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Read the following… (Class 12 English SQP 2026-27, Q1)

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EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Sample paper, session 2026-27 · 12 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 12 English sample paper 2026-27: question 1

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2026-27, section A, question 1, for 12 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

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)

    1. (A)It is the physical location where cosmic debris is created.
    2. (B)It serves as visual guide for observers to locate the shower.
    3. (C)It determines the speed fragments enter the atmosphere.
    4. (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 ______.

    1. (A)persuasive and promotional, encouraging mass participation
    2. (B)explanatory and informative, aimed at scientific understanding
    3. (C)speculative and argumentative, questioning existing theories
    4. (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 ______.

    1. (A)technical process of how asteroids shed cosmic debris
    2. (B)impact of light pollution on modern scientific learning
    3. (C)historical evolution of astronomy since the nineteenth century
    4. (D)scientific explanation and practical observation of Geminids
    1 mark

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2026-27.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Go back to the paragraph named in each sub-part and find the exact line.

Hint 2

For the 2-mark items, give a fact from the passage and then say what it suggests.

Hint 3

For the MCQs, eliminate options the passage never mentions.

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

  1. (I) Observation rates can exceed 100 meteors per hour, a figure that shows unusually high activity.

    1 mark

  2. (II) The Geminids originate from a rocky asteroid, not from a comet, which is the usual source of meteor showers.

    1 mark

  3. (III) Friction heats the dust and rock fragments as they enter the atmosphere at high speed. They glow and produce bright streaks of light visible from the ground.

    1 mark

  4. (IV) B. The radiant serves as a visual guide for observers to locate the shower.

    1 mark

  5. (V) The Geminids can be seen with the unaided eye, and their moderate speed gives brighter, longer-lasting streaks. No telescope is needed.

    1 mark

  6. (VII) Documentation since the mid-nineteenth century shows a long observational history. This makes the claims about steadily rising activity and reliability credible, because sustained records support them rather than recent data alone.

    2 marks

  7. (VIII) B. The tone is explanatory and informative, aimed at scientific understanding.

    1 mark

  8. (IX) The moderate speed lets meteors burn for longer in the atmosphere, giving brighter, more sustained streaks. This makes them easier to spot and gives observers more time to enjoy each one, so the viewing experience is better.

    2 marks

  9. (X) D. The passage combines a scientific explanation of the Geminids with practical guidance on observing them.

    1 mark

Answer: (I) Over 100 meteors per hour; (II) it is an asteroid, not a comet; (III) friction makes fragments glow; (IV) B; (V) visible to the unaided eye; (VII) long record builds credibility; (VIII) B; (IX) brighter, longer streaks improve viewing; (X) D

Where the marks are

  • I: the 100 meteors per hour evidence (1 mark)
  • II: asteroid origin, not comet (1 mark)
  • III: friction heats fragments so they glow (1 mark)
  • IV: option B (1 mark)
  • V: any one valid reason, e.g. visible to the unaided eye (1 mark)
  • VII: long observation history strengthens credibility (2 marks)
  • VIII: option B (1 mark)
  • IX: burns longer, so brighter streaks and better visibility (2 marks)
  • X: option D (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Reading (unseen passages)

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