CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 03 Page 1

Sample Paper 03
English core (301)
Class-XII Exam 2024-25
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii This question paper contains three sections :
Section A : Reading Skills
Section B : Creative Writing Skills
Section C : Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv Seperate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 22

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12

1. The Rann of Kutch, located in Gujarat, is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
It stretches over thousands of square kilometers, its flat, white expanse shimmering
under the intense sunlight during the day. As far as the eye can see, the barren land
appears almost otherworldly, with the horizon blending into the sky. Despite the harsh
environment, the Rann of Kutch is a place of quiet beauty, where the vast emptiness
holds a certain allure. Walking across the cracked earth, visitors feel a sense of isolation,
as if they have stepped into another world.
2. During the winter months, the Rann comes alive with the Rann Utsav, a vibrant festival
celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Kutch region. Colorful tents dot the
landscape, offering visitors a taste of traditional crafts, music, and dance. The sound
of folk instruments fills the air, and local artisans display their handmade goods, from
intricate embroidery to pottery. The festival, held under the full moon, attracts tourists
from all over India and the world, who come to experience the magic of the salt desert
under the moonlight.
3. The Rann is not only known for its cultural significance but also for its unique wildlife.
Flamingos, wild asses, and other migratory birds flock to the region during the cooler
months, taking refuge in the wetlands that form on the edges of the desert. The nearby
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary protects these animals, offering visitors a chance to
see rare species that thrive in this harsh landscape. The presence of wildlife in such an
extreme environment adds to the mystique of the Rann.
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4. As dusk falls, the Rann undergoes a transformation. The sun sets, casting a warm
orange glow over the salt flats, and the cool evening breeze begins to blow. The desert,
which was once scorching hot, now feels pleasantly cool. The sky changes color, from
bright blue to deep purple, and the first stars begin to appear, creating a breathtaking
view that feels almost surreal.
5. The Rann of Kutch is not just a desert—it is a place of contrasts, where extreme heat
meets cold nights, and silence is broken by the vibrant celebrations of the local people.
For those who visit, it offers a rare glimpse into a world where nature and culture exist
in perfect harmony.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, what is unique about the Rann of Kutch’s appearance during the
day? 1

ii. How does the Rann Utsav bring the salt desert to life, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “the Rann of Kutch is a place of contrasts” in paragraph 5 suggests that the
desert is full of opposing features.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The Rann is described as a place of contrasts because _____.
(A) it shifts from intense heat during the day to cool nights
(B) the wildlife disappears during the Utsav

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The Rann is home to unique wildlife, including _____.

v. Why does the writer mention the change in temperature as dusk falls in paragraph 4? 1
Because
(A) It highlights the extreme conditions that make the Rann an unusual desert.
(B) It shows how the desert is uninhabitable.
(C) It explains why people visit the Rann only in the evening.
(D) It highlights the difficulty of travel during the day.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 3, to support the following : 1
The Rann of Kutch supports a diverse range of wildlife despite its harsh environment.

vii. In the line, ‘the sky changes color, from bright blue to deep purple’ (Paragraph 4), what
does the changing color of the sky suggest about the mood of the evening? 2

viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 2 : 1

artisans: crafts :: musicians: _____
(A) pottery (B) instruments
(C) embroidery (D) dance
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ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the Rann of Kutch offers a rare glimpse into a
world where nature and culture exist in perfect harmony’ in paragraph 5 uses descriptive
language? 1
(A) It emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of wildlife and local culture.
(B) It explains why people visit the Rann during the festival.
(C) It compares the cultural aspects of the Rann to the weather.
(D) It describes the climate and landscape of the Rann.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of preserving the Rann of Kutch, as suggested
in paragraph 5. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Deforestation is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation, affecting both
biodiversity and climate change. As forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development,
and logging, the world faces severe consequences, including the loss of species and the
disruption of ecosystems. Over 3.1 million square kilometers of forest have been lost
since 1990.
2. Data from the World Resources Institute shows that over 18 million hectares of forests
are lost each year, contributing to approximately 15% of global CO2 emissions. Tropical
deforestation, especially in the Amazon, results in the extinction of 13% of species.
Forests act as crucial carbon sinks, absorbing 2.6 billion metric tons of CO2 annually,
helping to mitigate global warming.
3. The study also reveals that 80% of global deforestation is driven by agricultural
expansion. This includes crops like soy, palm oil, and areas for livestock grazing. The
deforestation rate in the Amazon alone has surged by 9.5% annually in recent years. In
addition, logging and infrastructure contribute to the remaining 20% of forest loss. These
activities increase CO2 emissions and affect rainfall patterns, leading to unpredictable
climate changes.
4. Deforestation also leads to soil erosion, reducing the fertility of the land. The study
highlights that 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost annually due to deforestation and
unsustainable farming practices. This contributes to desertification, which affects 40%
of the world’s land area, particularly in Africa and Asia. As more forests are cleared, the
likelihood of land degradation increases.
5. Efforts to combat deforestation include reforestation, sustainable farming, and stricter
laws. Reforestation can sequester up to 10% of global CO2 emissions annually. Brazil’s
plan to restore 12 million hectares of land by 2030 aims to reverse some of the damage
caused by deforestation.
6. This study emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation to combat deforestation.
By addressing the root causes—agriculture, illegal logging, and poor land management—
the world can reduce deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of
climate change.
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Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links deforestation with environmental degradation
to highlight __________.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the causes of deforestation and its global environmental impacts.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Secondary objective (B) Research outcome
(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why agriculture was included as a focus in the study on
deforestation. 2

iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘carbon sinks’ and ‘soil erosion.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘carbon sinks’ or ‘soil erosion’:
Sentence 1: Forests absorb CO2, helping to regulate atmospheric carbon levels.
Sentence 2: When trees are removed, the soil is exposed to wind and water, which
removes topsoil and decreases land fertility.

v. Read the following : 1

Ravi works on a palm oil plantation where forests have been cleared to make room for
crops. Meanwhile, Mohan lives in a mountainous region where heavy rains have caused
soil erosion due to deforestation.
Select the option that identifies the correct environmental challenges faced by Ravi and
Mohan.
(A) Ravi – agriculture-driven deforestation; Mohan – soil erosion
(B) Ravi – biodiversity loss; Mohan – carbon emissions
(C) Ravi – desertification; Mohan – water shortage
(D) Ravi – soil erosion; Mohan – deforestation

vi. Although both agriculture and logging contribute to deforestation, why is agriculture
the largest driver? 1

vii. Analyse how reforestation efforts can help reduce CO2 emissions and support soil fertility.
(Paragraph 5) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Promote agricultural expansion to increase food production
(B) Preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change through sustainable practices
(C) Prioritize industrial development over environmental concerns
(D) Reduce soil erosion without addressing other factors
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SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4

A. You are, Aditi Mohan, School Prefect. Draft a notice for the noticeboard about a trekking
holiday that your school is organising, giving all necessary details in about 50 words and
asking the interested students to give their names.


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B. You are Niti Singhal, studying at Bright Future High School, Mysuru and an active
member of the school sports club. Recently, your school had organized an Inter-School
Cricket Championship. After the final match was over, you found an unclaimed cricket
kit on your school playground and have been asked to draft a notice to locate its owner.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4

A. You are David/Disha, the Secretary of the English Literary and Cultural Society of St.
Joseph’s Academy, Agra. You have to organize an Inter-zonal extempore competition at
the +2 level. You wish to invite Dr. Hansa Bhogle, an eminent educationist, to preside
over the function to be held on 15 October at 9:30 a.m. at Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School,
Agra. Draft an invitation in about 50 words requesting her to come and grace the
occasion.


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B. Your friend Antriksh is staying in the school hostel. You wish to invite him at your house
for Diwali celebration. Invite him in not more than 50 words. Invent necessary details.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. You are Srikhant, living at 7C-189, Ist floor, Ramjas Colony, Muzzafarpur. Write a letter
to the Editor of a newspaper about the burden of heavy bags the young children carry
to school.


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B. Draft an application for the post of an accountant in Gurukul Public School that was
advertised in the Times of India. Also, include your biodata. You are Anil/Anita.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Deepak/Deepa has been involved as a student volunteer in the ‘Adult Literacy Drive’
and has been working in the slums for the last six months. He/She has to write an article
in about 120-150 words on the ‘Need for a Literate Nation’.


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B. You recently attended a seminar on “Tiger Reserve: Economic and Environmental Win-
Win” at India International Centre, New Delhi. Write a report on the same in about
120-150 words for your school magazine. You are Rohan Pandey, Secretary, Cultural
Club, Doon School, Dehradun.
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SECTION C- LITERATURE 40
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two -
(A) or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the Earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
(A Thing of Beauty)
i. Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include.
(A) Selflessness (B) Judiciousness
(C) Enthusiasm (D) All of these
ii. Select the phrase that suggests the following:
Human life in full of hardships.
iii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that beauty helps us stay connected to life and lifts the
gloom from our spirits.
Reason : Despite the hardships and challenges of life, beauty has the power to ease our
sorrows and bring us hope.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
iv. Complete the following suitably.
Poetic devices used in ‘of noble natures’ is _____.
v. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet says that we wreath a flowery band that binds us to Earth. He means to state
that nature’s beauty fills man with a _____ (depression/spirit) of living.
vi. What makes our life full of inhuman dearth?


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B. Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother
beside me
doze, open mouthed, her face
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 03 Page 7

ashen like that

of a corpse and realized with
pain
that she thought away, and
looked but soon...
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)
i. What is the speaker’s emotional state when looking at her mother?
(A) Empathetic and understanding (B) Fearful and apprehensive
(C) Nostalgic and longing (D) Confused and disoriented

ii. Where is the poetess going when she said, “home to Cochin last Friday”?

iii. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The theme of the given extract is _____ (stolen childhood/fear of loss).

iv. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet feels a deep sense of fear and sorrow as she notices her mother’s
aging and frail condition.
Reason : The mother’s ashen, corpse-like appearance makes the poet painfully aware of
her mother’s mortality, prompting her to momentarily look away.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct
explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
v. What message do these lines highlight, in the context of familial relationships, and the
speaker’s sense of anxiety and fear at the prospect of losing her mother?

vi. Complete the following suitably.

The phrase ‘that of a corpse’ means that she has lost her _____ .

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
A. MR LAMB : Rubbish? Look, boy, look.... what do you see?
DERRY : Just....grass and stuff Weeds.
MR LAMB : Some call them weeds. If you like, then.... a weed garden, that. There’s
fruit and there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there.... weeds. I
grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’ ?
Where’s the difference? It’s all life.... growing. Same as you and me.
DERRY : We’re not the same.
MR LAMB : I’m old. You’re young. You’ve got a burned face, I’ve got a tin leg. Not
important. You’re standing there.... I’m sitting here. Where’s the difference?
(On The Face of It)
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i. Why does Mr Lamb draw Derry’s attention and stress on ‘looking?

ii. What are the fundamental differences between Derry’s and Mr Lamb’s understanding of
the world and life? These are:
(A) Derry: introvert; Mr Lamb: extrovert
(B) Derry: nervous; Mr Lamb: domineering
(C) Derry: self-pity; Mr Lamb: accepting
(D) Derry: unseeing; Mr Lamb: appreciative

iii. How is Derry’s tone when he says, “We’re not the same?”

iv. Why does Mr Lamb emphasise the importance of weeds? What is the idea behind it?


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B. Sadao knew that his education was his father’s chief concern. For this reason he had
been sent at twenty-two to America to learn all that could be learned of surgery and
medicine. He had come back at thirty and before his father died he had seen Sadao
become famous not only as a surgeon but as a scientist. Because he was perfecting a
discovery which would render wounds entirely clean, he had not been sent abroad with
the troops. Also, he knew, there was some slight danger that the old General might need
an operation for a condition for which he was now being treated medically and for this
possibility Sadao was being kept in Japan.
(The Enemy)
i. What role does Sadao’s father in Sadao’s life?

ii. Choose the correct option that best describes Sadao as a perfect son.
(A) Sadao went to America as desired by his father.
(B) Sadao returned to Japan before his father’s death.
(C) Sadao gained fame as a doctor as well as scientist while his father was alive.
(D) Sadao stayed with his father and did not go abroad with the troops.

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Sadao was a famous surgeon and _____.

iv. For how many years did Sadao study in America?

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds-one of the family, caught in a web of poverty,
burdened by the stigma of caste in which they are born; The other a vicious circle of
the sahukars, the middleman, the policemen the keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the
politicians. Together they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put
down. Before he is aware, he accepts it as naturally as his father. To do anything else
would mean to dare. And daring is not part of his growing up.
(Lost Spring)
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i. List any two details about two distinct worlds.

ii. “...The other vicious circle of Sahukasrs...” In this line ‘vicious circle’ refers to _____.
(A) passing the occupation to next generation
(B) trap made by moneylenders for workers
(C) carrying the tradition of family
(D) none of these

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Ironically, millions of children have lost _____.

iv. Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that the baggage has been imposed
on the children.

v. How does the child accept the burden?

vi. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(A) The passion of children (B) The web of poverty
(C) The desire of adults (D) The happiness of children


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B. This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission. Gandhi explained that
the amount of the refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been
obliged to surrender part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Therefore,
as far as the peasants were concerned, the planters had behaved as lords above the law.
Now the peasant saw that he had rights and defenders. He learned courage.
(Indigo)

i. Why is it that the big planters agreed to pay the refund to small farmers?

ii. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
The party has now abandoned its policy of free trade.
(A) Adopted (B) Obliged
(C) Defenders (D) Concerned

iii. What did the peasants learn from this incident?

iv. As per the settlement, how much was to be refunded.

(A) 50% (B) 75%
(C) 25% (D) 20%

v. Why does Gandhiji accept only that per cent of settlement?

vi. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The phrase ‘lords above the law’ in the extract means _____.
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10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5 # 2 = 10

i. Why are the bangle makers unable to organize themselves into a cooperative?
(Lost Spring)
ii. Describe the boy who had thrown Douglas in water. What was his reaction later?
(Deep Water)
iii. Why do country people ask for money? (A Roadside Stand)

iv. Why is Aunt Jennifer terrified? (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

v. What three things in school surprised Franz the most that day? (The Last Lesson)

vi. Why are the young trees described as sprinting? (My Mother at Sixty-Six)

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each : 2#2 = 4

i. Did the servants support Dr. Sadao in his mission to save the American? Why/Why
not? (The Enemy)
ii. Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day in the land of apples?
(Memories of Childhood)
iii. In what way does Mr Lamb inspire Derry to overcome his physical disability?
(On the Face of It)
12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. “Now I have become sad, she thought. And it is a hard burden to carry, this sadness.
Sitting here waiting and knowing he will not come I can see the future and how I will
have to live with this burden.” Sadness is really difficult to carry. And more difficult is
to carry unfulfilled desires. After reading the above statement with reference to ‘Going
Places’, how far do you feel that sadness and unfulfilled desires can’t be carried for a
long time? Write a paragraph in about 120-150 words.


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B. The world has become a global village, and people across boundaries, nationalities and
communities are now connected to one another. With the advancement of technology,
and the advent of social media, do you think that the task of keeping quiet, as envisaged
by Neruda, has become easier or more complicated? Justify your stance.
(Keeping Quiet)
13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. Imagine you are an ardent environmentalist who is involved in the Save the Tiger cam-
paign. You have been asked to deliver a speech in a seminar related to your campaign
and the need for the youth to be involved in such campaigns. Draft your speech.
(The Tiger King)


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B. There is an intersection of time and space in the story ‘The Third Level’. Imagine
yourself to be Douglas, and express your thoughts in about 120-150 words.