RBSE Senior Secondary English (Compulsory) Question Paper 2024 (SS-02) with Answers

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RBSE Senior Secondary English (Compulsory) Examination Paper 2024 (SS-02)

RBSE Senior Secondary English (Compulsory) Examination Paper 2024 (SS-02)

Examination Details
Examination Senior Secondary Examination
Board Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education
Class 12th (Senior Secondary)
Subject English (Compulsory)
Paper Code SS-02
Year 2024
Time Duration 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Maximum Marks 80
Number of Questions 18

The RBSE Senior Secondary English (Compulsory) Examination Paper 2024 (SS-02) is the English compulsory subject examination paper conducted by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) in the year 2024 for Class 12th students. The paper carries a total of 80 marks and students are given 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete it.

Contents

Overview

This examination paper is based on the NCERT curriculum for Class 12 English Core. The paper is divided into four sections covering reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, and literature. All questions are compulsory and test various aspects of English language proficiency including reading, writing, grammar, and literary appreciation.

Paper Structure

The paper consists of 18 questions distributed across four sections:

Section Question Numbers Type Marks
Section A 1-2 Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages) 15
Section B 3-5 Writing Skills (Notice, Report, Letter) 15
Section C 6-9 Grammar (Sentence Transformation, Phrasal Verbs, Conjunctions) 8
Section D 10-18 Literature (Prose, Poetry, Supplementary Reader) 42

General Instructions

  • Candidates must write their Roll Number first on the question paper compulsorily.
  • All the questions are compulsory.
  • Write the answer to each question in the given answer-book only.
  • For questions having more than one part, the answers to those parts are to be written together in continuity.
  • Write down the serial number of each question before attempting it.

Section A - Reading Comprehension

Question 1 - Passage on Trees and Oxygen (9 marks)

Trees do much more than supply us with the various conveniences. They help to support man's life by supplying the atmosphere with oxygen, which is essential to life. The oxygen in the air is constantly being used up and turned into carbon dioxide when animals breathe and things burn. Carbon dioxide is the food that plants 'eat'. The green leaves of trees (in fact of all green plants) absorb this carbon dioxide and with the help of sunlight break it down into carbon and oxygen. The carbon is used to make starch, and the oxygen is released into the air, so replacing the oxygen used up by animals. But for this, animals would soon die for the lack of oxygen.

Starch and other carbon compounds made in the green leaves of trees (and of other green plants too) serve as food for animals. The tiny green cells of plants are wonderful laboratories, which produce all the starch in the world. But for this service done by plants, all animals would sooner or later die for lack of food; they must get all their food directly from plants or indirectly by eating animals that have fed on plants.

(i) What different conveniences do we get from trees?

Answer: Trees provide us with various conveniences such as wood for furniture and fuel, fruits for food, shade from heat, raw materials for paper and other products, and they also help in maintaining ecological balance.

(ii) What is essential to life?

Answer: Oxygen is essential to life.

(iii) What makes carbon dioxide increase in air?

Answer: Carbon dioxide increases in air when animals breathe (respiration) and when things burn (combustion).

(iv) How is carbon dioxide and oxygen made by leaves?

Answer: Green leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air. With the help of sunlight, they break it down into carbon and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. The carbon is used to make starch, and oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

(v) Where is all the starch of the world made?

Answer: All the starch in the world is made in the tiny green cells of plants, which act as wonderful laboratories.

(vi) What will happen if there is no oxygen?

Answer: If there is no oxygen, all animals would soon die as oxygen is essential for respiration and survival.

(vii) Find the word from the passage which means: the layer of air that surrounds us

Answer: Atmosphere

(viii) Find the word from the passage which means: shortage

Answer: Lack

(ix) Find the word from the passage which means: very small in size

Answer: Tiny

Question 2 - Passage on Rishi Gautama (6 marks)

Once upon a time, one particular Rishi Gautama did Tapasya to obtain certain powers. For several days, months and years he observed rigorous austerities. He did not eat or drink; he stood on a single foot; he controlled the senses; he meditated on the chosen deity. One day in the morning he went to the river for a holy dip. On the bank of the river there was a tree. The branches of the tree were outstretching towards the river. A crane was sitting among the branches. When Gautama was in deep neck water facing towards the sun with an austere mind the droppings of the crane fell on his head. He felt disturbed and annoyed. He looked at the bird with anger. The next moment the bird fell down dead. The Rishi was happy because he had obtained the power to kill a bird by his very gaze. After a while, he went to the nearby village for food. He stood before a house and sought alms from the housewife. She was busy doing her domestic chores. Gautama waited for a few minutes. He was annoyed with her for the delay in responding to his call for 'bhiksha'. The lady came, looked at him gently and said, "Sir, I am not a crane to be killed by your mere stare. Sorry for the delay. I was serving my husband and feeding my children. Please accept the food." The Rishi was shocked. He could not know how she was able to learn about the crane which died only a short while ago. The lady further said, "Sir, don't be surprised. I am a humble housewife. If you want to know more about Tapasya and attainment of powers, please go to a particular person, whose address I shall give." Saying so, she gave him the address. Humbled and crestfallen, the Rishi went as directed. It was a greater shock to him to see the particular person to be an ordinary, simple man. The moment the Rishi was seen, the man said, "Holy sir, welcome. I know about the crane's death and that housewife's advice. Please wait a little and I shall soon take you home." Later, at home the Rishi was surprised to see the man delaying him further. He was busily engaged in serving his parents. He did not seem to have read any scriptures, nor did he observe any austerities. But he was bright with purity, purity of mind. In his presence, the Rishi was completely transformed.

(i) How did Gautama observe Tapasya?

Answer: Gautama observed Tapasya by practising rigorous austerities for several days, months and years. He did not eat or drink, stood on a single foot, controlled his senses, and meditated on his chosen deity.

(ii) Why did the crane die?

Answer: The crane died because Rishi Gautama looked at it with anger after its droppings fell on his head. His angry gaze killed the bird instantly due to the powers he had obtained through Tapasya.

(iii) Why was the Rishi happy at the crane's death?

Answer: The Rishi was happy at the crane's death because it proved that he had obtained the power to kill a living being by his mere gaze, which he considered a sign of his spiritual achievement.

(iv) What made the woman delay in giving 'bhiksha'?

Answer: The woman delayed in giving 'bhiksha' (alms) because she was busy serving her husband and feeding her children, fulfilling her domestic duties.

(v) Write the word from the passage which means: god

Answer: Deity

(vi) Write the opposite word of 'life' from the passage

Answer: Death

Section B - Writing Skills

Question 3 - Notice / Thank You Message (4 marks)

Option 1: You are Shikha/Asim, the cultural secretary of The Global School, Ambala. The school is going to organize its annual function in the next month. Invite the names of the participants for various activities through notice.

Answer:

THE GLOBAL SCHOOL, AMBALA

NOTICE

Date: 15th January 2024

Subject: Invitation for Participation in Annual Function

This is to inform all students that our school is organizing its Annual Function on 15th February 2024. Students interested in participating in various cultural activities are requested to submit their names to the undersigned by 25th January 2024.

Activities:

  • Dance performances
  • Singing competitions
  • Drama/Skit presentations
  • Poetry recitation
  • Stand-up comedy

Students can participate in maximum two activities. For more details, contact the undersigned during school hours.

Shikha/Asim
Cultural Secretary

Option 2: Write a thanking message to your friend Anil/Anita whose invitation for a party is accepted by you. Sign yourself as Sunil/Sunita.

Answer:

Dear Anil/Anita,

Thank you so much for inviting me to your party. I am delighted to accept your invitation and am really looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. It will be wonderful to spend time with friends and share in the festivities.

I truly appreciate you thinking of me. See you at the party!

With warm regards,
Sunil/Sunita

Question 4 - Report / Paragraph (5 marks)

Option 1: Your school organised a 'Science Fair' on the occasion of 'NO BAG DAY'. Prepare a report for the local newspaper using the given hints and your experience. (planning, stall making, model display, inspection, award)

Answer:

SCIENCE FAIR SPARKS INNOVATION AT CITY SCHOOL

By Staff Reporter

Ambala, 15th January 2024: The Global School organized an impressive Science Fair on the occasion of No Bag Day yesterday, showcasing the creative talents of students from all classes.

The event was meticulously planned by the science department weeks in advance. Students enthusiastically participated in setting up various stalls displaying innovative scientific models and working demonstrations. The school premises was transformed into a mini science exhibition hall with colorful stalls arranged systematically.

The fair featured over 50 exhibits including working models of renewable energy systems, robotics demonstrations, chemistry experiments, and environmental projects. Students explained their projects with great confidence and enthusiasm to visitors.

The chief guest, Dr. R.K. Sharma, a renowned scientist, inspected all the stalls and appreciated the creativity and hard work of the students. He encouraged them to pursue careers in science and research. The principal, Mrs. Meena Gupta, also visited each stall and interacted with participants.

Winners were awarded certificates and trophies in various categories. The best innovation award went to Class 12 students for their working model of a water purification system. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the science coordinator, making it a memorable and educational experience for all.

Option 2: Our state has recently witnessed the legislative elections. Based on your experience and using the clues given write a paragraph on 'the scene of a polling station' in about 100 words. (Various posters of awareness/information, queues of people, officers inside the booth, their work, how the EVM works)

Answer:

SCENE AT A POLLING STATION

The polling station presented a vibrant picture of democracy in action. Colorful posters displaying voter awareness messages and information about the voting process adorned the walls. Long queues of enthusiastic voters, young and old, waited patiently for their turn, chatting quietly among themselves. Inside the polling booth, election officers sat at designated desks, meticulously verifying voter identities through voter ID cards and electoral rolls. Presiding officers explained the voting procedure to first-time voters with patience. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) stood ready with their control units and balloting units connected securely. Officers demonstrated how voters should press the blue button next to their chosen candidate's symbol on the balloting unit. After voting, the indelible ink mark on voters' fingers became a proud badge of civic participation. Security personnel maintained orderly conduct throughout. The entire atmosphere reflected the spirit of free and fair elections, with democracy functioning smoothly at the grassroots level.

Question 5 - Formal Letter / Application (6 marks)

Option 1: Write a letter to the editor of a local daily newspaper drawing the attention of the authorities on the poor drainage system and ill-maintenance. (Hints: shallow drains, small size, choked with garbage, overflowing water, hazardous for health)

Answer:

From,
Ramesh Kumar
45, Gandhi Nagar
Ambala - 134001

Date: 15th January 2024

To,
The Editor
The Times of Ambala
Press Colony, Ambala

Subject: Poor Drainage System and Lack of Maintenance in Gandhi Nagar

Dear Sir,

Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the deplorable condition of the drainage system in Gandhi Nagar area.

The drains in our locality are extremely shallow and of inadequate size to handle the volume of wastewater. They are constantly choked with garbage, plastic bags, and other waste materials. During the rainy season, the situation becomes worse as water overflows onto the roads, creating pools of stagnant water.

This poor drainage system has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, posing serious health hazards to residents. Children playing in the area are particularly at risk. The foul smell emanating from the clogged drains makes life miserable for everyone in the neighborhood.

Despite numerous complaints to the Municipal Corporation, no concrete action has been taken. The maintenance staff rarely visits our area for cleaning operations.

I earnestly request the authorities to take immediate action to widen and deepen the drains, ensure regular cleaning, and impose strict penalties on those who dump garbage in the drainage system. This will greatly improve the living conditions and health of the residents.

I hope you will publish this letter to bring this urgent matter to the notice of the concerned authorities.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Ramesh Kumar

Option 2: Write an application for the post of a clerk in an office. Attach your detailed CV also.

Answer:

From,
Suresh Sharma
23, Model Town
Jaipur - 302001
Mobile: 9876543210
Email: sureshsharma@email.com

Date: 15th January 2024

To,
The Manager (HR)
ABC Corporation Ltd.
Sector 15, Jaipur

Subject: Application for the Post of Clerk

Dear Sir/Madam,

With reference to your advertisement in 'The Times of India' dated 10th January 2024, I wish to apply for the position of Clerk in your esteemed organization.

I am a graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and have completed a diploma in Computer Applications. I possess good communication skills, proficiency in MS Office, and have knowledge of basic accounting procedures. I am hardworking, dedicated, and eager to learn.

I believe my educational qualifications and skills make me a suitable candidate for this position. I am confident that I can contribute effectively to your organization.

Please find attached my detailed curriculum vitae for your kind consideration. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Suresh Sharma
Encl: CV

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Suresh Sharma
Father's Name: Mr. Ram Sharma
Date of Birth: 15th March 2002
Address: 23, Model Town, Jaipur - 302001
Mobile: 9876543210
Email: sureshsharma@email.com

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) - 2023, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 65%
  • Senior Secondary (12th) - 2020, RBSE - 75%
  • Secondary (10th) - 2018, RBSE - 80%
  • Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) - 2023

SKILLS:

  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Good typing speed (40 wpm)
  • Basic knowledge of accounting and Tally
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Hindi

PERSONAL DETAILS:

  • Nationality: Indian
  • Languages Known: Hindi, English, Rajasthani
  • Hobbies: Reading, Playing Cricket

DECLARATION:
I hereby declare that all the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge.

Date: 15th January 2024
Place: Jaipur
Signature: Suresh Sharma

Section C - Grammar

Question 6 - Joining Sentences (2 marks)

(i) Join the following sentences using 'where':
Kishore built a new house.
He used marble tiles in it.

Answer: Kishore built a new house where he used marble tiles.

(ii) Join the following sentences using 'who':
Manisha taught English.
She was a good teacher.

Answer: Manisha, who was a good teacher, taught English.
OR
Manisha, who taught English, was a good teacher.

Question 7 - Sentence Combination (2 marks)

(i) Combine using infinitive:
Lencho wrote a letter to god.
He wanted god to help him.

Answer: Lencho wrote a letter to god to ask for help.
OR
Lencho wrote a letter to god in order to get help.

(ii) Make a compound sentence:
Usha worked very hard.
She stood first in class.

Answer: Usha worked very hard and she stood first in class.
OR
Usha worked very hard so she stood first in class.

Question 8 - Phrasal Verbs (2 marks)

(i) The genie ________ all his master's orders without a question. (carried out/carried up)

Answer: carried out

Explanation: "Carried out" means to execute or fulfill, which fits the context of following orders.

(ii) The wanted criminal managed to _______ from the police. (get along/get away)

Answer: get away

Explanation: "Get away" means to escape, which is appropriate in the context of a criminal fleeing from police.

Question 9 - Conjunctions (2 marks)

(i) Arpit ______ Archana jointly scored the top marks. (and/so)

Answer: and

Explanation: "And" is used to connect two subjects who performed the action together.

(ii) The recorder asked me ________ I was comfortable. (that/if)

Answer: if

Explanation: "If" is used to report questions in indirect speech.

Section D - Literature

Question 10 - Prose Passage (Deep Water) (6 marks)

I used every way I knew to overcome this fear, but it held me firmly in its grip. Finally, one October, I decided to get an instructor and learn to swim. I went to a pool and practised five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt around me. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope, and we went back and forth, back and forth across the pool, hour after hour, day after day, week after week. On each trip across the pool a bit of the panic seized me. Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and I went under, some of the old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three months before the tension began to slack. Then he taught me to put my face under water and exhale, and to raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part of the panic that seized me when my head went under water.

(i) ".......... but it held me firmly." 'It' refers to:
(A) strongly (B) hardly
(C) terror (D) instructor

Answer: (C) terror

(ii) The narrator began to practice for _______ days a week.
(A) three (B) five
(C) six (D) two

Answer: (B) five

(iii) The other end of the rope tied to the swimmer's belt was held by
(A) instructor (B) pulley
(C) fear (D) a friend

Answer: (A) instructor

(iv) How long did the narrator take to shed his fear?
(A) five days (B) week
(C) three months (D) one year

Answer: (C) three months

(v) The word 'end' in the passage means _________.
(A) a final part of something (B) and
(C) more (D) nothing

Answer: (A) a final part of something

(vi) The opposite word in the meaning of 'exhale' is _________.
(A) intake (B) inbuilt
(C) inward (D) inhale

Answer: (D) inhale

Question 11 - Long Answer (4 marks)

Option 1: What things did the little Franz notice in the school after an order from Berlin? (The Last Lesson)

Answer: After the order from Berlin, little Franz noticed several unusual things in the school. The atmosphere was unusually quiet and solemn. The village people, including old Hauser, the former mayor, and others were sitting on the back benches, which was very unusual. M. Hamel, the teacher, was wearing his best dress - his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, and the little black silk cap, which he wore only on inspection days. The teacher's behavior was gentle and patient, unlike his usual strict demeanor. M. Hamel spoke about the French language with great emotion and patriotism. Franz also noticed that this would be the last lesson in French as German would be taught from the next day. The entire school seemed to be filled with a sense of loss and nostalgia. Even the writing on the blackboard "Vive La France!" (Long Live France!) reflected the patriotic sentiment. All these observations made Franz realize the importance of his language and feel regretful for having wasted his time.

Option 2: What made the peddler think the world of a rattrap? (The Rattrap)

Answer: The peddler thought of the world as a rattrap due to his own bitter experiences and cynical outlook on life. Being poor and often not welcomed anywhere, he spent his time thinking about his rattraps and the world around him. One day, while walking, he was struck by the idea that the whole world was like a big rattrap. Just as a rattrap offers cheese and pork as bait to trap rats, the world offers various temptations like riches, joy, food, shelter, heat, and clothing to trap people. Once someone is tempted by these worldly pleasures and touches the bait, the trap closes and everything comes to an end. The peddler's own life of poverty and rejection made him bitter, and he found dark pleasure in thinking that someday others who had always despised and chased him would also get trapped in this big rattrap of the world. This philosophy gave him a sense of satisfaction as he felt he was not the only one suffering - everyone was potentially a victim of the world's traps.

Question 12 - Short Answers (4 marks)

(i) Who is Savita? What does she do? (Lost Spring)

Answer: Savita is the young daughter of Mukesh's elder brother in the story "Lost Spring." She is a young girl who works alongside her family members in the bangle-making industry in Firozabad. Despite her young age, she is already engaged in the tedious work of soldering pieces of colored glass for bangles. She sits with elderly women in a dark, poorly ventilated room, welding broken bangles over a flickering oil lamp. Her eyes are already losing their luster due to the harmful working conditions and poor lighting, which is a common fate for children working in this industry.

(ii) Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than other members of her family? (Going Places)

Answer: Sophie liked her brother Geoff more than other family members because he was the only one who seemed to understand her dreams and fantasies. Unlike her father and mother who dismissed her stories as wild imaginations, Geoff at least listened to her without being too harsh or critical. Additionally, Sophie admired Geoff because he worked as an apprentice mechanic and traveled to different places, which fascinated her. She was curious about his life outside their home and imagined him meeting interesting people and having adventures. Sophie longed to be part of his world and hoped he might take her along someday, allowing her to escape from her mundane reality.

Question 13 - Poetry Explanation (6 marks)

Option 1: Explain the following stanza with reference to context:
It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

Answer:

Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "Keeping Quiet" written by Pablo Neruda.

Context: The poet is describing what the world would be like if everyone stopped for a moment and kept quiet, free from the rush and noise of modern life.

Explanation: The poet says that if we all pause and remain silent for a moment, it would be an extraordinary and unusual (exotic) moment. In this moment of stillness, there would be no hurrying about, no noise of engines and machines. Everyone would be together in a state of calm introspection. This would create a strange feeling because we are so accustomed to constant activity and noise that silence and stillness seem alien to us. The poet emphasizes that in this moment of collective silence, we would feel a sense of unity and togetherness with all humanity. This "sudden strangeness" refers to the unusual experience of complete peace and quiet in our otherwise chaotic world. The poet believes such a moment would help us reflect on our actions and understand the futility of constant aggression and war.

Option 2: Explain the following stanza with reference to context:
Aunt Jennifer's tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

Answer:

Reference: These lines are from the poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" written by Adrienne Rich.

Context: The poet is describing the tigers that Aunt Jennifer has embroidered on a panel or screen.

Explanation: The poem describes the beautiful tigers that Aunt Jennifer has created through her needlework. These embroidered tigers move gracefully (prance) across the decorative panel. They are bright yellow like topaz gemstones and inhabit a green world created by Aunt Jennifer's imagination. These tigers are fearless and confident - they do not fear the men sitting beneath the tree. They walk with a smooth, sleek movement, displaying chivalric (noble and brave) certainty and confidence. The tigers represent everything that Aunt Jennifer is not in her real life - they are free, bold, fearless, and confident, whereas Aunt Jennifer herself is oppressed and dominated by her husband. The contrast between the powerful tigers she creates in her art and her own timid, fearful existence highlights the theme of female oppression and the desire for freedom.

Question 14 - Poetry Central Idea (4 marks)

Option 1: Write the central idea of the poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six'.

Answer: The poem "My Mother at Sixty-six" by Kamala Das explores the themes of aging, mortality, separation, and the complex emotions associated with parent-child relationships. The central idea revolves around the poet's painful realization of her mother's advancing age and frailty. During a drive to the airport, the poet observes her mother dozing with her mouth open, looking pale and lifeless like a corpse. This sight fills the poet with the fear of losing her mother and the pain of separation. However, she hides her emotions and puts on a brave smile, saying "see you soon, Amma," knowing well that this might be their last meeting. The poem beautifully captures the universal experience of watching our parents grow old and the inevitable truth of mortality. It also highlights the conflict between our emotional vulnerability and the need to appear strong for our loved ones. The poet's childhood fear of losing her mother resurfaces, but she manages to control her emotions, presenting a facade of confidence while internally struggling with the fear of permanent separation.

Option 2: What does Frost want to convey through the poem 'A Roadside Stand'?

Answer: Through "A Roadside Stand," Robert Frost conveys his deep concern for rural people and their exploitation by the rich and powerful city dwellers. The poem criticizes the government's false promises of development and the indifference of urban society towards rural poverty. The roadside stand represents the hopes and aspirations of poor rural folk who set up small stalls hoping to sell their goods to passing city traffic. However, the city people speed past without stopping, treating the rural vendors with contempt. The poem exposes how the rich manipulate and exploit the poor through fake news, false promises, and misleading schemes that claim to improve their lives but actually benefit only the wealthy. Frost also criticizes the so-called benefactors who pretend to help the poor but are actually motivated by greed and self-interest. The poet wishes for a quick end to the suffering of these poor people rather than watching them endure slow, painful exploitation. Through this poem, Frost advocates for genuine social justice, empathy, and fair treatment of rural communities rather than empty promises and exploitation.

Question 15 - Poetry Short Answers (4 marks)

(i) Why do the trees appear sprinting? (My Mother at Sixty-six)

Answer: In the poem "My Mother at Sixty-six," the trees appear to be sprinting (running fast) because the poet is traveling in a speeding car towards the airport. As the car moves rapidly, the trees outside seem to rush past in the opposite direction, creating an illusion of them running or sprinting. This image also symbolically represents the rapid passage of time and how quickly life moves forward, while the poet's aging mother remains stationary and fragile, unable to keep pace with the fast-moving world.

(ii) What is suggested by the image 'massive weight of uncle's wedding band'? (Aunt Jennifer's Tigers)

Answer: The image of the "massive weight of uncle's wedding band" suggests the oppressive and burdensome nature of Aunt Jennifer's marriage. The wedding ring, which should symbolize love and union, is described as having a massive weight, indicating the heavy burden of marital obligations and male dominance that Aunt Jennifer endures. It represents the patriarchal constraints, duties, and restrictions imposed on her by marriage. This heavy ring weighs down her hand, making even simple activities like embroidering difficult, symbolizing how her marriage has crushed her spirit and freedom.

Question 16 - Supplementary Reader Long Answer (4 marks)

Option 1: How was the Maharaja killed by the hundredth tiger? (The Tiger King)

Answer: The Maharaja's death by the hundredth tiger is deeply ironic. After killing ninety-nine tigers, the Maharaja desperately searched for the hundredth tiger to prove the astrologer's prediction wrong. When a tiger was finally found, he shot at it, and it appeared to fall dead. However, the truth was that the tiger had not been killed by the Maharaja's bullet - it had merely fainted from the shock of the bullet whizzing past. The hunters, not wanting to upset the king, quietly killed the unconscious tiger themselves and reported it as the Maharaja's kill. Believing he had defeated fate, the Maharaja celebrated. For his son's birthday, he bought a wooden toy tiger from a shop. This toy tiger was poorly made with rough edges. While playing with his son, one of the wooden slivers from the toy tiger pierced the Maharaja's hand. The injury became infected, leading to a severe infection that required surgery. Despite the operation, the Maharaja died. Thus, ironically, it was the wooden toy tiger, not a real one, that caused his death, ultimately proving the astrologer's prediction true - the hundredth tiger did indeed kill the Tiger King.

Option 2: How does Mr. Lamb try to overcome his feelings of loneliness? (On The Face Of It)

Answer: Mr. Lamb deals with his loneliness and physical disability in several positive ways. Despite losing his leg in a war, he maintains an optimistic outlook on life. He keeps his garden gate always open, welcoming anyone who wishes to visit, though few people actually come. He finds companionship in nature - he talks to the bees that make honey in his garden and considers them his friends. He also reads books extensively, which keeps his mind engaged. Mr. Lamb grows various plants, including crab apples that he makes into jelly, giving him a sense of purpose and productivity. He maintains a philosophical attitude, arguing that beauty and ugliness are matters of perspective. He tells Derry that what matters is not physical appearance but how one looks at the world. He believes in living fully despite disabilities, refusing to hide or feel ashamed. By sharing his wisdom with young Derry, Mr. Lamb also finds meaning in helping others overcome their problems. He maintains that there are differences between everyone, but these differences should not prevent people from connecting and supporting each other.

Question 17 - Supplementary Reader Short Answers (4 marks)

(i) Why does Sam write a letter to Charley? (The Third Level)

Answer: Sam writes a letter to Charley from 1894 to inform him that he has successfully reached the third level and traveled back in time to Galesburg, Illinois. In the letter, Sam encourages Charley and his wife Louisa to find the third level and join him in the peaceful past. Sam confirms that everything Charley believed about the third level was true and invites them to come to Galesburg where life is simple, peaceful, and beautiful. The letter serves as proof that the third level exists and that time travel is possible.

(ii) Who was Sadao? Where was his house? (The Enemy)

Answer: Dr. Sadao Hoki was a famous Japanese surgeon and scientist who had been educated in America. He was an expert in his field and was even personal doctor to the old General. His house was located on the Japanese coast, on a spot of land jutting into the sea. The house was built on a low cliff with a narrow beach below, surrounded by pine trees. It overlooked the sea with a view of islands and fishing boats. The house was strategically located between the old traditional Japanese home and the modern world.

Question 18 - Multiple Choice Questions (6 marks)

(i) "I shall cut off my tuft, crop my hair short_______" who said these words?
(A) The king (B) The minister
(C) The officer (D) The astrologer

Answer: (A) The king

Explanation: In "The Tiger King," the Maharaja himself said these words when he was determined to kill the hundredth tiger to prove the astrologer wrong.

(ii) One can learn more about the planet if one travels to
(A) Earth (B) Antarctica
(C) Arctic (D) America

Answer: (B) Antarctica

Explanation: According to "Journey to the End of the Earth," Antarctica is the best place to learn about Earth's history and climate change as it preserves ancient atmospheric data.

(iii) Yumi was _______.
(A) Sadao's friend (B) Sadao's wife
(C) Sadao's maid (D) Sadao's classmate

Answer: (C) Sadao's maid

Explanation: In "The Enemy," Yumi was the maid who refused to wash the white man (American prisoner).

(iv) Mr. Lamb was a ________ fellow.
(A) lame (B) blind
(C) dumb (D) deaf

Answer: (A) lame

Explanation: In "On The Face Of It," Mr. Lamb had lost one leg in a war and had a tin leg, making him lame.

(v) Everyone picked up his knife and fork for eating on the _______ bell.
(A) first (B) second
(C) third (D) fourth

Answer: (B) second

Explanation: In "Memories of Childhood" by Zitkala-Sa, at the boarding school, students were expected to pick up their utensils on the second bell.

(vi) What fun and games did the narrator watch while returning home from school?
(A) performing monkey (B) the snake charmer and the snake
(C) the cyclist (D) all the three

Answer: (D) all the three

Explanation: In "The Lost Spring," Saheb mentions watching performing monkeys, snake charmers, and cyclists during his childhood in Dhaka.

Marking Scheme

Section Questions Type Marks Distribution Total Marks
Section A 1-2 Reading Comprehension 9 + 6 15
Section B 3 Notice / Message 4 4
4 Report / Paragraph 5 5
5 Letter / Application 6 6
Section C 6-9 Grammar 2+2+2+2 8
Section D 10 Prose Passage (MCQs) 6 × 1 6
11 Prose Long Answer 4 4
12 Prose Short Answers 2 × 2 4
13 Poetry Explanation 6 6
14-15 Poetry Questions 4 + 4 8
16-18 Supplementary Reader 4 + 4 + 6 14
Total 80

Preparation Tips

For Reading Comprehension

  • Practice reading various types of passages daily
  • Focus on understanding the main idea and supporting details
  • Improve vocabulary by learning new words regularly
  • Practice answering comprehension questions within time limits

For Writing Skills

  • Learn the proper formats for notices, letters, reports, and applications
  • Practice writing on various topics
  • Focus on clarity, coherence, and correct grammar
  • Use appropriate vocabulary and expressions
  • Maintain proper paragraph structure

For Grammar

  • Study rules for sentence transformation thoroughly
  • Learn common phrasal verbs and their usage
  • Practice using different types of conjunctions
  • Do regular grammar exercises

For Literature

  • Read all prescribed chapters from Flamingo and Vistas thoroughly
  • Understand the themes, characters, and important events
  • Practice explaining poetry stanzas with reference and context
  • Prepare character sketches and central ideas
  • Learn important quotations and their significance

Examination Strategy

  • Read questions carefully before answering
  • Manage time effectively - allocate specific time for each section
  • Answer questions you know well first
  • Write neatly and legibly
  • Use proper paragraphing and formatting
  • Review your answers if time permits

References

  • Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education Official Website: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in
  • NCERT Class 12 English Textbooks: Flamingo and Vistas
  • RBSE Curriculum Guidelines 2024
  • Sample Papers and Previous Year Question Papers

This article provides comprehensive information about the RBSE Senior Secondary English (Compulsory) Examination Paper 2024 (SS-02). All answers are prepared according to NCERT curriculum and RBSE guidelines.

Last Updated: 2024

Categories: RBSE | Class 12 | English Compulsory | Examination Paper 2024 | Rajasthan Education | Senior Secondary Examination

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