CBSE Question Paper 2008 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. The word ‘depressed* in common usage means sad, frustrated, fed up, bored up and pessimistic. The mood of a depressed person is much lower at his or her best moments than the mood of the normal person at his or her worst. Depression is a state of mind. It is specifically a mental disorder characterised by a lowering of the individual’s vitality, his mood, desires, hopes, aspirations and of his self-esteem.

2. Depression arising out of environmental factors is called reactive depression whereas depression arising out of some biochemical changes in the brain is called endogenous depression. If depression is mild or moderate and if the individual is in touch with his surroundings, it is known as neurotic depression. If the individual is severely disturbed and is not able to comprehend what is happening around, such a state is called psychotic depression.

3. Old age is one of the stages of human development, where a person attains wisdom, maturity, social and economic stability with social recognition and emotional fulfillment. Generally, societies show a great respect and consideration for the aged. In ancient times old people were considered as the guiding stars in Indian families since they were symbols of tradition, respect, wisdom, and experience. In primitive, ancient and medieval cultures, old persons had a recognized social role. I hey were of great value because they could impart knowledge and skill to youngsters. The old people were considered as repositories of wisdom and traditions and were not perceived as problems.

4. At present, social structures and values are undergoing transformation from traditional to modem. There is a rapid stride in urbanization and industrialization leading to the breaking up of joint families and property. This has ultimately weakened the traditional families, social position and status of the aged in the family. From time to time changes in the institutions of marriage and family have diminished the control of parents over their children.

It has increased the freedom of children and they view the aged as a useless and non-productive entity. Modernization has eventually led to the degradation of their status and authority. Consequently, the integrity of the family and the existence of the elderly as an integral part of the family are being uprooted. The importance of their functional positions thus declines and consequently their authority and much of the respect and prestige that they enjoyed earlier get faded. These changes generally bring about depression in older people.

5. As old age advances events at home may also contribute more to their problems. The ’empty nest’ feeling arising as a result of the grown up children leaving the home, daughters departing as a result of wedlock and sons leaving station in pursuit of higher education or jobs may make the aged more lonely. The loneliness also arises because of premature loss of spouse. This would deprive the person of a long standing emotional bond that had provided plenty of emotional succour and security. The loss wherever it might occur in the later years leaves the individual terribly lonely and at the mercy of the sons and daughters- in-law.

Added to these the increasing gap and interactional stress and strain in the family may leave the elderly without peace of mind. The elderly as a result of these developments feel marginalised, alienated and left out of the mainstream. The foregoing are the common problems faced by most of the elderly. These either directly or indirectly lead to a state of depression and make aging for many an unwanted and unpleasant event to be abhorred.

6. Usually, the mild depression which is caused due to environmental factors is temporary. The person reconciles within a short time and tries to forget the loss. Kind words and timely support of friends, relatives and family members help one recover from depression.

(a) (i) What does ‘depressed’ mean in common usage? (2)

(ii) What is reactive depression? (1)

(iii) What was the status of the old people in ancient India? (2)

(iv) What are the causes for disintegration of joint family system? (2)

(v) How does one recover from mild depression? (2)

Ans. (i) unhappy / sad / frustrated / fed up / mental disorder / bored up and pessimistic

(ii) depression arising out of environmental factors

(iii) – considered as guiding stars

– had a recognised social role

– were of great value as they could impart knowledge (any two)

(iv) – transformation of social structures and values from traditional to modern

– rapid stride in urbanisation and industrialization

(v) – with kind words

– timely support of friends, relatives and family members

(b) Pick out the words from the passage that mean the same as the following: 3×1=3

(i) decreased (para 4)

(ii) to feel that they do not belong to a group (para 5)

(iii) a husband or wife (para 5)

Ans. (i) diminished / degradation / declines / weakened

(ii) alienated / marginalised / left out

(iii) spouse

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

A vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10 percent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk, according to a new study.

The startling findings of scientists working with the United Nations Environment Programme indicate that the spectacular economic growth seen in this part of the world in the past decade may soon falter as a result of this pollution.

Research carried out in India indicates that the haze caused by pollution might be reducing winter rice harvests by as much as 10 percent, the report said.

“Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops and trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impacts of reduced sunlight on earth’s surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading to several hundreds of thousands of premature deaths as n result of higher levels of respiratory diseases,” it said. Results from seven cities in India alone, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, estimate that air pollution was annually responsible for 24,000 premature deaths in the early 1990s. By the mid-1990s they resulted in an estimated 37,000 premature fatalities.

“The haze has cut down sunlight over India by 10 percent (so far) — a huge amount! As a repercussion, the North West of India is drying up,” Prof. V. Ramanathan said when asked specifically about the impact of the haze over India. Stating that sunlight was going down every year, he said. “We are still in an early stage of understanding of the impact of the haze.

Asked whether the current drought in most parts of India after over a decade of good monsoon was owing to the haze, he said, “it was too early to reach a conclusion. If the drought persists for about four to five years, then we should start suspecting that it may be because of the haze.”

India, China, and Indonesia are the worst affected owing to their population density, economic growth and depleting forest cover. The preliminary results indicate, that the buildup of haze, a mass of ash, acids, aerosols, and other particles is disrupting weather systems, including rainfall and wind patterns and triggering droughts in western parts of the Asian Continent. The concern is that the regional and global impacts of the haze are set to intensify over the next 30 years as the population of the Asian region rises to an estimated five billion people.

(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary. (5)

Ans. NOTE MAKING

Distribution of Marks

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

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

Suggested Notes

Title: Pollution / Effects of Pollution / Global Impact of Pollution / Any other suitable title)

1. Effects of polln. (in S. E. Asia)

1.1 cuts sunlight – 10% in India

1.2 damages agri.

1.3 modifies rainfall patterns

1.4 people at risk / hindering eco. growth

2. Findings of UNEP

2.1 blanket of polln. across S. E. Asia

2.2 growth may falter

2.3 might reduce winter rice harvest

3. Research about India

3.1 acid rains damage crops & trees

3.2 ash on leaves reduces sunlight

3.3 respiratory diseases

3.4 2400 premature deaths

3.5 N. W. India drying up due to drought

4. Far-reaching global impact

4.1 esp. in India, China, Indonesia due to

• popu. density
• economic growth
• depleting forest cover

4.2 effect

• haze disrupts weather system
• triggers drought in West Asia

(b) Write a summary’ of the passage in 80 words using the notes made and also suggest a suitable title. (3)

Ans. Summary

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

Content

Expression

SECTION B
(ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS)

3. You lost your wristwatch in your school auditorium. Write a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board giving a detailed description of the watch. You arc Anirudh/Arundhati of class XII of Springfields School, Pune. (5)

OR

You are Dr. Madhu, M.D. You are looking for an independent house in Ghaziabad on a reasonable rent for your residence-cum-clinic. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in Hindustan Times. New Delhi. Your telephone no is 12341234.

Ans. NOTICE

Format

Content

Expression

Suggested value points

(LOST / LOST WRISTWATCH / LOST AND FOUND)

– day & date / time / location

– description of wristwatch – make, looks, design, shape etc

– whom to contact / where

– incentive for finder

OR

ADVERTISEMENT

Content

Expression

Suggested value points

(ACCOMMODATION WANTED)

– location

– facilities required for house-cum-clinic

• 24 hours’ water
• electricity backup
• fully furnished
• big rooms

– approximate rent

– contact address / phone

4. You are Amrit/Anuradha of B.M.B. Public School, Dalmianagar. Recently your school celebrated Environment Week. Giving details of the celebrations write a report in 100-125 words for your school magazine. (10)

OR

You are Akash / Ambika. You attended a seminar arranged for class XII students by AMC School, Chennai on the topic, ‘How to face the examination with confidence.’ Write a report in 100-125 words for your school magazine. Invent the necessary details.

Ans. REPORT WRITING

Format

1. title, reporter’s name

Content

Expression

Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words, and spellings

Coherence and relevance of ideas and style

Suggested value points:

(ENVIRONMENT WEEK)

– when

– where

– activities /programmes conducted during the week

– any other special feature(s)

OR

Suggested value points

(SEMINAR ON HOW TO FACE THE EXAMINATION WITH CONFIDENCE)

– when

– where

– details of seminar

e.g. panel of experts / student interaction / response

– any other special feature(s)

5. As Sports In charge of A.C.C. Public School, Secunderabad, write a letter to the Secretary of the Sports Authority of India, Delhi, requesting him to send the details of scholarships admissible to different categories of students of the school, who have achieved excellence in various sports. (10)

OR

You are the Librarian of T.H.S.S. School, Kolar. Write a letter to Messrs Vikas Publishers, Chennai placing an order for some books for your school library. Mention the details of the books (at least four) and ask for the discount available on the purchase.

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

(DETAILS OF SCHOLARSHIP)

Suggested Value Points

– mention the categories

– what excellence has been achieved

– how to apply for scholarship

OR

(ORDER FOR BOOKS)

Suggested Value Points

– list of books/author/ no. of copies

– request for bulk discount

– mode of payment

– deadline for delivery of books

6. National Cadet Corps is an organization which not only inculcates discipline in the youth but also prepares them for the defence of the country. It also provides an opportunity to the students to participate in various other activities such as adventure, culture etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on the need to make N.C.C. compulsory in all schools in the country. (10)

OR

Joint family system is gradually disintegrating in the country. Many elderly people get neglected because of the nuclear set up of families. It increases the need of homes for the aged. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic entitled “Should there be Homes for the Aged in India.”

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

(NCC / A must for all Schools / NCC and schools / any other suitable title)

– activities of NCC

– how it inculcates discipline in youth

– what do children learn as a cadet

– motivates youth to be adventurous

– grooms youth

– close to culture

– prepares for defence forces

– reasons to make NCC compulsory

– any other relevant point

OR

Suggested Value Points

(SHOULD THERE BE HOMES FOR THE AGED IN INDIA?)

Reasons

–  joint family disintegrating – setting up of nuclear families

–  elderly alienated – children getting married/going abroad

Solutions

SECTION C
(LITERATURE)

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

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

(i) Who looked out at young trees? (1)

(ii) Which thought did she put away? (2)

(iii) What do young sprinting trees signify? (1)

OR

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

(i) What does the earth leach us? (2)

(ii) Why docs the poet count up to twelve? (1)

(iii) What will be keeping quiet help us achieve? (1)

Ans. (a) (i) – the poet / Kamala Das / narrator

(ii) – thought of separation/death/ unpleasant thoughts of old age

(iii) – continuity of life / life / youthfulness / energy / passage of time

OR

(i) – everything not dead on this earth / there is life under apparent stillness

– teaches us to be alive /regeneration/power to recover from loss

(ii) – there are twelve markings on the clock to measure time / there are 12 months / taking time to calm down

(iii) – understanding of ourselves / peace and tranquility /ceasing of all cruel activities/introspection

(b) Answer any three of the following questions in 30-40 words each: 3×2=6

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

(ii) What does the poet wish for the children of the slums?

(iii) How does the poet describe Aunt Jennifer’s tigers?

(iv) What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? (A Thing of Beauty)

Ans. (b) (i) – desired the city dwellers to buy goods

– wanted flow of cash for better standard of living

(ii) – for the governors, inspectors, visitors/authorities to bring about a change

– to widen their horizons

– to take the children closer to nature / liberate them from their miserable condition

– provide good education (any two)

(iii) – topaz / golden coloured

– prancing, bright-eyed denizens

– free and fearless

– sleek and chivalric (any two)

(iv) – nature is the best healer

– brings beauty and joy to our life

– the memory of the beautiful experiences help us to bear our sorrows / provide a bower / a peaceful retreat (any two)

8. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each: 5×2 = 10

(a) Garbage to them is gold. Why does the author say so about the ragpickers?

(b) How was the scene in the school in the morning of the last lesson different from that on other days?

(c) How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?

(d) Why did everybody in the studio think of giving the author some work to do?

(e) State the reason for the huge success of the novel, ‘The Name of the Rose.’

Ans. (a) – expect to get some coins, notes or valuables

– sometimes they find a rupee or even a ten-rupee note

– for children, garbage is wrapped in wonder

– for adults – a means of livelihood (any two)

(b) other days

– noisy and boisterous day of the last lesson

– unusually silent / M. Hamel dressed in his best suit/classmates already in their places/village people sitting quietly in the class

(c) – thousands of people demonstrated around the courtroom where Gandhi was summoned which made the Britishers feel challenged and baffled

– Prof J B Kriplani received Gandhiji at the station with a large body of students

– sharecroppers from Champaran came barefooted to see Gandhiji

– Muzzafarpur lawyers too called upon him

– Raj Kumar Shukla, a peasant initiated Gandhiji’s fight in Champaran (any two)

(d)  – Ashok Mitra’s job was to cut newspaper clippings and preserve them in a file

– everybody thought he was practically doing nothing

(e) – different kind of novel (personal, narrative, unconventional style)

– probes into metaphysics, theology and medieval history

– detective and serious yarn

– written at the right time (any two)

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