Complete EnglISH

(FINAL WAR)
CLASS XII
Climate change is one of the most hotly contested environmental debates of our
time. Will the West Antarctic ice sheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream ocean
current be disrupted? Will it be the end of the world as we know it? Maybe. Maybe
not. Either way, Antarctica is a crucial element in this debate — not just because it’s
the only place in the world, which has never sustained a human population and
therefore remains relatively ‘pristine’ in this respect; but more importantly,
because it holds in its ice-cores half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its
layers of ice. If we want to study and examine the Earth’s past, present and future,
Antarctica is the place to go.
I. Complete the following suitably:

The passage suggests that studying Antarctica is crucial in understanding

climate change because ______________.
Ans- The passage suggests that studying Antarctica is crucial in understanding
climate change because it contains ancient ice layers that store important
climate records.

II. How does the author emphasize the importance of Antarctica in predicting
future environmental changes?
Ans- The author highlights that Antarctica remains untouched by human
influence and has preserved climate data in its ice for millions of years.
Scientists can use this data to understand past climate patterns and predict
future changes.
III. The writer says, "Will it be the end of the world as we know it? Maybe.
Maybe not.”

What is the most likely purpose of this statement?

A. To express certainty about future climate disasters.

B. To highlight the unpredictability of climate change.
C. To dismiss concerns about environmental changes.
D. To suggest that Antarctica has no role in climate change debates.
IV. How might the study of Antarctica’s ice-core records contribute to
understanding long-term changes in Earth's climate patterns?

Ans- By analyzing ice-core records, scientists can learn about past levels of
carbon dioxide and temperature changes. This helps them predict how
human activities and natural processes may affect the Earth's climate in
the future.
"Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the bazaar.
The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double up. I
wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a small
packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green
banana bhajji in the packet because the wrapping paper was stained with oil.
He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I
stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won’t the package come
undone, and the vadais fall out?"
I. Complete the following suitably:

The narrator finds the elder’s way of holding the food packet amusing because
__________.
Ans- he is holding it by its string, as if it is something dirty, and this looks
funny for such a big man.

II. Which emotion does the narrator experience while watching the elder?
Ans- The narrator feels amused and wants to laugh.
III. Select the suitable option to complete the following:

The narrator's laughter at the elder carrying the food packet suggests:
A. He is making fun of the elder's age.
B. He finds the elder's way of handling the packet strange and funny.
C. He is mocking the elder’s food choices.
D. He is irritated by the elder’s behaviour.

IV. How does the reference to the oil stains on the paper help create a realistic
image of the situation?
Ans- The oil stains on the wrapping paper suggest that the packet contains
deep-fried snacks like vadai or bhajji. This small detail helps the reader
imagine the scene better and adds realism to the description.
Rudyard Kipling expressed an even more condemnatory attitude towards the
interviewer. His wife, Caroline, writes in her diary for 14 October, 1892 that
their day was wrecked by two reporters from Boston.‘ She reports her husband
as saying to the reporters, Why do I refuse to be interviewed? Because it is
immoral! It is a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence against my person,
as an assault, and just as much merits punishment. It is cowardly and vile. No
respectable man would ask it, much less give it. Yet Kipling had himself
perpetrated such an assault on Mark Twain only a few years before. H.G. Wells
in an interview in 1894 referred to the Interview ordeal‘, but was a fairly
frequent interviewee and forty years later found himself interviewing Joseph
Stalin.
I. Kipling viewed interviews with
A) Compassion
B) condemnation
C) reconciliation
D) gratitude

II. Why does Rudyard Kipling describe interview as “a crime” ?

Ans- Kipling believed that an interview was an intrusion of privacy. He thought
it was as bad as a physical attack and should be punished. He also considered
it cowardly and something that a respectable person should neither ask for
nor give.
III. Kipling assaulted_______________with an interview.
A) H.G. Wells
B) Joseph Stalin
C) T.S.Eliot
D) Mark Twain

IV. The word “wrecked” in the extract most nearly means

A) ravaged
B) Broken
C) annihilated
D) ruined
V. Who is the writer from which the above extract has been taken?
A) Mukund Padmanavan
B) H.G.Wells
C) Christopher Silvester
D) Umberto Eco

VI. H.G. Wells violated his own observation about interview on

interviewing____________________.
Ans- H.G. Wells had once called interviews an "ordeal," but later he himself
gave many interviews. Even after expressing his dislike for interviews, he
ended up interviewing Joseph Stalin, contradicting his earlier views.
Usually when the school began, there was a great bustle, which could be
heard out in the street, the opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in
unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to understand better, and the
teacher‘s great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had
counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being seen; but, of
course, that day everything had to be as quiet as a Sunday morning. Through
the window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel
walking up and down with his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open
the door and go in before everybody. You can imagine how I blushed and
how frightened I was.
I. What does the phrase “as quiet as a Sunday morning” suggest about the
atmosphere in the school?
Ans- It means that the school was completely silent, unlike normal days
when there was a lot of noise. This silence made the narrator feel nervous.

II. Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.

The silence in the classroom contrasts with the usual bustle, making the
narrator feel _______ (confident/nervous) as he enters the room.
III. Complete the following with a suitable reason.

Franz blushed and felt frightened because _______.

Ans- he was late and afraid of M. Hamel’s strictness.

IV. How does Franz’s expectation of entering unnoticed differ from reality?
Ans- Franz thought he could quietly slip into the class, but the classroom was
completely silent, so everyone noticed him as he entered.
V. What is the significance of M. Hamel’s “terrible iron ruler” in shaping
Franz’s emotions?
A. It represents strict discipline and authority.
B. It is a symbol of Franz’s respect for M. Hamel.
C. It indicates M. Hamel’s fondness for his students.
D. It shows Franz’s admiration for his teacher.

VI. What do the words “you can imagine how I blushed and how frightened I
was” reveal about Franz’s feelings?
A. He was excited to attend the class.
B. He was embarrassed and scared.
C. He was happy to see M. Hamel.
D. He was confused about the lesson.
“The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji exclaim this? (2)
Ans- Gandhiji exclaimed, "The battle of Champaran is won" when the British
authorities agreed to abolish the system of forced indigo cultivation and refund
part of the money taken from the peasants. He said this because the success of
the movement showed that the peasants had gained courage and confidence to
fight against injustice.
How does Sophie’s imagination in ‘Going Places’ reflect her aspirations and
struggles with reality? (2)
Ans- Sophie dreams of becoming rich and famous, but in reality, she belongs to a
poor family. She imagines meeting a famous footballer, which shows her desire to
escape her dull life. However, her dreams are far from reality, highlighting how
young people often struggle between what they wish for and what is actually
possible.
How does the experience in ‘Deep Water’ highlight the importance of overcoming
fear? (2)
Ans- The narrator had a terrible experience with water as a child, which made
him very afraid of swimming. However, he did not give up and slowly learned to
overcome his fear. His story teaches us that we should face our fears with courage
and determination because once we overcome them, we feel stronger and more
confident.
What does the contrast between Saheb’s curiosity and his harsh reality reveal
about child labour?
Ans: Saheb is curious and hopeful, but his life is full of struggles. He searches for
small treasures in garbage dumps, which shows how poor children find happiness
in little things. His life shows the harsh reality of child labour, where kids are
forced to work instead of going to school and enjoying their childhood.
How did Gandhiji’s method of non-violent resistance help in resolving the
problems of the indigo farmers?
Ans: Gandhiji used non-violent protest and negotiation to help the indigo
farmers in Champaran. He gathered facts about the unfair treatment of
farmers, refused to leave Champaran despite British orders, and encouraged
the farmers to stay united. His peaceful resistance forced the British landlords
to agree to better conditions for the farmers, proving that truth and courage
can bring justice.
How does ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ make us reflect on the impact of
climate change?
Ans: The story describes a journey to Antarctica, where the author observes
the untouched beauty of nature. It highlights how human activities are
harming the environment. The melting glaciers and changing climate in
Antarctica make us realize the urgent need to protect our planet.
When and why was it a celebration time for all tigers inhabiting
Pratibandapuram in the story The Tiger King‘?
Ans: It was a celebration time for all tigers in Pratibandapuram when the Tiger
King banned tiger hunting by anyone except himself. This meant that no other
hunters could kill them, so they were safe from being hunted by others.
How does the author use narrative techniques in Deep Water to create a sense
of fear and eventual triumph? Discuss how these techniques effectively
highlight the theme of overcoming personal struggles, providing specific
examples from the text.
In Deep Water, the author, William Douglas, uses vivid descriptions, first-
person narration, and flashbacks to create a strong sense of fear and eventual
triumph.
At the beginning, Douglas describes his terrifying experience of almost
drowning in a swimming pool. His use of detailed imagery, like feeling
"paralyzed" and "suffocated," makes the reader feel his fear. The first-person
narration allows us to understand his emotions deeply, making the fear more
personal and real.
The author also uses flashbacks to show how his childhood fear of water
started when he was knocked down by a wave at the beach. This helps the
reader understand why his fear became so intense.
As the story progresses, the pacing changes—slow and frightening during
the drowning incident, and more determined when Douglas starts training
himself to overcome his fear. This contrast highlights his struggle and
ultimate victory.
Through these techniques, the story effectively conveys the theme of
overcoming fear and gaining confidence, inspiring readers to face their own
fears with determination.
Narrative Techniques
 The Last Lesson

First-person narrative: Told through Franz's eyes, giving personal perspective

Flashback technique: Franz recalls his last French lesson

Symbolism: French language represents national identity and freedom

Emotional contrast: Beginning shows Franz's reluctance; ending shows his

regret

Setting as character: The classroom atmosphere reflects the serious mood

 Lost Spring
Dual narrative: Two separate stories (Saheb and Mukesh) with common theme

Interview + observation: Author combines conversations with her own

observations

Direct quotes: Uses children's actual words to make their stories authentic

Present tense narration: Creates immediacy and ongoing nature of their

struggles

Contrast: Dreams vs. reality; freedom vs. bondage

Social commentary: Author directly addresses the reader about child labour
issues
 Deep water

Chronological narrative with flashbacks: Tells his journey of overcoming fear

First-person reflective: Adult Douglas looking back at childhood experience

Psychological insight: Shows inner thoughts during moments of panic

Detailed sensory descriptions: Makes readers feel his terror

Step-by-step process: Methodical description of learning to swim

 The Rattrap

Third-person limited narrator: Follows the peddler but knows his thoughts

Extended metaphor: Life as a rattrap that runs throughout the story

Character transformation: Shows how kindness changes the peddler

Atmospheric descriptions: Creates Christmas mood and forest setting

Twist ending: Unexpected but satisfying conclusion

Moral allegory: Story teaches lessons about human goodness

 Indigo

Biographical narrative: Focuses on specific Gandhi episode

Historical context woven into story: Explains sharecropping system

Dialogue-heavy sections: Uses conversations to reveal Gandhi's methods

Comparison technique: Contrasts British approach with Gandhi's approach

Objective reporting style: Author presents facts while showing admiration

Focus on specific incident: Uses Champaran to illustrate larger principles

 Poets and Pancakes

Humorous anecdotal style: Series of connected memories

Character sketches: Brief, vivid descriptions of studio personalities

Satirical observations: Gently mocks the film studio hierarchy

Episodic structure: Connected by setting rather than continuous plot

First-person insider view: Author worked at the studio

Conversational tone: Makes reader feel included in the memories

 Interview

Two-part structure: Essay about interviews + actual interview

Meta-narrative: An interview discussing the concept of interviews

Question-answer format: Second part uses actual interview transcript

Contrasting viewpoints: Shows different perspectives on interviews

Self-referential: The format demonstrates what it discusses

Direct quotations: Preserves authentic voices of interviewers and subjects

 Going Places

Limited third-person: Focuses on Sophie's perspective

Interior monologue: Shows Sophie's thoughts and fantasies

Reality vs. imagination: Contrasts Sophie's dreams with actual life

Open ending: Leaves Sophie's future development to reader's imagination

 The Third Level

First-person confessional: Charley tells his own strange experience

Reality blending with fantasy: Mixes normal life with impossible events

Frame story: Psychiatrist friend's explanation frames Charley's story

Physical details: Uses specific details to make fantasy seem real

Ambiguous ending: The letter from 1894 raises more questions

 The Tiger King

Satirical narrative: Mocks royal obsessions and superstitions

Dramatic irony: Readers know what the king doesn't about his fate

Humour and exaggeration: Uses comical descriptions and situations

Foreshadowing: The astrologer's prediction sets up the ending

Circular structure: Begins and ends with the same prediction

Third-person omniscient: Narrator knows everything about all characters

 Journey to the end of the Earth

Travelogue style: Personal journey with reflections

Informative passages: Mixes personal experience with scientific facts

Present tense narration: Creates immediacy of the journey

Environmental message: Author directly addresses climate issues

Descriptive imagery: Vivid descriptions of Antarctica

 The Enemy

Limited third-person: Focuses on Dr. Sadao's perspective

Internal conflict made external: Shows Sadao's moral dilemma through actions

Cultural context as driver: Japanese wartime society shapes decisions

Tension through delays: Keeps readers wondering about consequences

Sparse dialogue: Characters say little but mean much

Parallel conflicts: Professional duty vs. patriotism; personal vs. national

 Memories of Childhood

First-person authentic voice: Direct personal accounts create emotional impact

Autobiographical narrative: Two authors sharing childhood experiences

Emotional progression: From innocence to understanding discrimination

How does Asokamitran use the hierarchical structure and traditional
workplace culture of the Gemini Studios to develop conflict, pacing, and
character interactions in Poets and Pancakes?
In Poets and Pancakes, Asokamitran highlights how the strict hierarchy and
traditional workplace culture of Gemini Studios create conflict, pacing, and
character interactions.

The makeup artists were divided based on their superiority—senior artists

worked on actors playing main roles, while juniors handled the less important
ones. This reflected the strict ranking system in the studio. The narrator, who
had a simple job of cutting newspaper clippings, was part of the lower
hierarchy.
The pacing of the story moves between light humour and deep reflections. The
character interactions show jealousy, power struggles, and favoritism—like
how Subbu, despite being talented, was viewed with envy.

Through humour and observations, Asokamitran reveals that even in a

glamorous film studio, office politics and rigid hierarchies exist, making us
reflect on human nature and workplace struggles.
How does Susan Hill use societal prejudices and personal insecurities as
central influences in shaping the conflict and emotional progression in On
the Face of It?
Susan Hill’s On the Face of It explores the themes of prejudice, isolation,
and self-acceptance through the interaction between Derry, a young boy
with a burnt face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a physical disability.

The conflict in the story arises from Derry’s insecurity and society’s harsh
treatment of people with disabilities. He has faced rejection, cruel remarks,
and pity, leading him to withdraw from the world. On the other hand, Mr.
Lamb has learned to embrace life despite his loneliness. Through their
conversation, Susan Hill gradually shifts the emotional progression—Derry
moves from negativity to a hopeful outlook. The pacing of their dialogue
allows readers to see Derry’s slow transformation.

By the end, Derry’s willingness to return to Mr. Lamb’s garden symbolizes

his emotional growth
Justify the statement below with reference to the poem 'My Mother at Sixty
Six'. “Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with
each other”. (2)
Ans- In My Mother at Sixty-Six, the poet Kamala Das realizes that her
mother is aging and may not be with her forever. This awareness makes her
feel sad, but it also reminds her to cherish their time together. The poem
highlights how understanding mortality helps us value our loved ones more
and appreciate every moment with them.
What did the ‘greedy good-doers’ plan to do to the poor people? (2)
Ans- The "greedy good-doers" in the poem "A Roadside Stand" planned to
deceive the poor people by giving false hopes of a better life. They
pretended to help but actually wanted to take control of their land and
resources. Their actions would leave the poor even more helpless and
dependent.
Why does Asokamitran call Subbu " a charitable and improvident man"? (2)
Ans- Asokamitran calls Subbu "a charitable and improvident man" because
Subbu was always ready to help others, even if it meant spending his own
money carelessly. He was generous and supportive towards struggling artists
and colleagues at Gemini Studios. However, he did not think about his own
financial security, making him improvident
Derry: “I don’t like being with people. Any people.” (On The Face of It)
Mr Lamb: “Tin doesn’t hurt boy.” (On The Face of It)
On examining the dialogues given above it may be concluded that loneliness is
wide spread and is killing the joy of the world. What are the common reasons
for
this, mainly as per the chapter mentioned here. According to you, what may be
the remedies for the removal of this evil from the lives of the mankind?
In the story On the Face of It, both Derry and Mr. Lamb experience loneliness
but in different ways.
Derry, a young boy with a burnt face, avoids people because he fears their
judgment and pity. He believes that others only see his scars, not his real self.
This makes him feel isolated and unloved. On the other hand, Mr. Lamb, an old
man with a missing leg, also lives alone, but he chooses to stay positive and
open to company. Despite his cheerful nature, he, too, experiences loneliness
because people avoid him. To remove loneliness, society must become more
accepting and kind. People should be judged by their qualities, not their
appearance or disabilities. Friendship, understanding, and encouragement can
help those who feel alone. Schools and communities should create spaces
where everyone feels valued.
By spreading love and empathy, we can bring happiness and connection into
people’s lives.
“I never saw him look so tall.” (The Last Lesson).
“Written with friendship and high regard. Captain Von Stahle” (The Rattrap).
In both of these stories a normal person rises to the occasion and attains a
great stature. In the light of both these stories, write down your views on how
and when a normal man acquires a bigger size than what he or she actually is.
In The Last Lesson, M. Hamel, the teacher, becomes a symbol of patriotism
and dedication when he delivers his final lesson with deep emotion and
sincerity. Though he was once strict and unapproachable, on his last day, he
teaches with love, making his students realize the value of their mother
tongue. This change makes him appear "tall" in the eyes of his students.

Similarly, in The Rattrap, the peddler, who was once a petty thief, is
transformed by the kindness of Edla Willmansson. He leaves behind his
dishonest ways and signs his note as "Captain Von Stahle," showing that he
has become a better person.
A normal person grows in stature when they show courage, honesty,
kindness, or selflessness in difficult situations. It is in such moments of
truth that people realize their inner strength and become greater than they
were before.
“Sophie lived in her ‘make belief world”. Prove this statement on the basis of
your reading the chapter “Going Places.”
Ans- Sophie lives in a world of imagination, dreaming of meeting famous
people like Danny Casey and becoming rich and successful. She refuses to
accept her simple reality and instead creates exciting stories to escape her
ordinary life. Her fantasies never come true, proving that she lives in a "make-
believe world" far from reality.
Thank You!