Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre

Kamla Nagar, Kanpur SET-1

PREBOARD – 2 EXAMINATION (2023-2024)
M.M.: 80 Class - XII
Time: 3 hrs. Name of the Student: _________ Roll No.__ Subject - English (301)
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.
2. Section A-READING COMPREHENSION : 22 Marks
3. Section B-CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS : 18 Marks
4. Section C-LITERATURE : 40 Marks
5. All questions are compulsory

Section A – READING COMPREHENSION [22 Marks]

I. Read the passage given below:

1. As a form of expression, graffiti is famously characterized by outlaw values; the creation and
display of graffiti countered societal rules and was considered by some as vandalism. Not
only was it symbolic of rebel values but was also linked to destruction of property. These
links between graffiti culture and rebellion were age-old and some say, were popularized by
hip-hop culture.
2. Imagine waking up one morning, to see your walls smeared with black paint names,
symbols, messages. The most interesting bit is that these wall artists were never caught
red-handed. It was all done stealthily. It was almost as though people were marking
their territory using painted symbols and slogans. The change was creeping in. Mobile
numbers and captivating phrases gradually became marketing tools for free advertising.
Catchy phrases tickled the curiosity and calls were made to those numbers.
3. Over a period of time, there was a shift in perception. Blank walls beckoned invitingly
and artists saw whitewashed walls as an opportunity to display their work in free and
open settings. The city became one large canvas the illegal ‘gang activity’ became an art
form on display in walking galleries. Graffiti was gradually being replaced and the
stigma of illegality was being dropped. There was a move to embrace rather than
condemn.
4. The colours, shapes, and subjects became cultural themes. What was once rebellious
expression is artistic talent at its vibrant best, rich in images of plants, animals and
unspoiled landscapes. The painted walls encouraged by residents and governments have
created their own ecosystem a reconciliation of nature with man-made forces.
5. The monotony and uniformity of urban life is today infused with human vitality and
beauty. Cities speak proudly about the painted walls and clamour to be the first to
preserve culture and history through these. Graphic displays of social awareness issues
effectively and economically reach out to the common man. Silent art speaks volumes.
Be it hygiene, conservation, education, or rights and duties the message is
conveyed in an animated, colourful manner without being an imposition.

I.I. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
12M
1. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option. 1
Graffiti in the earlier years was
i. considered a valuable legacy.
ii. done by prominent artists.
iii. an expression of rebellion.
iv. supported by society.
 2. The writer would agree with all of the following EXCEPT: 1
i. Graffiti art was a paid activity.
ii. Wall art was an age-old tradition.
iii. Graffiti became popular as a marketing tool.
iv. People were curious by what was scribbled on walls.
3. Comment on the writer’s statement, ‘It was all done stealthily’. 2
4. Select the word from para 2 of the passage that conveys the opposite of ‘boring’.
1
5. Complete the following sentence with reference to the passage: 1
The city became one large canvas because _______________.
6. List two reasons why graffiti was not popular among people. 2
7. The passage states a shift in attitude. Identify the best option that indicates
this shift. 1
i. rejection to dismissal
ii. confusion to clarity
iii. imposition to acceptance
iv. dislike to acceptance
8. Why does the writer say that the stigma of ‘illegality’ was dropped? 2
9. Which word from the following most nearly means ‘reconciliation’ with reference to the
given context? (para 4) 1
i. cease fire
ii. resolution
iii. combination
iv. reunion

II. Read the passage given below:

1. Educational technology is the combined use of computer hardware, software,
educational theory, and practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its
abbreviation EdTech, it points to the industry of companies that create educational
technology. With education growing online, India’s EdTech market sized is expected to grow 3.7
times in the next five years.
2. Education in both rural and urban India is expected to be supported by technology in
the near future.
3. As per a 2019 2020 report, only 22·3 percent of schools had an internet connection.
Moreover, 61 percent of schools in the country didn’t even have computers.
4. With the internet rate estimated to reach above 55 percent by the end of 2025 in India,
digitisation of education will impact the countr development and become one of the
topmost priorities for the government.
5. Budget 2021 22 allocated < 93,224·31 crore to the Ministry of Education. It was an
increase of over < 8,100 crore from the revised estimates for the current fiscal year and
the Department of Higher Education was allocated < 38,350·65 crore.
6. The role of technology in education is more critical now than ever in addressing
educational disparity. It has already made learning affordable and accessible. In
particular, the use of technology in education in rural India is one of the biggest boons
of recent times.
7. With help from apps and software, teachers can enhance their teaching ability and
provide information about the most recent developments. Students can enjoy an
interactive learning experience. Teachers can employ animation, PowerPoint slides and
graphs to catch the interest of their pupils. Gamification lends interest in the subject.
8. The online education system is a sector in which growth and development will work for
the betterment of many sectors which include educating learners and increasing job
opportunities for educators and technical teams.
 Use of Technology in Education

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8. It overcomes the geographical barriers

II.I Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 M
1. Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? 1
Education technology is the practice of introducing information and communication technology
tools into the classroom.
Select from the following:
True If the statement agrees with the information
False If the statement contradicts the information
Not Given If there is no information on this
2. What are the two essentials for digitisation of education? 2
3. Select the option which displays that use of technology in education in rural India
is one of the biggest boons of recent times. 1
i. Frees up the teacher to be able to concentrate on farming.
ii. Teachers can enhance their teaching ability and provide more value to the
students.
iii. It understands what is needed and technology is subsequently developed
 effectively.
iv. Simplifies assignment management with user-friendly methods.
4. Complete the sentence based on the following statement: 1
The role of EdTech is more critical now .
5. T h e w o r d ‘ c r i t i c a l ’ i n para 6 most nearly means 1
i. difficult
ii. crucial
iii. complementary
iv. causative
6. Digital education will become a top priority for the government because .1
7. Based on the graph, state the items which have the highest percentage of
technology used by students of grades 9 12 and by students of grades 3 5. 1
8. Based on the reading of the passage, state a point to challenge the given
statement: 2
India’s EdTech market size is expected to double in the next five years.

Section B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS [18 Marks]

III. Attempt any ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 4
A. The local branch of the British Council has agreed to hold a workshop in your school on
‘Writing Skills in English language’. Draft a notice in 50 words inviting students to give
their names for participation. Mention relevant details of day, date, time and venue. You
are Sohail/Suhina, President of the Literary Society of Rise Public School.
OR
B. You are Rehan/Reshma, President of the Cultural Society of your school which is
organizing a lecture cum demonstration on Kathak dance by the renowned dancer
Jaya Sharma. Draft a notice in 50 words informing students of the same. The event will
be followed by an interaction with the artist. Mention day, date, time and venue.
IV. Attempt any ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 4
A. Your school has scheduled the inauguration of the newly constructed Science Block. As
teacher incharge of the Science Club, draft an invitation in 50 words inviting parents
and other guests to attend the ceremony. Mention day, date, time and venue. You are
Rahul/Rohini.
OR
B. You have been invited by the Economics Society of Flora Public School for a panel
discussion on ‘Changing Economic Trends’. Due to sudden illness, you are unable to
attend the event. Write a letter in 50 words expressing your inability to attend the
programme. Mention day, date, time and venue. You are Dr. Rao.

V. Attempt any ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 5

A. SITUATION VACANT
Reputed manufacturing Company needs
Receptionist for its Front Office
Eligibility – Graduate, fluent in both English and Hindi
Good interpersonal skills
Minimum 2 years’ experience
Apply – sitaramanufacturers@sm.in

Write a letter of application with detailed biodata in 120 150 words in response to the
above advertisement. You are Shaila/Samson.

OR
 B.

SAFETY IS IN YOUR HAND ▪ WEAR SEAT BELTS

▪ FOLLOW TRAFFIC RULES
▪ NO MOBILE WHILE DRIVING
▪ FOLLOW SPEED LIMIT
▪ DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

Issued by Delhi Police

You see the poster above, pasted on the walls and traffic lights. In spite of this warning people
drive rashly. Write a letter in 120 - 150 words to the editor of ‘The Hindustan Times’ drawing
attention of the public to the frequent road accidents due to negligent and rash driving. Make
suitable suggestions to minimize such mishaps. You are Bela/Pankaj. You may use the cues
given above.

VI. Attempt any ONE from (A) and (B) given below: 5
A. Your school organized a ‘Save the Environment Week’. The theme was ‘Trees – Our
Lifeline’. Write a report on the event in 120-150 words based on the given inputs, to be
published in your school magazine. You are Ramta/Ravi, Student Editor. Mention day,
date, time and venue.

ENVIRONMENT WEEK
A LIFE
STOP BEFORE IT S TOO LATE
Tree Plantation Drive
Poster Making Competition
Interaction with Environmentalists
Panel Discussion
Clean Your Campus

SAVE IT
W
OR
B. The Resident Welfare Society in your colony has put up the above poster. Write an article in
120 150 words to be published in the neighborhood weekly on the need to inculcate a
spirit of volunteerism among people. Mention simple ways in which the ordinary citizens
can contribute and benefit from it. You are Raghav/Rita.

LEAD A PRODUCTIVE LIFE – VOLUNTEER

▪ Spend time with senior citizens
▪ Keep surroundings clean
▪ Support Each One Teach One programme
▪ Build books/clothes banks for the needy
▪ Share celebratory moments
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
 Section C – LITERATURE [40 Marks]

VII. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below:

A. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 6 1=6
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

1. Significance of counting up to twelve is_________.

i. it is time to start the race.
ii. it is symbolic of life.
iii. it is a measure of time.
iv. that time does not wait for anyone.
2. The word in the extract means unusual and exciting.
3. Excessive activity would create an atmosphere of
i. productivity
ii. mechanization
iii. confusion
iv. competition
4. The poet would want to create all of the following EXCEPT
i. a peaceful environment.
ii. a harmonious world.
iii. an atmosphere for introspection.
iv. a world full of hustle and bustle.
5. Complete the following analogy correctly:
face of the Earth: : : sudden strangeness : alliteration
6. On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below:
I. People must keep silent at twelve everyday.
II. Introspection will lead to peaceful coexistence.
Choose the most appropriate option:
i. I is false, but II is true
ii. Both I and II are false
iii. Both I and II are true
iv. I is true, but II is false

OR
B. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 6 1=6

Driving from my parent’s

home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother,
beside me,
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, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes .......
1. The poet’s mother looks
I. exhausted
II. healthy
III. rejuvenated
IV. pale
V. relaxed
Choose the most appropriate option:
i. Only V
ii. I, III and V
iii. I, II and IV
iv. I and IV
2. The poet looks out of the car because __________.
3. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as ‘her face ashen like that of a
corpse’.
i. stars winked in the midnight sky
ii. a bitter sweet experience
iii. as cold as ice
iv. grey geese in the green field
4. The phrase she realized with pain’ indicated the poet’s
i. anxiety of missing the flight.
ii. fear of losing her mother.
iii. fear of illness.
iv. anxiety of taking her mother on the flight.
5. On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below:
I. The poet was in a hurry to reach the airport.
II. The poet did not want to think about her mother growing old and infirm.
Choose the most appropriate option:
i. I is correct, but II is incorrect
ii. Both I and II are correct
iii. Both I and II are incorrect
iv. II is correct, but I is incorrect
6. What does the phrase ‘spring trees’ symbolize?

VIII. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below:
A. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 4 1=4

“You are to come to the palace,” the man said. “The old General is in pain again.”
“Oh,” Hana breathed, “Is that all”?
“All”? the messenger exclaimed. “Is it not enough?”
“Indeed it is,” she replied, “I am very sorry”
When Sadao came to say goodbye, she was in the kitchen, but doing nothing. The
children were asleep and she sat merely resting for a moment, more exhausted
from her fright than from work.” (The Enemy)
1. Seeing the messenger, Hana was apprehensive of _____________.
2. Dr. Sadao was summoned because ________________.
i. the servants had reported.
ii. there was a medical emergency.
iii. the General wanted to express his admiration.
iv. the prisoner of war had escaped.
 3. Which of the following summarizes Hana’s reason for resting momentarily?
i. Her physical exhaustion
ii. Her fear
iii. Her infirmity
iv. Her sadness
4. Complete the analogy correctly with a word from the extract.
asleep : awake : : rejuvenated :___________
OR

B. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 4 1=4
Mr. Lamb : Look, boy, look ... what do you see ?
Derry : Just ... grass and stuff. Weeds
Mr. Lamb : Some call them weeds. If you like, then ... a weed garden There’s
fruit f l o w e r s , and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there ... weeds.
I grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’?
Where’s the difference? It’s all life…….. growing. Same as you and me.
Derry : We’re not the same.

1. In the above extract, what best summarizes Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards
growing weeds?
i. a celebration of life
ii. an acceptance of his poverty
iii. a manifestation of his loneliness
iv. an example of his gardening skills
2. Which of the following best describes Derry’s tone when he says ‘We’re not the
same”?
i. bitter
ii. confused
iii. defiant
iv. snobbish
3. Mr. Lamb brings out the contrast between flowers and weeds in order to
i. explain weeds are important in a garden.
ii. demonstrate that weeds have medicinal values.
iii. emphasize the specific purpose of each.
iv. illustrate that there should be no distinction.
4. What word from the above extract most nearly means the opposite of ‘difference’?

IX. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below:

A. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 6 1=6
‘Rudyard Kipling expressed an even more condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer.
His wife, Caroline, writes in her diary for 14 October, wrecked by
two reporters from ‘Boston’. She reports her husband as saying to the reporters, “Why do I refuse to be
interviewed? Because it is immoral! It is a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence agianst my
person, as an assault and just as much merits punishemtn. Tit is cowardly and vile. No respectable man
would ask it, much less give it.” Yet Kipling had himself perpetrated such an ‘assault’ on Mark Twain
only a few years before. H.G. Wells in an interivew in 1894 referred to the ‘interviewing ordeal’, but was
fairly frequent interviewee and forty years later found himself interviewing Joseph Stalin.’

1. Kipling viewed interviews with

i. compassion.
ii. condemnation.
iii. reconciliation.
iv. gratitude.
 2. Kipling assaulted with an interview.
i. H.G. Wells
ii. Joseph Stalin
iii. T.S. Eliot
iv. Mark Twain
3. Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
attack : assault : : committed :
4. The word ‘wrecked’ in the extract most nearly means
i. ravaged.
ii. annihilated.
iii. killed.
iv. ruined.
5. Rudyar Kipling uses the phrase ‘it is a crime’ because he feels it is:
i. illegal.
ii. an offence against his person.
iii. an act of espionage.
iv. a waste of time.
6. Kipling violated his own observation on interviewing by ___________.

OR

B. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 6 1=6
‘Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience no one knew
what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was
saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter
bafflement what are we doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes
Tamil films for the simplest sort of people? People whose lives least afforded them the possibility
of cultivating a taste for English poetry? The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he too must have
felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit
remained an unexplained mystery.’

1. Choose the appropriate option with reference to the extract.

The audience were dazed because
i. they were not accustomed to listening to poetry.
ii. they had never before seen an Englishman.
iii. they failed to comprehend what the poet was speaking.
iv. they were already bored.
2. Complete the sentence with reference to the extract:
The English poet was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when he was addressing the dazed audience.
3. Where did the talk take place?
Choose the correct option.
i. The Main Mall
ii. Story Writing Department
iii. Film studio
iv. Subbu’s office
4. The English poet’s visit is an ‘unexplained mystery’ because ____________.
5. Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
noisy : silent : : assembled :
6. Explain the following phrase with reference to the extract:
The poet felt ‘the sheer incongruity of his talk’.
X. Answer any five of the following in about 40 50 words each: 5 2=10

1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants?
2. What made the ironmaster invite the peddler to his house?
 3. What was the expectation of the people who had set up the roadside stand?
4. Why did Aunt Jennifer create tigers so different from her own character?
5. Why can the bangle-makers not organize themselves into a cooperative?
6. Why did Douglas decide to go to the YMCA pool to learn swimming?

XI. Answer any two of the following in about 40 50 words each: 2 2=4

1. What were the author’s initial emotions on setting foot in Antarctica?

2. What impression do you form of Dr. Sadao ’ s f a t h e r f r o m t h e s t o r y ?
3. What does Zitkala-Sa mean by eating by formula ?

XII. Answer any one of the following in about 120 150 words: 5
A. Fantasizing and unrealistic dreams sometimes lead to disappointment and
disillusionment. Discuss this with reference to the story Going Places
OR
B. Firozabad presents a strange paradox the beauty of the glass bangles and the
misery of the people who make bangles. Discuss.
XIII. Answer any one of the following in about 120 150 words: 5
A. Describe briefly the Third Level. How did it differ from the Second Level?
OR
B. What was the Maharaja’s mission? How did he resolve to overcome the obstacles in the
fulfillment of his mission?
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