Question Paper pdf at bottom of the post.
West Bengal Class 12 English Question Paper 2018 with Solution
2018
Part - A [Marks:60]
1. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2=12
A. “She was an interesting girl”-Who said this to whom and when? What else did the person say? What reply did he get? 3+1+2
i) Who said this to whom and when?
The narrator said this to the new co-passenger who boarded the train after the girl left, just after the train departed from Saharanpur.
ii) What else did the person say?
The narrator also asked the new passenger if he could tell whether the girl kept her hair long or short.
iii) What reply did he get?
The new passenger replied that he did not notice her hair but was struck by her beautiful eyes, adding that they were of no use to her as she was completely blind.
B. “I normally ate with my mother”- Who ate with his mother? Name his mother. Where did he eat with his mother? What did he eat with his mother? 1+1+1+3
i) APJ Abdul Kalam ate with his mother.
ii) His mother’s name was Ashiamma.
iii) He ate with his mother on the floor of the kitchen.
iv) He ate rice with aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp homemade pickle, and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney, all served on a banana leaf.
C. “Do you need somebody to go to the store…?’Who is the speaker? Whom did the speaker say this? Why did the speaker want to go to the store? What did they have in supper? 1+1+3 +1
i) The speaker is Roger.
ii) Roger said this to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.
iii) Roger wanted to go to the store to prove to Mrs. Jones that he could be trusted and to show his willingness to help her.
iv) Mrs. Jones and Roger had lima beans, ham, and cocoa in supper.
D. “All the answers being different, the Tsar agreed with none of them?’ – What were the questions to which the Tsar got different answers? Whom did the Tsar decide to consult when he was not staisfied? Where did that person live whom the Tsar decided to consult? What was he famous for? 3+1+1+1
i) See above in 2016 or The Tsar got different answers to these questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I pay more attention? What affairs are the most important and need my first attention?
ii) When not satisfied, the Tsar decided to consult a wise hermit.
iii) The hermit lived in a wood, which he never left, receiving only common folk.
iv) The hermit was famous for his wisdom.
2. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2 = 12
A. “It takes much time to kill a tree.”- Why does it take much time to kill a tree? According to the poet, how is the tree finally killed? 3+3
i) It takes much time to kill a tree because of its deep roots, strong trunk, and ability to heal and regenerate, making simple cutting insufficient.
ii) The tree is finally killed by uprooting it completely, exposing its roots and severing its connection to the earth, leading to its eventual withering and death.
B. (a) How does the poet express the futility of war through his poem ‘Asleep In The Valley? (b) What message does he want to convey? 4+2
Ans: (a) The poet expresses the futility of war by presenting a peaceful, idyllic valley where a young soldier lies dead. The serene environment contrasts sharply with the violent death the soldier has suffered, indicated by the “two red holes” in his side. This stark juxtaposition underscores the senseless loss of life caused by war.
(b) The poet conveys the message that war is a futile and tragic waste of young lives. Through the innocent, peaceful imagery of the valley, he highlights the senseless destruction brought about by conflict.
C. “And every fair from fair sometime declines” From which poem is the line quoted? Who is the poet? Briefly explain the meaning of the quoted line. How does the poet promise to immortalize his friend’s beauty? 1+1 +2+2
i) From which poem is the line quoted?
This line is from the poem “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” by William Shakespeare.
ii) Who is the poet?
William Shakespeare is the poet.
iii) Briefly explain the meaning of the quoted line.
The line means that everything beautiful eventually fades or loses its charm.
iv) How does the poet promise to immortalize his friend’s beauty?
Shakespeare promises to immortalize his friend’s beauty by writing about it in his poetry. He believes that his verses will preserve their beauty forever.
D. Justify the title of the poem ‘The Poetry of Earth’.
The title “The Poetry of Earth” is fitting because it highlights the continuous and beautiful sounds of nature. Keats describes how the Grasshopper sings in the summer when the birds are silent due to the heat. He enjoys the warm weather and sings from the fields. In winter, when everything is quiet and cold, the Cricket sings from inside the house. This shows that no matter the season, there is always some creature making music. Therefore, nature’s poetry, or music, is always alive and never stops, justifying the title of the poem.
3. Answer any one of the following in about 100 words: 1×6=6
1. “We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years.” (1+1+1+3)
Who is the speaker?
- The speaker is Natalya Stepanovna.
Who is spoken to?
- Natalya is speaking to Lomov.
What is referred to as the land?
- The land referred to is the Oxen Meadows.
What do you know of the land from their conversation?
- From their conversation, we learn that the Oxen Meadows is a disputed piece of land located between their properties. Natalya claims her family has owned it for nearly three hundred years, while Lomov insists it belongs to him. The argument over the land showcases their stubbornness and pride, as both families are determined to assert their ownership.
2. Give a brief sketch of the character of Lomov in the play ‘The Proposal’. (6)
Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is a comical yet sympathetic character in The Proposal:
Nervous and Hypochondriac: Lomov is constantly worried about his health and suffers from anxiety, which is evident in his frequent complaints about palpitations and other ailments.
Indecisive: He struggles with expressing his feelings and intentions, especially when it comes to proposing to Natalya.
Prideful: Like Natalya, Lomov is proud of his property and status, leading to arguments over trivial matters like land ownership and dogs.
Timid yet Determined: Despite his nervousness, Lomov is determined to marry Natalya, believing it to be a practical decision for his future.
Sarcastic: During arguments, he often resorts to sarcasm, especially when frustrated, as seen in his offer to “make a present” of the Oxen Meadows.
Traditional: Lomov adheres to traditional values, seeking marriage as a means of achieving stability and social standing.
3. “Go; there’s a merchant came for his goods.”— (2+1+1+2)
Who said this and to whom?
- Chubukov said this to his servant.
Who is ‘the merchant’?
- ‘The merchant’ refers to Lomov.
What is referred to as ‘goods’?
- ‘Goods’ refers to Lomov’s intention to propose to Natalya.
In what way does it bring out the attitude of the person and the society at that time?
- This remark shows Chubukov’s frustration and sarcasm during the heated argument. It reflects the attitude of seeing marriage as a transaction or business deal, highlighting the societal view of marriage as a means to secure financial and social stability. It underscores the practical and transactional nature of marriage in their society, where romantic feelings are secondary to property and social considerations.
4. (a) Do as directed:
(i) “Was I bothering you when I turned that corner?” asked the woman. [Turn into Indirect speechl
→ The woman asked if she had been bothering him when she turned that corner.
(ii) My father could convey complex spiritual concepts in very simple, down-to-earth Tamil. [Change the voice]
→ Complex spiritual concepts could be conveyed by my father in very simple, down-to-earth Tamil.
(iii) As soon as she left the train, she would forget our brief encounter. [Turn into a negative sentence]
→ She would not remember our brief encounter once she left the train.
(iv) I am the most unhappy of men. [Change to positive degree]
→ No other man is as unhappy as I am.
(v) But thy eternal summer shall not fade. [Change to affirmative sentence]
→ Thy eternal summer shall always last.
(vi) I wished to kill you. [Use the underlined word as a noun and rewrite]
→ I had a wish for your killing.
(b) Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles and/or prepositions:
The Tsar turned round and saw a bearded man come running out of the wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach and blood was flowing from under them.
(c) Correct the error in the sentence:
His answers filled me with a strange energy and enthusiastic.
→ His answers filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm.
5. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
It was my second year at boarding school, and I was sitting on platform No. 8 at Ambala station, waiting for the northern bound train. I think I was about twelve at that time. My parents considered me old enough to travel alone, and I had arrived by bus at Ambala early in the evening : now there was a wait till midnight before my train arrived. Most of the time I had been pacing up and down the platform, browsing at the bookstall, or feeding broken biscuits to stray dogs; trains came and went, and the platform would be quiet for a while and then, when a train arrived, it would be an inferno of heaving, shouting, agitated human bodies. As the carriage doors opened, a tide of people would sweep down upon the nervous little ticket collector at the gate; and every time this happened I would be caught in the rush and swept outside the station. Now, tired of this game and of ambling about the platform, I sat down on my suitcase and gazed dismally across the railway-tracks.
Trolleys rolled past me, and I was conscious of the cries of the various vendors-the men who sold curds and lemon, the sweet-meat seller, the newspaper boy-but I had lost interest in all that went on along the busy platform, and continued to stare across the railway tracks, feeling bored and a little lonely.
(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) My parents did not think that I could travel alone. → F
(ii) I spent my time on the platform moving up and down and looking at the bookstalls. → T
(iii) When a train came, people silently moved on the platform. → F
(iv) I arrived at the station early in the morning. → F
(b) Answer each of the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) When, how, and why did the narrator arrive at Ambala?
→ The narrator arrived at Ambala in the evening by bus, as he was traveling alone to catch the northern-bound train at midnight.
(ii) What happened when a train arrived at the station?
→ When a train arrived, the platform became crowded and chaotic with heaving, shouting people rushing towards the ticket collector.
(iii) What did the narrator watch as he sat on his suitcase on the platform?
→ The narrator watched trolleys rolling past and heard the cries of vendors selling curds, lemon, sweets, and newspapers.
6. (a) Write a report on a one-week program undertaken by your school to clean up the classrooms, the school premises and its surroundings. Mention the roles of both students and teachers. (Word limit: 150 words) 2 +8 = 10
One-Week Cleanup Program at ABC School
Last week, our school organized a one-week cleanup program to improve the cleanliness of classrooms, the school premises, and its surroundings. Both students and teachers actively participated. Students cleaned the classrooms, wiped desks and windows, and disposed of litter. Teachers supervised the cleaning and explained the importance of hygiene. Volunteers also removed weeds and garbage from the school grounds and planted saplings. Awareness sessions were conducted to promote waste segregation and recycling. This initiative created a cleaner environment and taught students the value of maintaining hygiene.
Or, (b) Write a letter to the Editor of an English Daily about the unhealthy food items sold in and around your school, affecting the health of the students. (Word limit: 150 words) 2 + 8 = 10
To
The Editor
[English Daily Name]
[Address]
Subject: Concern About Unhealthy Food Around Schools
Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to draw attention to the unhealthy food sold in and around our school premises, which is adversely affecting the health of students. Vendors near school premises offer fried snacks, sugary beverages, and other junk food prepared in unhygienic conditions. These items not only lack nutritional value but also pose serious health risks, including obesity, digestive problems, and foodborne illnesses.
Despite repeated efforts by schools to promote healthy eating habits, the easy availability of such harmful food options undermines these initiatives. Many children, drawn by the taste and affordability of these items, unknowingly compromise their health.
I urge the authorities to take strict action against the sale of unhealthy food near educational institutions. Vendors should be regulated, and healthier alternatives such as fruits and wholesome snacks should be encouraged. Awareness campaigns for both students and parents about the importance of a balanced diet would also go a long way in addressing this issue.
Let us act collectively to ensure the well-being of our young generation. I hope your esteemed publication will highlight this matter and help bring it to the attention of the concerned authorities.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Or, (c) Write a précis of the following passage. Add a suitable title. 2+8=10
Among the misfortunes that trouble human beings, the loss of health is the most troublesome. A man cannot enjoy his wealth, his happiness or his relations when he is sick. If you can give a sick man everything but leave him to his sufferings, he will feel that the world is lost to him. Even when he is laid on a bed of roses, he groans in physical agony, and remains sleepless. On the contrary, a beggar who is healthy, can enjoy a sound sleep even lying on the bare ground. A man with good health can enjoy his food and choose his drink but a sick man cannot take a morsel out of fear that his health may deteriorate. In fact, a healthy man is always envied by a rich man with poor health. If a sick man is surrounded with the pomp of a king, if his chair be made his throne, if his crutch be his scepter, even then he will envy the good health of his meanest servant. His great palace would not be able to provide him the comfort that a man with a sound health gets even if he lives in a hut with thatched roof.
The Value of Health
The loss of health is the greatest misfortune. A sick person cannot enjoy wealth, happiness, or relationships, and physical suffering makes life unbearable. In contrast, a healthy person, even a beggar, enjoys peace and contentment. A sick man with riches and luxuries envies the simplest joys of a healthy person. True comfort comes not from wealth or power but from sound health, which is the greatest treasure in life. (81 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
(a) The hermit received none but both…
(i) Emperors
(ii) Kings
(iii) Common folk
(iv) the Tsar
(b) Bending over the sink the boy, Roger asked Mrs. Jones whether she…
(i) was going to take him to jail
(ii) was going to punish him
(iii) was going to reward him
(iv) was going to take care of him
(c) The coconut grove, where Abdul Kalam’s father used to walk down every morning was about…
(i) one and a half miles
(ii) three miles
(iii) four miles
(iv) four and a half miles
(d) The narrator had the compartment to himself up to…
(i) Saharanpur
(ii) Dehradun
(iii) Rohana
(iv) Mussorie
2. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentences: 1×4= 4
(a) What does Kalam’s father say about the relevance of prayer?
→ Kalam’s father said prayer helps people connect spiritually, removes emotional suffering, and strengthens one’s soul.
(b) Why did the Tsar put on simple cloth before meeting the hermit?
→ The Tsar wore simple clothes to avoid being recognized as a king and to meet the hermit as a common man.
(c) What advice did Mrs. Jones give to Roger at the end of the story?
→ Mrs. Jones advised Roger to behave well, be trustworthy, and avoid stealing to achieve a better life.
(d) Describe the ancestral house of Kalam.
→ Kalam’s ancestral house was a large pucca house made of limestone and brick, located on Mosque Street in Rameswaram.
(e) What remark did the narrator make about people with good eyesight?
→ The narrator remarked that people with good eyesight often fail to see what is in front of them.
(f) How did the Tsar meet the hermit?
→ The Tsar met the hermit in a forest, where the hermit was digging the ground.
(g) What did Mrs. Luella Jones ask the boy to pick up?
→ Mrs. Jones asked the boy to pick up her pocketbook.
(h) How did the girl describe the narrator?
→ The girl described the narrator as a quiet and serious person.
3. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1×4= 4
(a) Nature’s changing course is …
(i) dimmed
(ii) temperate
(iii) untrimmed
(iv) lovely
(b) The marks of wound of the soldier are …
(i) on his head
(ii) on his chest
(iii) in his side
(iv) in his leg
(c) ” … he takes the lead”- Who is ‘he’? He is …
(i) the summer
(ii) the grasshopper
(iii) the cricket
(iv) the poet
(d) The ‘curled green twigs’ rise from …
(i) the earth’s cave
(ii) the uprooted tree
(iii) close to the ground
(iv) the rough bark
4. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentence:1×4= 4
(a) What causes the bark of a tree to bleed?
→ The bark of a tree bleeds when it is hacked and injured during its removal or cutting.
(b) How does the poet bring out the innocence of the soldier in “Asleep in the Valley”?
→ The poet brings out the innocence of the soldier by describing his peaceful, childlike sleep amidst nature, despite being lifeless.
(c) Where does the Grasshopper rest?
→ The Grasshopper rests beneath the hedges when tired during summer.
(d) Which part of the tree is the most sensitive, white, and wet?
→ The roots of the tree are the most sensitive, white, and wet part.
(e) How long will the young man be remembered in Shakespeare’s Sonnet No. 18?
→ The young man will be remembered forever as long as people read the poet’s lines.
(f) From where is the shrill song of the cricket heard in “The Poetry of Earth”?
→ The shrill song of the cricket is heard from behind the stove during winter.
(g) Why is the soldier pale?
→ The soldier is pale because he is lifeless and has died in the war.
(h) What gives life to the poet’s friend in Shakespeare’s Sonnet No. 18?
→ The poet’s verses give life to his friend, making him immortal.
5. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1X4= 4
(a) Chubukov comments that Lomov’s have had in their family
(i) autocracy
(ii) lunacy
(iii) hypocrisy
(iv) democracy
(b) Lomov’s aunt’s name is
(i) Natalya Stepnova
(ii) Natasha Vassilvitch
(iii) Nastasya Mihailovna
(iv) Natalya Mihailovna
(c) Lomov went to his neighbour, Chubukov’s house
(i) to borrow money
(ii) to settle a dispute
(iii) to give a marriage proposal
(iv) to complain
(d) Lomov gave ……… to Mironov for his dog.
(i) 120 roubles
(ii) 125 roubles
(iii) 25 roubles
(iv) 85 roubles
OR
(A) The name of the gambler was
(i) Chait Ram
(ii) Ramlal
(iii) Ramcharan
(iv) Uday Ram
(B) The merchant’s wife comes from
(i) Nandgaon
(ii) Bhatgaon
(iii) Raigarh
(iv) Goregan
(C) The minister first inaugurates
(i) a cycle shop
(ii) a ration shop
(iii) a shoe shop
(iv) a cloth shop
(D) Charandas takes from Sattuwala
(i) a bundle of coins
(ii) a bundle of sattu
(iii) a bundle of clothes
(iv) a bundle of jewellery
