PRACTICE PAPER - 2
SOLUTIONS
1. (a) Kumarakam is one of the most attractive
tourist destinations in Kerala. It is situated near
the backwaters and is heavenly with palm-
fringed ponds, emerald greenery and azure
skies. What a superb choice of a place it was
for a vacation, as it offered some idyllic days
ever spent on a seashore!
The backwaters beckoned us with a gentle
breeze and playful ripples, as we drove along
the sea shore. There, the sun rises in all its
splendour and sets in vibrant hues of fiery red
and orange. Birds chirp on the swaying trees
and gentle winds sing lullabies.
The main attraction of Kumarakam is the
Luxury Lake Resort, one of the finest heritage
resorts in India. Nestling on the serene banks
of Lake Vembanad, it offers a panoramic view
of the emerald green waters and flora and
fauna of the place. While representing the
fine heritage of God’s own country, it has all
the modern facilities for a luxurious stay. The
well- appointed rooms, and suites are made
for comfort. Swimming pools, Ayurveda spas,
health club and the garden around cater to an
out of the world experience.
Sprawling over 25 acres of lush greenery,
the resort has a soul-stirring environment. It
has a private beach and lovely loungers. The
shimmering sand, sloping gently into the sea
invited gentle strolls overlooking the activities
of fishermen and their boats. Watersport at the
resort include banana and speed boat rides.
Water skiing is another attraction. Apart from
that village walks sunset cruises etc., are a few
activities that add spice to the trip.
Drunk with the colours and sound, one is
ravenous for the delectable seafood for which
the resort restaurant is known for. While the
Appams and stew offer a superb treat for the
palates, the fluffy coconut cream pudding just
melts in the mouth..
It was a sublime sunrise that greeted us on
both the days of our stay. The tall palm trees
swaying in the breeze, the dolphins leaping
in pleasure and the waves gently touching
our feet invited us for a dip. After an hour
of watersports, we had a vigorous beach ball
match that whetted our appetite. The aroma
of the curries and fries in the multicuisine
restaurant was mouthwatering. The black fish
delicacy steamed in banana leaf filled with
spicy ingredients titillated the palate. Prawn
fry added to the rich culinary experience.
Along with the rich taste of the traditional
cuisine, we relished the hospitality of
Kumarakam people. The wayside tea shop
had a chatty owner, who talked in detail about
the history of the place. He also persuaded us
to visit the Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary, and
recommended a shopping spree in the local
market.
Oh! for one more chance to savour the
experience!
(b) The match was on. 150 for 8 wickets. Twenty
more runs to score. There was suppressed
tension in the stadium. Can our school make
it? With a bowler in reserve and an injured
batsman-that’s me!
Our team had won the toss and let the other
team bat first. At that point of time, it seemed the
right thing to do. But it seemed to boomerang
on us. Although the first two wickets of the
rival team were bowled out in succession, the
rest of the players showed pluck and hung on
the wicket with desperation. The captain of
the team showed character and played with
determination. The others on the opposite
crease gave him enough support. Slowly, they
revived the score. What seemed to be served on
a platter to us, started seeming not so easy. But
still, we hada a chance. We were nonchalant as
we had two state players in our team.
Compared to the others, I was a newcomer but
I had the confidence to play well. I had been
among runs during practice sessions. And the
desire to prove myself in front of schoolmates
gave momentum to my efforts. But things took
a different turn. There I was, hitting boundaries
and sixers at one moment, and there I lay on
the ground with excruciating pain the next
moment. The First Aid was given to numb the
pain but still, I was hobbling, trying to resume
the game. The coach ruled out that possibility
and escorted me to the pavilion.
As luck would have it, wickets fell at regular
intervals and then we came to a do-or-die
situation. I begged my coach and the captain to
let me go on the field. The physio was not sure.
I convinced him the pain had subsided. And I
could get a runner. Finally, the others relented
and I was there, still limping but raring to hit.
I decided to let go of singles and concentrated
on hitting big. Captain Dhoni came to my
mind, the great finisher of the matches and I
pulled, hooked and bashed. As the clock ticked
by the score board started moving.
2 Oswaal ISC Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH PAPER-1 (Language), Class-XII
4 runs to score, the last ball, it was hit or miss.
I had deliberately retained my place for the
earlier ball so that I could hit the last ball. I
steadied my nerves. The crowd had gone still.
All eyes watching me. A sole trickle of sweat
slowly ran down my neck. The ball came
hurtling towards me. I looked at it intently. It
seemed to take the size of a foot ball. I felt calm
as I made contact with the bat and to my utter
joy it cleared the boundary wall. We won the
match with two runs to spare.
The stadium erupted in glee and over a day, I
became a hero!
(c) ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
That wants it down.’…. says the poet of
‘Mending Wall’. ‘Good fences make good
neighbours’. Now here is a point to ponder
over. In this vast world, humans have made
walls to define national boundaries, residential
and office premises, educational institutes,
stadiums and other public places. These walls
are a matter of convenience as they make
management easier, segregating different
functionalities. But unfortunately, we have
made walls in our hearts- of prejudices,
ideologies, class and gender distinctions
religious intolerance and downright hatred. As
long as these walls stand, peace will not prevail
in the world.
Walls are necessary when cows are there.
The cows go by herd instinct. They are the
unenlightened ones that go by tradition and
antiquated thinking. They do not think ahead
even as the world is changing. It has become
a global village where the barriers have come
down offering a slew of opportunities and
communication. The modern man is realizing
or should realize the need of One World
Society. If there is understanding, empathy and
broadmindedness, there is hope for humanity.
The old belief that might is right is outdated. A
small altercation can erupt into a war. Nuclear
weapons may be used and there will follow
mayhem. That is one way of self-destruction.
But if the world leaders are prudent, they will
remain amicable because that is the need of the
hour. We have to open our hearts to all races
and nationalities and forget prejudices. Let the
walls be down as they segregate one human
from the other. When we start considering
each neighbouring state our friend, we have
nothing to hide or safeguard from them. But
unfortunately, this mindset hasn’t yet fully set
in and there are still quite a few who want to
fence themselves in.
Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Radhakrishnan and
many other statesmen expressed the need of
One World Society years ago. They envisaged
a civilised world where justice prevails and
where human rights are safeguarded. One
race or one Nation does not have the right to
impose on others. All are equal. In the same
way, those who are being trodden should
stand for themselves. They should break the
impediments that stand in their way and the
liberated ones should lend them a hand. Thus,
when the differences are down, the world
emerges victorious. A triumphant New World,
where no one is less than another.
(d) Everyone in the world wants to be happy.
But what is happiness? It is difficult to define
as it means different to each individual. It
could be, in general, a feeling of achievement
and accompanying satisfaction of fulfilling a
desirable goal.
At the outset, happiness is purely subjective.
For some, it could be power, position, a palatial
house, a fleet of cars and a healthy bank
balance. For others, it may be service to society
and the joy of fulfilling the requirements of
the needy. For students, it could be passing
the examinations with flying colours and
landing plumb jobs later in life. Whatever it is,
happiness defies a definition. It is a feeling that
resides in the heart; it is for us to recognize,
nurture and distribute it at will.
Happiness is infectious, just as smiles are. If
one in a group is in a joyful mood, it spreads
to all the others in the group. It relieves stress
and helps to view life in a different light. This
is the reason why many laugh clubs have
sprung up, where the members are expected
to laugh loudly. It releases happy hormones
in our body, thus easing tension and negative
feelings. Inhibitions are thrown to the winds to
attain a feeling of freedom and liberation.
Happiness comes naturally to us. A newborn
child smiles spontaneously at the closeness
of its mother. Children are happy at the sight
of bright coloured toys, appetizing food and
rides on their tricycles. Is there anyone who
does not feel happy at the sight of beautiful
flowers, greenery, or mesmerizing landscapes?
This is the reason why Keats, the Nature
poet exclaimed, “Beauty is truth and truth is
beauty /And that’s all we need to know on
Earth.”A sensibility to see the beauty around
us, whether it is Nature, people or all creatures
around, and a disposition to appreciate them is
the root of happiness.
Negative thoughts kill the joy of living. They
corrode the mind and tarnish perceptions.
This means a positive outlook is the key to
happiness. Positivity that includes optimism,
love and compassion are the essential
ingredients that go into the making of this state
of mind. Self -centeredness, egoistic tendencies
or self- aggrandizement may bring momentary
satisfaction, but not in the long run. On the
other hand, a give and live attitude is a sure
ticket to mental wellbeing.
There is a general conception that money is the
root of happiness. If this is true, would Mother
Teresa have ever had that beautiful smile on

her face, and Mahatma Gandhi that twinkle in
his eyes? A rich man can be unhappy despite
all his wealth, and a poor man can be happy
even in poverty. It is the state of mind that
matters and a robust health.
To conclude, it is difficult to explain what
happiness is. What is certain is that it is within
our grasp. We can hang on to it or let it go.
(e) There should be no two opinions regarding
social work included in school curriculum. I
believe, participating in development activities
is beneficial to students in a number of ways.
Involvement in such noble causes develop
social skills, empathy and other qualities
of heart which are appreciated by society
and valued by universities and potential
employers.
To begin with, education should not be
restricted to accumulation of information and
academic skills as it is also about acquiring
of life- skills that lead to holistic education.
Teamwork, communication skills, social
behaviour, self discipline and concern for
others are hall marks of a civilised person
and that is what we are going to impart to the
children through community service. It teaches
them how to interact or work with people of
different backgrounds. Young children tend
to live in their own world of fantasy. They
may lack social awareness or sensibility which
has to be inculcated at a grass root level and
which place is better than school for this? For
example, teaching underprivileged children
gives valuable lessons of life, making them
realise how a particular section of society
lives and manages own problems and how
they can be elevated to a higher level through
education.
When it comes to homes for the elderly
or orphanages, the volunteers learn to
sympathise and empathise. They become
aware of the loneliness and the insecurity felt
by such people. Talking to them and joining
them in fun activities, is an excellent way
to mitigate their loneliness at least for a day.
These experiences inculcate in the students
a sense of social responsibility. As they grow
up to be adults, they will retain this sensitivity
and understanding so that they contribute
willingly to the well- being of society.
Doing community service also improves
chances of getting admitted to prestigious
universities too, as any work outside the
classroom learning will stand one in good
stead during the admission process. Also, it
will earn the good will of the people hiring
when one goes on a job hunt. Although, some
may disapprove on the ground that time
spent away from studies will have a negative
impact on marks scored in examinations, this
can be averted by proper time management.
Alternately, it can be made an integral part of
SOLUTIONS 3
studies by allotting extra points to activities or
projects undertaken.
To conclude, children should be given
opportunities to serve society, as it will lay the
foundation to become useful citizens . Not only
will they learn interpersonal skills but also get
wider opportunities in the field of studies and
job market.
(f) When I go home from my workplace, I cut
across a small park to get to the station fast.
I always see a lonely man in rags sitting on a
bench overlooking the sea. The tall casuarina
tree seems to be his sole companion relieving
the loneliness with its soft singing.
But today is an exception. The familiar figure is
missing under the tree. The bench is occupied
by a stray dog. A vague feeling of unease crept
into my heart. Where is he?
My thoughts went back to the first time I saw
this man doing some calculations in a small
notebook. I was surprised because the man
looked like an uneducated waif. He looked up
as I passed him and gave me a sweet smile.
Surprisingly, his teeth were gleaming white
and cheeks had a soft shine. It seemed an
incongruence for a painfully thin figure so
shabbily dressed. I wondered what he ate.
Did he take any meal today? I kept asking
myself whenever I saw the surplus food in
the restaurant I was working in as an assistant
cook. So much rich food is being wasted even
as poor people like the man on the bench
starved the whole day! It was painful.
So, the very next day, I started steeping my
plate with more food than I ever ate and
surreptitiously filled a disposable bag and
slipped it into my handbag, hoping no one
would notice the bulge.
In the evening, when I passed the familiar
figure, I stopped and whispered, “Here’s some
food, Uncle, from the hotel right across. It’s
made by our chef. ”The man looked bemused
and said merci in a choked voice.
The ritual continued till yesterday when I
had to return to my workplace because I had
forgotten my cell phone. To my utter surprise,
I saw the man feeding the dog from the carry
bag I had given him that day. But the piece of
fluffy cake I made that day was half-eaten and
kept separately on the top of his notebook.
To be given to the dog as dessert! I thought
bitterly.
That was the day before yesterday. And today,
no trace of him. Instead, I saw a gentleman in
tailcoats conversing with the Manager of the
hotel. I took little heed of him till I heard him
saying merci. I looked at his face, the even
white teeth and the glow on cheeks. I stood
there transfixed. The man in rags!
Even as I gazed at the retreating figure walking
jauntily away, the Manger came near me and
said, ‘Congratulations. You have been just
4 Oswaal ISC Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH PAPER-1 (Language), Class-XII
promoted as the Chief Cook”. I gaped.” Don’t
look so confused”, he chuckled, “ The man
who just left, whom you had been feeding all
these days, is the owner of our hotel. Of all the
food you gave, he liked only the fluffy cake
you baked and the Spanish fry the other day.”
So, you are rewarded.” I couldn’t believe my
ears. The millionaire pauper!
2. (a) ‘The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari’, written by
Robin Sharma, is a dynamic book that can
enrich and enhance the life of every reader. It
is in the form of a fable in which the author
offers several strategies that can make life
worth living.
The story is about Julian Mantle, a high-
profile attorney. He is in mad pursuit of
money, power and prestige. The turning point
comes when he suffers a heart attack. After
recovery, he disappears, seeking inner peace
and spirituality. And where is his destination?
The spiritual land of India! He sells all
his possessions and learns to lead a more
meaningful existence. When he comes back,
he is a changed man. The Himalayan gurus
he meets give him mystical and yet practical
advice, which he shares with his former
associate. The reader becomes privy to these
revelations.
The main strength of Robin’s book lies in the
Seven Virtues that can be cultivated in daily
life. They are about mastering one’s mind,
following one’s purpose, practicing ‘kaizen’ or
continuous cumulative improvement, living
with discipline, time management, serving
others and embracing the present.
Each of the virtues is dealt with in detail in
seven chapters and enlightens us on how our
daily habits can help us reach our identified
goals. In the chapter ‘Master your Mind’, the
author tells us not to judge events as “good” or
“bad”, “ but experience them, celebrate them
and learn from them”.
The book has now been published in 42
languages and is an international best seller.
Its popularity comes from the very fact that it
gently and in a fun way offers answers to life’s
biggest questions. “A captivating story that
teaches as it delights.” – says Paulo Coelho,
author of The Alchemist, about the book. No
doubt, it is an inspiring book and a must-read
for all who are eager to explore the meaning of
life.
(b) Establishment of Sports Club to promote
Healthy Habits
A Sports Club in school rejuvenates minds and
promotes physical health and stamina.
The primary objective of the club will be to
promote a number of activities for students.
They will get opportunities to play after school
hours and improve the skills required. This
will ensure better performance in interschool
competitions.
Another important development can be that
the club will help in developing social skills
essential for a holistic personality.
To discuss the steps and measures of the
proposal, members of the Students’ Council
will be invited for a brainstorming session on
3rd Jan 2008. A draft will be prepared to define
club’s purpose and goals.
Generating funds will be the next agenda.
It is expected a large amount of money will
be sanctioned by the school management
as Sports Club is a primary part of school
infrastructure. Parents as well as corporate
houses can also be approached to give shape
to this dream project.
Full co-operation of the Management,
administerial staff and members of Students’
Council is solicited to make the venture a
success.
3. (a) 1. (B)  No sooner did the passengers get in
than the driver started the bus.
2. (B) The tin trunk was too heavy for the
porter to carry.
3. (B) A beautiful ring was given to his wife
by him.
4. (B) Ruby is the most beautiful and
intelligent among the whole batch.
5. (B) By whom was the rich business man
murdered?
6. (B) Despite the day being sultry, we
enjoyed the stay.
7. (B) The mother asked her daughter what
she had been doing.
8. (B) Unless you convince the members,
they will not take action.
9. (B) Kodai is not as cool as Nainital.
10. (B) Someone has to place a warning sign
near the sharp turn.
(b) 1 in; 2 by; 3for; 4 to; 5 down; 6 in; 7 about; 8
out; 9 into 10 up
(c) 1 had eaten; 2 had 3 taking 4 considering 5
was 6 might 7 watching 8 thrusted 9 struck 10
lit
4. (a) (i) (1) fatiguing (2) futile (3) solemnly (4) zest
(ii) (1)  Head: Ms. Somerset became the head
of the school after her predecessor
retired.
(2)  Spell: For very long I found it difficult
to spell rendezvous.
(3)  Run: If you soak coloured clothes in
diluted vinegar, the colours will not
run.
(4)  Last: The brightness of branded
clothes last for a long time.
(b) (i) At the end of the week, the tired Jack
found the routine of story telling boring
and tiring. The problem was Jo had
passed the age of taking nap in the

afternoon and the story telling didn’t put
her to sleep.
(ii) The skunk was sad as it smelled awful
and other animals would not play with
him. He felt lonely and isolated.
(iii) The wizard took his magic wand and
chanted a magic spell and the skunk
started smelling of roses. Now the other
animals accepted him and happily played
with them.He felt a sense of belonging.
 [3]
SOLUTIONS 5
(c) Roger Skunk smelt like roses and the other
animals accepted him in their group and
played with him. However, the Mother Skunk
detested the new smell and she told him
to go with her to the wizard to get back the
real smell of skunks. She didn’t bother about
the happiness of her son, but wanted him to
retain his identity. She hit on the head of the
wizard with her umbrella and demanded him
to take back the spell. Thus, the skunk realized
one should not sacrifice one’s identity and self
-worth.
