Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara
Std - XII
Preliminary Examination (2025-26)
Sub.- English
Marks - 80
Section I- Prose
(Reading for Comprehension, Language study, Summary and Mind-Mapping)
1 A) Read the extract and do all the activities.
I was quite happy getting into IIT, but my joy was short lived. At Solapur I had not seen any building which was more than three storeyed. Mumbai however was full of skyscrapers. At IIT, most of the students and professors used to converse in English whereas my English was very poor. I had my entire education in Marathi. My spoken English was quite pathetic. Not only did I have a very weak vocabulary, but, my pronunciation also was terrible and my construction of English sentences very awkward to say the least. Due to all this, I was feeling quite lonely and terrified in Mumbai in general and IIT in particular. I had developed an inferiority complex and wanted to run away from IIT and even Mumbai.
One day, I was sitting at my mess table in the hostel sipping tea when a senior guy came and sat on the chair adjacent to me. He was a convent educated guy with fairly sophisticated English- at least spoken or colloquial English. He was a bit arrogant and wanted to pull my leg. He tried to engage in some conversation with me and started pointing out errors in just about every sentence or everything that I said. After about 5 minutes he walked away after insulting me.
I felt extremely humiliated and upset. As it is, I was feeling quite depressed and diffident and this incident was the last straw. I was almost broken. I felt out of place there and literally wanted to run away to Solapur that very moment. However, it was only my self-esteem which stopped me. Suddenly, a feeling of determination and strength came over me and gripped me. Despite hailing from Solapur, if I could be a rank holder in the school, college and IIT with many awards in Mathematics, there must be something right with me. Why should I give up? And that too for a silly and small thing like English? I was not to give up anymore, and I was determined to fight back.
A1 Choose the two correct issues which make the writer depressed and diffident. Write its specific impact on the writer.
i) He had his entire education in Marathi.
ii)He wanted to run away from IIT.
iii)His senior student in IIT humiliated the writer showing his errors in English speaking.
iv) He was rank holder in the school, college and IIT.
Answer :-Correct issues:
i) He had his entire education in Marathi.
iii) His senior student in IIT humiliated
the writer showing his errors in English speaking.
A2 Give reasons for the following statements.
i) The writer's joy of getting into IIT was shortlived.
ii) The writer decided to fight back.
Answer :-) The writer's joy of getting into IIT was short-lived.
👉 The writer felt uncomfortable at IIT because of the city environment, widespread use of English, his poor spoken English and the feeling of inferiority, which quickly replaced his happiness.
ii) The writer decided to fight back.
👉 He realized his own worth as a rank holder and award winner in academics. He felt that giving up just because of weak English was meaningless, so he decided to face the challenge with determination
A3 Explain.
Why should I give up ? And that too for a silly and small thing like English ?"
Answer :-
The writer questions his own fear and weakness. He understands that English is only a language skill and not a measure of intelligence or talent. Remembering his achievements, he regains confidence and refuses to surrender to a minor weakness.
A4 Give your ways to develop English speaking ability.
Answer :-Reading English newspapers, books and stories regularly
Watching English news, movies and speeches
Practising speaking English daily with friends or teachers
Learning new words and using them in sentences
Improving pronunciation by listening and repeating correct Eng
lish
A5 Do as directed.
i) He said, "I had developed an inferiority complex."
(Choose the correct alternative showing the Indirect narration of the given sentence.)
a) He said that he has developed an inferiority complex.
b) He said that he had developed an inferiority complex.
c) He said that he developed an inferiority complex.
d) He said that he was developing an inferiority complex.
Answer :-b) He said that he had developed an inferiority complex.
ii) He was a bit arrogant and wanted to pull my leg.
a) Simple present tense.
b) Present continuous tense.
c) Past continuous tense.
d) Simple past tense.
Fill in the blanks selecting the correct words from the alternative given. (Inferiority complex, skyscrapers, awkward, determination.
Answer :-d) Simple past tense
A6 Vocabulary.
1) Demanding money, you just put me in an ...... position.
i) Maya had a look of ...... on her face.
She has always had on ....... about her looks.
iv) Without tough steel, the modern ...... would never have been born.
Answer :-Demanding money, you just put me in an awkward position.
Maya had a look of determination on her face.
She has always had an inferiority complex about her looks.
Without tough steel, the modern skyscrapers would never have been born.
B) Language Study. (Non-textual Grammar)
B1 Do as directed.
1) People consider Dr. Kalam a great visionary.
(Choose the correct passive voice from the given options and rewrite.)
a) Dr. Kalam considered a great visionary by people.
b) Dr. Kalam was considered a great visionary by people.
c) Dr. Kalam is considered a great visionary by people.
d) Dr. Kalam had been considered a great visionary by people.
Answer:- b) Dr. Kalam was considered a great visionary by people.
ii) The teacher praised him. The principal rewarded him.
(Choose the correct 'Not only ....but also' form of the sentence from the given options.)
a) Not only the teacher praised him but also the principal rewarded him.
b) The teacher not only praised him but also rewarded him by the principal.
c) The teacher praised him not only but also the principal rewarded him.
d) The teacher not only praised him but also the principal rewarded him.
Hard work is the key to success.
Answer :- d) The teacher not only praised him but also the principal rewarded him.
iii) Hard work is the key to success.
(Choose the correct 'Rhetorical questions' form of the sentence from the given options.)
a) Isn't hard work the key to success ?
b) Is hard work the key to success?
c) Will hard work be the key to success?
d) Was hard work the key to success ?
Answer :-a) Isn't hard work the key to success ?
B 2) Spot the error and rewrite the sentence.
We can plant the trees in order saving the earth.
Answer :-We can plant the trees in order saving the earth.
2. A) Read the following extract and complete the activities given below.12
When shoes were first made, they were made flat without a heel. Since normal walking requires that the heel of the foot should strike the ground before the toes, these early shoes used to wear out quickly at the heel, prompting shoemakers to reinforce the heel, and so creating heeled shoes. Women have been wearing high-heeled shoes for centuries in the pursuit of fashion. However, regularly wearing shoes with high heels can be hazardous. The biggest risk, perhaps, is losing your balance and breaking an ankle. Wearing high heels interferes with your normal gait. They throw your weight forward, making it difficult to sustain upright balance. They force you to use a lot of extra muscular effort to keep from falling forward. Much of this extra effort is concentrated in the lower back arch, which can lead to back pain. Experts warn that high heels can also result in a variety of foot problems, including metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of the foot. Another condition called Morton's neuroma, which is 10 times more common in women than men, is caused by the thickening of tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes. It usually envelops In response to imitation and excessive pressure, such as the burden of weight high heels place on the ball of the foot.
However, if one cannot resist wearing heels, the following tips can help to keep your feet healthy. Always wear the correct fit. Have both feet measured the next time you buy shoes. You will probably find that one foot is larger than the other-always buy shoes to fit the larger foot, never buy shoes that are to tight. Buy shoes later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen. Never wear a heel higher than 6.5 cm. only buy heels that you are comfortable
A1 The writer's purpose in the passage is to..........
a) inform readers about the history of shoes.
b) warm against the health problems caused by high heels.
c) promote expensive shoe brands.
b) warm against the health problems caused by high heels.
d) explain the advantages of wb) warn against the health problems caused by high heels.
Answer :-
b) warn against the health problems caused by high heels.
A2 Wearing high heels can lead to several health problems. Give reasons. (any two)
Answer :-Wearing high heels throws the body weight forward and disturbs natural balance, increasing the risk of losing balance and breaking an ankle.
High heels put excessive pressure on the lower back and the ball of the foot, leading to back pain, metatarsalgia, and foot problems like Morton’s neuroma.
A3 The concluding advice of the writer conveys a positive messages. Explain.
Answer :-The writer gives practical and helpful suggestions for people who cannot avoid wearing heels. Advice like choosing the correct fit, buying shoes later in the day, and avoiding very high heels promotes foot health. Thus, the conclusion encourages safer habits instead of complete restriction, which is a positive and realistic message.
A4)If you had to attend an important event, would you choose stylish high heels or comfortable shoes ? Explain your choice.
Answer :-I would choose comfortable shoes because they help maintain balance and prevent foot and back problems. Comfort allows me to walk confidently and enjoy the event without pain or risk of injury, which is more important than temporary fashion.
A5 Language Study. Do as directed.
i) High heels cause ankle pain since they disturb the natural walking balance and cause ankle pain.
(Choose the correct alternative to transform the sentence into complex sentence.
a) High heels distrub balance, they cause ankle pain.
b) High heels cause ankle pain since they distrub the nature walking balance.
c) High heels distrub the balance, causing ankle pain.
d) High heels distrub and cause ankle pain.
Answer :-b) High heels cause ankle pain since they disturb the natural walking balance.
ii)Shoemakers reinforced the heel to make shoes last longer.
(Choose the correct 'Wh question' form from the given options to get the underlined word as the answer.)
a) Why did shoemakers reinforce ?
b) Who reinforced the heel ?
c) What did shoemakers rainforce to make shoes last longer ?
d) When did shoemakers reinforce the heel ?
Answer :-c) What did shoemakers reinforce to make shoes last longer?
A6 Vocabulary - Match the words with their meanings.
column. Column B
i) Reinforce 1) The manner or style of walking.
ii) Hazardous 2) Expanded or puffed up in size.
iii) Gait 3) Dangerous or risky.
iv) Swollen 4) To strengthen or make stronger.
Answer :-Column A
Column B
i) Reinforce. 4) To strengthen or make stronger
ii) Hazardous. 3) Dangerous or risky
iii) Gait. 1) The manner or style of
walking
iv) Swolle. 2) Expanded or puffed up in size
B) Summary Writing.
Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below. Suggest a suitable title for it.
Earlier shoes, need of high heels, drawbacks of wearing high heels regularly suggestions about wearing shoes etc.
Answer :-
Title: Harmful Effects of High Heels
Summary:
Earlier shoes were flat and wore out quickly at the heel, which led to the invention of high-heeled shoes. Though high heels became popular in fashion, regular use can be harmful. They disturb balance, strain muscles, and cause ankle injuries, back pain, and foot disorders. To reduce these risks, experts suggest wearing well-fitted shoes, buying footwear later in the day, and avoiding very high heels. Proper shoe selection helps in maintaining foot health.
C) Mind - Mapping.
Develop a 'Mind Mapping' frame/design using your ideas/thoughts/concepts to illustrates/ develop on the topic 'Effect of Music'.
Answer :-Effect of Music
Central Idea: Effect of Music
Emotional Effects
Reduces stress
Improves mood
Expresses feelings
Mental Effects
Improves concentration
Enhances memory
Boosts creativity
Physical Effects
Relaxes the body
Lowers blood pressure
Improves sleep
Social & Cultural Effects
Brings people together
Preserves culture
Encourages teamwork
Educational Effects
Helps learning
Improves language skills
Increases discipline
Section II - Poetry and Appreciation
3. A) Read the extract and completed the activities given below.
When I had money, money, O!
I knew no joy till I went poor;
For many a false man as a friend
Came knocking all day at my door.
Then felt I like a child that holds
A trumpet that he must not blow
Because a man is dead;
I dared Not speak to let this false world know.
Much have I thought of life, and seen
How poor men's hearts are ever light;
And how their wives do hum like bees
About their work from morn till night.
So, when I hear these poor ones laugh.
And see the rich ones coldly frown
Poor men, think I, need not go up
So much as rich men should come down.
When I had money, money, O!
My many friends proved all untrue;
But now I have no money,
O! My friends are real, though very few.
A1 State whether the given sentences true or false according to theme of given extract.
a) Poet, when he was rich had many true friends.
b) Poor man is happy with their earning.
c) Rich person celebrate the happiness with bottom of heart.
d) In poverty, poet gained true friends.
Answer :-a) Poet, when he was rich had many true friends.
False
b) Poor man is happy with their earning.
True
c) Rich person celebrate the happiness with bottom of heart.
False
d) In poverty, poet gained true friends.
True
A2 Describe the life of poor man depicted in the given extract.
Answer :-The poet depicts the life of a poor man as simple yet contented. Poor men have light and carefree hearts. They earn honestly and live with satisfaction. Their wives work cheerfully and continuously from morning till night. Though poor in wealth, they are rich in happiness, unity, and peace of mind.
A3 'Real happiness is connected with satisfaction not with money.' Justify the given sentence in your words with proper example
Answer :-The poem clearly shows that money cannot buy true happiness. When the poet was rich, he had many friends, but they were false and selfish. After becoming poor, he lost money but gained real friends. Similarly, a person earning less but living honestly and peacefully feels happier than a wealthy person surrounded by fake relationships. Thus, satisfaction brings true happiness, not money.
A4 Find out the rhyming pairs of given extract and frame the rhyme scheme of first stanza.
Answer
A5 Compose four poetic lines on "Friendship".
Answer :-Friendship is a bond so pure and true,
It shines in darkness like morning dew.
In joy or sorrow, it stands so strong,
A faithful heart where we belong.
B) Appreciation.
Read the extract and write an appreciation of the poem given below.
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?
Write an appreciation of the poem - 'Have you Earned your Tomorrow' using the following points.
1) About the poem
2) Central idea
3) Special features
4) Poetic Devices
5) Your opinion
Answer :-Here is a model appreciation of the poem “Have You Earned Your Tomorrow”, written in a clear, exam-ready format and notes style ✨
Appreciation of the Poem: “Have You Earned Your Tomorrow?”
1) About the Poem
The poem “Have You Earned Your Tomorrow?” is a reflective and thought-provoking poem written by Edgar Albert Guest, popularly known as the People’s Poet. The poem encourages readers to evaluate their daily actions and behavior towards others.
2) Central Idea
The central idea of the poem is self-introspection. The poet asks a series of questions to make the reader think whether they have spread kindness, helped others, or made someone happy during the day. The poem emphasizes that a meaningful life is built on good deeds, compassion, and positive human relationships rather than personal gains.
3) Special Features
A notable feature of the poem is its question-answer style, which directly involves the reader and creates a sense of personal responsibility. The language is simple, conversational, and moralistic. The poem strongly appeals to the reader’s conscience and promotes ethical living and kindness towards fellow human beings.
4) Poetic Devices
Rhetorical Questions: The entire poem is framed through questions to provoke deep thinking.
Example: “Is anybody happier because you passed his way?”
Repetition: The word “Did you” is repeated to stress daily accountability.
Alliteration:
Example: “slipping fast”, “trail of kindness”
Imagery: The poem creates vivid mental pictures of daily life and human interactions.
Contrast: Kindness is contrasted with selfishness and discontent.
5) My Opinion
I find this poem highly inspiring and relevant to modern life. It teaches that true success lies in making others happy and leaving a positive impact. The poem motivates me to remember that every small act of kindness matters and that each day should be lived responsibly and meaningfully.
✨ Conclusion:
The poem beautifully reminds us that earning tomorrow depends on how we live today.
If you want, I can also provide this appreciation in a shorter board-exam version or as a PDF
Section III- Writing Skills
4. A) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Drafting a Virtual message.
Attempt any one of the following
Read the following conversation between Neha and Radha's father.
Neha: Hello, I am Neha. May I talk with Radha.
Radha's Father: Hi I am Radha's father. Radha went to market with her mother. Do you have any message for her ?
Neha: Yes Uncle, Pawar Sir has decided to take an extra class of English subject on this Sunday. Class timing is morning 8.00 to 10.00. He told us to carry note book of writing skill. He also said that he would take a test of 20 marks on taught portion. Will you convey this message to Radha ?
Radha's Father: Surely Neha. I will do this. Is any more suggestion from your teacher ?
Neha: No uncle but tell her to complete the home work. Sir decided to check it.
Radha's Father: Yes, I will take care of your suggestion.
Neha: Thank you uncle.
Now suppose Radha's father wants to go office immediately. So he decided to draft a message for Radha. Draft a virtual message in 50 words with the help of above conversation for Radha.
OR
2) Statement of Purpose
You have great thirst for knowledge in a foreign language of your own choice. You are also prepared to persue your education abroad for the same. Your are therefore seeking a university for a degree in a foreign language of your choice.
Prepare a 'Statement of Purpose' in about 100 to 150 words. Which will help you to get admission to this university.
OR
3) Group Discussion.
Imagine that you have recently discussed with your friends on 'Mobile Addiction'. Write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.
B) Attempt any one of the following activities.
B1 E-mail Writhing.
Write a letter to the Editor of a Newspaper, making the public aware of rising air and noise pollution in your area. Mention the bad air quality index that appears in the newspaper daily and write about the bad effects of air and noise pollution and suggest some measures to curb it.
OR
B2 Report Writing.
Imagine you have recently withnessed a demonstration on 'Health and Fitness' organized at your college campus. Write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all information and the overall happenings of this event.
OR
B3 Interview.
Imagine that you are a representative of your college. You want to publish an interview of a Social Worker in the college magazine. Prepare questions to take his interview. (8 to 10 questions.)
Hints: Questions about his career, memorable incident and work.
Give introductory statements and sum-up statement.
C) Complete the activities as per the instruction given below.
C1 Speech Writing.
Imagine that as a part of the Republic Day Celebrations, your college has organized an elocution competition. Prepare a speech in about 120 words on: My Idea of India as a Developed Country.
C2 Compering.
Imagine that you are a compere of 'Reading Day Programmes' at your school to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Prepare a script for the same with the help of following points.
* Importance of the Day.
* Introduction.
* Speech by your principal.
Reading for pleasure and profit.
Vote of thanks.
Different activitles and felicitation of winner.
C3 Expansion of Idea.
Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below.
Write your answer in about 100 to 120 words. 'Honesty is the best policy."
* Importance of honesty.
* Use of the term - 'Policy.'
* Supporting argument with examples.
* Conclusion.
D) Attempt any one one of the following.
D1 Review.
Write a review of the film that you remember you have watched and can't forget easily. Give details about the movie using following supporting points.
* Title of the film.
*The star cast and production house. (If you remember)
The gist of the plot/theme.
The reason you like the film.
Special feature of direction.
Music/Dance/Songs/Photography etc.
Your opinion and recommendation.
OR
D2 Blog Writing.
Write a 'Blog' in proper format on 'Positivity in life', with the help of the following points. (100-150 words)
* Hurdles/Problems in life.
Accepting facts and flaws .
Reorganisation/ Restart.
Human instinct/ fight back.
* Will to win *
D3 Appeal Writing.
Prepare an 'Appeal' on the topic 'Avoid Fast Food', with the help of
the following points.
* Attraction of Fast-Food items.
* Effects on body and mind.
* Ways of avoiding the fast food.
Options for fast food.
* Appeal to society.
Section IV - Writing Skills. (Literary Genre - Novel)
5. A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions.
1) Rewrite the statements and state whether they are true or false.
a) Stream of consciousness is a term, is a phrase coined by R. K. Narayan.
b) The realistic Novel is the novel based on the life of the owner.
c) The word 'Picaresque' is originaled from the Spanish word 'Piguro' which-means a rogue.
d) The German word 'bildungsroman' indicates growth.
Answers
False
False
False
True
2) Match the columns.
Column A Column B
i) Novel 1) Greek Romances
ii) 18 century literature 2) Spirit of Realism
iii) 2 and 6 century 3) A long narrative fiction
iv) Newspapers and magazines 4) Middle class reader
Answers
Column A. Column B
i) Novel. 3) A long narrative fiction
ii) 18th century literature 2) Spirit of Realism
iii) 2nd and 6th century 1) Greek Romances
iv) Newspapers and magazines. 4) Middle class readers
B) Answer in about 50 words the questions given below.
B1 Write a brief character sketch of -Denham from the novel 'To Sir, with Love. 2
B2 The event in the extract was held at the choose the correct alternative. 2
Give reason to support your answer.
a) author's house
b) auditorium of the school
c) market
d) garden
C) Answer in about 50 words the questions given below.
C1 Write the central idea of the given extract of the novel 'Around the Word in Eighty Days.'
C2 Elaborate the following quote in the light of the extract of the novel 'Around the world in Eighty Days'. 'Quitters never win and winners never quit.'
D) Answer in about 50 words the questions given below.
D) 1) The trio - Holmes, Dr Watson and Mary Morstan decide to visit Lyceum Theatre from the novel 'The Sign of Four'.
Holmes from the novel 'The Sign of Four'. 2) Write 4-5 sentences about the meeting of miss morstan with
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