Alternative English Question Paper' 2024 AHSEC Class 12 Question Paper

Alternative English Question Paper' 2024
AHSEC Class 12 Question Paper

Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 30
Time: 3 hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

NEW COURSE

GROUP – A

(Prose: 40 Marks)

1. Give brief answer to any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) Who is Miss Smith?

(b) With which dance form of Kamrupa was Yakuma Natum compared?

(d) What is vestry?

(e) What was the only thing Foreman could write?

(f) Whose arm searched for the perfect duck’s egg?

(g) Name the restaurant Rama worked in after his business was over.

(h) Who translated the Assamese story ‘Bina Kutir’ into English?

(i) For which exam was the young man in ‘Bina Kutir’ preparing?

2. Answer any five of the following questions: 2x5=10

(a) How does Philip react towards Miss Smith?

(b) Write a short note on the significance of the title, ‘A Cup of Tea’.

(d) What is the ‘lamentable ignorance’ discovered by the new vicar?

(e) Make a list of the regular customers visiting Rama’s stall.

(f) Why did Rama say, “Gently brother, I was once a hostel owner myself”?

(g) Who enquired about the monthly shipment of a product? What was the product?

(h) Present your impression of the neighbourhood where Bina Kutir is located.

3. Give answer to any two of the following questions: 3x2=6

(a) Who, according to you, is the Martyr in ‘The Martyr’s Corner’? Give reasons.

(b) What was the new vicar’s talent?

(d) How does the narrator use the Cola-Cola bottle to facilitate the flight of his imagination in the story ‘Bina Kutir’?

4. Answer any two of the questions given below: 5x2=10

(a) Comment on the significance of the title of the story, ‘Bina Kutir’.

(b) Describe, in detail, how Rama’s business was finished.

(d) Describe the character development of Rosemary Fell throughout the story, ‘A Cup of Tea’.

(e) Does the verger regret his inability to read and write? Is it impacting his life in anyway?

5. Explain with reference to context any one of the following extracts: 5x1=5

(a) And suddenly it seemed to Rosemary such an adventure. It was like something out of a novel by Dostoevsky, this meeting in the dust.

(b) He always said there was a great deal too much education in the world for is taste.

6. Give answers:

(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: 1/2 x 4 = 2

(i) dazed.

(ii) fanciful.

(iii) deportment.

(iv) gratis.

(b) Write the antonym of the words given below: 1/2 x 2 = 1

(i) glib.

(ii) odious.

(i) dilapidated.

(ii) mesmerizing.

GROUP – B

(Poetry: 30 Marks)

7. Answer any five of the following questions in full sentences: 1x5=5

(a) Who did the narrator of ‘Ozymandias of Egypt’ meet?

(b) Name the poet of ‘Because I could not stop for Death’.

(d) Who is Alexander Selkirk?

(e) “Society, _______, and love / Divinely bestow’d upon man.”. (Fill in the gap)

(f) Where is Innisfree located?

(g) With what will the poet build the cabin in the isle?

(h) For how many hours did it rain in ‘Night of the Scorpion’.

8. Answer briefly any five of the questions given below: 2x5=10

(a) What does ‘wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command’ signify?

(b) How do you assess the symbolism of the Carriage that Death brings for the poet?

(d) Define war poetry. Give an example.

(e) Explain “I’m the enemy you killed, my friend”.

(f) Highlight the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem.

(g) What is the significance of the ‘bee-loud glade’?

(h) Mention any two wishes expressed by the peasants to help the mother tolerate the pain.

9. Answer any two of the following questions: 3x2=6

(a) What poetic device does Yeats use in the poem? Name three.

(b) Summarize Selkirk’s view about solitude.

(d) Is ‘Ozymandias of Egypt’ a proper sonnet? Argue.

10. Answer any one of the following questions: 5x1=5

(a) What does the mother’s reaction to the scorpion’s sting suggest about her character?

(b) Bring out the central idea of ‘Strange Meeting’.

“O solitude! Where are the charms

That sages have seen in thy face?”

11. Give answer:

(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: 1/2 x 4 = 2

(i) visage.

(ii) recess.

(iii) titanic.

(iv) desolate.

(b) Give antonyms of the following words: 1/2 x 2 = 1

(i) slow.

(ii) diabolic.

(i) lantern.

(ii) antique.

GROUP – C

(Grammar: 10 Marks)

12. Add question tag to any five of the following sentences: 1x5=5

(a) You like a lot of sugar in the milk, _______.

(b) She does not speak Spanish, _______.

(d) Don’t ignore your parents, _______.

(e) There will be a strike tomorrow, _______.

(f) They will not come here soon, _______.

(g) He hit me, _______.

(h) Nobody came forward to help her, _______.

13. Correct the errors in these sentences and rewrite them: (any five) 1x5=5

(a) Don’t make noise.

(b) Furnitures were bought.

(d) He had a strong headache.

(e) Hemingway is one of my favourite author.

(f) Whom, according to you, will the prize?

(g) He is much younger than me.

(h) At last the detective founded the clue.

GROUP – D

(Writing & Comprehension: 20 Marks)

14. Choose any one topics listed below and write an essay on it: 10

(a) Your Favourite Science Fiction Film.

(b) Social Media & Society.

(d) Indian Hockey Vs. IPL Cricket.

15. Read the following passage carefully:

Pupil: Oh, I do hope so, Sir. I’m thirsty for knowledge. And then my parents too, they want most awfully for me to persevere in my studies. They would like me to specialize. They believe that nowadays a little general culture, however soundly taught, just doesn’t go far enough.

Professor: Mademoiselle, your parents are perfectly right. You must continue your studies. I apologize for saying so, but it is really quite essential. Modern life has become very complex.

Pupil: And so complicated! …. Of course, I’m lucky, my parents aren’t badly off. They’ll be able to help me in my work, so that I can take the highest degrees there are.

Professor: And you would like to apply for an interview …

Pupil: As soon as possible. To start working for my Doctor’s Degree. It’s in three weeks.

Professor: Let’s see, now, if you’ll allow me to put the question … you already have your school leaving certificate?

Pupil: Yes, Sir. For Arts and Science.

Professor: Oh, but you’re well-developed – for your age. And what Doctorate do you wish to read for? Material science or normal philosophy?

Pupil: My parents would really prefer to read for all the Doctorates – if you think it’s possible in such short a time.

Professor: All the Doctorates? … You are a very courageous young lady. I really must congratulate you most sincerely. Well, we’ll try, Mademoiselle, we’ll do our best for you. Besides, you are most knowledgeable already. And so young, too.

Pupil: Oh, Sir!

Professor: All right, then! We’ve hardly any time to lose. If you’ll forgive me, if you’ll be so kind … perhaps we should make a start.

Pupil: Not at all, Sir. Please, don’t apologize. I’m anxious to start. [The maid comes in]

Professor: Well now, Mademoiselle, what do you say to doing a little arithmetic … that is, if you don’t mind …

Pupil: Of course, Sir, Willingly. I could not ask for anything better.

Professor: It’s fairly new science, a modern science; strictly speaking I suppose one should call it a method rather than a science, … It is also a therapy. [To the main] Marie, have you finished?

Maid: Yes, Sir. I’ve found the plate I was looking for. I’m just going. …

Professor: Hurry up, please, and go back to the kitchen.

Maid: Yes, Sir, I’m going. I beg pardon, Sir, but please be careful. Not too much excitement.

Professor: Don’t be so ridiculous, Marie. Nothing whatever to worry about.

Maid: But that’s what you always say.

Professor: Your insinuations are entirely without foundation. I’m perfectly capable of behaving myself. After all, I’m old enough.

Maid: That’s just it, Sir. You’d much better not start Mademoiselle off with arithmetic. It makes you tried and upsets you.

Professor: I’m too old for that now. And what business is it of yours anyway? It’s my concern and I know what I am doing. You’ve no right to be here, anyway.

Maid: Very well, Sir. But don’t you go telling me I didn’t warn you.

Professor: I’m not interested in your warnings, Marie.

Answer the following questions based on your reading and understanding:

(a) Outline, after the passage, the personality traits of the professor. 3

(b) What was the professor’s opinion on arithmetic? 2

(d) Who is ‘Mademoiselle’ referred to in the passage? 1

(e) Find a word in the passage which means ‘wise’ and another which means ‘a suggestion of something bad’. ½+½=1

(f) Give the noun of ‘persevere’ and adjective of ‘philosophy’. ½+½=1

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OLD COURSE

GROUP – A

(Prose & Poetry: 65 Marks)

1. Give brief answer to any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) What is celery?

(b) How much money had Della managed to save for Jim?

(d) What translated the story ‘The Scarecrow’ into English?

(e) In Narayan’s opinion what does he lack?

(f) What is the compact city referred to by R. K. Narayan?

(g) Where was St. Peter’s Church located?

(h) Whose masterpiece ‘Of Human Bondage’ is?

2. Answer any five of the questions given below: 2x5=10

(a) Who was Socrates? What did he promote?

(b) Explain the idea of ‘armchair philosopher’.

(d) Write about Madame Sofronie.

(e) Why did Mriganko Babu go to Durgapur?

(f) How did Narayan’s driver behave when the car windows are closed?

(g) What are the two things that Narayan values most?

(h) Mention any four professions Foreman was involved in before joining St. Peter’s Church.

3. Give answer to any three of the following questions: 4x3=12

(a) Prepare a character sketch of the verger.

(b) Discuss the reasons for the author’s impervious attitude towards his car.

(d) Bring out the relationship between Della and the Queen of Sheba.

(e) Trace Lynd’s reading experience with Epictetus.

4. Explain with reference to context any two of the following extracts: 4x2=8

(a) I am as sparing of abjurations as a philosopher, but I suspect that the scowling spirit within me must somehow show itself in my features.

(b) Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating?

(d) … I have a strong belief that man’s ultimate destiny lies in walking, that is why he is endowed with a pair of legs …

5. Answer any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) Name the anthology in which the poem ‘Sita’ is included.

(b) Who dwells in peace in the forest?

(d) Whose farm is referred to in ‘The Brook’?

(e) Who is the poet of the poem ‘Ozymandias of Egypt’?

(f) In the sonnet whose ‘hand’ mocked the King’s passions?

(g) Where did the Knight meet the lady?

(h) To what are the shadows of the evening compared?

6. Give brief answer to any four of the following questions: 2x4=8

(a) How does the maiden realise that night is approaching?

(b) What did the lady do in the cave?

(d) What did the traveler come across in the desert?

(e) Describe the experience of the Knight in ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’.

(f) Mention some of the words relating to sounds that are scattered throughout the poem.

(g) How does Toru Dutta relate the past and the present in her poem?

(h) Why were the children gazing with wide open eyes?

7. Answer any three of the following questions: 4x3=12

(a) How does Sarojini Naidu represent the form and spirit of Indian folklore in the poem ‘Village Song’?

(b) What are the features of Romanticism in ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ by John Keats?

(d) In the poem, the brook is the narrator and the brook describes its own journey. Do you think the poet has a reason for this?

(e) Describe the hermitage where Sita is living.

8. Explain with reference to the context any one of the following extracts: 5x1=5

(a) When shall those children by their mother’s side

Gather, ah me ! as erst at eventide.

(b) And this is why I sojourn here,

Alone and palely loitering,

Though the sedge is withered from the lake

And no birds sing.

GROUP – B

(Grammar & Comprehension: 35 Marks)

9. Change any five of the sentences given below as directed without changing their meanings: 1x5=5

(a) It is sad that the honest man has died. [Turn into explanative]

(b) He came here to see you. [Turn into complex]

(d) Jenny is present today. [Turn into negative]

(e) Who cares him? [Turn into assertive]

(f) She will be helped by us. [Turn into active]

(g) Gill is taller than most other players in the team. [Turn into superlative degree sentence]

(h) I shall never forget your kindness. [Turn into interrogative]

10. Add appropriate question tags to any five of the following: 1x5=5

(a) My sister sings well, _______.

(b) Rashmi is writing a poem, _______.

(d) Everyone was present in the meeting, _______.

(e) No one came forward to help the orphan, _______.

(f) Come here, _______.

(g) They will not go there, _______.

(h) Life is not a bed of roses, _______.

11. Fill in any five of the following blanks with suitable prepositions: 1x5=5

(a) What is the time _______ your watch?

(b) Distribute the oranges _______ six of them.

(d) He was absent due _______ his illness.

(e) You may turn _______ my proposal.

(f) My father is blind _______ my mistakes.

(g) Her uncle deals _______ groceries.

(h) May I sit _______ you?

12. Rewrite any five of the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets in their correct tense forms: 1x5=5

(a) We _______ (reach) the platform before the train arrived.

(b) If you had prepared well, you _______ (score) decent marks.

(d) Paneer _______ (sell) here.

(e) So far I _______ (not hear) such nice music.

(f) He hardly _______ (visit) us.

(g) Stop talking, we _______ (try) to enjoy the serenity.

(h) Rajkumar Hirani _______ (work) on a new move since 2021.

13. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bell a shake

To ask if there is some mistake

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep.

And miles to go before I sleep.

(a) Comment on the last two lines of the poem. 3

(b) Describe, after the poet, the woods referred to in the passage. 3

(d) Where is the house of the woods’ owner located? Does the poet know him? 2

(e) What are the two sounds mentioned in the passage? 2

(f) Give a tentative title to the poem. 1

(g) Find a word in the passage which means ‘strange’ and another which means ‘lovely’. ½+½=1

(h) Write the noun form of ‘dark’ and the adjective form of ‘wind’. ½+½=1

***

Alternative English Question Paper' 2024 AHSEC Class 12 Question Paper