CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core Paper 7

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core Paper 7 are part of CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core. Here we have given CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core Paper 7.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core Paper 7

Board CBSE
Class XII
Subject English Core
Sample Paper Set Paper 7
Category CBSE Sample Papers

Students who are going to appear for CBSE Class 12 Examinations are advised to practice the CBSE sample papers given here which is designed as per the latest Syllabus and marking scheme as prescribed by the CBSE is given here. Paper 7 of Solved CBSE Sample Paper for Class 12 Englsih Core is given below with free PDF download solutions.

Time Allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100

General Instructions

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

SECTION A
READING (30 MARKS)

Question 1.
Read the following passage carefully. (12 Marks)
“It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is impossible for a bird to fly on only one wing.” — Swami Vivekananda

1. Women are not born, but made. What is better than India to exemplify this statement by Simone de Beauvoir. With the whole world celebrating International Women’s Day with great pomp and show, it would be only apt to analyze the position and space Indian women occupy today, and comparing it to the times 60 years ago when the country had just gained independence. With the women participating in nationalist movements to being pushed into the domestic household space, to their resurgence as the super-women today, women in our country have seen it all.

2. There have been innumerable debates about gender in India over the years. Much of it includes women’s position in society, their education, health, economic position, gender equality, etc. What one can conclude from such discussions is that women have always held a certain paradoxical position in our developing country. On the one hand, the country has seen an increased percentage of literacy among women, and women are allowed to enter into professional fields, while on the other hand the practices of female infanticide, poor health conditions and lack of education still persist. Even the patriarchal ideology of the home being women’s real domain and marriage being her ultimate destiny hasn’t changed much. The matrimonial advertisements, demanding girls of the same caste, with fair skin and slim figure, or the much criticized fair and lovely ads, are indicators of the slow changing social mores. If one looks at the status of women then and now, one has to look at two sides of the coin; one side which is promising, and one side which is bleak.

3. When our country got its independence, the participation of women nationalists was widely acknowledged. When the Indian Constitution was formulated, it granted equal= rights to women, considering them legal citizens of the country and as an equal to men in terms of freedom and opportunity. The sex ratio of women at that time was slightly better than what it is today, standing at 945 females per 1000 males. Yet the conditions of women screamed a different reality.

4. They were relegated to their households, and made to submit to the male-dominated society, as has always been prevalent in our country. Indian women, who fought as an equal to men in the nationalist struggle, were not given that free public space anymore. They became homemakers, and were mainly meant to build a strong home to support their men who were to build the new independent country. Women were reduced to being secondary citizens. The national female literacy rate was an alarmingly low 8.9 per cent. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls was 24.8 per cent at primary level and 4.6 per cent at the upper primary level (in the 11-14 years age group). There existed insoluble social and cultural barriers to education of women and access to organized schooling.

(Extract from ‘Here’s How The Status Of Women Has Changed In India [Since 1950 Till Date]’posted on March 11, 2012 in Society By Tanima Banerjee)

I. On ftieToasis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)

(a) The writer says that the women have seen it all because:

  1. they participated in nationalist movements.
  2. they were pushed into household space.
  3. they have become superwomen today.
  4. all of the above.

(b) Pick one statement which brings out the paradoxical nature of women’s position in society today:

  1. They are entering professional fields and becoming literate.
  2. They lack education and female infanticide is still rampant.
  3. They are still victims of patriarchal mindset.
  4. While they are allowed to enter professional fields they are still victims of patriarchal mindset.

(c) The Indian Constitution did not ensure:

  1. that women get equal rights.
  2. that they were considered equal to men.
  3. that the sex ratio would be 945 females to 1000 males.
  4. that they were legal citizens of India.

(d) Despite the provisions of the Constitution:

  1. women were relegated to the household.
  2. women were not allowed free space.
  3. women were dictated by patriarchy.
  4. all of the above.

II. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible. (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)

(e) What is the patriarchal ideology about women?
(f) What are the areas of concern about women?
(g) Who said that ‘Women are not born, but made’. What did he mean by it?
(h) Cite one example to show that our social mores are changing very slowly?
(i) What are the ‘insoluble barriers’ to women’s education?

III. Find words from the passage which mean the same as: (1 × 3 = 3 Marks)

(a) recognized (para 3) (b) ironic, absurd (para 2)
(c) countless (para 2)

Question 2.
Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

1. One day Pahom was sitting at home, when a peasant passing through the village, happened to call in. He was allowed to stay at the night, and supper was given to him. Pahom had a talk with this peasant and asked him where he came from. The stranger answered that he came from beyond the Volga, where he had been working. One word led to another, and the man went on to say that many people were settling in those parts. He told how some people from his village had settled there. They had joined the Commune, and had twenty-five acres of land per man granted. The land was so good, he said, that the rye sown on it grew as high as a horse, and so thick that five cuts of a sickle made a sheaf. One peasant, he said, had brought nothing with him but his bare hands, and now he had six horses and two cows. Pahom’s heart kindled with desire. He thought:

2. “Why should I suffer in this narrow hole, if one can live so elsewhere? I will sell my land and my homestead here, and with the money I will start afresh over there and get everything new. In this crowded place one is always having trouble. But I must first go and find out all about it myself.”

3. Towards summer he got ready and started. He went down the Volga on a steamer to Samara, then walked another three hundred miles on foot, and at last reached the place. It was just as the stranger had said. The peasants had plenty of land: every man had twenty-five acres of Communal land given him for his use, and any one who had money could buy, besides, at fifty-cents an acre as much freehold land as he wanted. Having found out all he wished to know, Pahom returned home as autumn came on, and began selling off his belongings. He sold his land at a profit, sold his homestead and all his cattle, and withdrew from membership of the Commune. He only waited till the spring, and then started with his family for the new settlement.

4. As soon as Pahom and his family arrived at their new abode, he applied for admission into the Commune of a large village. He stood treat to the Elders, and obtained the necessary documents. Five shares of Communal land were given him for his own and his sons’ use: that is to say-125 acres (not altogether, but in different fields) besides the use of the Communal pasture. Pahom put up the buildings he needed, and bought cattle. Of the Communal land alone he had three times as much as at his former home, and the land was good corn-land. He was ten times better off than he had been. He had plenty of arable land and pasturage, and could keep as many head of cattle as he liked.

(Source: How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy)

I. Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option: (1 × 2 = 2 Marks)

(a) The stranger did not tell Pahom that:

  1. many people had been settling in those parts.
  2. some people from his village had settled there.
  3. they had been given 125 acres of land.
  4. the land was very good.

(b) Pahom thought of leaving his home as:

  1. it was a crowded place.
  2. he did not like it.
  3. he wanted to start afresh and get everything new.
  4. both (i) and (ii)

II. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible. (1 × 6 = 6 Marks)

(c) Where had the stranger come from?
(d) How had the farmer acquired six horses of his own?
(e) How did Pahom reach the place?
(f) What was the rate of land at the new settlement?
(g) What was Pahom busy doing in autumn?
(h) What did Pahom undertake as soon as he reached his new abode?

III. Find words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following. (1 × 2 = 2 Marks)

(a) bundle (para 1)
(b) accommodation (para 4)

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully. (8 Marks)

Ayurveda is one of the oldest sciences of medicines whose origin can be dated back to 3000-5000 years.

Ayurveda is a method of holistic healing and is based on prevention rather than cure of the illness. The approach to healing is done on a personalized basis and people of all ages and following different occupations are known to have benefited both personally and spiritually owing to Ayurveda’s wisdom of healing.

Ayurvedic medicines heal your spirit and minds instead of just treating the affected body parts. It is based on purification of the body in a natural way and the environment created helps remove all toxins and help regain body’s natural tolerance or resistance from the diseases and help rejuvenate your body and regain your good health.

The metaphysics of the five elements that make up this universe namely: earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu) and space (akash) form the basis of the science of Ayurveda. Ayurveda explains the constitution of human to be of three forms which are known as ‘doshas’ or the life forces. These three doshas: Vat a, Pitta, Kapha determine physical characteristics and personality traits of a person.

Pitta dosha is believed to control the hormone function and digestion, thus an increased pitta dosha in a person will create indigestion and overheating. Such people will have heated emotional reactions.

Vata dosha controls the heart and breathing functionality in addition to the excretory function. Skin conditions are more common in people suffering from Vata dosha.

Kapha dosha is what governs your immune system and overall strength. Diseases like cancer and diabetes are likely to arise in people with aggravated kapha dosha. An Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner will analyze the dosha based on the systems of your disease or illness and suggest an individualized treatment to heal your body and strengthen your personality.

Vat a dosha is constituted from Ether and air and thus nerve impulses, respiration and elimination are known to be regulated by this dosha. The process of transformation and metabolism is controlled by Pitta dosha which is composed of fire and water. Kapha dosha t contains water and earth elements and is responsible for growth, adding of body structure unit by unit and also offers protection.

Ayurveda has its popularity to the use of natural, non-invasive components used in medicines unlike the other ways of treatment which use only chemicals and toxins into your body.

Ayurveda is not only based on medicines but focuses on lifestyle changes, change in diet patterns, suggesting yogic exercises, and meditation, breathing or relaxation exercises. It is known that certain chronic ailments can be treated by means of Ayurvedic way of natural healing avoiding the need for any surgery. Herbal remedies are also a part of Ayurvedic medicines which can be recommended for healing. Ayurvedic supplements help ‘ pacify one or more increased doshas in your bodies.

Thus, Ayurveda aims at aligning your body, mind and spirit in order to achieve a sound health. Yoga and meditation are known to have a positive impact on your physical condition and help relax your mind and muscles. Ayurveda insists on a spiritual way of living and gives importance to self-realization to bring real health and energy, in whatever tasks we perform. Ayurveda is a rational system of medicine and is sensitive to nature and Earth. Ayurveda has gained popularity in the West also as yoga ashrams and Ayurvedic classes and programmes are being introduced in many parts of the West.

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—minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it. (5 Marks)
B. Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. (3 Marks)

SECTION B
ADVANCE WRITING SKILLS (30 MARKS)

Question 4.
You are Kala/Lalit. You lost your briefcase containing important documents while travelling in a DTC bus. Write an advertisement in not more than 50 words for the LOST column of a local daily giving relevant details. (4 Marks)
OR
You are Lalit/Lalita. You have just cleared your NIFT admission test and wish to throw a party for your friends. Write an informal invitation for your friends giving all details.

Question 5.
You are interested in doing a course in fashion designing. For this you wish to get admission in NIFT. NIFT holds a competitive examination for admission. Sapphire Academy, Dadar, Mumbai gives coaching for the admission test. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Director, Sapphire Academy requesting him to provide you with all necessary information. You are Karan/Kirti, 48 Fort Apartments, Pune. (All India (C) 2015) (6 Marks)
OR
You recently had your first trip in a Delhi Metro Train. You were quite impressed with its services and decided to write a letter to the editor of The Times of India. Write this letter as Karan/Kirti of 1-90, Jungpura, Delhi. (120-150 words)

Question 6.
A landslide in your area has caused untold destruction. Write an article in 150-200 words on the destruction caused by natural calamities and the precautions to be taken to prevent them. You are Jai Kant/Jai Kanta. (Delhi 2014) (10 Marks)
OR
You are the sports captain of your school. The Annual Sports Day was conducted last month. Write a report in 150-200 words on the conduct of the same. You are Manish/ Mita of Hind Public School, Mall Road, Amritsar. (Delhi 2014)

Question 7.
It is said that if you educate a boy, you educate a person and if you educate a girl you educate a family. As member of the NGO, Shiksha, write a speech on the importance of educating girls in 150-200 words. (10 Marks)
OR
The Prime Minister’s campaign, ‘Swachh Bharat’ has become popular throughout India. Inspired by this you, the Principal of a reputed school, decide to address the students on ‘The value of cleanliness’. Write your speech in 150-200 words. (All India (C) 2015)

SECTION C
TEXTBOOKS AND EXTENDED READING TEXT (40 MARKS)

Question 8.
Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1 × 4 = 4 Marks)

Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pallor.
The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper-
seeming boy, with rat’s eyes.

(a) Name the poet?
(b) Who appears to be like ‘rootless weeds’ and why?
(c) What does the phrase ‘paper-seeming’ suggest to you?
(d) Identify a figure of speech and cite the line.

OR

doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
put that thought away

(a) Who is the speaker? Who is the speaker referring to?
(b) Why is the person being referred to as ‘ashen’?
(c) What did the speaker realize?
(d) Why did the speaker put away the thought?

Question 9.
Answer any four of the following questions in about 30-40 words each: (3 × 4 = 12 Marks)

(a) What do you think is the colour of ‘sour cream’? Why do you think the poet has used this expression to describe the classroom walls? (NCERT)
(b) Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’? (NCERT)
(c) Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German. Even the pigeons?” What could this mean?
(d) How was the YMCA pool safer than the Yakima river?
(e) Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home? (NCERT)
(f) Do you think that Dr Sadao’s final solution to the problem was the best possible one under the circumstances?

Question 10.
Dr Sadao faced a dilemma. Should he use his surgical skills to save the life of a wounded person or hand an escaped American prisoner of war over to the Japanese police? How did he resolve this clash of values? (120-150 words) (All India 2015) (6 Marks)
OR
While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody? (NCERT)

Question 11.
Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be the turning point in his life? (120-150 words) (NCERT) (6 Marks)
OR
How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie’s father? (120-150 words) (NCERT)

Question 12.
Attempt a character sketch of Dr. Kemp. (120-150 words) (6 Marks)
OR
Eppie is a character in her own right but also has symbolic significance in the novel Silas Mamer. Discuss. (120-150 words)

Question 13.
What is the theme of the novel The Invisible Man? (120-150 words) (6 Marks)
OR
Chance and coincidence have much role in the novel Silas Marner. Discuss. (120-150 words)

ANSWERS

Answer 1.

I. (a) (iv) all of the above.
(b) (iv) while they are allowed to enter professional fields they are still victims of patriarchal mindset.
(c) (iii) that the sex ratio would be 945 females to 1000 males.
(d) (iv) all of the above.

II. (e) The patriarchal ideology regarding women is that home is women’s real domain and marriage is her ultimate destiny.

(f) The areas of concern about women are their education, health, economic position, gender equality.

(g) Simone de Beauvoir said this. He meant that women do not have a voice of their own. They are led by ideologies created for them.

(h) The matrimonial advertisements, demanding girls of the same caste, with fair skin and slim figure, or the much criticized fair and lovely ads, are indicators of the slow changing social mores.

(i) The insoluble social and cultural barriers to education of women and access to organized schooling are the patriarchal ideas which earmark a secondary role to women and push them into the household.

III. (a) acknowledged (b) paradoxical (c) innumerable

Answer 2.

I. (a) (iii) They had been given 125 acres of land.
(b) (iv) both (i) and (iii)

II. (c) The stranger had come from beyond the Volga.

(d) The farmer had started working in the new settlement where the land was very fertile. Soon he had become rich enough to acquire six horses of his own.

(e) He went down the Volga on a steamer to Samara, then walked another three hundred miles on foot, and at last reached the place.

(f) The rate of land at the new settlement was fifty cents an acre.

(g) As autumn came on, Pahom began selling off his belongings. He sold his land at a profit, homestead and all his cattle, and withdrew from membership of the Commune.

(h) As soon as Pahom and his family arrived at their new abode, he applied for admission into the Commune of a large village. He stood treat to the Elders, and obtained the necessary documents.

III. (a) sheaf (b) abode

Answer 3.

A. TITLE: Ayurveda: An Ancient Science of Medicine

NOTES:

(a) Introduction — ayu:

(i) 3000-5000 yrs old
(ii) method of healing by prevention
(iii) heals body and soul
(iv) removes toxins thus purifying the body
(v) the five elements-fundamntl to ayu
(vi) spiritual way of healing
(vii) gives imp’ce to self realizn :

(b) theory of ayu:
(i) human constn composed of 3 doshas
(x) vata-controls hrt, breathing, excretion, skin
(y) pitta-controls hormone, digestion
(z) kapha-controls immunity, strength

(ii) doshas determine personality
(iii) Dr analyses dosha to prescribe cure and lifestyle changes

(c) popularity of ayu:
(i) natural, non invasive ways
(ii) no chem.

Key to Abbreviations
ayu : ayurvedic
fundamntl : fundamental
imp’ce : importance
realizn : realization
con.stn : constitution
hrt : heart
chem : chemical
chngs : changes
nati : natural
invsiv : invasive

B. SUMMARY

Ayurveda is 3000-5000 years old healing system which focuses on prevention rather than cure. It aims to heal the body and the mind. It removes toxins thus purifying the body. The five elements are fundamental to its theory. It believes in self-realization. The human body is composed of Vata which controls heart, breathing and skin. Pitta controls digestion and hormonal functions. Kapha controls personality and strength. A doctor analyses the dosha and then prescribes medicines and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda is popular as it is non-invasive, natural and free of chemicals.

Answer 4.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English Core Paper 7 1
Answer 5.

48 Fort Apartments,
Pune 7th October, 20××
The Director
Sapphire Academy
Dadar, Mumbai

Sub: Enquiry regarding coaching for NIFT Dear Sir

I have come to know that your institute offers excellent coaching for NIFT entrance test. Since I wish to pursue this course I want to join your reputed coaching for the same. would be obliged if you kindly provide the following information regarding the coaching classes:

  • Duration of the course
  • Frequency, timing of the classes
  • Whether classes are held in the evenings
  • Fee and the mode of payment
  • Is there any fee concession?

You are requested to provide the information at your earliest convenience to enable me to decide about joining the earliest batch.

Thank you
Yours sincerely
Karan

OR

1-90, Jungpura
Delhi
6th October, 20××
The Editor
Times of India
Barakhamba Road
Delhi

Sub: Appreciation of Delhi Metro

Dear Sir

I recently had my first journey by Delhi Metro Train from Dwarka to Akshardhaam. I wish to put on record the memorable experience that I had of the metro service.

The punctuality and frequency of the trains is commendable. It was heartening to see that Delhi Metro is fully committed towards safety and security of women passengers. Delhi Metro understands the needs of women passengers and has reserved a coach especially for lady passengers. The first coach of a train in moving direction is reserved for ladies. Delhi Metro is perhaps India’s first public transport system with adequate features for 1 differently-abled persons. The spacious, clean and fully air-conditioned interiors make the journey restful and comfortable. In fact I noted so many passengers reading a book or listening to their favourite music.

Security is a high priority with the DMRC as was evident by the scanner and the many police personnel moving about vigilantly at the station.

Facilities like clean toilets, metro card, and lost and found facility have made Delhi Metro a world class facility. I request you to give space to my letter so that it will reach the public and authorities.

Thank you
Yours sincerely
Karan

Answer 6.

Natural Disasters
By Jai Kanta

Natural calamities have been a cause of great destruction and devastation on Earth. Natural calamities are unpredictable in nature and often occur all of a sudden. Due to this nature, avoiding them is almost impossible. However, we can take certain precautions that will help keep the level of devastation down and save precious human lives.

For disasters like floods and landslides, plantation of trees is a good long-term solution. Floods and landslides are hard to avoid. These could include passing of laws that prohibit cutting down of trees and building of houses in regions that are flood prone. Disasters like drought can be avoided by proper planning and allocation of resources. Measures can be taken at community level so that no one is misusing or overusing their share of resources like water and food.

As far as earthquakes are concerned, people should calmly leave the building they are in when the quake strikes. In case of damage, people are encouraged and taught to help pull out other people from the debris. On a larger scale, buildings can be constructed in a way that ensures they are less likely to collapse during an earthquake. In Japan for instance, there are shock absorbers installed at the base of the buildings which enables the building to move with the earthquake and prevent collapse.

OR

Annual Sports Day Celebrated At Hind Public School

Amritsar, 10th March: The Annual Sports Day in Hind Public School was held on 3rd October, 20xx at the school grounds. The programme commenced with the school choir reciting the prayer. The Chief Guest of the day Mr. Jagannath Shetty-a National level athlete and weight lifter, along with the other dignitaries received the salute during the parade. During the flag raising ceremony worthy sports persons Pratvik Sama, Sougandh, Nitin Desa and Prateek Roy were the flag bearers.

Vice Principal, Ms Lalita Mason delivered the welcome address. The Chief Guest received the torch and declared the sports meet open.

During the oath taking ceremony, Hon’ble Sports Minister Jitendra Singh recited the pledge. This was followed by a spectacular Mass drill display by students of Opal House, Coral House, Jade House and Amber House.

Various sports events like 100m race, 200m playing, 800m race and 4 x 100 m relay were organised. Winners were awarded with certificates and medals.

The Chief Guest during his address stated “Sports is very important. Everyday children should spare some time for sports.”

Answer 7.
Good morning respected principal, teachers and my dear friends! Today I wish to talk to you about the importance of educating girls. Educated women are capable of bringing socio-economic changes. The constitution of almost all democratic countries, including India, guarantees equal rights to both men and women. Education will empower women to come forward and contribute towards the development and prosperity of the country. So long as women remain backward and economically dependent on men, the helpless condition of them cannot be changed. Education helps a woman to lead a good life. Her identity as an individual would never get lost. She can read and learn about her rights. Educated girls and women are aware of the importance of health and hygiene. Educated mothers can take better care of both herself and her baby.

Educated women are now looked upon with dignity and honor. Educated women are more informed of their rights for justice. It would eventually lead to decline in instances of violence and injustice against women such as dowry, forced-prostitution, child-marriage, female foeticide, etc.

A girl-child should get equal opportunity for education, so that, she can plan to become a successful doctors, engineer, nurse, or choose any other profession of her choice.

Thank you

OR

Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends! As you know the Prime Minister’s campaign, ‘Swachh Bharat has become popular throughout India. I wish to take this opportunity to talk to you about the value of cleanliness. Cleanliness is important for healthy mind, body and spirit. Our first duty is to be clean. Every morning, as soon as you get up, you must clean your teeth, and wash your face, hands and feet. Many boys and girls, when they write with ink and pen soil their fingers. With a little care and effort they can avoid it.

If possible, you may bathe and wash your whole body. Bathing is necessary for good health. If you allow dirt to accumulate on your body, you very soon get itch or other diseases of the skin.

After your body, you must look into your clothes. You should always wear clean clothes. Now, do not mistake rich clothes for clean clothes. You do not require any money at all to keep your body clean, and you want very little to keep your clothes tidy. We should get into the habit of being clean.

Besides, we should keep our surroundings clean. We should not throw garbage here and there. Instead, we should throw it only into a dustbin.

Hence, you should always maintain cleanliness and join hands to make ‘Swachh Bharat” campaign a success.

Thank you

Answer 8.

(a) The poet is Stephen Spender.
(b) The children sitting in the elementary classroom of the slum school are like the rootless weeds as they appear malnourished, sad and dispirited.
(c) The phrase ‘paper-seeming’ suggests a thin malnourished boy who is as thin as paper.
(d) Like ‘Rootless weeds,’ the hair torn around their pallor the second line is an example of simile.

OR

(a) The speaker is the daughter, Kamla Das. The speaker is referring to her mother.
(b) The word ‘ashen’ means like ash. The mother appears to be old and grey.
(c) She comes to realize that her mother was not young any longer, and that her appearance had caught up with her age. .
(d) The painful thought of the mother’s death made her determined to focus her attention on something else.

Answer 9.
(a) Sour cream indicates the colour cream or dirty white. The poet has used this expression to describe the poor dull and ill-equipped environment of the classroom in the slums. The walls were painted long ago and since then no attention has been given to them. We see the neglect that these children face. It adds to the dull ambiance.

(b) The contrast between the ageing mother and the merry children enhances the poetic effect. The poet’s mother who is sitting beside her is dozing. Her ‘ashen’ face looks lifeless and pale like a corpse. She is an image of ageing, decay and passivity. On the other hand, the children are gay and happy. They are moving out of their homes in large numbers. Here is an image of happiness and spontaneous overflow of life.

(c) Franz innocently wonders whether the Germans will make the pigeons speak German too. It highlights the foolishness and high-handedness of the Germans who presumed to think that a mere order could make people lose their language. Language is a part of one’s identity. Germans can impose German language on the people of Alsace and Lorraine powerfully but their power cannot make the pigeons speak German.

(d) William’s mother continually warned him against his going to the Yakima River for swimming. The river was treacherous. Many persons had drowned in it. But the YMCA pool was safe. It was only two or three feet at the shallow-end and nine feet at the deeper-end. The slope was also gradual.

(e) The ironmaster of the Ramsjo ironworks watched both night and day that the work at the mills was being done well. On his nightly round for inspection, he saw the ragged fellow, near the furnace. He walked near to him to look closely. Taking him to be his old acquaintance, Nils Olof, he invited him home. It would be pleasant to have him for Christmas. So he spoke kindly to the peddler and invited him home.

(f) Dr. Sadao knew that the wounded American sailor could be arrested anytime. He washed his wound, brought the bullet out of his body and gave a new lease of life to the American prisoner of war. He didn’t want to throw him into the jaws of death again. He asked the young soldier to take his private boat at night. He should row in the cover of darkness to a little deserted island nearby. If he harboured the prisoner longer, he himself could be prone to danger. The general had quite forgotten to help him. So his solution was the best one.

Answer 10.
Dr Sadao and his wife Hana remained in a state of conflict for quite a long time. They couldn’t throw a wounded man again into the sea. If they gave shelter to him in their house, they could be arrested. Handing him over to the police, would have meant throwing him into the jaws of death. They were in a fix. Ultimately, the duty of a doctor overpowered all other petty considerations. The servants revolted at the idea of serving a white man. Hana herself washed the wound. Dr Sadao had decided to operate on Tom.

Hana obeyed her husband without a word. Hana was to give the anaesthetic if the patient needed it. The doctor made a clean and precise incision. The bullet was out. Thus love for humanity and the ethics of a doctor won over petty racial considerations.

OR

The Bible says that one should condemn the sin and not the sinner. Even the worst of criminals have a small core of humanity in their hearts. Prison staff are responsible for the criminals in their custody. Nevertheless, being humans, they often become friendly and lenient towards them often permitting them things which are strictly disallowed according to rules. This is amply supported in the story Evans Tries an O-Level. Evans pleaded with Jackson that he was like a ‘lucky charm’ for him. Jackson relented and allowed Evans to wear his hat on his head. This proved to be a lapse on the part of Jackson as later on Evans used it cleverly to change his appearance.

Answer 11.
Rajkumar Shukla apprised Gandhi about the injustice done to sharecroppers by the landlords in Bihar. He knew the atrocities of the landlord. The sharecroppers were to plant 15 per cent of their holding with indigo and surrender the entire harvest to them as rent. Germany had developed synthetic indigo. Thus the price of the natural indigo would fall in the market sharply. The landlords had obtained agreements from the sharecroppers to pay compensation. Some signed while others engaged lawyers. Gandhi fought against the cruel injustice of the landlord. An official commission declared to refund the money to the sharecroppers. As per agreement 25 per cent of the money was paid to the sharecroppers. This movement encouraged Indian peasants to know their rights. He made the British realise that the Indians are self reliant and the foreigners cannot order them on their land. Thus the Champaran episode was a turning point in his life.

OR

Sophie’s father is a dominating personality. He is a typical representative of the lower middle class family. He is poor but somehow manages to pull on with his family. He lacks refined manners or sophistication. The way he eats the pie exposes his rough eating habits. He tosses one of little Derek’s shoes from his chair on to the sofa. He doesn’t seem to be much interested in the family. Watching football on the television is his favourite pastime. Sophie’s father has passion for football. He is an old admirer of Tom Finny, a great footballer. He adores the upcoming young footballer Casey. So he makes a ‘weekly pilgrimage’ to watch United and Casey in action.

Sophie’s father doesn’t seem to be very sympathetic towards his daughter. But he understands his daughter well. He doesn’t believe in her meeting with Casey. He considers it another of her “wild stories”.

Answer 12.
Kemp is referred to as “the doctor,” but his degree seems to be an academic one rather than a medical one. He continues his own study in the hope of being admitted to “the Royal Fellows.” His own experiments and fascination with science enable him to listen sensibly to Griffin, but in spite of being rather contemptuous of his fellow citizens, his common sense and decency prevent him from being a part of Griffin’s schemes. Kemp is also the only “cool headed” person in the town once the final attack begins. He runs to escape Griffin, but as soon as Griffin catches him, he has the presence of mind to turn the capture around. He is also the first to realize that even though Griffin is invisible, he is injured, and, ultimately, dead. He is a conscientious person in contrast to Griffin who though a genius, is a depraved man.

OR

A symbol is an object that not only demands attention in itself but also refers to another object or to a concept. Often there is no one concept attached to a given object. Instead, a whole range of ideas may be brought into play.

The tale of Silas Marner certainly must be understood symbolically as well as literally. Eppie is cute golden haired toddler when she wanders into Silas’ cottage. Silas is then in the throes of a fit. When he wakes he sees a lock of gold which belongs to Eppie. He adores her and gradually she brings meaning into his life. Eppie is explicitly put forward as a substitute for Silas’ treasure, and this raises questions of the nature of treasures-literal and spiritual. Eppie is a symbol of treasure—a compensation for the real gold that he had lost earlier. Thus she operates at a literal and also symbolic level.

Answer 13.
The theme of corruption in the absence of social law is embodied in the character of Griffin. The narrator uses the invisible man to experiment with the depth to which a person can sink when there are no social restrictions to suppress his behaviour. When Griffin first kills his father, he excuses it by saying that the man was a “sentimental fool”. On the contrary, he resorts to committing atrocities because they are necessary to his survival. The novel also explores the theme of Science without Humanity. The theme is represented in the character of Kemp as well as in Griffin himself. Kemp wants to stop Griffin more out of fear for himself than out of concern for the community, but he is nonetheless fascinated by the accomplishment of this misguided college student. Griffin pursued the idea of invisibility in order to unleash a reign of terror.

OR

Chance and coincidence influence the action in this novel. The novelist, George Eliot has shown how chance and coincidence contribute a lot to the development in the life of the protagonist Silas Marner. The villagers at Lantern Yard arrange draw of lots to pick-up the identity of thief who had stolen the deacon’s money. This is done following an article of their religion. The result of this draw is a matter of chance. Also Eppie’s entry into Silas’ life happens purely by chance. The entry of Eppie the little girl reanimates him. Thus Eppie is the best compensation for his loss of gold. Godfrey’s orders for the stone- pits to the drained of all their waters and the discovery of Dunstan’s skeleton along with Mamer’s lost gold guineas are matter of co-incidence but crucial events and revelations hinge on them.

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