Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara
Special Rehearsal Examination 2025-26
Marks-80. Std-XII
Time-3.00 Hrs. Sub.- English
Section I - Prose (Reading for Comprehension, Language study, Summary and Mind-Mapping)
1. A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below.
I stayed put. Gauged the leader Langur's target sight and scanned the area visually. Took some steps. Stopped again. A fresh scat was lying before me on the trail. The bluish-purple flies were hovering over it. I was sure that the Leopard was somewhere near. The distant alarm call of four-horned antelope was adding to the chaos. I barely walked around 15 metres and stopped. I had apparently entered in the sanctum sanctorum of a miracle called Leopard. But the big cat was not visible. It is an elusive animal. The surroundings were reminding me that I was all alone time and again. As I moved forward on the trail to Pitezari, the fading alarm calls were still heard in the background. I could tell instinctively that the Leopard had moved away.
Meanwhile, I saw a man standing at a distance with a stick in his hand. As I approached, he appeared spooked due to alarm calls of the Leopard. We greeted each other. He was Raju Iskape from Pitezari. He had come to collect logs but retreated due to the Leopard's movement. Raju was amazed at my regular solitary visits to Umbarzara, the haven for Tigers, Leopards and Sloth Bears. We stopped under a Kusum tree to take a break. We both felt a bit relaxed. Now we were four eyes, four hands with a stick. Then we both resumed our walking tour.
There was one tiny track that broke out of the main trail. "I will take this route, you go straight," said Raju and turned right. I kept walking straight until I climbed a familiar hillock. I crossed the cement pillar and stones stacked by Forest Development Corporation to mark the boundary of the forest compartment. Took another trail after climbing down. Walked across a beautiful Mahua tree loaded with reddish-brown leaves. The ground under the tree was cleaned very well. The thought instantly flashed in my mind- 'I'd lost my way. Next moment, I found another dusky trail. Hastily I took that trail which took me from a narrow gorge to an open field. The area was surrounded by hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest. I turned back to spot the sun. Now, the geographical west was set. The dusky trail had vanished. Good Heavens! I was lost. Completely lost in this jungle, That too at a very dreadful time! The sun was melting down like a fleeting runner
A1 Flow chart: Complete the flow chart adding words to show the sequence of incidents.
The writer observed the Leader Langur's sight carefully
He scanned the area visually and noticed..........
Bluish-purple flies were horering showed that........
The alarm call of the four-horned antelope added to ...
The writer met Raju Iskape from
Answer:-
1. The writer observed the Leader Langur's sight carefully.
2. He scanned the area visually and noticed fresh scat on the trail.
3. Bluish-purple flies were hovering showed that the leopard was somewhere nearby.
4. The alarm call of the four-horned antelope added to the chaos and fear in the atmosphere.
5. The writer met Raju Iskape from Pitezari.
A2 Describe Raju Iskape's reaction on meeting the writer in the forest. 2
Answer:- Raju Iskape appeared frightened because of the leopard's alarm calls. He was surprised and amazed to see the writer visiting the dangerous Umbarzara forest all alone. His nervousness reduced only after meeting the writer.
A3 Mention the event that makes the writer relaxed
Answer:-The writer felt relaxed when he and Raju stopped under a Kusum tree and realised that now they were two people together instead of one, which made them feel safer.
A4 Describe how you would feel if you were lost in a dense forest like the writer.
Answer:-If I were lost in a dense forest, I would feel extremely scared and anxious. I would be worried about wild animals, darkness and not finding the right path. At the same time, I would try to stay calm and look for ways to come out safely.
A5) Do as directed.
i) The area was surrounded by hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest. (Choose the correct Active voice from the given options and rewrite)
a) Hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest surrounded the area.
b) Hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest were surrounded by the area.
c) Hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest has surrounded by the area.
d) Hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest were being surrounded the area.
Answer:-a) Hillocks of dry deciduous tropical forest surrounded the area.
ii) I crossed the cement pillar and stones stacked by the forest Development corporation.
(Choose the correct alternative to write it with 'not only...... but also.')
a) I not only crossed but also the cement pillar and stones staked by the forest development corporation.
b) Not only I crossed the cement pillar but also stones staked by the forest development corporation.
c) I crossed not only the cement pillor but also stacked by the forest development corporation stones.
d) I crossed not only the cement pillor but also the stones stacked by the forest Development corporation.
Answer:-d) I crossed not only the cement pillar but also the stones stacked by the Forest Development Corporation.
A6 Vocabulary.
Select the proper words and fill in the blanks.
(Words: chaos, elusive, retreated, trail)
i) He ......... and stopped the fight.
ii) She was searching the......... to reach there.
iii) The child was making.......
iv) The rabbit is an........animal.
Answer:-
i) He retreated and stopped the fight.
ii) She was searching the trail to reach there.
iii) The child was making chaos.
iv) The rabbit is an elusive animal.
B) Language study. (Non textual Grammar)B 1 Do as directed.
i) Some thugs tried to snatch her gold chain.
(Choose correct alternative to frame a Wh-question to get the underlined answer)
a) What some thugs tried to snatch ?
b) What did some thugs tried to snatch ?
c) What some thugs snatch ?
d) What did some thugs try to snatch ?
Answer:- d) What did some thugs try to snatch?
ii) You performed the very energetically in front of the visitors.
(Choose correct alternative to make the given sentence exclamatory)
a) How energetically in front of the visitors you perform!
b) How energetical infront of the visitors you performs !
c) How energetically you performed in front of the visitors !
d) How energetically in front of the visitors you performed !
Answer:-c) How energetically you performed in front of the visitors!
iii) My father gave me.....calculator.....calculator is very useful for me. 1
(Rewrite it using appropriate articles)
Answer:-My father gave me a calculator. The calculator is very useful for me.
B2 Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence.
Where was you yesterday ?
Answer:- Where were you yesterday?
Q2A) Read the following extract and complete the activities given below.12
To read a lot is essential. It is stupid not to venture outside the examination 'set books' or the textbooks you have chosen for intensive study. Read as many books in English as you can, not as a duty but for pleasure. Do not choose the most difficult books you find, with the idea of listening and learning as many new words as possible: choose what is likely to interest you and be sure in advance, that it is not too hard. You should not have to be constantly looking up new words in the dictionary, for that deadens interest and checks real learning. Look up a word here and there, but as a general policy try to push ahead, guessing what words mean from the context. It is extensive and not intensive reading that normally helps you to get interested in extra reading and thereby improve your English. You should enjoy the feeling which extensive read-ing gives. As you read you will become more and more familiar with words and sentence patterns you already know, understanding them better and better as you meet them in more and more contexts, some of which may slightly differ from others. Some people say that we cannot learn to speak a language better with the help of a book. They believe that the spoken language and written language are quite different things. This cannot be true.
A1 True or False.
1) The writer suggests reading only text books and setbacks.
ii) The writer advises reading English books for pleasure.
iii)The writer belives that reading difficult books helps you learn faster.
iv) The writer says that extensive reading helps improve your English.
Answer:
False
True
False
True
A2 Give reasons.
(I) The writer says that one should not choose very difficult books to read.
II) The writer advices reading books for pleasure and not as a duty.
Answer:-
Ii)Reason:
Because very difficult books force you to constantly look up words in a dictionary, which kills interest and slows down real learning.
II) Reason:
Because when you enjoy reading, you naturally read more, which helps you improve your English language skills effectively.
A3 'Do not choose the most difficult books you find Explain.
Answer:-
The writer means that choosing very difficult books makes reading tiring and discouraging. It interrupts your flow because you must look up many new words. Therefore, choose interesting and easy-to-understand books so that reading remains enjoyable and helps you learn naturally.
A4 Express your opinion on the writer's advice "Read as many books in English as you can"
Answer:-
In my opinion, this advice is very useful because reading many books helps improve vocabulary, sentence structure, and understanding of the language. It also makes learning enjoyable and builds confidence in using English in real-life situations.
AS Language Study.: Do as directed.
i)The spoken language and written language are quite different things.
(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives to identify correct tense)
a) Simple future tense.
b) Simple past tense.
c) Simple present tense.
d) Simple present perfect tense.
Answer
c) Simple present tense
ii) You should enjoy the feeling which extensive reading gives.
(Choose the correct option from the given alternative to identify the modal auxiliary in the sentence.)
a) enjoy b) should c) gives d) reading
Answer
b) should
A6 Vocabulary.
Match the words in column 'A' correctly with their meanings in column 'B'
'A' Words. 'B' Meanings
a) Venture. a) To enjoy doing something
b) Guessing. b) To take a risk or try something new
c) Familiar. c) To suppose or estimate . witho full knowledge
d) Pleasure. d) Well known or easily recognized.
Column A (Words) Column B (Meanings)
a) Venture b) To take a risk or try something new
b) Guessing c) To suppose or estimate without full knowledge
c) Familiar d) Well known or easily recognized
d) Pleasure a) To enjoy doing some
thing
B Summary Writing.
Write the summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of given points.
Read a lot outside the textbooks pleasure-avoid difficult books -- Choose interesting ones avoid dictionary -- guess meaning
extensive reading differs from intensive reading.
Title: Importance of Extensive Reading
The extract highlights the value of reading widely outside textbooks. The writer advises choosing interesting and not too difficult books so that reading remains pleasurable. One should avoid checking the dicti iionary repeatedly and instead guess meanings from context. Extensive reading helps learners become familiar with words and patterns, making English learning easier and more enjoyable compared to intensive reading.
C) Mind - Mapping.
Develop a mind map on 'My Future Goals' using your ideas, design
My Future Goals
Career Goals
– Become successful in chosen profession
– Gain advanced skills
– Achieve financial stability
Educational Goals
– Complete higher studies
– Learn new languages
– Develop communication skills
Personal Growth
– Improve confidence
– Build good habits
– Stay healthy
Social Goals
– Help others
– Participate in community work
– Build strong relationships
Long-term Dreams
– Own a house
– Travel the world
– Live a happy life
Section II - Poetry and Appreciation
3. A) Read the extract and completed the activities given below.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
A1 Select and write the two statements from the given list which justify the theme of the poem.
a) The poet is blunt and direct in his expression of love.
b) Internal beauty is as important as the external beauty.
c) The poet is in love with lady's outward beauty.
d) Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder.
Answer:- b) Internal beauty is as important as the external beauty.
d) Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder
A2 Complete the following web describing the various aspects of the lady's beauty.
Lady's beauty
Answer:- Lady’s Beauty
Her eyes – tender, shining with inner goodness
Her hair – raven (black), graceful
Her face – soft, calm, glowing
Her smile – winning, innocent
Her thoughts – pure and serene
Her heart – loving
and innocent
A3 'Beauty is skin deep'. Explain your views in a few sentences.
Answer:- True beauty goes beyond physical appearance. A person may look attractive from the outside, but what really makes someone beautiful is their inner qualities—kindness, purity, honesty, and goodness of heart. Outer beauty fades with time, but inner beauty lasts forever. Therefore, real beauty is not just on the surface; it lies within.
A4 'And all that's best of dark and bright' Name and explain the figures of speech
Answer:- Here is the correct and complete answer:
---
A4. 'And all that's best of dark and bright' – Figures of Speech
1) Antithesis
Explanation: Two opposite ideas — dark and bright — are placed together to show contrast and to highlight the perfect balance of qualities in the lady.
2) Alliteration
Explanation: The consonant sound ‘b’ is repeated in the words best and bright, creating a musical effec This is the expected textbook answer.
A5 Compose a poem of your own in about 4 to 6 lines on the topic 'Beauty' 2
Answer:- Beauty lives in gentle hearts,
In smiles that warm the day,
In kindness shared with everyone,
In words we softly say.
It glows not just in face or form,
But in the love we give
away.
Appreciation.
Read the extract and write the appreciation of the poem.
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me leading wherever I Choose.
Hence forth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing, Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms, Strong and content I travel the open road.
The earth, that is sufficient,
I do not want the constellations any nearer, I know they are very well where they are, I know they suffice for those who belong to them.
(Still here I carry my old delicious burdens, I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go, I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them, I am fill'd with them, and I will fill them in return.)
1) About the poem/poet and the title.
II) The Theme
iii) Poetic style
iv) The language/poetic devices used in the poem.
v) Message/moral value in the poem.
vii) Your own opinion about the poem.
Section III- Writing Skills
4. A) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
Attempt Any One of the following.
1) Drafting a Virtual message.
Read the following conversation between Sakshi and Mr. Patil.
Sakshi: Hello, may I speak to Ramesh, Please ?
Mr. Patil: Ramesh is getting ready ready for school May I know who is speaking?
Sakshi: My Name is Sakshi, I am Ramesh's classmate.
Mr. Patil: Hello, Sakshi. I am Ramesh's father. Is there any message ?
Sakshi: Yes, Please ask him to bring his Maths note book to school today. I was absent from school due to illness. I would like to see the note which our maths teacher gave to the class during my absence.
Mr. Patil I will dfinitely do that.
Mr. Patil had to go for his morning walk he left a meassage for Ramesh. Draft that message in 50 words.
2) Statement of Purpose
You are an avid animal lover. You have a pet dog and some love birds at home. You are extremely fond of them. You have been a member of bird watcher's club. You have loved going on a safari. You have taken care of orphan animals. In school you loved Biology. You wish to make a career in this field. The University of cambridge offers an excellent course/ Programme which would boost your career. Make a Statement of purpose which will help you to get admission to this University.
3) Group Discussion.
There is an inter-school cricket match and your school is losing. As you are the captain, have a group discussion with your teammates in the teabreak the strategy to be followed to save your school from losing the match. Give the views and suggestion of the playes in the form of dialogues.
B) Attempt any one of the following activities.
1) E-mail Writhing.
As a group leader, write an email to the Maneger MTDC Mahabaleshwar for making reservation for the stay of a group of 50 students of your college.
2. Report writing
Imagine you have visited the jungles of Nagarhole. Write a report to be published in your college magazine in about 100-150 words.
3) Interview Questions.
Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a teacher who recently received the Ideal Teacher Award from the state government. With the help of the given table and points draft questions for an interview.
Name of the interviewee
(distinguished personality)
Area of success / Reputation
Date / Venue / Time
Duration of Interview
Question:
1) Decision
2) Idols
3) Support
4) Education
5) Training
6) Success
7) Dream
9) Goal/destination
C) Attempt any one of the following Activities.
1) Speech Writing.
Imagine you have to deliver a speech on the topic "Science and Superstitions." on 'National Science Day' in your junior college. Draft a speech in about 100/150 words that you wish to deliver before the audience.
--OR--
2) Compering.
Suppose you are going to compere of a 'Prize distribution ceremony of your junior college. As a compere, prepare the whole programme script considering the sequence and details of the overall programme. You may take help of the given points.
* Introduction
* Lighting the lamp
* Welcome song
* Guest's Felicitation
* Main event
* Speech of the guest
* Vote of Thanks
OR---
3) Expansion of Idea.
Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below. Write your answer in about 100 to 150 words. bre
"Where there is a will, there is a way"
* Setting goals
* Strong will
Determination
* Perseverance
D) Attempt any one one of the following.
1) Drafting a Review. Draft a review of any film/movie that you have recently watched. Prepare your review with the help of given points,
Name of the movie/year of release Cast
Producer/Director
technical aspects: Music/photographyr opinion
Theme/storyline in brief.
2) Blog Writing.: Write a blog titled "Healthy Eating' with the help of the
following points (100 to 150 words) Good food Nutrition Dos and Don'ts Balanced diet-need
3 ) Appeal Writing.
Prepare an Appeal inviting the students to respond to the 'Voters Registration Camp' specially organised by the State Election Commission.
Give appropriate slogan
*Poor turn out/low awareness
Statment of appeal
Arrangement of special camp
Guest/ Time/ Date/Venue.
Section IV - Literary Genre - Novel
A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions.
1) Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the sentences.
a) A novel is relatively a..... narrative fiction. (short, long, descriptive)
b) The pilgrim's progress is a novel written by (Aphra Behn, John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe)
c)........... is the pioneer of the 'stream of consciousness' Novel. (Agatha christie, Jane Austen, Virginia woolf)
d) The famous trio of Indian writer is...........
(Amitav Ghosh, Manohar Malgaonkar, Mulkraj Anand, Amitav Ghosh, R. k. Narayan, Arvind Adiga, Mulkraj Anand, R. K.
Narayan, Raja Rao)
2) Match the column 'A' with 'B'
'A'. 'B'
1) Themea) Philosophical statement, a central idea
2) Plot. b) The struggle in between opposite forces
3) Conflict c) techniques of the narration
4) Language, style. d) course of the events.
1) Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the sentences.
a) A novel is relatively a long narrative fiction.
b) The Pilgrim's Progress is a novel written by John Bunyan.
c) Virginia Woolf is the pioneer of the 'stream of consciousness' novel.
d) The famous trio of Indian writers is Mulkraj Anand, R. K. Narayan, Raja Rao.
---
2) Match the column 'A' with 'B'
A B
1) Theme a) Philosophical statement, a central idea
2) Plot d) Course of the events
3) Conflict b) The struggle in between opposite forces
4) Language, style c) Techni
ques of the narration
B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below.
1) State in brief the theme of the extract from 'To sir with Love'
2) The incidents in the novel "To sir with Love' occured at a particular place. Explain the significance of that place in your own words.
C) Write the answer of the following questions in about 50 words.
1) Write in short the plot of the novel 'Around the world in Eighty Days. 2) When fix arrested phileas fogg, passport thought that he was a
cause of his master's misfortune. Give reason.
D) Write the answer of the following questions in about 50 words.
1) Write a short character sketch of Miss. Morstan of the novel
2) Miss Morstan plans to meet Sherlock Holmes. Give reason.
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