CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 1

Sample Paper 01
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 Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a vast arid region in
the northwestern part of India. It spans across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and
parts of Punjab and Haryana. The desert is characterized by its sandy terrain, extreme
temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Despite the harsh conditions, the Thar Desert is
home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including camels, desert foxes, and several
species of snakes. The survival of life in this region is a testament to the adaptability of
both plants and animals to the desert’s extreme environment.
2. The people living in and around the Thar Desert have also learned to adapt to the
challenging conditions. The local communities depend on livestock farming and small-
scale agriculture, often utilizing innovative techniques to conserve water. Traditional
practices such as rainwater harvesting and the construction of stepwells have allowed
people to thrive despite the limited water resources. In addition to these agricultural
practices, the region has a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant festivals, music, and art
that reflect the resilience of its people.
3. The monsoon season brings much-needed relief to the Thar Desert, though the rains
are often unpredictable. The arrival of rain transforms the barren land, bringing a
temporary burst of greenery and a brief window for agricultural activities. However,
the monsoon can also lead to flash floods, which pose a threat to both the people and
their livelihoods. The people of the Thar have developed unique ways to cope with these
challenges, including the use of flood-resistant crops and constructing homes on higher
ground.
4. The Thar Desert’s ecosystem is fragile, with ongoing threats from human activity, such
as overgrazing and deforestation. However, conservation efforts have been initiated to

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
Page 2 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

protect this unique environment. Wildlife sanctuaries have been established to protect
endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, and efforts are being made to restore
native vegetation. The delicate balance between human habitation and conservation in
the Thar is a constant challenge, requiring sustainable solutions to ensure the survival
of both the desert and its inhabitants.
5. Despite its arid conditions, the Thar Desert is a place of stunning beauty. The golden
sands stretch for miles, punctuated by the occasional green oasis or ancient fort. The
desert offers a unique landscape that has fascinated travelers for centuries. For those
willing to brave the heat, the Thar Desert provides an experience of isolation and
tranquility, where the vast open spaces create a sense of timelessness.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. According to paragraph 1, how have plants and animals adapted to the extreme conditions
of the Thar Desert? 1

ii. How does the author describe the relationship between the people of the Thar Desert
and their environment, as mentioned in paragraph 2? 1

iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1

The phrase “rainwater harvesting” in paragraph 2 refers to the practice of collecting and
storing rainwater for future use.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
Rainwater harvesting is essential in the Thar Desert because _____.
(A) it ensures a steady water supply in the arid conditions
(B) it prevents flooding during the monsoon season

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The arrival of the monsoon in the Thar Desert brings _____.

v. Why does the writer emphasize the importance of conservation efforts in paragraph 4? 1
Because
(A) They help in maintaining the beauty of the desert.
(B) They protect endangered species and restore native vegetation.
(C) They ensure tourism continues to thrive.
(D) They encourage large-scale farming.

vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following : 1
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Thar Desert and its ecosystem.

vii. In the line, ‘The arrival of rain transforms the barren land’ (Paragraph 3), what does
the word ‘transforms’ suggest about the effect of the monsoon on the desert? 2

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

camels: animals :: stepwells: _____
(A) water (B) agriculture
(C) desert (D) people

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 3

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘The Thar Desert provides an experience of
isolation and tranquility’ in paragraph 5 uses descriptive language? 1
(A) It highlights the isolation of the desert.
(B) It describes the harsh weather of the desert.
(C) It explains how the Thar Desert has little wildlife.
(D) It focuses on the culture of the people living there.

x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of balancing conservation efforts with the
needs of the local communities, as suggested in paragraph 4. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. A recent study revealed that less than 20% of teenagers report reading a book, magazine,
or newspaper daily for pleasure, while more than 80% say they use social media every
day. This shift in media consumption patterns is part of a larger trend in the digital age,
according to research published by the World Psychological Association.
2. Compared to previous generations, teens in the 2010s spend significantly more time
online and less time with traditional media, such as books and magazines. According
to the lead author of the book yGen, this displacement of traditional media by digital
platforms has transformed how young people engage with content.
3. A study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of approximately 50,000
eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students. The survey, conducted from 1976 to 2016,
encompassed more than 1 million teenagers and examined their media consumption
habits over time.
4. The use of digital media increased substantially from 2006 to 2016. Among twelfth-
graders, internet use during leisure time doubled from one to two hours per day during
that period. Similarly, the study found a 75% increase in digital media use for tenth-
graders and a 68% increase for eighth-graders.
5. On average, twelfth-graders in the mid-2010s reported spending two hours a day texting,
just over two hours on the internet, and under two hours on social media—a total of
about six hours daily on digital media during their free time. This pattern was also
reflected among younger age groups, with tenth-graders spending about five hours and
eighth-graders about four hours per day on digital activities.
6. Time spent on digital media has significantly reduced the amount of time students spend
on traditional media, such as print books and newspapers. In the early 1990s, 33% of
tenth-graders read a newspaper almost daily. By 2016, this figure had dropped to 2%.
Similarly, 60% of twelfth-graders in the late 1970s read books or magazines regularly,
while only 16% did so by 2016.
7. Despite having the ability to access large amounts of information, today’s youth struggle
with focusing on long-form content, which affects their ability to grasp complex issues
and develop critical thinking skills. Their dependence on digital media often makes it
challenging to concentrate for extended periods.

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
Page 4 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links the shift from traditional media to social media
among teens to highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the decline in reading traditional media and the rise in digital media
consumption among teenagers.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Secondary objective (B) Research outcome
(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

iii. Give two points to support why the increased use of digital media among teenagers is
seen as problematic. 2
iv. Paragraph 6 includes words – ‘traditional media’ and ‘digital media.’ 1
Classify the following sentences as ‘traditional media’ or ‘digital media’:
Sentence 1: Twelfth-graders spend about six hours per day on digital activities, including
texting and social media.
Sentence 2: In the early 1990s, a third of tenth-graders read a newspaper almost daily.

v. Read the following : 1

Arjun spends two hours each day texting and browsing the internet. Priya, his friend,
rarely reads a book and spends about five hours on social media every day. Meanwhile,
Manish, another friend, struggles to focus on complex issues due to his heavy reliance
on digital platforms.
Select the option that identifies the correct digital media habits of Arjun, Priya, and
Manish.
(A) Arjun – two hours texting; Priya – five hours on social media; Manish – difficulty
focusing on complex issues
(B) Arjun – reading books; Priya – two hours on social media; Manish – no internet use
(C) Arjun – texting; Priya – no internet use; Manish – reading newspapers
(D) Arjun – social media; Priya – newspapers; Manish – difficulty with short texts

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 5

vi. Why is the decline in reading traditional media considered a significant issue, even
though teenagers are more informed than ever? 1

vii. Analyse how the shift to digital media has impacted students’ ability to focus and
develop critical thinking skills. (Paragraph 7) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Encourage more time spent on digital media
(B) Promote a balance between digital and traditional media consumption
(C) Limit social media usage to reduce screen time
(D) Increase access to social media for younger students

SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

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

A. Your school is organising a Bal Mela on ‘Children’s Day’ in the school. The primary
wing of the school is going to put up various stalls in the mela. Draft a notice giving
details of the mela as well as inviting the senior students to attend the same. Sign your
name as Rajesh Roshan, Secretary, Cultural Society.


O
B. As the librarian of your school, write a notice in about 50 words informing the students
of the penalty for losing or damaging the books issued to them.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4
A. You are going to open a confectionery store at Sipri Road, Jhansi, and want to invite
your friends and the people of your locality on its inaugural ceremony. Draft a suitable
invitation in 50 words.


O
B. You are Anita/Rajnish. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend’s
sister during summer vacation. Respond to the invitation accepting the invitation.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. Meera Ranjan is a resident of Kerala. She writes a letter to the editor of a local newspaper
giving her strong views on the disadvantages of setting up a chemical factory in your
area and makes an appeal to the central government to reconsider its decision, as it will
worsen the environment of the city. Add your own ideas and write this letter in 120-150
words.


O
B. You saw an advertisement in a daily newspaper for the post of a Sales Executive in a
reputable MNC. Write a letter with bio-data in 120-150 words to the HR Manager, Goel
Sons Ltd, Vinod Nagar, Delhi, applying for the post advertised. You are Rani/Rajesh.

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
Page 6 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

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

A. Mohit Sen, the president of the youth forum of his colony, attends a seminar on rampant
corruption in social and political life in India. He decides to write an article on the ‘Role
of Youth in Combating Corruption’. Write his article in 120-150 words.


O
B. You are a TOI correspondent. Write a report in 120-150 words on the ‘use of solar
energy’ for your newspaper.

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. A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness, but
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet
Breathing.
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 over darkened ways
Made for our searching.
(A Thing of Beauty)

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

(A) Keats defines beauty as illusionary.
(B) Keats defines beauty as eternal.
(C) Keats defines beauty as transient.
(D) Keats defines beauty as short-lived.

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 7

ii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that beauty provides eternal joy and helps us stay connected
to life.
Reason : Beauty exists despite the challenges of life, but it cannot ease the despondence
or gloom completely.
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.

iii. Complete the following suitably.

‘will keep a bower quiet for us’ means _____.

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The things that create _____ (unhappiness/happiness) are lack of noble nature.

v. Based on the rhyming scheme of the poem, evident in lines 2-10, of the given extract,
which word would rhyme with line 1?

vi. What does the poet say about the nature of beauty in the given lines?

O
B. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.”
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)

i. Why does Aunt Jennifer find the needle hard to pull?

ii. What does Aunt Jennifer want to express through the creation of the tigers?

iii. What is the ‘massive weight’ a subtle reference to?

(A) Unwanted marriage
(B) The ring that makes her uncomfortable
(C) Her gold ring
(D) Suppression at the hands of her husband

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
 Page 8 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

iv. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : Aunt Jennifer’s struggles in life are symbolized by her difficulty in pulling
the needle.
Reason : The weight of Uncle’s wedding band represents the oppressive burden of her
marriage, which restricts her freedom and independence.
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. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The ring around Aunt Jennifer’s fingers indicate her _____ (status/marriage).

vi. Complete the following suitably.

The fluttering fingers indicate the suppression and subjugation that _____.

8. A. Read the
8.

A.
Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 4#1 = 4
“If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested and if we turned him
over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
“The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,” Hana said. But neither of

lowing extracts
them moved. They were staring with a curious repulsion upon the inert figure
‘What is he?’ Hana whispered.
“There is something about him that looks American,” Sadao said. He took up the
battered cap. Yes, there, almost gone, was the faint lettering. ‘A sailor,’ he said, “from
an American warship.” He spelled it out: ‘US Navy.’ The man was a prisoner of war!

nd answer the
i. Why did Hana suggest putting the man back into the sea?
(The Enemy)

uestions for any

ii. What conflicting ideas disturb the doctor’s mind when they saw the bleeding American
soldier?
(A) Patient’s health and servants
(B) Duty of a doctor and the case of defamation
(C) Duty of a doctor and loyalty towards his nation

ne of the given
iii.
(D) Servant’s behaviour

Why does Hana say ‘The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea’ ?

two, (A)
iv. In what condition did Dr. Sadao find the American soldier at the seashore?

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 9

O
B. The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a fever pitch when there remained just one tiger to
achieve his tally iof a hundred. He had this one thought during the day and the same
dream at night. By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-Iaw’s
kingdom. It became impossible to locate tigers anywhere. Yet only one more was need.
ed. If he could kill just that one single beast, the Maharaja would have no fears. left. He
could give up tiger hunting altogether.
(The Tiger King)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The writer refers to the dreams of the Tiger King to highlight _____.

ii. What does NOT lead to a ‘fever pitch’ ?

iii. Select the most suitable title for the given extract.
(A) The Selfish King
(B) On the Way of Killing a Hundred Tigers
(C) Maharaja’s Determination
(D) Killing Other Creatures

iv. ‘By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom.’
What does this line tell us about the Maharaja?

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. And in dark hutments, next to lines of flames of flickering oil lamps, sit boys and girls
with their fathers and mothers, welding pieces of coloured glass into circles of bangles.
Their eyes are more adjusted to the dark than to the light outside. That is why they
often end up losing their eyesight before they become adults.
Savita, a young girl in a drab pink dress, sits alongside an elderly woman, soldering
pieces of glass. As her hands move mechanically like the tongs of a machine, I wonder if
she knows the sanctity of the bangles she helps make. It symbolizes an Indian woman’s
suhaag, auspiciousness in marriage. It will dawn on her suddenly one day when her head
is draped with a red veil, her hands dyed red with henna, and red bangles rolled onto
her wrists. She will then become a bride.
(Lost Spring)

i. List any two details about the boys and girls of bangle making industries.

ii. What does bangle symbolise?

(A) Indian woman’s suhaag (B) Auspiciousness in marriage
(C) Both (A) and (B) (D) The tyranny of women

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Savita sits alongside an elderly woman _____.

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
Page 10 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

iv. Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that Sabita, a young girl is also
engaged in ancestral profession.

v. What does ‘their eyes’ over here refer to?

vi. Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(A) The rigidity of bangle makers
(B) The importance of bangle makers
(C) The fears of bangle makers
(D) The miserable condition of bangle makers


O
B. “Even in the matter of education, especially formal education, Subbu couldn’t have
had an appreciable lead over the boy. But by virtue of being born a Brahmin-a virtue
indeed!-he must have had exposure to more affluent situations and people.”
(Poets and Pancakes)

i. If Subbu was not educated, what made him superior to the office boy?

ii. Why was office boy always angry with Subbu?

(A) Office boy was at par with Subbu in education.
(B) Subbu had insulted the office boy.
(C) Subbu had attained No. 2 position.
(D) Thought Subbu to be very clever

iii. What do you think is the office boy feeling in the extract?

iv. Rationalise to support the given opinion.

According to the office boy being a Brahmin is a virtue.

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct statement.

(A) Subbu was the chief make-up man.
(B) The narrator agrees with the office boy.
(C) The office boy seems to be jealous of Subbu.
(D) All of the above

vi. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The narrator and the office boy highlight _____.

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5 # 2 = 10

i. Is the title of the story ‘The Rattrap’ justified?

ii. Describe the symbols that have been used to relate the beauties of nature.
(A Thing of Beauty)

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 01 Page 11

iii. What symbol does the poet invoke in ‘Keeping Quiet’ to convey the idea of life under
apparent stillness?

iv. What did M. Hamel tell his students about French language? What was his suggestion
to them.
(The Last Lesson)
v. What are the hazards of working in the bangle-making industry?
(Lost Spring)

vi. What was Kamala Das’ fear as a child? Why does it surface when she is going to airport?
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)

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

i. What happened to the narrator’s psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner? What do you deduce
from it?
(The Third Level)

ii. What qualities of Mr. Lamb drew Derry toward him?

(On the Face of It)

iii. When did the author start her journey to Antarctica and what had she to pass through?
(Journey to the end of the earth)

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Sophie lives in her fantasies. She hopes to make it big. You realize that the modern day
youth are also like that. You decide to write an article about the need to dream and how
can it prove to be harmful sometimes.
(Going Places)


O
B. Imagine a child from the farmer’s family migrates to the city for their education. As the
child, write back to your family telling them whether you would or would not want to
turn into a city person.
Use the context of the poem “A Roadside Stand” in mind to pen down this letter.
You may begin this way :
12, Davidson County
23 January xx
Dear mom
I have been thinking about the roadside stall lately. Now that I find myself surrounded
by city-people all the time, I think……………………………………..
With love
Jennifer

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install
Page 12 Sample Paper 01 NODIA

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5

A. Recall the story ‘We too are Human Beings’ from the text ‘Memories of Childhood’.
Imagine that Bama stops the elderly man who was carrying the packet of vadais, and
strikes up a conversation with him. She asks him a couple of questions. As the man,
responds to Bama’s questions. You may follow the given format and include the two
questions in your conversation.
Bama : Hi sir, I noticed that you were carrying that packet in a funny manner. Why
were you doing so?
Elderly man : ...
Bama : But that’s terrible. How does that make you feel?


O
B. Mr. Lamb had many qualities that attract Derry. Mr. Lamb has positive attitude towards
life. His qualities attracted Derry towards him. What are the qualities of Mr. Lamb
that drew Derry towards him? You wish to include a cameo for the above statement’s
explanation in your upcoming blog post.
(A short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something)
As a part of the research, discuss the statement in relation to qualities of Mr. Lamb in
about 120-150 words.
(On the Face of It)

******

Install NODIA App to See the Solutions.

Click Here To Install