KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA VARANASI REGION

PRE BOARD EXAMINATION-2017-2018

CLASS-XII

SUBJECT: ENGLISH(CORE)

Time allowed:3 hours MaximumMarks:100

General Instructions:

(i)This paper is divided into three sections :A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.

(ii)Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.

(iii)Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION-A

(READING)

(MARKS-30)

Q1.Read the passage given below:

1. Our ancient sages and forefathers had taught us the importance of three qualities as essential requisites to preserve our culture eternally. They relate to our intellectual, emotional

and physical aspects involving moment to moment transactions. They are fearlessness, non-attachment and non-violence.

2. The most important among the three is fearlessness. Whenever our culture or our values are threatened, we should have the courage to stand against the inimical forces. The conflict between truth and untruth or right and wrong is a phenomenon that has baffled people right from the beginning of creation. Many times, we feel that wickedness is over-running righteousness. But we should realize that this is temporary. Ultimately , truth alone will win. This is the law of nature. The main weapon in the battle for the victory of “dharma”(righteousness) is fearlessness. This is essentially a state of mind.

3. To develop fearlessness, we have to shed our ego that often clouds our mind and intellect. First of all we must develop a firm conviction in the principles and beliefs we value. We should then remain ready to sacrifice every thing we hold dear to us. Some people merely sacrifice their possessions, that too mainly for the sake of name and fame. That is not true sacrifice. Giving up one’s ego with a spirit of surrender or submission to the unseen power of the Almighty to attain fearlessness is true sacrifice. We understand submission as mere obedience of our superiors or others in authority, forgetting our basic

responsibility that we should resist any attempt from any quarter to impose wrong practices and unrighteous acts.

4.Fearlessness can be attained only if another equally important quality like non- attachment can be cultivated. This calls for discrimination(viveka). The ability to distinguish between the permanent and the temporary is called “vivek”. There is no attachment to any person or thing, be it family or property But this value comes only when we seek higher levels of knowledge to attain wisdom, which is different from skills or techniques or literary proficiency.

5.Supplementing both these qualities of fearlessness and non –attachment is the ability to remain non-violent under all circumstances. Non-violence is not limited to the physical body. One should practice non-violence in speech and thought too. It calls for immense will power, Jains as a community led by their monks have shown clearly the path of non-violence in day-to- day life.When we combine fearlessness and non-attachment with non- violence, we unleash forces which down even powerful armies and mighty empires. Take the case of the United States America, which had a fearless leader like Abraham Lincoln, who galvanized the urges of the people against slavery for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi inspired us for freedom from foreign rule by inspiring us through fearlessness, non-attachment and non-violence.

6.However, epics teach us that it is impossible to correct men like Duryodhana. In such cases, use of force is not only necessary, but it also becomes mandatory. The physical punishments parents mete out to their children for a positive purpose also cannot be considered as violence as long as no love is lost in the relationship.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer each of the questions given below with the help of options that follow:( 1x4=4)

(a)What are the three essential qualities to preserve our culture:

(i)truthfulness, sincerity and honesty to oneself.

(ii)intellectual, emotional and physical aspects involving moment to moment transactions.

(iii)devotion, piousness, praying to God.

(iv) reverence, equality and love for mankind.

(b)What is the main weapon for the victory of righteousness:

(i)devotion to God

(ii) non-attachment

(iii)fearlessness

(iv) non-violence

(c) What will be considered a true sacrifice, according to the passage:

(i)sacrificing one’s possessions

(ii) sacrificing one’s possessions and old things

(iii) sacrificing one’s principles and beliefs

(iv)giving up or sacrificing one’s ego with a spirit of surrender to the unseen power of the Almighty to attain fearlessness.

(d)How can fearlessness be attained:

(i) through truthfulness

(ii)only through sincerity and honesty

(iii) only through discrimination(viveka)

(iv) only through sacrifice

Answer the following questions briefly:(1x6=6)

(e)What is the first step to develop fearlessness?

(f)What results due to combining fearlessness and non-attachment with non-violence?

culture?

(h)What is ‘viveka’?

(i) What has baffled people right from the beginning of creation?

(j)How did Mahatma Gandhi inspire us from foreign rule?

(k)Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following:

(i)gigantic(para5)

(ii) belief(para3)

2. Read the passage given below:

1.It’s perhaps fair to say that most people now depend on social media for a large part of their day; this can mean checking Facebook updates, posting on Twitter or just keeping up to date with a friend’s Flickr stream. Is our dependence on social media networks positive for our health, though, or is there a case to be made that over use of social media creates damaging levels of social isolation? Or are there more positive appeals to being connected to social media, in the sense of the community values and productivity it encourages.

2.Perhaps the strongest criticism that can be made of social media networks is that they deprive us of human interaction and create virtual substitutes that still maintain emotional distance. Sherry Turkle has argued that social networks only provide the illusion of companionship and that the kind of

interactions we experience can’t replicate quality interactions ; in this context, we can be in the same room as someone else, but still devoting our attention to our online networks.

3.The potentially damaging effects of this social media use can be tied to the fear that we are addicted without actually realizing it—feelings of loneliness are exacerbated by being online too much, with people more willing to experience a sense of isolation if they feel that others around them are enjoying themselves much more. Indeed , Stephen Marche has suggested that social networks are full of contradictions, making users connected, but also more likely to be passive observers, rather than people seeking out genuine emotional relationships. Marche consequently argues that ‘passive consumption of Facebook also correlates to a marginal increase in depression.’

4. On the other hand ,however, studies are suggesting that social media users are aware of the dangers of being online too much and take a more active approach to their networks; rather than isolating themselves, they use local networks and business groups in order to socialize and develop a broader range of contacts. Annalise Rodriguez, examining the experiences of college students in America, argues that ‘ most Americans actually weave digital activities and face-to- face activities together.’

5.This ability to view social media as an extension , or rather a complement to being more sociable does have its drawbacks, in the sense of allowing for passive consumption , but can be used more positively. Being able to use social media as a means to an end, rather than a substitute for meeting up with others and getting away from devices is crucial, particularly if you’re experiencing isolation. Too often, sites like Facebook create an artificial perception of others and mean that you lose perspective on what’s important. Using social media selectively , and making the most of networks as a way to meet friends or to learn more about opportunities in a local area, or even national and international support groups can encourage a stronger sense of unity. In this context , like any other technology , social media ultimately is what you bring to it, rather than something that has a definite use value.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage complete the statements given below with the help of options that follow: (1x2=2)

(a)An appropriate title for the above passage would be:

(i) Facebook and Twitter

(ii)Flickr Stream

(iii) Effects of Social Media

(iv)I like Social Networking

(b)Overuse of Social Media can lead to:

(i) nerve damage

(ii) relaxation

(iii) stimulation

(iv) depression.

Answer the following questions briefly: (1x6=6)

(c)How are social networks full of contradictions?

(d) State two benefits of social networking.

(e) What is the strongest criticism of social media networks mentioned in the passage?

(f)How can we avert the dangers of social media?

(g)What does the term ‘passive observers’ mean?

(h) In what way can social networks promote unity?

(i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following: (1x2=2)

(i) aggravated (para3)

(ii) wider (para4)

3.Read the passage given below: (8)

Many people view sleep as merely a “down time”, when their brains shut off and their bodies rest. People may cut back on sleep, thinking it won’t be a problem, because other responsibilities seem much more important. But research shows that a number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help people stay healthy and function at their best.

While you sleep, your brain is hard at work forming the pathways necessary for learning and creating memories and new insights. Without enough sleep, you can’t focus and pay attention or respond quickly. A lack of sleep may even cause mood problems. Growing evidence shows that a chronic lack of sleep can also increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and infections.

Despite growing support for the idea that adequate sleep, like adequate nutrition and physical activity, is vital to our well-being, people are sleeping less .The nonstop”24/7”nature of the eight hours of sleep each night to be well rested .Indeed, in 1910,most people slept nine hours a night. Recent national surveys show that 30 percent of U.S. adults sleep fewer than seven hours a night. As many as 30 percent of adults also report daytime sleepiness so severe that it interferes with work, driving and social functioning at least a few days each month.

Evidence from other national surveys indicate that 70 per cent of adolescents sleep less than the recommended 8 to 9 hours each night. Lack of sleep may have a direct effect on children’s health, behavior and development.

(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviation(wherever necessary-minimum four ) and a format you consider suitable.Also supply an appropriate title to it.(5)

(b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words .(3)

SECTION: B

(WRITING SKILLS)

(Marks:30)

4. You are Kavita/ Karan , a leading lawyer practicing in Delhi. You want to buy an independent house at City Light Road to be used as office-cum –residence. Draft an advertisement in about

50 words for the classified columns of a localnewspaper. Youcan be contacted at 45645678.

or

Indian Dental Association needs a poster on ‘Healthy Oral Hygiene Through Regular Brushing’. Draft a suitable poster.

(word limit-50) (4)

5.Little Flower Public School, Varanasi is run by an NGO to give quality education to the children of the deprived sections of

society.The Principal of the school feels that blackboards need to be replaced. She decides to ask the chairperson of the NGO named “Education for All” for funds . Write her letter in 120-

150 words. Her name is Shweta Rathore.

Or

Along with air and water pollution, our cities are also under an attack of noise pollution . Marriage processions, DJs during

wedding receptions, loud music from neighbourhood flats are all sources of noise which is not good for the old , the ailing and students. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper describing the problem and making a request to the

concerned authorities to solve it. You are Mohit/ Mahek, D120,Stanley Road,Lucknow.(6)

6. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic “Discipline shapes the future of a student.” It is to be delivered in the

morning assembly. You are Kapil/Karuna.

or

You are Alok of class XII in Rishi Public School, Patna. You are to speak in a debate organized by the Rotary Club of Patna. The

topic of the debate is”Corporal Punishment must be abolished

in all Educational Institutions.”Give your views in favour of the statement in 150-200 words.(10)

7.Write a speech to be given in the morning assembly on the topic “India of My Dreams”.You are Kapil/Anita of class XII.

(150-200 words.)

Or

A lot of youngsters are connecting to the social networking sites for one reason or the other. It has more evils than serving good to innocent students . Write an article in about 150-200

words on “Outpour of Social Networking Sites.”(10)

SECTION:C

(Literature: Text Books and Long Reading Text )

(Marks:40)

8.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Now we will count to twelve

and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of Earth

let’s not speak in any language,

let’s stop for one second,

and move our arms so much.

(a) What is the significance of the number ‘twelve’?(1)

(b)Which two activities does the poet want us to stop?(1)

(c)What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not speak in any language’?(1)

(d)Describe the pun on the word,’arms’. ( 1)

Therefore , on every morrow are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the Earth

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

Made for our searching.

(a)What are the flowery bands that bind us to the Earth?(1)

(b)What is the message contained in the above lines?(1)

(c) What is meant by ‘spite’ in the above lines?(1)

(d)Describe the evil and bad things that we possess in us?(1)

9.Answer any FOUR of the following in 30-40 words each: (3x4=12)

(a)What according to the poet is the only hope for the slum children in ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a slum?

(b)What were the fears of the poet as a child? Why do they surface at this stage?(My Mother at Sixty –Six)

(c)Describe Douglas’ condition when he was in the pool.

(d)What was the plight of the peasants and how did the Champaran episode change it?

(e)What was Franz surprised to see in the class that day?

(f)What was Saheb’s real name? How did his name and circumstances contradict each other?

10.Answer the following in 120-150 words: (6)

“My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you.” What was the impact of M Hamel’s words on the assembled class and why?

or

The peddler believed that the whole world is a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the same?

11.Answer the following question in 120-150 words: (6)

What moral issue ‘Should Wizard hit Mommy’ raise?

Or

To choose between professional loyalty and patriotism was a dilemma for Dr. Sadao. How did he succeed in betraying neither?

12. Answer the following question in 120-150 words: (6)

Attempt a character sketch of Dr. Kemp as a law abiding citizen.

13.Attempt the following question in 120-150 words: (6)

How did Griffin move about in the village of Iping?What were the rumours circulating in the village regarding his bandages?