CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 16 Page 1

Sample Paper 16
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. In the early morning, before the city of Kolkata fully awakens, the Howrah Bridge stands
in quiet majesty over the Hooghly River. The bridge, with its enormous steel beams
and towering pillars, is one of the busiest in the world. As dawn breaks, the first rays
of sunlight glimmer on the surface of the water, and the bridge begins to come alive.
Slowly, the hum of engines and the footsteps of commuters fill the air as people make
their way across, heading to work or returning home after a long night.
2. The Howrah Bridge is not just a structure of steel and iron; it is a lifeline that connects
the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata. Thousands of vehicles and pedestrians cross it
daily, making it one of the most essential parts of Kolkata’s bustling life. It is more than
just a means of transport; it is a symbol of the city’s resilience and unity. No matter the
time of day, the bridge stands strong, carrying the weight of the city’s hopes, dreams,
and struggles.
3. For those who walk across the bridge early in the morning, the scene is different. The
cool breeze from the river brings a sense of calm, and the city’s noise feels distant.
Fishermen can be seen casting their nets into the Hooghly’s waters, hoping for a good
catch, while boatmen row gently along the river. The bridge, towering above them,
seems to watch over the river, silently witnessing the daily rhythm of life.
4. As the day progresses, the city’s pulse quickens. The once peaceful bridge becomes a hive
of activity. Buses, cars, bicycles, and hand-pulled rickshaws all jostle for space, moving
in a chaotic yet synchronized flow. Street vendors set up their stalls at the foot of the
bridge, selling everything from fruits to newspapers. The Howrah Bridge, now bustling
with life, is a testament to Kolkata’s vibrancy and unyielding spirit.
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5. By nightfall, the bridge stands lit against the dark sky, its lights reflecting on the water
below. Even in the stillness of night, the Howrah Bridge remains a beacon of the city’s
strength, connecting two sides, two cities, and countless lives. It is not just a bridge; it
is the heartbeat of Kolkata, standing tall against the passage of time.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. According to paragraph 1, what role does the Howrah Bridge play in the daily life of
Kolkata? 1
ii. How does the author describe the significance of the bridge for the people of Kolkata, as
mentioned in paragraph 2? 1
iii. Read and complete the following sentence suitably. 1
The phrase “a lifeline that connects the twin cities” in paragraph 2 suggests that the
Howrah Bridge is essential for the daily functioning of Kolkata and Howrah.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The Howrah Bridge is a lifeline because _____.
(A) it carries thousands of vehicles and pedestrians every day
(B) it is the tallest structure in Kolkata

iv. Complete the following with ONE example, with reference to paragraph 3 : 1
The Howrah Bridge provides a sense of calm in the early morning because _____.

v. Why does the writer describe the bridge as a “symbol of the city’s resilience” in paragraph
2? 1
Because
(A) The bridge helps people reach work on time.
(B) The bridge connects the city in both a physical and emotional sense.
(C) It is the most iconic structure in Kolkata.
(D) It helps street vendors set up their stalls every day.
vi. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4, to support the following : 1
The Howrah Bridge transforms into a busy hub of activity as the day progresses.
vii. In the line, ‘the bridge, towering above them, seems to watch over the river’ (Paragraph 3),
what does the phrase ‘watch over the river’ suggest about the bridge’s presence? 2

viii. Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 4 : 1

vehicles: traffic :: street vendors: _____
(A) river (B) stalls
(C) Howrah (D) bridge

ix. Why is it fair to say that the statement ‘the Howrah Bridge remains a beacon of the
city’s strength’ in paragraph 5 uses figurative language? 1
(A) It suggests the bridge represents Kolkata’s enduring spirit.
(B) It compares the bridge to a literal beacon.
(C) It emphasizes the physical size of the bridge.
(D) It describes the lights on the bridge.
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x. Assess the potential challenges or benefits of maintaining such an important structure,

as suggested in paragraph 5. 2

2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. Rising
global temperatures have led to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem
disruptions. This case study examines the global trends in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, identifying key sectors contributing to these emissions and evaluating efforts
to reduce them.
2. Data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that global
GHG emissions have increased by 45% over the last three decades. In developed
countries, emissions have slightly decreased, while in developing countries, emissions
have risen by 60% due to industrialization and population growth. The global average
CO2 emissions per capita is 4.8 tons, with developed countries averaging 10 tons and
developing countries averaging 2.5 tons.
3. The data highlights that 25% of global GHG emissions come from the energy sector,
followed by agriculture at 24%, industry at 21%, and transportation at 14%. In developing
nations, agriculture and energy are the primary sources of emissions, while in developed
countries, industrial and transportation sectors play a larger role. These differences
reflect variations in economic activities and resource use across regions.
4. The study also found that deforestation, which contributes to 12% of global emissions,
is a major concern in regions like South America and Southeast Asia, where forests are
cleared for agricultural purposes. Deforestation, combined with fossil fuel combustion,
accounts for the majority of CO2 emissions globally.
5. Efforts to reduce GHG emissions include transitioning to renewable energy, improving
energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. In energy production,
solar and wind energy have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2050, while
reforestation efforts could sequester up to 10% of global emissions annually.
6. This study emphasizes the need for global cooperation to mitigate climate change.
By adopting cleaner energy sources, reducing deforestation, and improving industrial
practices, it is possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and
avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links rising global temperatures with climate change
to highlight _____.

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To identify key sectors contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate
efforts to reduce them.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Method of analysis (B) Research outcome
(C) Primary objective (D) Secondary objective
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iii. Give two points to support why agriculture was included as a focus in the study on GHG
emissions. 2
iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘energy sector’ and ‘deforestation.’ 1
Classify the following sentences as ‘energy sector’ or ‘deforestation’:
Sentence 1: Clearing forests for agriculture leads to higher CO2 emissions.
Sentence 2: Burning fossil fuels for electricity generation is a major source of GHG
emissions.
v. Read the following : 1
James drives a car daily for commuting, which adds to GHG emissions from
transportation. Ravi works in agriculture, where he uses fertilizers that release GHGs
into the atmosphere. Priya, who lives in an industrial area, works in a factory that emits
CO2 due to the production process.
Select the option that identifies the correct sector contributing to emissions for James,
Ravi, and Priya.
(A) James – industry; Ravi – transportation; Priya – agriculture
(B) James – transportation; Ravi – industry; Priya – agriculture
(C) James – transportation; Ravi – agriculture; Priya – industry
(D) James – agriculture; Ravi – transportation; Priya – industry

vi. Although both developing and developed countries contribute to global GHG emissions,
why is the contribution of the energy sector higher in developed countries? 1

vii. Analyse how transitioning to renewable energy could significantly reduce global
greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the energy sector. (Paragraph 5) 2

viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) Increase emissions in the industrial sector
(B) Transition entirely to solar energy
(C) Limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
(D) Focus solely on reducing transportation emissions

SECTION B - CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4
A. You are Shikha Kapoor, General Secretary of Sports Club of Meera Bai School, Dehradun.
Your school has decided to celebrate the Silver Jubilee function of the school in the form
of Annual Sports Day. Write a notice on the school notice board inviting the names of
the students who want to participate in any of the sports activity or to put up any show
on the stage.


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B. While walking in a park in your neighbourhood you found a small plastic bag containing
some documents and some cash. Write a notice in about 50 words to be put on the park
noticeboard asking the owner to identify and collect it from you. You are Amar/Amrita
943912xxxx.
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 16 Page 5

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. 1#4 = 4
A. You are a student of St. Joseph Public School, Nainital. The school is holding its annual
function on Saturday, the 9th of October, 20xx at 5 p.m. The Education Minister, Dr.
M.N. Johri, has consented to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be sent
to the parents and other invitees.


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B. You are Rachna Madan. Your friend Archana Gupta has invited you to her engagement
ceremony to be held at Hotel Crowne Plaza on 27th November 20xx at 8 p.m. Draft a
reply saying politely that due to an exam on that day, you cannot attend the engagement
ceremony. Wish her a good luck.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B), in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. You are Renu of 334, Kirti Nagar. You have just come across an advertisement concerning
education abroad.
The BTN Sussex University in collaboration with its Indian counterpart offers the
first year of study in India and the three subsequent years in the UK.
You joined the above course. Despite having spent a substantial amount, you haven’t
been able to proceed to the UK for your studies. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the
editor of a newspaper drawing attention of the public and the education authorities to
such advertisements which befool students. Suggest measures which could be taken up
against unscrupulous vendors of education.


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B. You are Krishna of 13-C/169 Sector 16, Rohini, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement
in the Hindustan Times for the post of Chief Chef in a Five Start Hotel. Apply for the
same with complete resume. Do not exceed 120-150 words. Invent necessary details.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1#5 = 5
A. You had to appear for your Maths Tutorial on 7th of May this year and were travelling
by one of the local buses. You were stuck in a traffic jam. Write an article stating your
experience and expressing your concern over the growing vehicular traffic on the roads
and its ill effects.


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B. National Science Centre, New Delhi organised “Cancer Drug Discovery” workshop.
Write a report on the same to be published in a 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. ... but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes,
(My Mother At Sixty-Six)
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i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the last line of the
extract.
(A) The sizzling summer took a tall on us.
(B) I’m as happy as I can be.
(C) Life is a roller coaster ride.
(D) The flood swallowed more than a dozen villages.

ii. Complete the following suitably.

‘The merry children spilling out of their homes’ is symbolic of _____ youth.

iii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet shifts her focus from her mother’s aging to the youthful energy outside.
Reason : The lively scene of trees and children distracts the poet from her painful
thoughts about her mother.
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.

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The fact that the poem’s narrative style is single sentence, punctuated by commas shows
that there is only one _____ (trick/thought) which runs through the poem.

v. Why were the young trees sprinting?

vi. Give an apt title for the extract.

O
B. If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
Perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
Of never understanding ourselves
And of threatening ourselves with death.
(Keeping Quiet)
i. What is the tone of poet in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ ?
(A) frightened (B) aggressive
(C) terrific (D) calm and tranquil

ii. What does the phrase ‘single-minded’ mean?

iii. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet wants silence and _____ (commotion/ calmness).
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 16 Page 7

iv. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that taking a moment to pause and reflect can lead to
greater self-understanding.
Reason : By stopping the constant motion of life, we can break free from the sadness
caused by a lack of self-awareness and the constant threat of death.
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. What does ‘keeping our lives moving’ suggest?

vi. Complete the following suitably.

Pablo Neruda stresses upon being quiet and harmless to the _____.

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B) 4#1 = 4
A. MR. LAMB : Like a bomb only blew up my leg. There’s worse things can happen. You
can burn yours elf away inside.
DERRY : After I’d come home, one person said, “He’d have been better off stopping
in there. In the hospital. He’d be better off with others like himself.” She thinks blind
people only ought to be with other blind people and idiot boys with idiot boys.
MR. LAMB : And people with no legs altogether?
DERRY : That’s right.
MR. LAMB : What kind of a world would that be?
(On the Face of It)
i. What do the given lines tell about the relationship between Mr. Lamb and Derry?

ii. Select the option that best describes the stranger’s belief regarding people like Derry?
(A) That there should be a place where all people like him could stay together.
(B) That he would not live for long and so should stay at home.
(C) That no one would love him and he would be alone forever.
(D) That he should stop being a burden.

iii. The attitude shown by ‘she’ in the extract is _____.

iv. What does ‘you can burn yourself away inside’ mean?


O
B. We must simply tell them that we intend to give him to the police-as indeed we must,
Sadao. We must think of the children and your position. It would endanger all of us if
we did not give this man over as a prisoner of war”
(The Enemy)
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i. Complete the sentence appropriately.

Dr Sadao will not be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy _____.

ii. Who are ‘them’ being referred to here?

(A) Servants (B) Friends
(C) Neighbours (D) Doctors

iii. Who is the speaker of the above lines and who is the listener?

iv. What will Sadao and Hana do with the man?

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (A)
or (B). 1#6 = 6
A. The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through
Muzaffarpur and to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot
and by conveyance to see their champion. Muzaffarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief
him; they frequently represented peasant groups in court, they told him about their
cases and reported the size of their fee.
(Indigo)
i. What was the nature of Gandhi’s mission as mentioned in the passage?

ii. The cases referred to in the extract were the cases fought against _____.
(A) the Lawyers (B) the British Landlords
(C) East India Company (D) the Indian Zamindars

iii. What does ‘their cases’ refer to in the extract?

iv. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation.

The fact that the sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot shows that
_____.

v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the lawyers did not care for
the condition of the poor.
vi. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the lawyers.
(A) The lawyers stood with Gandhiji in his mission.
(B) The lawyers wanted to help the poor.
(C) The lawyers were apathetic to the condition of the poor.
(D) All of the above


O
B. “My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin
to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes
tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”
“What a thunderclap these words were to me!
Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town hall!
(The Last Lesson)
CBSE 12th English Core Sample Paper 16 Page 9

i. How would you describe Franz’s tone when he says- “What a thunderclap these words
were to me”?

ii. ‘What a thunderclap these words were to me!”

The words were
(A) startling and unexpected (B) pleasant and welcome
(C) loud and clear (D) Both (A) and (C)

iii. What do you M. Hamel is feeling in the given lines?

iv. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that Franz realised that the order
was put up on the bulletin board.

v. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the speaker of the
given lines.
(A) The speaker is angry at the villagers.
(B) The speaker does not want to leave Alsace.
(C) The speaker is angry at the Prussian kingdom.
(D) The speaker does not want to take the lesson.

vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
‘They’ in the given lines refer to _____.

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

i. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

(The Interview)
ii. What is the ‘misadvanture’ that William Douglas speaks about? (Deep Water)

iii. What are the items that Aunt Jennifer is embroidering? What do they signify?
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
iv. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed.
(A Thing of Beauty)
v. Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?
(Going Places)
vi. What are green wars? Who wage them and with what result? (Keeping Quiet)

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

i. How did Hana help the wounded man? (The Enemy)

ii. How is global temperature increasing? What are the immediate fears due to it?
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
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iii. In what sense is the friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry fruitful?
(On The Face of It)

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

A. There is a saying “Kindness pays, rudeness never.” In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s
attitude towards men and matters is different from her father’s attitude. How are the
values of concern and compassion brought out in the story, ‘The Rattrap’ ?
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students.
Write this address in about 120-150 words elaborating on occurrences from the text to
inspire your audience and to convince them to have values of concern and compassion.


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B. “The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror
and conquered it can appreciate. In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear
of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, ‘All we have to fear is fear itself.” Because I
had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce,
the will to live somehow grew in intensity.”
Douglas, notwithstanding his aversion to water and extreme exhaustion, keeps on trying
to conquer his fear of water and finally emerges victorious. We all have one fear or
another but few of us are able to overcome it. What innate quality did Douglas possess
that helped him succeed in overcoming his fear of water? Write it in about 120-150
words.
(Deep Water)

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

A. “Children are keen observers. They notice every happening in their surroundings.
Injustice in any form cannot escape being unnoticed by them.” Bama and Zitkala Sa
in ‘Memories of Childhood’ faced discrimination. 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 facing discrimination)
As a part of the research, discuss the statement in relation to Memories of Childhood in
about 120-150 words.


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B. How did Charley reach the third level of Grand Central? How was it different from the
other levels? (120-150 words)
(The Third Level)


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