Shri Bhairavnath Shikshan Sanstha’s

Aditya English Medium School

Affiliation No. 1130831
Baner, Pune – 411045
Preboard Examination
2024-2025

Sub – English Core (Subject code 301) Grade- XII

Marks - 80 Time- 3 Hrs

General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections READING, WRITING, and
LITERATURE.Attempt question based on specific instructions for each
part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate
the option/s being attempted.

Q.No SECTION A- READING (20 marks)

Mar
ks
Q.1 Read the passage given below: 12 M
1.Ghost nets aren’t supernatural, but they are legitimately scary. A ghost net is a
fishing net that’s been lost or abandoned in the ocean. They are oneparticularly
appalling part of the global ghost fishing problem, which includes fishing gear
abandoned in the water. Any net or line left in the ocean can pose a threat to
marine life. Just because a net is no longer used by fishers doesn’t mean it stops
working. These nets continue to trap everything in their path, presenting a major
problem for the health of our oceans and marine life.
2. Ghost nets entangle sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals
and more, apart from catching fish. The nets keep animals from moving freely,
cause injuries and keep mammals and birds from rising to the surface for air.
Since hundreds of animals can be caught in a single net, this threat is
monumental. The
ghost nets harm coral reefs too—breaking corals, exposing them to disease and
even blocking the reefs from needed sunlight.
3. Ghost nets are also a major contributor to the ocean plastics crisis. Most
modern nets are made of nylon or other plastic compounds that can last for
centuries. According to a 2018 study in Scientific Reports, ghost nets make up at
least 46 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Those abandoned fishing
lines and nets that do break down never go away; they just become smaller
pieces of plastic. Marine animals mistake this microplastic for food and eat it,
which can harm internal organs, keep them from eating and expose them to toxic
chemicals.
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 4. Exorcising ghost nets from our oceans will require commitment, cooperation
and innovation. Many groups are working to remove ghost nets from the sea and
are collaborating with local fishers and governments around the world to
identify target areas and remove as many nets as possible. In 2015, a single
World
Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)-led mission in the Baltic Sea hauled up 268
tons of nets, ropes and other material.
5. 5. To stop these nets from becoming ghosts in the first place, conservation
organisations advocate for fishing gear that can be traced to its owner so anyone
dumping nets can be fined and refundable deposits on nets to encourage
returning or recycling rather than littering. Tools like sonar reflectors that can
make ghost nets easier to find and working with small-scale fisheries to develop
more sustainable fishing gear and practices are other suggestions. It is only by
attacking this problem from all sides, together with conservation partners, fishers
and supporters, can we banish ghost nets and protect our oceans.
(437 words)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following
questions from the given below.

i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option. (1) 1

Ghost nets have been named so because they ________.
A. cause much harm to marine life
B. are functional though not in use by fishers
C. are not owned by anyone
D. act as a snare for all animals in oceans
ii Comment on the writer’s reference to the ghost nets in paragraph one, as a 1
health problem for the oceans.
iii List the two ways being entangled in a ghost net is likely to impact a walrus. (2) 2
(Clue: Think about the type of animal a walrus is)
iv Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘negligible’, from words used in 1
paragraph two. (1)
A. unimpressive
B. monumental
C. exposing
D. threat
v The writer would agree with the given statements based on paragraph three, 1
EXCEPT: (1)
A. Most ghost nets take a few years to completely disintegrate.
B. Ghost nets contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
C. Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration.
D. Ghost nets can curtail the freedom of marine animals
vi Some records share that fishing nets used to be made of common rope using 2
natural fibres, prior to the 1960s.
Based on your understanding of paragraph three, list one major advantage that
these had over the fishing nets being used in present times. (2)
vii Why is it fair to say that commitment and innovation have to go hand-in-hand to 2
rid the oceans of ghost nets? (2)
viii Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the 1
following: (1)
The writer quotes the example of the WWF-led mission in the Baltic Sea
(Paragraph 4), in order to........
ix. How can the solutions, suggested in paragraph five, best be described? (1) 1
2
 A. practical
B. presentable
C. popular
D. prejudiced
Q.2 Read the following extract. 8
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%. The rise in rural consumption will drive the
FMCG market. The Indian processed food market is projected to expand to
US470 billion by2025, up from US 263 billion in 2019-20.
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 increases across
product categories will offset the impact of rising raw material prices, along with
volume growth and a resurgence of demand for discretionary items.
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 to March 2022. Furthermore, as per the Union
Budget 2022 23, a substantial amount has been allocated to the Department of
Consumer Affairs, and an increased amount has been allocated to the
Department of Food and Public Distribution. In 2021 22, the Government
approved the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing
Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of a larger amount to help Indian brands of
food products in the international markets.
4. The G 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.

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

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 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, toothpaste
9. Office supplies: Pens, pencils
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
i. Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? 1
The 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
ii. Select the option that displays the most likely reason for the FMCG rural sector 1
being on track.
a. The FMCG sector has been unable to get investments from the Government.
b. PLI schemes don't reach the rural sector.
c. The 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.
iii. Complete the sentence based on the following statement: 1
The Indian FMCG industry grew by 16% in 2021, a 9-year high, despite
nationwide lockdowns because
________.
iv. From the given pie chart, which segment of FMCG accounts for the maximum 2
percentage of the sector?
Why?
v. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: 1
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
vi. How is the Government trying to help Indian brands of food products in the 2
international markets?
vii. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: 1
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
viii. What will be the impact of the increased level of brand consciousness? 1

Section B: Writing Skill (18M)

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Q.3 The Principal, Sunshine Public School, Dindigul has invited the Inspector of 4
Police (Traffic) to deliver a lecture on ‘Road Safety’ in her school. Draft a notice
in about 50 words informing the students to assemble in the school auditorium.
OR
You are the President, RWA Silver Oak Society. Draft a notice for the society
notice board informing residents about the appointment of security guards at
Gate Nos. 2, 3 & 4 and an increase of ₹ 1,000 in the annual maintenancecharges
to meet the expenditure. Mention relevant details.
.
Q. 4 You are a student of Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi. The School is 4
holding its Annual Function at 5.30 p.m. on 27th Jan. 2019. The Education
Minister has consented to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be
sent to the parents and other invitees. (Word Limit 50).

OR
You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a reply of refusal
expressing inability to attend a house warming party hosted by your colleague.
Q.5 You are Ashutosh/Ashita Sarin, residing at 28, H-Block, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. 5
You love Delhi and its beautiful architecture. Recently you visited the Red Fort
and were disturbed to see the poor maintenance of the monument by the
authorities concerned as well as by the careless and negligent attitude of the
visitors who spoil the buildings by writing names, messages on the walls,
domes, etc. Write a letter to the Editor, The Statesman, expressing concern over
this state and the need for awakening a sense of pride and love for such
monuments among the common people.

OR
You are Sudha / Sudhir resident of A-7, Shanti Park. You read the following
advertisements in a newspaper. Draft an application in response to the
advertisement giving your detailed resume.

SITUATION VACANT
I wanted a young and experienced graduate with fluency in English and Hindi to
work as a receptionist at Customer Care booths of NCR Groups of Hotels, Delhi.
Contact Manager along with your complete C.V. within 7 days of this
advertisement.
Q.6 Travelling in an overcrowded bus can be very upsetting. Pushing and shoving, 5
suffocation, angry faces and rumpled clothes are facts a traveller has to face.
Write an article in 125-150 words on “Travelling in an overcrowded bus.” You
are Sohan/Sohini.
OR
You are Akhil/Anjana, a resident of Kailash Colony, Fort Road, Patna. Recently
your city experienced a lot of rain and consequently, people living in the low-
lying areas suffered a lot of difficulties. NDRF rescue teams reached the affected
areas in time. The marooned people were taken to safer places and provided with
shelter, food, and medicines. Write a report on the floods and rescue efforts in
150 – 200 words.

Section C Literature (40M)

Q.7 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: [1X6
I looked again at her, wan, =06]
pale
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 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 ...

I 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
II Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following:
She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak much.
III The word wan in the given context most nearly means
a. pale
b. old
c. unwell
d. anxious
IV Complete the following analogy correctly. Do not repeat from the example used.
Trees sprinting : personification : : ________ : simile
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
VI Explain the following statement with reference to the above extract:
All I did was smile and smile and smile.
OR
Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer.
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are
And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was bound;
(A Roadside Stand)

I Select the option that has the same literary device as in ‘The sadness that lurks
near the open window there’. (1)
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 A. Lucy moved across the room like a warship sailing into battle.
B. Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
C. The water-wraith was shrieking.
D. The pen is mightier than the sword.
II They prayed for the stopping of a car. When one car finally stopped, it brought
________ to the people of the roadside stand. (1)
A. help
B. happiness
C. disappointment
D. cash flow
III Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, ‘......childish longing in
vain’. (1)
IV Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is ________.
V The expression ‘selfish car’ suggests that ________. (1)
VI Based on the rhyme scheme evident in the last two lines of the extract, which
word would rhyme with the last line? (1) brass reply sound
Q.8 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 1x4=
"I wondered, Your Excellency, "Sadao murmured. 4
“It was certainly very careless of me,” the General said. “But you understand it
was not lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty.” He looked anxiously at his
doctor. “If the matter should come out you would understand that, wouldn’t
you? “Certainly, Your Excellency,” Sadao said. He suddenly comprehended that
the General was in the palm of his hand and that as a consequence he himself
was perfectly safe. “I swear to your loyalty. Excellency,” he said to the old
General, “and to your zeal against the enemy.”
I Identify the phrase from the given extract which means a person's purposeful
or accidental failure to perform an obligation without a valid excuse.
II At the end of the conversation with the General, Sadao felt
a. rejuvenated and guilt-free
b. conceited and egotistic
c. refreshed and self-conscious
d. relieved and guilt-free
III Read the analysis of the General based on the given extract. Choose the option
that fills in the given blanks most appropriately:
The General (i) ________ power but is (ii) ________ of the obligations of his
job. He is so (iii) ________ with his health that he forgets to send the assassins
to kill the prisoner. Due to his (iv) ________ interests, he doesn’t want to expose
Sadao and agrees to keep the prisoner’s escape a secret.
a. i. fantasizes
ii. lonely
iii. consumed
iv. vested
b. i. relishes
ii. weary
iii. self-absorbed
iv. selfish
c. i. fancies
ii. apathetic
iii. negligent
iv. worthless
d. i. desires
ii. concerned
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 iii. indisposed
iv. narrow
IV What does Sadao swear upon to convince the General?
OR
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle, which could be heard out
in the street, the opening and
closing of desks, lessons repeated in unison, very loud, with our hands over our
ears to understand better, and the
teachers great ruler rapping on the table. But now it was all so still! I had
counted on the commotion to get to my
desk without being seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as
Sunday morning. Through the
window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up
and down with his terrible iron
ruler under his arm.
i What was observed when the school began usually?
a. A lot of activity leading to noise
b. Cleanliness of the school premises
c. Lessons of the patriotism
d. Focus on the language
ii Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
Franz was afraid to enter the class because ________.
iii Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:
rapping: striking :: _______: clamour
iv M. Hamel can be understood to be ________ as he is standing in the given
extract.
a. cranky
b. strict
c. irritation
d. arrogant
Q.9 Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: 1x6=
For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It 6
was so warm, so bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in
the open field back of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all
much more tempting than the rule for participles, but I had the strength to resist,
and hurried off to school.
I Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
The ________ seemed boring to the narrator.
II What were the Prussian soldiers doing?
a. Drilling in the open field back of the sawmill
b. Chirping at the edge of the woods
c. Drilling in the open field back of the sand-mill
d. Both (i) and (ii)
III On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below.
(1) The narrator gave in to the distractions that day.
(2) The day offered all possible temptations to the narrator.
a. (1) Can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
b. (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.
c. (1) is true but (2) is false.
d. (2) is the reason for (1).

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IV Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:
Courage: Strength:: Endure: ________
V For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of
doors. Why did he think so?
a. Because he was late for school
b. Because he did not prepare anything for the test
c. Because he was afraid of M. Hamel's scolding
d. All of these
VI Replace the underlined word with its synonym from the extract.
The distractions were alluring the narrator.
OR
Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow:
I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the
voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls
entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and
peep behind large trunks. Someone threw up the curtains, and the room was
filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed. I do
not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and
scratching wildly. In spite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a
chair.
(Memories of Childhood)
I Select the appropriate option: (1)
________ sounds came nearer and nearer ________.
A. describes the increase in volume.
B. adds suspense and anxiety to readers.
C. reflects the thought of the speaker.
D. is a factual narrative.
II Complete the following sentence: (1)
Inspite of myself' suggests that the speaker was ________.
III What do you infer from the first line of the extract? (1)
A. It was her first day in school.
B. She did not want to get caught.
C. She was unprepared for the lesson.
D. She preferred to be by herself
IV State whether the statement given below is True or False: (1)
The speaker hoodwinked the people looking for her
V Explain-I held my breath
VI Who is the speaker of the extract?
Q.10 Answer any five of the following questions in 40-50 words each: 2x5=
10
I What kind of indications do we get while visiting Antarctica to save Earth?
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
II Why did Maharaja order the Dewan to double the tax?
III Tishani Doshi considered the programme Student on Ice a success. Do you
agree with her? Why/Why not? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
IV What made Asokamitran hope Stephen Spender too would be singing the same
song at the same time when he sealed the envelope of his manuscript?
V Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands ‘terrified’?
VI Mention any two long-term consequences of the drowning incident for Douglas
Answer any two of the following questions in 40-50 words each: 2x2=
4

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I What are oft-repeated questions about the environment raised in our time? What
is their significance?
II Why did the Dewan take the tiger to the forest? How?
III How did the writer justify the title journey to the end of the earth?
Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words each: 5x1=
5
Q.11 Franz from The Last Lesson and the peddler from The Rattrap demonstrate the
importance of learning from our mistakes to evolve into better people. Imagine
that Shubhangi, your friend, feels as if she has made a mistake by not taking her
academics seriously. Write an essay to Shubhangi in 120-150 words discussing
instances from the two texts to give her an insight into the human tendency to
make mistakes and learn from them. You may begin like this: Shubhangi, all of
us have made mistakes at one point or another in our lives. After all, to err is
human...
OR
It could be said that the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ presents the poet’s philosophy for
a different kind of world. If you were asked to highlight elements of Neruda’s
vision that resonate in your specific social, political and cultural context, which
three main ideas would you engage with? Use relevant textual details to support
your analysis.
Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words each: 5x1=
5
Q.12 At the beginning of the story, Sam is sceptical of Charley’s discovery of the
third level. By the end of the story, the reader is told that he found the third level
and travelled back in time. How would Sam diagnose himself?
OR
In the story, The Enemy, Dr. Sadao faced a dilemma. In an attempt to delineate
how he was both a patriotic Japanese as well as a dedicated surgeon, Hana, his
wife expresses her thoughts in a diary entry. Create this diary entry as Hana.

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