Rayat Shikshan Sanstha ,Satara
First Semester 2026-27
Std XII English - 50 Marks
SECTION I - PROSE
👇 ANSWERS 🙏
Q.1 A)
A1. True or False - Correct the false.
a) True. Bitter problems can be solved by sweet and polite behaviour.
b) False. The narrator feels that the public owes much to the Underground Railway Company for maintaining a standard of civility.
c) True.
d) False.The narrator searched his pockets in vain and found he was utterly penniless and could not buy the ticket.
A2. Situation that made the writer 'feature' the polite conductor.
The writer once jumped onto a bus and realized he had left home without any money. He expected the conductor to be angry and ask him to get off, saying it is a stale old trick. But the conductor was a good fellow. He politely said, "Oh you needn't get off, that's all right" and offered to book him through to anywhere from the Bank to Hong Kong. This uncommon politeness made him feature him.
A3. Completion.
i) Some bus conductors use a loud voice and aggressive manner *because they regard passengers as their natural enemies whose chief purpose is to cheat him and who can only be kept honest by such a manner.*
ii) According to the conductor the stale old trick is *passengers pretending that they have forgotten to bring money to avoid paying the fare.*
A4. Personal Response - How to encourage civil behaviour
We can encourage civil behaviour by:
- Conducting awareness programmes in schools, offices and public places.
- Felicitating people who show exemplary civil behaviour.
- Giving proper training to public servants.
- Strict implementation of a code of conduct and leading by example from elders and authorities.
A5. Language Study.
1) Change the voice:
i) A tribute to a particular member of that class is paid by me.
2) 'be able to':
i) I was not able to pay the fare.
A6. Vocabulary
(intend, aggressive, existence, stray, necessity, inconvenience)
1) inconvenience
2) existence
3) intend
4) aggressive
B. Non-Textual Grammar
1) Compulsion - *ii) must* ->
We must accept our life gracefully.
2) No sooner... than -
iv) No sooner did I enter the post office than the post master presented me with a telegram.
3) Rhetorical question
- iii) Doesn't the mother look after her child?
"Doesn't the mother look after her child?"
Q.2 A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - I am born with wings
A1. Global Understanding - Theme of extract
The two statements that explain the theme are:
b) Dr. Abdul Kalam's message to the youth about being successful and unique.
c) Youth is the most creative, confident and they have the capacity to achieve or to reach any height.
A2. Complete.
i) The mission Sasthrayaan was about *the propagation of science, to prepare about two thousand students from different schools to become engineers, scientists, doctors, managers and civil servants and thereby empower two thousand families of the village.
ii) The boy's concern was about his lack of confidence, his nervousness to ask questions in class and to talk to his teachers, and how he could achieve his mission of becoming a marine engineer and captain of a ship.
A3. Conclusion.
The sentence implies that today's youth are the greatest power in the world. They are creative, confident and full of potential. If their minds are ignited with a vision and confidence, they need not fear about the future and can achieve any height and empower the nation.
A4. Personal Response - How to develop confidence and presentation skill
- Participate in elocution, debate and group discussions.
- Read extensively to gain knowledge.
- Practice in front of a mirror, record and improve body language.
- Set small achievable goals and celebrate success.
- Take constructive feedback positively and work on it.
A5. Language Study.
1) Positive degree:
i) No other resource on the earth is as powerful as the ignited mind of the youth.
2) -ing form:
i) Being nervous, he was a typical representative of the youth of India.
A6. Vocabulary.
a) platform/stage - dais
b) spread/promote - propagate
c) to give confidence/strength - empower
d) to induct/initiate - inaugurate
B) Summary - 3 Marks
Title: The Ignited Mind - The Greatest Resource
Dr. Kalam asserts that youth's contribution has shaped today's world and they should not fear the future because their ignited mind is the most powerful resource on, under and above the earth. He narrates his visit to a village to inaugurate 'Sasthrayaan', a programme to propagate science and prepare 2000 students to become professionals and empower 2000 families. After his talk on 'Science Empowers the Nation', a nervous village boy asked how to gain confidence and become a marine engineer. The entire audience including dignitaries and the Chief Minister was curious about Kalam's reply to this sincere question.
SECTION II - POETRY
Q.3 Song of the Open Road - Walt Whitman
A1. Lines showing poet ready to enjoy every moment:
"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."
A2. Traits:
a) Self-confidence, self-reliance, optimism and positive self-image.
b) Determination, firm resolve, contentment and desire for freedom from dependency.
c) Satisfaction, philosophical outlook, content with his own world and not greedy.
d) Sentimental nature - he still cherishes his sweet memories and experiences as delicious burdens.
A3. Personal Opinion
"I myself am good-fortune" (50 words)
I strongly agree with this line. It teaches self-belief. Instead of waiting for luck or fate, we should believe that we ourselves create our fortune through hard work and positive attitude. This self-confidence is the key to success and makes a person independent and strong in life.
A4. Figure of Speech: "Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms"
The figure of speech is
Enumeration / Tautology and Parallelism. The poet lists different aspects of indoor, intellectual and confined life that he wants to leave behind. By piling up similar ideas, he emphatically expresses his rejection of a materialistic, fault-finding indoor life and his love for the open road. It is also an example of *Alliteration* in 'querulous criticisms'.
SECTION III - WRITING SKILL
Q.4 A)
1) Drafting Virtual Message (50 words)
Date: 27 Oct 2026
Time: 7.00 pm
Mohan,
Rajan called. There is a self-written story reading competition on the occasion of National Book Day and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's birthday at City Library, Churchgate. He will pick you up at 5.00 p.m. and you both will attend the programme together.
Mohit
2) Statement of Purpose - Fashion Designing
I have been passionate about fashion designing since childhood. I have participated in school and inter-collegiate competitions and won prizes for innovative designs using sustainable fabrics. My friend, who is a designer, has guided me and strengthened my resolve. To turn my passion into a profession, I seek admission to the Diploma in Fashion Designing at M. Rajeshwar College of Arts, Hubali. Your college's excellent faculty, modern labs and industry exposure will help me become a professional fashion designer and start my own label promoting Indian handlooms globally.[Model]
3) Group Discussion
Sujit: Friends, we all love different things but we all love reading. Don't you think reading is the best habit?
Rohit: Absolutely. Reading enhances our knowledge and vocabulary beyond textbooks.
Kishor: Yes, it develops imagination and critical thinking. A book is our best friend.
Sujit: And it reduces stress and improves concentration. Let's pledge to read one book per month.
Rohit: Great idea. Reading makes us truly knowledgeable.
B)
1) E-mail Writing - Complaint about Smart TV
Subject: Complaint regarding faulty 42-inch Smart TV - Warranty Claim
To: mgelectronics@gmail.com
Respected Sir,
I purchased a 42-inch Smart TV from your shop M.G. Electronics and Appliances four months ago. Bill No. 1234. Since last week it is not working properly. The sound is cracking and picture quality is very poor with blurred colours. The warranty period is still valid for 8 months. I request you to kindly replace or repair the TV at the earliest as it causes great inconvenience.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,
XYZ
Contact: 98...
2) Report Writing - Blood Donation Camp
Blood Donation Camp Organised by NSS Unit
By Secretary, NSS Unit, Rayat College.
Date: 20th Oct 2026, Time: 9 am to 4 pm, Place: College Auditorium. The camp was inaugurated by Principal Dr. Patil. 75 students and teachers participated, 52 donated blood. Total 52 blood bags were collected and handed over to Civil Hospital, Satara. The group experienced immense satisfaction of serving society and saving lives.
3) Interview Questions - Political Leader & Social Worker
Name of Interviewee:*Hon. Shri.... (MLA of Islampur)
Area: Social Service & Politics Date/Venue/Time:28 Oct 2026, Rest House, Islampur, 11 am
1. How did you feel after your first victory?
2. Can you tell us about your family background and political journey?
3. What was the instance that inspired you to join politics?
4. What is your opinion about social service through politics?
5. What changes do you expect in people's attitude towards politics?
6. What is your work priority for our district?
7. What is your policy against corruption?
8. What is your dream for our state?
9. What message will you give to the youth
SECTION IV - NOVEL
Q.5 A)
1) Odd Element:
a) Daniel Defoe-
He belongs to 18th century early novel, others are 20th century British novelists.
b) Mystery
- It is a type/genre of novel, while Style, Conflict, Character are elements of a novel.
c) Aphra Behn
- She is a novelist, others are titles of novels.
d) Psychology
- It is a subject, while Drama, Novel, Poetry are literary genres.
2) Choose correct alternatives:
a) The novel as a literary genre has a history of about *two thousand* years.
b) The new literature written in the 18th century was characterised by *spirit of realism*.
c) In *Allegorical* novel, the surface meaning is different from the symbolic meaning.
d) *William James* has coined the phrase: 'Stream of Consciousness'.
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