CBSE Class 12 English sample paper 2023-24: question 2
From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2023-24, section A, question 2, for 10 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.
Q2 · 10 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)
Read the following text.
(1) In recent years, there has been a surge in both group and solo travel among young adults in India. A survey conducted among young adults aged 18-25 aimed to explore the reasons behind their travel preferences and recorded the percentage variation for 10 common points that influence travel choices.
(2) Among those who prefer solo travel, the most common reason cited was the desire for independence and freedom (58%), followed closely by the opportunity for introspection and self-discovery (52%). Additionally, solo travellers appreciated the ability to customize their itinerary to their preferences (44%) and the chance to meet new people on their own terms (36%).
(3) On the other hand, those who prefer group travel often cited the desire for socializing and making new friends (61%) as their primary reason. Group travel also provided a sense of security and safety in unfamiliar places (52%) and allowed for shared experiences and memories with others (48%). Additionally, group travellers enjoyed the convenience of having pre-planned itineraries and organized transportation (38%).
(4) Interestingly, both groups had similar levels of interest in exploring new cultures and trying new experiences (40% for solo travellers, 36% for group travellers). Similarly, both groups valued the opportunity to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life (36% for solo travellers, 32% for group travellers).
(5) However, there were also some notable differences between the two groups. For example, solo travellers placed a higher priority on budget-friendly travel options (38%) compared to group travellers (24%). Conversely, group travellers were more likely to prioritize luxury and comfort during their travels (28%) compared to solo travellers (12%).
(6) Overall, the survey results suggest that both group and solo travel have their own unique advantages and appeal to different individuals, based on their preferences and priorities.
(Created for academic usage / 290 words)
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.
- i2 marks
Infer two possible ways that the survey , mentioned in paragraph (1) could be beneficial. Answer in about 40 words.
- ii1 mark
Which travel choice point of the survey would influence tour operators to incorporate group dinners, social events, and shared accommodations in their itinerary?
- (A)Freedom to customise itinerary
- (B)Luxury and comfort
- (C)Security and safety
- (D)Desire for making new friends
- iii1 mark
What do the top choices in the survey, for traveling solo and in a group suggest about young adults?
- iv1 mark
Identify the solo traveller from the following three travellers:
(a) Reshma- I don't want to keep hunting for rickshaws or taxis. A pre-booked vehicle is perfect.
(b) Nawaz-I'm happy sharing a room in a hostel. I don't need hotel accommodation.
(c) Deepak-I'm not worried about my well-being , even while exploring remote areas. - v1 mark
Which of the following is an example of an opportunity for self-discovery, as mentioned in paragraph 2?
- (A)Trying new cuisine
- (B)Hiring a tour guide
- (C)Purchasing local artifacts
- (D)Advance booking travel tickets
- vi2 marks
How might the differences in budget priorities between solo and group travellers impact the types of accommodations and activities offered by the travel industry in India?
- vii1 mark
Complete the sentence appropriately.
The similarities in the percentage of both solo and group travellers who are interested in exploring new cultures and trying new experiences may be due to ________. - viii1 mark
State TRUE or FALSE.
The title, "Wanderlust: The Solo Travel Trend Among Young Adults in India", is appropriate for this passage.
Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2023-24.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
Read the paragraph named in each question again.
Hint 2
For (vi), match budget-friendly with solo travellers and luxury with group travellers.
Hint 3
For (viii), ask whether the passage covers only solo travel or both.
Step-by-step solution
Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.
Verified: two independent solves agree and the official marking scheme matchesChecked 2026-11-01
- 2 marks
(i) The survey can help travel companies tailor services and packages to young travellers' preferences. It can also help policymakers and tourism boards spot trends and plan marketing and growth.
- 1 mark
(ii) Option D, desire for making new friends, since group dinners, social events and shared accommodation encourage socialising.
- 1 mark
(iii) Young adults value independence and freedom when travelling alone, and socialising and making friends when travelling in a group.
- 1 mark
(iv) (b) Nawaz; sharing a hostel room suggests budget-friendly solo travel.
- 1 mark
(v) Option A, trying new cuisine, since exploring new flavours helps one discover personal likes and dislikes.
- 2 marks
(vi) Budget-conscious solo travellers will need affordable hostels and budget hotels, with low-cost activities. Group travellers' interest in luxury and comfort will push the industry to offer comfortable, premium stays and experiences.
- 1 mark
(vii) a shared desire for adventure and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones.
- 1 mark
(viii) FALSE. The passage compares solo and group travel preferences; it is not only about solo travel.
Answer: (i) benefits to industry and policymakers; (ii) D; (iii) independence vs socialising; (iv) Nawaz; (v) A; (vi) budget vs luxury offerings; (vii) shared desire for adventure; (viii) FALSE
Where the marks are
- (i) Two relevant benefits (2 marks)
- (ii) D (1 mark)
- (iii) Independence for solo, socialising for group (1 mark)
- (iv) Nawaz (1 mark)
- (v) A (1 mark)
- (vi) Budget options for solo and luxury for group (2 marks)
- (vii) Relevant reason, e.g. shared desire for adventure (1 mark)
- (viii) FALSE (1 mark)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Reading (unseen passages)
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