Sample Paper 1

ENGLISH (Core)XII

Time allowed : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions :

(i) This paper is divided into three Sections : A, B and C. All the sections are

compulsory.

(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever

necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them

faithfully.

(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION – A

(Reading) 20

1. Read the passage given below : 1. All of Earth’s oceans share one thing in common: plastic pollution. Discarded

plastic bags, cups, and bottles make their way into the sea. Today, it seems that

no part of the ocean is safe from plastic trash. In recent years, oceanographers

have searched in vain for a pristine marine environment. They have found plastic

everywhere they have looked. “It is a common global problem, we can’t point to

a single habitat or location with no plastic.”

2. Plastic harms wildlife and introduces dangerous chemicals into marine

ecosystems — communities of organisms interacting with their surroundings.

Once plastic enters the environment, it lasts a long time. Scientists are working

to prevent plastic pollution from entering the sea.

3. When people litter, or when trash is not properly disposed of, things like plastic

bags, bottles, straws, foam beverage cups get carried to the sea by winds and

waterways. About 80 percent of ocean plastic originates on land. The rest comes

from marine industries such as shipping and fishing.

4. In 2015, engineer Jenna Jambeck at the University of Georgia and other

researchers calculated that at least 8 million tons of plastic trash is swept into the

ocean from coasts every year. That’s the equivalent of a full garbage truck of

plastic being dumped into the sea every minute. If current trends in plastic

production and disposal continue, that figure will double by 2025. A report

published by the World Economic Forum last year predicts that by 2050, ocean

plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea.

5. In today’s world, plastic is everywhere. It’s found in shoes, clothing, household

items, electronics, and more. There are different types of plastics, but one thing

they all have in common is that they’re made of polymers – large molecules

made up of repeating units. Their chemical structure gives them a lot of

advantages : they’re cheap and easy to manufacture, lightweight, water-resistant,

durable, and can be moulded into nearly any shape.

1/1/1 3 [P.T.O.

6. Unfortunately, some of the properties that make plastics great for consumer

goods also make them a problem pollutant. Plastic’s durability comes in part

from the fact that unlike paper or wood, it doesn’t biodegrade, or break down

naturally. Instead it just fragments, or breaks into tiny pieces over time. These

tiny pieces, known as microplastic, can potentially stick around for hundreds or

perhaps even thousands of years.

7. Another problem with plastics is the other chemicals they contain, like dyes and

flame retardants. When plastic isn’t disposed of properly, these additives end up

in the environment. Plastic also tends to absorb harmful chemicals from its

surroundings. “It’s like a sponge for persistent organic pollutants.” These longlasting,

toxic substances include pesticides and industrial chemicals. If plastic

absorbs the chemicals, and marine organisms eat the plastic, they may be

exposed to higher concentrations of these contaminants.

8. One of the biggest impacts of plastic pollution is its effect on sea life. Seals, sea

turtles, and even whales can become entangled in plastic netting. They can starve

to death if the plastic restricts their ability to move or eat. Or the plastic can cut

into the animals’ skin, causing wounds that develop severe infections.

9. Sea turtles eat plastic bags and soda-can rings, which resemble jellyfish, their

favourite food. Seabirds eat bottle caps or chunks of foam cups. Plastic pieces

may make an animal feel full, so it doesn’t eat enough real food to get the

nutrients it needs. Plastic can also block an animal’s digestive system, making it

unable to eat.

10. Plastic and its associated pollutants can even make it into our own food supply.

Scientists recently examined fish and shell-fish bought at markets in California

and Indonesia. They found plastic in the guts of more than a quarter of samples

purchased at both locations. In organisms that people eat whole, such as sardines

and oysters, that means we’re eating plastic too. In larger fish, chemicals from

plastic may seep into their muscles and other tissues that people consume.

1/1/1 4

11. One way to keep the ocean cleaner and healthier is through cleanup efforts. A lot

of plastic waste caught in ocean currents eventually washes up on beaches.

Removing it can prevent it from blowing out to sea again. Beach clean-up is

ocean clean-up.

12. Cleanup efforts can’t reach every corner of the ocean or track down every bit of

microplastic. That means it’s critical to cut down on the amount of plastic that

reaches the sea in the first place. Scientists are working toward new materials

that are safer for the environment. For example, Jambeck and her colleagues are

currently testing a new polymer that breaks down more easily in seawater.

13. “Individual actions make a big difference,” says Jambeck. Disposing of plastic

properly for recycling or trash collection is a key step. “And simple things like

reusable water bottles, mugs, and bags really cut down on waste,” she says.

Skipping straws or using paper ones helps too. Ocean pollution can seem

overwhelming, but it’s something everyone can help address. This is a problem

we can really do something about.

1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the

questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option : 1  5 = 5

(i) Percentage of ocean plastic that originates from land is :

(a) 20% (b) 50%

(c) 80% (d) 25%

(ii) In which year did Jenna Jambeck and other researchers calculate that at

least 8 million tons of plastic trash is swept into ocean every year ?

(a) 2018 (b) 2015

(c) 2005 (d) 2010

(iii) Plastic is not biodegradable because it is made up of :

(a) low atomic particles

(b) tiny particles

(c) strong big particles

(d) large molecule polymers

1/1/1 5 [P.T.O.

(iv) Sea turtles eat :

(a) plastic bottles

(b) plastic bags and soda-can rings

(c) bottle caps

(d) chunks of foam cups

(v) Scientists bought fish and shell-fish for examination at markets in :

(a) China and Russia

(b) Pakistan and Afghanistan

(c) California and Indonesia

(d) Australia and Brazil

1.2 Answer the following questions briefly : 1  6 = 6

(i) Which articles made of plastic generally cause pollution in the sea ?

(ii) How does plastic in oceans harm marine ecosystems ?

(iii) How is microplastic formed ?

(iv) Why is plastic compared to a sponge ?

(v) What is the biggest impact of plastic pollution on sea life ?

(vi) How are scientists trying to reduce the plastic pollutants ?

1.3 Answer any three of the following questions in 25-30 words each : 2  3 = 6

(i) How does plastic waste enter the oceans ?

(ii) How is it true to say that plastic is everywhere in today’s world ?

(iii) Which property of plastic makes it a problem pollutant ?

(iv) What has scientist Jambeck suggested for having cleaner and healthier

oceans ?

1.4 Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to the

following : 1  3 = 3

(i) unspoiled (para 1)

(ii) long lasting (para 5)

(iii) people working together (para 12)

2. Read the passage given below :

1. Getting enough sleep is as important as taking time out to relax. A good night’s

sleep is essential for preserving the health of your brain and gives you the best

chance to meet the coming day with a razor sharp mind. An average person

needs about six to eight hour sleep a night – although it is also true that you need

slightly less than this, as you grow older-another advantage of aging stress and

sleep deprivation often feed on each other, since stress tends to make it harder

for you to fall asleep at night and sleep deprivation in itself causes stress.

2. Eventually, too little sleep can dramatically interfere with the performance of

your memory – something you obviously want to prevent. If you are not getting

enough sleep, try going to bed 30 to 60 minutes earlier than your normal bed

time for a few days. Lie down on the bed and try to relax by dissociating

yourself from your daily routine work. This is normally enough to catch up on

any sleep deprivation.

3. If, however, you suffer from insomnia you should seek the advice of your

doctor. The chances are it is already affecting your ability to remember and

recall information – and if you are struggling to improve your memory scores,

this could be at the root of your problem. Prolonged periods of insufficient sleep

can deplete your immune system, make you more accident prone and even cause

depression – this can also reinforce a more negative outlook on life, which can

contribute to your stress burden. The good news is that your memory and mood

should automatically improve once you improve your sleep patterns. Tackle

your sleep issues and everything else should fall into place.

4. Because stress management is so essential to maximize your brain power, if you

are not in the habit of setting aside time to relax, make it a priority to do so. Even

a minute or two of deep breathing can start to work wonders. Often the best

ideas and memories can come to you when you are in a state of relaxation as it is

during these moments that your brain stores, processes and plays with the

information it has received.

5. Meditation has long been part of religious and spiritual life, specially in Asia.

Today, more and more people are adopting it in Western countries also, for its

value in developing peace of mind and lowering stress. There is some evidence

that regular meditation can have real sleep gain and health benefits particularly

in terms of protecting your brain against aging.

2.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using

headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary

– minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate

title to it. 5

2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 100 words. 5

SECTION – B

(Advanced Writing Skills) 30

3. You are Principal of National Public School, Jaipur. You require a TGT (Maths) for

your school. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words for the

‘Situations Vacant’ column of ‘The National Times’ stating essential and desirable

qualifications, experience etc of the candidates. 4

OR

Arts Club of your school is going to organize a drawing and painting

competition. Write a notice in not more than 50 words, to be displayed on the school

notice board, inviting students to participate in it. Give all the necessary details. You

are Rishabh/Ridhima, Secretary, Arts Club, Sunrise Public School, Gurugram,

Haryana.

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4. You have realized the necessity of education and financial independence of women for

their family, society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The

National Times’ highlighting your ideas on the importance of education of women

leading to a better status for them. You are Tarun/Taruna, B-7/9, Mall Road, Delhi.

(100 – 125 words) 6

OR

You bought a refrigerator two months ago from Mohan Sales, Ashok Vihar,

Bangalore. It has developed certain problems regarding its functioning. Cooling has

stopped and it is making a lot of noise. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager

asking him for immediate repair/replacement of the same. You are Sachin/Shashi, 61

Pratap Enclave, Bangalore. (100 – 125 words)

5. Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion : ‘Capital

Punishment should be abolished’. 10

OR

Regular practice of yoga is useful in maintaining good health. It is also important for

good concentration and peace of mind. You are Shivam/Shabnam.

Write a speech in 150 – 200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your

school, highlighting the impact of yoga in our life.

6. Hard work and punctuality are essential for a happy and successful life. They help in

meeting the desired targets of our life. You are Kavya/Kanha. Write an article in

150 – 200 words highlighting the importance of hard work and punctuality in a

student’s life. 10

OR

In your locality a blood donation camp was organized by an NGO – ‘For Your

Health’. Many people visited the camp and donated blood. Write a report in 150 – 200

words for a local newspaper covering the arrangements, doctors’ team, refreshment

served etc.

SECTION – C

(Literature : Text Books and Long Reading Text) 40

7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : 1 × 4 = 4

I looked again at her, wan, pale

as a late winter’s moon and felt that old

familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,

but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,

all I did was smile and smile and smile …

(i) Name the poet and the poem.

(ii) What was the poet’s childhood fear ?

(iii) What is the poetic device used in lines 1- 2 ?

(iv) Explain : ‘late winter’s moon’.

OR

…… The stunted, unlucky heir

Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease,

His lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim class

One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream,

Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than this.

(i) Who is the unlucky heir ?

(ii) What has he inherited ?

(iii) Who is sitting at the back of the dim class ?

(iv) How is he different from rest of the class ?

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8. Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each : 3 × 4 = 12

(i) Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like

Franz ?

(ii) How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer ?

(iii) Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning

point in his life ?

(iv) What made the chief astrologer place his finger on his nose ?

(v) How did the writer indicate that Dr. Sadao’s father was a very traditional and

conventional man ?

(vi) How does Jo want the story to end ? Why ?

9. Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words : 6

(i) “Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it,

metaphorically.” Explain.

(ii) ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.

Comment.

(iii) Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a girl who lives in her dreams.

10. Answer any one of the following in 120 – 150 words : 6

(i) Derry and Mr. Lamb both are victims of physical impairment, but their attitudes

towards life are completely different. Elaborate.

(ii) Write a character sketch of the Governor of Oxford Prison based on the story,

‘Evans Tries an O-Level’.

(iii) Why did Bama stroll in the market place instead of hurrying back home ?

Describe the sights she enjoyed seeing there.