NR BHAGAT JUNIOR COLLEGE

CLASS-12th (A/S) PRE BOARD-II MAX.MARKS 80

DATE- 11/1/2025 SUBJECT-ENGLISH (01) DURATION-3 HRS

Important instructions:
1.Each activity has to be answered in complete sentence/s. One-word answers will not be given complete
credit. Just the correct activity number written in case of options will not be given credit.
2. Web diagrams, flow charts, tables etc. are to be presented exactly as they are with answers.
3. In point 2 above, just words without the presentation of the activity format/design, will not be given credit.
Use of colour pencils/pens etc. is not allowed (Only blue/black pens are allowed)
4.Multiple answers to the same activity will be treated as wrong and will not be given any credit.
5.Maintain the sequence of the Sections/Question Nos./Activities throughout the activity sheet.

SECTION I-PROSE(16 MARKS)

Q 1. A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (12 Marks)

Meanwhile, I saw a man standing at a distance with a stick in his hand. As I approached, he appeared spooked
due to alarm calls of the Leopard. We greeted each other. He was Raju Iskape from Pitezari. He had come to
collect logs but retreated due to the Leopard’s movement. Raju was amazed at my regular solitary visits to
Umbarzara, the haven for Tigers, Leopards and Sloth Bears. We stopped under a Kusum tree to take a break.
We both felt a bit relaxed. Now we were four eyes, four hands with a stick. Then we both resumed our walking
tour.

There was one tiny track that broke out of the main trail. “I will take this route, you go straight,” said Raju and
turned right. I kept walking straight until I climbed a familiar hillock. I crossed the cement pillar and stones
stacked by Forest Development Corporation to mark the boundary of the forest compartment. Took another
trail after climbing down. Walked across a beautiful Mahua tree loaded with reddish-brown leaves. The
ground under the tree was cleaned very well. The thought instantly flashed in my mind- ‘I’d lost my way’. Next
moment, I found another dusky trail. Hastily I took that trail which took me from a narrow gorge to an open
field. The area was surrounded by hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest. I turned back to spot the sun. Now,
the geographical west was set. The dusky trail had vanished. Good Heavens! I was lost. Completely lost in this
jungle, That too at a very dreadful time! The sun was melting down like a fleeting runner.

Soaked in my own sweat, I felt like shouting to my heart’s content. But there was no other soul to listen to my
sound in this wilderness. I had two bags with me. The Shabnam bag having the camera and the other was a
small colourful hand-made bag used in villages to carry tiffin. The tiffin still had some stuff, but I didn’t feel like
having it. The blossoming Boxwood trees, the Bhoop Bhoop sound of Coucal bird, the song of Robin bird, all
appeared alien to me.

A.1. Complete the following:

(1) Raju had come to the jungle________________

(2) The FDC marked the forest boundary with the help of______________

(3) Of the two bags the narrator had, tiffin. and the other a tiffin_____________

(4) Umbarzara was a refuge for________________

A2.Pick out and write two statements from the extract telling us that the writer was lost.

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A3. Give reasons:Complete the statements by giving proper reasons:

(1) After meeting Raju, the writer and Raju both felt relaxed because__________

(2) The time was dreadful because_____________

A4. Narrate a real/Imaginary experience when you have lost your way.

A5. Language(Do as directed):

(1) Raju was amazed at my solitary visits to Umbarzara.(Choose the correct option beginning 'My solitary ......)

(a) My solitary visits to Umbarzara amazes Raju.

(b) My solitary visits to Umbarzara has amazed Raju.

(c) My solitary visits to Umbarzara amazed Raju.

(d) My solitary visits to Umbarzara has been amazing Raju.

(2) Umbarzara is the haven for Tigers, Leopards and Sloth Bears. (Rewrite the sentence using 'not only... but
also'.)

A6. (1) Choose the correct meaning for 'spooked':

(a) frightened (b) happy (c) angry

(2) Find the contextual meaning of 'stacked':

Q.1.(B) Non-Textual Grammar - Do as directed: (4 marks)

(1) Start a waste segregation system in your building.(Choose the correct modal auxillary denoting
compulsion.)

(a) You could start a waste segregation system in your building.

(b) You might start a waste segregation system in your building.

(c) Couldn't you start a waste segregation system in your building?

(d) You must start a waste segregation system in your building.

(2) Using insecticides really ends up poisoning the family.(Choose the correct alternative beginning 'If...'.)

(a) If you are using insecticides you are really ending up poisoning the family.

(b) If, using insecticides, you really end up poisoning the family.

(c) If you use insecticides, you will really end up poisoning the family.

(d) If you poison the family, you will use insecticides.

(3) Inform people in advance and get your friends together to pick up litter in a public place.(Rewrite as a
simple sentence.)

B2. Spot the error/s in the given sentence and rewrite the correct sentence:

Ram, my grandson, is accustomed with hard works.

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Q2 A. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. (12 marks)
To read a lot is essential. It is stupid not to venture outside the examination 'set books' or the textbooks you
have chosen for intensive study. Read as many books in English as you can, not as a duty but for pleasure. Do
not choose the most difficult books you find, with the idea of listing and learning as many new words as
possible: choose what is likely to interest you and be sure in advance, that it is not too hard. You should not
have to be constantly looking up new words in the dictionary, for that deadens interest and checks real
learning. Look up a word here and there, but as a general policy try to push ahead, guessing what words mean
from the context. It is extensive and not intensive reading that normally helps you to get interested in extra
reading and thereby improve your English. You should enjoy the feeling which extensive reading gives. As you
read you will become more and more familiar with words and sentence patterns you already know,
understanding them better and better as you meet them in more and more contexts,some of which may differ
only slightly from others. Some people say that we cannot learn to speak a language better with the help of a
book. To believe that the spoken language and written language are quite different things. This is not so.

A1. Based on the extract, pick out and write down the two correct sentences:

(1) You must choose the most difficult books you can find to read.

(2) You must choose what is likely to interest you.

(3) You must read books for pleasure.

(4) You should be constantly looking up new words in the dictionary.

A2. Write down the different steps that are suggested to improve reading.

A3. Explain what some people say about learning the spoken form of a language.

A4. What will you do to improve your English?

A5. Language Study (Do as directed):

(1) You should enjoy the feeling that extensive reading gives.(Choose the correct modal showing possibility to
replace the underlined word and rewrite the sentence.)

(a) must (b) ought to (c) might (d) cannot

(2) It is extensive. (Choose the correct rhetorical question.)

(a) Is it extensive? (b) Isn't it extensive? (c) It is extensive, isn't it? (d) Why is it extensive?

A6. Choose the correct options:

(1) 'You should not have to be constantly looking up new words in the dictionary, for that deadens interest
and checks real learning. The underlined word here means:

(a) develops (b) diminishes (c) creates

(2) 'You should enjoy the feeling which extensive reading gives'.The underlined word here means:

(a) covering a large area (b) supplementary (c) creative

Q. 2. (B) Summary Writing: [3 Marks]

Write a summary of the above extract [Q. 2(A)] in short with the help of the given clues and suggest a suitable
title.

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Points: Read a lot outside the textbooks- for pleasure- avoid difficult books - read interesting ones avoid
dictionary - guess meanings - extensive and not intensive reading - different opinions.

Q.2 (C) Mind Mapping: [3 Marks]

Develop a Mind-Mapping using your ideas and concepts to develop the topic "Personality development.'
(i) Using the title connect your thoughts
(ii) Use your own design for branching and general structure
(iii) Try making 2-3 main and 2-3 sub-branches

SECTION II: (Poetry and Appreciation)

Q.3.(A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (10 marks)

Small towns always remind me of death.

My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees,

it is always the same,

in summer or winter,

with the dust flying,

or the wind howling down the gorge.

Just the other day someone died.

In the dreadful silence we wept

looking at the sad wreath of tuberoses.

Life and death, life and death,

only the rituals are permanent.

The river has a soul.

In the summer it cuts through the land

like a torrent of grief. Sometimes,

sometimes, I think it holds its breath

seeking a land of fish and stars

A1. Pick out the lines that describe the poet's small town in Arunachal Pradesh.

A2. "The river has soul. Elaborate the concept in your words as the poet has explained in the extract.

A3. Write down the measures you would take to convince people regarding the need to conserve Nature.

A4. Explain the figure of speech in the expression 'a sad wreath of tuberoses'.

A5. Compose 4 to 6 lines on 'Gift of the Seasons'.

Q.3.B) Write the poetic appreciation of the extract given below considering the following points: (4 marks)
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About the poem / poet/title, Theme, Poetic devices, language, style, Special features-tone and type, Values,
message Your opinion about the poem:

When I had money, money, O!

I knew no joy till I went poor;

For many a false man as a friend

Came knocking all day at my door.

Then felt I like a child that holds

A trumpet that he must not blow

Because a man is dead; I dared

Not speak to let this false world know.

Much have I thought of life, and seen

How poor men’s hearts are ever light;

And how their wives do hum like bees

About their work from morn till night.

So, when I hear these poor ones laugh,

And see the rich ones coldly frown

Poor men, think I, need not go up

So much as rich men should come down.

When I had money, money, O!

My many friends proved all untrue;

But now I have no money, O!

My friends are real, though very few.

SECTION III (Writing Skills) (16 marks)

Q4.A. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below :

Attempt any one of the following. (4 marks)

1.Virtual Message:
Imagine yourself as Ramesh. You are required to go to Pune to participate in the National Level Chess
Competition and hence you won't be able to attend the class-test. Draft a virtual message for your friend
Sanket in about 50 to 75 words asking him to convey the reason for your absence to your subject teacher.
OR
2. Statement of Purpose:
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You love acting, and want to become a TV/Theatre/Film actor/ actress. You have taken part in many drama
competitions held in your college and have also acted in street plays. You are a good Bharat Natyam dancer
too. You are fluent in English. Hindi, Marathi and Tamil. Prepare a Statement of Purpose for admission to the
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

OR
3.Group Discussion

Sameer, Anil and Amit have recently discussed on a topic 'Social Media affecting teenager's life'. Draft this
group discussion in the form of dialogues on this topic.

Q.4.B. Attempt any ONE of the following: (4 marks)

1.Email Writing:
Write an e-mail in about 100/150 words to the Manager of the local S.T. Bus depot asking for Information
regarding concessions for students who wish to go on a study tour.

OR
2.Report Writing:
You have recently visited an exhibition on Environmental Pollution Causes and Remedies'. Prepare a report in
about 100/150 words of about 20 lines on the exhibition.

OR
3.Interview: Write 8-10 questions to interview a boy/girl who has won an award for bravery. Use the given
table and points:

Name of the Interviewee (distinguished personality)

Field/Activity/Fame

Date/Venue/Time

Duration of Interview

Questions:

1. Reactions

2. Deed

3.Emotions

4. Support

5. Motivation

6. Award

7. Future

8. Dream

9. Message

Q. 4 (C) Attempt any ONE of the following: (4 Marks)

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(1) Speech Writing: You wish to take part in an elocution competition in your college. One of the topics is
'Child Labour'. Prepare a speech in about 100/150 words. You may use the following points:

* Number of children working

* Types of jobs

* Harm caused

* Solutions to the problem.

OR

2) Compering:On the occasion of the inaugural function of 'Sports Day', you have been given the responsibility
to compere:Draft a script of the same. Use the following points:

* Brief Introduction

* Lighting the lamp/Inauguration

* Welcome the guests

*Chief Guest's address

*Vote of thanks

OR
3) Expansion of Idea: Expand the following proverb in about 120 words. It must have an introduction, middle
and the conclusion.
“Where there is will, there is a way”.

Q.4 (D) Attempt any ONE of the following: (4 Marks)

Drafting a Review: Draft a review of any film/movie that you have recently watched. Prepare your review with
the help of given points:
* Name of the movie/year of release
* Producer/Director
* Cast
* Technical aspects: Music/photography
* Theme/storyline in brief
OR
(2) Blog Writing: Prepare a 'Blog' in a proper format on 'Self Defence' with the help of the following points in
about 100/150 words. (reasons for the need, types of self-defence, where and how to learn)
OR
3)Appeal Writing: Prepare an appeal to make the general public aware of the need for 'Eye Donation'. Make
use of the following points:
* prepare an attractive slogan
* make a persuasive appeal
* mention the importance of eye donation
* add your own ideas

SECTION IV: LITERARY GENRE –(NOVEL) (16 marks)

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Q.5A 1.Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:

(1)Pick the odd word out (2)

(i) Amit Ghosh, Vikram Seth, Henry Fielding, Amita Desai.
(ii) plot, novella, setting, theme
(iii) place, time, climate, epistolary
(iv) horror, mystery, picaresque, thriller

(2)Write if the following statements are True or False.(2)

(i) 'Character' describes the behaviour of the characters in the story.
(ii) The main character in the story is referred to as the 'novella'.
(iii) The struggle between the opposite forces in the story is called 'antagonism'.
(iv) "Theme' is the central idea in the novel which can be expressed in a nutshell.

Q. 5. (B) Write the answers of the following questions in about 50 words:

(1) Describe how E.R Braithwaite manages to bring about a change in the behaviour of his students. (2)
(2) Describe the method by which Fernman caught the attention of the audience. (2)

Q. 5. (C) Write the answers of the following questions in about 50 words: (2)

(1)Phileas Fogg knocked detective Fix down - Give reason/s

(2) Identify and write down the correct options:

(i) Fogg was arrested in:
(a) London (b) Liverpool (c) Saville Row (d) Edinburgh

(ii) The name of the bank robber was:

(a) Andrew Stuart (b) Thomas Flanagan (c) James Strand (d) John Sullivan

(iii) To win the wager, Fogg had to reach the Reform Club a on a particular day.
(a) 9 p.m. (b) 9 a.m. (c) 8.45 p.m. (d) 8.20 p.m.

(iv) The wager that Fogg accepted was for a sum of

(a) Twenty pounds (b) Thousand pounds (c) Twenty thousand dollars (d) Twenty thousand pounds

Q. 5. (D) Write the answers of the following questions in about 50 words:

(1)Sherlock Holmes is the leading character in the extract "The Sign of Four". (2)
(2)How does the mystery of Bartholomew's murder lead Holmes to track down Jonathan Small? (2)

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