ENGLISH ELECTIVE CLASS 12 SECTION A- READING WITH ANSWERS

 SECTION A- READING

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 12x1

=12

Arjun was an architect, renowned for designing modern skyscrapers in bustling

cities. His life was a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and blueprints, leaving little

time for reflection. One Friday evening, while clearing his desk, he stumbled upon

an old, faded photograph of his childhood home. The simple cottage nestled in the

hills, surrounded by tall oak trees, brought a rush of memories—the sound of chirping

birds, the scent of fresh rain, and his grandmother’s stories by the fireplace. Her

laughter, warm and contagious, echoed in his mind.

That night, he could no sleep. Tossing and turning, he realized it had been over 20

years since he last visited his ancestral home. On an impulse, he decided to take a

break and revisit the place where he had spent his happiest days. This was not just

a trip to a physical location but a journey to rediscover parts of himself lost in the

chaos of adulthood.

The journey took five hours by car, weaving through highways and narrow mountain

roads, followed by a 20-minute trek uphill. The steep path, lined with vibrant

wildflowers, contrasted sharply with the grey monotony of the city. When Arjun

reached the crest of the hill, the sight of the old cottage took his breath away. Time

seemed to have stood still. The wooden structure, though weathered, still held its

charm. The red-tiled roof, overgrown shrubs in the garden, and a swing hanging from

the oak tree felt like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

Pushing open the creaky gate, Arjun stepped onto the porch. The door was unlocked,

and a faint musty smell greeted him. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming

through the windows. Inside, furniture was covered in white sheets, and the ticking

of an old clock echoed faintly. Each corner seemed to whisper stories of laughter,

footsteps, and secrets from the past.

In his grandmother’s room, Arjun found a leather-bound journal on the bedside table.

Curious, he opened it and began reading. The diary was filled with entries about her

daily life, hopes, and dreams. One entry caught his attention: “Arjun is a curious child,

always asking questions about the world. He dreams of building things that touch the

sky. I hope he never loses that wonder.” Tears welled up in his eyes. He had fulfilled

his childhood dream of becoming an architect, but in the process, he had forgotten

the simple joys of life. His work consumed him, leaving little room for curiosity or

connection.

Exploring further, Arjun found a box of childhood treasures—hand-drawn sketches,

toy cars, and a model of a treehouse he had designed but never built. Holding the

model, he felt a pang of regret. He had promised his grandmother he would build the

treehouse, but life had taken him in a different direction. That promise, once so

meaningful, had been buried under layers of ambition and responsibility.

Determined to honour his promise, Arjun decided to spend the weekend building the

treehouse. He found old tools in the shed, along with planks of wood and nails.

Though years had passed since he worked with his hands, the process was

strangely therapeutic. The rhythmic sound of hammering, the scent of freshly cut

wood, and the rustling leaves transported him to a simpler time.

As he worked, memories of his grandmother’s encouragement and belief in him filled

his heart. She had always said the best creations were those made with love and

intention. By Sunday evening, the treehouse stood proudly on the oak tree—simple

yet sturdy. It wasn’t just a physical structure but a tribute to his grandmother and a

testament to their shared dreams.

Climbing up, Arjun sat inside, gazing at the breath-taking view of the valley. The

golden hues of the setting sun painted the landscape in shades of orange and pink.

For the first time in years, he felt contentment. The weight of deadlines and

expectations melted away, replaced by a profound connection to the present.

Before leaving the next morning, Arjun planted a sapling near the treehouse,

symbolizing new beginnings. The act felt symbolic, as though he were planting a part

of himself back into the soil of his roots. Locking the cottage, he left with a promise

to return. The visit had rekindled something within him—a connection to his roots

and a sense of purpose beyond deadlines and skyscrapers.

Back in the city, Arjun carried the memories of his weekend like a precious treasure.

He made small changes in his life—taking breaks to sketch for pleasure, spending

weekends in nature, and reconnecting with old friends. His architectural designs

began to reflect a new sensibility, blending modernity with nature, inspired by the

harmony he had rediscovered in his ancestral home.

Months later, one of his projects, a community centre surrounded by greenery, won

an award for sustainable design. During his acceptance speech, Arjun spoke about

the importance of finding balance in life and staying connected to one’s roots. He

ended with a quote from his grandmother’s diary: “Never lose your wonder.”

Years passed, but Arjun kept his promise to visit the cottage regularly. The treehouse

became a cherished spot, not just for him but also for his children. It stood as a bridge

between generations, a place where stories were shared, dreams nurtured, and the

spirit of wonder kept alive. 

On the basis of your reading of the above excerpt, choose the correct option to answer the

following questions: (Any TWELVE)

I What triggered Arjun’s decision to visit his ancestral home?

a. Discovering a letter from a family member

b. Seeing an old photograph of his childhood home

c. Recalling a dream about his grandmother’s stories

d. Reading about the hills in a magazine article

1

II What was Arjun’s grandmother’s wish for him as written in her diary?

a. That he would always remain curious about life

b. That he would build a large home on the hills

c. That he would write books about his childhood

d. That he would return one day to the cottage

1

III Assertion (A): Arjun’s work as an architect left him feeling fulfilled and balanced.

Reason (R): He had devoted his life to building modern skyscrapers in cities.

a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

c. A is true, but R is false.

d. A is false, but R is true.

1

IV State True or FalseArjun’s architectural designs after his visit reflected a blend of nature and

modernity.

1

V What does Arjun’s act of planting a sapling near the treehouse symbolize? 1

VI How does the act of completing the treehouse serve as a turning point in Arjun’s

personal and professional life?

1

VII The act of Arjun rediscovering his childhood home is best described as a journey of:

a. Self-discovery

b. Professional growth

c. Escaping his current life

d. Material success

1

VIII The narrator describes his experience of building the treehouse as an attempt to

express the growing sense of ________ in his connection with his childhood and

nature.

1

IX What does the word ‘rekindled’ in the passage suggest about Arjun’s emotional

state?

1

X The narrator describes his ancestral home in the hills as a __________, quiet little

cottage surrounded by oak trees.

1

XI What can be inferred from Arjun’s shift in his architectural designs after his weekend

visit?

a. He is blending traditional elements with modern architectural styles.

b. He is shifting his focus from urban skyscrapers to rural architecture.

c. He is prioritizing designs that combine nature with modern architecture.

d. He is focusing on extravagant and luxurious designs for wealthy clients.

1

4

Please note that the assessment scheme of the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue in the

current session i.e. 2025-26

XII Why does the passage emphasize the line “Never lose your wonder”?

a. It reminds readers to stay connected to their roots and dreams

b. It highlights the difficulties of balancing work and family life

c. It critiques modern society’s focus on material success

d. It underlines the value of maintaining professional ambition

1

XIII What can be inferred about Arjun’s character from his decision to spend the weekend

building the treehouse?

1

XIV What broader message does Arjun’s journey convey about life?

a. Personal fulfilment often outweighs professional goals

b. Work-life balance requires reconnecting with one’s past

c. Success is achieved through revisiting long-forgotten plans

d. Happiness comes from simplifying both work and life

1

XV Which literary device is present in “the house seemed to echo with laughter,

footsteps, and whispered secrets from the past”?

a. Alliteration

b. Imagery

c. Personification

d. Symbolism 

ANSWERS

I b) Seeing an old photograph of his childhood home 

II a) That he would always remain curious about life 

III d) A is false, but R is true. 

IV True 

V Arjun’s act of planting a sapling near the treehouse symbolizes new beginnings,

growth, and his reconnection to his roots.

VI By reconnecting him with his roots, values, and childhood dreams. This shift leads

to a more balanced and meaningful approach to both his work and personal life,

ultimately influencing his future projects and the way he prioritizes connections to

his past.

VII a) Self-discovery 

VIII Renewal/wonder 

IX This moment marked a turning point in Arjun’s life, where he regained a sense of

purpose and connection to the simpler, more meaningful joys of life that had once

inspired him.

X simple 

XI c) He is prioritizing designs that combine nature with modern architecture. 

XII a). It reminds readers to stay connected to their roots and dreams 

XIII Arjun is a person who values promises and connections to his past. His choice to

fulfill the promise to his grandmother, despite the passage of time and his busy

life, shows a deep sense of responsibility, nostalgia, and a desire to reconnect

with simpler, meaningful moments.

XIV b). Work-life balance requires reconnecting with one’s past 

XV c) Personification