Question Paper pdf at bottom of the post.
West Bengal Class 12 English Question Paper 2016 with Solution and PDF
2016
Part - A (Marks:60)
1. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2=12
(A) “She would forget our brief encounter” – Who said this and about whom? What is the ‘brief encounter’ referred to here? Why did the speaker think so? 1+1 +2+2
i) Who said this and about whom?
The narrator said this about the girl.
ii) What is the ‘brief encounter’ referred to here?
The ‘brief encounter’ refers to the short conversation and time spent together between the narrator and the girl on the train.
iii) Why did the speaker think so?
The speaker thought so because, for the girl, it was just a short, casual meeting with a stranger during a train journey. However, for the narrator, it was a memorable interaction due to the girl’s voice and their conversation.
(B) What had remained the routine for Abdul Kalam’s father even when he was in his late sixties? What does Abdul Kalam say about his emulation of his father? 3+3
i) Abdul Kalam’s father continued his routine of starting his day at 4 am with the namaz, walking to their coconut grove four miles away to collect coconuts, and only then having breakfast. This routine persisted even in his late sixties.
ii) Abdul Kalam says he has tried to emulate his father in his own field of science and technology. He strives to understand and apply the fundamental truths his father taught him, believing in a divine power that guides one from confusion and failure to true purpose and peace.
(C) “l would teach you right from wrong’ — Who said this, to whom and when? How did the speaker transform the person spoken to here? 1 +1 +1 +3
i) Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones said this to Roger after she caught him trying to steal her purse and decided to take him to her home.
ii) Mrs. Jones transformed Roger by showing him kindness and understanding instead of punishing him. She fed him, cleaned him up, and gave him money to buy the shoes he wanted, teaching him that he didn’t need to steal to get what he wanted. Her actions taught him about trust, kindness, and the difference between right and wrong.
(D) What were the questions that had occurred to the Tsar? Why did he need correct answers to those questions? What did he do when he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men? 3+1 +2
i) The questions that had occurred to the Tsar, were: “if he always knew the right time to begin
everything, if he knew who were the right people to listen to, and whom to avoid; and, above all, if he always knew what was the most important thing to do.”
ii) He needed correct answers to ensure he never failed in anything he undertook.
iii) When he was not satisfied with the learned men’s answers, he decided to consult a wise hermit, renowned for his wisdom, hoping to find the right answers.
2. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2 = 12
A. Justify the title of the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ (100 words). 6
Ans: The title “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel is fitting because the poem details the effort and violence required to completely destroy a tree. Patel explains that simply cutting the tree is not enough to kill it. The poem describes how a tree heals and regrows if only its branches are cut. To truly kill a tree, one must uproot it, exposing its roots to the sun and air, causing it to wither and die. This process is long and brutal, emphasizing the tree’s strength and resilience. The title reflects the poem’s focus on the serious and determined effort needed to overcome the tree’s natural power, highlighting the conflict between human force and nature’s vitality.
B. “A soldier, very young, lies open-mouthed” – (a) Who is the soldier referred to here? (b) Narrate in your own words how the soldier lies in the valley. 2+4
Ans: (a) The soldier referred to here is a young, presumably fallen soldier who has died in battle and now lies in a peaceful valley, appearing as if he is merely asleep.
(b) The soldier lies open-mouthed, resting in the lush, green valley. His head rests on a pillow of fern, and he is surrounded by flowers. Despite the serene and sun-soaked surroundings, his lifeless state is hinted at through his stillness and the tranquility of the scene.
C. How does Shakespeare compare the beauty of his friend to that of a Summer’s day in Sonnet 18? 6
Ans: In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare initially compares his friend’s beauty to a summer’s day but concludes that the friend’s beauty is more lovely and enduring. While a summer’s day is temporary, subject to rough winds and the fleeting nature of seasons, the friend’s beauty, immortalized in Shakespeare’s poetry, will never fade. The poet believes that as long as people can read his sonnet, the friend’s beauty will live on, defying the passage of time and even death. Thus, Shakespeare elevates his friend’s beauty to a timeless and eternal status through his artful words.
D. What picture of summer is presented in “The Poetry of Earth? How has it been carried on to the picture of winter?
i) In summer, the birds are tired from the hot sun and hide in the cool trees. The Grasshopper takes over and sings joyfully in the fields. He enjoys the warm weather and never stops having fun. This shows a lively and warm picture of summer.
ii) In winter, when everything is quiet and cold, the Cricket sings from inside the warm house. This shows that even in the cold and silence of winter, nature’s music continues through the Cricket’s song.
3. Answer any one of the following in about 100 words: 1×6=6
1. Why did Lomov think about taking a decision about getting married? Whom did he want to marry? Why? (3+1+2)
Why did Lomov decide to get married?
- Lomov decided to get married because he was 35 years old, and he believed it was time to settle down. He also thought that marriage would help him live a more regular and stable life. Moreover, Lomov suffered from health problems, and he believed having a wife would be beneficial for him.
Whom did he want to marry?
- He wanted to marry Natalya Stepanovna.
Why did he want to marry Natalya?
- He wanted to marry Natalya because she was an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, and well-educated. Lomov thought she would be a good wife and help him manage his estate.
2. Describe the character of Chubukov as a sensible father. (6)
Chubukov is portrayed as a practical and caring father in the play:
Protective: Chubukov is concerned about his daughter’s future and is eager to see her well-settled. He is happy about Lomov’s proposal because he believes Lomov would be a suitable husband for Natalya.
Practical: Chubukov understands the social and economic benefits of the marriage between Lomov and Natalya and encourages the match, knowing it would be advantageous for both families.
Mediator: He acts as a mediator during the arguments between Lomov and Natalya, trying to calm them down and resolve their disputes.
Supportive: Chubukov supports Natalya when she insists that the land belongs to them and stands by her during the argument with Lomov.
Forgiving: Despite getting angry during the arguments, Chubukov is quick to reconcile and encourages Natalya to make peace with Lomov.
Concerned: He is genuinely concerned for Natalya’s happiness and well-being, which is evident when he rushes to bring Lomov back after realizing his daughter’s feelings for him.
3. “Forgive us Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated.” (1+1+2+2)
Who is the speaker?
- The speaker is Chubukov.
Who are referred to by ‘us’?
- ‘Us’ refers to Chubukov, his daughter Natalya, and Lomov.
Why were the persons referred to as ‘a little heated’?
- They were ‘a little heated’ because they got into a fierce argument about the ownership of the Oxen Meadows, which led to raised tempers and harsh words.
Why does the speaker ask for forgiveness?
- The speaker asks for forgiveness because he wants to smooth things over after the argument. He understands that the dispute was trivial and wants to mend the relationship, especially considering Lomov’s marriage proposal to Natalya.
4. (a) Do as directed:
(i) “Then I won’t turn you loose,” said the woman to the boy.
→ The woman told the boy that she would not turn him loose.
(ii) I found the window.
→ The window was found by me.
(iii) A man, getting into the compartment, stammered an apology.
→ A man got into the compartment. He stammered an apology.
(iv) This is not a correct approach.
→ This is an incorrect approach.
(v) She was silent.
→ She was not speaking.
(vi) She did not leave the door shut.
→ She left the door open.
(b) Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles and/or prepositions:
I was prepared to sit there for almost any length of time, just to listen to her talking. Her voice had the sparkle of a mountain stream.
(c) Correct the error in the sentence:
They seemed very ancient about her comfort.
→ They seemed very anxious about her comfort.
5. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Time is invaluable. It flows ceaselessly on without any consideration for the convenience of any man, however important or high-placed he may be. And time once gone is gone forever. Lost wealth may be regained by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance and medicine but lost time cannot be recovered by any means. Many do not realise this. They waste their time, thinking that they would make up the loss in future, But the hope may never be realised. Every moment of our time has its particular duty. Putting off our works, therefore, means over-burdening us, that is making our tasks heavier and more difficult in future. This is why students who neglect their studies from day to day often fail in spite of very hard labour before the examination. They can neither acquire knowledge nor build up character and suffer all their life in consequence. Besides, who can say what this future will be, -whether it will not be worse than the present? Some unforeseen obstacles may arise, we may be suddenly taken ill; there may be some family calamity; financial difficulties may fall upon us, and then we shall find that the task has become much harder, if not too hard. Moreover, if we begin to put off things, we shall soon get into the habit of indolence and thus slowly bring about our own ruin.
(a) State whether the following statements are True or False. Write T for True and ‘F’ for False: (You need not write the sentences, write only the numbers)
(i) The loss of time can be regained. → F
(ii) A wise man always wastes time. → F
(iii) A man cannot make up his health. → F
(iv) A lost moment is loss forever. → T
(b) Answer each of the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) Name the things that can be recovered by man.
→ Lost wealth can be regained by hard work, knowledge by study, and health by medicine and moderation.
(ii) How can one make one’s task harder?
→ By delaying work, one can make the task heavier and more difficult in the future.
(iii) How can a student fail in the examination?
→ A student who neglects studies daily will find it hard to prepare later and may fail in the examination.
6. (a) Write a report on the annual sports of your school to be published in the school magazine. (Word limit: 150 words) 2+8=10
Annual Sports Day at ABC School
The Annual Sports Day of our school was held on [date] with great enthusiasm. The event began with the hoisting of the school flag and an inspiring speech by the Principal. Students participated in various events like races, high jump, and relay races, showcasing their sportsmanship. The most thrilling event was the tug-of-war between teachers and students. Winners were awarded medals and certificates, and the event ended with a cultural program and the National Anthem. It was a memorable day filled with excitement and team spirit.
Or, (b) Your company makes wooden furniture and a customer wants to buy 15 chairs. Write a reply to the customer’s enquiry. Mention the rates, time needed for delivery, delivery cost in your letter. (Word limit: 150 words) 2+8=10
To
[Customer’s Name]
[Customer’s Address]
Subject: Quotation for 15 Wooden Chairs
Dear [Customer’s Name],
Thank you for your interest in our wooden furniture. We are pleased to provide the following details regarding your enquiry for 15 wooden chairs:
- Price per chair: ₹2,500
- Total cost for 15 chairs: ₹37,500
- Delivery time: 10 days from the date of order confirmation
- Delivery charges: ₹1,000
The chairs are crafted from premium-quality wood and designed for durability and elegance. Please confirm your order at the earliest so that we can begin the production process. If you have any specific customization requests, feel free to let us know.
We look forward to serving you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Designation]
[Contact Information]
Or, (c) Write a precis of the following passage. Add a suitable title. 2+8=10
Vidyasagar had both the originality of a genius and the sterling strength of a heroic character. He thought out a new technique of teaching Sanskrit more easily to beginners and wrote a series of primers in the Sanskrit language and literature adapted to modern needs. He also arranged for the collection and preservation of old Sanskrit books. In Bengali prose, Vidyasagar’s work, was a landmark. He evolved an elegant, although a bit too stately and chaste style of writing which impressed everybody. Between 1847 and 1863, he wrote a series of books in Bengali which became classics to the students of literature. In these, he drew his material impartially from the Indian epics and popular tales as well as from western fables and biographies. His “Bengali Primer” for beginners is even today in household use. But Vidyasagar was no mere scholar or man of letters. As an educational reformer, he opened the Sanskrit College to non-Brahmin boys and provided for classical scholars some English education as well. As an administrator of vision, he rendered splendid service in his capacity of government inspector and in four districts he organised a total of 35 girls’ schools and 20 model schools. He was closely associated from its early days with the institution which now bears his name and which under his fostering care became the outstanding example of a non- official, secular and popular institution for higher education with a purely Indian teaching staff. He was equally interested in women’s higher education, and was secretary to the Bethune School for sometimes. (256 words)
Vidyasagar: A Genius and Reformer
Vidyasagar was a visionary educator, writer, and reformer. He simplified Sanskrit learning, preserved old texts, and revolutionized Bengali prose with elegant writing. Between 1847 and 1863, his works, including the Bengali Primer, became literary classics. As an educational reformer, he admitted non-Brahmin boys to Sanskrit College and supported women’s education by opening schools. Vidyasagar also set up 35 girls’ schools and 20 model schools in four districts, fostering non-official, secular education. His contributions to education and literature remain unparalleled. (98 words)
Part - B (Marks: 20)
[Multiple Choice Type Questions (MCQ) and Short Answer Type Questions (SAQ) of 1 mark.]
1. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1×4 = 4
(i) Mrs Jones gave the boy…
(a) five cents
(b) five dollars
(c) ten cents
(d) ten dollars
(ii) The blind girl said that she would get off at
(a) Nainital
(b) Mussoorie
(c) Dehra
(d) Saharanpur
(iii) The bearded man was wounded by
(a) the Tsar’s son
(b) the Tsar’s friend
(c) the Tsar himself
(d) the Tsar’s bodyguard
(iv) Kalam’s father would take him to the mosque for-
(a) pre-dawn prayers
(b) evening prayers
(c) mid-day prayers
(d) afternoon prayers
2. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentences: 1×4= 4
(i) Where did Mrs Jones work?
Answer: Mrs Jones worked in a hotel beauty shop.
(ii) What according to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father does adversity always present?
Answer: According to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.
(iii) Why did the man want to take revenge?
Answer: The man wanted to take revenge because the Tsar had executed his brother and seized his property.
(iv) Whom did the hermit receive?
Answer: The hermit received only common folk.
(v) What, according to the narrator of Ruskin Bond’s story “The Eyes Have It,” is the best time to visit the hills?
Answer: According to the narrator, October is the best time to visit the hills.
(vi) Where did Roger fall on losing his balance?
Answer: Roger fell on the floor when he lost his balance.
(vii) Who broke into the narrator’s reverie?
Answer: The voice of the blind girl broke into the narrator’s reverie.
(viii) In which town was Dr APJ Abdul Kalam born?
Answer: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram.
3. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1×4= 4
(i) The winds that blow in summer in Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet No. 18’ are
(a) balmy
(b) weak
(c) hot
(d) rough
(ii) The bark of the tree is described as “leprous” because
(a) it is soft and smooth
(b) it is wounded by the knife
(c) it is rough and has marks
(d) it is glossy and shining
(iii) The grasshopper is associated with the season
(a) winter
(b) autumn
(c) summer
(d) spring
(iv) One hand of the soldier is on his
(a) face
(b) gun
(c) breast
(d) side
4. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentence:1×4= 4
(a) Where do all the birds hide in Keats’s ‘The Poetry of Earth’?
Answer: All the birds hide in the cooling trees.
(b) How is the “gold complexion” of the sun dimmed?
Answer: The “gold complexion” of the sun is dimmed by clouds or time’s passing.
(c) Who has “never done/With his delights”?
Answer: The Grasshopper has “never done/With his delights.”
(d) “And summer’s lease hath all too short a date” – What is meant by ‘summer’s lease’?
Answer: ‘Summer’s lease’ refers to the limited duration of summer.
(e) How does the stream look like in the poem ‘Asleep In The Valley’?
Answer: The stream looks bright and glides gently through the valley.
(f) What does the phrase ‘earth cave’ refer to?
Answer: The phrase ‘earth cave’ refers to the roots of the tree.
(g) Why does the poet ask Nature to keep the soldier warm?
Answer: The poet asks Nature to keep the soldier warm because he is dead.
(h) What scorch and choke the tree after it is pulled out?
Answer: The sun and air scorch and choke the tree after it is pulled out.
5. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1X4= 4
(i) Chubukov is a
(a) landowner
(b) lawyer
(c) merchant
(d) physician
(ii) Lomov comes to Chubukov’s house
(a) to propose to his daughter
(b) like a good neighbour
(c) for a formal meeting
(d) to borrow money from Chubukov
(iii) When Lomov arrived, Chubukov was surprised by his
(a) evening dress
(b) palpitations
(c) shyness
(d) impudence
(iv) The name of Natalya’s dog is
(a) Squeezer
(b) Mirnov
(c) Guess
(d) Ivan
Links of Previous Year Question Paper
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2022
- 2023
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