CLASS 12 ENGLISH CORE SECTION C - LITERATURE 40 WITH ANSWERS

 

SECTION C - LITERATURE 40

IV Read the given extract to attempt the questions with reference to context.

1 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given

It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in

To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,

Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,

While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,

Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits

That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,

And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,

Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.

(A Roadside Stand)

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

(i) aggressive

(ii) tolerant

(iii) sarcastic

(iv) resigned

(v) sentimental

Choose the most appropriate option.

A. Only (i)

B. (ii) and (iii)

C. (i), (iv) and (v)

D. Only (iii)

ii. Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following:

No one bothers to take ‘their’ consent before pushing the promise of a better life, their

way.

enforcing benefits

iii. What quality of the villagers can be inferred through these lines?

A. gullible

B. futuristic

C. hypocritical

D. ambitious

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iv. Complete the following analogy correctly. Do NOT repeat from used example.

greedy good doers: alliteration ::.......beneficent beasts of prey............................ oxymoron

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v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2)

given below.

(1) The city dwellers make promises for the betterment of the villagers.

(2) The city dwellers have ulterior motives.

A. (1) is true but (2) is false.

B. (2) is true but (1) is false.

C. (2) is the reason for (1).

D. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

vi. Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.

‘… calculated to soothe them out of their wits’ implies that ‘them’ are being .

manipulated / fooled / duped [one word only]

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OR

1.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

(A Thing of Beauty)

i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of the

extract.

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.

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ii. What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate?

A. serenity

B. morality

C. superiority

D. diversity

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iii. The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include .

(i) healthy body

(ii) calm mind

(iii) struggle-free life

(iv) better relationships

(v) hope to carry on

Choose the most appropriate option.

A. Only (v)

B. (i), (ii) and (v)

C. (i), (iii) and (iv)

D. (ii) and (iv)

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iv. Answer in ONE word.

When the poet says that ‘a thing of beauty’ will never pass into nothingness, he means

that it is .immortal/ everlasting/ eternal / undying

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v. 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.

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vi. Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

A. Full to the Brim with Joy

B. Beauty Galore

C. Live Life King Size

D. Hope Floats

2 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 1*4=4

2.A DERRY: You’re... peculiar. You say peculiar things. You ask questions I don’t

understand.

MR LAMB: I like to talk. Have company. You don’t have to answer questions. You don’t

have to stop here at all. The gate’s open.

DERRY: Yes, but...

MR LAMB: I’ve a hive of bees behind those trees over there. Some hear bees and they

say, bees buzz. But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm....and hum

means ‘sing’. I hear them singing, my bees.

DERRY: But....I like it here. I came in because I liked it .....when I looked over the wall.

MR LAMB: If you’d seen me, you’d not have come in.

DERRY: No.

(On the Face of It)

i. List the playwright’s purpose of using ellipses (…) in this extract. 1

To indicate to the character to pause for thought/ to act showing gathering of thoughts

ii. Select the option that best describes Derry and Mr. Lamb in the extract.

A. Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: friendly

B. Derry: fearful; Mr. Lamb: domineering

C. Derry: friendly; Mr. Lamb: weird

D. Derry: open minded; Mr. Lamb: charming

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iii. Which of the following best summarises Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards the bees?

A. Beauty is being true to yourself.

B. There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.

C. Beauty is the promise of happiness.

D. The beauty of the world lies in the details.

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iv. Derry says, “I came in here because I liked it ….” What was the one significant thing

Derry might have liked about the place, as per the extract?

Away from prying eyes/ people

1

OR

2.B Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do

exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them

with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new

understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now,

headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich,

curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he

offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age

when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.

(Journey to the End of the Earth)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.

The writer refers to the educational opportunities as ‘inspiring’ because .

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These educational opportunities would motivate them to work towards the good of the planet / allow them to observe first-hand that the planet needs to be respected / nurtured rather than abused

ii. Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

A. Being given the lead role in a play.

B. Going on an adventure trip.

C. Playing a video game.

D. Meeting a great leader, you admire.

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iii. Select the most suitable title for the given extract.

A. Adventure with a Mission

B. Adventure – The Spice of Life

C. The Wanderlust

D. Students of the Future

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iv. Why does the writer refer to ‘act’ as more important than ‘absorb’ or ‘learn’? 1

......because having the right knowledge or inclination/ understanding is just half the job done. It fails to have an impact till it is applied/ practised/ put to use in our actions

3 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 1*6=6

3.A   

 A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly

experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that she

had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt

that day. That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser,

who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that

sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform —

khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal

adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail.

Often, he looked alone and helpless …

(Poets and Pancakes)

i. Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately.

‘Stages of worldly experience’ in the given context would refer to .

A. good education to gain knowledge.

B. situations that require one to be street smart.

C. smaller, not so important roles in acting.

D. training in soft skills.

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ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:

sealed: closed :: propelled:catapulted

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

The harm done to the actress was a/an

A. well-planned act.

B. unintentional act.

C. act of jealousy.

D. act of male dominance.

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iv. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the legal adviser. 1

A. He disliked the actress from the countryside.

B. He acted after thinking through things carefully.

C. He did not gel well with others in the Department.

D. He was always dressed smartly.

v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the writer is sympathetic

towards the professional fate of the actor. (Clue: a phrase)

‘sad end’

vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.

The writer uses the word ‘uniform’ to refer to the outfits of the Department members

because just like a uniform .

1.. is a common dress code for all, similarly, their apparel/ dress was nearly the same - loose khadi shirt and khadi dhoti

OR

3.B 

Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source

of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as

its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or

feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed

that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that

person’s soul.

(The Interview)

i. What is the most likely reason some people consider the practice of interview to be an

art?

This could be because it requiresA. fluency of words.

B. sensitive and careful handling.

C. creativity and imagination.

D. probing and focusing on details.

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ii. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.

Celebrities feel that an interview diminishes them.

1Celebrities feel that an interview makes them appear ordinary. [accept - negatively impacts OR weakens them/ their aura]

iii. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two

statements given below.

(1) Celebrities don’t consent to be interviewed.

(2) Interviews intrude the privacy of celebrities.

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

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

C. (1) is true but (2) is false.

D. (2) is the reason for (1).

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iv. Rationalise, to support the given opinion:

To say that an interview, in its highest form, is a source of truth, is an extravagant

claim.

1It is an extravagant claim as an interview cannot be a source of truth due to the followingInterview may be scripted OR People may make false statements OR Certain questions may be left unanswered.

v. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.

Some celebrities hate the idea of having to give an interview because it makes them

feel like supporters. victims

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vi. The author’s views on interview, in the extract, can best be described as statements

based on .

A. facts

B. hypothesis

C. beliefs

D. superstitions

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V Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. 5*2=10

i. “You realise the true value of a thing only on losing it.” Comment on this statement in

the light of the story, The Last Lesson.

Prussians put a ban on the French language - People realized the importance of holding onto their mother tongue. OR M Hamel was considered strict and the classes / work given by him were not taken seriously - After he was ordered to leave the country, villagers realized the importance of his contribution to the society.

2

ii. State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference

to the poem My Mother at Sixty-six.

2Common issue: absence of supporting presence/ loneliness/alone when children move away – Explanation: the poet lived away from her mother.

iii. What do we come to know about the author of Lost Spring, Anees Jung, through her

interactions with Saheb and Mukesh?

2[have to be relevant with respect to BOTH boys]

 Observed in detail – observant

 Is moved by their plight - sensitive / empathetic

 Feels helpless about her inability to do anything for

them.

iv. Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to

attaining a better, more peaceful world. (Keeping Quiet)

2Makes us introspect and reflect upon our actions.  Helps us better understand ourselves and what we want.  Enables us to realise that many of our mindless actions are only harming us and not giving us happines

v. If the Christmas spirit is about selflessness, forgiveness and becoming 'better' versions

of ourselves amongst other things, Edla Willmansson is the epitome of this spirit.

Justify with two points of evidence from The Rattrap

.EdlaDespite knowing the truth about the peddler -  gave him shelter and treated him with full respect. (forgiveness)  even invited him for Christmas next year. (better version of herself)

2

vi. How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your

response with two justifications. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

2Couldn’t live the way she wanted to or do what she wanted to.  Burdened by responsibilities.  Oppressed by her husband.

VI Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*2=4

i. ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to

ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam in The Third Level.

2Told Charley that he was dissatisfied and looking for an

escape – the Third level was his imagination.

At the end, the same is revealed as true for Sam – he went

in search of the Third level himself

ii. Comment on any one aspect of the writing style of the author, Kalki in The Tiger King. 

2 A satire on those in power – use of humour, exaggeration and harmony to criticize  Conversational, narrative style

iii. How do we know that Dr. Sadao was conscientious as well as loyal? (The Enemy) 2

True to his profession (conscientious) – attended to the wounded soldier and saved his life

Informed the General about the prisoner and agreed to the plan of assassination. (loyal-to his country)

VII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5

i. The prose selections, Deep Water and Indigo, bring out the importance of overcoming

fear, in order to be able to lead our lives successfully.

Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school

students. Write this address in 120 – 150 words elaborating on occurrences from the

two texts to inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of

overcoming fear.

5

You may begin like this …

Good morning, students!

We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat or danger.

But when …

Value Points  Fear immobilizes us and prevents us from progressing – as in the case of William Douglas – due to his fear of water he could not lead a normal life – could not go fishing, canoeing, etc. Similarly, due to their fear of the Britishers, the peasants of Champaran could not take a stand for their rights.  Need to face our fear, devise a plan and work through it – William Douglas worked through his fear rather than giving into it. When the peasants gathered around the courthouse in Motihari, it was a step towards overcoming their fear.  Require determination – persistence – it took Douglas monthsto overcome hisfear of water and learn swimming. It took nearly a year to get justice for the peasants in Champaran.  strength in unity when fighting a common fear – only when the people in Champaran were they able to overcome their fear and fight for justice.  But once overcome, one is free to live his / her life to the fullest.

overcome their fear and fight for justice.  But once overcome, one is free to live his / her life to the fullest. 

OR

ii. ‘Their mother sighed.

Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the

delicate bow which fastened her apron strings.’

The prose selection, Going Places includes this telling comment about Sophie’s

mother.

In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, we are told that -

‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band

Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’

Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with reference to the two extracts given above. You may begin the conversation like this … Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

exchange with reference to the two extracts given above.

You may begin the conversation like this …

Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Value Points  Aunt Jennifershares about her loss of identity; use of art as a meansto express her deep-down desires and feelings.  Sophie’s mother shares information about her servile role – all her time is spent in meeting the needs of the family; has no life of her own. Sophie’s mother stays home while all others go to witness Danny Casey’s football match.  Both feel burdened with responsibilities.  Both have domineering husbands; They do not have a say in the family matters.  There seems to be no likelihood of any change in their status.

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VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5

i. On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her decision

to enrol for the Students on Ice programme has been the single most important

decision of her life that has completely transformed her.

Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts.

You may begin like this:

I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of...........

Value Points  An experience completely different than any other - to visit a landscape that is not inhabited by humans and so still relatively pristine.  Provided an insight into the earth’s past, present and the future.  Made her delve deep into the threat faced by the environment and the earth itself due to human activities.  Realised how little changes can have a major impact on the environment and therefore the need to take care of the small things.  An eye opening experience – realised how everything on this earth is interlinked.  The trip indeed had a life changing impact. (Any 4 points to be included.)

OR

ii. Both Bama and Zitkala Sa experienced the harsh reality of discrimination in their

childhood. Instead of letting it pull them down, they both found a way to overcome it.

You wish to include a cameo* of both in your upcoming blog post.

As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and

their response/s to these experiences, in 120-150 words. [Clue: Include the similarities and

differences in the discrimination they faced - their feelings - determination to overcome – success]

*a short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something

Value Points

 Both of them faced discrimination; Zitkala Sa was discriminated against because of cultural differences

while Bama faced discrimination due to her caste.

 Zitkala sa rebelled and refused to get her hair cut. She put up a strong fight, though had to give in

finally. Bama was enraged and wanted to go and touch the packet of vadai to teach a lesson to the

landlord. But was guided by her elder brother to calm down. He showed her the path overcome

discrimination.

 Both of them worked hard to excel in education.

 Both succeeded as writers among other things; They have written much against discrimination and

evils of oppression, thus continuing the fight for justice for their communities