NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA SAMITI, HYDERABAD REGION

TERM -- I EXAMINATION 2024-2025

ENGLISH CORE SET –I

CLASS XII
Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
(i) This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory
(ii) This question paper contains three sections—Section A: Reading Skills, Section B: Creative
Writing Skills and Section C: Literature
(iii)Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.

SECTION A
(Reading Skills) 22 marks

1. Read the following passage carefully 12

(1) In a glittering ceremony on Sunday, International Olympic Committee (IOC)
President Thomas Bach declared the Paris Summer Games closed. The flame
was extinguished, and the Olympic flag was passed on to the Los Angeles 2028
team. There were no surprises at the top of the medals tally. The United States
and China, as in Tokyo 2020, dominated the games. The US claimed 40 gold
medals, the same as China, but won the top spot by securing 126 medals in
total compared to China’s 91.

(2) For India, however, the Paris Olympics were not as promising. India finished
71st in the overall standings, lower than its 48th position in Tokyo. Despite
sending a contingent of 117 athletes, India’s performance dipped, securing
just one silver and five bronze medals. This was a decline from the seven
medals won at the Tokyo Games in 2020. Even though there were several near
misses—India saw six athletes finish in fourth place—it was clear that the
country needs to raise its game.

(3) The sports ministry and several NGOs have stepped up support for athletes,
ensuring they receive the resources required to compete at the highest level.
However, former Olympian Prakash Padukone was blunt in his assessment of
India’s performance, stating that the players need to take more responsibility.
He emphasized that funding and technical support have increased
significantly, leaving no room for excuses. If Indian athletes want to succeed
in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they need to develop consistency in their
performances.

1
 (4) The Target Olympic Podium Scheme, implemented by the Sports Authority of
India (SAI), is designed to help athletes reach the highest level of competition.
However, critics argue that there is still a significant gap between India’s elite
athletes and those emerging from junior programs. This disparity must be
addressed if India is to become a serious contender in global sports. The path
forward is clear—India must win more medals before even considering
hosting the Olympics. Without consistent success on the international stage,
the dream of becoming an Olympic powerhouse will remain just that—a
dream.

Answer the following questions based on the above passage:

(i) There were no surprises at the top of the medals tally because ________ 1
a) The United States and China consistently dominate international sports
competitions.
b) The Paris Olympics had fewer participating countries.
c) New contenders like India and Brazil outperformed traditional
powerhouses.
d) The focus was more on cultural events than on sporting achievements

(ii) Share evidences from the text, in approximately 40 words to support 2

the view that Indian athletes have no room for excuses?
2
(iii) How did India perform in the Paris Olympics compared to its
performance in the Tokyo Olympics?
1
(iv) The target Olympic podium scheme refers to ________________-

(v) Select the option that is similar in meaning to contender’ 1

a) Associate
b). Competitor
c). Achiever
d). Admirer

(vi) Which of the following best represents the significance of India's six 1
fourth place finishes at Paris Olympics

a) They are a sign that India is improving rapidly.

b) They highlight the need for greater consistency and focus.
c) They guarantee India’s future success in LA 2028.
d) They show that India performed better than expected.

(vii) What does the passage imply about the long-term consequences if 1
India fails to address the gap between elite and junior athletes

a) India will struggle to qualify for the next Olympics.

b) India may never achieve a double-digit medal tally.
c) India’s junior athletes will surpass elite athletes quickly.
d) India will lose government support for Olympic participation.

2
 (viii) Explain in 40 words the phrase ”serious contender in global sports’ 2

ix) Which of the following correctly reflect tone of the writer: 1

a. Critical and optimistic
b. Critical &factual
c. Nostalgic& anecdotal
d. Persuasive &argumentative

2. Read the passage carefully : 10

(1)
The global film industry has been undergoing significant changes over the past
decade, driven largely by the rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms
such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. These platforms have
fundamentally altered the way content is produced, distributed, and consumed.
Traditionally, films were released in theatres, and their success was measured
by box office earnings. However, with the advent of OTT platforms, the
industry's dynamics have shifted.

OTT platforms offer audiences the convenience of watching movies and series
(2)
at home, without the need for expensive theatre tickets. This accessibility has
caused a decline in theatre footfall, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
when cinemas around the world were forced to close temporarily. Many
filmmakers had to release their movies directly on OTT platforms, bypassing
the traditional theatre release model. This shift has raised concerns among
cinema owners and some sections of the industry, who believe that the
exclusivity of the theatrical experience is being diminished.

(3) However, OTT platforms have also democratized the industry by giving
opportunities to independent filmmakers, who might otherwise struggle to get
a theatrical release. These platforms allow for a diverse range of content,
catering to niche audiences. Additionally, they offer films and series in multiple
languages, thus broadening their global reach. While mainstream cinema still
dominates, OTT platforms have become a breeding ground for innovative,
experimental, and non-commercial projects.

(4) Some industry veterans argue that the rise of OTT platforms is a temporary
phase and that cinemas will reclaim their status as the ultimate place to
experience films once the pandemic is fully behind us. Others, however,
believe that hybrid models—where films are released both in theatres and on
OTT platforms—will be the future of the industry.

3
 (5) The debate remains open: Will the film industry revert to its pre-OTT era
dominance of theatres, or will the convenience and accessibility of OTT
platforms continue to reshape the way we experience cinema?

(i) What is one significant effect of OTT platforms on the film industry, as 1
mentioned in the passage?

a) Decline in the production of independent films

b) Increased accessibility to diverse content for niche audiences

c) Limited global reach for filmmakers

d) Decrease in the popularity of foreign films

(ii) According to the passage, many filmmakers opted for OTT releases 1
during the COVID-19 pandemic due to

a) Lack of interest in theatrical releases

b) High ticket prices for theatregoers

c) Temporary closure of cinemas worldwide

d) Desire to cater to niche audiences

(iii) What can be inferred about the future of the film industry based on the 1
passage?

a) Theatres will completely replace OTT platforms.

b) Only independent films will be released on OTT platforms.

c) The hybrid model of releasing films in theaters and on OTT will likely
continue.

d) The film industry will revert to only using theatres for releases.

(iv) How have OTT platforms democratized the film industry, according to 2
the passage

(v) Do you agree with the view that theaters will eventually reclaim their 2
dominance over OTT platforms? Justify your answer with reasons.

(vi) One of the main disadvantages of OTT plat flatform mentioned in para 1
2 is ___________________

(vii) State true or False

1
The passage suggests that OTT platforms have limited opportunities for
independent film making.

4
 (viii) In the context of the passage, what does the word "democratized" mean 1
in relation to the film industry?

a) Limited access to content

b) Made opportunities more accessible to everyone
c) Restricted filmmakers' reach
d) Controlled by government policies.

SECTION B 18
marks
Creative writing Skill

3. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

(a) You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of Bal Bharti Public School, Sector 22-
Janakpuri, New Delhi, Your school is organising a Bal Mela in connection with
Children’s Day. Write a notice in 40-50 words informing students about the
upcoming Bal Mela. Include details about the date, venue, and registration
process
OR
(b) An awareness programme will be conducted for the senior citizens and
single ladies by the Local Police as a part of the observance of Safety Week.
As the president of RWA of Pristine Meadows, Madikkeri, draft a notice for
the target group giving details such as purpose, date, timing, venue and
duration of the awareness programme.
4
4. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words.

(a) As the manager of the newly established beauty parlour, "Glamour

Haven," you are tasked with inviting esteemed clients and dignitaries to the
grand opening ceremony. Draft an elegant invitation card that reflects the
sophistication of the event. Include essential details such as the date, time,
location, special features of the opening, and RSVP instructions.
OR
(b) You are a renowned poet and have been invited by the English club of
International Green School, Pilani as Chief Guest for the inauguration of the
club scheduled on Sunday, September 29th, 2024. Write a formal reply to the
coordinator of the club inability to attend due to a prior commitment. Also
convey your best wishes to the club members.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. 5

5.
(a) You are Arun/Aruna Verma, a recent graduate of XYZ Senior Secondary
School, Delhi, with a strong academic background in English and humanities.
You have come across an advertisement in "The Times of India" for the post
of Content Writer at ABC Publishing House, Delhi. Write a job application for

5
 the position along with your detailed resume. Ensure that your application
highlights your skills in writing, editing, and content development.
OR
b) The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently decided to conduct the
JEE Main exam in multiple Indian languages, besides Hindi and English. As a
student preparing for the exam, you have mixed views about this decision.
Write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper expressing your opinion
on this move, discussing the potential benefits and challenges it presents to
students across the country. Sign as Rohan/Rohini from Bengaluru.

6. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. 5

a) The rising number of reality shows on television has sparked debates

regarding their influence on young minds. While these shows claim to provide
a platform for talent and entertainment, they often expose children to intense
competition, unrealistic standards, and undue pressure at a young age. As a
concerned citizen and student, write an article for a national newspaper
discussing the pros and cons of reality shows on children, with a focus on their
psychological, emotional, and social impact. Provide suggestions on how
parents, educators, and show producers can minimize the negative effects
while ensuring a healthy balance between entertainment and child
development.

OR
b) Your school recently organized a week-long event called Shiksha Saptah,
aimed at promoting innovative learning techniques, skill development, and
holistic education. As the President of the English Literary Society, you were
tasked with covering the event. Write a report for your school magazine
detailing the various activities, workshops, guest lectures, and the overall
impact the event had on students and teachers. Sign as Aman/Aditi.

SECTION C
Literature 40
marks
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
7. 6x1=6
two, (a) or (b) :

(a) - ------------ ; the mid forest brake,

Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms; 1
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink (A Thing of Beauty)

6
 (i) Pick the quote that matches best with ‘And such too is the grandeur of the 1
dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead.’
A. In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle
of a wing.
B. When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the
paths of men.
C. Endings are not always bad, most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.
D. Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste of death
but once.
(ii) Pick the option that refers to what ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ 1
suggests.

1. inspirational deeds of great men

2. a ceaseless series of dreams
3. an infinite source of strength
4. an elixir of life for the upliftment of the soul
5. an eternal source of delight
6. a boundless gift of love

A. 1, 4 and 5
B. 2, 3 and 5
C. 1, 2 and 6
D. 2, 4 and 6

(iii) Pick the option that pairs the TRUE statements based on the extract, from 1
the list below.
1. The bushes with fragrant flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
2. Death is inevitable and everyone faces it no matter how powerful.
3. Immortality is achieved by man when he drinks the nectar of joy.
4. Legendary heroes and their heroic deeds instil inspiration in us.
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 4
C. 1 and 4
D. 2 and 3
iv. The ‘lovely tales’ refers to _________. 1
v. Identify the rhyme scheme of the given stanza. 1
vi. Write a note on the contrast evident in the extract. 1

OR

(b) 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.
(Keeping Quiet)

7
 (i) In the poem, what does the act of "counting to twelve" symbolize? 1
A) A moment of pause and reflection
B) The completion of a task
D) Counting the days of the week
D) A countdown to disaster

(ii). The poet requests the reader to "not speak in any language." What is the 1
poet's intention behind this?
A) To eradicate languages
B) To promote silence and reflection
C) To introduce a new language
D) To encourage everyone to argue in silence

iii. Select the option that aptly describe the tone of the speaker in the stanza 1
A) Rebellious B) Urgent
C) Regretful D) Contemplative

(iv) What is the effect of "not moving our arms so much" as requested by the 1
poet?
A) It promotes laziness
B) It symbolizes the cessation of harmful actions
C) It emphasizes the importance of physical exercise
D)It prevents accidents from happening

(v) State whether the following statement is true/false with reference to the 1
poem
The extract reflects that the poet does not have any hope on humanity

(vi) The repetition of the phrase ‘we’ll suggest that ___________________ 1

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the [4]
given two, (a) or (b)

(a). “At midnight when the town slept in peace, the dewan and his aged wife
dragged the tiger into the car and shoved it into the seat. The dewan himself
drove the car straight to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting. When
they reached the forest, the tiger launched its satyagraha and refused to get
out of the car.
The dewan was thoroughly exhausted in his efforts to haul the beast out of
the car and push it down to the ground. On the following day, the same old
tiger wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and stood as if in humble
supplication, “Master, what do you command of me?” It was with boundless
joy that the Maharaja took careful aim at the beast. The tiger fell in a crumpled
heap.

8
 (i) Pick the option that uses the same figure of speech as ‘town slept in peace’. 1
A. His actions really flared up my temper, so I walked out.
B. She is going through a rollercoaster of emotions.
C. My alarm clock yells at me every morning until I get out of bed.
D. The children were screaming and shouting in the fields.

(ii) Based on the extract describe the dewan’s attitude. 1

(iii) What does the term "satyagraha" imply in the context of the tiger’s 1
behaviour?
(iv) The Maharaja aimed the tiger with boundless joy because___________ 1

OR

(b) Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims
to do exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and
providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them
foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation
for six years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting
celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a
limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of
policymakers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to
absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.

(i) Choose the option that marks the ODD ONE OUT based on your reading 1
of the above extract.
A) Sumit donates 10% of his monthly income to the environment-friendly
NGOs.
(B) Manmeet and her twin plant a new plant on their birthday every year.
(C) Vivek invests in eco-friendly cosmetics that are packaged in plastic
containers.
(D) Afsana plans to devise a machine that recycles biodegradable wastes from
home.

(ii) If you were to introduce the author of the above given lines to an 1
audience, what would you say?
(iii) The potential long-term benefits of engaging young individuals in 1
programs like this are ______
(iv)Discuss what ‘limited way’ could mean. 1

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the 6
given two, (a) or (b)

(a). What a thunderclap these words were to me! Oh, the wretches; that was
what they had put up at the town-hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly
knew how to write! I should never learn anymore! I must stop there then! Oh,
how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going
sliding on the Saar! My books that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago,

9
 so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends
now that I couldn‘t give up. And, M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going
away, that I should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler
and how cranky he was.

(i) ‘Oh, the wretches!’ conveys 1

(A) Disgust and Contempt

(B) Frustration and Fear
(C) Sadness and Despair
(D) Disapproval and Judgement

(ii) Why does the impending departure of M. Hamel affect the speaker so 1
deeply?

(iii) Explain the significance of the phrase "My books that had seemed such a 1
nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry".
(iv) What is the primary realization the speaker has about their last French 1
lesson, and how does it affect their perspective on education?
(A) They realize that their last French lesson was insignificant.
. (B)They realize that they were an exceptional student.
(C) They realize that they should have valued education more, and this
realization deepens their appreciation for learning.
(D) They realize that they should have skipped their lessons to have more fun.

(v) Which among the following does not match with the attitude of Franz in 1
the sentence “ seeking bird's eggs and going sliding on the Saar
(A) Innocence, carefree nature
(B) Simplicity of childhood.
(C) Aggressive nature
(D) Curiosity
(vi) ‘That was what they had put up at the town-hall!’, what was put up at the 1
town hall?

OR
(b).They thought, among themselves, that Gandhi was a stranger, yet he was
prepared to go to the prison for the sake of peasants; if they, on the other
hand, being not only the residents of the adjoining districts but also those who
claimed to serve these people, should go home, it would be shameful
desertion. They accordingly went back to Gandhi and told him they were
ready to follow him into jail “The battle of Champaran is won”, he exclaimed.
Then he took a piece of paper and divided the group into pairs and put down
the order in which each pair was to court arrest.

(i) Who are ‘They’ in the first line?

1
(ii) ‘They’ were ready to follow Gandhi into jail.’ What do you infer from this?
1
(iii) What do you understand by the ‘Battle of Champaran’?
1

10
 (iv) Gandhi said, “The battle of Champaran is won.” What does he mean by
this? Choose the correct option:
(I) Gandhi won the trust of lawyers of Champaran and they gave him full 1
support.
(II) The lawyers realised Gandhi’s determination towards the peasants’
liberation.
(III) The lawyers were reluctant about Gandhi’s plan to fight against the
British.
IV) The lawyers were seeking the help of C F Andrews in India’s freedom
struggle.

a) Only I and III b) Both I and II

c) Only IV d) I, II, and III

(v) What is being referred to as ‘shameful desertion’?

(A) Mahatma Gandhi’s arrest by the British authority.

(B) The lawyers fighting the case of poor peasants charging high fee. 1
(C) The lawyers’ decision to go home if Gandhi was imprisoned.
(D) Extortion of money from the poor peasants by the British landlord.

(vi) ‘Gandhi took a piece of paper and divided the group into pairs and put
down the order in which each pair was to court arrest.’ What does this 1
statement suggest about Gandhi’s style of working?

10. Answer any FIVE of the following six questions in about 40-50 words each:
5x2=10
(i) Why did Gandhiji tell the court that he was involved in a 'conflict of duties'?
(Indigo)
(ii) I laughed and said, “Well, Mr.Terror, what do you think you can do to me?”
Narrate the context in which this question was asked.
(Deep Water)

(iii) How does the story "The Rattrap" challenge conventional notions of
identity and social status? (The Rat Trap)

(iv) A smile does not always indicate happiness.' Does My Mother at Sixty-Six
reflect this statement? Justify your response with an example from the poem.
(My Mother at Sixty Six)
(v) How did Saheb get a pair of shoes? Was he happy with it? (Lost
Spring)
(vi) What are the things that cause suffering and pain?( A Thing of Beauty)

11
 11. Answer any TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words. 2x2=4
(i) What were the two “amazing “things of the royal infant mentioned in the
story The Tiger King?
(ii) Charlie gets the sympathy of the readers at the end of the story. Elucidate
your answer

(iii) “War does not determine who is right—only who is left." Examine the
statement with reference to Dr. Sadao’s act.

12. Answer any ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.
5
(a). The story "Deep Water" explores the protagonist's fear of drowning and
the impact it has on his life. The poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six" reflects on
the fear of losing a loved one and the impending reality of death. Though both
are faced with fear connected with death, the impact of this fear on both is
vastly different. Elucidate.
OR
(b). In the lesson "Lost Spring," Anees Jung explores the exploitation of
children in Seemapuri and Firozabad. Discuss how poverty and tradition
perpetuate child labour in these areas. Support your answer with examples
from the text.

13. Answer any ONE of the following two questions in about 120-150 words.
5
(a) ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply
it to ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam in The Third
Level.
OR
(b). How does the Tiger King symbolise some of the present leaders who
exhibit the quality of self-absorption and overwhelming desire for personal
glory?

12