Class 12th English (Core) Model Question Paper 2024-25 | CBSE NCERT Pattern with Answers

Class 12th English (Core)

Model Question Paper 2024-25

Based on CBSE/NCERT Pattern

Time Allowed:	3 Hours
Maximum Marks:	80
Subject Code:	301

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into two parts: A and B. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Part A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)

Note: All questions are compulsory.

1. Read the following passage carefully: [12 Marks]

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting millions worldwide. Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. Scientists warn that without immediate action, the consequences could be catastrophic. The Paris Agreement of 2015 marked a significant step forward, with nations committing to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. However, implementation remains challenging as economic interests often clash with environmental concerns. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power offer hope, yet the transition from fossil fuels requires substantial investment and political will. Individual actions, though important, must be complemented by systemic changes in policy and industry practices. The youth movement, spearheaded by activists worldwide, has brought unprecedented attention to the climate crisis, demanding accountability from leaders and corporations alike.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY TEN questions out of the twelve that follow:

(i) What does the author mean by calling climate change a "present reality"? [1]

(ii) List two visible effects of climate change mentioned in the passage. [1]

(iii) What was the primary objective of the Paris Agreement? [1]

(iv) Why is the implementation of climate agreements challenging? [1]

(v) Name two renewable energy sources mentioned in the passage. [1]

(vi) What is required for a successful transition from fossil fuels? [1]

(vii) According to the passage, individual actions alone are:

(a) sufficient to solve climate crisis
(b) unnecessary in the climate fight
(c) must be supported by systemic changes
(d) more important than policy changes

[1]

(viii) Who has brought unprecedented attention to the climate crisis? [1]

(ix) What do climate activists demand from leaders and corporations? [1]

(x) The word "catastrophic" in the passage means:

(a) beneficial
(b) disastrous
(c) minimal
(d) uncertain

[1]

(xi) Find a word from the passage that means "directing or leading" (para 1). [1]

(xii) What is the tone of the passage? [1]

2. Read the following passage carefully: [8 Marks]

The concept of emotional intelligence has gained significant attention in recent years. Unlike traditional IQ, which measures cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. Research suggests that EQ may be more crucial than IQ in determining success in personal and professional life. People with high emotional intelligence tend to have better relationships, cope more effectively with stress, and demonstrate superior leadership qualities. The good news is that unlike IQ, which remains relatively stable throughout life, emotional intelligence can be developed and improved through conscious effort and practice.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

(i) How does emotional intelligence differ from traditional IQ? [2]

(ii) Why is EQ considered more important than IQ for success? Explain with reference to the passage. [2]

(iii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1:

The advantage of emotional intelligence over IQ is that _____________________.

[1]

(iv) List any two benefits of having high emotional intelligence. [2]

(v) The word "capacity" in the passage can be replaced by:

(a) inability
(b) ability
(c) disability
(d) weakness

[1]

Part A: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)

Note: All questions are compulsory.

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words: [5 Marks]

(A) You are Rahul/Rohini, Secretary of the English Literary Club of your school. Write a notice informing students about an Inter-School Debate Competition to be held in your school. Provide all necessary details.

OR

(B) You are Priya/Pranav. You found a wallet containing cash and important documents in the school playground. Write a notice to be put on the school notice board giving details of the wallet and requesting the owner to claim it.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 120-150 words: [5 Marks]

(A) You are Aman/Amrita living at 24, Civil Lines, Delhi. Write a letter to the Editor of 'The Times of India' expressing your concern about the increasing number of road accidents in your city and suggesting measures to control them.

OR

(B) You are Kavita/Karan of 15, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. Write a letter to the Manager of a reputed book shop requesting him to supply some books for your school library. Mention the titles and authors of the books required.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 150-200 words: [8 Marks]

(A) Write an article in 150-200 words on 'The Impact of Social Media on Youth'. You are Ravi/Reena.

OR

(B) You are Suman/Suresh. Write a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly on 'Importance of Reading Books in the Digital Age' in 150-200 words.

Part B: Literature (42 Marks)

Note: Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each section.

6. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the following: [6 Marks]

(A)

"Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire."

(i) Name the poem and the poet. [1]

(ii) What do 'fire' and 'ice' symbolize in the poem? [2]

(iii) What is the poet's personal opinion about how the world will end? [2]

(iv) Explain: "From what I've tasted of desire". [1]

OR

(B)

"...Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,"

(i) Name the poem and the poet. [1]

(ii) What choice did the poet have to make? [2]

(iii) Why did the poet choose the second road? [2]

(iv) What does the 'road' symbolize in the poem? [1]

7. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the following: [6 Marks]

(A)

"Saheb-e-Alam, which means lord of the universe, is a name that means more than what meets the eye. It is typical of the attitude of the poor who create grand names for their children to give them a sense of worth and dignity in a world that denies them both."

(i) From which lesson is this extract taken? [1]

(ii) What does the name 'Saheb-e-Alam' mean? [1]

(iii) Why do poor people give grand names to their children? [2]

(iv) What irony is suggested in the extract? [2]

OR

(B)

"The firangis have been defeated. But what's the use? The British will soon be back. And if it's the British it will be someone else. The whole country is at their mercy—landowners, moneylenders, police, magistrates, lawyer. My son, this fight is unending."

(i) Who is the speaker of these lines? [1]

(ii) Who does 'firangis' refer to? [1]

(iii) Why does the speaker say "what's the use"? [2]

(iv) What does the speaker mean by calling the fight "unending"? [2]

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in 40-50 words each: [4×3=12 Marks]

(i) Why did Franz not want to go to school that day? (The Last Lesson) [3]

(ii) What were the two different worlds that Sophie dreamt of? (Going Places) [3]

(iii) What did the peddler realize when he reached the ironmaster's house? (The Rattrap) [3]

(iv) Why was Douglas afraid of water? (Deep Water) [3]

(v) What made the poet's mother laugh in the photograph? (A Photograph) [3]

(vi) What is the theme of the poem 'Keeping Quiet'? [3]

9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each: [2 × 3 = 6 marks]

I. What made the peddler finally change his ways? (The Rattrap) (3)

II. How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas? (Deep Water) (3)

III. What does the title 'Lost Spring' convey? (Lost Spring) (3)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words: [5 marks]

(A) The story 'The Last Lesson' underscores the importance of holding on to one's language and culture. Imagine you are Franz. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about the last French lesson and your regret for not valuing your language earlier.

OR

(B) Sophie's dreams and disappointments are all in her mind. How does the story 'Going Places' highlight the theme of adolescent fantasizing versus harsh reality?

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words: [5 marks]

(A) Both Saheb and Mukesh are victims of child labour, yet their attitudes towards life are different. Compare and contrast their dreams and approaches to life. (Lost Spring)

OR

(B) How did the hack driver manipulate the lawyer throughout the day? What does this episode reveal about appearances and reality? (The Hack Driver)

Question Paper Format Summary

Section	Content	Marks
Section A	Reading Skills (2 Passages)	22
Section B	Creative Writing Skills (Notice/Letter/Article/Speech)	18
Section C	Literature Textbooks (Flamingo & Vistas)	40
Total		80

*** END OF QUESTION PAPER ***

This model paper is designed based on the latest CBSE Sample Question Paper pattern for Class XII English Core (2024-25).

Prepared with reference to NCERT Textbooks: Flamingo and Vistas

TWO of the following in 40-50 words each: [2×3=6 Marks]

(i) Why did the peddler decline the ironmaster's invitation? (The Rattrap) [3]

(ii) What was Franz expected to be prepared with for school that day? (The Last Lesson) [3]

(iii) What does the poet say about 'mighty dead' in the poem 'A Thing of Beauty'? [3]