EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Sample paper, session 2026-27

CBSE Class 12 English: sample paper 2026-27

The sample question paper CBSE published for the 2026-27 session, as printed: 13 questions for 80 marks, in sections, with each OR choice shown as an alternative. Try each question first, then open our solution.

Our step-by-step solutions for this paper are not published yet. We show a solution only after an independent re-solve agrees with it, so every question says "Solution being checked" for now.

Source: official sample question paper from cbseacademic.nic.in: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/SQP/ClassXII_2026_27/EnglishCore-SQP.pdf. Questions are transcribed from that PDF; figures are described in words, so check the official paper for them.

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How the paper is set

Section	Questions	What it has
A	1-2	Reading Skills (22 marks)
B	3-6	Creative Writing Skills (18 marks)
C	7-13	Literature (40 marks)

Instructions in brief: All questions compulsory; internal choices (A)/(B) given in several questions; adhere to word limits.

Section A

Reading Skills (22 marks)

Q1 · 12 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)
Read the following passage.
1. Every December, the Geminids meteor shower occurs as the Earth passes through a stream of cosmic debris associated with a near-Earth asteroid. It is classified as one of the most active annual meteor showers based on recorded meteor counts and the regularity of its appearance. The Geminids are expected to reach peak activity on the night of 13–14 December, during which observers across India may record a high frequency of visible meteors. Under favourable atmospheric conditions, observation rates can exceed 100 meteors per hour, making the Geminids one of the most productive meteor showers observable from Earth.
2. Meteor showers occur when fragments of dust and rock enter the Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds and disintegrate due to friction, producing brief streaks of light. The Geminids are distinctive because they originate from a rocky asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, rather than from a comet, which is the usual source of meteor showers. When Phaethon approaches the Sun during its orbit, it releases material that spreads along its orbital path. Each year in mid-December, the Earth intersects this debris stream, leading to increased meteor activity.
3. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, located in the northern sky. This apparent point of origin, known as the radiant, is used to identify the shower, although the meteors themselves may be seen across different regions of the sky. The most suitable time for observation is from midnight to the early morning hours, when the radiant rises higher above the horizon, improving the chances of sightings.
4. Observation of the Geminids does not require telescopes or binoculars, as such equipment limits the field of view. The unaided eye is considered the most effective method for observing meteor showers. Observers are advised to allow adequate time for their eyes to adjust to darkness. Viewing conditions are influenced by cloud cover, atmospheric clarity, moonlight, and light pollution. Locations away from urban lighting generally provide better visibility.
5. Historical records indicate that the Geminids were first documented in the mid-nineteenth century. Since then, their activity has increased steadily, making them one of the most reliable and frequently studied meteor showers. The meteors travel at a relatively moderate speed compared to those of other showers, which often results in brighter and longer-lasting streaks.
6. For students, educators, and amateur astronomers, the Geminids offer a valuable opportunity to observe a recurring astronomical phenomenon and understand Earth’s interaction with near-Earth objects. The event supports scientific learning by demonstrating how celestial debris produces visible effects in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/geminids-meteor-shower-in-mid-december-offers-over-100-meteors-per-hour-for-indian-observers-2835534-2025-12-13 [417 words]
Answer the following questions, based on the given passage.
1. I
  Which evidence from paragraph 1 tells us that the Geminids are exceptionally active?
  1 mark
2. II
  Complete the following with a suitable reason. (paragraph 2)
  The writer refers to 3200 Phaethon as a ‘rocky asteroid’ rather than a ‘comet’ in order to tell the reader that _______.
  1 mark
3. III
  Based on the passage, how does friction help in making the Geminids visible to observers on Earth? (paragraph 2)
  1 mark
4. IV
  Which of the following statements best captures the functional role of the ‘radiant’ as described in the passage? (paragraph 3)
  (A)It is the physical location where cosmic debris is created.
  (B)It serves as visual guide for observers to locate the shower.
  (C)It determines the speed fragments enter the atmosphere.
  (D)It represents the exact area where all meteors disappear
  1 mark
5. V
  How can we say that the Geminids are more ‘observer-friendly’ than other showers? (Any one reason) (Paragraph 5),
  1 mark
6. VII
  How does the mention of the ‘mid-nineteenth century’ documentation contribute to the authority of the claims made about the shower? (Answer in about 40 words)
  2 marks
7. VIII
  The writer’s tone throughout the passage can best be described as ______.
  (A)persuasive and promotional, encouraging mass participation
  (B)explanatory and informative, aimed at scientific understanding
  (C)speculative and argumentative, questioning existing theories
  (D)celebratory and emotional, highlighting wonder over facts
  1 mark
8. IX
  What does the moderate speed of the Geminids and the resulting ‘longer-lasting streaks’ suggest about the quality of the viewing experience? (Answer in about 40 words)
  2 marks
9. X
  Complete the following with the most suitable option.
  The main idea of the passage is the ______.
  (A)technical process of how asteroids shed cosmic debris
  (B)impact of light pollution on modern scientific learning
  (C)historical evolution of astronomy since the nineteenth century
  (D)scientific explanation and practical observation of Geminids
  1 mark
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Q2 · 10 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)
Read the following passage carefully.
1. A recent study on the growth of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provides an insightful glimpse into how everyday financial habits are changing across the country. The first study tracks the volume of transactions over four Octobers.
2. In October 2021, UPI processed 4.21 billion payments—a number that already reflected a growing preference for digital transactions. By October 2022, this figure rose to 7.30 billion, suggesting that more people were discovering the convenience of transferring money with just a tap on their phones. The momentum continued into October 2023, when volumes touched 11.40 billion, and by October 2024, the platform reached an impressive 16.58 billion transactions.
3. The second study traces the value of these transactions, revealing a similar pattern of rising confidence. In October 2021, UPI transactions were worth ₹7.71 lakh crore. A year later, the value climbed to ₹12.11 lakh crore, indicating that users were comfortable using the platform for higher-value payments as well. This trust deepened in October 2023, with the value rising to ₹17.15 lakh crore, and peaked in October 2024, reaching ₹23.49 lakh crore.
4. Together, the two studies tell a human story—one of a country steadily shifting from cash to digital payments. The rising numbers suggest that UPI is no longer limited to tech-savvy users; it has reached shops, homes, workplaces, and even small roadside vendors. With QR codes becoming familiar sights and smartphones becoming more accessible, people now pay for groceries, services, transport, and bills through quick digital transfers.
5. The studies also hint at a broader change in mindset. As digital payments become routine, users appear more confident that these systems are secure, reliable, and easier to manage than handling cash. This transition has supported small businesses, reduced the need for physical currency, and encouraged more people to participate in formal financial systems.
6. Overall, the four-year data captures a simple yet powerful trend: UPI has grown from being a convenient payment option to becoming an essential part of daily financial life for millions of Indians.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079544&reg=3&lang=2 [333 words]
Answer the following questions based on the given passage.
1. I
  What was the purpose of tracking the four-year growth of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI)? (paragraph 1)
  (A)To analyse the technical infrastructure supporting digital banking systems
  (B)To understand changes in payment behaviour among different user groups
  (C)To determine the number of vendors using smartphone-based payments
  (D)To compare patterns of digital transactions with traditional cash practices
  1 mark
2. II
  Analyse whether the percentage growth in the total value of UPI transactions is greater than, less than, or roughly the same as the percentage growth in the number of transactions. State your choice and briefly justify your answer with reference to paragraph 2.
  1 mark
3. III
  Which of the following statements best describes the overall pattern with reference to paragraph 3?
  (A)Both the number of transactions and the total value of transactions increase steadily over the four years.
  (B)The number of transactions increases, but the total value of transactions decreases year after year.
  (C)The total value of transactions increases, but the number of transactions stays almost unchanged.
  (D)Both the number of transactions and the total value of transactions decrease after an initial increase.
  1 mark
4. IV
  Paragraph 4 mentions that UPI is used in ‘shops, homes, workplaces, and even small roadside vendors’.
  What does this suggest about the nature of UPI adoption?
  (A)Dependence on organised commercial establishments
  (B)Widespread adoption across formal and informal settings
  (C)Usage limited to digitally advanced urban spaces
  (D)Usage restricted to specific consumer groups
  1 mark
5. V
  Evaluate the impact of UPI’s expansion into formal financial systems on small business owners, with reference to the paragraph 5. (Answer in about 40 words)
  2 marks
6. VII
  Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in brackets.
  UPI’s usage by small roadside vendors primarily suggests that digital payment systems in India have become ________. (inclusive / exclusive / marginal)
  1 mark
7. VIII
  Rohan prefers to carry almost no cash and pays for groceries and transport using his phone. Using information from Paragraph 3 and the charts, explain giving two reasons why UPI is a more suitable option for him in 2024 than it might have been in 2021. (Answer in about 40 words).
  2 marks
Figure in the paper: The passage refers to 'the charts' (two studies: volume and value of UPI transactions over four Octobers), but no chart is visible in the provided pages; data are given in the text. See it in the official paper.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.

Section B

Creative Writing Skills (18 marks)

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q3(A) · 4 marks · WritingNotice Writing
Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words.
You are Rishitha Menon, a member of the Horizon Club of Bala Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, Chennai. The school is organising a one-day workshop to help senior students improve their project work and presentation skills. Draft a notice inviting students to participate. Include necessary details and the registration process.
Put your notice in a box.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q3(B) · 4 marks · WritingNotice Writing
You are Vijesh Kumar, the Secretary of Shantiniketan Residents’ Welfare Association, Chandigarh. The Association is organising a Marathon to create awareness on animal conservation, in collaboration with local animal welfare organisations. Write a notice inviting residents to participate. Include necessary details and registration process.
Put your notice in a box.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q4(A) · 4 marks · WritingInvitation and Reply
Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words.
You are Ananya, the lead coordinator of the Media Club at St. Xavier’s School, Odisha. Your club is organising a seminar titled Digital Storytelling & Ethics. Draft a formal invitation to Ishaan Grover, a popular local educational online expert and filmmaker, inviting him to be the keynote speaker and lead a hands-on editing session. Include essential details.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q4(B) · 4 marks · WritingInvitation and Reply
You are Dr. Sameer, an environmental scientist living in Bengaluru. You have received an invitation from Greenwood International School, Mysuru, to judge the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ project competition. Write a formal reply accepting the invitation, and confirming your arrival.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q5(A) · 5 marks · WritingLetter to the Editor
Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words.
Instances of food wastage at weddings, parties, and large social gatherings have been steadily increasing in your city. As Kavya, a student volunteer residing at 45, Lake View Road, Jaipur, write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper proposing a ‘Community Food Redistribution Initiative’ to address this issue.
You may use the following cues to draft your letter:
• Extent of food wastage at social events
• Social and environmental consequences
• Collaboration with NGOs / food banks
• Mobilising volunteers for collection and distribution
• Promoting responsible consumption
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q5(B) · 5 marks · WritingJob Application with Bio-data
You are Ranjay Thakur, a resident of 12, Mall Road, Shimla. You recently saw the following advertisement in ‘The Himalayan Times’ newspaper, for the post of a Sustainable Tourism Coordinator at ‘EcoTrails India’, a start-up focusing on responsible travel. You have a deep interest in environmental conservation and have volunteered for local cleanliness drives. Write a letter of application for a job in 120–150 words along with a detailed bio-data.
Figure in the paper: Newspaper advertisement: 'WANTED – EcoTrails India – A Responsible Travel Startup – SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COORDINATOR'. Requirements: Graduate/Postgraduate in Tourism, Environmental Studies or related field; Passionate about conservation and sustainable travel; Experience in volunteering or cleanliness drives preferred; Good communication & organizational skills. Job Role: Plan and coordinate eco-friendly travel initiatives; Work with local communities on responsible tourism; Assist in awareness and sustainability campaigns. Location: Shimla (with field travel). Apply with letter & bio-data within 7 days to: The Hiring Manager, EcoTrails India, Email: careers@ecotrailsindia.org See it in the official paper.
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q6(A) · 5 marks · WritingArticle Writing
Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words.
As a teenager, you observe that an increasing number of your peers are affected by excessive social media use, particularly the habit of doom-scrolling*. Algorithm-driven content exposure is beginning to influence students’ mental well-being, attention span, and academic focus. Write an article for your school magazine highlighting why Digital Wellness should be integrated into the school curriculum. You are Smitha Jinan, Class 12 student reporter of SVA Public School, Thrissur.
You may organise your ideas around the following cues.
• Prevalence of doom-scrolling among adolescents
• Impact of algorithm-driven content on teenage minds
• Effects on emotional health, concentration, and learning
• Role of schools in promoting responsible digital habits
• Encouraging mindful, purposeful use of technology
*doomscrolling: the action of constantly scrolling through, especially on a phone
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q6(B) · 5 marks · WritingReport Writing
You are Prem Kumar, Secretary of the Health Club at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, New Delhi. Your school recently participated in the launch of the ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign’. Write a report in 120–150 words for your school magazine, detailing the event and the various activities planned under this national campaign.
• Organisation, launch date, and ties to national tobacco-free goals
• Rally route, slogans, pledges, and awareness activities
• Student participation in marches and interactions
• Outcomes, health pledges, and future campaigns
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.

Section C

Literature (40 marks)

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q7(A) · 6 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedA Thing of Beauty
Read the following extracts and solve ANY ONE of the given two, (A) or (B).
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. (A Thing of Beauty)
1. I
  Complete the following appropriately by choosing the correct option from those given in brackets.
  The phrase ‘a joy for ever’ suggests that beauty continues to offer ________ beyond the limits of time. (inner fulfilment / physical permanence / social approval)
  1 mark
2. II
  Complete the following appropriately:
  A thing of beauty remains a lasting source of joy because ________.
  1 mark
3. III
  The image of ‘a bower quiet for us’ is best interpreted as beauty functioning as a ________.
  (A)natural shelter formed by the physical world
  (B)deliberate escape from social obligations
  (C)protective inner refuge offering calm
  (D)symbolic reminder of human weakness
  1 mark
4. IV
  Which experience is most clearly conveyed through the expressions ‘sweet dreams’ and ‘quiet breathing’?
  (A)enjoyment of material comfort and luxury
  (B)attainment of emotional and mental peace
  (C)development of physical strength and endurance
  (D)appreciation of artistic and aesthetic pleasure
  1 mark
5. V
  How does the metaphor ‘a bower quiet for us’ contribute to the poet’s idea of beauty in the extract?
  1 mark
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q7(B) · 6 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedA Roadside Stand
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)
1. I
  Complete the following appropriately by choosing the correct option from those given in brackets.
  The repeated use of the word ‘little’ suggests the __________ of the roadside stand and the house (economic fragility / decorative simplicity / rural independence).
  1 mark
2. II
  Complete the following appropriately:
  The phrase ‘traffic sped’ highlights the contrast between the fast-moving urban world and ________.
  1 mark
3. III
  Why does the poet clarify that the stand is not asking for ‘a dole of bread’?
  1 mark
4. IV
  The phrase ‘whose flow supports / The flower of cities’ suggests that urban prosperity depends on ________.
  (A)natural agricultural abundance
  (B)independent urban development
  (C)aesthetic appeal of city life
  (D)continuous circulation of wealth
  1 mark
5. V
  How does the poet’s choice of diction in the phrase ‘pathetically pled’ contribute to the tone of the extract?
  1 mark
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q8(A) · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedOn the Face of It
Read the following extracts and solve ANY ONE of the given two, (A) or (B).
Derry: You’re… peculiar. You say peculiar things. You ask questions I don’t understand.
Mr Lamb: I like to talk. Have company. You don’t have to answer questions. You don’t have to stop here at all. The gate’s open.
Derry: Yes, but…
Mr Lamb: I’ve a hive of bees behind those trees over there. Some hear bees and they say, bees buzz. But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm… and hum means ‘sing’. I hear them singing, my bees.
Derry: But… I like it here. I came in because I liked it… when I looked over the wall. (On the Face of It)
1. I
  What does Mr Lamb mean when he says, “The gate’s open”?
  (A)Visitors must ask permission before entering.
  (B)Anyone is free to enter or leave without restriction.
  (C)He does not want visitors to stay long.
  (D)The gate is broken and cannot be closed.
  1 mark
2. II
  How does Mr Lamb’s way of speaking challenge Derry’s initial perception of him as ‘peculiar’?
  1 mark
3. III
  Mr Lamb’s description of bees as ‘singing’ rather than ‘buzzing’ reveals his tendency to _______.
  (A)perceive ordinary sounds with sensitivity
  (B)interpret familiar experiences in a reflective way
  (C)describe natural sounds with poetic emphasis
  (D)respond to nature with thoughtful attentiveness
  1 mark
4. IV
  What can be inferred about Derry’s emotional state from his statement, ‘I like it here’?
  1 mark
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
OR
Q8(B) · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedMemories of Childhood
And he added, “Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn.” The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. (Memories of Childhood II)
1. I
  According to Annan, what is the main reason the community is denied honour and respect?
  (A)They lack access to formal education opportunities.
  (B)They refuse to follow dominant social customs.
  (C)They fail to assert themselves in public spaces.
  (D)They are born into a socially marginalised sector.
  1 mark
2. II
  Annan’s advice to ‘study with care’ reflects his belief that education can ________.
  (A)ensure material comfort and financial stability.
  (B)replace traditional knowledge systems completely.
  (C)transform social status and restore lost dignity.
  (D)help individuals escape personal responsibility.
  1 mark
3. III
  What can be inferred about the narrator from the phrase ‘with all my breath and being’?
  1 mark
4. IV
  List any one way how Annan’s advice, “Work hard and learn,” contributes to his characterisation in this extract.
  1 mark
Solution being checked. We show a solution only after an independent check agrees with it.
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q9(A) · 6 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedGoing Places
Read the following extracts and solve ANY ONE of the given two, (A) or (B).
Their father had washed when he came in and his face and arms were shiny and pink and he smelled of soap. He switched on the television, tossed one of little Derek’s shoes from his chair onto the sofa, and sat down with a grunt.
“Sophie meet Danny Casey,” Geoff said. Sophie wriggled where she was sitting at the table. Her father turned his head on his thick neck to look at her. His expression was one of disdain.
“It’s true,” Geoff said.
“I once knew a man who had known Tom Finney,” his father said reverently to the television. “But that was a long time ago.”
“You told us,” Geoff said. (Going Places)
1. I
  Which description of Sophie’s father in the extract indicates that he does not take her claim seriously?
  1. He smells of soap.
  2. He sits down with a grunt.
  3. He turns his head to look at Sophie.
  4. He continues to watch television.
  5. His expression is one of disdain.
  Select the most suitable option.
  (A)1 and 2
  (B)2 and 3
  (C)4 and 5
  (D)3 and 5
  1 mark
2. II
  Complete the following appropriately.
  The father’s casual actions at the beginning of the extract suggest a ________ attitude towards his surroundings.
  1 mark
3. III
  Why does Sophie’s father refer to knowing ‘a man who had known Tom Finney’?
  1 mark
4. IV
  What does Sophie’s physical reaction (wriggled) reveal about her emotional state at that moment?
  1 mark
5. V
  The line “It’s true,” spoken by Geoff, highlights his role in the interaction between Sophie and their father. Explain.
  1 mark
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OR
Q9(B) · 6 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedPoets and Pancakes
The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery of those subjected to make-up. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. (Poets and Pancakes)
1. I
  Which of the following details about the make-up room are explicitly mentioned in the extract?
  1. The room was fitted with many large mirrors and bright lights.
  2. The lighting caused discomfort to those subjected to make-up.
  3. The make-up work required technical expertise in lighting.
  4. The department included people from different regions of India.
  5. The writer expresses personal emotional involvement with the room.
  Select the most suitable option.
  (A)1, 2 and 4
  (B)2, 3 and 5
  (C)1, 3 and 4
  (D)3, 4 and 5
  1 mark
2. II
  Complete the following sentence appropriately.
  The phrase ‘fiery misery’ suggests that the intense lighting _______.
  1 mark
3. III
  What can be inferred about studio life from the writer’s ironic tone in the extract?
  1 mark
4. IV
  How does the detailed listing of people from different regions function in the extract?
  (A)To highlight efficiency within the studio system
  (B)To mock rigid systems of official classification
  (C)To emphasise diversity within shared workspace
  (D)To criticise imbalance among regional groups
  1 mark
5. V
  What is the most likely reason the author compares studio integration with A.I.R. and Doordarshan?
  1 mark
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Q10 · 10 marks · Very short answerThe Interview
Answer any five of the following six questions in 40–50 words each.
1. I
  According to the interview, how did Umberto Eco make his academic writing accessible to readers? (The Interview II)
  2 marks
2. II
  Explain why the bangle makers of Firozabad are unable to imagine an alternative future despite their hardships. (Lost Spring)
  2 marks
3. III
  What does William Douglas’s experience in Deep Water suggest about the nature of fear and anticipation?
  2 marks
4. IV
  How does the Christmas episode influence the peddler’s perception of human relationships? (The Rattrap)
  2 marks
5. V
  Kamala Das uses imagery and restraint to convey unspoken anxiety rather than overt grief. Comment. (My Mother at Sixty-six)
  2 marks
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Q11 · 4 marks · Very short answerThe Third Level
Answer any two of the following three questions in 40–50 words each.
1. I
  Based on the events of the story, elaborate on Charley’s fascination with the third level and the way he relates to the past? (The Third Level)
  2 marks
2. II
  Examine the outcome of the Tiger King’s actions in the light of the prophecy and comment on his belief about controlling fate. (The Tiger King)
  2 marks
3. III
  Describe the idea that emerges from the author’s portrayal of Antarctica as a warning rather than a destination. (Journey to the End of the Earth)
  2 marks
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Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q12(A) · 5 marks · Long answerKeeping Quiet
Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.
How do Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda and Going Places by A. R. Barton present different responses to inner conflict, and what do these responses reveal about the impact of silence and imagination on human growth?
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OR
Q12(B) · 5 marks · Long answerIndigo
Indigo and Poets and Pancakes present power operating in very different contexts. Gandhi’s actions in Champaran and the ironic portrayal of Gemini Studios bring out ways in which authority is questioned in these texts. Discuss.
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Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q13(A) · 5 marks · Long answerOn the Face of It
Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words.
The meeting between Derry and Mr Lamb marks a turning point in Derry’s life. Discuss how Mr Lamb’s outlook challenges Derry’s fear-driven self-image and shapes his understanding of self-worth beyond physical limitations.
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OR
Q13(B) · 5 marks · Long answerThe Enemy
Dr Sadao’s decision to shelter an enemy soldier places him in a moral dilemma. Assess whether this decision can be seen as an act of moral courage in the face of competing national loyalties in The Enemy.
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Source: official sample paper, cbseacademic.nic.in. Chapter tags and solutions are ours. Spotted a transcription error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.