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Answer any one of the… (Class 12 English SQP 2026-27, Q13A)

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EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Sample paper, session 2026-27 · 5 marks · Long answer

CBSE Class 12 English sample paper 2026-27: question 13(A)

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2026-27, section C, question 13(A), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

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.

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

Begin by recalling how Derry sees his own face and how it makes him behave.

Hint 2

Think about how Mr Lamb treats his own artificial leg and what the open gate, beehive and garden stand for.

Hint 3

Use Mr Lamb's line about 'plenty of things to stare at', then show how Derry's idea of self-worth changes.

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. Introduction and Derry's self-image: The meeting with Mr Lamb is a turning point because it challenges the fear and self-pity that rule Derry's mind. Derry sees himself as ugly and unwanted because of his burnt face. He believes people see only his deformity, so he has isolated himself socially and emotionally.

    1 mark

  2. Mr Lamb's contrasting outlook: Mr Lamb has an artificial leg, yet he refuses to see himself as disabled or incomplete. He lives with openness and acceptance, and this is the opposite of Derry's fearful view of himself.

    1 mark

  3. Symbols and words: His open gate, beehive and garden stand for freedom, acceptance and an interest in life. His remark that 'there are plenty of things to stare at' urges Derry to look at life's possibilities rather than at limitations.

    1 mark

  4. Effect on Derry: Mr Lamb treats Derry with respect and warmth, without pity or judgement. Derry feels comfortable and accepted for the first time. He begins to understand that self-worth depends on attitude, not appearance.

    1 mark

  5. Conclusion: The meeting empowers Derry to move beyond fear and to start redefining himself with confidence and hope. The answer is well organised, within about 120-150 words, and accurate in language.

    1 mark

Answer: Mr Lamb's acceptance, his open gate and his attitude to his own artificial leg show Derry that self-worth comes from outlook, not appearance. This replaces Derry's fear and self-pity with hope.

Where the marks are

  • Explains Derry's fear-driven, self-pitying self-image (1 mark)
  • Presents Mr Lamb's contrasting outlook despite his artificial leg (1 mark)
  • Uses symbols or quotation such as the open gate, the garden and 'plenty of things to stare at' (1 mark)
  • Shows Derry's change towards acceptance and self-worth (1 mark)
  • Gives a conclusion with good organisation and accurate language (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: On the Face of It (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)

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