Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 1

Sample Paper 13
Class XII Exam 2022-23
English-Core (301)
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt question based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your
answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.

SECTION A-READING SKILLS 20

I. Read the passage given below. 10
1. Giving soothes an individual with the vibration of joy. Unconditional giving is a natural principle and
evident everywhere in nature which gives us solids, liquids and minerals. Water gives itself away for our
agriculture and other uses. Trees give flowers, fruits and wood. Air gives us the very life-breath and the
sun gives us light of life.
2. Even the animals give us milk, egg, meat, skin and various services. But what do we humans contribute
to the cosmos in return? Isn’t our role predominately selfish and destructive? We expand civilisation
to disturb ecological balance, spread pollution in the fresh natural atmosphere, indulge in ruthless
deforestation, kill animals even for sport and consume all natural resources for our own selfish interest.
3. It is always great to make donations, but what about giving your own time? It’s wonderful to drop off
used clothing, books and toys at a shelter for the homeless, but what about spending an hour each week
reading and playing with the deprived children? Come face to face with the person you are helping. It
will make your giving more meaningful.
4. It is not about just the time that you give to the deprived children, but what you give to your family. Are
you there when they need you? Or, is it always you who demand help and cooperation from the rest of
your family members? How much do you care for the elderly that live with you or are far away from
you? How do you utilise your spare moments? Isn’t it that you just sit before the television and keep on
flipping the channels trying to find something that suits your interest? Shut it down! ... You can use these
precious spare moments making a ‘Get Well Soon’ card for your grandmother, or someone dear to you
not in good spirits, or send a letter via Internet. Why be on the ‘Facebook’ all the time chatting with your
friends whom you already meet daily at school?
5. The law of karma is a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin. We have added much
to our comforts but we have not been able to attain peace and tranquillity. We are constantly haunted
by excessive greed for grabbing which is severely disturbing peaceful coexistence. We rarely do what
we can for preservation of nature and even our own fellowmen. We have not moved much from the
primitive selfish mentality where self-preservation was the law for survival.
6. What can we give back to the cosmos? We humans are predominantly gifted with mind and intellect.
These are very sharp instruments indeed which can be used as surgeon’s knife for healing or an instrument
for killing. Instead of nurturing anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness and animosity, we can spread love,

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Page 2 Sample Paper 13 Class XII English-Core

care, kindness and benevolence to all and thereby transform the earthly vibration into a heavenly one. If
not anything else, we can at least pray for the happiness and well being of all. We are here in the image
of God. We have divine inheritance of love, wisdom and self-transformation. We may resolve to be
engaged in divine enjoyment of nature and God’s creation with love. Jesus said, “Those that give shall
receive.”
7. Instead of being always at the receiving end, let us abide by the principle of giving by all means and see
how things change for humanity at large.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Choose the most appropriate statement to complete the sentence.
Unconditioned giving is a natural principle, evident in nature and _____.
(a) gives us solids, liquids and in-betweens
(b) solidifies nature and gives us minerals
(c) liquefies nature into solids and minerals
(d) solids, liquids and minerals

ii. What is the general consensus of opinion about civilisational growth and ecological balance?

iii. State what more needs to be done as donors?

iv. Select the antonym for the word ‘ruthless’ from para 2 of the text.
(a) composite (b) compassionate
(c) composure (d) callus

v. Based on your understanding of the text what are the prime responsibilities that make you a perfect
donor?

vi. Choose the doable ways by which you can serve your family, without overexerting yourself.
(a) Donate your spare moments towards the family.
(b) Making a ‘get well soon’ card for someone who is indisposed.
(c) Chatting on Facebook.
(d) (a) and (b)

vii. What are the anomalies noticed by us as we try to benefits from our giving?

viii. Below are given the goals that can be achieved through our giving.
(a) use the gift of our intellect and mind to give back to the cosmos
(b) sharpen our mind and intellect like the surgeon’s knife
(c) develop the skill of surgeons in our applications on the mind and intellect
(d) follow the intellect of a surgeon when it comes to the mind and intellect

ix. Mention how we can bring about a change in humanity by our actions.

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Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 3

x. Which of the titles suggested below are relevant to this passage?

(a) Ask and thou shall receive.
(b) The art of giving of oneself is the true soul liberator.
(c) Poverty and giving are not co-related.
(d) Our personal bounty is meant for giving away.

II. Read the passage given below. 10

1. The Indian hand-knotted carpet industry, a traditionally rural-based cottage industry, is highly labour
intensive and almost entirely export-oriented. The present dominant tradition of pile carpet-weaving
goes back to the 16th century when the migration of skilled craftsmen from Persia and Afghanistan, and
the patronage extended by the Mughal rulers enabled the craft to take root and flourish in India.
2. The carpet industry in India adopted classical designs, almost all of the Persian origin. However,
some patterns, commonly incorporated, were of Indian or Chinese origin. While the Persian weavers
commonly depict animals such as lions and tigers, Indian weavers more often represent birds. There is
also a difference between the Persian and the Indian manner of depicting flowers.
3. The Indian essence is symbolised through its art, textiles, crafts and culture, which make the Indian
appeal unique. Indian carpet designers and weavers have made distinct contributions to the oriental
tradition of carpet-weaving down the ages. The most technically accomplished carpets of all times were
woven in India. Also, the Indian carpet-weavers were real painters; they employed dyed yarn as painters
used pigments which resulted in a range of colours and sophistication otherwise unknown. Yarns of
different colours were directly mixed or used in combination to yield new hues or subtitle variations
of the existing ones. There was also a stylistic contribution. Although in the early years under court
patronage, the patterns of Indian carpets were heavily dependent on the Persian models, later, several
patterns incorporating beautifully depicted flowers came into use.
4. After Independence, the carpet industry expanded rapidly, particularly since 1970, facilitating the growth of
employment and income in relatively backward, and often remote regions of the country. The industry continues
to be predominantly, in the cottage and small-scale sectors, labour-intensive and, particularly, oriented towards
exports. Hand-knotted carpets from India have long been valued in countries which import them.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. Which of the following statements is relevant to the context?
The Indian hand knotted carpet industry is _____.
(a) completely handmade and export oriented
(b) of pile carpet weaving imported from Iran
(c) according to the patronage of the Mughal rulers
(d) served by migrant workers from Afghanistan and Iran
ii. What have been the design principles of the Indian carpet industry?
iii. Select the option that conveys the most likely reason for changes of design in Indian carpets.
(a) Indian carpet weavers make carpets for arts and culture of India.
(b) Indian carpet weavers make carpets that are technically accomplished.
(c) Indian carpet weavers like to paint their carpets.
(d) Indian carpet weavers make contributory designs in carpets.
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Page 4 Sample Paper 13 Class XII English-Core

iv. Complete the sentence based on the following statement.

Indian carpet weavers were really painters because _____.
(a) they used a range of colours using the dyed yarn like painters use pigments
(b) their carpets were sub-titles of different hues
(c) they used pigment instead of yarn to weave their carpets
(d) they used curt patterns in their carpets

v. State how the workmanship of Indian carpet weavers differs from that found elsewhere.

vi. Give one reason for the rise of Indian creations that were less dependent on styles elsewhere.

vii. State one reason for the growth of the Indian carpet industry after 1970.

viii. Choose the sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.

(a) Yarns of different colours are used directly.
(b) Yarns of different colours are melded to create newer hues for carpet weaving.
(c) Yarns for Mughal patterns are used directly and with no change.
(d) Yarns of different sizes and shapes are used in the carpet industry.

ix. The subject matter of the passage indicates that

(a) the Indian carpet industry is largely export oriented because hand knotted carpets are woven only
in India.
(b) the Indian carpet industry is largely export oriented as hand knotted carpets from India are valued
highly.
(c) the Indian carpet industry is largely export oriented because the weavers are from Iran and
Afghanistan.
(d) the Indian carpet industry is export oriented because there are few users in india.
x. State a point to challenge the given statement.
The Indian essence is symbolised through its art textiles craft and culture which make the Indian appeal
unique

III. SECTION B- CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely
coincidental.
1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5
A. You are Sapna Singh, the Secretary of Cultural Committee of your school. Write a notice in about 50
words inviting students to participate in the Annual Day of the school to be organized next month.


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B. You are Man/Mani, secretary of the History Club of K.V. Sr. Sec. School, Badodhra. Draft a notice in
not more than 50 words informing the students of class XI and XII about a proposed tour to Rajasthan
during the coming summer vacations.
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Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 5

2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. Your school is going to hold its Annual Day celebrations on 18th August at Talkatora Stadium, New
Delhi. You want Mr. Arjun Singh, a noted playback singer to be the chief guest on this occasion. Write
a formal invitation in about 50 words requesting him to preside over the function. You are Raman/Rani,
Headmistress, Don Bosco School, New Delhi.

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B. You are opening a coaching institute for students of classes IX-XII. Write an informal invitation, inviting
your best friend for its inauguration. Do not exceed more than 50 words. Invent necessary details.

3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. You are Pushpit/Pushpa Pandey of 62 B, Mayur Vihar, Delhi. Write a letter to the editor of the Hindustan
Times about ‘Misuse of Computers, TV and Mobile Phones by Children’. (word limit : 120-150)

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B. You are Rohini/Rohit. You have seen an advertisement for the post of an English Teacher in Khetan
Public School, Raipur. Write a letter in response to the advertisement applying for the post. Give your
detailed resume. Invent necessary details. (word limit : 120-150).

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. You are extremely disturbed by the growing crime against the elderly people in your city. Write an article
commenting upon the reasons for such crimes and how one can prevent them. Sign yourself as Khoshali
Bhardwaj. (Word limit: 120-150)


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B. Write a report in 120-150 words for your school magazine describing the prize distribution ceremony
that was held to honour the academic achievers of class XII of the previous year.

SECTION C- LITERATURE 40

IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
5. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 1#6 = 6

1.A The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports,
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
(A Roadside Stand)

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i. Which of the following represents the purpose of making a roadside stand?

1. For extension of existing house
2. For getting something free of cost
3. To reduce speed of traffic
4. To earn some money
5. To attract people passing thereby
Choose the most appropriate option.
(a) Only 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 4 and 5 (d) Only 3

ii. Identify the word from the extract that suggests the meaning of sped in the following line. “In front at
the edge of the road where the traffic sped.”

iii. What quality of people can be inferred through these lines?

(a) Poor deprived people of the villages.
(b) Poor deprived people of the cities.
(c) The city dwellers.
(d) Poor people.

iv. Complete the following analogy correctly.

Greedy good-doers : Oxymoron :: selfish cars : _____.

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to 1 and 2 given below.
1. People living in that old house were in need of money.
2. People living in that house did not want mercy from others.
Choose the most appropriate option.
(a) 1 is true but 2 is false.
(b) 2 is true but 1 is false.
(c) 2 can be inferred from 1.
(d) Both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.

vi. Fill in the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
‘The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint’ implies that the word ‘flower’ refer to _____.

O
1.B 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.
(Keeping Quiet)

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Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 7

i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of the extract.
(a) Creeping as quietly as a mouse.
(b) Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
(c) Be sly like a fox.
(d) Fits like a glove.

ii. What does the phrase ‘single-minded’ mean?

(a) Having one purpose only.
(b) Having two purposes.
(c) Having no purpose.
(d) Keeping quiet.

iii. Keeping our lives moving suggests _____.

1. Busy in one’s chores
2. Busy in attaining worldly goods
3. Busy in the rat race
4. Threatening ourselves
5. Inactivity
Choose the most appropriate option.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 4
(d) Only 5

iv. Answer in ONE word.

The poet wants silence and _____.

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
1. A huge silence can do us good.
2. It does good when we are disappointed at not understanding ourselves.
(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.
(c) Both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.
(d) 2 is the reason for 1 and can be inferred from the extract.

vi. Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

(a) Peace
(b) Peace and Silence
(c) Keep Silence
(d) Maintain Peace : An Urge

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Page 8 Sample Paper 13 Class XII English-Core

6. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 1#4 = 4

2.A MR LAMB : Later on, when it’s a bit cooler, I’ll get the ladder and a stick, and pull down those crab
apples. They’re ripe for it. I make jelly. It’s a good time of year, September. Look at them... orange and
golden. That’s magic fruit. I often say. But it’s best picked and made into jelly. You could give me a hand.
(On the Face of It)
i. List the playwright’s purpose of using ellipses (...) in this extract.

ii. Select the option that best describes Mr. Lamb’s intention of picking apples.
(a) To make jellies
(b) To make toffees
(c) To make sweets
(d) To make biscuits

iii. Which of the following best summarises Mr. Lamb’s mean by ‘You could give me a hand’?
(a) He is asking for help
(b) He is asking for changing himself
(c) He is asking not be afraid
(d) He is telling him about apples

iv. With whom is Mr. Lamb talking to?

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2.B I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained standing. Just as I began to rise,
looking shyly around to see how chairs were to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at
last, and I had to crawl back to my chair again. I heard a man’s voice at one end of the hall, and I looked
around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their plates. As I glanced at the long chain of
tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately, I dropped my eyes.
(Memories of Childhood)
i. What was the narrator unable to understand in the dining hall?
ii. The others were standing in the dining hall because
(a) They were waiting for their teacher
(b) They were waiting for their principal
(c) They were waiting for their headmistress
(d) They were praying before they eat
iii. Which of the following best summarises the reaction of Zitkala Sa?
(a) She too stared at the paleface woman.
(b) She dropped her food.
(c) She dropped her eyes.
(d) She did not noticed the things.
iv. Who was staring at the narrator?

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Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 9

7. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 1#6 = 6

3.A From the beginning however, I had an aversion to the water when I was in it. This started when I was three
or four years old and father took me to the beach in California. He and I stood together in the surf I hung on
to him, yet the waves knocked me down and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone. I
was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the overpowering force of the waves.
My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears.
But in a little while I gathered confidence.
(Deep Water)
i. Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately.
On Douglas, the impact of the incident was _____.
(a) he drowned
(b) he was swept by the waves
(c) he was choked to death
(d) he had aversion to water
ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy.
Beginning : end :: drowning : _____.
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.
T over here is _____.
(a) Douglas
(b) The big bruiser
(c) Douglas’s friend
(d) Douglas’s companion
iv. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the narrator’s father.
(a) His reaction was of fear.
(b) His reaction was of concern.
(c) His reaction was of laughter.
(d) His reaction was of terror.
v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the narrator is still frightened.
vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
The second incident took place in _____.


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3.B Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of their
liberation from fear of the British.
The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He
was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and
unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the
authorities wished to consult their superiors.
Gandhi protested against the delay. He read a statement pleading guilty.
(Indigo)

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Page 10 Sample Paper 13 Class XII English-Core

i. What is the most likely reason for demanding help from Gandhiji?
(a) The government was baffled.
(b) The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation.
(c) The officials feel guilty.
(d) The government feel guilty.

ii. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined word with its synonym. The prosecutor requested the
judge to postpone the trial.

iii. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
1. The government was baffled.
2. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(b) 1 cannot be inferred from the extract but 2 can.
(c) 1 is true but 2 is false.
(d) Both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.

iv. Rationalize to support the given opinion.

The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation.

v. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
Gandhi protested against the delay.

vi. The crowd has gathered near _____.

(a) Court in Motihari (b) Champaran
(c) Tirhut (d) Court

V Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2 # 5 = 10

i. What, according to M. Hamel, was the outcome of the neglect of the French language in the region?

ii. What are the differences in the ambitions of Saheb and Mukesh?

iii. What are the beauties of nature that the poet mentions in ‘A Thing of Beauty’? Why are they an everlasting
source of joy?

iv. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool find even the ivory needle hard to pull. Why?

v. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?

vi. How would the innocent be soothed out of their wits?

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Class XII English-Core Sample Paper 13 Page 11

VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2#2 = 4

i. What kind of relationship did Dr. Sadao Hoki share with his father?

ii. Why did the Maharaja order the Dewan to double the land tax?

iii. What happened to the narrator’s psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner? What do you deduce from it?

VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

i. The story ‘Deep water’ has made you realize that with determination and perseverance, one can
accomplish the impossible. Write a paragraph in about 120-150 words on how a positive attitude and
courage will aid you to achieve success in life.

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ii. “The Rattrap” is a lesson which shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding
and love. Do you think this is practical in approach?
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students. Write this address
in about 120-150 words.

VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

i. Dr. Sadao was compelled by duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana, his wife,
sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff? You wish to include a cameo
for the above statement’s explanation in your upcoming blog post. (A short description that neatly
encapsulates someone or something)
As a part of the research, discuss the statement in relation to ‘The Enemy’ in about 120-150 words.

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ii. The title “Journey to the End of the Earth” is quite justified.
Imagine yourself Tishani Doshi, and express your thoughts about its justification.

******

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