CBSE Question Paper 2013 class 12 English Core

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION – A
(READING)

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

1. Air pollution is an issue which concerns us all alike. One can willingly choose or reject a food, a drink or a life comfort, but unfortunately there is little choice for the air we breathe. All, what is there in the air is inhaled by one and all living in those surroundings.

2. Air pollutant is defined as a substance which is present while normally it is not there or present in an amount exceeding the normal concentrations. It could either be gaseous or a particulate matter. The important and harmful polluting gases are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxide of sulphur and nitrogen. The common particulate pollutants are the dusts of various inorganic or organic origins. Although we often talk of the outdoor air pollution caused by industrial and vehicular exhausts, the indoor pollution may prove to be as or a more important cause of health problems.

3. Recognition of air pollution is relatively recent. It is not uncommon to experience a feeling of ‘suffocation’ in a closed environment. It is often ascribed to the lack of oxygen. Fortunately, however, the composition of air ins remarkably constant all over the world. There is about 79 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen in the air – the other gases forming a very small fraction. It is true that carbon dioxide exhaled out of lunge may accumulate in a closed and over-crowded place. But such an increase is usually small and temporary unless the room is really air-tight. Exposure to poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide may occur in a closed room, heated by burning coal inside. This may also prove to be fatal.

4. What is more common in a poorly ventilated home is a vague constellation of symptoms described as the sick-building syndrome. It is characterized by a general feeling of malaise, head-ache, dizziness and irritation of mucous membranes. It may also be accompanied by nausea. itching, aches, pains and depression. sick building syndrome is getting commoner in big cities with the small houses, which are generally over-furnished. Some of the important pollutants whose indoor concentrations exceed those of the outdoors include gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxide of nitrogen and organic substances like spores, formaldehyde, hydrocarbon aerosols and allergens. The sources are attributed to a variety of construction materials, insulations, furnishings, adhesives, cosmetics house deists fungi and other indoor products.

5. By-products of fuel combustion are important in house with indoor kitchens. It is not only the burning of dried dung and fuel wood which is responsible, but also kerosene and liquid petroleum gas. Oxides of both nitrogen and sulphur are released from their combustion.

6. Smoking of tobacco in the closed environment is an important source of indoor pollution It may not be high quantitatively, but significantly hazardous for health. It is because of the fact that there are over 3000 chemical constituents in tobacco smoke, which have been identified. These are harmful for human health.

7. Micro-organisms and allergens are of special significance in the causation and spread of diseases. Most of the infective illnesses may involve more persons of a family living in common indoor environment. These include viral and bacterial diseases like tuberculosis.

8. Besides infection, allergic and hypersensitivity disorders are spreading fast. Although asthma is the most common form of respiratory allergic disorders, pneumonias are not uncommon, but more persistent and serious. These are attributed to exposures to allergens from various fungi, molds, hay and other organic materials. Indoor air ventilation systems, coolers, air-conditioners, dampness, decay, pet animals, production or handling of the causative items are responsible for these hypersensitivity – diseases.

9. Obviously, the spectrum of pollution is vary wide and our options are limited. Indoor pollution may be handled relatively easily by an individual. Moreover, the good work must start from one’s own house. (Extracted from The Tribune)

(a) i) What is an air pollution? (1)

ii) In what forms are the air pollutants present? (2)

iii) Why do we feel suffocated in a environment? (1)

iv) What is sick building syndrome? How is it increasing? (2)

v) How is indoor smoking very hazardous? (2)

vi) How can one overcome the danger of indoor air pollution? (2)

Ans. (a) (i) Air pollutant is any substance which is usually not found in air or which is present in an amount that exceeds its usual concentration in air.

(ii) Air pollutants can occur either as gases or as particulate matter. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen are some of the important gaseous air pollutants. Dusts of various organic and inorganic origins are the common particulate air pollutants.

(iii) We experience a feeling of suffocation in a closed environment because of a lack of oxygen.

(iv) Sick-building syndrome is the vague constellation of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and depression which one experiences when one lives in a poorly ventilated home. It is on the increase in big cities because of the growing number of small, over-furnished homes.

(v) Smoking indoors is significantly hazardous as tobacco smoke contains over 3000 chemicals that are harmful for human health.

(vi) The dangers of indoor air pollution can be overcome by ensuring that our homes are properly ventilated. We should also see to it that our homes are free from sources of indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke and dust.

(b) Find the words from the above passage which mean the same as the following: (3)

i) giddiness (para 4)

ii) constant (para 8)

iii) humidity (para 8)

Ans. (i) dizziness

(ii) persistent

(iii) dampness

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (8)

The term dietary fibers collectively to indigestible carbohydrates present in plant foods. The importance of these dietary fiber came into picture when it was observed that people having diet rich in these fibers, had low incidence of coronary heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, dental caries and gall stones.

The foodstuffs rich in these dietary fibers are cereal and grains, legumes, fruits with seeds, citrus, carrots, green leafy vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, pears etc.

The dietary fibers are not digested by the enzymes by the stomach and the small intestine whereas most of other carbohydrates like starch and sugar are digested and absorbed. The dietary fiber have the property of holding water and because of it, these get swollen and behave like a sponge as these pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The fiber add bulk to the and increase transit time in the gut. Some of these fibers may undergo fermentation in the colon.

In recent years, it has been considered essential to have some amount of fibers in the diet. Their beneficial effects lie in preventing coronary heart disease, and decreasing cholesterol level. The fiber like gums and pectin are reported to decrease post prandial (after meals) glucose level in blood. These types of dietary fibers are recommended for the management of certain types of diabetes. Recent studies have shown that the fenugreek (Methi) seeds, which contain 40 per cent gum, are effective in decreasing blood glucose and cholesterol levels as compared to other gum containing vegetables.

Some dietary fibers increase time and decrease the time of release of ingested food in colon. The having less fibers is associated with colon cancer and the dietary fibers may play a role in deceasing the risk of it. The dietary fiber may have some adverse effects on nutrition by binding some trace metals like calcium, magnesium. phosphorus, zinc and other and therefore preventing their proper absorption. The may pose a possibility of nutritional deficiency especially when diets contain marginal levels of mineral elements. This may become important constraints on increasing dietary fibers. It is suggested that an intake of 40 gram dietary fibers per day is desirable.

(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make note on it in points only using recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also suggest a suitable title. (5)

Ans. (a) Title: A Fibrous Diet, a Healthy Diet!

Notes:

1. Dietary fib. & its sources

1.1 Indigestible carbs in plant foods

1.2 Cereals, grains & legumes

1.3 Fruits with seeds: citrus fruits, apples, melons

1.4. Vegetables: green & leafy, carrots, cabbages

2. Mechanism of digestion

2.1 Undigested by enzymes of stomach & small intestine

2.2 Hold water ∴ swell up & behave like sponge on passing through gut

2.3 Add bulk to diet and ↑ transit time in gut

3. Imp. of fib.

3.1 No heart disease

3.2 ↓ cholesterol

3.3 ↓ blood glucose

3.4 Hold water ∴stools are soft, bulky & easily eliminated ∴no constipation

3.5 ↓ time of release of ingested food in colon ∴no colon cancer

3.6 ↓ desire to eat & low coefficient of digestibility ∴no obesity

(b) Write a summary of the above in about 80 words. (3)

Ans. Summary:

Dietary fibers are plant carbohydrates like cereals, fruits and vegetables. Fibers cannot be digested by our body. Fibers hold water. So, they swell up and behave like sponge in the gut. They increase dietary bulk and the transit time in the gut. Fibers prevent heart disease, high cholesterol and blood glucose levels, constipation, colon cancer and obesity. Fibers bind important metals and prevent their absorption by the body. Its over consumption increases chances of nutritional deficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to consume forty grams of fibers daily.

SECTION – B
(Advanced Writing Skills)

3. You are Smitha/Sunil, Secretary AVM housing Society. you are going to organize a blood donation camp. Write a notice in not more than 50 words, urging the members of your society to come in large number for this noble cause. Invent all the necessary details. (5)

OR

You are General Manager, Hotel Dosa, Gurgaon. You need a lady Front Office Assistant with sound knowledge of computers She must be a graduate and good in communication skills with pleasing manners. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in Gurgaon Times.

Ans. AVM Housing Society, Delhi

NOTICE

March 1, 2013

Rejuvenation Yoga Camp

All residents are hereby informed that a yoga camp is being organized from March 5, 2013 to April 5, 2013, between 6:00 am and 7:00 am, at the Central Park of the society. Residents from all age groups can participate in the camp. Please get yourselves registered by contacting the undersigned.

Smitha

Secretary, AVM Housing Society

OR

SITUATION VACANT

Hotel Dosa, Gurgaon requires a Lady Front Office Assistant. The applicant must be a graduate with good communication skills and a pleasing personality. Knowledge of computers is a must. Attractive salary with perks. Apply with complete bio data and a recent passport-sized photograph to the General Manager on any working day between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.

4. Your school, Sea View Public School, Kochi, organized a Blood-donation Camp on the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations. As Cultural Secretary of your school, write a report on the event in 100-125 words. (10)

OR

Traffic police has launched drive against pollution causing vehicles. This has led to traffic jams and crowds at important intersections. Write a report in 100-125 words to be published in ‘Chennai Times’. You are Prince/Priya, 12 M.G. Road, Adyar, Chennai.

Ans. Republic Day Celebrations cum Blood-Donation Camp

Kritika

Cultural Secretary

Sea View Public School, Kochi

January 28, 2012

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, the school organized a Blood Donation Camp on January 25, 2012. The N.S.S. wing of the school and the ‘Blood of India’ blood bank carried out the activities of the camp. The chief guest for this occasion was the noted cardiologist at Apollo Hospital, Mr. Kailash Bhatt. He inaugurated the event by donating blood. For a week before the camp, special efforts had been put in to create awareness about the same. This encouraged people to donate blood without apprehensions. Consequently, the number of blood donors surpassed the estimated number. The donors were given juice and fruits after the donation. Later, the chief guest presented the volunteers with certificates of appreciation. He congratulated everyone for organizing this noble event.

OR

Special Drive Against Pollution-Causing Vehicles

By Prince

12 M.G. Road, Adayar, Chennai

March 1, 2013

A mega two-day special drive was launched by the Chennai traffic police against pollution-causing vehicles on the roads of Chennai. The drive began on the 26th of last month and lasted till the month end. The purpose of the drive was to ensure pollution-free movement of vehicles. It was also meant to make the city pollution-free. Though the purpose of the drive was clearly for the benefit of the society, it caused a lot of inconvenience to the general public. People faced huge traffic jams and crowds at some key intersections. The traffic jams became unmanageable, especially during peak hours. Hopefully, the government will be a lot more careful and sensitive towards the general public while carrying out such an event next time.

5. You have noticed many stray animals on the road during the busy hours of the day. These animals cause traffic jams as well as accidents. You have already written to the concerned authorities but on action has been taken so far. Write a letter to the Editor, The Hindu, drawing attention of the Municipal Commissioner, Chennai. You are Shantha/Suresh, 12 M.G. Road, Chennai. (10)

OR

You are Nalini/Vishal, Hostel Warden, Zenith Public School, Kosikalan. Write a letter to the Sales Manager, Bharat Electronics and Domestic Appliances, New Delhi, placing an order for a few fans, microwave and geysers that you wish to purchase for the hostel. Also ask for the discount permissible on the purchase.

Ans. 12, M.G. Road, Chennai

15 January 2010

The Editor

The Hindu Lal Bagh, Chennai

Respected Sir,

Subject: Menace caused by stray animals

Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the Municipal Commissioner towards the problems created by stray animals across the city.

Animals such as cows, dogs and pigs can be found sitting or randomly moving on the roads, thereby causing problems to the swift movement of traffic. At times, they end up creating huge traffic jams. Apart from this, these animals urinate or relieve themselves on the roads. This adds to the already existing problem of cleanliness in the city. Also, most of them eat out of the municipal dustbins and, in the process, end up littering waste matter on the roads. A lot of people have also been attacked by these animals.

I believe these animals would do well if they were to be placed in animal care units. I have already written to the concerned authorities, but no action has been taken to improve the existing conditions. Therefore, I request them to take necessary actions before more harm is caused. Their efforts in this regard would be appreciated by everyone.

Yours truly,

Suresh

OR

The Hostel

Zenith Public School

Kosikalan

March 1, 2013

Sales Manager

Bharat Electronics and Domestic Appliances Ltd

New Delhi

Sir,

Subject: Bulk purchase of electronic and domestic appliances

We want to place a bulk order for the supply of fans, microwave ovens and geysers for our hostel at Kosikalan. It would be very kind of you if you could send your terms and conditions for the supply of the above-mentioned articles.

The particulars of the items and their numbers to be supplied are given below.

Kindly let us know the discount you offer on bulk purchases. We would also like to know the mode of payment. Kindly make sure that no item is defective or of substandard.

We would like to hear from you at the earliest.

Yours faithfully

Nalini

Hostel Warden

6. Your family has recently shifted from Kota in Rajasthan to Ernakulam in Kerala, where your house is situated in the midst of beautiful flowering plants and fruit-yielding trees. Every minute and every second, you are experiencing the joy of being in the lap of nature. Write an article in 150-200 words on the diversity of nature that you have experienced. you are Latha/Lalith of Class XII. (10)

OR

Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Poverty is the cause of all evils’, to be published in the Young Worlds of ‘The Hindu’, Chennai.

Ans. NATURE: A SOURCE OF JOY

By Lalith

Man, and nature are supposed to be in concord. India being a land of diverse geographical features gives its inhabitants a chance to experience nature at its best. Recently, I have received the pleasure of experiencing this diversity during my stay at Kota in Rajasthan and Kerala.

On one hand, there was the extreme climate in Kota with scanty rainfall and scarce flaura and fauna. The colorful attires and cheerful nature of the inhabitants compensate for the scarce plantations in the desert. On the other hand, Kerala is the land blessed with the beauty of greenery everywhere due to great amount of rainfall. The climate here is moderate. The rich variety of spices, articles and medicinal oils extracted from plants are a USP of the place. One is enchanted by the beauty of the place while walking through the shadows of the tall coconut plantations. Kerala is also a land of several architectural masterpieces, present here in the form of ancient temples.

The beauty of nature has not only rejuvenating for our senses but has also served as an inspiration for several poets and writers who have transpired it in their masterpieces.

OR

POVERTY IS THE CAUSE OF ALL EVILS

By ABC

Poverty is a condition wherein a person is bereft of even the basic necessities of life and finds it extremely difficult to sustain himself. Even after 65 years of independence, India has not been able to do away with the problem of poverty. A large portion of its population is still struggling for survival.

Unemployment and poverty are two mutually exclusive yet co-related factors that have had an adverse effect on India’s growth. Poverty leads to criminal activities such as robbery, theft, burglary, etc. It is responsible for malnutrition and also gives rise to the issue of over-population. The government has launched various poverty alleviation programmes, but most of these have miserably failed in achieving their objective because of official bottlenecks and misappropriation of funds. Nonetheless, the success of programmes, such as NREGA, gives some hope, if proper implementation is guaranteed.

It is essential for the government to adopt effective measures to curb this issue. It must be ensured that the problem is given priority in all five-year plans. Development should not be confined to a small section of society. It should percolate down to the lowest levels in order to realize the dream of a developed India that can boast of inclusive growth.

SECTION – C
(Textbooks)

7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (3)

Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ II count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.

i) What does the Earth teach us? (1)

ii) What does the poet mean to achieve by counting upto twelve? (1)

iii) What is the significance of ‘keeping quiet’? (1)

OR

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) What are we doing every day? (1)

ii) Which evil thing do we possess and suffer from? (1)

iii) What are the circumstance that contribute towards making humans unhappy and disillusioned with life? (1)

Ans. (i) The Earth teaches us that there can be life under apparent stillness.

(ii) By counting up to twelve, the poet means to achieve peace and tranquility through introspection and self-analysis.

(iii) ‘Keeping quiet’ signifies the importance of silence, self-examination and introspection.

OR

(i) Every day we are wreathing a flowery band that binds us to the earth with a beautiful connection.

(ii) The evil things that we possess and suffer from include despondency, depression, disappointments and despair.

(iii) Innumerable circumstances contribute towards making humans unhappy and disillusioned with life. These include lack of noble souls, and the unhealthy and dark ways that humans take up to acquire their goals.

8. Answer any three of the following in 30-40 words each: 2×3 = 6

(a) What has the poet’s mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

(b) What message does Stephen Spender convey through the poem: ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’?

(c) What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand?

(d) What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?

Ans. (a) The poet compares her mother with the ‘late winter’s moon’ to indicate her approaching death. Winter, being the last season of the year, is synonymous with lifelessness and dormancy. Besides, a winter’s moon is pale-white, resembling her mother who looks ’wan’ and ‘pale’.

(b) The poor farmers requested the passerby city dwellers to stop at their roadside stalls and buy something so that they too get a chance to earn their living, not just to make their ends meet but also to be able of afford some comfort in life.

(c) The poor farmers pleaded the passerby city dwellers to stop at their roadside stalls and buy something so that they too get a chance to earn their living and also to be able of afford some comfort in life.

(d) Even though death would not be able to free Aunt Jennifer from the shackles of her oppressive marriage, the tigers created by her will still prance with pride and fearlessness.

Last Year Question Paper Class 12 English Core 2013