ENGLISH PRACTICE PAPER – 1 [CBSE XII]

SECTION A — READING SKILLS (22 Marks)

Q1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (12 marks)

The world today faces an unprecedented environmental challenge—plastic pollution. Every year, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally, a figure that continues to rise. Of this, nearly half is single-use plastic—packaging, straws, and bottles that are used once and discarded. Unlike organic materials, plastic does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into micro-plastics that persist in soil, oceans, and even in the air we breathe.

Marine life has been one of the worst victims of this crisis. Sea turtles often mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish, seabirds ingest colourful plastic fragments, and micro-plastics have been found inside fish consumed by humans. This cycle of contamination shows how environmental negligence returns to harm us.

Governments across the world have begun imposing bans or taxes on single-use plastics. However, implementation remains uneven, and alternatives such as paper or biodegradable materials are often more expensive. Industry innovation, therefore, plays a crucial role. Some companies are developing compostable packaging, edible cutlery, or technologies to convert plastic waste into fuel.

Beyond industry, individual responsibility is equally vital. Reducing consumption, re-using containers, and recycling wherever possible are simple steps that can collectively bring major change. Schools, NGOs, and media campaigns are also raising awareness about plastic-free lifestyles.

Ultimately, the battle against plastic pollution is a test of human adaptability and foresight. The planet’s future will depend not only on large-scale policies but also on millions of small, conscious decisions made each day. If we choose sustainability, we choose survival.

Questions:

1. What alarming statistic does the passage give about global plastic production?
2. Explain how marine life is affected by plastic pollution.
3. What evidence in the passage shows that plastic pollution impacts humans too?
4. Mention two measures governments have taken to tackle plastic waste.
5. Why is it difficult to replace single-use plastic with alternatives?
6. How can innovation in industry contribute to solving this issue?
7. List two simple steps individuals can take to reduce plastic pollution.
8. What is meant by “The battle against plastic pollution is a test of human adaptability”?

1. Find words from the passage that mean:
   (a) waste that can decay naturally __________
   (b) state of being careless or neglectful __________
2. Choose the correct option:
   The central idea of the passage is
   (A) Plastic is essential for human progress.
   (B) Plastic pollution can be reduced through joint global effort and responsibility.
   (C) Governments alone can solve plastic pollution.
   (D) Innovation is harmful to the environment.

Q2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. (10 marks)

The pandemic years accelerated the shift from traditional classrooms to online learning, revealing both remarkable possibilities and deep inequalities. When schools closed, digital platforms became the main mode of education. Students in urban areas adapted relatively quickly, but in rural regions many lacked devices, electricity, or internet access. This digital divide exposed the socio-economic gaps that technology alone cannot bridge.

On the positive side, online learning introduced flexibility. Students could replay recorded lectures, explore multiple courses, and learn at their own pace. Teachers discovered new methods—interactive quizzes, video demonstrations, and digital collaboration—that improved engagement. Educational technology firms also grew rapidly, offering personalised learning apps.

Yet, excessive screen time and lack of social interaction caused fatigue and isolation. Many students reported lower motivation, poor concentration, and eye strain. Teachers, too, found it difficult to gauge students’ emotions or maintain discipline online. Education, it became clear, is not merely about content delivery but about relationships, communication, and shared human experience.

As schools reopened, the focus shifted to hybrid learning—combining in-person and digital education. Experts believe this model can make education more resilient and inclusive, provided infrastructure gaps are addressed. Technology is a powerful tool, but its impact depends on how responsibly it is used.

Questions:

1. What key change in education occurred during the pandemic?
2. Mention two problems rural students faced in adapting to online learning.
3. How did online learning benefit students and teachers?
4. What challenges arose from prolonged screen time?
5. What does the author mean by saying “Education is not merely about content delivery”?
6. What is hybrid learning and why is it considered beneficial?

1. Pick words from the passage that mean:
   (a) lack or shortage — __________
   (b) tiredness caused by overwork — __________
2. Choose the correct option:
   Which of the following statements best sums up the passage?
   (A) Online learning should replace classroom teaching completely.
   (B) The pandemic proved that technology is more important than teachers.
   (C) The future of education lies in balancing digital innovation with human connection.
   (D) Students prefer online classes over real schools.

SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (16 Marks)

Q3. You are the Cultural Secretary of St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School, Delhi. Your school is organizing an Inter-School Music Fest – “Melody 2025” on 10 December 2025. Write a suitable notice in about 50 words inviting entries from interested students of Classes XI and XII. (4 marks)

OR

You are Neha Sharma, a resident of 22, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. You are hosting your brother’s graduation party at your home on 20 November 2025. Write a short formal invitation to your cousin inviting her to the event. (50 words)

Q4. You are Rahul Mehta, the Placement Head of Global Trainers Ltd. Draft a classified advertisement in about 50 words for publication in The Times of India, inviting applications for the post of English Trainers for corporate clients. (4 marks)

OR

Design a poster in about 50 words for a cleanliness drive in your locality, highlighting the need to maintain hygiene and encouraging residents to participate in the drive. (4 marks)

Q5. You are Ananya Saxena, a resident of 45, Lake View Road, Bhopal. You recently purchased a refrigerator from Cool Tech Appliances, but within a week, it stopped cooling properly. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager, Cool Tech Appliances, Bhopal, seeking replacement or repair. (6 marks)

OR

You are Harshit Verma, a student of Class XII Science at Sunrise Public School, Lucknow. You wish to pursue a short-term robotics course during the winter break. Write a letter of enquiry to the Director, RoboTech Institute, Lucknow, seeking details about the duration, fees, and eligibility. (120–150 words)

Q6. The graph below shows the percentage of students using different modes of transport to school in a certain city. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120–150 words, interpreting the data and making suitable comparisons. (6 marks)

OR

The pie chart below represents the time-use pattern of Class XII students in a day. Write an analytical paragraph in 120–150 words describing the data and drawing inferences. (6 marks)

SECTION C – LITERATURE (22 Marks)

Q6. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. (6 marks)

“Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth,
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.”

(i) Why does the poet ask everyone to “count to twelve”?
(ii) What is the poet’s purpose in asking people to “keep still”?
(iii) Explain the meaning of the line “let’s not speak in any language.”
(iv) How would such stillness benefit mankind?
(v) Identify and explain one literary device in the extract.
(vi) How does this opening set the tone for the rest of the poem?

Q7. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. (6 marks)

Sadao took the man up the steps and into the house.
His wife followed, but she was afraid.
She was thinking of the war, of the Americans, of the wounded man,
and of what they might suffer for sheltering him.
Sadao hesitated only a moment.
He had been trained not to let a man die if he could help it.

(i) Who was the wounded man and how did Sadao find him?
(ii) Why was Hana afraid to let him inside?
(iii) What moral dilemma does Sadao face here?
(iv) What do the lines reveal about the conflict between professional duty and patriotism?
(v) Which quality of Dr Sadao is reflected through this action?
(vi) What larger message about humanity during wartime is conveyed through this episode?

Q8. Answer ANY FIVE of the following questions in 40–50 words each. (5 × 2 = 10 marks)

(i) In The Last Lesson, how does Franz’s attitude towards his language change by the end of the story?

(ii) What do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolise in Adrienne Rich’s poem?

(iii) How does Douglas show determination in overcoming his fear in Deep Water?

(iv) What moral lesson about compassion and redemption does The Rattrap convey?

(v) Why does Derry prefer Mr Lamb’s company in On the Face of It?

(vi) Why was Sophie disappointed at the end of Going Places?

Q9. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in 40–50 words each. (2 × 3 = 6 marks)

(i) What is the central idea of the poem A Thing of Beauty?

(ii) How does the poet use contrast to present the theme of An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum?

(iii) How did the villagers of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” show the true spirit of selfless service?

Q10. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 120–150 words. (6 marks)

(a) The Interview by Christopher Silvester presents conflicting opinions about the practice of interviewing. Discuss how the essay explores the balance between curiosity, fame, and intrusion into privacy.

OR

(b) In On the Face of It, Derry’s interaction with Mr Lamb transforms his view of himself and the world. Discuss how empathy and acceptance act as healing forces in the play.

Q11. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 120–150 words. (6 marks)

(a) In The Enemy, Dr Sadao faces a moral conflict between professional duty and national loyalty. How does he resolve this conflict, and what values does his decision represent?

OR

(b) In The Rattrap, the peddler’s transformation at Edla Willmansson’s home conveys a powerful human message. Discuss how kindness and trust reform him.

Q12. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 120–150 words. (6 marks)

(a) Compare and contrast the treatment of childhood and adulthood in the poems Childhood and My Mother at Sixty-Six.

OR

(b) Deep Water by William O. Douglas is not merely an account of fear, but of courage and determination. Discuss how the author’s experience conveys this message.