which are in jumbled order. (2)
Put them in a way they have occurred in the extract and rewrite them down.

(i) The man flung an ‘anna’ out to the astrologer and said he has some questions
to ask him.
 (ii) The nut vendor’s blowing off flare was astrologer’s signal to close his
business.
(iii) Astrologer’s long practice had sharpened his perception.

(iv) Astrologer used to listen for minimum ten minutes gather sufficient
material from the client.

A2. Complete the following with the help of given passage: (2)

(i) He had a working analysis .

(ii) This was a signal for .

(2)
A3. Find out a proof:

Find out the lines from the extract where it shows that the astrologer is challenged by
the stranger.
A4. Personal response: (2)
In this extract we notice that the astrologer has a great listening power.
Listening helps in developing good relations with people. Write your opinion on this
in about 50 words.
A5. Language Study (2)

Choose the correct alternative given below and rewrite it.

(a) He picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia when the green shaft of
light was blotted out. (Use No Sooner……… than ……)
(i) No Sooner did he pick up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia than the green shaft
of light was blotted out.
(ii) No Sooner did he picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia, the green shaft
of light was blotted out.
(iii) No Sooner he picks up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia, the green shaft of light
was blotted out.
(b) You must return that ‘anna’ to me with interest.
(Choose the modal auxiliary from the given lines.)

(i) that

(ii) must

(iii) with

A6. Vocabulary: (2)

(a) Write the correct adverb form for the given words:

(i) immediate –

(ii) interest–
 (b) Write the correct noun form for the given words:

(i) perceive–

(ii) invite -

Q.1 B B1 Grammar / Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) (4)

(i) We must accept our life gracefully. (3)
(Rewrite using modal auxiliary showing ‘possibility’)
(ii) As I entered the post office, the Post Master presented me with a telegram.
(Begin the sentence with “No sooner ...... )
(iii) The mother looks at her child. (Rewrite using simple past tense)

B2 Spot the error in the given sentence and rewrite the correct sentence. (1)
He like to help poor people.

SECTION -II [18]

UNSEEN PASSAGE
Q.2 A Read the following extract carefully and do the below given activities: (12)
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Proper
diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are the foundations of good health.
Consuming nutritious food, avoiding junk, and staying hydrated provide energy and
prevent illnesses.

Exercise improves stamina, strengthens the heart, and reduces stress. Mental health
can be improved by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and hobbies that bring joy.
Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive screen time is essential for
maintaining balance.

Regular health check-ups and preventive care help detect issues early. A healthy
lifestyle increases productivity, positivity, and quality of life. In conclusion, adopting
healthy habits is a lifelong investment in oneself.

A1 Global Understanding: (2)

Complete the following sentences with the help of given passage above.
(i) The key components of a healthy lifestyle are ……………………………………
(ii) A healthy lifestyle is considered an investment in oneself Because ………………….

A2 Complex Factual / Inference: (2)

Write the contribution of exercise to mental health and state the importance of
regular health check-ups.

A3 Explain: (2)

Regular health check-ups and preventive care help detect issues early.

A4 Personal Response:

Write the steps you take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. (2)

A5 Language study: (2)

 Do as directed
(i) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for well-being.
(Make negative sentence without changing meaning and rewrite it)

(ii) Exercise improves stamina, strengthens the heart, and reduces stress.
(Make Interrogative sentence and rewrite it)
A6 Vocabulary (2)
Find the synonyms of the given words from the extract.
(a) Endurance
(b) Healthy
(B) Summary Writing (3)
Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of the
given points/hints:
● Foundations of Health
● Nutrition
● Exercise Benefits
● Mental Health
● Preventive Care
(C) Prepare a mind map on the topic ‘Importance of Reading’ using your ideas (3)

SECTION III: POETRY [14]

(Poetry and Appreciation)
Q.3 A Read the following extract carefully and do the below given activities: (10)

He felt the cheering power of spring.

It made him whistle; it made him sing;
His heart was mirthful to excess,
But the Rover's mirth was wickedness.

His eye was on the Inchcape float;

Quoth he, "My men, put out the boat,
And row me to the Inchcape Rock,
And I'll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok".

The boat is lower'd, the boatmen row,

And to the Inchcape Rock they go;
Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,
And he cut the Bell from the Inchcape float.

Down sunk the Bell with a gurgling sound.

The bubbles rose and burst around;
Quoth Sir Ralph, "The next who comes to the Rock
Won't bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok."

A1 Read the following statement and write whether true or false: (2)

1. Sir Ralph the Rover wanted to help the Abbot of Aberbrothok.

2. The boatmen rowed Sir Ralph to the Inchcape Rock.

 3. Sir Ralph cut the Bell from the Inchcape float.

4. The Bell floated away safely on the sea waves.

A2 Explain the line in your own words. (2)

"The next who comes to the Rock
Won't bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok."
A3 Do you think people who harm others for fun eventually face the consequences of their (2)
actions? Explain.
A4 Explain the figure of speech used in the given line and explain it. (2)
Down sunk the Bell with a gurgling sound.

A5 Compose four poetic lines of your own on ‘Sea’. (2)

B Read the given extract and write an appreciation of the poem using the following (4)
points
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him
today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?

1. About the title and poet

2. Theme
3. Poetic devices, language
4. Values/message
5. Your opinion about the poem

SECTION-IV (16)
(Writing Skills)
Q4. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below:
A Attempt "Any One' of the following activities: (4)
1. Drafting a Virtual Message:
Imagine, you are Rahul/Jyoti studying in 12th standard. You are going to attend an
International Awareness Programme in New Delhi the next week.
Draft a message in about 100/150 words to convey the same to your classmate. Give your
own reasons to support your message.
OR
2. Statement of Purpose:
You are so much interested in fashion designing. You have also participated in the various
competitions and have shown your talent. Your friend is assisting you to make the career in
fashion designing.
Draft a statement of purpose that will help you to get admission for the course in fashion
designing at M. Rajeshwar College Arts, at Hubli, Karnataka.
OR
 3. Group Discussion:
You along with your friends Sujit, Rohit and Kishore discussing their likes and
dislikes. But all are fascinated with the reading habit. Write a short group discussion
in the form of dialogue telling the importance of reading for enhancing knowledge.

B Attempt Any One' of the following activities: (4)

1. E-mail writing:
You purchased 42 inches Smart T.V. four months ago from M.G. Electronics and Appliances.
It is not working properly and also it doesn't have good sound and picture quality. The
warranty period of the T.V. is still valid. Write an E-mail in about 100/150 words to the shop
owner complaining about the problem.

OR
2. Report writing:
Your junior college recently organised a 'Book Reading Competition'. You are the students'
representative. Write a report of the competition in about 100/150 words.

OR

3. Interview Questions:
Imagine, you have to meet with the topper in M.P.S.C. Examination. You wish to interview
of him/her to know his/her journey of success. Prepare a set of 8 to 10 questions to be ask.

C Attempt Any One' of the following activities: (4)

1. Speech Writing:
All over the world there is growing awareness about the problems of global warming. Your
college is celebrating ‘World Environment Day’ on June 5. Draft a speech in about 120 words
to be delivered before your college students on the need to support the cause.

OR

2. Compering:
Imagine that you are a compere of a ‘Farewell function’ of class 12’your college. Write a
script of the same.
Use the following points.
● Welcome speech
● Introduction
● Lighting the lamp
● Welcome song
● Main events
● Vote of thanks

3. OR
Expansion of Idea:
Expand the idea in about 100–120 words, explaining the importance of valuing time, using it
wisely, and being proactive in achieving goals.

D Attempt "Any One' of the following activities. (4)

1. Film Review:
Write a review of a film which you liked the most with the help of following points.
● Story/Theme
 ● Producer/Director
● Special features of direction
● Characters: Conflict
● Music/Dance/Songs/Photography etc.
● Your opinion
OR

Blog Writing:
2.
Write a blog post for your school website explaining the benefits of practicing yoga
regularly, including physical, mental, and emotional advantages.

OR
Appeal:
3. Write an appeal to the residents of your locality to reduce the use of plastic and adopt eco-
friendly alternatives.

SECTION-V [16]
(Literary Genre- Novel)
Q. 5. A Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: (4)
1. Rewrite the given sentences by choosing the correct alternative given in the brackets: (2)
(1) The novel as a literary genre has a history of about ........... Years.
(two thousand five hundred, two thousand, five hundred)
(2) The new literature written in the 18th century was characterized by ……….
(mystery, fantasy, spirit of realism)
(3) In.......... Novel, the surface meaning is different from the symbolic meaning.
(Allegorical, Dystopian, Gothic)
(4) ........ Has coined the phrase: ‘Stream of Consciousness’
(Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, William James)

2. Pick out the odd element from each line: (2)

(a)Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene, Daniel Defoe, Anthony Burgess.
(b)Mystery, Setting, Conflict, Character.
(c)The turn of the screw, Billy Budd, Rajmohan’s Wife, Jane Eyre.
(d)Drama, Novel, psychology, Poetry.

B Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

1. Explain in brief the theme of the extract from 'To sir, With Love'. (2)
2. Give the character-sketch of Denham in the extract from 'To sir, With Love'. (2)

C Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

1. Describe how Fix, the detective creates problems for Mr. Fogg arresting him for bank robbery (2)
and how Mr. Fogg tries to solve the problem.
(2)
2. In what way was Mr. Fogg’s final winning the wager connected with Aouda?

D Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

1. Describe how Sherlock Holmes discovered the connection between Miss Marston receiving (2)
precious pearls with Major Sholto.

2. How does the mystery of Bartholomew’s murder lead Holmes to track down Small? (2)
*********************
 Nirmala Memorial Foundation Junior College of Commerce and Science
Preliminary Examination
SYJC / COMMERCE
Subject: English Marks: 80 Time: 3hrs
SET-B

SECTION – I : PROSE
Q.1A) Read the following extract carefully and complete the activities given below: (12)
We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open
our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.
We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the
globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools
again-to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more. The beauty of this whole
process was best described, perhaps, before people even took to frequent flying, by George
Santayana in his lapidary essay, “The Philosophy of Travel.” We “need sometimes,” the Harvard
philosopher wrote, “to escape into open solitudes, into aimlessness, into the moral holiday of
running some pure hazard, in order to sharpen the edge of life, to taste hardship, and to be
compelled to work desperately for a moment at no matter what.”
Few of us ever forget the connection between “travel” and “travail,” Travel in that sense guides
us toward a better balance of wisdom and compassion - of seeing the world clearly, and yet
feeling it truly. For seeing without feeling can obviously be uncaring; while feeling without seeing
can be blind. Yet for me the first great joy of travelling is simply the luxury of leaving all my
beliefs and certainties at home, and seeing everything I thought I knew in a different light, and
from a crooked angle.
Though it’s fashionable nowadays to draw a distinction between the “tourist” and the “traveller,”
perhaps the real distinction lies between those who leave their assumptions at home, and those
who don’t. Among those who don’t, a tourist is just someone who complains, “Nothing here is
the way it is at home,” while a traveller is one who grumbles, “Everything here is the same as it is
in Cairo - or Cuzco or Kathmandu.” It’s all very much the same.

A1 Read and re-write the following sentences and state whether they are True or False: 02
i. According to author tourist is one who complains while traveller is one who
grumbles.
ii. George Santayana, a Spanish writer wrote novel named, ‘The Philosophy of
Travel’.
iii. To draw a distinction between the tourist and the traveller is now out of
fashion.
iv. Some of us never remember the connection between “Travel” and “Travail”.

A2 Describe the views of Harvard Philosophers about travelling according to the extract. 02

A3 Find out and write the difference between a Tourist and the Traveller with the help of 02
extract.
A4 Mention any travelling experience in your life so far away from town. 02

A5 Language study: 02
i. We travel in essence to become young fools again.
 (Use ‘ing’ form of the underline word from the following options and rewrite)
a) We travelling in essence to become young fools again.
b) Travelling in essence helps us to become young fools again.
c) Travelling in essence to become young fools again.
d) We are travelling in essence to become young fools again.
ii. It’s all very much the same.
(Add suitable Question Tag and rewrite from the following options)
a) It’s all very much the same, isn’t it?
b) It’s all very much the same, aren’t it?
c) It’s all very much the same, hasn’t it?
d) It’s all very much the same, didn’t it?

A6 Give antonyms of the following words from the extract: 02

i. Close x
ii. Old x
iii. Fast x
iv. Remember x

Q.1B) Non-Textual Grammar: (04)

B1 Do as directed: 03
i. It was excellent lunch. Meal cost him two hundred and fifty
rupees. (Fill in the blanks with suitable articles and rewrite)
ii. She looked the door and saw a lizard sitting it. (Fill in the blank with
appropriate Prepositions and rewrite)
iii. Children were playing Football. (State the Tense of the given sentence)

B2 Spot the error, correct it and rewrite the sentence: 01

There were furniture all over the room.
Q.2A) Read the following extract carefully and complete the activities given below: (12)
On December 26,2004 one of the deadliest natural disasters in history struck the Indian
Ocean region. A massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a
powerful tsunami. Within hours , giant waves upto 30 meters high hit the coasts of
several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia.

Within hours, massive waves struck the coasts of Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia
and the Maldives, causing unimaginable destruction. Coastal towns and villages were
completely washed away. In India, the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were worst affected.

The tsunami claimed over 2,30,000 lives in 14 countries and left millions injured,
homeless and traumatized. Many people lost their families, homes and source of
income. The disaster also caused severe environmental damage – destroying coral reefs,
mangroves and farmlands with salt water.
 Entire villages were destroyed. The disaster reminded the world of the power of nature
and the importance of early warning systems.
In the years that followed, countries around the Indian Ocean worked together to
develop a Tsunami Warning Systems to alert coastal populations in time to move to safer
places. Today , scientist continuously monitor ocean movements to prevent such large -
scale loss of life.
A1 Read and re-write the following sentences and state whether they are True or False: 02

i. India faced a severe Tsunami on October 26 ,2022.

ii. Many people became homeless after the disaster.
iii. The Tsunami only affected Indonesia.
iv. Scientist now monitor the rivers to give early warnings.

A2 Complete the following sentence 02

i. The disaster reminded the world

ii. A massive undersea earthquake
A3 The disaster reminded the world of the power of nature and the importance of early 02
warning systems. Explain this statement.
A4 What will you do if you are in an area where a natural disaster has struck. 02
A5 Do as directed: 02
i. Countries worked together to develop a warning system (Choose the correct option of
simple future tense from the following option and re-write)

a) Countries work together to develop a warning system

b) Countries are working together to develop a warning system.
c) Countries will work together to develop a warning system.
d) Countries have worked together to develop a warning system.

ii. Entire villages were destroyed by the Tsunami. (Identify the correct active voice from
the given options and re-write)
a) Entire villages are destroyed by the tsunami.
b) Entire villages will be destroyed by the tsunami.
c) Entire villages were being destroyed by the tsunami.
d) Entire villages have been destroyed by the tsunami.

A6 Find the antonyms from the following extract 02

i natural x
ii loss x
iii early x
 iv high x

Q.2B) Summary Writing: (03)

Write a summary of the above extract in 50 words and suggest a suitable title:
Natural disaster - Tsunami-destruction-warning signs-role of scientists.

Q.2C) Mind-Mapping: (03)

Develop a Mind Map using your own ideas to illustrate on the topic “Celebration of
Diwali Festival”.

SECTION – II : POETRY
Q.3A) Read the following poem carefully and complete the activities given below: (10)

Small towns always remind me of death.

My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees,
it is always the same,
in summer or winter,
with the dust flying,
or the wind howling down the gorge.
Just the other day someone died,
In the dreadful silence we wept
looking at the sad wreath of tuberoses.
Life and death, life and death,
only the rituals are permanent.

The river has a soul.

In the summer it cuts through the land
like a torrent of grief. Sometimes,
sometimes, I think it holds its breath
seeking a land of fish and stars.

A1 Write down the list of natural elements mentioned in the extract 02

A2 Describe the hometown in the first stanza of the given extract. 02
A3 Suggest at least two measures you will take to convince the people regarding the need to 02
conserve the nature.
A4 Find out and explain the figure of speech in the following Line "Or the wind howling 02
down the gorge"
A5 Compose a stanza of four lines on "Rivers" 02

Q.3B) Read the following poem and write the appreciation of it based on the given points: (04)
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
 And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

 Title, Poet and About the Title:

 Theme of the poem:
 Poetic devices and tone
 Message of the poem:
 Personal Opinion

SECTION – III : WRITING SKILLS

Q.4) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below:
A) Attempt Any One from the following activities: (04)
1. Drafting Virtual Message:
Read the following telephonic conversation between Atharva and Sarika and draft a
virtual message based on it your message should not be more than 50 words.
Atharva: Hello, may I speak to Vasundhara?
Sarika: Extremely sorry. Vasundhara has still not reached home. May I know who is
speaking?
Atharva: I am Atharva her Badminton coach from Pulela Badminton Academy. Will you
take a message for her?
Sarika: Why not sir please say what the message is.
Atharva: Please inform her that the Academy will remain close for the period of 8 days as
I am out of town. The Academy will reopen from 8th of December 2023
Sarika: No problem sir, I will inform her about it.
As Sarika had to leave for her swimming classes so she wrote down a message to her and
left it on the table. Draft that message without adding any new information.

OR
2. Statement Of Purpose:
 Read the personal details given below and prepare a suitable statement of purpose:
Film and Television Institute of India is one of the leading Institute of India for the study
of acting. Imagine that you belong to a family of drama actors and would like to pursue
your career in acting related field. Your hobbies are doing mimicry and Rapping. You
have won many prizes at school and college level competitions. You would like to work
as an actor in well known Institut. Prepare a statement of purpose for the same.

OR
3. Group Discussion:
The English language literary club is conducting an online webinar for Junior college
students and only few selected students have been called for a group discussion on the
topic of "Online classes: Blessing or curse? "
Prepare a script for group discussion.

Q.4) B) Attempt Any One from the following activities: (04)

1. E-mail Writing:
Write an email to your younger sister congratulating her on her success as she received
"Best singer Award" in the inter school competition.

OR
2. Report Writing:
Your college has organized the drive against smoking and chewing tobacco in your town.
Prepare a report on this event.

OR
3. Interview Questions:
Frame a set of 8 to 10 questions to be asked while interacting with a well known
Bollywood star whose film recently Broke all records at box office.

Q.4) C) Attempt Any One from the following activities: (04)

1. Speech Writing:
You wish to take part in Elocution competition in your college for which topic is
"Advantages and disadvantages of Samrtphones in modern world. Prepare a speech in
about 100 to 120 words.
OR

2. Compering:
Imagine that you are a compere of "Fashion Show Award" Prepare a script for compering
the function with the help of following points:
i. Introduction:
 ii. Welcome Speech
iii. Lighting the Lamp
iv. Main events
V. Vote of Thanks

OR
3. Expansion of Idea:
Write an expansion of Idea on the following proverb "Never judge a book by its cover"

Q.4) D) Attempt Any One from the following activities: (04)

1. Film Review:
Write a review of a film that you have recently seen of any genre.
OR
2. Blog Writing:
Prepare a blog in about 120 words on the topic "Indian Festivals".
OR
3. Appeal Writing:
Prepare an appeal making the people aware about the importance of Cleanliness and
personal hygiene use attractive slogan and illustrations.

SECTION – IV : LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL

Q.5A) Do as directed: (04)

A1 Read and re-write the following sentences and state whether they are True or False: 02
i. Novel makes life easier to understand then in drama and poetry.
ii. Agatha Christie wrote many novels based on politics.
iii. Plot is essentially the story or the course of events that make up the theme.
iv. The realistic novel is a fiction that gives the effect of fantasy.
A2 Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the sentences: 02
i. The novel as a literary genre has a history about years.
(Two Thousand Five Hundred, Two Thousand, Five Hundred)

ii. The new literature written in the 18th century was characterised by
(mystery, fantasy, spirit of realism)

iii. In novel, the surface meaning is different from the symbolic meaning.
(Allegorical, Dystopian, Gothic)

iv. has coined the phrase: 'Stream of Consciousness'.

(Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, William James)
Q.5B) Answer the following in about 50 words: (04)
A1 Write a short summary of the novel "To Sir with love". 02
A2 Compare the character of narrator E. R Brathwaite with the head of the school. 02

Q.5C) Answer the following in about 50 words: (04)

A1 Describe the character sketch of Phileas Fogg. 02

A2 Explain the plot of the novel Around the World in 80 Days. 02

Q.5D) Answer the following in about 50 words: (04)

A1 Write about the meeting of Miss. Morstan with Holmes. 02
A2 Describe the character sketch of Jonathan Small. 02

***************************
 Nirmala Memorial Foundation Junior College of Commerce and Science
1ST PRELIMINARY EXAM
XII-COMMERCE SET C Subject: ENGLISH
Time: Marks: 80

SECTION I SEEN PASSAGE (16)

Q.1 A Read the following extract carefully and do the below given activities (12)

At a corner of Sixth Avenue electric lights and cunningly displayed wares behind plate-glass
made a shop window attractive. Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass. People
came running, round the corner, a policeman in the lead. Soapy stood still with his hands in
his pockets, and smiled at the sight of brass buttons.
"Where’s the man that done that?" inquired the officer agitatedly.
"Don’t you think that I might have had something to do with it?" said Soapy, with a friendly
voice, as one greets good fortune.
The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue. Men who smash windows do not
remain to chat with the police. They take to their heels. The policeman saw a man half-way
down the block running to catch a car. With drawn club he joined in the pursuit. Soapy, with
disgust in his heart, drifted along, twice unsuccessful.
On the opposite side of the street was a restaurant of no great pretensions. It catered to
large appetites and modest purses. Its crockery and atmosphere were thick; its soup and
napery thin. Into this place Soapy betook himself without challenge. At a table he sat and
consumed beefsteak, flapjacks, doughnuts and pie. And then he told the waiter the fact that
the minutest coin and himself were total strangers.
"Now, get busy and call a cop," said Soapy. "And don’t keep a gentleman waiting."
"No cop for you," said the waiter, with a voice like butter cakes and an eye like the cherry in
the Manhattan cocktail. "Hey, Con!"
Neatly upon his left ear on the callous pavement two waiters pitched Soapy. He arose, joint
by joint, as a carpenter's rule opens, and dusted his clothes. Arrest seemed now but an
elusive dream. The island seemed very far away. A policeman who stood before a drugstore
two doors away laughed and walked down the street.

A1. Read the following sentences and state whether they are true or false. 2

 (a) Soapy broke the glass of the shop window.

 (b) Nobody heard the breaking of the glass window.
 (c) The policeman chased Soapy.
 (d) Soapy did not run away from the place.

A2. Rearrange the following statements in order of their occurrence in the extract. 2
 (a) The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue.
 (b) Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass.
 (c) "Now, get busy and call a cop," said Soapy.
 (d) Soapy, with disgust in his heart, drifted along twice unsuccessful.

A3. Read the following sentences and write down what it means. 2
 (a) "Don't you think that I might have had something to do with it?"
 (b) He told the waiter the fact that the minutest coin and himself were total strangers.

A4. Personal response: 2

Suppose you are a manager of a hotel, a poor boy has taken a meal in the hotel and is not able
to pay the bill. Describe how you will react in the situation.

A5. Language study: 2

 (a) The policeman saw a man half-way down the bloc. (Identify the tense for the

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 above underline word from the sentence)
 (b) Arrest seemed now but an elusive dream. (Identify the part of speech for the bold
word mentioned in the sentence)
1. Verb
2. Noun
3. Pronoun
4. Adjective

A6. Match the words in column 'A' with their meanings in column 'B'. 2

B1 Grammar/Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) – Do as directed: 3

 (A) We accept our life gracefully. (fill in the blank using modal auxiliary showing
'compulsion')
1. We must accept our life gracefully
2. We have to accept our life gracefully
3. We are obliged to accept our life gracefully

 (B) As I entered the post office, the Post Master presented me with a telegram. (Begin
the sentence with "No sooner...")
1. No sooner I entered the post office when the post maker presented me with a
telegram
2. No sooner had I entered the post office than the post maker presented me
with a telegram
3. No sooner have I entered the post office than the post maker presented me
with a telegram

 C) The mother looks after her child. (Make it a rhetorical question)

1. Doesn’t she?
2. Isn’t she?
3. Won’t she?

B2 Spot the error in the given sentence and rewrite the correct sentence: 1
 Summers in Delhi are extreme hot.

SECTION II UNSEEN PASSAGE (18)

Q.2 A Read the extract and complete the activities given below: 12
"I don't believe in taking the right decisions. I take decisions, I take decisions and then make
them right." One of them make them right. One of the right decisions taken by Ratan Tata.
His inspiring words made me dream beyond shadows. I felt fortunate that I discovered him
in the early stage of my life and now I am using his teachings to mould my future the way I
want.

Even though Ratan Tata was born in a very posh family of India, he never took money and
power for granted. He graduated from Riverdale country from New York, Ratan Tata
returned to India in search of change that he could bring to India. He started as a fellow on
the shop floor at Tata Steel. After working for almost 10 years he was appointed as the
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 director-in-charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company Limited (NELCO) in order
to help its struggling finances. He worked hard building a better consumer electronics
division but the economic recession and union strikes prevented him from achieving success
and this struck the Tata Group of companies. He started with a very basic job in his father's
company and today he owns a billion dollar company.

The tag of greatness does not come without making any sacrifices and this tag on Ratan Tata
suits to its best.

Tata group launched its passenger car Tata Indica in the year 1998 but Tata Indica was a
failure in its first year and the experiment seemed to be failing. Many people started
advising Ratan Tata that he should sell the passenger car business. Ratan Tata also agreed to
sell his car business and approached Ford. They went to Detroit to discuss the sale. They
treated him humiliatingly. The company is not doing well. So, Ford's representative
arrogantly said that they were doing a favour by buying their business.

Ratan Tata decided to move back home. While travelling he was very tense as the feeling of
being insulted was on his mind. After earlier failures, Tata Motors did very well with its
business of passenger cars but in the same period, Ford did very bad. In 2008 when Ford was
on its way of bankruptcy, Tata Group offered Ford to buy its luxury car brand Jaguar-Land
Rover. Ford arrived in Mumbai for the meeting. In the meeting, Bill Ford said to Ratan Tata,
"You are doing a big favour for us by buying Jaguar-Land Rover". Jaguar-Land Rover is now
owned by Tata Group and is currently making profits.

A1 Rewrite the following sentences as per their occurrence in the extract: 2

 (a) He was appointed as the director-in-charge of the National Radio and Electronics
Company Limited.
 (b) Tata Group launched its passenger car 'Tata Indica in the year 1998.
 (c) Bill Ford said to Ratan Tata, "You are doing a big favour for us by buying Jaguar-Land
Rover."
 (d) He graduated from Riverdale country from New York.

A2 Explain: 2
The writer says, "...I don't believe in taking right decisions I take decisions, I take decisions and
then make them right.'
A3 Give reason: 2
Why Ratan Tata decided to sell his passenger car business.
A4 Personal Response: 2
Right decision at the right time is important for success. Express your opinion.
A5 Grammar: 2
Do as directed:
 (A) He worked hard building a better consumer electronics division. (Rewrite the
sentence using the infinitive form of the underlined word)
1. He worked hard to build a better consumer electronic division.
2. He worked hard to building a better consumer electronic division
3. He worked hard build a better consumer electronic division
4. He worked hard for building a better consumer electronic division

 (B) Tata Group launched the passenger car Tata Indica. (Change the voice)
1. The Passenger Car Tata Indica launched the Tata Group.
2. The Passenger Car Tata Indica was launched by the Tata Group.
3. The Tata Group launched by the Passenger Car Tata Indica
4. The Passenger Car Tata Indica has launched the Tata Group

A6 Vocabulary: 2
Give antonyms.
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  (A) Profit
 (B) Prevent

Q2 B Summary: 3
Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of the given
points/hints:
Ratan Tata's early career * early setback in passenger car business * his meeting with Bill Ford
* his success in passenger car business * purchase of Jaguar and Ford’s Land Rover.
C Mind Mapping: 3
Develop a Mind-Mapping using your ideas and concepts to develop the topic 'Proper Time
Management.'
 (A) Using the title connect your thoughts
 (B) Use your own design for branching and general structure
 (C) Try making 2-3 main and 2-3 sub-branches

SECTION III POETRY (14)

Q.3 A Read the extract and complete the activities given below: 10
A foot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I
choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune,I myself am
good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more,
need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous
criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
The earth, that is sufficient,
I do not want the constellations any nearer,
I know they are very well where they are,
I know they suffice for those who belong to them.
(Still here I carry my old delicious burdens,
I carry them, men and women,I carry them with me
wherever I go,
I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them,
I am fill'd with them, and I will fill them in return.)

A1 Complete the web diagram about the qualities needed on the journey of life: 2

A2 Analyze: 2
The line- I asked not good fortune, I myself am good fortune.
A3 Personal response: 2
Explain the importance of 'long road / path' in man's life.
A4 Poetic Device: 2
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the following line. Still here I carry old delicious
burdens.
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 A5 Poetic creativity: 2
Complete the given lines using your imagination.
There is no way leading back.
I move forward ..................

B2 Appreciation: 4
Read the given extract and write an appreciation of the poem using the following points.

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came

along?
Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the
way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that's slipping
fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look
ahead?

Points:
 (A) Title of the poem, name of the poet.
 (B) Theme of the poem
 (C) Poetic devices, language, tone
 (D) Message of the poem
 (E) Your opinion about the poem.

SECTION IV (WRITING SKILLS) (16)

Q4 A Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: 4
Drafting a Virtual message

(1) You are Gopal, a receptionist, in the office of a company manufacturing garments. A sales
manager Mr. Deshmukh visited and handed over the sales report to be submitted to the
general manager who was busy attending a meeting.
Mr. Deshmukh: Hellow! I am here to submit the available sales report to the General
Manager.
Gopal: I am sorry but the General Manager is in the meeting. Can you leave a message for
him along with the reports?
Mr. Deshmukh: Sorry, I have to leave immediately to collect the other reports. Please inform
the General Manager, that I had to leave immediately and I will see him in the evening at
5:30 P. M. with other reports. Thank you.
As a receptionist draft a virtual message for the General Manager.

OR

(2) Statement of Purpose:

You are so much interested in fashion designing. You have also participated in the various
competitions and have shown your talent. Your friend is assisting you to make the career in
fashion designing.
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 Draft a statement of purpose that will help you to get admission for the course in fashion
designing at M. Rajeshwar College Arts, Hubli, Karnataka.

OR

(3) Group Discussion

You along with your friends Sujit, Rohit and Kishor discussing their likes and dislikes. But all
are fascinated with the reading habit. Write a short group discussion in the form of dialogue
telling the importance of reading for enhancing knowledge

B Attempt 'Any One' of the following activities: 4

E-mail writing:
(1) Imagine that you are a shopkeeper of gift articles. A customer had given order for
purchasing articles but you have some difficulties for giving delivery in time due to shortage.
Write an email to him/her apologizing for the delay.
OR

Report writing:
(2) You are a representative of the N. S. S. unit of your college. Write a brief report of the
camp in which various social activities including cleanliness have been conducted by all the
participant
OR

Interview Questions:
(3) Imagine that you have met with the topper in M.P.S.C. Examination. You wish to
interview of him/her to know his/her journey of success. Prepare a set of 8 to 10 questions
to be asked.

C Attempt 'Any One' of the following activities: 4

Speech Writing:
(1) You wish to take part in the elocution competition which is organised by your college
cultural committee. Prepare a speech on the topic "Mask for safety".
OR

(2) Compering:
On the occasion of the inaugural function of 'Sports Day' you have been the responsibility to
compere:
Draft a script of the same. Use the following points.
- Brief introduction
- Lighting the lamp/Inauguration
- Welcome the guests
- Chief guest's address
- Vote of thanks
OR

(3) Expansion of Idea:

Expand the following idea by using the points -
'Time and tide wait for none'.
- Meaning of the proverb
- Importance of time
- Proper time management
- Add your own points

D Attempt 'Any One' of the following activities: 4

Film Review:
(1) Write a review of a film which you liked most with the help of following points.
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 - Story/Theme
- Producer / Director
- Special features of direction
- Characters: Conflict
- Music/ Dance / Songs / Photography etc.
- Your opinion
OR

Blog Writing:
(2) Write a blog in appropriate format on "Necessity of Social awareness" regarding
cleanliness / Hygiene in about 100 to 150 words.
OR

Appeal:
(3) Prepare an appeal to inculcate the habit:
- Slogans
- Use persuasive appeal
- Its necessity for development

SECTION V (NOVEL) (16)

Q5 A1 Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: 2
(A) Match the following items from column-A with those from the column-B:

(B) Pick the odd word out: 2

 (a) Amit Ghosh, Vikram Seth, Henry Fielding, Anita Desai
 (b) plot, novella, setting, theme
 (c) place, time, climate, epistolary
 (d) horror, mystery, picaresque, thriller

B Answer the following: 4

 (A) Describe how Ricky Braithwaite manages to bring about a change in the behaviour
of his students.
 (B) How does Mr. Braithwaite manage to increase the cultural exposure of the class?

C Answer the following: 4

 (A) Describe the relationship between Mr. Fogg and Aouda.
 (B) Write summary of “Around The World in Eighty Days.”

D Answer the following: 4

 (A) How does the mystery of Bartholomew’s murder lead Holmes to track down Small?
 (B) Describe how Mr. Sherlock Holmes tracks down Small?

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