CLASS XII
English
PRE MID – TERM PRACTICE PAPER
Time : 1hr 30 min.
M M : 40
General Instructions :
[Link] 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.
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION A - READING SKILLS
1. Read the following passage carefully:
(10 Marks)
The Himalayas, the world's tallest mountain range, stretch across northern India and serve as a natural barrier
between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. These towering peaks, some rising above 8,000 meters,
include Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. The Himalayas are home to diverse ecosystems, from snow-
covered summits to dense forests in the lower regions. The variation in altitude results in a wide range of climates
and habitats, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the snow leopard and
the red panda.
The people living in the Himalayan region have adapted to its rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions. Most
rely on agriculture, though the short growing season at high altitudes limits the crops they can cultivate. Terrace
farming is commonly practiced to make the most of the limited arable land. In addition, many communities
depend on livestock, and some have turned to tourism, offering trekking and mountaineering services to
adventurers from around the world.
The monsoon rains are crucial for life in the Himalayas, though they also bring risks.
The heavy rainfall during the monsoon season replenishes the rivers that flow from the mountains, providing
water for agriculture and daily needs. However, the rains can also cause landslides and floods, devastating
villages and infrastructure. The local population has developed early warning systems and adapted their building
methods to mitigate these risks, but the unpredictable nature of the monsoon remains a challenge.
The Himalayan glaciers are a critical source of freshwater, not only for the people of the region but for millions
across South Asia. These glaciers feed the major rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
However, climate change poses a serious threat to the glaciers, which are melting at an alarming rate. If this
trend continues, it could lead to water shortages and increased flooding downstream. Efforts are being made to
study and protect the glaciers, but the magnitude of the problem requires global cooperation.
For those who visit the Himalayas, the experience is one of awe and inspiration. The sheer scale of the
mountains, the crisp, thin air, and the breathtaking views make the Himalayas one of the most popular
destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Beyond its natural beauty, the Himalayas are also a
spiritual haven, attracting pilgrims to its sacred sites, which are often located in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. (1 x 10=10)
[Link] to paragraph 1, how does the variation in altitude affect the ecosystems of the Himalayas?
ii. How does the author describe the relationship between the people of the Himalayas and their environment, as
mentioned in paragraph 2?
iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘terrace farming’ in paragraph 2 refers to the agricultural practice of creating steps on the slopes of
hills, since ______________.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence :
Terrace farming is essential in the Himalayas because
1. it prevents soil erosion and makes arable land available on the steep slopes
2. it allows the cultivation of a wide variety of crops
iv. Complete the following with one example with reference to paragraph 3 :
The monsoon season in the Himalayas brings _.
v. Why does the writer emphasise the importance of the glaciers in paragraph 4?
A. They provide a habitat for endangered species.
B. They are a major source of freshwater for the region and beyond.
C. They help control the climate of the region.
D. They are popular tourist attractions.
vi. Provide one textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following :
Climate change is seriously affecting the Himalayan glaciers.
vii. In the line, 'The sheer scale of the mountains' (Paragraph 5), what does the phrase – ‘sheer scale' suggest
about the Himalayas?
viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 1 :
snow leopard: fauna :: dense forests:
A. land
B. climate
C. flora
D. altitude
ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement 'the Himalayas are also a spiritual haven'
uses descriptive language? (paragraph 5)
A. It highlights the cultural significance of the Himalayas.
B. It explains how the Himalayas are a popular adventure destination.
C. It describes the physical challenges of reaching sacred sites.
D. It focuses on the importance of spirituality in the region.
X. Assess one potential challenge or benefit of balancing conservation.
SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
2. You are Rachna/ Rachit, Cultural Secretary, Scholar’s Home, Senior Secondary School. Write a notice
for the school noticeboard, informing the senior school students about the audition for the upcoming
Hindi Annual Stage production. (4)
3. Write a report for your school magazine describing the workshop held for the students of Class XII on
Time Management while preparing for the upcoming CBSE Board Examination. (5)
SECTION C- LITERATURE
4. Read the extract and answer the questions given below : (1x 6= 6)
.What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
[Link] of the following qualities is best represented in the given extract?
A. Ambitious
B. Futuristic
C. Concerned
D. Hypocritical
[Link] the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet wants to embrace total inactivity as a way to connect with death.
Reason : The poet believes that if people pause their hectic lives and embrace silence, they may find peace and
understanding.
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.
[Link] the following suitably.
People should not misunderstand the poet's suggestion of______
[Link] the phrase that suggests the following:
The poet does not talk about 'total inactivity' related to no action in life which means end of life.
v. If this poem is not written in free verse, which word would rhyme with line 4.
head
treat
breath
vi. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank :
The tone of the poet in the above lines is ___________. (Aggressive / Suggestive)
[Link] the extract and answer the questions given below : (1x 4= 4)
I got to wishing that you were right. Then I got to believe you were right. And, Charley, it's true; I found the third
level! I've been here two weeks, and right now, down the street at the Daly's, someone is playing the piano, and
they're all out on the front porch singing ‘Seeing Nelly Home’.
[Link] does ‘I’ refer to?
[Link] has' I' been for two weeks?
A. The Third Level
B. Grand Central Station
C. Galesburg in 1894
D. At Daly’s place
[Link] ' l' had to believe ' You' ?
A. ’I’ had found the Third Level
B. I had also lost the way
C. I had never found the Third Level
D. I was still trying to find a way out
[Link] does the date of the letter indicate?
[Link] the following questions in 40-50 words each :
(3X2 =6)
i "Ah how well I remembered it, that last lesson!" Why did Franz remember it well?
(The Last Lesson)
[Link] did the narrator develop fear of water ? ('Deep Water)
[Link] did the iron master tell the peddler about his family? (The Rattrap)
7. Answer the following question in 120-150 words. (5)
‘The Rattrap’ is a lesson which shows that basic human goodness can be brought out by understanding and love.
Do you think this is practical in approach?
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students on the above mentioned
theme.
