ENGLISH CORE Question Paper CBSE Board Class 12 

ENGLISH (Core) Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80 
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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 and 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. 
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SECTION A Reading Skills (20 marks) 
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1.    Read the passage given below : 

1 Seagulls, as you know, never falter, never stall. To stall in the air is for them a disgrace and a dishonour. But Jonathan Livingston Seagull, unashamed, stretching his wings again in that trembling hard curve slowing, slowing, and stalling once more was no ordinary bird. Most gulls don't bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight - how to get from shore to food and back again. For most gulls, it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight. More than anything else, Jonathan Livingston Seagull loved to fly. 
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2 This kind of thinking, he found, is not the way to make oneself popular with other birds. Even his parents were dismayed as Jonathan spent the whole day alone, making hundreds of low-level gliders, experimenting. "Why, Jon, why?" his mother asked. "Why is it so hard to be like the rest of the flock, Jon? Why can't you leave low flying to the pelicans, the albatross? Why don't you eat? Son, you're bone and feathers!" "I don't mind being bone and feathers, mom. I just want to know what I can do in the air and what I can't, that's all. I just want to know." "See here, Jonathan," said his father, not unkindly. "Winter isn't far away. Boats will be few, and the surface fish will be swimming deep. If you must study, then study food, and how to get it. This flying business is all very well, but you can't eat a glide, you know. Don't you forget that the reason you fly is to eat." 
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3 Jonathan nodded obediently. For the next few days he tried to behave like the other gulls; he really tried, screeching and fighting with the flock around the piers and fishing boats, diving on scraps of fish and bread. But he couldn't make it work. It wasn't long before Jonathan Gull was off by himself again, far out at sea, hungry, happy, learning. The subject was speed, and in a week's practice he learned more about speed than the fastest gull alive. Time after time it happened. Careful as he was, working at the very peak of his ability, he lost control at a high speed. The key, he thought at last, dripping wet, must be to hold the wings still at high speeds to flap up to fifty and then hold the wings still. 
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4 From two thousand feet he tried again, rolling into his dive, beak straight down, wings full out and stable from the moment he passed fifty miles per hour. It took tremendous strength, but it worked. In ten seconds he had blurred ninety miles per hour. Jonathan had set a world speed record for seagulls! But victory was short-lived. The instant he began his pullout, the instant he changed the angle of his wings, he snapped into the same uncontrollable disaster, and at ninety miles per hour it hit him like dynamite. Jonathan Seagull exploded in midair and smashed down into a brick-hard sea. As he sank low in the water, a strange hollow voice sounded within him. There's no way around it. I am a seagull. I am limited by my nature. If I were meant to learn so much about flying, I'd have charts for brains. If I were meant to fly at speed, I'd have a falcon's short wings. Short wings. A falcon's short wings! That's the answer! What a fool I've been! All I need is a tiny little wing, all I need is to fold most of my wings and just fly on the tips along. Short wings! 
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Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 x 1 = 10 

(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option: Majority of seagulls fly only short distances as (a) they are more interested in food than flight. (b) they don't have energy. (c) they are not meant to fly low. (d) food is not available at high speed. 
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(ii) Why were Jonathan Livingston's parents dismayed? 

(iii) Give two reasons for Jonathan's unconventional behaviour. (Clue: think about Jonathan's point of view.) 
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(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of 'glory' from words used in paragraph 1. (a) disgrace (b) dishonour (c) learning (d) unashamed 
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(v) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph 2, EXCEPT (a) Jonathan could not fly but only glide. (b) Jonathan wanted to be popular with other birds. (c) Jonathan realised that even the albatross flew at high altitudes. (d) The reason seagulls flew was to find food. 
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(vi) Jonathan was different from other seagulls. Based on your understanding of paragraph 2, list what Jonathan wanted to know. 
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(vii) What was the mother's concern about Jonathan? 

(viii) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference with respect to the following: Father reminds Jonathan that he 'can't eat a glide' in order to _______ 
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(ix) It wasn't long before Jonathan Gull was off by himself again, far out at sea. Which trait of Jonathan does this statement reveal? (a) practical bird (b) persistent learner (c) lonely and sad (d) carefree and irresponsible 
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(x) Was it fair to fly like a falcon when he was just a seagull? Why does he say so? 
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2.    Read the passage given below : 

1 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are products that sell quickly at relatively low cost. FMCG is the fourth-largest sector in the Indian economy. There are three main segments in the sector food and beverages, which accounts for 19% of the sector; healthcare, which accounts for 31% of the share; and household and personal care, which accounts for the remaining 50% share. The urban segment contributes to about 55% of the revenue share, while the rural segment accounts for 45%. Rise in rural consumption will drive the FMCG market. The Indian processed food market is projected to expand to US$ 470 billion by 2025, up from US$ 263 billion in 2019-20. 
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2 The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite nationwide lockdowns, supported by consumption-led growth and value expansion from higher product prices, particularly for staples. Real household spending is projected to increase 9.1% after 2021, after a decrease of 9.3% in 2020 due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Price increase across product categories will offset the impact of rising raw material prices, along with volume growth and resurgence of demand for discretionary items. 
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3 The FMCG sector has received good investments and support from the Government in the recent past. The sector witnessed healthy FDI inflows from April 2000 March 2022. Furthermore, as per the Union Budget 2022-23, a substantial amount has been allocated to the Department of Consumer Affairs, an increased amount has been allocated to the Department of Food and Public Distribution. In 2021-22, the Government approved Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of a larger amount to help Indian brands of food products in the international markets. 
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4 The Government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme gives companies a major opportunity to boost exports. The future outlook of the FMCG rural sector looks on track now. Rural consumption has increased, led by a combination of increasing income and higher aspiration levels. There is an increased demand for branded products in rural India. The growth of organised sector in FMCG is expected to rise with an increased level of brand consciousness, augmented by the growth in modern retail. 
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[Pie Chart: Food and Beverages (19%), Healthcare (31%), Household and Personal care (50%)] 

Table I. FMCG Products 

1.    Processed foods: Cheese products, cereals 

2.    Prepared meals: Ready-to-eat meals 

3.    Beverages: Bottled water, aerated drinks, and juices 

4.    Baked goods: Biscuits, bread 

5.    Fresh foods, frozen foods, and dry goods: Fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, frozen food, and nuts 

6.    Medicines: Aspirin, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medication that can be purchased without a prescription 

7.    Cleaning products: Baking soda, washing powder 

8.    Cosmetics and toiletries: Beauty products, soaps, toothpastes 

9.    Office supplies: Pens, pencils 

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10 x 1 = 10 

(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? Food and beverages segment dominates the Global FMCG market and is expected to retain its dominance. Select from the following: I. True - If the statement agrees with the information II. False - If the statement contradicts the information III. Not Given - If there is no information on this 
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(ii) What do you think gives opportunities to boost exports? 

(iii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for FMCG rural sector being on track. (a) FMCG sector has been unable to get investments from the Government. (b) PLI schemes don't reach the rural sector. (c) Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the online grocery segment in India is expected to double in the next five years. (d) There is a desire to buy branded products in the villages too. 
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(iv) Complete the sentence based on the following statement: The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite nationwide lockdowns because _______ 
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(v) From the given pie chart, which segment of FMCG accounts for the maximum percentage of the sector? OR For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q.No. 2(v) : Select the option that identifies the categories of food and beverages from the given table. (a) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (b) 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 (c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (d) 1, 6, 7, 8, 9 
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(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: The combination of increasing income and higher aspiration levels in the rural areas has led to (a) the Government taking a direct interest (b) the demand for branded products (c) price increases across product categories (d) the fall of supply in urban areas 
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(vii) How is the Government trying to help Indian brands of food products in the international markets ? 

(viii) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a clear case (a) that the rural people also want branded products (b) that the FMCG industry will not focus on brand consciousness (c) for the role of data analytics in the FMCG industry (d) for the Government's role by providing incentives 
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(ix) What will be the impact of increased level of brand consciousness? 

(x) Based on the reading of the passage, correct the following statement: The urban segment contributes to about 45% of the revenue share, while the rural segment accounts for 55%. 
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SECTION B Creative Writing Skills (20 marks) 
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3.    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5 (A) A sea storm is expected to hit the states on the East Coast of the country within 72 hours. As Rohit/Reema, Director General, Coast Guard, Odisha, write a notice in 50 words to warn fishermen, tourists and general public to take all safety precautions and not venture into the sea. Mention relevant details. OR (B) You are the Anuj/Anu, Secretary of Saket Kunj, Saket, Navi Mumbai, Resident Welfare Association. Write a notice in 50 words to be circulated to all the residents informing them that there will be no water supply in your colony for two days due to necessary repair and maintenance work. Mention dates, and the timings that tankers will be available in the R.W.A. premises. 
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4.    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5 (A) You are the Secretary, Student Council, Holy Mother Convent School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Your school is organizing a Diwali Mela. Draft a formal invitation letter in about 50 words to be sent to the Chairman of your school, inviting him to inaugurate the Mela. You are Amita/Amit. Mention day, date, time and venue. OR (B) You are Vineeta/Vinay Sharma. Draft a formal letter of reply in about 50 words, declining the invitation to a dinner on 28th February at Army Parade Grounds being hosted by Major J.P. Gautam. Mention day, date, time and venue. 
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5.    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below: 5 (A) A survey reveals that advertisements impact both young and old. They are lured by the discounted prices and the promises made by the product manufacturers. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views in 120-150 words on how advertisements may mislead the consumers and give suggestions on how they can make informed decisions. You are Carol/Philip. You may use the given input. 
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ADVERTISEMENTS:
•    Read with care 

•    Inaccurate facts 

•    Exaggerate features 

•    Heavy discounts 

•    Promote products with unproven value 

•    Distract with visuals 

OR
(B) Mansi/Manu of Viewside Road, Kanpur, sees the following advertisement in 'The Everyday News' and decides to apply for the job of a Marketing Executive. Write a letter of application along with the biodata in 120-150 words to the Personnel Manager, India Book House, Mall Road, Kanpur. 
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INDIA BOOK HOUSE Requires Marketing Executive Qualification : 
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•    Graduate in Marketing and Sales 

•    Experience 3 - 5 years 

•    Fluency in English and Local language 

•    Knowledge of basic computer skills Job requirement : 
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•    Setting targets and timelines 

•    Supervising sales 

6.    Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below : 5 (A) The primary wing of your Global Public School is putting up a special assembly to celebrate National Integration Day. Mr. Gopal Chand, Secretary, Education Department will be the Guest of Honour. You are Mira/Majid, student reporter of the school magazine. Write a report in 120-150 words to be published in the school magazine. You may use the following cues for the report. 
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PROGRAMME:
•    Welcome 

•    Speech by Guest of Honour 

•    Cultural activities - play, dance 

•    Inauguration of Art Exhibition 

•    Vote of Thanks 

OR
(B) Your school held a Pollution Awareness Drive during which students made presentations on factors and solutions. As the President of the Environment Club, you analyzed the presentations and prepared notes. Using the following notes and your own ideas, write an article in about 120-150 words to be published in an e-magazine. You are Bela/Bharat. 
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Polluting Factors:
•    vehicular emission 

•    depletion of green cover 

•    construction of high rise buildings 

•    open sewage 

•    poor drainage system 

•    industrial emission 

Solutions:
•    efforts of each citizen 

•    government measures 

•    role of media in creating awareness 

SECTION C Literature (40 marks) 
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7.    Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 6 x 1 = 6 (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: I looked again at her, wan, pale as a late winter's moon and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood's fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile 
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(i) The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-Six' captures the _______ of the narrator. I. happiness II. fear III. dismay IV. anxiety Choose the most appropriate option: (a) Only I (b) I and IV (c) II and IV (d) Only III 
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(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following: She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak much. 
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(iii) The word 'wan' in the given context most nearly means (a) pale (b) old (c) unwell (d) anxious 
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(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly. Do not repeat from the example used. Trees sprinting: personification :: _______ : simile 
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(v) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below : I. The poet accepts the reality of her mother's declining health and old age. II. She is nostalgic about her childhood days spent with her mother. Choose the most appropriate option: (a) I is true, but II is false (b) Both I and II are true (c) II is the reason for I (d) II cannot be inferred from the extract 
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(vi) Explain the following statement with reference to the above extract: All I did was smile and smile and smile. 
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OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 x 1 = 6 Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still. For once on the face of the Earth let's not speak in any language, Let's stop for one second, and not move our arms so much. It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together 
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(i) The poet counts up to twelve as a countdown to (a) lift arms. (b) speak in different languages. (c) stop all activities. (d) be without engines. 
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(ii) The poet appeals to the people that they should I. keep quiet. II. not move. III. celebrate festivals. IV. not hibernate. Choose the most appropriate option: (a) Only II (b) I and II (c) Only I (d) I and IV 
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(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the third line of the extract: (a) lightning danced across the sky (b) greedy good doers (c) children spilling out of their homes (d) fight like cats and dogs 
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(iv) The benefits of 'Keeping Quiet' include I. harmony II. non-violence III. brotherhood IV. meditation Choose the most appropriate option: (a) I and II (b) II and IV (c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III and IV 
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(v) Complete the statement with reference to the extract: The poet suggests we will all be together when _______ 
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(vi) The word 'exotic' in the extract most nearly means (a) unique (b) luxurious (c) rich (d) illusive 
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8.    Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below : 4 x 1 = 4 (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : "Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn." 
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(i) Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to? (a) Appa; Bama (b) Bama; Amma (c) Bama; The Zamindar (d) Annan; Bama 
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(ii) Select the option that best describes the speaker in the above extract: I. marginalized II. practical III. idealistic IV. curious V. aggressive Select the most appropriate option: (a) I and II (b) III and IV (c) II and IV (d) IV and V 
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(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the community: The treatment meted out to the community was _______ 
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(iv) Which of the following summarizes the author's opinion about study? (a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning. (b) Studying is better than playing. (c) Studying is essential to the nation's development. (d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress. 
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OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 4 x 1 = 4 You think 'Here's a boy.' You look at me and then you see my face and you think. 'That's bad. That's a terrible thing. That's the ugliest thing I ever saw.' You think, 'Poor boy.' But I'm not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror, and see it, I'm afraid of me. 
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(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to ? (a) Derry; His mother (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb (c) Derry; Ladies at the bus stop (d) Mother; Mr. Lamb 
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(ii) According to the speaker, what do people feel about him? (a) People are empathetic towards him. (b) People are repulsed by his appearance. (c) People are annoyed by his presence. (d) People are unhappy at his association with his neighbours. 
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(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the extract: When I look in the mirror, and see it, I'm afraid of me _______ 
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(iv) Explain the following statement with reference to the given extract: You think, 'Poor boy.' But I'm not. 
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9.    Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) given below: 6 x 1 = 6 (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. 
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(i) How was there national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan in the make-up department? (a) The staff consisted of a Bengali, a Maharashtrian, a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and Tamils. (b) They recited slogans of national integration. (c) The staff studied make-up techniques of various states. (d) Their clients were from various states. 
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(ii) Select a suitable word from the extract to complete the analogy: front : rear :: ravishing : _______ 
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(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blanks: The make-up artists could turn _______ looking people into _______ looking men and women. (a) ordinary; pleasant (b) ugly; good (c) pleasant; ugly (d) monstrous; beautiful 
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(iv) The word 'pancake' in the extract most nearly means (a) brand name (b) lemon cake (c) savoury (d) preservative 
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(v) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is true for the make-up department. (a) The make-up artists were welcomed by the actors. (b) The make-up artists were poorly paid. (c) The work done by the make-up artists was not appreciated. (d) The department exhibited national integration. 
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(vi) Bring out the irony in the above given extract. 

OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 6 x 1 = 6 Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in the elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces. While waiting for your elevator to come up from the first to the third floor, I have already written an article ! 
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(i) Umberto Eco, was (a) a professor of semiotics, an author (b) an interviewer, a novelist (c) a journalist, a professor (d) a publisher, an author 
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(ii) Rationalise, to support the given statement: Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. 
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(iii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference: I call them interstices. 
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(iv) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below : I. Umberto Eco works even in the spare time between activities. II. Umberto Eco does not like to be interviewed. Choose the most appropriate option: (a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot (b) I cannot be inferred from the extract, but II can (c) I and II are true (d) II is the reason for I 
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(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract: Umberto Eco does not like to waste time. He writes an article while he is proceeding to the elevator. 
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(vi) Umberto Eco's views on his manner of work are based on (a) facts (b) an interview (c) his blog (d) hypothesis 
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10.    Answer any five of the following in about 40-50 words each: 5 x 2 = 10 (a) What were Franz's feelings as he set out for school and why? (b) What vicious circle are the bangle-makers trapped in ? (c) What were Douglas's initial thoughts when he was pushed into the pool? (d) Who was Edla Williamson? Why did she visit the forge at night? (e) Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in 'her brother's affections'? (f) Why do Aunt Jennifer's tigers not fear the men beneath the tree? 
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11.    Answer any two of the following in about 40-50 words each: 2 x 2 = 4 (a) In what way did the infant Tiger King surprise the astrologer? (b) How does Mr. Lamb try to put Derek at ease when he entered Mr. Lamb's garden? (c) What did Charley find in his collection of first day covers? 
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12.    Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5 (a) Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty as a doctor and his responsibility as a patriotic citizen. Elaborate. OR (b) How has human civilization impacted our environment? Comment with reference to the lesson "Journey to the End of the Earth". 
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13.    Answer any one of the following in about 120-150 words: 5 (a) "Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India." When and how did it happen? OR (b) In the chapter 'Poets and Pancakes', the author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how it served to make the extract engaging. 
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