SANT GYANESHWAR MODEL SCHOOL

PRE-BOARD :: SESSION-2024-25
CLASS-XII :: ENGLISH
TIME:3hrs
MM:80
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
● The question paper contains 13 questions.
● All questions are compulsory.
● Section-A Reading 22 marks.
● Section-B writing 18 marks.
● Section-C literature 40 marks.

SECTION-A ‘READING’

Q1. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.
The swift evolution of technology has brought about unprecedented changes in society, reshaping industries
and altering human interactions. Artificial Intelligence (AI), for instance, has permeated fields as diverse as
healthcare, education, and entertainment. While proponents laud its efficiency and ability to solve complex
problems, critics warn against over-reliance, citing risks of job displacement and ethical quandaries. Consider
healthcare: AI-powered diagnostic tools have revolutionized patient care, identifying diseases with accuracy
previously unattainable. Yet, skeptics argue that such tools may inadvertently erode the doctor-patient
relationship, reducing medical care to a mere algorithmic process. Similarly, in education, adaptive learning
platforms tailor content to individual needs, promoting personalized education. However, excessive reliance
on technology might undermine traditional pedagogical methods, detaching learners from the human aspect
of teaching. On a broader scale, society faces the critical challenge of balancing innovation with ethical
considerations. For instance, AI systems often inherit biases from their creators, posing serious implications
for fairness and inclusivity. If these issues remain unaddressed, they could deepen societal inequities rather
than alleviate them. As humanity strides further into the age of artificial intelligence, the question remains: can
technology truly enhance human lives without compromising the essence of humanity?
(i) What potential dangers arise from biases in AI systems, as mentioned in the passage? (1)
(ii)Why do critics believe that excessive reliance on AI in healthcare could harm the doctor-patient
relationship? (1)
(iii) What is the central theme of the passage? (1)
(a)The risks and benefits of technological advancements.
(b)The development of adaptive learning systems.
(c)The inefficiency of human labor compared to AI.
(d)The role of AI in the entertainment industry.
(iv) What is the meaning of the word "permeated" as used in the passage? (1)
(v) What is the central theme of the passage? (1)
(a)The risks and benefits of technological advancements.
(b)The development of adaptive learning systems.
(c)The inefficiency of human labor compared to AI.
(d)The role of AI in the entertainment industry.
(vi)How does the author balance optimism and skepticism regarding AI in the passage? (1)
(vii) Discuss the pros and cons of adaptive learning platforms in education based on the passage. (2)
(viii)Give answer in True/False. AI-powered diagnostic tools have completely replaced the need for doctors.
(1)
(ix) What does the passage identify as a drawback of personalized education systems? (1)
(a)Lack of diversity in content. (b)Loss of human connection in teaching.
(c)Increased learning pressure on students. (d)Lack of adaptability to student needs.

(x)Mention two fields where AI has been implemented, as stated in the passage. (2)
Q2. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.
Antarctica, the southernmost continent, is a land of extremes. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent
on Earth, with temperatures that can plummet below -80°C. Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica plays a
crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and contains about 70% of the world's freshwater, locked in its
vast ice sheets. The continent, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers, has no permanent
human inhabitants, but hosts research stations operated by multiple countries. Scientists study a wide range
of subjects there, from climate change and glaciology to astronomy, as the clear skies and minimal light
pollution provide excellent observation conditions. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 by 12 countries,
ensures the continent is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and scientific research, prohibiting military
activity. Today, 54 nations adhere to the treaty. However, global warming and potential exploitation of natural
resources have raised concerns about Antarctica's future. Melting ice sheets not only contribute to rising sea
levels but also threaten unique ecosystems and global weather patterns.
(i) Why is Antarctica considered an ideal location for astronomical studies? (1)
(ii) What is one of the main causes of concern for Antarctica’s future? (1)
(a)Increased tourism. (b)Melting ice sheets and global warming.
(c)Construction of cities. (d)Overpopulation
(iii) Discuss the challenges faced by scientists conducting research in Antarctica. (2)
(iv)Suggest measures that can strengthen the protection of Antarctica from the effects of climate change and
human activities. (1)
(v)Which treaty governs Antarctica's use and ensures it is for peaceful purposes? (1)
(a)The Antarctic Peace Agreement. (b)The Antarctic Treaty.
(c)The Polar Agreement. (d)The South Pole Treaty.
(vi)How might global warming affect Antarctica’s unique ecosystems and the rest of the world? (1)
(vii)What are the ethical considerations involved in balancing scientific research and environmental
preservation in Antarctica? (2)
(viii)Explain why Antarctica is considered vital for regulating Earth’s climate. (1)

SECTION-B ‘WRITING’
Q3. Attempt any ONE out of two in 50 words. (4)
(i) As Sports Secretary of G.D.G. Public School, Hyderabad, draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your
school notice board announcing a sports gear exchange event where students can swap or sell their used
sports equipment. You are Rohini/Rohit.
OR
(ii)You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of Sunshine Public School. Write a notice inviting students to participate in
a blood donation camp organized by the school in collaboration with a local hospital.
Q4.Attempt any ONE out of two in 50 words. (4)
(i) You are the president of the Science Club of Delhi Public School, Kolkata. Your club is organizing the
Annual Science Exhibition on the theme ‘Innovations in Renewable Energy’ on 15th December 2024. Write a
formal invitation to a chief guest, inviting them to preside over the event.
OR
(ii)Mr. Vipin thanks Mr. And Mrs. Khanna for the kind invitation of their daughter Aditi's marriage on
15 December,2024 at 6PM but regrets his inability to attend due to prior engagement and wishes Aditi a
happy married life. Draft a reply in declining the invitation.

Q5. Attempt any ONE if the two in 120-150 words. (5)

(i)You are Shyam Singh, an assistant professor at Netaji Subhash University Kolkata. Outside your college,
there is a river which is polluted by the locals. You want to organize a rally to make people aware of the issue.
Write a letter to the editor highlighting the need of awareness among people and to motivate people to join the
rally.
OR
(ii)You are Preetam Jain from 27B, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. You want to work as a Marketing Manager for a
reputable company in Indore. Send a Job application letter to the Public Relations Officer of Impetus Private
Limited in Indore.
Q6. Attempt any ONE out of two in 120-150 words. (5)
(i)Advertisements have become a big business. They are promoted by celebrities drawn from various fields
like films, sports, etc., leaving their influence on all people especially the young. Write an article in 120-150
words on ‘The Impact of Advertisements on the younger generation’.
OR
(ii)Write a report for your school magazine,on the career counseling held at your school for the outgoing
batch. You are Raja/Rani.

SECTION-C ‘LITERATURE’
Q7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE out of two. (6×1=6)
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
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.
(i) Explain"the grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead.”
(ii)Pick the quote that matches best with— ‘And such too is the grandeur of the 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.
(iii)Complete the following sentence.
According to the poet, the "endless fountain of immortal drink" flows from ___________.
(iv) fill in the blanks.
The poet imagines beauty as a gift flowing from ___________ to inspire and rejuvenate life.
(v)What is symbolized by "an endless fountain of immortal drink"?
(a) Eternal beauty and joy (b) Material wealth (c)The passage of time (d) Knowledge of the past
(vi) Explain"fair musk-rose blooms" in the context of beauty and nature.
OR
“If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death”
(i)What is the‘sadness’that the poet refers to in the poem?
(ii)What does the speaker suggest as a way to interrupt sadness?
(a) Expressing emotions openly (b)Embracing silence
(c) Engaging in more activities (d) Pursuing happiness
(iii) The speaker believes that constant movement prevents us from truly ______ our innerselves.
(iv)The speaker warns that we are threatening ourselves with _______.
(v)What does the speaker suggest happens if we stop and do nothing?
(a) Life would lose meaning (b) Sadness might increase
(c) Silence might lead to understanding (d) The world would stop progressing
(vi)Why do you think the speaker views silence as transformative?
Q8. Read the extract and answer the following questions of any ONE out of two. (1×4=4)
The professor and his wife had been kind people anxious to do something for their few foreign students, and
the students, though bored, had accepted this kindness. Sadao had often told Hana how nearly he had not
gone to Professor Harley’s house that night-the rooms were so small, the food so bad, the professor’s wife so
voluble. But he had gone and there he had found Hana, a new student, and had felt he would love her if it
were at all possible.
(i)How did Sadao’s visit to Professor Harley’s house change his life?
(ii)What can we infer about Hana's role in Sadao's life based on this passage?
(iii)What significant event happened at Professor Harley’s house for Sadao?
(a) He decided to study under Professor Harley. (b) He found Hana and felt he could love her.
(c) He decided to leave the country. (d) He formed a strong friendship with another student.
(iv)What were Sadao’s impressions of the professor’s wife?
OR
The Presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroads will swear on a
stack of timetables that there are only two. But I say there are three, because I’ve been on the third level of
the Grand Central Station. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among
others. I told him about the third level at Grand Central Station, and he said it was a waking dream wish
fulfilment.
(i)What action does the narrator take to confirm the existence of the third level?
(ii)Who does the narrator consult, besides the psychiatrist, about the third level at Grand Central Station?
(iii)What does the narrator claim to have experienced?
(a) A conversation with a railroad president (b) A journey to the third level of Grand Central Station
(c) A tour of the entire station (d) A trip through time
(iv)Why do you think the narrator’s experience is labeled as "wish fulfillment"?
Q9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE out of two. (6×1=6)
His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his critics felt. He composed
several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana
Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and
manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor-he never aspired to the lead
roles-but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main
players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for
dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances.
(i)What kind of roles did he play in films?
(ii) fill in the blanks:
He wrote a sprawling novel called __________ with dozens of deftly etched characters. (Thillana
Mohanambal/Devadasis)
(iii) He never aspired to __________ roles but excelled in __________ roles in films.
(lead, subsidiary/overshadowed, dwarfed)
(iv)What kind of literary works did he compose?
(v)What did critics feel about his success in films?
(a) It enhanced his literary achievements. (b)It overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements.
(c) It had no effect on his literary career. (d) It was equal to his literary success.
(vi) What was his attitude towards the people he met?
(a) Indifference (b) Genuine love (c) Curiosity (d) Dislike
OR
It was nothing like that. Geoff It was me who spoke first. When I saw who it was I said, “Excuse me, but aren’t
you Danny Casey? And he looked sort of surprised And he said. “Yes, that’s right. And I knew it must be him
because he had the accent you know like when they interviewed him on the television So I asked him for an
autograph for little Derek, but neither of us had any paper or a pan. So then we just talked a bit About the
clothes in Royce’s window. He seemed xelonely. After all, it’s a long way from the west of Ireland And then
just as he was going, he said, if I would care to meet him next week he would give me an autograph then of
course, I said I would”
(i)How does the speaker recognize Danny Casey?
(ii)fill in the blanks:Neither the speaker nor Danny Casey had any ________ or a ________ to write the
autograph.
(iii) Complete the sentence:The speaker was excited to meet Danny Casey because ________.
(iv)Why does the speaker mention "it’s a long way from the west of Ireland"?
(v)Why didn’t the speaker get an autograph immediately?
(a) Danny Casey refused to give one. (b) The speaker forgot to ask.
(c) They didn’t have paper or a pen. (d) Danny Casey was in a hurry.
(vi)How did Danny Casey react when the speaker recognized him?
(a) He ignored the speaker. (b) He seemed surprised.
(c) He got annoyed. (d) He immediately gave an autograph.

Q10. Answer any five questions from the following questions in 40-50 words each. (5×2=10)
(i) Why did M Hamel cry towards the end of his last lesson?
(ii)What does the reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring’ tell us about the economic condition of the rag-
pickers?
(iii)Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire?
(iv)Explain ‘pale as a late winter’s moon’ from poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’.
(v)What does Frost himself feel about the roadside stand?
(vi)Why does Aunt Jennifer find it hard to pull the ivory needle?

Q11.Answer any two questions from the following questions in 40-50 words each. (2×2=4)
(i)What led the Maharaja to start out on a tiger hunt?
(ii)How did Antarctica amaze the writer when he first saw it?
(iii) What peculiar things does Derry notice about the old man, Lamb?

Q12. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5)
(i) How does the story "The Rattrap" explore the idea that the world is like a rattrap?
OR
(ii) Compare the themes of freedom and oppression in "My Mother at Sixty-Six" and "Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger.”

Q13. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5)

(i)Compare and contrast the experiences of Zitkala-Sa and Bama in "Memories of Childhood.”
OR
(ii) How does "The Tiger King" reflect the theme of arrogance, power, and the inevitability of fate?