English (Core) (Class 12) Term 2 Question Paper 2023
1. Read the passage given below :
(1) I know many friends of mine who drink coffee regularly but do not know that coffee exists in different forms other than instant coffee. There are many who swear by Flora enfé classic or Coco gold, which they consider premium coffee. I may sound offensive but instant coffee is not the only way; in fact, it’s a very bad way of making coffee! Instant coffee does not match brewed coffee’s flavor nor does it have Arabic beans. It uses Robusta beans that are lower in Navour. Don’t know the difference ?! Read on …
(2) That plant might be a genius! It created a chemical that would keep pests away. Fortunately for us and unfortunately for the plant – that plan did not work as intended toy The&chemical might have averted a few pest attacks. but attracted a far greater threat – the chemical is caffeine human beings, The Plant I am talking about is coffee and the chemical is caffeine.
(3) To begin from the beginning – coffee is from a more mature part of the tree – the seed – unlike other stimulants. The ripe berry is picked and de-pulped leaving us with a seed called ‘green bean’ or green coffee. Green bean is uncharacteristically bland with a taste nowhere close to that of coffee. but it is valued for its higher antioxidant levels.
(4) Its an interesting phenomenon to see how this bland green bean
turns to a flavourful coffee beary Coffee bean is a seed and like any other seed is rich in proteins, fats, and all necessary ingredients for giving birth to a new plant. When exposed to heat, the fats and carbohydrates in the bean turn into essential oils, which give the characteristic taste and aroma to the coffee bean, The degree of roasting depends on the need or purpose of use
(5) These beans are ground so that the surface area of the bean is increased, which makes extraction easier. The bean can be ground or crushed but making the particles uniform will ensure equal extraction, or else the smaller particle will get over-extracted and the larger one under-extracted. Hence, the burr grinder is used to ensure that the coffee bean gets ground in a uniform way in which all particles are of similar sizes.
(6) Does under-extraction give a lighter coffee and over-extraction a stronger one? No, For lighter or stronger coffee less or more coffee powder has to be used. Why P Under extraction will not get all the flavors of the coffee as the water runs too quickly. It will not get what you want – it will taste sour. Over-extraction will bring out all unnecessary flavors rendering the taste bitter.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below :
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option
The author complained that his friends___________
(a) consumed only Flora classics.
(b) were not aware of different forms of coffee.
(c) were severely addicted to drinking coffee.
(d) considered Coco gold as premium coffee.
(ii) Comment on the writer’s reference to the unique feature of the coffee plant. (paragraph 2)
(iii) List the reason why the author refers to humans as ‘great threat to coffee’ plants.
(iv) Select an option that conveys the same meaning as “‘energizer’ from words used in paragraph 3.
(a) bland
(b)mature
(d) stimulants
(e) antioxidant
(v) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following :
Fats and carbohydrates turn into essential oils leading to_____________
(vi) Comment on the writer’s reference to the interesting phenomenon in paragraph 4.
(vii) Over-extraction does not give a stronger coffee. Based on your understanding of paragraph 6. list one method to get stronger coffee.
(vi) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph five EXCEPT
(a) The burr grinder grinds coffee beans uniformly.
(b) Less surface area makes extraction easier.
(c) Grinding gives a stronger aroma.
(d) Good coffee is a mix of smaller and bigger particles.
(ix) Why is it fair to say that the right degree of extraction of coffee is Important?
(x) Select the most suitable title for the above passage.
(a) The Art of Coffee Making
(b) Benefits of Consuming Coffee
(c) Green Coffee – The perfect antioxidant
(d) The Coffee Addict
Read the passage given below:
(1) News – If you can’t remember the last time, you saw a teenager reading a book, newspaper, or magazine, you’re not alone. In recent years, less than 20 percent of teens report reading a book, magazine, or newspaper daily for pleasure. More than 80 percent say they use social media every day, according to research published by the World Psychological Association.
(2) Compared with previous generations, teens in the 2010s spent more time online and less time with traditional media, such as books. magazines and television.” wud the lead author of the book yGen and professor of psychology at ABC University. -Time on digital media has dispensed time once spent enjoying a book or watching TV.
(3) Swaner and her colleagues analyzed data concluded from an ongoing study of a nationally representative sample of approximately 50.000 eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students annually. They looked at survey results from 1976 to 2016, representing more than 1 million teenagers. While the study started with only twelfth-graders in the 1970s, eighth- and tenth-grader» were added in 1991.
(4) Use of digital media increased substantially from 200G to 2016. Among twelfth-graders, internet use during leisure time doubled from one to two hours per day during that period. It also increased by 75 percent for tenth-graders and 68 percent for eighth-graders.
(5) “In the mid-2010s, the average twelfth-grader reported spending approximately two hours a day texting, just over two hours a day on the internet – which included gaming – and just under two hours a day on social media.” said Swaner. That’s a total of about six hours per day on just three digital media activities during their leisure time.”
(6) In comparison, tenth-graders reported a total of five hours per day and eighth-graders reported four hours per day on those three digital activities. Consequently, the spent time in the digital world is seriously degrading the time they spend on more traditional media such as print books and newspapers.
(7) The decline in reading print media was especially steep. In early 1984. 33 percent of tenth-graders said they read a newspaper almost every day. By 2016, that number was only 2 percent. In the 19705. 60 percent of twelfth-graders said they read a book or a magazine almost every day; by 2016, only 16 percent did. Twelfth. graders also reported reading fewer books each year in 2016 compared to how much they read in 1976, and approximately one. third did not read a book (including e-books) for pleasure in the year prior to the 2016 survey.
(8) There’s no lack of intelligence among young people. However, due to over-dependence on digital media, they find it difficult to focus for long periods of time and to rend long-form text. Subsequently, they find it challenging to understand complex issues and develop critical thinking skills.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below
(i)Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1?
The writer believes that very few teens indulge in reading as a pleasurable activity.
Select from the following :
True: if the statement agrees with the information.
False: if the statement contradicts the information.
Not given: if there is no information on this.
(ii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for this research.
In order to find out …..
(a) reading choices of teenagers.
(b) digital competency of teenagers.
(c) speed of reading text.
(d) the decline of time spent on traditional media.
(iii) Complete the statement based on the following statement:
Traditional media has been replaced by digital media, we can say this because_______
(iv) Do you think that the researchers of the study added tenth and eighth graders to the survey deliberately?
Support your answer with reference to the text.
(v) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:
The concluding sentence of the text makes a clear case for ________ by listing it as a core competency for analysis and application.
(a) following social media
(b) reading long texts
(c) building focus and concentration
(d) developing constructive habits
(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option :
The digital activities that the twelfth-graders indulge in are_________
(a) texting, gaming, television
(b) texting, gaming, social media
(c) newspaper, books, magazine
(d) television, books, gaming
(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words Teens today hardly read print media for_________
(viii) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the
given statement:
“Time on digital media has displaced time once spent enjoying a book or watching T.V.”
(ix) What does the author mean by ‘degrading the time’ in para 6?
(a) spending less time
(b) waste of time
(c) consuming more time
(d) saving time
(x) As per Fig. 1, the percentage of people above 50 yrs is_______ the
percentage of teenagers using social media.
(a) greater than
(b) less than
(c) equal to
(d) negligible to
FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES.
In lieu of Q. 2 (x)
(x) The decline in reading print media was especially steep.
What does ‘steep’ mean in the above sentence?
(a) slow
(b) sharp
(C) steady
(d) gradual
SECTION – B
Creative Writing Skills
3. Attempt any ONE from (n) and (b) given below:
(a) The Debating Society of your school is organizing an inter-school debate. The Inst date for submitting names for the audition is Friday 17 March. There will be on-the-spot trials. Draft a notice in about 50 words informing students about the team selection time, date, and venue. You are Sarita / Sarit, President. Debating Society. Flora International School.
OR
(b) There has been an increase in the number of cyberbullying cases in sour schools. This has led to parents and students getting very anxious. As the school counselor, you are organizing a talk during the morning assembly by Mr. Kakkar, Director, Cybercrime Department inviting both students and parents. Draft a notice in about 50 words informing students of the same mentioned day. date, time, and venue.
4. Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below in about 50 words:
(a) Amit is planning to invite his friends and relatives for the celebration of the 801 birthday of his grandmother. Draft an invitation letter in about 50 words on his behalf. Mention the day, date, time, and venue.
OR
(b) You have been invited to inaugurate the art and craft exhibition at Rashida Public School on the occasion of the school’s Annual Day on 20% Mareb, 2023 in the school auditorium. Write a formal letter of regret in about 50 words expressing your inability to attend due to a prior engagement. You are SaliV/Reena.
5. Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below:
(a) You are Minal / Mrinal. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised in about 120-150 words. Write a letter of application for the same.
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Required – English Teacher for Primary Classes Skills & Qualifications:
-
Graduate. Montessori trained.
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
-
Experience – 3-5 years.
-
Competency in computers.
-
Send your bio-data within 10 days to Mr. Shams. Principal. Roval Public International School.
OR
(b) ONLINE TEACHING
IMPACT
-
Social isolation
-
Loneliness
-
Obesity
-
Stress, anxiety
SOLUTIONS
-
Physical Activity
-
Family time
-
Constructive leisure time
-
Maintaining balance
The recent increase in online teaching is of great concern for both parents and teachers: A fine balance needs to be maintained between the two. Using the given cues and your own ideas. write a letter to the editor on this topic and give suggestions. You are Manju/Manav. Word limit 120-150 words.
6: Attempt any ONE from (a) and (b) given below:
(a) You are a Kanika / Kavish student reporter for Galaxy School. Your school celebrated Annual Sports Day recently. Write a report in about 120-150 words on it to be published in your school magazine. You may use the cues given below.
– Date – venue – time – Chief Guest – opening ceremony – sports events – prize distribution
OR
6. (b) “The return of the cheeths will help in the restoration of open forests and grassland ecosystems in India”. Write an article in 120-150 words expressing your views on how this will help conserve biodiversity. wildlife and soil conservation. You Bela/Bhanu. Use the following cues along with your own ideas to compose your article.
-
ecological balance of nature
-
helps keep the food chain in place
-
maintains ecological stability
-
diversity ensures healthier ecosystems
-
cultural significance
-
good for mental health
SECTION – C
Literature
7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any ONE:
(a) 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 and breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow are breathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways Made for our searching.
(i) Keats defines beauty as
(a) transient
(b) eternal
(c) illusionary
(d) short-lived
(ii) will keep a bower quiet for us means all of the following EXCEPT
(a) create a peaceful, shady place
(b) provide a shelter
(c) will decrease noise pollution
(d) nature’s canopy
(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below :
1. Beautiful things uplift the soul.
2. Beauty is everchanging.
(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.
(e) both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.
(d) both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.
(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are
(1) lack of noble nature
(2) old tunes
(3) dull days
(4) calm mind
(5) a flowery band
(6) strong relationships
Choose the most appropriate option:
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (1) and (3)
(c) (4) and (5)
(d) (3) and (6)
(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from used example :
flowery band: metaphor :: :alliteration
(vi) According to the poet ‘every morrow we are
OR
7. (b) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green, They do not fear the men beneath the tree:
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttered through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of the uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(i) Denizens of the world of green refer to
(a) huntsmen
(b) Aunt Jennifer
(c) uncle
(d) tigers
(ii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the second line of the extract.
(a) heart of stone
(b) trees sprouting
(c) silver spoon
(d) white murder
(iii) The men setting beneath the tree are________
(iv) What quality of uncle can be inferred through these lines?
(a) compassionate nature
(b) courageous
(c) confident
(d) dominating
(v) The tigers in the extract are symbolic of
(a) creativity and courage
(b) confidence and gentleness
(c) cruelty and fear
(d) aggression and starving
(vi) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across
(1) the screen
(2) the fields
(3) the embroidered tunic
(4) the cage
Which of the following is the most appropriate choice?
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) ( and (4)
(c) (1), (2), and (3)
(d) (1) and (3)
8. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any ONE:
(a) To make sure. I walked over to the newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers at his feet. It was The World and The World hasn’t been published for years. The lead story said something about President Cleveland. I’ve found that front page since, in the Public library files. and it was printed on June 11, 1894.
I turned toward the ticket windows knowing that here – on the third level at Grand Central – I could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the United States we wanted to go. In the year 1894. And I wanted two tickets to Galesburg. Illinois.
(i) The newspaper that covered the lead story about President Cleveland was
(a) The Pioneer
(b) The New York Times
(c) The World
(d) The Times
(ii)The narrator wanted to buy tickets to_________
(iii) Which of the following in the extract most nearly means the opposite of ‘stare’?
(a) glance
(b) Peek
(c) ignore
(d) Examine
(iv) Charley wanted two tickets because he wanted to go with
(a) Sam
(b) Cleveland
(c) Louisa
(d) the Psychiatrist
OR
8. (b) When I was studying in the third class. I hadn’t yet heard people speak openly of untouchability. But I had already seen, felt. experienced and been humiliated by what it is.
I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually, it would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along watching all the fun and games that were going on. all the entertaining novelties and oddities in the streets, the shops, and the bazaar.
(i) The narrator was humiliated because________
(ii) The narrator dawdled along as she
(a) enjoyed looking at the various sights
(b)was getting late for school
(c) she didn’t like going home
(d) she loved haggling and shopping
(iii) On the basis of the extract. choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below:
(I) The distance from school to home was very short.
(II) She was feeling upset and so dawdling her way home.
(a) (I) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot
(b) (II) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot
(c) Both (I) and (II) cannot be inferred from the extract
(d) Both (I) and (II) can be inferred from the extract
(iv) The word ‘novelties’ in the passage most nearly means
(a) colorful trinkets
(b) wooden toys
(c) unique and interesting items
(d) expensive souvenirs
9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any one.
(a) 1 sometimes find a rupee, even a ten rupee note”, Saheb says, his eyes lighting up when you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage. you don’t stop scrounging. for there is the hope of finding more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders, it is a means of survival.
One winter morning I see Saheb standing by the fenced gate of the neighborhood club. watching two young men dressed in white, playing tennis. “I like the game”. he hums, content to watch it standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no one is around” he admits. “The gatekeeper lets me use the swing.”
(i) Saheb found a rupee
(a) on the street
(b) in the garbage dump
(c) in Firozabad
(d) on the tennis court
(ii) Which emotion of Saheb is revealed in the phrase ‘his eyes lighting up’?
(a) anxiety
(b) envy
(c) happiness
(d) greed
(iii) For the elders’ garbage is ______ and for children it is ________.
(iv) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to I and II gave below:
I. Saheb watches the game from outside.
II. Saheb had lost the previous match.
(a) I is true but II is not
(b) II is true but I is not
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) Both I and II are untrue
(v) ‘Scrounging in the passage most nearly means.
(a) digging
(b) searching
(c) flinging
(d) burying
(vi) There is hope for finding more. Explain with reference to the above extract.
OR
9. (b) “Or an actress. Now there’s real money in that. Yes, and I could maybe have the boutique on the side. Actresses don’t work full-time, do they? Anyway, that or a fashion designer. You know -something a bit sophisticated”. And she turned in through the open street door leaving Jansie standing in the rain. “If I ever come into money I’II buy a boutique”. Huh, if you ever come into money … if you ever come into money you’ll buy us a blessed decent house to live in, thank you very much.” Sophie’s father was scooping shepherd’s pie into his mouth as hard as he could go, his plump face still grimy and sweat-marked from the day.
“She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she Dad? Said little Derek. hanging on the back of his father’s chair.
Their mother sighed.
(i) Sophie wants to become an actress to
(a) become famous
(b) to earn money
(c) to support her father
(d) to compete with Janste
(ii) Jansie wanted Sophie to spend her money on
(a) her marriage
(b) her career
(c) to open a boutique
(d) buying a house
(iii) Sophie is daydreaming about________
(iv) The phrase ‘money grows on trees’ indicates that Sophie______
(v) Sophie’s mother’s sigh is one of
(a) regret
(b) delight
(c) relief
(d) helplessness
(vi) From the extract Jansie comes across as a
(a) practical
(b) person.
(c) immature
(d) dominating
10. Answer any FIVE out of six questions given below in about 40-50 words :
(a) What does Gandhi refer to as a ‘conflict of duties’?
(b) What does the expression polished traffic refer to? What does it reveal about city people?
(c) Why did the iron master compare Edla to a person?
(d) What is the significance of the word but in but all I said was see you soon, Amma? (My Mother at Sixty-Six)
(e) What handicap did Doughlas suffer from? How did he overcome that?
(f) What according to Pablo Neruda in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the lesson that we should learn from mother earth?
11. Answer any TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each:
(a) What role does Sam’s letter play in the story?
(b) How did the ‘duraisani’ behave on receiving the gifts?
(c) How does Mr. Lamb try and convince Derry that there is no essential difference between them?
12. Answer any ONE in about 120-150 words:
(a) The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidence from the text.
OR
(b) A Roadside Stand is a social satire depicting the two contrasting worlds existing in society. Justify this statement with reference to the poem.
13. Answer any ONE in about 120-150 words:
(a) Mr. Lamb stands as a symbol of optimism and hope. Support your answer with examples from the text.
OR
(b) Dr. Sadao emerges as a savior of humanity. Substantiate your answer with evidence from the text.
