Class 12 English, 2025 PAPER SOLUTION / SOLVED
/ QUESTION ANSWER , AHSEC / ASSEB , PREPARED BY PODMESWAR (SUPPORTING THROUGH https://gemini.google.com & www.chatgpt.com ) *PLEASE CHECK YOURSELVES FOR THE FINAL ANSWER
2025
ENGLISH
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 30
Time: Three hours
CODE: 35T ENGL
The figures in the
margin indicate full marks for the questions.
SECTION-A (READING
SKILL)- 10 MARKS, Q NO. 1
SECTION-B (ADVANCED
WRITING SKILLS) – 25 MARKS, Q. NO. 2, 3 &4
SECTION-C (GRAMMAR) –
20 MARKS, Q. NOS. 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
SECTION- D (TEXTBOOKS)
– 45 MARKS, Q. NOS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16
SECTION-A
(Reading Skill: 10
Marks)
1. Read the following passage
carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Questions:
1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for
25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his
glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an
immortal personality. He, along with his kingdom, became a synonym for valour,
sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before
Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of
their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the
kingdom, as augmented their
magnificence, despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command
and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when
the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high
in the sky, thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.
2. The
destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the
rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition
of the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right
from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact, only 60
years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of
fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations
before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new
stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his
reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was
inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence, even today. The
ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high-quality work of
art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a long-standing
tradition sustained by several generations.
3. The
life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the
long span of time; otherwise, such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields
would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art
and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack
of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience
of Mewar remains lovely, thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its
people.
4. One
may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces
of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which
are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar
was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed,
literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists
did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious
the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha which is the sample of our
great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti
Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was
which allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out
construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate
whether the Vijaya Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact
is that both the capitals are standing side by side and reveal the proximity
between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
5. The cycle of time does not remain the same.
Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme
of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of
Mewar the land of the brave started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his
acumen which was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for
some time.
Questions:
(a) Who is the
earliest king of Mewar mentioned in the passage? 1
Answer: The earliest king mentioned mentioned in
the passage is Bappa Rawal, who
established the kingdom’s glorious tradition approximately 1500 years before
the period discussed.
(Marked in bold in paragraph 2)
(b) What was
Rana Kumbha's contribution to the glory of Mewar? 2
Answer:
Rana Kumbha gave the kingdom a new stature through
military victories and extensive developmental work that contributed to the
glory of Mewar. Under his reign, literature and art progressed
extraordinarily. He was also a writer himself, creating an environment
conducive to high-quality artistic and literary works that are still revered
today.
(Marked in bold in paragraph 2)
(c) Describe
the life of the people of Mewar. 2
Answer:
The people of Mewar lived a peaceful and prosperous
life, which allowed them to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in art and
culture. They are described as having a cheerful, liberal, and loving nature,
maintaining a lovely ambience in the kingdom despite periods of aggression and
bloodshed.
(Marked in bold in paragraph 3)
(d) How did
the people of Mewar compensate for their lack of excellent physique? 2
Answer: The people of Mewar compensated for their
lack of an admirable physique through their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains
pleasant due to the cheerful and open-hearted as well as liberal nature of its
people.
(Marked in bold in paragraph 3)
(e) What does
the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify? 2
Answer: The presence of both towers, Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha, signifies the liberal nature of the administration,
which allowed different communities to contribute to the kingdom. Furthermore,
the fact that they stand side by side reveals the proximity and strong
relationship between the king and his subjects.
(Marked in bold in
paragraph 4)
(f) Find words
from the passage which mean the same as each of the following: ½ × 2 = 1
(i) Efficient and capable (para 2)
Answer: Competent
(Marked in bold in
paragraph 2)
(ii) Evidence (para 4)
Answer: Testimony
(Marked in bold in paragraph 4)
SECTION-B
(Advanced Writing
Skills: 25 Marks)
2. Design a poster in
not more than 50 words for your school library on the value of books and good
reading habits. You may use slogans. 5
Answer:
XYZ HS
SCHOOL LIBRARY
Books are our best friends!
Ø
Read daily to grow smarter, wiser, and more
creative.
Ø
Good reading habits build strong minds and
bright futures.
Open a book. Open your mind
UNLOCK THE WORLD: READ!
Ø Books are your quietest friends and wisest
counselors.
Ø Cultivate a habit that lasts a lifetime!
Ø Expand Your Horizons:
Travel the world from your seat.
Ø Boost Your Brain:
Improve focus and vocabulary.
Ø Find Your Escape:
Dive into endless adventures.
"Today a Reader, Tomorrow a
Leader."
v Visit us today and borrow your next big idea!
OR
Water supply will be
suspended for eight hours (10 am to 6 pm) on 5th April’ 25 for cleaning of the
water tank. Write a notice in about 50 words advising the residents to store
water for a day. You are Janak /Janaki, Secretary, Prasanti Housing Society. 5
Answer:
PRASANTI
HOUSING SOCIETY, GUWAHATI
NOTICE
DATE: March 31, 2025
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION
This is to inform residents that
water supply will be suspended for eight hours on 5th April 2025,
from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for the annual cleaning of the main water
tank.
Residents are advised to store
sufficient water in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Janak/Janaki
(Secretary, Prasanti Housing Society)
3. Keeping in view the frequent occurrence of
earthquakes, floods, and torrential rains in different parts of the country,
your school arranged a talk on disaster management. The speaker explained the
precautionary measures to be taken by the public and the government in case of
an emergency. As a student reporter, prepare a report on the talk in 100-125
words, to be published in your school magazine.
10
Answer:
REPORT:
TALK ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT
By: [Your Name], Student Reporter XYZ HS School
Guwahati, March 31, 2025: In response to the increasing frequency of natural
calamities like earthquakes, floods, and torrential rains across the country,
XYZ HS School organized an insightful talk on Disaster Management in the
school auditorium yesterday.
The guest speaker, an expert from
the National Disaster Management Authority, emphasized the importance of
preparedness over panic. He detailed essential precautionary measures
for the public, such as preparing emergency kits, identifying "drop,
cover, and hold" spots during earthquakes, and staying away from
high-power lines during floods.
The speaker also highlighted the government’s
role in implementing early warning systems and ensuring robust
infrastructure. The session concluded with a live demonstration of basic first-aid
and evacuation drills. The talk was highly educational, equipping students with
the knowledge to act responsibly and effectively during emergencies.
OR
A major bus mishap which left several people seriously
injured took place in Numaligarh. Luckily no life was lost. Collect the information
from the eyewitnesses and send a report in 100-125 words to 'The Sentinel'. 10
Answer:
MISHAP
AT NUMALIGARH: PASSENGERS INJURED IN BUS ACCIDENT
By: Staff Reporter, The Sentinel Numaligarh, March 31, 2025
A major bus mishap occurred early Sunday
morning (March 30, 2025) on National Highway 37 near Numaligarh, leaving
fifteen passengers seriously injured. The accident took place when a
Guwahati-bound private bus lost control while attempting to avoid a head-on
collision with a speeding truck.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported
that the bus skidded off the rain-slicked road and plunged into a roadside
ditch. "The bus was at a moderate speed, but the sudden turn made it
turtle," said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the crash. Local residents
acted heroically, rushing to the spot to extricate trapped passengers before
the police arrived.
Emergency services transported the
injured to the nearest civil hospital. While several individuals sustained
fractures and head injuries, medical authorities confirmed that, miraculously,
no lives were lost. The police have registered a case of reckless driving
against the truck driver, who fled the scene.
4. A newly established Museum of Indian
History and Culture in your city requires a general manager for the Museum.
Write an application, along with your detailed resume, to the Director in
response to the advertisement applying for the post. 10
Answer:
From the Examination Hall,
Your Name
[Your Address/Contact Details]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number]
March 31, 2025
To
The Director
Museum of Indian History and Culture
[City Name, Assam]
Subject: Application for the
position of General Manager
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally express my
enthusiastic interest in the General Manager position at the newly established
Museum of Indian History and Culture, as advertised recently. With a
deep-rooted passion for India’s diverse heritage and extensive experience in
cultural administration, I am eager to contribute to the foundational success
of this prestigious institution.
My background combines strategic
operations with a profound respect for archival integrity. I believe a museum
is not just a repository of artifacts, but a living narrative. My goal is to
streamline the museum's operations while enhancing the visitor experience
through modern technology and community engagement.
Thank you for your time and for
considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how
my leadership can help realize the museum's vision.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Your Name
RESUME
YOUR
NAME
General Manager | Cultural Heritage
Specialist
Objective
A visionary and detail-oriented
professional seeking to leverage 10+ years of experience in administrative
leadership and Museology to manage the operations, staff, and public relations
of the Museum of Indian History and Culture.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Planning:
Expert in museum roadmapping and financial budgeting.
- Curation Oversight:
Knowledgeable in preservation standards and exhibit design.
- Public Relations:
Skilled in community outreach, donor relations, and educational
programming.
- Team Leadership:
Experienced in managing multidisciplinary teams of historians,
conservators, and security personnel.
Professional
Experience
Assistant Manager | National
Heritage Centre
Jan 2020 – Present
- Coordinated large-scale exhibitions that increased
annual footfall by 25%.
- Managed a diverse team of 40+ staff members across
various departments.
- Spearheaded the "Digital History" initiative,
integrating AR/VR into permanent galleries.
Operations Coordinator | Regional
Cultural Archive
June 2015 – Dec 2019
- Supervised the daily administrative and logistical
functions of the facility.
- Negotiated vendor contracts, reducing operational costs
by 15% without compromising quality.
Education
|
Degree |
Institution |
Year |
|
Master of Arts in Museology |
University of Cultural Studies |
2015 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in History |
State University |
2013 |
|
PG Diploma in Heritage Mgmt |
National Institute of Arts |
2016 |
Technical
Skills & Certifications
- Certifications:
Advanced Certification in Archive Conservation & Preservation.
- Software:
Proficient in Museum Management Systems (MMS) and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Languages:
English (Fluent), Hindi (Native), [Local Language] (Fluent).
Personal
Details
- Date of Birth:
[Your Date of Birth]
- Nationality:
Indian
- References:
Available upon request.
OR
Write a letter to the Editor of 'The Assam
Tribune' highlighting the importance of proper garbage disposal with an aim to
create awareness among the city residents in your city. You are Kamal/Karabi.
10
Answer:
From the examination hall,
Karabi / Kamal [Your Address/Neighborhood], Guwahati, Assam
March 31, 2025
To
The Editor “The Assam Tribune”,
Tribune
Buildings, M.R.D. Road,
Chandmari, Guwahati-781003, Assam, India
Subject: Raising awareness for scientific garbage disposal in our city
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of the residents of our city to the growing crisis of improper garbage disposal and the urgent need for a more responsible approach toward waste management.
As our city expands, the sight of overflowing bins and litter scattered across arterial roads has become distressingly common. This is not merely an aesthetic issue; it is a major public health hazard. Indiscriminate dumping of plastic and non-biodegradable waste clogs our drainage systems—a primary cause of the artificial floods that plague our city every monsoon. Furthermore, rotting organic waste serves as a breeding ground for disease-carrying vectors, posing a risk to children and the elderly.
While the municipal authorities have a role to play, the
primary responsibility lies with us, the citizens. Awareness must begin at the
source. We must adopt the "Three Rs": Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. I suggest the following
steps for every household:
·
Source Segregation: Separate wet waste (organic) from
dry waste (plastic, paper, metal) at home.
·
Composting: Residents with garden space should attempt
to compost kitchen waste.
·
No Littering: Discourage the habit of throwing trash
out of car windows or on street corners.
The shift toward a "Zero Waste" lifestyle isn't just a trend; it is a necessity for our city's survival. I hope this letter serves as a wake-up call for my fellow residents to treat the city as their own home.
Yours sincerely,
Kamal/Karabi
SECTION-C
(Grammar: 20 Marks)
5. Change the form of
the narration of any two of the following sentences: 2×2=4
(a) He said to the
boys, "Let us start at once, otherwise we may miss the train".
Answer:
He suggested /
proposed to the boys that they should start at once, otherwise they might miss
the train.
(b) Bimal told Gopal
that he was the first boy in the class and he would remain so till he left the
school.
Answer:
Bimal said to Gopal,
"You are the first boy in the class and you will remain so till you leave
the school."
(c) Macbeth asked his
wife whether she heard a noise. She said to him, "Go back and wash your
hands".
Answer: Macbeth asked his wife if she had heard a
noise. She told him to go back and wash his hands.
6. Change the voice of
any three of the following sentences: 1×3=3
(a) Summon the fire brigade.
Answer: Let the fire brigade be summoned.
(OR)
You are ordered to summon the fire brigade.
(b) Sita
always plays the sitar.
Answer: The sitar is always played by Sita.
(c) He has
kept me waiting here.
Answer: I have been kept waiting here by him.
(d) The team
is developing the software.
Answer: The software is being developed by the team.
(e) The
house was blown down.
Answer:
(*Note: The original is in the
passive voice. To change it, we add a logical subject like "the wind"
or "the storm.")
(f) Why wasn't the matter
brought to my notice?
Answer: Why did nobody bring the matter to my notice?
(OR)
Why did you not bring the matter to my notice?
{Notes: The matter
wasn’t brought to my notice. (Assertive)
You/Nobody brought the matter to my notice. (Assertive + Positive + voice changed to active, without why)
You
did not /nobody bring
the matter to my notice. (Negative)
Why did you not/nobody
bring the matter to my notice? (Final) }
7. Rewrite any five
of the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets in their correct
forms: 1×5=5
(a) Most of the people in India……..(believe) in
God.
Answer: Most of the people in India believe in God.
(b) We two..................(be) friends for ages.
Answer: We two have been friends
for ages.
(c) When he started for office, it
still………(rain).
Answer: When he started for office, it was still raining.
(d) Hurry up, the taxi...............(wait).
Answer: Hurry up, the taxi is
waiting.
(e) If you………(request) him, he would have helped you.
Answer: If you had requested him,
he would have helped you.
(f) I wish I ……(can) help you.
Answer: I wish I could help you.
(g) The other day I …………..(meet) a magician in the bazaar.
Answer: The other day I met a magician in
the bazaar.
(h) Please ring me up as soon as he …………(come).
Answer: Please ring me up as soon as he comes.
8. Rewrite any four
of the following sentences filling in the blanks with appropriate prepositions: 1×4=4
(a) Your story is devoid………truth.
Answer: Your story is devoid of truth.
(b) Hydrogen combines……….oxygen to form water.
Answer: Hydrogen combines with
oxygen to form water.
(c) Prof. Singh delivered a lecture……....nuclear fusion.
Answer: Prof. Singh delivered a lecture on nuclear fusion.
(d) He has been ill……….. last three years.
Answer: He has been ill for the last three
years.
(e) Last night a thief broke ………….. my house.
Answer: Last night a thief broke into my house.
(f) The examination is ……………. hand.
Answer: The examination is at
hand.
(g) He is ……………. trial now.
Answer: He is on trial now.
(Quick Tips for these
Prepositions:
·
Devoid
of: This is a fixed
phrase meaning "completely lacking."
·
Broke
into: This is a phrasal
verb used for entering a building by force.
·
At
hand: This idiom means
something is happening very soon. )
9. Rewrite any four of
the following sentences as directed: 1×4=4
(a) Can anyone take failure with an easy mind?
(Make it an assertive sentence)
Answer: Nobody can take
failure with an easy mind.
OR: No one can take failure with an easy mind.
(b) You may go anywhere. (Make it a complex
sentence)
Answer: You may go
wherever you like.
(c) You
can be allowed here only if you are a student. (Make it a simple sentence)
Answer: Only a student can be allowed here.
(OR)
Only students are allowed here.
(d) Platinum is more valuable than gold. (Use
the positive degree)
Answer: Gold is not so valuable as platinum.
(e) Everybody loves flowers. (Make it
interrogative)
Answer: Who does not love flowers?
(f) It is a matter of joy that we won the
Champions Trophy. (Make it an exclamatory sentence)
Answer: How joyful it is
that we won the Champions Trophy!
(OR)
Hurrah! We won the Champions Trophy.
(OR)
What a joy it is that we won the Champions Trophy!
(g) I offended him by doing this. (Make it a
compound sentence)
Answer: I did this and so I offended him.
(h) We often go out for dinner on weekends………………..
(Add a question tag)
Answer: We often go out for dinner on weekends, don't we?
SECTION-D
(Textbooks: 45 Marks)
10. Read one of
the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:
(A)
"............. but after the airport's
security check,
standing a few yards away,
I looked again at her,
wan, pale
as a late winter's
moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my
childhood's fear,
but all I said was,
see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile
and smile and smile.............."
(a) What did the poet
do after the security check? 1
(b) Why did the poet
compare her mother's face to a late winter's moon? 2
(c) What is her
childhood's fear? 1
Answer:
Question (a): What did the poet do after the security
check?
Answer: After the security check, the poet stood a
few yards away and looked at her mother’s face again to observe her appearance.
Question (b): Why did the poet compare her mother's face to
a late winter's moon?
Answer: The poet compares her mother’s face to a late
winter’s moon because, in the late winter, the moon loses its brightness and
strength due to the mist and fog. Similarly, her mother has lost her youthful
glow and vitality, looking "wan" and "pale" due to her old
age.
Question (c): What is her childhood's fear?
Answer: Her childhood’s fear is the painful
realization of her mother’s aging and the ultimate fear of losing her or being
separated from her forever by death.
OR
(B) "For once on
the face of the Earth
let's not speak in any
language,
let's stop for one
second,
and not move our arms
so much."
(a) Name the poet. 1
(b) "Let's not
speak in any language", says the poet. Why? 2
(c) What do you
understand by face of the Earth? 1
Answer:
(The poem: "Keeping Quiet")
Question (a): Name the poet.
Answer: The poet is Pablo Neruda.
Question (b): "Let's not speak in any language",
says the poet. Why?
Answer: The poet suggests this because different
languages often create barriers and misunderstandings between people of
different cultures and nations. By staying silent, humanity can experience a
moment of universal togetherness and peace, moving beyond the divisions created
by speech.
Question (c): What do you understand by "face of the
Earth"?
Answer: The "face of the Earth" refers to
the various geographic surfaces and countries across the entire world,
representing the global stage where all humans exist together.
11. Answer any
three of the following questions in 30-40 words: 2×3=6
(i) Why are the Young
Trees described as 'sprinting'?
(ii) What alternatives
does the poet suggest instead of indulging in wars in the poem 'Keeping Quieť?
(iii) What image does
the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth ?
(iv) Why is 'grandeur'
associated with the 'mighty dead'?
(v) How did the
travellers on the highways react to the roadside stand?
(vi) What does the
expression 'polished traffic' refer to? What does it reveal about city people?
Answer:
Question (i): Why are the Young
Trees described as 'sprinting'?
Answer: In "My Mother at Sixty-Six," the
trees are described as 'sprinting' because they appear to be racing past the
moving car. This image provides a sharp contrast to the poet's aging, frail
mother; the "sprinting" trees represent youth, energy, and the
fast-paced passage of time.
Question (ii): What
alternatives does the poet suggest instead of indulging in wars in the poem
'Keeping Quiet'?
Answer: Instead of "green wars" or "wars with
gas," or a "victory with no survivors", Pablo Neruda suggests /
proposes that people should stop their destructive activities, put on clean
clothes, and walk with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing but
appreciating mutual silence.
Question (iii): What image does
the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Answer: In the poem "A Thing of Beauty" by John Keats, the poet uses the image of a "bower quiet for us" to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. He portrays the earth’s beauty as a peaceful, sheltering place, filled with nature's treasures that provide joy, comfort, and serenity. Additionally, Keats refers to the "sun" and "moon" as well as the "flowers" and "trees" that contribute to the earth’s beauty, creating a rich and vibrant image of nature's bounty. This imagery emphasizes how beauty from the natural world is both restorative and eternal.
Question (iv): Why is
'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead'?
Answer: The 'mighty dead' are those ancestors and
heroes who performed great, noble deeds during their lives. Their 'grandeur'
lies in the inspiring stories and legacies they left behind, which continue to
provide beauty and motivation to the living.
Question (v): How did the
travellers on the highways react to the roadside stand?
Answer: Most travelers ignored the stand entirely.
Those who did stop were usually irritated that the "artless paint" of
the stand had spoiled the mountain landscape, or they stopped only to ask for
directions or to inquire about a gallon of gas.
Question (vi): What does the
expression 'polished traffic' refer to? What does it reveal about city people?
Answer: 'Polished traffic' refers to the sleek, shiny
cars driven by the wealthy city folk. It reveals that city people are
sophisticated but self-centered and indifferent; they are so focused on their
own destinations and status that they overlook the poverty of the rural people.
12. Answer any five
of the following questions: 1×5=5
(a) What makes the
city of Firozabad famous?
(b) What did Hauser
bring?
(c) Who were ready to
follow Gandhi into jail?
(d) What was Mukesh's
dream?
(e) What are mahseers?
(f) What was the name
of Geoff's younger brother?
(g) What's the meaning
of the word 'gawky'?
(a)Introvert
(b) Ugly
(c) Trustworthy
(h) At what time of the
year was the North Bank ‘delightful’?
(i) For last two
years, where did all bad news come from?
Answers:
Question (a): What makes the
city of Firozabad famous?
Answer: Firozabad is famous for its glass-blowing
industry, specifically for being the hub of India’s bangle-making industry
where generations of families have worked around furnaces.
Question (b): What did Hauser
bring?
Answer: In "The Last Lesson," old Hauser
brought an old primer (a basic reading book), which he held on his knees
with his great spectacles lying across the pages.
Question (c): Who were ready to
follow Gandhi into jail?
Answer: The lawyers (including Rajendra Prasad
and others) were ready to follow Gandhi into jail after they realized that if a
stranger was willing to go to prison for the peasants, they, as residents,
could not desert them.
Question (d): What was Mukesh's
dream?
Answer: Mukesh’s dream was to become a motor
mechanic. Unlike his family, he wanted to break away from the traditional
lineage of bangle-making and learn to drive a car.
Question (e): What are mahseers?
Answer: Mahseers are large, freshwater carp (family Cyprinidae) or fish known as the "king of rivers" in Asia. They are often characterized by their golden-bronze scales.
Question (f): What was the name
of Geoff's younger brother?
Answer: The name of Geoff's younger brother was Derek.
Question (g): What's the meaning of the word 'gawky'?
(a)Introvert
(b) Ugly
(c) Trustworthy
Answer: (b) Ugly
(‘‘gawky’’,
meaning awkward, ungainly.)
Question (h): At what time of
the year was the North Bank ‘delightful’?
Answer: According to the text "Memories of a Chota Sahib",
during the cold weather the North Bank was delightful.
Question (i): For last two
years, where did all bad news come from?
Answer: For the last two years, all the bad news—such
as lost battles, the draft, and the orders of the commanding officer—had come
from the bulletin-board at the town hall.
13. Answer any five in
30-40 words: 2×5=10
(a) Franz thinks,
"Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" What could
this mean?
(b) Give a description
of Bunglow at Gauhati where John Rowntree stayed.
(c) Why did Gandhiji
feel that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless?
(d) How did Rajkumar
Shukla establish that he was resolute?
(e) Why did Jansie
discourage Sophie from having dreams?
(f) 'Garbage to them
is gold'. How do ragpickers of Seemapuri survive?
(g) Describe the irony
in Saheb's name.
(h) Why was Sophie
jealous of Geoff's silence?
Answer:
Question (a): Franz thinks,
"Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?" What could
this mean?
Answer: This remark highlights the absurdity of the
Prussian order. It suggests that while humans can be forced to change their
language through political power, one’s natural identity and mother tongue are
as innate and uncontrollable as the cooing of pigeons.
Question (b): Give a
description of the Bungalow at Gauhati where John Rowntree stayed.
Answer: The bungalow was situated on the banks of the
Brahmaputra. It was a spacious, high-ceilinged building with a large veranda,
offering a beautiful view of the river and the peacock-inhabited hills of the
North Bank.
Question (c): Why did Gandhiji
feel that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless?
Answer: Gandhi realized that the peasants were so
crushed and fear-stricken that law courts could not provide real relief. He
felt that the true solution was to free them from fear rather than engage in
lengthy legal battles.
Question (d): How did Rajkumar
Shukla establish that he was resolute?
Answer: Shukla accompanied Gandhi everywhere for
weeks—from Lucknow to Cawnpore and finally to Calcutta. He refused to leave
Gandhi’s side until a date was fixed for his visit to Champaran, proving his
unwavering determination.
Question (e): Why did Jansie
discourage Sophie from having dreams?
Answer: Jansie was a realist who knew their social
and financial limitations. She understood they were earmarked for the biscuit
factory and wanted Sophie to stay grounded to avoid the inevitable heartbreak
of unachievable fantasies.
Question (f): 'Garbage to them
is gold'. How do ragpickers of Seemapuri survive?
Answer: For the ragpickers, garbage is their only
source of livelihood. They search through it for items to sell or the
occasional coin. It provides them with "daily bread" and a roof over
their heads, making it as precious as gold.
Question (g): Describe the
irony in Saheb's name.
Answer: Saheb’s full name is 'Saheb-e-Alam', meaning
'Lord of the Universe'. The irony lies in the fact that while his name suggests
immense wealth and power, he is a barefoot, impoverished ragpicker living in
extreme poverty.
Question (h): Why was Sophie
jealous of Geoff's silence?
Answer: Sophie believed that when Geoff was silent,
he was traveling to "vast worlds" and exotic places she had never
seen. She wished to be part of those secret thoughts and felt excluded from his
private mental life.
14. Answer any one
of the following questions in 80-100 words: 1×5=5
(a) Give a character sketch
of M. Hamel.
(b) Describe the
author's experiences of the floods on the North Bank of the Brahmaputra during
the monsoon.
(c) Give an account of
Gandhiji's efforts to secure justice for the poor indigo sharecroppers of Champaran?
Answer:
(a) Character Sketch of
M. Hamel:
M. Hamel is depicted
as a dedicated and disciplined teacher who served his school in Alsace for
forty years. Initially portrayed as "terrible" with his iron ruler,
his character undergoes a transformation when the order to teach only German
arrives. He reveals a deeply patriotic side, calling French the most beautiful
and logical language in the world.
He blames himself and
parents for neglecting studies, showing his honesty. In his final lesson, he is
overcome with emotion, showing his profound love for his motherland and his
dignity as a teacher.
(b) Author's Experiences of Floods on the North Bank:
In "Memories of a Chota Sahib," John
Rowntree describes the North Bank of the Brahmaputra as a place of extreme
conditions. During the monsoon, the region became a vast expanse of water due
to heavy rainfall and the overflowing river.
The author recalls the immense difficulty of
traveling, often having to cross flooded areas where the roads were completely
submerged. He mentions the "mar" (a ferry made of two boats with a
plank) used to transport vehicles. The floods made life unpredictable, turning
the "delightful" winter landscape into a challenging watery
wilderness.
(c) Gandhiji’s Efforts to Secure Justice in Champaran:
Gandhiji’s fight for
the sharecroppers was a blend of legal persistence and social reform. He first
gathered evidence by interviewing thousands of peasants to understand the
illegal extortion by British landlords. Despite being ordered to leave, he
stayed and faced court, gaining the support of prominent lawyers.
He eventually
negotiated a 25% refund for the farmers, which broke the prestige of the
British planters. Beyond the legal victory, he also worked to improve the
health, hygiene, and education of the Champaran villages, proving that his
politics were tied to the daily problems of the poor.
15. Answer any one
of the following questions in 125-150 words: 1×7=7
(a) Why did Dr. Sadao Hoki go to America? Narrate his experiences there.
(b) Describe how Mr.
Lamb and Derry's conversation bring about a change in Derry's views towards
life.
(c) What is Kati
Bihu's significance? How is Kati Bihu celebrated in Assam?
Answer:
(a) Dr. Sadao Hoki’s Trip to America and His Experiences:
Dr. Sadao Hoki went to
America at the age of twenty-two because his father was deeply invested in his
education and future. His father’s primary goal was to see Sadao become a
highly skilled doctor and scientist. Consequently, Sadao spent eight years in
America studying surgery and medicine.
His experience there
was a mixture of professional success and personal struggle. He faced
prejudice, as he found it difficult to find a place to live because he was
Japanese. He remembered his American professor and his wife as kind but
"voluble" people who tried to be helpful, though their rooms were
small and the food was poor. Despite the underlying racism he felt, it was in
America—at Professor Harley’s house—that he met Hana. He waited to fall in love
with her until he was sure she was "pure" Japanese, eventually
returning to Japan to marry her with his father's blessing.
(b) Change in Derry’s Views through Mr. Lamb:
Derry, a young boy
with a burnt face, lived a life of isolation, bitterness, and self-pity. He
believed people were either afraid of him or pitied him. However, his
conversation with Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, acts as a turning
point. Mr. Lamb teaches Derry the philosophy of "looking" and
"listening" rather than hiding. He explains that "everything is
the same, but everything is different," using the example of
"weeds" and "flowers" to show that all living things have
inherent beauty.
Mr. Lamb encourages
Derry to stop focusing on what he has lost (his face) and instead focus on what
he still has—two arms, two legs, eyes, ears, and a brain. He tells Derry that
he could be better than everyone else if he chose to. This positive
reinforcement and Mr. Lamb’s refusal to be intimidated by Derry’s appearance
help Derry shed his shell of hatred. By the end, Derry realizes that the world
is worth engaging with, marking a shift from deep pessimism to newfound hope.
(c) Significance and Celebration of Kati Bihu in Assam:
Kati Bihu, also known
as Kongali Bihu, holds a unique place among the three Bihus of Assam.
Unlike the joyous celebrations of Rongali or Bhogali Bihu, Kati Bihu is a more
somber and reflective festival. Its significance lies in its timing; it is
celebrated in mid-October (the month of Kati) when the granaries are usually
empty and the paddy is still in the growing stage. It is a time of prayer for a
good harvest and protection of the crops.
The celebration is
marked by simplicity. The most important ritual is the lighting of the ‘Saki’ (earthen lamps). In the evening,
people light a lamp in front of the ‘Tulsi’ (Holy Basil) plant in their
courtyards, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Farmers also
light "Akash Banti" (sky lamps) on bamboo poles in the lush green
paddy fields. It is a festival of hope, where the people of Assam pray for a
future of plenty.
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