12th General English Model Test Paper 2024-25

Model Test Paper General English Class-XII

(2024-25)

Time: 3 hours                                                                                                             MM: 80

 

 

SECTION: A (READING COMPREHENSION)                         ( 16 Marks )

1 (A): Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:    (10 × 1 = 10)

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, fondly remembered as the 'Missile Man of India', lived a remarkable life dedicated to science, education, and the betterment of his country. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam came from humble beginnings, his father being a boat owner and imam of a local mosque. From a young age, Kalam showed a keen interest in science and mathematics, often spending hours experimenting and reading about the subject. After completing his education in aerospace engineering, Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). His contributions to India's missile technology earned him great acclaim, particularly for his leadership in the development of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle and ballistic missile systems. Beyond his scientific achievements, Kalam was a passionate educator and advocate for youth empowerment. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, during which time he continued to inspire millions with his vision of a developed India driven by technology and innovation. Throughout his life, Abdul Kalam remained deeply connected to his roots and his people, often encouraging young minds to dream big and work hard. His books, speeches, and interactions with students made him a beloved figure across India and beyond. Abdul Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement, humility, and unwavering dedication to his country and its people. His life continues to inspire generations to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society.

i)  Which word in the paragraph means ‘expired’?

Ans.  Expired means passed away.

ii)  What message did Kalam give to the young minds?

Ans. He encouraging young minds to dream big and work hard.

iii)  Which organization did Kalam join after completing his aerospace engineering?

Ans. Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). 

iv)  What was Kalam passionate about besides his interest in science?

Ans. Kalam was a passionate educator and advocate for youth empowerment

v)    For which specific contribution was Abdul Kalam greatly acclaimed?

Ans. His contributions to India's missile technology earned him great acclaim, particularly for his leadership in the development of India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle and ballistic missile systems.

vi)  What was Kalam’s father’s occupation?

Ans. His father was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque.

vii)  In which subjects did Kalam show his keen interest?

Ans. Kalam showed a keen interest in science and mathematics

vii) What inspiration does the young generation get from the life of Abdul Kalam?

Ans. . His life continues to inspire generations to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society.

ix)  How old was Kalam when he became the President of India?

a) 85 years       b) 69 years                   c) 60 years                  d) 71 Years

x)  Which one of the following words is not a synonym of ‘indigenous’?

a) local           b) foreign                     c) native                       d) domestic

(B)   Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.        (6 × 1 = 6)

There are in our country, as in other countries of the world, thousands of differently abled persons, such as those who are blind or deaf and dumb. In some cases, these persons may have been born blind or deaf, while in others, they may have gone blind or deaf as a result of some illness or accident. You sometimes, hear people say of such handicapped persons, “It is the work of fate” or “It is the will of God”. Some even say, “They suffer the fruits of their own actions in the past. Even the parents of differently abled children often express such feelings and opinions, and they scarcely ever think of how they can help these unfortunate ones. This certainly is not the way to look at the problems of the differently abled. Whatever may be the cause of their suffering, we have got to treat the differently abled with sympathy and understanding. In many instances physically challenged children suffer from neglect and are left to themselves in their homes. This makes their life extremely sad and lonely. Our first duty is to make these children happier and less lonely by engaging them in different activities suitable for them. Secondly, we have got to educate these children and help them to live meaningful lives. We should secure benefits of education for them in schools intended for them. We ought to make them self-reliant by creating suitable employment opportunities for them. They will then have a sense of achievement. We will also feel satisfied that we have done our duty towards them.

i.   How should we treat the differently abled children?

a)    indifferently b) with sympathy c) ignore their loneliness d) ignore them

ii.   According to the author, what is our first duty towards differently abled children?

a)    to make them homeless b) to make them healthy

c) to make them happier and less lonely       d) to make them run fast

iii.   How do some children become differently abled?

Some of them may be born handicapped. Ex-deaf, dumb, etc.Other may become handicapped latter due to some illness or accident.

iv.   What makes the life of handicapped children sad and lonely?

handicapped children sad and lonely when they have no suffer neglect and are left to their lot in their homes.

v.  Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the passage.

We must treat these children with love and sympathy.

vi.     Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B :

Column A                                                      Column B

sympathy                                                         companionless

lonely                                                              feeling of pity and tenderness

nearly

SECTION B

(Writing skills, Grammar and Translation)        ( 27 marks )

2.   Write a precis of the following paragraph in your own words and give a suitable title:- (4 )

 

Chandigarh is a city of attractions for tourists. One of the favourite places of all the tourists is the Sculpture Garden near Sukhna Lake which is spread over an area of 40 acres. After the name of its creator, it is named Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. Nek Chand started creating it secretly in his spare time in 1957. He spent first seven years mostly in collecting the waste material on his bicycle and recycling it in a hut made in the jungle. The garden was developed secretly by him, but it was accidently discovered by the authorities in 1975. It was opened for public view in 1976. Every day, it is visited by hundreds of tourists who are mesmerized by the beautiful sculptures of soldiers, dancing women, animals, birds and cascading waterfalls. A characteristic feature of the Rock Garden is that all the sculptures are made of stone, recycled ceramics, industrial waste, broken household items like crockery, bangles, tubes, cycle parts, tiles and toilet fixtures, etc. Another interesting feature is that one has to pass through many doorways, archways and concrete lanes leading to courtyards and chambers. Nek Chand planned the layout of the garden based on the fantasy of a lost kingdom. Nowhere in the world do we see such a beauty created out of waste.

3.   Attempt any one of the following:                                                                     ( 6)

Imagine you are Himalaya. You live at#867, Officer’s Colony, Moga Road, Ferozepur. Write a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of your district, making out a case for the opening of a dispensary in your area.

 

OR

 

You are Rita. You live at #2009, Sector 9, Chandigarh. Write a letter to Editor of a newspaper expressing your views on the growing use of unfair means in the examination these days.

 

4.     Attempt any one of the following:-                                                 ( 3)

Explain the following Newspaper Headline in 15-20words: 

BALI VOLCANO KEEPS AIRPORT CLOSED

OR

You are Kuldeep. Write an e-mail to your colleague, Karan informing about the change in schedule of meeting with a client.

5. ((A)Translate any two of the following sentences into Punjabi/Hindi.          (2 × 1 = 2)

i.   The guests will take food at home only.

i. ਮਹਿਮਾਨ ਘਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਖਾਣਾ ਲੈਣਗੇ।/ i. मेहमान घर पर ही भोजन करेंगे।

ii.   The watchman did not bolt the door.

ii. ਚੌਕੀਦਾਰ ਨੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹਿਆ।/पहरेदार ने दरवाजा नहीं खटखटाया।

iii.   Don’t make fun of the poor.

iii. ਗ਼ਰੀਬਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਜ਼ਾਕ ਨਾ ਉਡਾਓ।/ गरीबों का मजाक मत उड़ाओ।

(B)Translate any two of the following sentences into English:           (2 × 1 = 2)

(i) ਕੀ ਉਹ ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਚਾਹ ਬਣਾਵੇਗੀ ?

(i) Will she make tea for us?

(ii) ਸਾਨੰੂ ਰੋਜ਼ ਸੈਰ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ।

(ii) We should walk every day.

 

(iii) ਬਾਹਰ ਘੁਪ ਹਨ` ਰਾ ਸੀ ।

(iii) There are holes outside.

 6.   Do as directed :                                                                                       ( 10 )

(A)  Fill in the blanks with suitable Determiners.                                                      ( 3× 1 = 3 ) 

(i ) My   mother is a teacher.

(ii) The cat drank all  .. the ..  milk I had.

(iii) She did not send me any reply.

(B)  Fill in the blanks as directed: (Use the words given in the brackets.)     (2× 1 = 2)

(i)       Dancing…. (dance) is my passion.    (Fill in the blank with a Gerund)

(ii)    We eat ……to…… (live).         (Fill in the blank with an Infinitive

(C)   Rewrite the given sentences as directed. (Any Two )                                ( 2 × 1 = 2)

(i)  Rewrite the given sentence after removing ‘too’.

He is too young to travel alone. – He is so young to travel alone

(ii)  Change the degree of comparison.

Rose is the most beautiful flower.-No flower is more beautiful than rose.

(iii)  Rewrite the given sentence using ‘No sooner....... than’.

As soon as the sun rose, they left. - No sooner did the sun rise than they left.

( D ) Change the given sentences into Passive Voice. (Any Two )                                  ( 2 × 1 = 2 )

(i)    A cruel boy killed the bird.

The bird was killed by a cruel boy.

(ii)     Did you wring out the clothes?

Were the clothes wrung out by you?

(iii)        How do you know Sharda?

How is Shardha known to you?

( E ) Change the given sentence into Indirect Speech. (Any One )                                  ( 1 × 1 = 1 )

(i)     He said to me, “What are you doing?”

He asked me what I was doing

(ii)      She said, “What a lovely scene!”

She exclaimed with joy that it was a lovely scen.

 

SECTION C (Literature Textbook)                          ( 37 Marks )

7.     Objective type questions:                                                                                      (10 × 1 = 10 )

(i)    How did the parent-teacher meeting end? ( Hassan’s Attendance Problem )

Ans. The parent-teacher meeting ended fruitlessly because they could not decide how to correct Hassan.

(ii)    Fill in the blank.

The mechanic was ……………...                   (In Celebration of Being Alive)

      Ans, The mechanic was totally blind.

(iii)      The Washington Post was a.......... (The March King)

a)  Magazine    b) newspaper   c) journal             d) None

(iv)    Name the writer of the chapter, ‘On Saying Please’.

Ans. A.G.Gardiner.

(v)      .......................  was a millionaire. (Thinking Out of the Box Lateral Thinking)

Ans. Thomas was a millionaire.

(vi)    Who is the writer of the chapter ‘The Barber’s Trade Union’?

Ans. Mulk raj anand.

(vii)    State whether the following statement is True or False. (A Chameleon)

Pitchugin was walking after Otchumyelov. False

(viii)    What was the name of the gardener ? (The School for Sympathy)

a)   Harry            b) Samuel        c) Beryl            d) Peter

     (ix ) Who was Jaswant Singh ? ( The Bull Beneath The Earth )

    Ans. He was karam singh brother.

      (x) How many siblings did Sulekha have? (Bholi )

Ans. Bholi had six sibling- 3 brother, 3 sisters’

8.   (A) Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow: (any four) (4 × 1 = 4 ) 

            Till the little ones, weary,

No more can be merry; The sun does descend,

And our sports have an end. Round the laps of their mothers, Many sisters and brothers,

Like birds in their nest, Are ready for rest,

And sports no more seen, On the darkening Green.

(i)  Name the poem .

Ans. The poem is “The Echoing Green’

(ii)  Name the poet .

Ans. The poet is Willian Blacke.

(iii)  Why has the echoing green become the darkening green?

Ans. The sun sets, night falls and the echoing green becomes the darkening green.

  (iv)  Name the figure of speech used in the lines: 

‘Many sisters and brothers, Like birds in their nest,’

         Ans. Like birds………… simile.

(v)    Write the rhyme scheme of the last four lines of the stanza.

Ans. aa, bb.

OR

Once upon a time, son,

they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes:

but now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes

search behind my shadow.

(i)  Name the poem.

Ans. The name of the poem is “Once Upon a Time”     

(ii)  Name the poet.

Ans. It is written by Gabriel Okara.

(iii)  How did the people laugh in the past?

Ans. In past days people laughed sincerely and naturally. They laughed out of real joy at heart.

(iv)  Explain: ‘They only laugh with their teeth’.

Ans. Their laughter is artificial. There is no feeling of joy in their laughter.

(v)  Which Figure of speech is used in this line -‘while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow’?

Ans. Their eyes look cold and feeling less.

B)  Give the central idea of one of the poems:                                                           (3)

i) On Friendship

This poem tells us about friendship by praising its virtues and advantages. A friend is a God’s gift to us. A friend is a God’s way of meeting our requirements. He supports us at all times. He shows us sympathy whenever we need it. A friend is free to agree or disagree with us on any point. We do not have to declare our love for our friend. He can read our thoughts even if we do not express them. We can open our heart to a friend and a friend can share our joy and sorrows. When our friend is away from us, we remember him for his best quality. Friendship enables us to strengthen our spiritual bond.

ii) Prayer of the Woods

This poem is based on the idea that trees serve man in various ways. The wood from trees is used in winter for warmth. Trees provide shade in summer and juicy fruits to travellers to satisfy thirst. Buildings, boats, and furniture use wood. Wood is used by man from birth to death. Trees also teach us the value of kindness and beauty. Trees appeal very humbly to men not to harm them.

9.   Answer any three of the following questions in about 20 to 30 words each :      (3 × 2 = 6)

(i)  Why was Hassan not noticed by the teacher in the class? During which days would Hassan show up in the class?                                       ( Hassan’s Attendance Problem)

Ans. The teacher did not notice Hassan because he was rarely present. Hassan would show up during class test days or during examinations.

(ii)    Who were addressed as ‘Demi Gods “ and why ? ( Ghadari Babas in Kalapani Jail )

Ans. Old criminals were called demi-gods as they believed that they had the divine right to abuse, ill-treat all perisoners.

(iii)   How did the girl intelligently win? (Thinking Out of The Box: Lateral Thinking)

Ans. The girl left a black pebble in the bag and changed an impossible situation new.

(iv)  What were the good qualities of the conductor? (On Saying Please)

Ans. He was cheerful and polite, helpful to passengers, and well-mannered.

(v)   What made the narrator repent and feel sorrowful? (The Story of My Life)

Ans.  When she have broken the doll, then she try to put the pieces of the broken doll together because she learnt that everything had a name. she felt sorry for what she had done.

  

10.    Answer any two of the following questions in 20 to 30 words     (2 × 2 = 4)

 

(i) What was the real aim of Miss Beam’s school?       ( The School for Sympathy)

Ans. Its real aim was to make the students thoughtful, helpful and sympathetic citizens.

(ii)   What was Datta’s experience about his customers ?       (The Gold Frame )

Ans. His customers never came punctually to collect their photo-frames.

(iii) What type of woman was Chandu’s mother ?           (The Barber’s Trade Union )

Ans. She was an ill-tempered woman from low caste and knew the reality about upper caste people.

11.    Answer any one of the following questions in 100 to 120 words:              (5)

Explain in brief the conditions in which the two boys grew up ? (Two Gentlemen Of Verona )

Ans. The two boys led a very miserable life after the death of their widower father. In their childhood they lived a confortable and cultured life. Their sister wanted to train as a singer. Their life became very miserable in the war. Their home was bombed in Verona, and completely destroyed. So they became homeless. They had to suffer from starvation and exposure to the terrible winter in Verona. This made them angry. They became spies for the resistance group. They faced risks. They visited their sister every week in the hospital and paid her dues to the hospital. The author found the three siblings a happy family.

OR

Draw a brief character sketch of John Philip Sousa. (The March King)

Ans. John Philip Sousa was a young boy. His father worked in the brass section of the United State Marine Band. The Capital city of Washington (D.C) was full of bands. Philip love them, he wanted to become a musician. At the age of seven, he joined a school of music. He liked his studies very much. He learned to play violin. He began to play very well. He loved to play baseball also.

He was chosen to play violin solo for the annual evening concert of his school. He went for playing baseball. His clothes got dirty. He had no clean white Shirt. He borrowed a large size shirt from the wife of music teacher. His wife fitted it on Philip with the help of pins. The big shirt was pulled down, when the performance was going on. He ran away from the stage. He was sent to a bakery for three days. He did not like his work. Then again he wants to his music teacher. He developed his skill in playing on the violin. Once a circus band leader wanted to take with him. He offered him a good job in a circus. His father got him recruited as a trainee in the band. He became the March king. He became very famous by composing the Washington post March.

 

12.  Answer any one of the following questions in 100 to 120 words:      (5) 

Justify the title of the story, ‘A Chameleon’.

Ans. The title of a story should be appropriate. It should throw light on the main events of the story and capture its theme. Chameleon is the title of the story. The Superintendent of Police represents the title. He changes his opinion from time to time. He is walking across the market square. A goldsmith is bitten by a dog. He makes a complaint to the Superintendent of Police. He listens to him attentively. The Superintendent of Police threatens to teach a lesson to those who allow their dogs to run all over the place. He even says that stray dogs must be throttled. He seems to be serious in redressing the complaint of Hryukin. He wants to know the name of the owner of the dog. 

    Soon he comes to know that General Zhigalov is the owner of the dog. This makes him nervous. He starts snubbing Hryukin. He questions him how a tall and heavy man like him was bitten by a small and weak looking dog. It is decided to send the dog to the General. Then the General's cook comes on the spot. He the complaint of Hryukin is forgotten by the chameleon of a Superintendent of says that the dog belongs to the General's brother. He takes away the dog. Obviously, Police. The title is quite apt. 

 

OR

Give a brief character sketch of Karam Singh’s father ? (The Bull beneath the Earth )

Ans. Karam Singh father is an old man. He must be past sixty. The story does not tell us about his early life.

He seems to be engaged in domestic duties. He does not talk much. When Mann Singh comes to his house at the request of Karam Singh, He does not talk frankly with the visitor. He is not all warm to his son’s dear friend. Mann Singh gets a cold treatment. He does not ask Mann Singh any question about the welfare of his son. So Mann Singh ask him if he is Karam Singh’s father.

He is a man of sorrows. He has several sorrows of his own. After the death of Karam Singh, he has to take care of his daughter-in-law and his grandson. He has become numb after the death of his son in the army. When Mann Singh comes to know that his friend is dead, he then understands why he is so sad and almost silent.

Mann Singh compares him to a mythical bull in the mythical stories which bore upon its head the burden of the whole earth. Karam Singh’s father appeared to him a kind, generous and helpful spirit who was willing to share other people’s burden