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riort No.' TT.-J-]
pRE BOARD EXAMINATION t eA18-2019)
SUBJECT : ENGLISH
$ET.B
CLASS : Xll
-["irun : 3.00 hours MM:1 00

This paper is divided into three secffons.'

SECTION A: READING (30 Marks)
SECilOil B: ADVANCED WRITING SKIttS f30 Marks)
SECTION C: UTERATURE
(Textbooks & Long Reading Text - Novel) (40 Marks)

senera/ Instructions.'
1. This papeus divided into three sections: A, B and C.
A,ll the secffons are compulsary.
2. Separafe instructions are given with each section and
question, wherever necessary.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering
the questions.
SECTION- A

ffiEADTNG -(30 MATAKS)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
foilow: (20 Marks)

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That large animals require luxuriant vegetation has been a
general assumption which has passed from one world to
another; but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false,
and that it has vitiated the reasoning of geologists on some
points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The
prejudice has probably been derived from lndia, and the lndian
islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and
impenetrable jungles, are associated together in every one's
mind. lf, however, we refer to any work of travels through the
southern parts of Africa, we shall find ailusions in almost every
page either to the desert character of the country, 05 to the
nurnbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same thing is
rendered evident by the many engravings which have been
published in various parts of the interior.

2. Dr. Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the

Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that, taking into consideration
the whole of the southern part of Africa, there can be no
doubt of it being a sterile country. On the southern coasts
there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the
traveller may pass for days together through open plains.
covered by poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we lcok at the
animals inhabiting these wide plains, we shall find their
numbers extraordinarily great, and their bulk immense.

? It may be supposed that although the species are numerous,

the individuals of each kind are few. By the kindness of
Dr.Smith, I am enabled to show that the case is very different.
He informs me, that in lat. 24', in one day's rnarch with the
bullock-wagons, he saw, without wandering to any great
distance on either side, between one hundred and one
hundred and fifty rhinoceroses * the same day he saw several
herds of giraffes, amounting together to nearly a hundred.

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4. nf-the distance of a littte more than one hour's march from
their place of encampment on the previous night, his party
actually saw at one spot eight hippopotamuses, and saw many
more. ln this same river there were likewise crocodiles. Of
course it was a case quite extraordinary, to see So many great
animais crowded together, but it evidently proves that they
must exist in great numbers. Dr. Smith describes the country
passed through that day, as 'being thinly covered with grass,
and bushes about four feet high and still more thinly with
mimosa-trees.'

5. Besides these large animals, anyone the Ieast acquainted with

the natural history of the Cape has read of the herds of
antelopes, which can be compared only with the flocks of
migratory birds. The numbers indeed of the lion, panther, and
hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the
abundance of the smaller quadrupeds: one evening seven
lions were counted at the same time prowling round Dr.
Smith's encampment. As this the able naturalist remarked to
me, the carnage each day in Southern Africa must indeed be
terrific! I confess it is truly surprising how such a number of
animals can find support in a country producing so little food.

6. The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in

search of it; and their food chiefly consists of undenruood,
which probably contains much nutriment in a small bulk. Dr.
Smith also informs me that the vegetation has a rapid growth;
no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by
a fresh stock. There can be no doubt, however, that our ideas
respecting the apparent amount of food necessary for the
support of large quadrupeds are much exaggerated. The belief
that where large quadrupeds exist, the vegetation must
necessarily be luxuriant is the more remarkable, because the
converse is far from true.

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7 . Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing
struck him more forcibly than the splendor of the South
American vegetation contrasted with that of South Africa,
together with the absence of all large quadrupeds. ln his
Travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the
respective weights (if there were sufficient data) of an equal
number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds of each country
would be extremely curious. lf we take on the one side, the
elephants hippopotamus, giraffe, boscaffer, 6lan, five species
of rhinoceros; and on the American side, two tapirs, the
guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccary, capybara (after which
we must choose from the monkeys to complete the number),
and then place these two groups alongside each other it is
not easy to conceive ranks more disproportionate in size.

8. After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against

anterior probability that among the mammalia there exists no
close relation between the bulk of the species, and the
quantity of the vegetation, in the countries which they inhabit.
Adapted from: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin (1890)
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage,
answer the following questionsby choosing the most
appropriate option: (1x5=5)

J! The author is primarily concerned with:

a) discussing the relationship between the size of mammals
and the nature of vegetation in their habitats
b) contrasting ecological conditions in lndia and Afnca
c) proving that large animals do not require much food
d) describing the size of animals. in various parts of the
world
According to the author, the 'prejudice' (Para 1) leads to:
a) errors in the reasoning of biologists
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b) false ideas about animals in Africa
c) incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists
d) doubt in the mind of the author
. The flocks of migratory birds (Para 5) are mentioned to:
a) describe an aspect of the fauna of South Africa
b) illustrate a possible source of food for large carnivores
c) contrast with the habits of the antelope
.? d) suggest the size of antelope herds

,/ Darwin quotes Burchell's observations in order to:

a) counter a popular misconception
b) describe a region of great splendor
c) prove a hypothesis
d) illustrate a well-known phenomenon

,fi What is the "carnage referred to by Dr. Smith?

a) Death and destruction caused by large animals.
b) remains after a Massacre
c) Any chaotic situation.
d) vegetation has rapid growth
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: (1xG=6)

v Where from the prejudice has been derived ?.

Why does Dr. Smith refer to Africa as a sterile country?.

/
3 What ls the evidence given to prove the prejudice
wrong?.
4 What is the significance of describing the size of the
animals?

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5. what do you say about the size of the animais or t*
two countries?
6.
What is meant by luxuriant vegetation ?
1.3. Answer any three the following questions briefly (2x3=6)
1 What is your view about the kind of animals existing in
S.America and S.Africa?
2. To account for the surprising number of animals in a
country producing so little food , what partial explanation
does Darwin suggest?
3. what does the author conclude from Dr. Smith and
Burchell's observations?
4. Write your views on the role of prejudices.
1.4 Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar
in meaning to the following: (1x3=3)
,A Dense (Para 1)

b) Barren (Para 2)
c) Hints (Para 1)

Q2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
follow:
1-
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/colour Therapy is a complementary therapy for which there is
\evidence dating back thousands
,,of years to the ancient
cultures of Egypt, china and lndiafif we define it in simple
terms, colour is a right of varying'wavelengths, thus each
colour has its own particular wavelength and energf)
- I- q ./
2- (colours contribute to energy.)rhis energy may be motivational
ind encouraging.Ttach ot^fi" seven colours of the spectrum
is associated with energy.^The energy relating to each of the
seven spectrum colours /of\ed, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo and violet, resonates with the energy of each of the

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s;ven ;r, "r,rr,;;6;At ";;G;i "itG n"0ffi"* th";#,
can help to re-balance andior stimulate thdse
\ energies
- by
col to the
applying the appropriate colour ly/
boc
/ \/
3 GuO relates to the base crra[r/ Q,rng" (n" sacral chakra,
yellow the solar rlTus chakr/, (rin the heart cnakr)Qtue
the throat chakra/ Qdigo the brow chakrd (sometimes referred
to as the thir:d JV") anO Qiolet rela;tes to the crown chakra)
t
4. Colour is (absorbed by the eyes, skin, skull our 'magnetic
energy field
flel& or aura and
,nF the energy of colour affects.us
affects us on
au revers) that is to say,
lpnysicat,
spiritual ,nF emotionglftvery
cell in the body needs light enersY thup @as
]:ffects on the Yhole bo3[) There are
rryidespreag many
different ways of giving colour, including Solarised Water,Light
boxes/lamps@rs,
- ---48
colour silks and hands on
healing using colour.
5. Colour therapy can be shown to help on a physical level,
which is perhaps eoasier to quantify, however there are deeper
issues around th{Srlours on the psychological and spiritual
tevelq/ Our wellbeing is not, of course, (purely a physical
issueJFortunately, many more practitioners, both orthodox and
cory$lementary are now treating patients in a holistic manner.
6. Colour Therapy is a totally holistic and non-invasive therapy
and, really, colour should be a part of our everyday life, not
just sornething we experience for an hour or two with a
therapist. Colour is all around us everywhere. This wonderful
planet does not contain all the beautiful colours of the rainbow
for no reason. Nothing on this earth is here just by
chance;everything in nature is here for a purpose. Colour is
no exception. All we need to do is to heighten our awareness
of the energy of colour, absorb it and see how it can transform
our lives.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage,
make notes on it using headings and sub-headings. Use
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recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary-minimum four)
and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate
title to it. (5 Marks)
'/ irrmmarv of the
Write a summary the Passage in 2rbout 100 words.
V (Smarks)

SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS (30 MARKS)

3./ You are ArniUAnamika .You want to sell your car as you are planning
\-/ to buy a new one. Draft a suitable advertisement to be published
in the Vehicles column of a newspaper. (4 Marks)
OR

You are .Dr.Amit/Amita Gupta, an eminent educationist. You have

been invited to preside over an Inter Zonal Declamation Competition
by Nalini, the President of English Literary Club of Government
Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector-2O, Chandigarh. Write a reply
ng the invitation.

You are Nitin/ Natasha, staying at 20, S.F.S. Flats, Worli, Mumbai.
You bought a mobile phone from "Mobile Villa", Mahim,Mumbai. The
phone developed a problem within a few days of the purchase.
Write a letter to the Sales Manager of the showroom complaining
about the defect and seeking immediate replacement.(6 Marks)
OR

You are Mallika/Mayank, a student of class Xll, Modern School,

Shimla. You are eager to enter the National Film Academy, Shimla,
after your board results. Write a letter to the Director of the film
academy seeking information regarding admission procedure,
eligibility criteria, fee structure, placement opportunities, etc.

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Yoga unites the body, mind and soul. When you are in harmony, the
journey through life is calmer, happier and more fulfilling..

Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning

assembly on the topic ' Yoga- a way of life'. You are Karan/ Kajal,
Head Boy /Head Girl of D.A.V. Public School, Delhi.

(10 Marks)
OR

You are Ajayl Areena, Head Boy/ Girl of Sunrise Public School,
Kancheepuram. You have noticed some students of your school
littering the school compound and verandahs with tiffin left overs,
used papers and ice cream wrappers. It makes the school look
unclean and untidy. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be
delivered in the morning assernbly, advising the students to keep
the school neat and clean.
,/
6. / On the threshold of being a world super power, lndia does have a
l/ large young workforce but unfortunately not many in this force are
employable for want of necessary skills. Write in about 150-200
words, an article for a newspaper on the topic 'Skill Development
is the need of the hour'. You are Anita/Arnav.
(10 Marks)
OR

With a view to create awareness regarding health St. Anne's school

organised 'Health Mela' in the school premises. Various charts,
models, fitness equipments were displayed. Lectures, debates,
discussions, plays were organised. A workshop on low calorie
cooking was also organised. Write a report in 150-200 words on
the 'Health Mela' . for the school magazine. You are Neha/Nikhil,
Secretary of the Health Club of school.

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sEcTroilr C-LITERATURE (40 MARKS)

7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
(4 Marks)
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors t

would put on clean clothes

And walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
1. Who are 'those' in line 1?

2. What are 'green wars'?

3. Explain. 'victory with no survivors'.
4. Which figure of speech is used in the above stanza?
OR

Aunt Jennifer's fingers fluttering through her wool

Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle's wedding band
sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand.
1. Why. is it so hard for Aunt Jennifer to pull the ivory
needle?
2. Which poetic device has been used in the first line?
3. What does 'uncle's wedding band' stand for?
4. Why does the poet use 'massive weight' and 'sits heavily'
for Uncle's ring?

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B. Answer any four of the following questions in about 30 -40 words
each: (3x4=12)
Why did Hauser and the other villagers come to attend the
-rf, last lesson?
,r{ How did the near drowning experience at the poot affect
Douglas?
c). Why does the poetess look at 'young trees 'and 'merry
children'?
,d{ What does Stephen Spencier want for the children of the
slums?
e). 'l shall cut my tuft, crop my hair short and become an
insurance agent'. Explain the context.
Why does lV'lr. larnb say," So you are not lost , are you ? Not
altogether."

9. Answer any onp of the following questions in about 120-150 words:

(6 Marks)
(i) Edla's empathetic and compassionate behaviour changed the
Iife of the rat trap seller. Do you think that an act of kindness
can change a person's view of the world?
(ii) Maintaining a balance between one's fantasies and the real
world is the key to the survival . Give your opinion on Sophie's
character in the light of the above statement.
What changes were brought about in the school that day on
account of the Berlin order? What changes do we notice in
Franz and why?

10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words:
(6 Marks)
'Dr. Sadao planned and helped the enemy (the PoW) to
escape'" Comment.

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(ii) Give an account of the blunders committed by the prison
authorities which helped Evans in escaping from the prison.
(iii) 'The seeds of rebeltion are planted in one's childhood'. Justiffy
the statement in light of the hardships the two women writers
face in their young age and how in their own way they register
1..:-+ their protest in' Memories of childhood.'
:

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

,/,/
,/ Comaare and contrast the characteristics of Dr. Kemp with that of
\-/ Criffin.
OR
'sketch of Mrs.Hall'
Attempt the character

the following question in about 120-150 words: {6 Marks)

whv did the invisible man choose Mrs. Marvel as his helper?
OR

What were the difficulties faced by Griffin to achieve his dream of

invisibility? Were the ways adopted by him morally correct? Justifu
your answer.
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