STD 12 English Board Question Paper Maharashtra Board

BoardQuestionPaper:March2015
BOARDQUESTIONPAPER :MARCH2015
Time: 3 Hours Max. Marks: 80
SECTION A
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
Q.1. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (11) [15]
Chandan spotted his cheerful face in the crowd and beckoned him forward. Then he
asked, Tell me, are you not sad you had to leave behind so much of wealth that suddenly
came your way?
The man said, I didnt pick the jewelled fruits and flowers. I had picked some of the
lovely, tasty fruits and had eaten my fill of them, In my sack I had kept some others for my
little daughter who is at home. I had thought she would enjoy these tasty apples and mangoes.
But when I saw there was no other way to go across the stream, I did not think twice about
leaving my sack by the river. My little girl can get tasty fruits from some other garden too!
But I am so happy the King let us all wander around his garden, looking at the trees and
plants and animals. He is a great king for having created this place of beauty, and it was a
pleasure walking around there.
Finally a smile appeared on King Amrits face. Chandan turned to him and said, Your
Majesty, I hope you now realize that peoples contentment does not end with having enough
food or money. They also need to be truly happy inside. Only then will they not be swayed
when they gain or lose wealth. That is a lesson that everyone-whether a king or a commoner-
needs to remember.
The King nodded, as did his subject.
(1) What lesson do you learn from this extract? (1)

(2) For what reasons did the young man leave his sack by the river? (2)
(3) How did the young man appreciate the king? (2)
(4) Do you think wealth can give true happiness? Give reasons. (2)
(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) My little girl can get tasty fruits from some other garden too!
(Rewrite the sentence using modal auxiliary expressing Certainty.) (1)
(ii) I had picked some of the lovely tasty fruits.
(Identify the tense in the sentence.) (1)
(iii) It was a pleasure walking around there.
(Rewrite the sentence using infinitive form of the word underlined.) (1)
(6) Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B:
A B
(i) cheerful (a) satisfaction ()
(ii) contentment (b) merciful ()
(c) encouragement
(d) happy
(B) Grammar (Do as directed): (4)

(i) One of _______ most common causes of malnutrition is _______ unhealthy lifestyle.
(Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles.) (1)
(ii) The police _______ Monday arrested five men _______ cheating city businessmen.
(Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions.) (1)
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(iii) How did you enjoy your college picnic? said Mohini to Meena.
It was wonderful. I can never forget it.
(Change it into indirect speech.) (2)
The animals organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of
running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum all
the animals took all the subjects.
The duck was excellent in swimming. In fact, better than his instructor. But he made
only passing grade in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he
had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practise running. This was kept
up until his webbed feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But
average was acceptable in school, so nobody was worried about that, except the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but had a nervous breakdown
because of so much makeup work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class
where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down. He also
developed a Charlie horse from overexertion and then got a C in climbing and D in
running.
The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he
beat all others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there.
At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well and also run,
climb and fly a little had the highest average and was valedictorian.
(1) What were the special features of animal school? (1)
(2) Why was the duck, an excellent swimmer, average in swimming? (2)
(3) Why was the experience of the squirrel miserable? (2)
(4) What efforts will you take to score good marks in your examination? (2)
(i) The duck was excellent in swimming.
(Frame a Wh-type question to get the underlined part as an answer.) (1)
(ii) The duck was better than his instructor.
(Change the sentence into positive degree.) (1)
(iii) The squirrel was excellent in climbing.
(Mention the function of the underlined gerund.) (1)
(6) Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B:
Column A Column B
()
(i) valedictorian (i) feeling of annoyance
(ii) frustration (ii) dunce ()
(iii) school topper
(iv) validity
(B) Note-making:
Read the following extract and complete the tree-diagram given below: (4)
The brief, bright streaks of light in the night sky are known as meteors. Those that fall
all the way to the ground are called meteorites. Meteorites can be divided into three broad
categories: iron, stony-iron, stony.
Iron meteorites are mostly made of metals nickel and iron. They are not very common.
Nearly 50,000 years ago, an iron meteorite, Canyon Diablo, which created a crater nearly a
mile wide and 6 feet deep, known as Meteor Crater, was found in Arizona.
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Stony-iron meteorites rarely land on our planet. They are made of iron-nickel alloy
mixed with non-metallic matter similar to the outer layers of the earth. Such a meteorite
weighing more than one and a half tons was found in Huckitta, Australia in 1924.
There are three sub-types of stony meteorites. The first is the chondrites which make up 86
percent of meteorites. Carbonaceous chondrites are another rare type of stony meteorites. The
most famous of these fell in Murchison, Australia in 1969. It contains evidence that life on earth
did not begin here. The last type, the anchondrites are also rare. Scientists say that such matter was
once part of Mars and our own moon.
Meteorities
Iron Stony-Iron Stony
Not common Rare

Made of nickel and iron _______
e.g. _______ 1 tons meteorite found in
Huckitta, Australia in 1924
_______ Carbonaceous Anchondrites

Chondrites

Rare
_______
Rare _______
e.g. Murchison, Australia
Has evidence that life on
earth did not begin here
Dairy farming is a major livelihood followed by many households in rural areas.
This includes rearing milk cattle-cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep. There is a shortage of
milk in the country as consumption in both urban and rural areas has risen sharply.
Dairying is an important source of subsidiary income to marginal farmers and
agricultural labours. They play a very important role in milk production of the country. In
1986-87, about 73 percent of rural household owned livestock. According to the National
Sample Survey of 1993-94, livestock sector produces regular employment to about 9.8
million persons in principal status and 8.6 million in subsidiary status, which constitute
about 5 percent of the total work force.
The manure from animals provides a good source of organic matter for improving
soil fertility and crop yields. The gobar gas obtained by processing dung is used as a fuel
for domestic purposes and also for running engines to draw water from wells. The surplus
fodder and agricultural by-products are gainfully utilized for feeding the animals. Since
agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding employment throughout the
year for many persons through dairy farming.
The milk processing industry is a small one. Only 10 percent of all the milk
produced is delivered to some 400 dairy plants. A specific Indian phenomenon is the
unorganized sector of milkmen and vendors, which handles around 65-70 percent of the
national milk production. They collect milk from local producers and sell it in both urban
and non-urban areas.
(1) What is the main theme of the extract? (1)
(2) How is dairy farming beneficial for farmers besides getting milk? (2)
(3) What information does the National Samples Survey of 1993-94 provide? (2)
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(4) How, according to you, can dairy farming improve the financial condition of farmers?
(2)
(i) The gobar gas obtained by processing dung is used as fuel.
(Rewrite the sentence beginning with People ...) (1)
(ii) The consumption of milk in both urban and rural areas has risen sharply.
(Rewrite the sentence using the past perfect tense.) (1)
(iii) The milk processing industry is a small one.
(Make it a complex sentence.) (1)
(6) Form the antonyms of the following words by adding prefixes:
(i) fertility ()
(ii) possibility ()
(B) Summary:
Write a summary of the above extract with the help of the following points and suggest
a suitable title. (4)
Dairy farming major livelihood income and employment source uses of dung
uses of surplus fodder role of unorganised secor.
SECTION B
(Poetry)
Old women do not fly on magic wands
nor make obscure prophecies
from ominous forests.
They just sit on vacant park benches
in the quiet evenings,
call doves by their names
and charm them with grains of maize.
Or, trembling like waves
they stand in endless queues in
government hospitals.
(1) How do old women spend their evenings? (1)
(2) How do you take care of your grandparents? (1)
(3) Give an example of simile from the extract. (1)
(4) Pick out any two pictorial images from the extract. (1)
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (4)
She had such a wonderful face
just like a golden flower faded
before her prime.
I asked her why
she was so sad?
She told me her baby
was killed in Auschwitz,
her daughter in Hiroshima
and her sons in Vietnam.
(1) Why was the mother (Peace) very sad? (1)
(2) Why, according to you, should wars be avoided? (1)
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(3) Name and explain the figure of speech in the following expression:
a golden flower faded before her prime. (1)
(4) What effect does the dialogue form create in the extract? (1)
SECTION C
(Rapid Reading and Composition)
Q. 5. (A) Read the following extract carefully and rewrite it from the point of view of the
writers mother: (4) [8]
You may begin it with : I was still managing Greens
My mother was still managing Greens, even though its days were numbered. The day
after my return I joined her in the small office, where she sat behind her over-large desk,
telephone on her right and the latest paperback western before her, ready to be taken up when
nothing much was happening which was fairly often. My mother enjoyed reading westerns
particularly Luke Short, Max Brand and Clarence E Mulford much in the same way that I
enjoyed detective fiction. Both genres were freely available in cheap Collions White Circle
editions published during and just after the War.
We discussed the affair of the skeleton in the cupboard, but as there was no longer any
mystery about it, there was nothing for me to investigate. However, armed with the keys to
the store room, I went down to the basement on my own and made a thorough search of all
the old furniture, on the off-chance that another skeleton might tumble out of a cupboard or
be found jammed into a drawer or trunk. I did find some old tennis rackets, back numbers of
Punch, a cracked china chamber-pot, some old postcards of Darjeeling and Simla, and a
framed photograph of King Edward the Seventh, I took the copies of Punch to my room and
read the reviews of all the plays that had been running in London between 1926 and 1930,
thus becoming an authority on the theatre in England of that period.
(B) Read the following extract and convert it into a dialogue between Charles and Oliver: (4)
You may begin with : Charles : Being a professional wrestler I must always fight to
win.
I am a professional wrestler, sir, Charles explained to Oliver, and I must always fight
to win, in order to keep my reputation. Anyone who fights me runs the risk of being badly
hurt. Plese warn your younger brother, and persuade him to change his mind.
But the wicked Oliver thought this was a good opportunity to get rid of Orlando, so he
told Charles all kinds of lies about the young man. He pretended that Orlando was bad and
ungrateful, and deserved any punishment which Charles could give him, I would, rather you
broke his neck than his finger, Oliver said, and you have my permission to do what you like
with the boy.
So Charles promised to do his best to kill Orlando. If he comes to the fight tomorrow,
Ill give him his payment, Charles said. If he can walk away after I have finished with him,
Ill never wrestle again.
Next day the wrestling match was arranged to take place in front of the Dukes palace.
Celia and Rosalind happened to be there when the Duke and his lords arrived, so they decided
to stay and watch the fight. Frederick spoke to Orlando, and tried to persuade him not to fight
the wrestler, but Orlando was determined. At last Frederick turned to Rosalind and Celia and
said : Speak to him, ladies; see if you can persuade him.
OR
(B) Read the following extract and extend it by adding an imaginary paragraph of your own
in about 120 words :
I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion. And yet here
we were both survivors, in a new world.
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There was a camp next to the farm, Roma continued, I saw a boy there and I would
throw him apples every day.
What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. What did he look
like? I asked, He was tall, skinny, and hungry. I must have seen him every day for six
months.
My heart was racing. I couldnt believe it. This couldnt be. Did he tell you one day
not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?
Roma looked at me in amazement. Yes!
That was me!
I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldnt believe it! My
angel.
Im not letting you go. I said to Roma. And then I proposed to her.
SECTION D
(Writing Skills)
Q.6. (A) Letter Writing: [12]
Write any ONE of the following letters : (4)
(1) You come to know that the computer you purchased is of poor quality with blurred
images. Its warranty period is not yet over. You want it to be replaced with another
one. Write a letter in this regard to
The Manager, Global Computers, Link Road, Andheri, Mumbai.
(2) You want a bonafide certificate in order to register your name in the Employment
Exchange Office of your district.
Write a letter of application to the Principal of your Junior College requesting him/her
to issue you the same.
(B) Write on any ONE of the following items as directed: (4)
(1) Prepare an Appeal for eye-donation with the help of the following points:
(i) Prepare an effective slogan. (ii) Use a logo / picture chart.
(iii) Advantages of eye-donation. (iv) Make a persuasive appeal.
(2) The annual day gathering function was arranged in your Junior College. It was a grand
function with a variety of activities like fun-fare, games and sports, cultural activities, etc.
Write a report on it in about 120 words.
(C) Write on any ONE of the items as directed: (4)
(1) Study carefully the following pie-chart of global mango production and write a short
paragraph comparing the production shares in about 120 words.
Global Mango Production
(Shares in %)
32
Others 40
India
Mexico
4
5 12
7
Pakistan
Thailand China
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(2) Prepare a paragraph with an appropriate title to be used for the Counter-view Section
on the following topic in about 120 words.
Should SMS language be allowed in exams?
You can take help of the following points included in the view section.
View Section
Yes, its revolution against the written word.
i. Its a growing linguistic revolution.
ii. It sharpens students ability to think about construction and precision of words.
iii. Students will use numerals, punctuation marks and symbols to convey message.
iv. Its an art form.
Q.7. Answer the following question as per instructions: (4) [7]
(A) A college in your area is well-known for its innovative academic activities. Imagine you are a
newspaper reporter and assigned to take the interview of the Principal. Frame a set of at least
8 questions regarding Teachers Motivation, Students Discipline, Academic Excellence,
Extra Curricular Activities, etc.
(B) You intend to take part in the intercollegiate elocution contest. One of the topics therein is
Stop Cruelty to Animals and Birds. Prepare a speech on it in about 100 words. (3)
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BOARDQUESTIONPAPER :OCTOBER2015
SECTION A
(Reading Skills, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
My own faith in Chaitanya started giving me abundant strength. I no longer wanted to
hide myself from the glaring eyes of the world. I took him around with me. He went with us
everywhere like any normal child. We were not sorry or uncomfortable carrying him around.
If I required help for him in public places, I was not embarrassed to seek it from people
around. I did not mind telling them he was a special child. I was no more scared of peoples
curious looks and awkward questions. I could talk about Chaitanyas problem calmly. As my
mind opened up further, I could discern a new hope springing in my heart. I felt happy I was a
Special Mother.
The special school did Chaitanya a lot of good. He was now a much more confident
person, adored by his teachers, his friends and his school staff. His speech improved and
expression became clearer. His social manners became laudable.
Academically, he was still lagging behind the expected standard of learning but it was
okay. He started developing an all-round interest in craft, art, music, dancing and sports.
Early in 1997-98, when he returned from state level inter-school sports, he had two
prizes to his credit and a silver medal. He had won his laurels in athletic events and the silver
medal in a running race.
(1) How was Chaitanya treated in his school? (1)

(2) What improvement did the special school bring in Chaitanya? (2)
(3) How did Chaitanyas mother react to the peoples curious looks? (2)
(4) How will you help a physically challenged person? (2)
(i) His speech improved and expression became clearer.
(Rewrite it using not only but also.) (1)
(ii) I could talk about Chaitanyas problem calmly.
(Rewrite it using be able to) (1)
(iii) He was still lagging behind the expected standard of learning, but it was okay.
(Rewrite it using Though.) (1)
(6) Find out words from the passage which mean: (1)
(i) recognize (ii) afraid

(i) Draw _______ map of _______ world.
(Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles.) (1)
(ii) In a meeting, the physical teachers decided to spend two hours _______ the playground
_______ warm-up activities.
(Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions.) (1)
(iii) Boys, said the tutor, sit on the benches. I have got something interesting for you.
(Change it into indirect narration.) (2)
Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the
problems of a new world, so they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum
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consisting of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the
curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects.
The duck was excellent in swimming. In fact, better than his instructor. But he made
only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he
had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept
up until his webbed feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But
average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that, except the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running but had a nervous breakdown
because of so much make-up work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class
where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down. He also
developed a Charlie horse from overexertion and then got a C in climbing and D in
running.
The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he
beat all the others to the top of the tree but insisted on using his own way to get there.
(1) For what purpose did the animals start a school? (1)
(2) Name four students of the Animal School and their specialities in one word each. (2)
(3) Why was the squirrel frustrated? (2)
(4) What will happen if all the subjects are made compulsory for all the students? (2)
(i) He had to stay after school. (Use the modal auxiliary showing compulsion.) (1)
(ii) The squirrel was excellent in climbing.
(Rewrite it using the noun form of the underlined word.) (1)
(iii) The duck was better in swimming than his instructor.
(Change it into positive degree.) (1)
(6) Give the antonyms of: (1)
(i) better (ii) disciplined
(B) Note-making:
Read the following extract carefully and complete the note on Delhi: The Capital of
India, with its main points and sub-points given below: (4)
Delhi is the capital of India. It is a very big city with a population of over eight million.
It is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. Delhi has some buildings and monuments
that are more than a thousand years old, alongside the most modern towering structures. Delhi
is mini India where people from all corners of the country have come to live. The roads of
Delhi are awfully crowded and you can find both bullock carts and the most modern motor
cars.
Delhi is the seat of the Government of India, the centre of business, trade and industry.
Connaught place and Chandni Chowk are the two most famous shopping centres of Delhi.
The Qutub Minar and the Red Fort are among the oldest buildings of historical interest. Delhi
has a zoo, several museums, art galleries, amusement parks and theatres. It has three
universities and a number of medical and engineering colleges.
Delhi has an extreme climate. In summer, the day temperature may shoot up to 44
Celsius and in winter, the night temperature may fall to 3 Celsius. Delhi is one of the
greenest capital cities in the world.
Title Delhi : The Capital of India
I. Characteristics (i) Densely populated
(ii) _______
(iii) Mini India
(iv) Greenest capital city
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II. _______ (i) _______
(ii) Chandni Chowk
III. Historical buildings (i) Qutub Minar
(ii) _______
IV. _______ (i) _______
(ii) Museums
(iii) Art galleries
(iv) _______
(v) three universities
(vi) Medical, engineering colleges.
V. Climatic conditions (i) _______
(ii) 3 Celsius in winter
With the onset of winter, the picturesque Nalaban Bird Sanctuary inside the Chilika
Lake is agog with the presence of thousands of migratory birds from faraway Siberia, Iraq,
Iran and Central Europe.
The birds arrive at their winter abode inside the bird sanctuary, which is spread over
15.5 sq. km., to stay for five months till monsoon sets in. This year the migration of winter
birds has begun two weeks ahead due to disturbances and scarcity of food in their native
places.
The birds have taken shelter in artificial mounds inside the sanctuary which had been
constructed by the wildlife division as the core area of the sanctuary.
According to wildlife officers, the migration of birds to the Chilika Lake, the second
largest in the world, has increased over the years due to the conducive atmosphere prevailing
there.
A survey conducted by the Chilika wildlife division has revealed that the number of
migratory birds arriving at the lake has increased to over two million.
Many rare birds like the Smew Duck Mallard, Nakta, Marbled Teal and Goliath Heron
have also been spotted last year.
Application of pesticides and chemicals in the fields and loss of natural habitat affect
bird migration. Birds and animals have a relationship and their harmonious presence is
beneficial for the continuity of a sanctuary.
(1) What does the extract throw light on? (1)
(2) Give a list of the places and birds related with migration. (2)
(3) Why is migration essential for the birds? (2)
(4) According to you, why are sanctuaries essential for birds and animals? (2)
(i) The birds have taken shelter in artificial mounds.
(Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as its answer.) (1)
(ii) The birds arrive at their winter abode inside the bird sanctuary.
(iii) Many rare birds like the Smew Duck Mallard, Nakta., Marbled Teal and Goliath
Heron have also been spotted.
(Rewrite the sentence beginning with They....) (1)
(6) In the passage the core area means: (1)
(i) overflowing area
(ii) central area
(iii) isolated area
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(B) Summary:
Write a summary of the above extract with the help of the following points and suggest
a suitable title. (4)
Winter Chilika lake migratory birds second largest lake conducive atmosphere
artificial mounds variety of birds effects of pesticides / chemicals harmony.
SECTION B
(Poetry)
If you accept counsel without getting sore
And re-assess yourself in the light thereof
If you pledge not to be obstinate any more
And meet others without any frown or scoff
You may be the person I am looking for.
If you have the will to live and courage to die

You are a beacon-light for people far and wide
If you ignore the jeers and, thus, expose the lie
That virtue and success do not go side by side
You are the person I am looking for.
(1) How does a counsel help a person? (1)

(2) Write any two advantages of having good manners. (1)
(3) Name and explain the figure of speech in the following lines: (1)
You are a beacon-light for people for and wide
(4) Pick out the expression from the extract showing stubbornness and displeasure. (1)
All the rest of her children, she said,
are on the nuclear
blacklist of the dead,
all the rest, unless
the whole understands-
that peace is a woman.
A thousand candles then lit
in her starry eyes, and I saw angels
bearing a moonlit message.
Peace is indeed a pregnant woman
Peace is a mother.
(1) What will be the effect of a nuclear attack? (1)

(2) According to you, how can we prevent war-like tendencies? (1)
(3) Name and explain the figure of speech in the following line:
A thousand candles then lit
in her starry eyes (1)
(4) What moonlit message do the angels bear? (1)
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SECTION C
Q. 5. (A) Read the following extract carefully and rewrite it from the point of view of Sid, the
narrators friend: (4) [8]
You may begin with: Herman made his way to...
Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put
up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics.
Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved. I served in the U. S.
Army during the Korean war, and returned to New York city after two years. By August
1957, Id opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.
One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me. Ive got a date. Shes
got a polish friend. Lets double date.
A blind date? Nah, that wasnt for me.
But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up
his date and her friend Roma.
I had to admit, for a blind date this wasnt so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx
hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green
almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.
The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with.
Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favour.
We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by
the shore. I couldnt remember having a better time.
(B) Read the following extract and convert it into a continuous write-up (in about 120
words): (4)
(1) You may begin with: The dentist asked the boys sternly...
Dentist : (sternly). Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?
Tom : I say-Im awfully sorry-but we thought you were a ghost.
Dentist : (bewildered). A ghost! Why on earth should you think I was a ghost?
George : (crossing C). Im awfully sorry, sir. You see, we were out carol-singing, and-
Dentist : Oh, so it was you who were making that horrible din outside?
George : Yes-that was Gingers idea-but, you see, it was raining rather hard, and these
fellows were afraid of getting wet, so-
Tom : (interrupting). Young Alfies got his best suit on, otherwise we shouldnt have
been afraid of getting wet.
Ginger : Anyhow, sir, we stood in your doorway for shelter.
Tom : And the door was open, so we came inside.
Dentist : I see. But what were you making all that confounded noise about?
Tom : (finding the explanation difficult). Well, you see, we saw that skull and those
white grinning things and we thought the place was haunted at least, thats
what Ginger thought.
Dentist : (laughing). Great Scott! So thats the explanation. I happen to be a dentist, and
what you saw were some of my models used for fitting artificial teeth.
Ginger : Then-those rows of grinning teeth are-
Dentist : (picking up a model fitted with artificial teeth). Just some of my workmanship.
Tom : (pointing to the skull). But-What about that?
Thats the thing that scared us the most.
George : Scared you, you mean. It didnt frighten me.
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OR
(2) Read the following extract and extend it by adding an imaginary paragraph of your own
in about 120 words: (4)
I have no water, said the captive lark, they have all gone out, and forgotten to give
me anything to drink. My throat is dry and burning, I feel as if I had fire and ice within me
and the air is so oppressive. Alas! I must die, and part with the warm sunshine, the fresh green
meadows, and all the beauty that God has created. And it thrust its beak into the piece of
grass, to refresh itself a little. Then it noticed the little daisy, and nodded to it, and kissed it
with its beak and said : You must also fade in here, poor little flower. You and the piece of
grass are all they have given me in exchange for the whole world, which I enjoyed outside.
Each little blade of grass shall be a green tree for me, each of your white petals a fragrant
flower. Alas! You only remind me of what I have lost.
SECTION D
(Writing Communication)
Write any ONE of the following letter : (4)
(1) Read the following advertisement and prepare a letter of application in response to it
using the information given in the advertisement that follows:
SITUATION VACANT
Data Entry Operators
th
12 passed, MSCIT, Experience preferred.
Apply to : Manager, Data Software Company.
CV [Resume]
Name : Miss Ashwini V. Nikam
Address : 1603, Ganesh Sadan.
Rajarampuri,
Kolhapur
Date of birth : 22 years
Education : 12th passed,
MSCIT
Experience : 1 year as a data entry operator
Interests : Reading, net surfing.
OR
(2) The road in front of your college has become accident-prone. Write a letter to the
Editor of a newspaper explaining in it your problems and also suggest some solutions.
(B) Write on any ONE of the following items: (4)
(1) Prepare an appeal seeking help for the flood-affected people of Uttarakhand with the
help of the following points:
(i) Attractive slogan (ii) Use of logo, illustrations
(iii) Dire consequences of flood (iv) Rally led by well-known personality
(v) Make a persuasive appeal
OR
(2) Read the following headlines of the news items. Choose any ONE of them and write
the date-line, intro and a short continuing paragraph:
(i) Honest Auto Driver Felicitated
(ii) Food Poisoning Affects 20 People
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Std.XII:English
(C) Answer any ONE of the following: (4)
(1) Read the following tabular data and prepare a short paragraph regarding the visits of
the astronauts to the Moon (in about 120 words):
Names of Launched from Names of Arrived on Earth
Spacecraft Earth (Dates) Commanders (Dates)
Apollo 11 16 July 1969 Neil Armstrong 24 July 1969
Charles (Pete)
Apollo 12 14 Nov 1969 24 Nov 1969
Conrad
Apollo 14 31 Jan 1971 Alan Shepard 9 Feb 1971
Apollo 15 26 July 1971 David Scott 7 August 1971
Apollo 16 9 April 1972 John Young 27 April 1972
Apollo 17 7 Dec 1972 Eugene Cernon 19 Dec 1972
OR
(2) Prepare a paragraph to be used for the Counter-view Section on the following topic in
about 120 words:
View-Section
College Elections : The need of the time.
Training for practising democratic values.
Participation in college management.
Develop political awareness.
Decision-making power.
Personality development.
Q.7. (A) Answer the following questions as per instructions: (4) [7]
A social activist will be the chief guest for the Prize Distribution Ceremony of your college.
As a students representative, you intend to know more about him/her. Prepare a set of eight
to ten questions to interview him/her. You may include the points like social work, problems
faced, awards, future plans and message.
(B) Your junior college is going to arrange a Blood Donation Camp. As a General Secretary,
prepare a speech to appeal the students to donate blood for a noble cause. (in about 100
words.) (3)
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BOARDQUESTIONPAPER:MARCH2016
SECTION A
(Reading Skills, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
Another relative has no plans of joining this league though. She is rather unabashed
about waking up past noon on a daily basis. To be fair, her husband is a media personality
who typically arrives home from work past midnight. That does indeed give them sufficient
justification to stay longer in slumber-land each morning. This practice does lead to certain
oddities though. He goes for his morning walk at 1 pm, heat waves and appalled onlookers
notwithstanding. They once returned from a night out only to meet the neighbours son who
was off on an early morning jog!
Early risers clearly have the edge in life. By the time most of us wake up, theyve been
through their morning rituals, enjoyed their walk, had their tea and read the daily news.
Theyre also likely to have made long distance calls before dawn to those similarly inclined.
Thus, by the time the sun warms up theyre likely to have discussed all varieties of men,
matters, and affairs with a dozen people.
The upshot of these varying tendencies is that such extreme contrasts often exist in the
same household. Weeks pass before the younger lot (typically late risers) and the older lot
(normally early birds) come face to face. Its almost as if they live in different time zones and
different countries.
(1) What information does the extract give about the typical routine of a media person? (1)
(2) According to the writer, who are the early risers and the late risers? (2)
(3) Why does the writer say that early risers clearly have the edge in life? (2)
(4) Do you rise early or late? Why? (2)
(i) They live in different time zones and different countries.
(Rewrite the sentences using not only but also.) (1)
(ii) That gives them sufficient justification.
(Rewrite the sentence using the Present Perfect tense.) (1)
(iii) She is rather unabashed about waking up past noon on a daily basis.
(Rewrite the sentences using infinitive form of the underlined word.) (1)
(6) Find out from the extract the words which mean: (1)
(i) frightened (ii) sleep

(i) I read interesting story from Mahabharata.
(Rewrite the following sentence by inserting the appropriate articles wherever
necessary.) (1)
(ii) One of the things that distinguishes man _______ other animals is the power _______
speech.
(Rewrite the following sentence using the appropriate prepositions.) (1)
(iii) Mother said, Sunita, what did you buy from the market? She said, I bought a
dictionary.
(Change the following into indirect speech.) (2)
349
Std.XII:English
Researchers recently announced the earth could actually withstand up to 200, 000 times
the current population. They arrived at this figure by calculating the amount of heat a human
body emits, and only at 1.3 million billion would the earth be too hot to be habitable. And
though it would feel like being in a can of sardines if that figure were ever reached, the earth
is capable of comfortably sustaining a population several times the current 6.5 billion.
In fact, fertility is actually on the decline worldwide. Though population has grown, the
rate of growth has fallen sharply. Twenty years ago, the UN projected that population would
reach 11.16 billion in 2050, today they say it will reach only 9.37 billion. Moreover, human
population will stabilize at about 11.5 billion. While this figure is almost twice the current
one, it is hardly claustrophobic.
True, the demands on resources are heavy even now, but this is more due to the manner
in which these resources are being used. In fact, figures show that a bigger population does
not amount to greater consumption. Over 20% of the worlds people in the highest income
countries account for 86% of total private consumption expenditure the poorest 20% a tiny
1.3%. With just 5% of the worlds population, the US consumes about 40% of the worlds
resources. Would you say the US is overpopulated?
Concerns on scarcity of food are equally baseless. In fact, global food production has
actually kept up with population growth. If people starve in many countries it is not because
food is becoming scarce; it is because those people cannot afford it.
(1) What conclusions did the researchers arrive at? (1)
(2) How does the writer explain that the fertility is on the decline? (2)
(3) What does the extract predict about the fear of scarcity of food? (2)
(4) How will population become a gift in the global market scene? (2)
(i) The earth could withstand upto 200,000 times the current population.
(Rewrite the sentence using the modal auxiliary showing certainty.) (1)
(ii) The earth would be too hot to be habitable.
(Remove too and rewrite the sentence) (1)
(iii) These resources are being used.
(Rewrite the sentence beginning with, We.) (1)
(6) Write the antonyms of: (1)
(i) habitable
(ii) stabilize
(B) Note-making:
Read the following extract and complete the table given below: (4)
Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials come in two main formats:
CD/DVD ROMs and Web-based. Some are tailored to the content to be used in the
classrooms whereas others can be used independently. CALL materials allow you to work at
your own pace.
Multimedia materials offer you opportunity to take part in other computer-assisted
activities, such as text-based gap-filling, multiple choice and text reconstruction activities.
Language teachers often develop such text-based CALL activities to accompany a particular
course. CALL material can be regularly updated.
Because CALL learning activity types are usually designed from a template, they can
sometimes be repetitive.
A major advantage of CALL materials is that they offer instant feedback on your
spoken or written performance. However, such feedback can be limited. If you are more
interested in creating your own responses or elaborating on your ideas, you may find this type
350
350
of feedback frustrating. Web-based CALL materials can offer more variety through the use of
hyperlinks, but feedback is still limited.
Just as representation of the cultures of the target language offered by courses using
books; audio and video tapes can perpetuate stereotypes.
Computer Assisted Language Learning Materials
Formats Advantages Disadvantages
_______ and Web-based (a) content tailored for (i) _______
classroom use
(b) _______ (ii) limited feedback
(c) _______ (iii) _______
(d) offer opportunity to take part (iv) _______
in other computer-assisted
activities
(e) _______
(f) _______
(g) offer variety
Chronic floods during the monsoon, on an average, affect more than 30 million Indians
annually. Ironically, 60% of Indias farmland, 66% of its livestock and its entire forest area
depends on rains for survival.
According to a recently released Central Water Commission (CWC) report, on an
average, 7.21 million hectares (roughly 72,000) sq. km.) go under floodwater. This water
typically ravages 3.78 million hectares of agricultural land, damaging crops worth ` 1,118
crore annually.
Heavy rains and floods account for nearly 1,700 lives lost annually. Apart from this,
1.25 lakh houses are annually damaged by torrential rains that also wipe out nearly 96,000
livestock.
Floods are the most recurrent natural calamity, hitting India almost every year.
According to the CWCs report on financial aspects of flood control, anti-sea erosion and
drainage projects, it is not possible to provide absolute protection instantly to all flood-prone
areas. It says that such an attempt will neither be practical nor economically viable.
The CWCs analysis of floods in India from 1953 to 2011 shows a marginal decline in
flood-affected areas over the years, the data shows 1977, 1978 and 1979 were the worst-hit.
The 1977 floods killed over 11,000 people, six times the average for the 59 years, between
1953 and 2011. In terms of area and population affected, the floods of 1978 were the most
destructive.
In terms of financial loss, recent floods have been far more destructive. The total loss
of crops, houses and public utilities in 2009 was ` 32,541 crores, the highest for any year.
(1) What is the above extract about? (1)
(2) How do floods adversely affect India? (2)
(3) Why is it not possible to provide absolute protection to all flood-prone areas? (2)
(4) How would you help the flood-affected people? (2)
(i) The floods of 1978 were the most destructive.
(Change the sentence into the positive degree.) (1)
351
Std.XII:English
(ii) Floods are the most recurrent natural calamity hitting India almost every year.
(iii) Floods have been far more destructive.
(Rewrite the sentence using the Simple Present tense.) (1)
(6) Give the meanings of: (1)
(i) entire
(ii) calamity
(B) Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below and
suggest a suitable title. (4)
Floods natural, recurrent calamity in India destroy life and property no absolute
protection neither practical nor economically viable floods in 1977 and 1978
SECTION B
(Poetry)
And we with our small vanities,
our controlled hunger for climbing
and getting as far as everybody else has gotten,
because it seems that is the way of the world:
an endless track of champions
and in a corner we, forgotten
may be because of everybody else,
since they seemed so much like us
until they were robbed of their laurels,
their medals, their titles, their names.
(1) How does the poet describe the attitude of the people in the extract? (1)
(2) Do you think the middle class is marginalized in cities? (1)
(3) Name and explain the figure of speech in the following line:
Since they seemed so much like us. (1)
(4) Note down from the extract the words which are used to show greater achievement. (1)
Now there is only one type of bobcat we see
The one that is fur free, clearing the pavement of all debris
We used to walk through a footpath in a forest of pine
The smell intoxicating our lungs and mind
Now the only smell to be found comes from plastic trees
Swaying on my rear-view mirror, labelled pine breeze
We used to watch the valley play hide and seek
Shadowed by the mountains immeasurable peak
Considered the largest thing known to man
Now skyscrapers are the most extravagant and titanic part of the plan.
(1) What signs of urbanisation are mentioned in the first six lines of the extract? (1)
(2) Do you think skyscrapers are necessary? Why do you think so? (1)
(3) Pick out the example of personification from the extract. (1)
(4) Pick out the lines from the extract expressing the fond memory of the poet about the
pines. (1)
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352
SECTION C
Q. 5. (A) Read the following extract and rewrite it from the point of view of Tom: (4) [8]
[You may begin with: I crossed from the right to the centre and said that it was a queer
place...]
Tom : (crossing R.C.) This is a queer place. I wonder if theres anybody in the house.
George : Youve picked three empty houses already, and you let us sing the whole of
While Shepherds Watched outside the last one before you found out your
mistake.
Tom : Well, thats better than what you did you picked the house where they had
that bulldog.
George : (contemptuously) I wasnt afraid of the bulldog.
Tom : No, may be you werent; but Im not sure that the savage beast hasnt torn off a
bit of young Alfies suit, and if he has there wont half be a row!
(Alfie fidgets nervously at the mention of his damaged suit.)
Tom : (down R.C.) How much money have we collected?
Ginger : (crossing C. to George) Lets have a look under the light, (After counting coppers
with the aid of Georges torch.) Eightpence halfpenny.
Tom : (in a tone of disgust) Only eightpence halfpenny between four of us after
yelling our heads off all the evening! Crikey! Moneys a bit tight round these
parts, isnt it?
George : I told you it was too early for carol-singing. Its too soon after Guy Fawkes day.
(Faint distant scream off R.)
Tom : (startled) What was that?
George : What was what?
Tom : That noise it sounded like a scream.
George : Nonsense.
Alfie : (L.) Lets go home.
(B) Read the following extract and convert it into a dialogue between Rosalind and
Orlando: (4)
[You may begin with : Rosalind : Dear Orlando, its better not to fight with Charles.]
Next day, the wrestling match was arranged to take place in front of the Dukes palace.
Celia and Rosalind happened to be there when the Duke and his lords arrived, so they decided
to stay and watch the fight. Frederick spoke to Orlando, and tried to persuade him not to fight
the wrestler, but Orlando was determined. At last Frederick turned to Rosalind and Celia and
said : Speak to him, ladies; see if you can persuade him.
Charles had just fought three other young men and had nearly killed them. It seemed
certain that Orlando would be treated in the same way. And so the two girls spoke to the tall,
good-looking young man, begging him not to fight. You have seen cruel proof of this mans
strength, said Celia. We pray you for your own sake to give up this fight. Do not run such a
risk!
Please do what we ask, young sir, said Rosalind. No one will call you a coward. We
will ask the Duke to stop the wrestling.
But Orlando answered: Please do not be angry if I refuse to do what you ask. It is not
easy to say no to ladies who are so beautiful and gentle. But let your fair eyes and gentle
wishes go with me to my trial. No one will be sorry if I am killed, because I have no friends
to love me. I fill up a place in the world which may be better filled by another man if I leave it
empty.
353
Std.XII:English
OR
(B) Read the following extract and extend it by adding an imaginary paragraph of you own
in about 120 words:
Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running,
so I did too. Amazingly all of my brothers had survived; Im not sure how. But I knew that
the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed
triumphant, one persons goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where
there was none.
My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.
Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put
up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics.
Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved. I served in the U.S.
Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York city after two years.
SECTION D
(Written Composition)

Write any ONE of the following letters: (4)
(1) Write an application in response to the following advertisement using information
given in the CV provided:
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED
Smart, English speaking salesman for an electronic showroom.
Good salary offered. Experienced candidate will be preferred.
Write giving details to : The Proprietor, Ganesh Electronics, M.
G. Road, Solapur.
C.V. Resume
1. Name : Suhas Randive

2. Age : 29 years
3. Address : 105, Roshan Apartment
L.T. Road, Pune-11
4. Educational
qualification : B.A. (First class), Pune Univ.
5. Experience : 3 years experience of working
as a salesman in a textile shop.
6. Interests : Travelling, photography, reading
OR
(2) Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting in it the importance of cleanliness and
the need of public participation in the cleanliness drive in your district.
354
354
(B) Write on any ONE of the following items as directed: (4)
(1) Write a short tourist leaflet on a place of historical importance with the help of the
following points:
(i) How to reach there?
(ii) Where to stay?
(iii) Historical importance of the place.
(iv) Shopping attractions
(v) Add your own points.
OR
(2) Read the following headlines of the news items. Choose any ONE of them and write
the dateline, intro and a short continuing paragraph:
(i) 4 killed, 20 injured in a road mishap.
(ii) Auto-rickshaw drivers on strike.
(C) Write on any ONE of the following items: (4)

(1) Read the following tabular data and write a short paragraph regarding The vacant seats
in the Engineering and Pharmacy colleges:
Courses Intake capacity Vacant seats

Enginneering:
Degree 1,55,102 42,497
Diploma 1,65,413 55,107
Post-graduation 13,651 1,810
Pharmacy:
Degree 9,712 924
Diploma 12,959 1,771
Post-graduation 5,296 3,506
OR
(2) Write a short paragraph in about 120 words to be used for the Counter-View Section on
the following topic:
Science and technology development have helped us in all walks of life.
You may take help of the following points from the View Section.
View-Section
Science and technology development useful for mankind.
has made life comfortable and happy.
life being lengthened.
increased agricultural production.
world is brought closer through various safer and
faster communication and transport systems.
modes of entertainment.
355
Std.XII:English
Q.7. (A) Answer the following questions as per instructions: (4) [7]
Imagine you have to interview an old woman who lives in an old-age home. Write a set of
8 to 10 questions for the interview. You may take help of the following points:
Her family, reasons for being in an old-age home, her feelings and expectations, her
advice, etc.
(B) Imagine you have to give a speech on the topic Indias Changing Villages. Write a speech
on it in about 100 words. (3)
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356

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BoardQuestionPaper:March2015

(1) What lesson do you learn from this extract? (1)

(B) Grammar (Do as directed): (4)

Iron Stony-Iron Stony

Not common Rare

_______ Carbonaceous Anchondrites

(1) How was Chaitanya treated in his school? (1)

(B) Grammar (Do as directed): (4)

If you have the will to live and courage to die

(1) How does a counsel help a person? (1)

(1) What will be the effect of a nuclear attack? (1)

(B) Grammar (Do as directed): (4)

Q.6. (A) Letter Writing: [12]

1. Name : Suhas Randive

(C) Write on any ONE of the following items: (4)

Courses Intake capacity Vacant seats

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