Question Paper pdf at bottom of the post.
West Bengal Class 12 English Question Paper 2020 with Solution
2020
Part - A [Marks:60]
1. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2=12
A. “I’m tired of people telling me I have a pretty face.”- Who said this, to whom and when? What did the person spoken to reply? 1+1+2+2
i) Who said this, to whom, and when?
The girl said this to the narrator during their conversation in the train compartment.
ii) What did the person spoken to reply?
The narrator replied by saying, “Well, an interesting face can also be pretty.”
B. “People of different religions would be sitting outside waiting for him.”- Who is referred to as ‘him’? Where did the people wait? Why did they wait there? What would happen thereafter? 1+1+2+2
i) ‘Him’ refers to APJ Abdul Kalam’s father, Jainulabdeen.
ii) The people waited outside the mosque where Jainulabdeen performed his evening prayers.
iii) They waited there to seek blessings and prayers from Jainulabdeen, believing in his spiritual guidance and ability to help them with their troubles.
iv) After prayers, Jainulabdeen would dip his fingertips in bowls of water offered by the people and say a prayer. The water was then taken home by the people to use for curing illnesses or seeking blessings.
C. What had Mrs. Jones guessed to be the real reason behind Roger’s action? What was the real reason? What did Mrs. Jones do so that Roger could fulfill his wish? What did she tell him then? 1+1+1+3
i) Mrs. Jones guessed that Roger tried to steal her purse because he was hungry or needed something.
ii) The real reason was that Roger wanted money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes.
iii) Mrs. Jones gave Roger ten dollars so he could buy the blue suede shoes.
iv) Mrs. Jones told Roger that he should not make the mistake of stealing from anyone in the future because things obtained in a dishonest way will cause trouble. She also wished him to behave well from then on.
Q. What were the three questions the Tsar wanted to be answered? Why did he need the answers? Why was he dissatisfied with the answers given by the scholars and learned men? 3+1+2
i) The Tsar wanted answers to these three 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) He needed the answers to ensure he never failed in anything he undertook.
iii) He was dissatisfied because the scholars and learned men gave different and conflicting answers, none of which fully satisfied his quest for definitive guidance.
2. Answer any two of the following questions each in about 100 words: 6×2 = 12
A. “And then it is done.”- What a being referred to? How is it done? On what tone does the poem end? 1+3+2
i) It is being referred to the complete destruction of the tree.
ii) It is done by uprooting the tree, exposing its roots to the sun and air, which leads to scorching, browning, hardening, twisting, and withering, causing its death.
iii) The poem ends on a somber and resigned tone, reflecting the finality and inevitability of the tree’s destruction.
B. “The humming insects don’t disturb his rest.” – (a) Who rests and where? (b) Why is his rest not disturbed by the insects? 1+1+4
Ans: (a) The young soldier rests in a small, green valley, lying peacefully amidst the natural surroundings.
(b) His rest is not disturbed by the insects because he is dead, lying in a state of eternal sleep. The insects’ humming, which would normally be a minor annoyance to a living person, has no effect on him, emphasizing his tragic, premature death and the absolute stillness of his final repose.
C. What do the rough winds do? What does the poet mean by summer’s lease? How is the friend’s beauty superior to the summer’s day? 1+2+3
i) The rough winds shake the delicate buds of May.
ii) What does the poet mean by summer’s lease?
‘Summer’s lease’ refers to the limited duration of summer.
iii) How is the friend’s beauty superior to the summer’s day?
The friend’s beauty is superior because while summer is fleeting and can be marred by rough winds or dimmed by clouds, the friend’s beauty, immortalized in Shakespeare’s poetry, will last forever without fading.
D. Identify the voices of The Poetry of Earth’. How does Keats establish its continuity through these voices?
i) The voices of “The Poetry of Earth” are the Grasshopper in summer and the Cricket in winter.
ii) Keats establishes its continuity by showing that when one voice stops, another begins. In summer, the Grasshopper sings when the birds are silent. In winter, the Cricket sings when everything outside is quiet and cold. This shows that nature’s music is always present, no matter the season.
3. Answer any one of the following in about 100 words: 1×6=6
1. “And it’s impossible for me not to marry.” (3+1+2)
Why is the speaker so interested to marry?
- The speaker, Lomov, is interested in marrying because he believes it is essential for his social standing and stability. He also wants companionship and believes marriage will help manage his health issues by providing support and care.
Whom does he want to marry?
- He wants to marry Natalya Stepanovna.
Why?
- He wants to marry Natalya because she is a good housekeeper, well-educated, and from a respectable family. He thinks she would be a suitable and practical choice for a wife.
2. “I’ve been hoping for it for a long time.”- (1+1+1+3)
Who is the speaker?
- The speaker is Natalya Stepanovna.
What does ‘it refer to?
- ‘It’ refers to Lomov’s marriage proposal.
How did the speaker come to know about ‘it?
- Natalya learns about ‘it’ from her father, Chubukov, who tells her that Lomov came to propose.
What more did the speaker say in this context?
- In this context, Natalya expresses her eagerness and excitement upon learning of Lomov’s intention to propose. She is upset that the opportunity seemed lost after their argument and insists on bringing Lomov back to accept his proposal. This shows her romantic interest and desire to marry Lomov.
3. “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.”- (1+1+2+2)
Who says this and to whom?
- Natalya says this to her father, Chubukov.
When is this said?
- This is said after Natalya discovers that Lomov had come to propose to her, and she realizes her feelings for him.
What impression of the speaker can be formed from this remark?
- From this remark, we see that Natalya is impulsive and emotional. She quickly regrets the argument and is desperate to mend the situation. It shows her determination to seize the opportunity for marriage and her underlying romantic feelings for Lomov. Natalya’s urgency and insistence highlight her passionate and somewhat anxious nature.
4. (a) Do as directed:
(i) The hermit was digging the ground. [Change the voice]
→ The ground was being dug by the hermit.
(ii) Lomov: “I’ll show you the documents, Natalya Stepanovna!” [Change into indirect speech]
→ Lomov addressed as Natalya Stepanovna and told that he would show her the documents.
(iii) There was a very old mosque in our locality where my father would take me for evening prayers. [Split into two simple sentences]
→ There was a very old mosque in our locality. My father would take me there for evening prayers.
(iv) The poetry of earth is never dead. [Turn into an affirmative sentence]
→ The poetry of earth is always alive.
(v) He answered in a low deep voice. [Use the underlined word as a noun and rewrite the sentence]
→ He gave his answer in a low deep voice.
(vi) The sun’s rays were bright. They lit up the valley. [Combine and turn into a simple sentence]
→ The bright sun’s rays lit up the valley.
(b) Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles and/or prepositions:
I moved easily along the berth and felt for the window ledge. The window was open, and I faced it, making a pretense of studying the landscape. I heard the panting of the engine, the rumble of the wheels, and, in my mind’s eye, I could see telegraph posts flashing by.
(c) Correct the error in the sentence:
I would say my was a very secure childhood.
→ I would say mine was a very secure childhood.
5. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
In 1955, with the release of his first feature film, Pather Panchali’, Satyajit Ray became an internationally acclaimed filmmaker. His reputation further surged with the completion of the Apu Trilogy (1959), considered by some critics to be the greatest cinematic set ever made. By the time of his death in 1992, Ray had made twenty-nine features and seven documentaries and shorts. Working with simple tools, he fashioned tales, both visual and literary, that were straightforward in their presentation yet richly complex in their capacity to suggest multiple meanings and interpretations. He wrote his own screenplays, handled the camera, and did his own editing work as well. After 1962, he began scoring music for all his films. Trained as a graphic artist, he sketched out each scene before shooting and designed the posters that publicized his new releases.
Satyajit Ray was born on 2 May 1921 in Kolkata to Sukumar and Suprabha Ray. He was born into a distinguished family of artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and physicians. His grandfather, Upendra Kishore, was an innovator; a writer of children’s storybooks (popular to this day), an illustrator, printer, and musician. Ray’s father, Sukumar, trained as a printing technologist in England, was Bengal’s most beloved nonsense rhyme writer, illustrator, and cartoonist. He died when Satyajit was only two and a half years old.
(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) “Pather Panchali” was Satyajit Ray’s first feature film. → T
(ii) Ray always scored music for his films. → F
(iii) Ray’s films had multiple meanings and interpretations. → T
(iv) Ray’s grandfather was only a writer of children’s storybooks. → F
(b) Answer each of the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) Why did Ray’s reputation surge after 1959?
→ Ray’s reputation surged after 1959 because of the completion of the Apu Trilogy, which many critics consider the greatest cinematic series ever made.
(ii) Why was Satyajit Ray’s father famous?
→ Satyajit Ray’s father, Sukumar Ray, was famous for his nonsense rhymes, illustrations, and cartoons, which are beloved in Bengal.
(iii) Mention any three activities Ray undertook for his films, apart from directing them.
→ Ray wrote screenplays, operated the camera, edited his films, scored music, and designed posters for his films.
6. (a) Write a report on the seminar Plant Tree, Save Life and Water’ organised by your school. The report will be published in your school magazine. Mention the roles of the students and teachers, purpose of the seminar, participation and response, and so on. (Word limit: 150 words) 2+8=10
Seminar on “Plant Trees, Save Life and Water”
Our school organized a seminar on “Plant Trees, Save Life and Water” on [date]. The purpose was to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Students presented speeches, posters, and skits on tree plantation and water conservation. Teachers shared their insights and encouraged students to participate in afforestation drives. Guest speakers discussed the significance of protecting natural resources. The seminar saw enthusiastic participation from students and teachers alike, and attendees pledged to take small but significant steps toward saving the environment. The event was an inspiring success.
Or, (b) You have lost your bank passbook. Write a letter to the manager of the bank requesting him to issue a duplicate passbook. (Word limit: 150 words) 2+8=10
To
The Branch Manager
[Bank Name]
[Branch Address]
Subject: Request for Issuance of Duplicate Passbook
Dear Sir/Madam,
Respectfully, I am writing to inform you that I have misplaced my bank passbook for my account [Account Number] maintained at your branch. Despite searching thoroughly, I have been unable to locate it. The passbook contains important transaction details that I need for financial record-keeping. Therefore, I kindly request you to issue a duplicate passbook for my account at the earliest.
I have attached copies of my identity proof and account details for verification. Please let me know if any additional documents or fees are required to process my request. I would appreciate it if you could expedite this matter, as the passbook is urgently needed. Thank you for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Or, (c) Write a precis of the following passage. Add a suitable title. 2+8=10
No one can deny the importance of history in our civilization. No study of present is complete without a reference to the past. If we go to history for a mere catalogue of facts and a record of annals and dates, we will be mistaken. We will only know the surface reality. The proper study of history lies in the relation of the past with the present; how the present relates to the past, and what happened in the past has a profound connection with the present. It is from history that we come to learn how misfortunes could have been avoided or how people could take lessons from good things. Such knowledge would surely help in the progress of civilization. The real understanding of history lies in this. [129 words]
Understanding History
History is vital to civilization because the present is deeply connected to the past. Studying history as mere facts and dates is inadequate. Instead, understanding the relation between past events and present outcomes provides lessons for progress. Misfortunes can be avoided, and positive actions can inspire growth. True knowledge of history lies in understanding its relevance to the present. (63 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 wanted to teach Roger …
(a) right from wrong
(b) what was right
(c) what was wrong
(d) what he should be
(ii) What tantalized the narrator was the …
(a) ringing laugh of the girl
(b) sweet talk of the girl
(c) melodious voice of the girl
(d) perfume of the girl’s hair
(iii) The most necessary man is he …
(a) with whom you work
(d) with whom you are
(c) with whom you live
(d) who helps you in trouble
(iv) The words of Abdul Kalam’s father filled him with a strange energy and …
(a) relief
(b) enthusiasm
(c) perseverance
(d) determination
2. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentences: 1×4= 4
(i) What did the narrator ask the new fellow-traveler about the girl?
→ The narrator asked the new fellow-traveler whether the girl had long hair or short hair.
(ii) Who was a very close friend of Abdul Kalam’s father?
→ Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry, the high priest of the Rameswaram temple, was a very close friend of Abdul Kalam’s father.
(iii) What lesson of his life did Roger learn at the end of the story from Mrs. Jones?
→ Roger learned the importance of trust, kindness, and making the right choices in life.
(iv) What did the wounded man promise the Tsar?
→ The wounded man promised to serve the Tsar loyally and his descendants forever.
(v) Why did the narrator think that his voice must have startled the girl?
→ The narrator thought so because he spoke suddenly after a long silence.
(vi) How was Abdul Kalam’s mother’s lineage different from his father’s?
→ Abdul Kalam’s mother came from a more aristocratic family, while his father had simple and humble origins.
(vii) Why did Mrs. Jones call the boy a liar?
→ Mrs. Jones called the boy a liar because he said he tried to snatch her purse for money to buy shoes, but she felt he was making excuses.
(viii) What was the second question of the Tsar?
→ The second question of the Tsar was, “Who are the most important people to work with?”
3. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1×4= 4
(i) “But thy eternal summer shall not fade”- here ‘thy’ refers to-
(a) Shakespeare
(b) the sun
(c) Shakespeare’s friend
(d) the season of summer
(ii) The poet seems to suggest that in order to kill a tree-
(a) plucking out all the leaves will do the job
(b) some pain will do the job
(c) cutting the branches will do the job
(d) total destruction of the roots will do the job
(iii) Being tired the grasshopper rests beneath
(a) a tree
(b) a bush
(c) some pleasant weed
(d) grassy hills
(iv) The words ‘red holes’ mean
(a) spots of blood clots
(b) red flowers in the valley
(c) bullet wounds
(d) none of these
4. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentence:1×4= 4
(i) In what form of verse is the poem “On Killing a Tree” written?
→ The poem “On Killing a Tree” is written in free verse.
(ii) Where are the feet of the soldier placed?
→ The feet of the soldier are placed among the flowers in the valley.
(iii) What does the line ‘And every fair from fair sometimes decline’ mean?
→ The line means that beauty fades over time due to nature’s inevitable changes.
(iv) Whose voice shall run from hedge to hedge?
→ The Grasshopper’s voice shall run from hedge to hedge.
(v) What is meant by ‘leprous hide’?
→ ‘Leprous hide’ refers to the discolored and rough bark of the tree.
(vi) What is the soldier’s smile compared to?
→ The soldier’s smile is compared to an innocent child’s smile.
(vii) In which month can the ‘darling buds’ be seen?
→ The ‘darling buds’ can be seen in the month of May.
(viii) What does Keats celebrate in the poem “The Poetry of Earth”?
→ Keats celebrates the unending music of nature in “The Poetry of Earth.”
5. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1X4= 4
(i) Lomov hoped to go for shooting
(a) before the harvest
(b) in November
(c) in June
(d) after the harvest
(ii) When Lomov arrived, Natalya was
(a) instructing her mowers
(b) shelling peas for drying
(c) stacking hay
(d) reading a book
(iii) When Natalya comes to know that Lomov had come to propose her, she asks her father to
(a) never allow him again
(b) take him to court
(c) get him by the neck
(d) bring him back
(iv) The first argument between Lomov and Natalya was over
(a) Land
(b) Labour
(c) Hunting dogs
(d) Inheritance
Or,
(i) What surprised the queen about Charandas’s character was the combination of
(a) kindness and thieving
(b) bravery and cheating
(c) thieving and honesty
(d) thieving and pride
(ii) The chorus in ‘Charandas Chor’ sings that there are so many rogues who
(a) look respectable
(b) look like thieves
(c) look like honest thieves
(d) steal at night
(ii) If Charandas confessed to stealing the golden platter, the Havaldar suggested that
(a) he might arrest Charandas
(b) they would share the booty
(c) he could take it from Charandas
(d) he would tell the landlord,
(iv) The name of the queen was
(a) Chandravati
(b) Kalavati
(c) Kamalavati
(d) Dharmavati
4. Answer any four of the following questions, each in a complete sentence:1×4= 4
(a) What do the “two red holes” in the poem ‘Asleep In The Valley’ signify?
(b) Where are the feet of the soldier?
(c) What according to Gieve Patel is the most sensitive part of a tree?
(d) “Not so much pain will do it … ” -What task does the word ‘H’ refer to?
(e) Who takes the lead in summer luxury?
(f) “a voice will run.” – Whose voice is referred to here?
(g) What will make the beauty of the poet’s friend eternal?
(h) What shall death not brag in Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet No. 18″?
5. Complete each of the following sentences, choosing the correct option from the alternatives provided: 1X4= 4
(a) The merchant’s wife got her ornaments made from
(i) Raipur
(ii) Raigaon
(iii) Raigarh
(iv) Junagarh
(b) The amount of money that the Guru asked from the gambler as gurudakshina was
(i) one rupee twenty-five paise
(ii) twenty-five paise
(iii) fifty paise
(iv) one rupee fifty paise
(c) The smoker offered the guru
(i) Cigarettes
(ii) Bidis
(iii) Chillum
(iv) Cigars
(d) The merchant’s wife in the play ‘Charandas Chor’ was from
(i) Nandgaon
(ii) Bhatgaon
(iii) Raigarh
(iv) Pune
