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Board Paper of Class 12-Humanities 2016 English (SET 3) - Solutions

General Instructions:
(i) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.


  • Question 1
    1. Read the passage given below :
     
    1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.
     
    2. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued for 1500 years since its establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him. Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence even today The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a longstanding tradition sustained by several generations.
     
    3. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its people.
     
    4. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha which is the sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was which allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate whether the Vijaya Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side by side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
     
    5. The cycle of time does not remain the same Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn. The fortune of Mewar – the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for sometime.
    On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer each of the questions given below with the help of options that follow :
     
    (a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because :
    (i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years.
    (ii) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar.
    (iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism.
    (iv) both (ii) and (iii)
     
    (b) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were :
    (i) lack of cooperation of the nobility.
    (ii) ancient traditions of the kingdom.
    (iii) its small area and small population.
    (iv) the poverty of the subjects.

    (c) During thorny occasions :
    (i) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered.
    (ii) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high.
    (iii) the people of Mewar showed gallantry.
    (iv) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief.
     
    (d) Mewar was lucky because :
    (i) all of its rulers were competent.
    (ii) most of its people were competent.
    (iii) most of its rulers were competent.
    (iv) only a few of its people were incompetent.
     
    Answer the following questions briefly:
    (e) Who is the earliest king of Mewar mentioned in the passage?
    (f) What was Rana Kumbha's contribution to the glory of Mewar?
    (g) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar?
    (h) How could art and literature flourish in Mewar?
    (i) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects?
    (j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify ?
    (k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following:
    (i) surprising (para 4)
    (ii) evidence (para 4)
    VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 2
    2. Read the passage given below :
     
    1. To ensure its perpetuity, the ground is well held by the panther both in space and in time. It enjoys a much wider distribution over the globe than its bigger cousins, and procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity for all time to come.
     
    2. There seems to be no particular breeding season of the panther, although its sawing and caterwauling is more frequently heard during winter and summer. The gestation period is about ninety to hundred days (Whipsnade, ninety-two days). The litter normally consists of four cubs, rarely five. Of these, generally two survive and not more than one reaches maturity. I have never come across more than two cubs at the heels of the mother. Likewise, graziers in the forest have generally found only two cubs hidden away among rocks, hollows of trees, and other impossible places.
     
    3. Panther cubs are generally in evidence in March They are born blind. This is a provision of Nature, against, their drifting away from the place of safety in which they are lodged by their mother, and exposing themselves to the danger of their being devoured by hyenas, jackals, and other predators. They generally open their eyes in about three to four weeks.
     
    4. The mother alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It keeps them out of the reach of the impulsive and impatient male. As a matter of fact the mother separates from the male soon after mating and forgets all about their tumultuous union. The story that the male often looks in to find out how the mother is progressing with her cubs has no foundation except in what we wish it should do at least.
     
    5. The mother carries its cubs about by holding them by the scruff of their neck in its mouth. It trains them to stalk, and teaches them how to deliver the bite of death to the prey. The cubs learn to treat all and sundry with suspicion at their mother’s heels. Instinctively the cubs seek seclusion, keep to cover and protect their flanks by walking along the edge of the forest.
     
    6. I have never had an opportunity to watch mother panther train its cubs. But in Pilibhit forests, I once saw a tigress giving some lessons to its little ones. I was sitting over its kill at Mala. As the sun set, the tigress materialized in the twilight behind my machan. For about an hour, it scanned and surveyed the entire area looking and listening with the gravest concern. It even went to the road where my elephant was awaiting my signal. The mahout spotted it from a distance and drove the elephant away.
     
    7. When darkness descended upon the scene and all was well and safe, the tigress called its cubs by emitting a low haa-oon. The cubs, two in number and bigger than a full-grown cat, soon responded. They came trotting up to their mother and hurried straight to the kill in indecent haste. The mother spitted at them so furiously that they doubled back to its heels immediately. Thereafter, the mother and its cubs sat under cover about 50 feet (15 m) away from the kill to watch, wait, look, and listen. After about half an hour’s patient and fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say ‘paid for’. At this signal, the cubs cautiously advanced, covering their flanks, towards the kill. No longer did they make a beeline for it, as they had done before.
     
    8 . The mother sat watching its cubs eat. and mounted guard on them. She did not partake of the meal. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage complete the statements given below with the help of options that follow :
     
    (a) To protect its cubs the mother panther hides them
    (i) among rocks
    (ii) in the branches of the trees
    (iii) behind the tree trunks
    (iv) at its heels

    (b) The male panther :
    (i) is protective of its cubs
    (ii) trains its cubs
    (iii) watches the progress of the mother
    (iv) is impulsive and impatient

    Answer the following questions briefly :

    (c) How many cubs does the mother panther rarely deliver ?
    (d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not born blind ?
    (e) Why did the mahout drive his elephant away ?
    (f) Why did the tigress spit at its cubs ?
    (g) From the narrator's observation, what do we learn about the nature of the tigress ?
    (h) Why does the panther not face the risk of extinction ?
    (i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following :
    (i) moving aimlessly (para 3)
    (ii) came down / fell (para 7)
    VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 3
    3. Read the passage given below:
     
    People tend to amass possessions, sometimes without being aware of doing so. They can have a delightful surprise when they find something useful which they did not know they owned. Those who never have to change house become indiscriminate collectors of what can only be described as clutter. They leave unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for years in the belief that they may one day need them.

    Old people also accumulate belongings for two other reasons, lack of physical and mental energy, and sentiment. Things owned for a long time are full of associations with the past, perhaps with the relatives who are dead, and so they gradually acquire a sentimental value.

    Some things are collected deliberately in an attempt to avoid wastage. Among these are string and brown paper, kept by thrifty people when a parcel has been opened. Collecting small items can be a mania. A lady cuts out from newspapers sketches of model clothes that she would like to buy if she had money. As she is not rich, the chances are that she will never be able to afford such purchases. It is a harmless habit, but it litters up her desk.

    Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different and has many advantages. It provides relaxation for leisure hours, as just looking at one’s treasure is always a joy. One doesn’t have to go out for amusement as the collection is housed at home. Whatever it consists of - stamps, records, first editions of books, china – there is always something to do in connection with it, from finding the right place for the latest addition to verifying facts in reference books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject, but also in general matters which have some bearing on it.

    There are other benefits also. One gets to meet like-minded collectors to get advice, compare notes, exchange articles, to show off one’s latest find. So one’s circle of friends grows. Soon the hobby leads to travelling, perhaps a meeting in another town, possibly a trip abroad in search of a rare specimen, for collectors are not confined to one country. Over the years one may well become an authority on one’s hobby and will probably be asked to give informal talks to little gatherings and then, if successful, to larger audiences.

    (a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary-minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it.

    (b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 4
    You want to offer paying guest accommodation on the first floor of your house. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words giving details of the premises, amenities provided, terms and conditions. You are Karuna/Karan, M114, Mall Road, Delhi.
     
    OR

    While travelling by taxi from Lucknow airport to Hazratganj, you left behind a small bag containing some important documents. Draft a notice in about 50 words for the lost and found column of National Herald, Lucknow describing the loss and promising a reward to the person who gets it back to you. You are Karan/Karuna and can be contacted at 9191909089. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 5
    Our rivers are very polluted. Industries and sewage from our houses are polluting them. What can we do to save our rivers?

    Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a national newspaper describing the problem and suggesting solutions to it. You are Karuna/Karan, M114, Mall Road, Delhi.
     
    OR

    You are Karuna Bajaj, Manager, Rajasthan Tourist Bureau, Sikandra Road, New Delhi, You have received a letter of enquiry from Principal, Sunrise Global School, New Delhi. The school wants to send a group of students to visit places of historical interest in and around Jaipur.

    Write a letter in 120-150 words mentioning all the facilities you can arrange for the tour and expenses thereon. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 6
    'Old age homes are not required in India.' Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion.
     
    OR

    Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, 'Importance of Prayer in the morning at School'. You are Karan/Karuna. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 7
    By and large we Indians are very kind-hearted. And our religions also teach us the lesson of non-violence. Yet, we are inclined to show no kindness to stray animals (cattle included). We are cruel to street dogs, our cows (no longer milch), draft animals etc.

    Write an article in 150-200 words on 'How can we stop being cruel to animals?' You are Karan/Karuna.
     
    OR

    India has been called a 'tourists' paradise'. Yet there are a few problems that the tourists face while in India.

    Write an article in 150-200 words on 'How to promote tourism in India'. You are You are Karuna/Karan. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 8
    Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
    ................

    Perhaps a huge silence
    might interrupt this sadness
    of never understanding ourselves
    and of threatening ourselves with
    death.

    (a) How can we bring about a 'huge silence'?
    (b) Why is silence called 'huge'?
    (c) What do we do for lack of understanding?
    (d) What does this lack ultimately lead to?

                              OR

    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
    ...................

    (a) Who are the 'mighty dead'?
    (b) What have we done for them?
    (c) What metaphor has been used for 'lovely tales'?
    (d) How is the grandeur of the dooms related to the theme of the poem? VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 9
    Answer any four of the following questions in 30 – 40 words each :
    (a) After initial reluctance why did the lawyers tell Gandhiji that they were ready to follow him into jail?
    (b) What is Mukesh's attitude towards the family business of making bangles?
    (c) How does the poet show the futility of Aunt Jennifer's efforts?
    (d) Stephen Spender in his poem, 'An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum' paints a dismal picture of poverty. Comment.
    (e) Jackson went through the contents of Rev. McLeery's suitcase. Which object therein puzzled him sorely? What was his comment on that?
    (f) How did the servants react when they realized that Dr. Sadao was going to save the life of an enemy? VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 10
    Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words :

    Give the socio-economic conditions in which Sophie lived should she have big dreams? Why? Why not?

                                                                   OR

    The entire classroom, M. Hamel as well as those present in the class, is full of regret. For what and why? VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 11
    Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words:

    Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical impairment, yet each has a different attitude from the other. Comment.

                                                                           OR

    In case of a difference of opinion it is generally the adult who has his way. Comment on how Jack justifies the mother Skunk's action? VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 12
    Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words:

    After robbing the Vicar, Griffin came back to find the Halls in his room. How did he manage to turn them out?

                                                                        OR

    After coming to Raveloe, for fifteen years, earning and hoarding money remained a passion for Silas. Comment. VIEW SOLUTION


  • Question 13
    Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words:

    Griffin is an evil character. Wherever he goes he carries destruction with him. Comment.

                                       OR

    Attempt a character sketch of Squire Cass. VIEW SOLUTION
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