KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, CHENNAI REGION

I PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION- 2024-25

ENGLISH CORE (Code No. 301)
CLASS-XII
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. 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 (22 marks)
1. Read the following passage carefully: 12
(1) Willpower determines whether and how long we can follow through on our decisions.
Interestingly, research suggests the general population is indeed aware of how
essential willpower is to their wellbeing; survey participants routinely identify a ‘lack
of willpower’ as the major impediment to making beneficial life changes. There are,
however, misunderstandings surrounding the nature of willpower and how we can
acquire more of [Link] is a widespread misperception, for example, that increased
leisure time would lead to subsequent increase in willpower.

(2) Although the concept of willpower is often explained through single-word terms, such
as ‘resolve’ or ‘drive’, it refers in fact to a variety of behaviours and situations. There is
a common perception that willpower entails resisting some kind of a ‘treat’, such as a
sugary drink or a lazy morning in bed, in favour of decisions that we know are better for
us, such as drinking water or going to the gym. Of course this is a familiar phenomenon
for all. Yet willpower also involves elements such as overriding negative thought
processes, biting your tongue in social situations, or persevering through a difficult
activity. At the heart of any exercise of willpower, however, is the notion of ‘delayed
gratification’, which involves resisting immediate satisfaction for a course that will yield
greater or more permanent satisfaction in the long run.

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 (3) Scientists are making general investigations into why some individuals are better able
than others to delay gratification and thus employ their willpower, but the genetic or
environmental origins of this ability remain a mystery for now. Some groups who are
particularly vulnerable to reduced willpower capacity, such as those with addictive
personalities, may claim a biological origin for their problems. What is clear is that levels
of willpower typically remain consistent over time. A research by Matthew Gailliot
suggests that willpower, even in the absence of physical activity, both requires and drains
blood glucose levels, suggesting that willpower operates more or less like a ‘muscle’,
and, like a muscle, requires fuel for optimum functioning.

(4) Strengthening willpower thus relies on a two-pronged approach: reducing negative

influences and improving positive ones. One of the most popular and effective methods
simply involves avoiding willpower depletion triggers, and is based on the old adage,
‘out of sight, out of mind’. In one study, workers who kept a bowl of enticing candy on
their desks were far more likely to indulge than those who placed it in a desk drawer. It
also appears that finding sources of motivation from within us may be important.
(452 words)
Answer the following questions, based on the given passage. 12 marks
I. Choose the most appropriate option for the given phrase- ‘lack of willpower’ 1

A. determines beneficial life changes

B. is not a negative trait
C. cannot be overcome
D. is a main obstacle in making favorable changes in life

II. The statement that ‘increased leisure time would lead to subsequent increases in
willpower’ is 1

A. very true
B. a wrong notion
C. a widespread fact
D. sometimes true

III. Based on the passage give two instances to say that will power goes beyond a simple
definition of ‘resolve’ or ‘drive’. 2

IV. What still remains a mystery concerning will power? 1

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V. Complete the statement: Gailliot compares will power to a muscle
because_____________________________ 1

VI. The word ‘gratification’ in para 3 is not an antonym of 1

A. Dissatisfaction
B. Satisfaction
C. Discontent
D. Woefulness

VII. Discuss ways which reinforce our will power. (40 words) 2

VIII. The adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ in the passage means 1

A. weakens willpower
B. strengthens willpower
C. reduces one’s memory
D. enhances curiosity

IX. How true is the statement that ‘Willpower is the most significant factor in 2
determining success in life.' (40 words)

2. Read the passage carefully

I. Air pollution is a major threat to human health. The United Nations Environment Programme
has estimated that, globally, 1.1 billion people breathe in unhealthy air. The World Health
Organization (WHO) has estimated that urban air pollution is responsible for approximately
800,000 deaths and 4.6 million people lose their lives every year around the globe.
II. Traffic and transportation problems, inadequate drainage facilities, lack of open spaces,
carbon emission, and the accumulation of waste aggravate the problem. Air pollution is
associated with increased risk of acute respiratory infections (ARI), the principal cause of
infant and child mortality in developing countries.
III. Urban air quality in most mega cities has been found to be critical and Kolkata is no exception
to this. An analysis of ambient air quality in Kolkata was done by applying the Exceedance
Factor (EF) method, where the presence of listed pollutants' (RPM, SPM, NO 2 and SO 2,)
annual average concentration are classified into four different categories; namely critical,
high, moderate, and low pollution. Out of a total of 17 ambient air quality monitoring stations
operating in Kolkata, five fall under the critical category, and the remaining 12 locations fall
under the high category of NO 2, concentration, while for RPM, four record critical, and 13
come under the high pollution category. The causes of high concentration of pollutants in the
form of NO 2 and RPM have been identified in earlier studies as vehicular emission (51,4%),
followed by industrial sources (24.5%) and dust particles (21.1%).

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 IV. Later, a health assessment was undertaken with a structured questionnaire at some nearby
dispensaries which fall under areas with different ambient air pollution levels. Three
dispensaries have been surveyed with 100 participants. It shows that respondents with

V. respiratory diseases (85.1%) have outnumbered waterborne diseases (14.9%) and include
acute respiratory infections (ARI) (60%), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)
(7.8%), upper track respiratory infection (UTRI) (1.2%), Influenza (12.76), and acid-fast
bacillus (AFB) (3.4%).
VI. To live a healthy life and have better well-being, practising pollution averting activities in
one's day-to-day activities is needed. These pollution-averting practices can only be possible
when awareness among the masses is generated that the air, they breathe outdoors, is not
found to be safe.
Pollution in India

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage:

I. Select the option that displays the correct 'cause and effect' relationship. 1

A B C D
Cause Cause Cause Cause
Effect Effect Effect Effect
Traffic and Lack of open Air pollution Air quality
transportation spaces Respiratory monitoring
problem Mega cities diseases stations
4.6 million deaths Emission of NO 2

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 II. Select the option that highlights the main idea of the passage. 1
A. To educate people about the threat of all kinds of pollution
B. To warn people of the threat of air pollution and educate about the safety measures.
C. To discuss the status of pollution in Kolkata and share the details of the study.
D. To educate people on Exceedance Factor method and share the results of the study.

III. Given a choice, where would you like to live in the context of the ideas discussed in the
passage-Countryside or Metropolitan city? Justify your stand in about 40 words. 2

IV. The author's opinion on the development of Mega cities is 1

A. Cities face transportation problem due to heavy traffic.
B. Urbanization leads to deterioration of air quality.
C. Mega cities are the right spots to study air pollution.
D. Cities face the problem of congestion.

V. Select the option that lists the author's recommendation to the people. 1
i. He wants people to be aware that air pollution is a major threat.
ii. He urges people not to live in mega cities.
iii. He advises people to follow pollution averting activities seriously.
iv. He wants people to reduce vehicular emissions.
A. i & ii
B. ii & iii
C. i & iii
D. iii & iv

VI. Select the option that does not display the true statement as per fig. 1.
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A. Dust and power plants are the causes for maximum pollution.
B. Pollution caused by transport is much more than the pollution caused by industries.
C. Diesel generator comes only next to dust in causing air pollution.
D. Power plants contribute the least to air pollution

VII. It is not just one or two factors which worsen air pollution. There are other factors too which are
responsible for the same. Substantiate these statements. 2

VIII. Which of the following statements is true? 1

A. Air quality in Kolkata is less than critical.

B. 12 locations were selected for measuring ambient air quality.
C. Most of the mega cities are suffering from the problem of poor air quality.
D. Accumulation of waste does not cause pollution

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 SECTION B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)

3. Attempt any one of the two, A or B, in about 50 words 1x4=4

A. You are Monisha / Mohan, the President of the Cultural Club of J K Public School,
Bengaluru. The club is celebrating Indian Ethnic Day to instill in students a sense of
appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage. Write a notice for the school notice board,
inviting students to participate in the celebrations. Invent necessary details.

OR

B. You are Rita/Robert, the School Captain of Rotary School, Mysuru. The school is
organizing a dental check up for students of 6 to 12 in the last week of November
2024. Draft a notice in about 50 words, for the school notice board informing students
about the camp. Invent necessary details.

4. Attempt any one of the two, A or B, in about 50 words. 1x4=4

A. You are Dr. Harish Balan, Sr. Pediatrician, AIMS, New Delhi. You have received an invitation
from the Director, Health Service, CGHS, New Delhi, to preside over a gathering of leading
medical practitioners attending a workshop on communicable diseases in children on 14th Nov,
2024 at 10:00 am in the National Institute of Homeo Sciences, New Delhi. Respond to accept the
invitation.

OR

B. You are Ramana/ Renu, the Student Head, Cultural Affairs, at ABC Sr. Sec. School, Chennai .
Your school is organising a 2-day Yoga camp over the weekend, for parents of the school
students. Draft an invitation, inviting the school parents for the Yoga camp. Share information
about the camp organisers and include other necessary details.

5. Attempt any one of the two, A or B , in 120 150 words 1x5=5

A. You are Sushma /Suraj of Flat No. 4/A, Sneha Apartments, Civil Lines, New Delhi. You saw the
following advertisement in The Hindu on 30th Oct 2024, and wish to
apply for the job. Write your application giving your detailed resume.

SITUATION VACANT
Wanted a well-qualified and experienced Accountant for Whirlpool Company, Delhi. The
candidate must be a graduate, with 3-4 years of experience and well versed in English and
Hindi. Knowledge of Computer mandatory. Attractive salary offered. Apply to the Manager
of the company with your bio data on or before 10 December 2024.

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 OR

B. There have been persistent issues faced by commuters or pedestrians using a few subways in
Chennai,You are one of those facing a lot of inconvenience using the subways every day. Write
a letter to the Editor of a local daily, Chennai regarding the poorly maintained subways and giving
suggestions to address this issue .You are Sonal /Smith. Use the hints given in addition to your
own observations.

 Broken tiles on the steps of the subway

 Flooding of subways during downpours or monsoons.
 Poor lighting - unsafe for use
 unsanitary conditions, Garbage both inside and outside the subway

6 . Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in 120 150 words. 1x5=5
A. Consuming adulterated food has let loose a Pandora’s Box of physical disorders eroding the high
life expectancy even in the age of advanced technology. As a columnist for an E-zine, write an
article on the issue. You are Dr. Geetha/[Link], New Delhi. Make use of the hints given.

FOOD FRAUD AND ADULTERATED INGREDIENTS

 Impure coconut oil
 Sugar in honey
 Food dye in green peas
 Papaya seeds in pepper
 Wax coating on apples etc…
 Health issues-diabetes, cardiovascular disease,Gastrointestinal
issues,allergic reactions
 Toxicity of food leading to hospitalisation…
B. Active youngsters of an NGO in Chennai visited your school to collect materials like uniform,
books, stationery items, clothes, water bottles etc. and supplied the same to students of schools
studying in villages and remote areas, as part of School to School Initiative. As Rakesh/ Reeta -
student coordinator of K M Public School, Chennai, write a report on this initiative for your
school magazine. Make use of the hints given:

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  Visit by the NGO.
 Objectives of their programme
 Their motivational talk in the morning assembly
 Items which were donated
 Mode of collection
 Students’ response

LITERATURE (40 MARKS)

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two-A or B
6x1=6
A. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. (A Thing of Beauty)

I. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?

A. The power of creativity and imagination
B. The beauty of Nature around us
C. The immortality of beauty represented by art and literature
D. The inevitability of birth and death
II. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract.
By referring to the ‘mighty dead’ the poet emphasizes the power of people who have performed
brave and noble deeds.
III. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The “endless fountain of immortal drink” suggests……………..
IV. In the expression ‘immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink’. The word brink
creates a powerful image of ________________________

V. Based on the rhyme scheme evident in lines 2-5, of the given extract, which of the words given
would not rhyme with line 1?
A. looms, B. roams, C. tombs, D. booms,

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VI. Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract.

A. Creates a sense of continuity and flow that connects the line with the second line.
B. Encourages the reader to continue reading seamlessly without any pause.
C. Creates a sense of anticipation and expectation for the reader.
D. Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding lines.
OR
B. Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers in the shade, doing nothing.
I. Identify the expression which brings out the irony in war.

II. An ideal situation according to Pablo Neruda would be

A. to wage different kinds of wars
B. to be active all the time
C. to experience universal silence and introspection
D. to learn several languages to communicate
III. Complete the following suitably.
The putting on of ‘clean clothes’ by the warmongers, symbolises_________
IV. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The extract tells us that the speaker ________ (denounces / praises) the destructive
nature of modern warfare.
V. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.

Assertion: The poet advocates for 'doing nothing' as a way to prevent the devastation of war.

Reason: 'Doing nothing' suggests suspending all our activities for a while, and engaging
ourselves in self-analysis.
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.

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 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.
VI. What does the expression ‘brothers’ in the extract convery?

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, A or B
1x4 =4
A. Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly
this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with
inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and
respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now, headed by Canadian Geoff
Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who could
only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of
policymakers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and
most importantly, act.
I. Students on Ice is …………. ( an expedition / a navigation) headed by Geoff Green.
Fill in the blank suitably.
II. Choose the option that marks the ODD ONE OUT based on your reading of the above
extract.
A. Manoj donates 10% of his monthly income to the environment-friendly NGOs.
B. Sherly and her twin plant a new plant on their birthday every year.
C. Ram invests in eco-friendly cosmetics that are packaged in plastic containers.
D. Aisha plans to device a machine that recycles the biodegradable wastes from
home.
III. Green found carting celebrities, the rich and the retired to the South Pole futile. Say why
you would agree with this idea.
IV. In what way was Geoff Green justified in planning a programme for students ?
OR
B. DERRY: What do you do all day?
MR LAMB: Sit in the sun. Read books. Ah, you thought it was an empty
house, but inside, it’s full. Books and other things. Full.
DERRY: But there aren’t any curtains at the windows.
MR LAMB: I’m not fond of curtains. Shutting things out, shutting things in. I like the
light and the darkness, and the windows open, to hear the wind.
DERRY: Yes. I like that. When it’s raining, I like to hear it on the roof.
MR LAMB: So you’re not lost, are you? Not altogether? You do hear things.
You listen.
DERRY: They talk about me. Downstairs, When I’m not there.

I. List any two emotions Derry experiences as he talks to Mr Lamb.

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 II. According to Mr. Lamb, what does the idea of being ‘lost’ signify?
A. He who does not hear what other people say is lost.

B. He who does not appreciate man and nature is lost.

C. He who pauses to reflect on wind and rain is lost.
D. He who is closed off to nature and its wonders is lost.

III. Not being fond of curtains brings out the fact that [Link]
_________________________.Fill in the blank in a suitable way.

IV. Give an instance to say that Derry is gradually opening up to [Link].

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, A or B.
1x6 =6
A. “Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you,
in return, as if I was a real captain — for I do not want you to be embarrassed at this Christmas
season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man on the roadside, who has the
money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for poor wanderers. The rattrap is a
Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if he had not
been raised to captain, because in that way he got power to clear himself. “Written with
friendship and high regard, Captain von Stahle.”
I. Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the extract
given?
A. indebtedness
B. reform
C. self-pity
D. self-awareness

II. Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present?

III. Choose the option that DOES NOT list the meaning of ‘frame’.
1. A person’s body with reference to its size or build
2. A single complete picture in a series forming a cinema, television, or video film
3. The triangular structure for positioning the red balls in scooker.
4. A thin solid object that seals a container or hole: a lid
A. Option 1
B. Option 2
C. Option 3
D. Option 4

IV. How is the crofter also responsible for enticing a thief like the peddler?

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 V. The peddler signs himself as ‘Captain Von Stahle’ to convey
that____________________________(Compete it suitably)

VI. The climax of the story upholds the writer’s belief in the essential goodness of human
beings. Say whether the statement is True/False.
OR
B. His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his critics felt.
He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a
sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite
successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was
an amazing actor-he never aspired to the lead roles-but whatever subsidiary role he played in
any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for
anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far
relations and acquaintances.
I. Why did Kothamangalam Subbu’s success in films tower above his literary
accomplishments?
II. The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’ But it is not appropriate to
use with ( choose the option)
A. metropolis
B. market
C. campus
D. portrait
III. What makes Asoka Mitran say that Kothamangalam Subbu’s novel Thillana
Mohanambal has ‘deftly etched characters?
IV. Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the extract.
1. benevolent
2. powerful
3. accomplished
4. witty
5. generous
6. temperamental
A. 4, 5 & 6
B. 2, 3 & 4
C. 1,3 & 5
D. 3 ,4 & 6
V. Subordinate is one of the antonyms of the word ___________given in the extract
VI. A talented person like Subbu can rightly be described as _______________(versatile/
charitable).Choose the most appropriate word.
10. Answer any five of the following six questions in 40 50 words each : 5x2=10
1. Evaluate the two different perspectives to life that Jansie and Sophie represent.

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 2. Mukund Padmanabhan proves himself to be a successful interviewer. How does he
sustain our interest as he interviews Umberto Eco?
3. How did the village elders show their solidarity for the outgoing French teacher,
[Link]?
4. ‘What embroidery was to Aunt Jennifer; poetry was for Adrienne Rich’. Comment
with reference to the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.
5. If you could give the lesson ‘Deep Water’ a new title, what would it be? Justify your
answer.
6. Though money holds the same value everywhere, the poet draws a distinction between
city money and country money. Elaborate.
(The Road side Stand)
11. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40 50 words each : 2x2=4
1. Sam’s refuge into the third level and going to the past gains more significance in ‘The
Third Level’ Recounting the content of his letter to Charley from Galesburg, justify
this statement.
2. Mr. Lamb leaves an indelible mark on Derry’s mind. He succeeds in bringing him out
from his shell and opening up a panorama of nature’s beauty. How does he do so?
(On the Face of it)
3. What solution does Annan offer Bama to overcome the pain of discrimination? (My
Memories of Childhood)
12. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1x5=5
A. Imagine Sophie’s father finds out about Sophie’s going to the canal to ‘meet’ Danny Casey and
returning home with a great sense of disillusionment. He is infuriated and prohibits Sophie from
going anywhere except to school.
As Geoff, write a diary entry disapproving of your father’s punishment by citing your reasons
for being sympathetic to Sophie. You may begin this way:
Monday, 2 September 8 PM
I cannot get myself to stand with father in his tirade against Sophie.
OR
C. Imagine Gandhi were to deliver a speech to students in present day India showing them the path
to becoming responsible world leaders. Based on your understanding of Gandhi’s own
leadership
skills, write a speech, as Gandhi, addressing the students about the qualities that every leader
and politician should nurture.
Dear students,
You are all leaders of social change. I see many bright and enthusiastic faces that assure
me that our future is in good hands. I have learnt from my own
experience……………(continue)………….

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13. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words: 1x5=5
A. National Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on September 4 .This day aims to remind the
importance of conservation efforts to improve the natural world. As a member of the Eco club
of your school you delivered a speech on the significance of the day alluding to the whims and
fancies of the Tiger King who was known for his callous and ruthless attitude towards tigers.
Write your speech bringing out the arrogance and obsession of the King and the punishment
destiny had for him. You are Prithvi/Prakruti.
OR
B. People look up to doctors with great respect for the service they render to humanity. March 30
is Doctors’ Day, an annual observance aimed at appreciating physicians who help save our
lives everywhere. Referring to the significance of the day and Dr. Sadao’s role in the story
‘The Enemy’ write an article for a leading newspaper. You are Mohan/Meena.

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