Sample Paper - 2010
CBSE Class - XII
Subject - Functional English
 

Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. There are four sections. All the questions in each section are compulsory.
2. The marks for each question are indicated against it.
3. Strictly adhere to the given word limit. Marks will be deducted for exceeding it.
4. Handwriting should be neat and legible.

 

SECTION – A (Reading ) (20 Marks)

I. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

THE ACCIDENTAL NOVELIST

I was 53 when my first book, 'The Naked face' was published in 1970.People frequently remarked, "Isn't it wonderful you've finally achieved your life-long ambition". In truth, writing a book hadn't occurred to me before I sat down and did it. 'The Naked face' was an accident.

But I found the prospect of writing a novel intimidating. I assumed I didn't have whatever extra dash of magic goes into composing a book.

Then, I hatched a plot about a psychoanalyst whom someone tries to murder. He has no enemies and no clue who wanted him dead. Using his skills as an analyst, he sets out to solve the mystery.

This story might just as well have been a film, or T.V movie except for one challenge: It demanded the audience get inside the protagonist's head and hear his thoughts. I couldn't figure out how to do that in a script. So I tried to let go of the notion, but it wouldn't let go of me.

Then I started dictating my attempt at a novel. I've always dictated everything, including screen plays, because my mind works faster than my hands. I rewrote the book about six times.

Once I finished the book, I had no idea of the next step. I was familiar with all the Hollywood agents, but not the literary agents. I called my friend the writer Irwin Wallace. He kindly sent my manuscript to his agent, who took over.

I was less optimistic because I didn't view myself as a real author. Three months and seven rejections went by, and when my agent called with good news, I didn't believe it.

Reviews of the book were published in all leading newspapers and they were mostly negative. But the New York Times came out with a wonderful review, describing my novel as 'the best first mystery novel of the year'. A literary luncheon followed, where eminent novelists were promoting their novels. I was among five others. While people queued up in front of the others to get their copies signed, there was not a soul in front of me.

A couple of months later, my book sold 17000 copies but I made no money because what I got covered up the cost of the book tour. But something fantastic happened during the experience, mortifying moments and all. I discovered a sense of freedom I had never known.

When you write a movie or a play, yours is but one voice in a cacophony of opinions. You deal with a producer who decrees a scene too expensive, a director who changes your female lead into a man, an actor who insists, 'My character would never say that'. But when you write a book, you alone are the producer, director and cast. You decide your story's setting, whether to make your characters healthy or ill, rich or poor, heroic or evil. You're totally responsible for your novel. It's all you. I loved that. --- Sidney Sheldon

A. Answer the following questions briefly and in your own words as far as possible:
    i. The author felt less confident of being a successful writer because …..(1 mark)
    ii. What is 'notion' that the author had in his mind?(2 marks)
    iii. How long did the author take to realize 'his goal(2 marks)
    iv. How does this novel prove to be a 'no-profit' exercise?(2 marks)
    v. What is 'the sense of freedom' that the author experienced?(2 marks)

B. Find words in the passage which mean the same as the ones given below (3 marks):
    i. challenging (para2)
    ii. main character (para4).
    iii. talking in different voice (para 9)

II. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow

SPARE THE CHILD AND SPOIL THE PARENT?

Spare the rod and spoil the child. How often have I been told this by my sister, who is a teacher: by a cousin, who gives tuitions, by my grandmother who spins yarns about how father was locked in the storeroom for daring to see a movie when he was in Grade IX.

Hmmm. To beat – nay to lightly smack the child on the back of his or her leg – or not. That's the question, dear parents. With a brigade of anti-child-beaters on the prowl, I confess I am confused. Children don't like being hurt. Definitely parents don't like hitting their children. And, yes, research shows that inflicting physical pain causes lingering emotional hurt.

But the question remains: are adults who were not smacked as children better than the ones who have received their fair share of such attention? Psychology books propagate reward and punishment theories. Offer a chocolate, a toy or golden stars to encourage the pre-school learners. For the teenager, just understand and keep quiet – don't talk down on them and never ever raise your hand.

But let me tell you as a modern parent that disciplining a child today is as difficult as understanding Einstein. The no-movies, no-computer threat yields results for a week at best. After all, there's always the friendly neighbor's T.V. As for the pre-schooler, a raised voice and narrowed eyes may get him or her to behave for five minutes, that's it.

So one is left to wonder whether a light smack does damage. Memories flit by of how a Geography teacher Mrs Albuquerque at school threatened to hit us on our knuckles if we did not remember where the Hague was and how the chemistry teacher Mrs Godbole, loved to fling the duster at the 'most talkative' in the class. Standing outside the class for daydreaming was always welcome and the delight doubled if a classmate was also given the same punishment.

All that is over today. Understandably child abuse cases are on the rise. Yet is the no –rebuking children lobby taking things a bit too far? I wonder. Especially when junior insists on inserting an index finger into the electric plug. A controlled smack on the little hand would have got the message across, pronto.

(a)On the basis of your reading of the passage make notes on it, using headings and sub-headings. Also use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable.(5 marks)

(b)Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (3 marks)

SECTION – B WRITING (25 Marks)

3. You are the President of Barracks Road Residents Association. Chennai. The election of office bearers of the association will be held on 28th December 2007 at the Railway Club. Draft a notice inviting all members to take part in the election to elect a President, Secretary and Treasurer and other posts for a new three-year term. (5 marks)

OR

You have been invited by the Director 'Progressive Movies" No"77,Aarthi Chambers ,Mumbai -75, for an audition for young talented artistes who wish to make it big in T.V.' soaps'. Unfortunately you have other commitments and will not e able to make it this time. Write a reply to the Director expressing your inability to attend the audition and you desire to be able to perform next time round.Sign yourself as Janet/Jacob.Word limit 50 words. (5 marks)

4.You have seen the following advertisement in 'The Hindu' for the post of a Teacher of English. Write an application to The Principal, applying for the post. Sign yourself as Cynthia/Charles of 11, Aswini Anthara Complex, Judges Colony Road, Hyderabad .(word limit:200) 10 marks.

Wanted experienced Post Graduate Teacher in English to teach classes XI and XII in a reputed C.B.S.E school in Chennai. Must have working knowledge of computers, multi-media. Interested in co-curricular activities. Salary commensurate with experience and expertise .Please apply to:Box.No.3300.c/o 'The Hindu' Chennai-600 004.

5.You have read the following news item. You are disturbed by this trend and wish to write an article: 'Don't discriminate: girl or boy ,they are human'

Write an article in 150 -200 words based on the input given(10 marks)

INDIAN COUPLE PREFER BOYS TO GIRLS A recent survey conducted by 'Watchful Eye' a group of human rights activist indicates that most Indian families prefer a boy child to a girl…The main reason cited is dowry, dwindling of life long family earning etc……………..

SECTION – C ( Grammar) 20 marks

6. Rearrange the following sentences to make complete sense.(4 marks)

1, brains/have/dolphins/large/fairly/do

2.rats/is/more/truth/that /dolphins/are/the/intelligent/no/than

3.sailors/there/about/drowning/many/dolphins/saving/stories/are

4.save/size/which/anything/the/they/is/about/same

5.and/rescue/kill/they/to/them/sharks/immediately/try/

6.tricks/they/do/to/clever/are/learn/to.

7.them/are/zoos/not/enclosures/without/many/for/separate/

8.like/emotional/they/characteristics//humans/have/

7. The following passage has ten errors. Identify the errors in each line and write them along with the corrections as show (5 marks)

Incorrect Correct

• Why did people drive on the left in Britain did do
• and on the right in other countries? The reason
• for this. go back to the days when people a.
• traveled on horse. Most people are right-handed b.
• ,and thus the left is a natural side to ride on if c.
• you are on horseback and you need your right
• hand to hold the sword in case of trouble. But d.
• Napoleon Bonaparte insisted that their armies e.
• marched on the right, and as he marched through
• Europe, he imposed this rule whenever he went f..
• Adolf Hitler did the same things. In fact not only g
• in Britain people drove on the left, but out of 178 h.
• countries in the world, there are about 50 who drive i.
• in the left, including Japan. j.

8.You are Rita/Ralph and you have an opportunity to interview Mr.Lalu Prasad Yadhav, Minister of Railways who has over the years turned the Indian Railways from a sick public sector undertaking to a huge money –spinning, profitable business. Based on the input given below, construct a dialogue between the two of you. Make five sets of exchanges(5 marks).

 

The Indian Railways since Independence – following a strict policy of increase in travel and freight charges –not able to recover from huge losses - state of affairs when you took over – try to change earlier policy –risk factors – new policy cheaper fares freight charges – railways as the better means of transport – present surplus finances – plans to improve the railways – accident free travel – delays –connecting rural India.

Rita/Ralph: When did you took over as railway Minister was the state of the Railways?
Minister:

9. You have met Vishwanath Anand,the World Chess Champion. Make ten questions that you would like to ask him about his early life ,training, representing the country, greatest achievement etc…(5 marks)

SECTION – D (Literature)35 marks

10. Choose any One of the following extracts guven and answer the questions that follow: (7 marks)

• 'But her hands are a wet eagle's
• Two black pink-crinkled feet
• One talom crippled in a garden trap
• Set for a mouse'

1.Name the poem and the poet (1 mark)
2.Whose hands are wet (1 mark)
3.Why are the feet 'crinkled'?
4 What are 'talons' in the passage?
5.Name the figure of speech used in this passage.

OR

'They'll soon forget their haunted nights, their cowed subjection to the ghosts of friends who died.
1.Name the poem and the poet.
2.Who does 'they' refer to?
3.Why were their nights 'haunted'?
4.What do the words 'cowed subjection' mean?

11. Answer any two of the following in 50 words each (4x2=8 marks)
a. According to Archibald MaCleish what are the ingredients that make a poem 'a global fruit.
b. Describe Autumn as the season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness'.
c. "Separation is always painful'. How is this statement expressed in the poem 'Curtain'?

12.Answer any one of the following in about 80- 100 words: (5 marks)

How did the monkey's paw ruin the white family?

OR

Compare and contrast the characters of Mr.White and Mrs. White.

13.Answer any two of the questions in about 50 words each: (4x2 + 8 marks)
a. Who was Iona Potapov? What was his plight?
b. Why did Jaques Roux the public executioner agree to give his role to Robichon?
c. How did Lisa's attitude to her profession change?

14.Answer any one of the following in about 80 -100 words.(7 marks)
1.What makes Robert Lynd say that the world is no longer a toy dancing round and round?
2."Circumstances can change a person's attitude to life'. Can this be said of Asoka's life? .