KENDRIYA VIYALAYA SANGATHAN KOLKATA REGION

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION (TERM - I )

SESSION-2021-22
Class : XII
English Core (301)

Time: 90 Minutes Max. Marks 40

General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.
2. Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific instructions for each
question.
3. Section B-WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per specific instructions for
each question.
4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for each
question.
5. All questions carry equal marks.
6. There is no negative marking

READING
I. Read the passage given below.

1. Giving soothes an individual with the vibration of joy. Unconditional giving is a natural principle
and evident everywhere in nature which gives us solids, liquids and minerals. Water gives itself away
for our agriculture and other uses. Trees give flowers, fruits and wood. Air gives us the very life-
breath and the sun gives us light of life.
2. Even the animals give us milk, egg, meat, skin and various services. But what do we humans
contribute to the cosmos in return? Isn't our role predominately selfish and destructive? We expand
civilisation to disturb ecological balance, spread pollution in the fresh natural atmosphere, indulge
in ruthless deforestation, kill animals even for sport and consume all natural resources for our own
selfish interest.
3. It is always great to make donations, but what about giving your own time? It's wonderful to drop
off used clothing, books and toys at a shelter for the homeless, but what about spending an hour to
each week reading and playing with the deprived children? Come face to face with the person you
are helping. It will make your giving more meaningful.
4. It is not about just the time that you give to the deprived children, but what you give to your family.
Are you there when they need you? Or is it always you who demand help and cooperation from the
rest of your family members? How much do you care for the elderly that live with you or are far away
from you? How do you utilise your spare moments? Isn't it that you just sit before the television and
keep on flipping the channels trying to find something that suits your interest? Shut it down!... You
can use these precious spare moments making a 'Get Well Soon' card for your grandmother, or
someone dear to you not in good spirits, or send a letter via Internet. Why be on the 'Facebook' all
the time chatting with your friends whom you already meet daily at school?
5. The law of Karma is a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin. We have added much
for our comforts, but we have not been able to attain tranquillity. We are constantly haunted by
excessive greed for grabbing which is severely disturbing peaceful coexistence. We rarely do what
we can for preservation of nature and even our own fellowmen. We have not moved much from the
primitive selfish mentality where self-preservation was the law for survival.
6. What can we give back to the cosmos? We humans are predominantly gifted with mind and
intellect. These are very sharp instruments indeed which can be used as surgeon's knife for healing
or an instrument for killing. Instead of nurturing anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness and animosity,
we can spread love, care, kindness and benevolence to all, thereby transform the earthly vibration
into a heavenly one. If not anything else, we can at least pray for the happiness and well-being of all.
We are here in the image of God. We have divine inheritance of love. wisdom and self-transformation.
We may resolve to be engaged in divine enjoyment of nature and God's creation with love. Jesus said,
"Those that give shall receive."
7. Instead of being always at the receiving end, let us abide the principle of giving by all means and
see how things change for humanity at large.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten
questions by choosing the correct option:
1. The principle which is seen everywhere in nature is of:
(a) law (b) discipline
(c) love (d) unconditional giving

2. Ecological imbalance is the result of:

(a) man's growing needs. (b) selfishness
(c) cutting of trees (d) expansion of civilisation

3. Giving becomes worthwhile by:

(a) donating old clothes to the needy (b) donating books and toys to the homeless
(c) spending an hour with the deprived children (d) None of the above

4. Which of the following option is correct?

(a) It is good to utilise your spare moments in chatting with your friends on Facebook
(b) It is good to utilise your spare moments in watching your favourite channel on T.V.
(c) It is good to utilise your spare moments in making 'Get well soon card for your grandmother
spare moments in
(d) It is good to utilise your spare moments in sleeping for the whole day

5. Our peaceful co-existence is disturbed by:

(a) our Karmas (b) our selfish nature
(c) our excessive greed (d) None of these

6. The sharp instruments, humans are gifted with are:

(a) jealousy and anger (b) mind and intellect
(c) hatred and enmity (d) love and care

7. The natural principle of unconditional giving is:

(a) spread pollution in atmosphere (b) Indulge in ruthless deforestation
(c) nature gives solids, liquids and minerals (d) None of the above
8. Human's attitude towards nature is:
(a) very kind (b) destructive
(c) selfless (d) All of these

9. The 'law of Karma' is:

(a) we get the fruit of what we haven't done (b) we should do good deeds.
(c) a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin. (d) None of the above.

10. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose the correct option:
Assertion (A) - The man is not able to attain peace and tranquillity.
Reason (R) - he is the victim of excessive greed
(a) A is true but R is false. (b) Both A and R are true.
(c) A is false but R is true. (d) Both A and R are false.

II. Read the passage given below.

The chart below gives information about the amount of carbon emissions in different
countries during three different years.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart compares the
emission of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere of six countries, including
two of them coming from emerging
nations, for three decades starting from
1975 until 2005.
As an overall assessment, it can
clearly be seen that only Germany and
United Kingdom managed to reduce
the carbon emissions compared to the
other countries.
USA, being the number one
polluter of all, emitted 1,200,000
thousand metric tonnes in 1975 and this count increased to 1,300,000 and 1,600,000 thousand
metric tonnes in 1990 and 2005 respectively. In contrast, the carbon emissions of China was nearly
300,000 thousand metric tonnes in 1975 and it rose by nearly 100% in 1990 and surged dramatically
to just below thousand metric tonnes in 2005. In terms of the percentage increase, China was the
largest contributor in carbon emissions of all.
The figures for Germany and the United Kingdom remained relatively stable throughout the
period of time, and so were for Canada until 1990. The carbon dioxide emissions in India increased
exponentially from around 100,000 in 1975 to just below 400,000 thousand metric tonnes in 2005.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight
questions by choosing the correct option.
11. The given data compares the amount of emission of:
(a) carbon dioxide (b) oxygen
(c)nitrogen (d) None of these
12. In terms of the percentage increase, which country was the largest contributor in carbon
emissions of all in year 2005?
(a) China (b) USA
(c)Both (i) and (ii) (d) India

13. What is the highest quantity unit of global emission of CO2 by different countries?
(a) 1,6000,000 (b) 1,570,000
(c)1,300,000 (d) None of these

14. What do you think can be the reason for surging of CO2 emission in million tonnes?
(a) Fast paced industrialization (b) Lack of sustainable development
(c) The urge to become world's top powerful economies (d) All of the above

15. Which country has the lowest emission of CO2 in the graph?
(a) Germany (b) United Kingdom
(c) Canada (d) India

16. Which country has observed a dramatic rise over its years in CO2 emission?
(a) China (b) USA
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) India

17. Which country had the same level of CO2 emission in the first and the second decade?
(a) Germany (b) Canada
(c)Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

18. Which of the following statements is true?

(a) The countries have achieved meteoric rise in CO2 emission.
(b) The countries have not been able to reduce their CO2 emission significantly.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) USA seems to leave behind China in coming years.

WRITING

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the
context below.

Ashutosh Mishra wants to sell his independent bungalow at Rajaji Nagar, Hyderabad. He writes
a suitable advertisement giving the necessary details.
19. Which one of the following headings is the most appropriate for this kind of advertisements?
(a) Bungalow wanted (b) Vehicle for sale
(c) Property wanted (d) Property for sale
20. Select the option which covers the points to be included in the content of this advertisement.
(i) information about opportunity
(ii) heading & contact details
(iii) date & time
 (iv) details of property
(v) name of the purchaser
(a) All the above except (i)(ii) & (iv) (b) All the above except (ii)(iii)& (v)
(c) All the above except (i)(iii)& (v) (d) All the above except (ii)(iv)(v)
21. Which of the following is a perfect way to start this type of advertisement?
(a) A well-built spacious bungalow is available ………
(b) I have a well-built spacious bungalow for sale …….
(c) A well-built spacious bungalow is required ………..
(d) It is to inform you that a bungalow is available …………
22. Select the option which is TRUE in connection with the above advertisement.
(a) convincing and inviting language must be exempted.
(b) must be formal and to the point
(c) clear and crispy information should be avoided
(d) must be lengthy and clear
23. To end this advertisement, which one of the following details will be appropriate.
(a) Details of the bungalow should be highlighted at the end.
(b) Date and time should be preferred for conclusion
(c) Address and contact number should be preferred for ending.
(d) None of the above

IV. Answer any six of the seven questions given, with reference to the context
below.
In today's world of instant communication, the art of writing letters to friends, parents, cousins
is long forgotten. Complete the following article on the joyful experience of penning Letters packed with
emotions and personal triumph.

The Art of Writing Letters

Radha Basumati, Class Xll, New Maximus School

There was a time when …....24….... Much of History and Science is constructed from letters left
by great men in the past. Unfortunately, today, …….25……. for most people. No longer does one lie in
wait for the postman because …….26……. of the time is junk mail, bills and magazines
.
Time has become such a precious commodity. and ordinary mail so slow that it is termed
'snail-mail'! In this fast-paced age, even if one has the time to write a long letter …….27……. In the
21st century, where brevity and speed are of the utmost importance, letter writing, with its rich
descriptions and narratives. has been discarded …….28……. The telephone is another means of
communication that has sounded the death knell for the art of letter-writing. It is good to hear the
voices of your loved ones. But something at that time, one forgets all the things one would like to say
and also ask.

With the dying out of the art of letter writing, …….29……. is also dying out. While email is a
good way to keep in touch, it cannot replace the thrill of receiving a letter. which you read, set aside.
and read again.

Choose the most appropriate option:

24. (a) letter writing was considered an art (b) letter writing was traditionally important
(c) there was no use of letter writing (d) we were doing letter writing

25. (a) letter writing has become important (b) letters are not important
(c) letter writing is a dying art (d) we do not write letters

26. (a) what he does (b) what he brought

(c) what he will bring most (d) what he used to do

27. (a) no one would read it (b) the receiver has no time or patience to read it
(c) the receiver didn't read it (d) the receiver would lose the patience

28. (a) due to fast e-mail (b) in favour of the faster, briefer e-mail
(c) as there is importance of e-mail now (d) due to the growing importance of speed posts

29. (a) emotions of people (b) way of writing e-mails

(c) art of expressing one's feelings and emotions (d) art of behaving with others

30. Why should the last paragraph make some reference to the opening paragraph?
(a) to make it look later (b) it shouldn't
(c) to confuse the reader (d) to draw the points together and conclude

LITERATURE

This section has sub-sections: V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. There are a total of 30 questions
in the section.
Attempt any 26 questions from the sub-sections V to IX.

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only
German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French
lesson. I want you to be very attentive.” What a thunderclap these words were to me!

31. Why does M Hamel want the students to be attentive?

(a) Because it is his last French lesson

(b) Because the order has come from Berlin
(c) Because he is about to reveal the question paper
(d) Because the government officer is on a visit.

32. Which order from Berlin is called as ‘thunderclap’ by Franz?

(a) The order of closing schools for a month
(b) The order of stopping teaching French
 (c) The order of executing anyone in Alsace & Lorraine
(d) The order of demolishing the school building

33. How would you describe Franz’s tone when he says, “What a thunderclap these words were to
me”?
(a) Angry (b) Gloomy
(c) Perplexed (d) Irritated

34. Statement I: M Hamel had been subjected to mental torture with the decision to teach only
German in Alsace and Lorraine.
Statement II: Nobody except Franz was able to realize the pain in M Hamel‘s eyes.

a) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

b) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
c) Both Statement I & II cannot be inferred from the passage
d) Both Statement I & II can be inferred from the passage

35. In which of the following options is not synonymous with ‘wretch’?

a) Beggar
b) Stick
c) Rogue
d) Knave

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“The yellowish light was going out. Then all effort Ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and
a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was
quiet and peaceful. I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.”

36. What is happening to the writer?

a) He is being carried out by the lifeguard b) He is regaining consciousness
c) He is floating d) He is losing consciousness

37. Choose a word opposite to the word “ceased” …

a) Stop b) End
c) Conclude d) Start

38. What has wiped away the fear out of his mind?
a) Relaxation b) Peace
c) Blackness d) Oblivion

39. Another word for “oblivion” is………

a) Awareness b) Fame
c) Consciousness d) Unconsciousness
40. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

Statement 1: The author tried his best to jump out of water.

Statement 2: After a while, the author was not anxious in water.

a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.

b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.
d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes.

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor:
The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper-
seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease,

41. Through the description of the slum children, the poet wants to express the…………………………
prevailing in society-

(a) social injustice and class inequalities (b) poverty

(c) disease (d) slums

42. ‘The stunted unlucky heir of twisted bones’ means the boy---

(a) is short and bony (b) is poor and unlucky

(c) is sad and unwell (d) has an inherited disability

43. ‘The tall girl with her head weighed down’ means---
(a) the girl is ashamed of something (b) she has untidy hair
(c) she is ill and exhausted (d) she is shy

44. One of the following phrases implies unhealthy children. It is---

(a) unlucky heir (b) these children’s faces

(c) a paper seeming boy (d) from gusty waves

45. Based on the above extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two Statements given
below.

Statement 1: The hair torn round their pallor: shows the children of slum don’t care for their
appearance
Statement 2: The hair torn round their pallor: indicates the pathetic condition of the children of the
slums
 a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are true.
d) Both Statement 1 and 2 cannot be inferred.

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“You will have to give the anaesthetic if he needs it,” he said. “I?” she repeated blankly. “But never
have I!” “It is easy enough,” he said impatiently. He was taking out the packing now, and the blood began
to flow more quickly. He peered into the wound with the bright surgeon’s light fastened on his forehead.
“The bullet is still there,” he said with cool interest. “Now I wonder how deep this rock wound is. If it is
not too deep it may be that I can get the bullet. But the bleeding is not superficial. He has lost much
blood.” At this moment Hana choked. He looked up and saw her face the colour of sulphur. “Don’t faint,”
he said sharply. He did not put down his exploring instrument. “If I stop now the man will surely die.”
She clapped her hands to her mouth and leaped up and ran out of the room. Outside in the garden he
heard her retching. But he went on with his work.

46. “Don’t faint”, he said. Who said these words and to whom?
(a) Dr. Sadao to Hana (b) Husband to the gardener
(c) Dr. Sadao to the patient (d) The patient to Dr. Sadao

47. Who would die? And who was retching?

1. Dr. Sadao’s wife
2. The General
3. The enemy soldier
4. The old gardener

(a) 1 and 2 respectively (b) 2 and 1 respectively

(c) 3 and 1respectively (d) 3 and 4 respectively

48. Why did Hana have to wash the wounded man himself?

(a) She didn’t want others to know about the man

(b) She had promised Dr.Sadao to do so
(c) She wanted to look after the guest by herself
(d) The servants had refused to do so

49. Why did Dr. Sadao feel impatient and irritable with the prisoner?
(a) It was getting late at night (b) He was tired and sleepy
(c) He would not get paid (d) He could not tend to his wife

50. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Sadao and Hana cared about the soldier but were worried about the consequences of
being considerate.
Statement 2: Sadao and Hana wanted to shirk their responsibilities of looking after an injured
soldier, who could be an American.
 a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.

IX. Attempt the following.

51. In what way do we try to overcome the Insecurities of the present harsh times?
(a) By engaging ourselves In practical activities (b) By talking to friends and family
(c) Reading good books (d) All of the above

52. Why did the narrator witness the Third Level when no one else did?
(a) As a wish to visit Galesburg (b) Wanted to meet his friends
(c) Wanted to take a break from office (d) As a result of stress and anxiety in his mind

53. What is the significance of 1894 in the lesson “Third Level”?

(a) It was past (b) Authors' parents were alive
(c) Author’s childhood time (d) Representing a peaceful, romantic living time

54. Why did Charley visit Sam?

(a) To consult him regarding the incident of third level at Grand Central Station
(b) To discuss the theory of time travel with him
(c) To invite him as a companion at Galesburg
(d) To guide him in Galesburg

55. What does the Psychiatrist explain to Charley?

(a) Third level is a beautiful place (b) Third level is worth seeing
(c) Third level is well maintained (d) That it was the result of stress and anxiety of his mind

56. Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O), based on your reading of The Third Level.
(1) First day covers are never opened.
(2) Grand Central is growing like a tree.
(3) President Roosevelt collected stamps.
(4) Sam was Charley’s psychiatrist.

(a) F-1,3,4; O-2 (b) F-2, 3; O-1,4

(c) F-2; O-1,3,4 (d) F-3,4; O-1,2

57. Lost Spring raises voice against---

(a) brutal religious rules (b) useless education system
(c) environment pollution (d) poverty and exploitation of children

58. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.
Assertion: The poet wards off the thought of her mother getting old quickly.
Reason: The poet didn’t want to confront the inevitability of fate that was to dawn upon her mother.
a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.
 b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.
c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

59. “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.” Choose the option that draws the most
accurate parallel. keeping quiet: total inactivity = ______ : ______
(a) reflection and death (b) silence and chaos
(c) stagnation and introspection (d) mindfulness and fear

60. Dr .Sadao's helping the white soldier displays which qualities of his?
1. He was above the narrow prejudices .
2. He was a bit selfish when it came to his country's matter.
3. He considered his duty above all the other things.
4. He was cunning and egoist person.

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3

(c)1 and 3 (d )3 and 4

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