CBSE Question Paper 2011 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: 12

1. For many years now the Governments have been promising the eradication of child labour in hazardous industries in India. But the truth is that despite all the rhetoric no Government so far has succeeded in eradicating this evil, nor has any been able to ensure compulsory primary education for every Indian child. Between 60 and 100 million children are still at work instead of going to school, and around 10 million are working in hazardous industries. India has the biggest child population of 380 million in the world; plus, the largest number of children who are forced to earn a living.

2. We have many laws that ban child labour in hazardous industries. According to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, the employment of children below the age of 14 in hazardous occupations has been strictly banned. But each state has different rules regarding the minimum age of employment. This makes implementation of these laws difficult.

3. Also, there is no ban on child labour in non-hazardous occupations. The act applies to the organised or factory sector and not the unorganized or informal sector where most children find employment as cleaners, servants, porters, waiters among other forms of unskilled work. Thus, child labour continues because the implementation of the existing laws is lax.

4. There are industries, which have a special demand for child labour because of their nimble fingers, high level of concentration and capacity to work hard at abysmally low wages. The carpet industry in U.P. and Kashmir employs children to make hand-knotted carpets. There are 80,000 child workers in Jammu & Kashmir alone. In Kashmir because of the political unrest, children are forced to work while many schools are shut. Industries like gem cutting and polishing pottery and glass want to remain competitive by employing children.

5. The truth is that it is poverty which is pushing children into the brutish labour market. We have 260 million people below the poverty line in India, a large number of them are women. Poor and especially woman-headed families, have no option but to push their little ones in this hard life in hostile conditions, with no human or labour rights.

6. There is a lobby which argues that there is nothing wrong with children working as long as the environment for work is conducive to learning new skills but studies have shown that the children are made to do boring, repetitive and tedious jobs and are not taught new skills as they grow older. In these hell-holes like the sweet shops of the old, there is no hope.

7. Children working in hazardous industries are prone to debilitating diseases which can cripple them for life. By sitting in cramped, damp and unhygienic spaces, their limbs become deformed for life. Inside matchstick, fireworks and glass industries they are victims of bronchial diseases and T.B. Their mental and physical development is permanently impaired by long hours of work. Once trapped, they can’t get out of this vicious circle of poverty. They remain uneducated and powerless. Finally, in later years, they too are compelled to send their own children to work. Child labour perpetuates its own nightmare.

8. If at all the Government was serious about granting children their rights, an intensive effort ought to have been made to implement the Supreme Court’s Directive of 1997 which laid down punitive action against employers of child labour. Only compulsory primary education can eliminate child labour.

9. Surely, if 380 million children are given a better life and elementary education, India’s human capital would be greatly enhanced. But that needs, as former President Abdul Kalam says, “a Second Vision”.

(a) (i) On which two counts has the Government not succeeded so far in respect of children? (2)

(ii) What makes the implementation of child labour law difficult? (2)

(iii) Why do the industries prefer child labour? (2)

(iv) What are the adverse effects of hazardous industries on children? Give any two. (2)

(v) What does the Supreme Court’s Directive of 1997 provide? (1)

(b) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following: 1 x 3 = 3

(i) risky/dangerous (para 1)

(ii) very unfriendly (para 5)

(iii) intended as punishment (para 3)

Ans. (i) – eradication of child labour in hazardous industries

– ensuring compulsory primary education

(ii) – each state has different rules regarding the minimum age of employment

– no ban on child labour in non-hazardous occupations

– the act applies only to organised or factory sector and not the unorganised sector

– implementation of existing laws is lax (any two)

(iii) – because of nimble fingers of children

– high level of concentration

– capacity to work hard

– low wages (any two)

(iv) – prone to debilitating diseases which can cripple them for life

– limbs become deformed because of working in cramped, damp and unhygienic spaces

– victims of bronchial diseases and TB

– mental and physical development is permanently impaired

– remain uneducated and powerless

– no escape from the vicious circle (any two)

(v) – punitive action against employers of child labour

(b) (i) hazardous

(ii) hostile/ brutish

(iii) (due to printing error credit of 1 mark to be given to all the students, whether they have attempted it or not)

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

There is nothing more frustrating than when you sit down at your table to study with the sincerest of intentions and instead of being able to finish the task at hand, you find your thoughts wandering. However, there are certain techniques that you can use to enhance your concentration. “Your concentration level depends on a number of factors,” says Samuel Ghosh, a social counsellor. “In order to develop your concentration span, it is necessary to examine various facets of your physical and internal environment,” she adds.

To begin with one should attempt to create the physical environment that is conducive to focused thought. Whether it is the radio, TV or your noisy neighbours, identify the factors that make it difficult for you to focus. For instance, if you live in a very noisy neighbourhood, you could try to plan your study hours in a nearby library.

She disagrees with the notion that people can concentrate or study in an environment with distractions like a loud television, blaring music etc. “If you are distracted when you are attempting to focus, your attention and retention powers do not work at optimum levels,” cautions Ghosh. “Not more than two of your senses should be activated at the same time,” she adds. What that means is that music that sets your feet tapping is not the ideal accompaniment to your books.

Also, do not place your study table or desk in front of a window. “While there is no cure for a mind that wants to wander, one should try and provide as little stimulus as possible. Looking out of a window when you are trying to concentrate will invariably send your mind on a tangent,” says Ghosh.

The second important thing, she says, is to establish goals for oneself instead of setting a general target and then trying to accomplish what you can in a haphazard fashioh. It is very important to decide what you have to finish in a given span of time. The human mind recognizes fixed goals and targets and appreciates schedules more than random thoughts. Once your thoughts and goals are in line, a focused system will follow.

She recommends that you divide your schedule into study and recreation hours. When you study, choose a mix of subjects that you enjoy and dislike and save the former for the last so that you have something to look forward to. For instance, if you enjoy verbal skill tests more than mathematical problems, then finish Maths first. Not only will you find yourself working harder, you will have a sense of achievement when you wind up.

Try not to sit for more than 40 minutes at a stretch. Take a very short break to make a cup of tea or listen to a song and sit down again. Under no circumstances, should one sit for more than one and a half hours. Short breaks build your concentration and refresh your mind. However, be careful not to overdo the relaxation. It may have undesired effects.

More than anything else, do not get disheartened. Concentration is merely a matter of disciplining the mind. It comes with practice and patience and does not take very long to become a habit for life.

(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it in points only, using abbreviations wherever necessary. Supply a suitable title. (5)

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

Ans. (a) NOTE MAKING

Distribution of Marks

Abbreviations / Symbols (with /without key) – any four

Title

Content (minimum 3 headings and sub-headings, with proper indentation and notes)

Suggested Notes

Title: Concentration / Techniques to Enhance Concentration / Developing Concentration / Improving Concentration / any other suitable title

1. Hurdles / Barriers to Conc.

1.1 wandering thoughts

1.2 radio, TV

1.3 noisy environment

1.4 distracting env.

2. Technique of Enhancement

2.1 examine environmental facets – phy. & internal

2.2 identify distracting factors

2.3 activate one sense at a time

2.4 study table / desk away from window

3. Managing Conc.

3.1 establish specific goals rather than gen. targets

3.2 setting of thoughts & goals in line

3.3 time management

4. Recommendations

4.1 establish goals & schedules

4.2 plan study & recreate ‘n’ 1 hrs.

4.3 make conc. a habit for life

5. Ultimate Help / Aid

5.1 don’t get disheartened

5.2 discipline the mind

5.3 practise & develop patience

(b) Summary

The summary should include all the important points given in the notes.

Content

Expression

SECTION – B
(Advanced Writing Skills)

3. You are Srinivas/Srinidhi of D.P. Public School, Nagpur. As Student Editor of your school magazine, draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board inviting articles/sketches from students of all classes. (5)

OR

You want to rent out your newly constructed flat in the heart of the city. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in ‘The Deccan Herald’, Bangalore under classified columns. Give all the necessary details. You are Mohan/ Mahima of Jayanagar, Bangalore.

Ans. NOTICE

Format

The format should include NOTICE / TITLE, DATE, and WRITER’S NAME WITH DESIGNATION. The candidate should not be penalized if he has used capital letters for writing a notice within or without a box.

Content

Expression

Suggested value points

(SCHOOL MAGAZINE)

– what (inviting articles / sketches / compositions from students)

– why (for publication in school magazine)

– how (neatly and legibly written)

– last date for submission

– to be given to whom/ contact person

– any other relevant details

OR

ADVERTISEMENT

Content

Expression

Suggested value points

(TO LET / ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE)

– type of accommodation

– location

– facilities

– expected rent

– contact

– any other relevant details

(due credit should be given for economy of words used)

4. You are Cultural Secretary of PND Xavier School, Jamshedpur. Your school organised, a debate on the topic, ‘The impact of reality shows on the younger generation’. Write a report in 100-125 words to be published in ‘The Times of India’, Jamshedpur. (10)

OR

A major bus mishap which left several people seriously injured took place at Nicholas Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai. Luckily no life was lost. Collect the information from the eyewitnesses and send a report in 100-125 words to ‘The Nungambakkam Times’. You are Vinod/Vinodhini, a reporter.

Ans. REPORT WRITING

Format

1. title, reporter’s name

2. place, date – (optional)

Content

Expression

grammatical accuracy, appropriate words, and spelling

coherence and relevance of ideas and style

Suggested value points:

(THE IMPACT OF REALITY SHOWS/ any other suitable heading)

– what – debate on the impact of reality shows on the younger generation

– when – date and time

– where – venue

– participation level

– panel of judges

– students’ response

– result / prizes

– any other relevant details

OR

Suggested value points

(BUS MISHAP)

– what – a bus mishap resulting in serious injuries to passengers

– when (day, date, time)

– where (Nicholas Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai)

– how the accident took place

– injuries suffered

– account of eyewitnesses

– action taken by authorities

– any other relevant details

5. Write a letter to the Dean, D.P.I. School of Management, Mumbai, requesting him to apprise you of the details such as eligibility criteria, fees, hostel facility, prospects of placement etc. for admission to P.G. Diploma in HRM. You are Ram/Romola of 21 Civil Lines, Bareilly. (10)

OR

Write a letter to the Editor, ‘Deccan Times’, Bangalore about the inadequate parking facilities in the Commercial Street, M.G. Road, which is causing a lot of inconvenience to the people. Offer your suggestions. You are Anoop/Ritu, 24 Hennus Road, Bangalore.

Ans. LETTER WRITING

Format

1. sender’s address, 2. date, 3. receiver’s address, 4. subject/heading, 5. salutation, 6. complimentary close.

Content

Expression

grammatical accuracy, appropriate words, and spelling

coherence and relevance of ideas and style

(PG DIPLOMA IN HRM)

Suggested Value Points

– purpose (details for admission)

– eligibility criteria

– fees

– hostel facility

– prospects of placement

– scholarships available (if any)

– request for prospectus

– any other relevant details

OR

(INADEQUATE PARKING FACILITIES)

Suggested Value Points

– introducing the problem (inadequate parking facilities)

– inconvenience caused (traffic congestion, accidents, etc.)

– suggestions for improvement

– any other relevant details

6. Increase in the number of vehicles causes pollution and traffic jams. Write an article in 150-200 words for ‘The New Indian Express’, Delhi, highlighting the urgent need to solve these man-made problems, giving suitable suggestions. You are Madhav / Madhuri. (10)

OR

In almost all big cities in the country, there is a mushroom growth of slums where people are living in inhuman conditions. Write an article in 150-200 words about this problem suggesting steps to deal with it. You are Komal /Kartik.

Ans. ARTICLE WRITING

Format: (Title and writer’s name)

Content

Expression

grammatical accuracy, appropriate words, and spelling

coherence and relevance of ideas and style

Suggested Value Points

(POLLUTION AND TRAFFIC JAMS / any other suitable title)

Problems caused by pollution and traffic jams

– health problems

– harm to the environment

– wastage of time, fuel, man hours etc.

Suggestions for improvement (urgent need to solve problems)

– decongesting marketplaces

– compulsory pollution checks

– regulating traffic

– penalty for non-observance of rules

– improving public transport system

– any other relevant details

OR

Suggested Value Points

(MUSHROOM GROWTH OF SLUMS/ any other suitable title)

the problem (mushroom growth of slums)

– crowding of cities

– inhuman conditions (temporary hutment, problems of water, electricity, toilets, roads, schools, clinics etc.)

– burden on city’s infrastructure, facilities, and conveniences

– eyesore / filth / garbage / unhygienic conditions

– under-employment and unemployment

– increase in crime rate

– any other related problem

suggestions to deal with the problems

– discouraging migration from rural areas

– decongesting cities

– equitable development of rural and urban areas

– creating better job opportunities in rural areas / better educational and medical facilities

– any other relevant details

SECTION – C
(Text Books)

7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 4 marks

………. but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, ….

(a) Which thought did the poet put away? (1)

(b) What do the sprinting trees signify? (1)

(c) What are ‘the merry children spilling out of their homes’, symbolic of? (2)

OR

Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example,
With ships and sun and love tempting them to steal –
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes
From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.

(a) Why is Shakespeare described as wicked? (2)

(b) Explain: ‘from fog to endless night’. (1)

(c) What does the reference to ‘slag heap’ mean? (1)

Ans. (a) – painful thought of mother’s aging and declining health/ losing her mother / being separated from her mother / she might not see her mother after returning/thought that mother was getting old / nearing her end

(b) – the trees appear to be racing past as the car moves towards the airport/energy/youth/activity and enthusiasm/passage of time / old mother contrasted with young trees

(c) – energy, playfulness/ symbolic of happiness / stark contrast to old, dozing mother / sad thoughts of the poet contrasted with merry children (any two)

OR

(a) – no correlation between Shakespeare’s works and the life of the slum children

– classic literature of Shakespeare beyond the understanding of slum children

– beautiful world depicted by Shakespeare is denied to the slum children (any two)

(b) – miserable, bleak, cheerless and hopeless life of the slum children / gloomy future

(c) – miserable condition of the slum children / unhygienic conditions / extreme poverty / waste / rejected / neglected / considered useless

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

(a) Do you think the poet, Pablo Neruda advocates total inactivity and death? Why / Why not?

(b) Why and how is grandeur associated with the mighty dead? (A Thing of Beauty)

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

(d) How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the Tigers’ attitude?

Ans. (a) – No, not doing anything, not speaking in any tongue would give mankind an opportunity to introspect and know how it has been harming itself and the others / wants to have no truck with death/life sprouting out of seemingly dead surroundings/lesson to learn from the earth

(b) – because of their grand deeds and achievements / their lives, deeds and achievements look extraordinary / we have imagined their greatness, heard of it / grandeur of the mighty dead is a thing of beauty/source of inspiration for others

(c) – plea to the city dwellers to stop and buy their wares so that they could earn money for a decent life / the city money

(d) – denizens (tigers of a world of green / live in forests), chivalric (brave, fearless, basic nature of the tigers) / brave and fearless animals living in the forest

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