CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2026 Solved Code 1-1-1

SECTION A

READING SKILLS

1. Read the following passage carefully : [12 Marks]

(1) Jonathan Seagull discovered that boredom, fear and anger are the reasons a gull's life is so short and with those gone from his thought, he lived a long, fine life indeed.
(2) They laughed at him. The other gulls scorned him. 'Such nonsense', they would squawk, as he practised flying, not for food but for the joy of flight itself. But Jonathan, undeterred, flew higher and faster than any gull before him. He learned that the secret to flight was not merely flapping wings, but in knowing the purpose of flying.
(3) 'Break the chain of your thought', he told himself, 'And you break the chains of your body.'
In solitude, he mastered loops, dives and rolls. He flew at speeds that blurred the ocean below. The flock cast him out for defying tradition, he discovered that exile was not the end but a beginning. Alone, he found peace. Alone, he found the sky.
(4) One morning, soaring silently above the clouds, Jonathan was joined by two radiant gulls. Their wings shone with light and their presence was calm and sure. 'We've been watching you', they said. 'You're ready to come with us.'
'Where ?' Jonathan asked blinking in the sunlight.
'To a higher level of being,' they answered.
'You have learned much but there is more - more to flying, more to being a gull.'
(5) He followed them into a realm where flight was pure thought and time had no meaning. There, gulls didn't fight over scraps of bread or squawk at one another in fear. They flew to understand themselves to explore the limitless. There Jonathan met Chiang, the wisest gull, who told him : 'The only true law is that which leads to freedom - there is no other.'
(6) Jonathan began to teach others what he had learned, sharing not just flight techniques but freedom of thought. 'You can go as far as you wish,' he would say. 'Because you have the right to learn. You have the right to be free.'
No longer bound by rules, written in sand, Jonathan soared not just through the skies but through understanding. And as he flew, he knew that greatness is not measured in a wingspan but in the courage to break free. (365 words)
Source : Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

(i) According to Jonathan, what was the secret of living a long life ? (para-1) [1 Mark]

Answer: According to Jonathan, the secret of a long life was getting rid of boredom, fear and anger.

Teacher's Note:
a) All three words - boredom, fear and anger - are the key value points.
b) The answer is in the very first sentence of paragraph 1.

(ii) How did Jonathan's unconventional passion for flying lead to his exclusion from the flock ? (para-2) [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Jonathan defied tradition and norms by flying not for food but for his own joy and satisfaction.
2. So the other gulls laughed at him, scorned him and squawked at him, and finally cast him out of the flock.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give any two points; each carries 1 mark.
b) "Flying higher and faster than any other gull" is also an accepted point.

(iii) Read and complete the following sentence suitably :
'Break the chains of your thought and you break the chains of your body', suggests : (para-3)
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence : [1 Mark]
(A) freedom is achieved through physical strength.
(B) mental liberation is the key to true freedom.

Answer: (B) mental liberation is the key to true freedom.

Teacher's Note:
a) The line links freedom of the body to freedom of the mind first.
b) Physical strength is not mentioned anywhere in the line.

(iv) Complete the following suitably with ONE advantage with reference to paragraph 3.
It was ironical that Jonathan Seagull's exile did not mean isolation but ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: peace and a new beginning, with the freedom to master loops, dives and rolls.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other accepted answers: liberation, an opportunity to reach his full potential, self-realisation.
b) Write only ONE advantage, as the question asks.

(v) What do the two radiant gulls who approached Jonathan, most likely represent ? (para-4) [1 Mark]
(A) rivals sent to watch his skills.
(B) a hallucination formed out of his loneliness.
(C) fellow gulls returning from his original flock.
(D) spiritual guides leading him to a higher plane.

Answer: (D) spiritual guides leading him to a higher plane.

Teacher's Note:
a) The gulls take him "to a higher level of being", which shows their role as guides.
b) Their shining wings and calm presence suggest something spiritual.

(vi) Provide one textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4 to prove the following :
You are ready to come with us. [1 Mark]

Answer: "You have learned much but there is more - more to flying, more to being a gull."

Teacher's Note:
a) "He was soaring silently above the clouds" is also accepted as evidence.
b) Quote the exact words from paragraph 4.

(vii) In Chiang's statement, "the only true law is that which leads to freedom - there is no other", what does the phrase 'the only true law refer to ? (para-5) [1 Mark]

Answer: It refers to the idea that freedom is the ultimate goal of existence - to explore the limitless and to understand oneself.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: freedom, ultimate goal, self-realisation.
b) Do not explain it as a rule of the flock; it is the opposite of such rules.

(viii) Select the option that best explains Jonathan's transformation after meeting Chiang. [1 Mark]
(A) becomes more aggressive and fearless
(B) forgets that past and returns to his flock.
(C) learns to use his skills to dominate the other gulls.
(D) internalises freedom and shares his wisdom with others.

Answer: (D) internalises freedom and shares his wisdom with others.

Teacher's Note:
a) Paragraph 6 says Jonathan began to teach others freedom of thought.
b) Nothing in the passage shows aggression or a wish to dominate.

(ix) Complete the analogy with ONE word from paragraph 6 :
free : bound
dropped : ___ [1 Mark]
(A) soared
(B) learned
(C) measured
(D) break

Answer: (A) soared

Teacher's Note:
a) "Free" and "bound" are opposites, so we need the opposite of "dropped".
b) "Soared" means rose high, the opposite of dropped.

(x) In what way did Jonathan's journey challenge traditional beliefs ? Give an example. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The flock believed that gulls fly only for food, but Jonathan flew for the joy of flight; he learned that the secret of flight was knowing the purpose of flying, not merely flapping wings.
2. His journey showed that success is not about meeting society's expectations but about self-realisation and freedom - breaking the chains of thought to reach one's full potential.

Teacher's Note:
a) One point explains the challenge and the other gives an example; each carries 1 mark.
b) Use examples from the passage, such as flying for joy and not for food.

2. Read the following passage carefully : [10 Marks]

(1) Introduction : India faces a serious road safety challenge. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 4.8 lakh road accidents were reported in 2023, leading to 1.72 lakh deaths. Many of these could have been avoided by simple precautions - wearing helmets, fastening seatbelts and following speed limits. These statistics aren't just numbers; they represent lives lost and family dynamics changed forever.
Causes of Road Accidents in India (2023)
S. No. | Causes | %
1. | Overspeeding | 56
2. | Drunk driving | 8
3. | No seatbelt/helmet | 15
4. | Distraction (mobiles) | 6
5. | Mechanical failure | 4
6. | Weather/road condition | 6
7. | Others | 5
(2) Methodology : Recognising this, several cities are becoming proactive, especially near school zones. The municipal corporations and traffic police have introduced stricter school-zone safety measures - speed bumps, zebra crossings and digital signboards. This led to a 30% drop in minor accidents near schools, within a year. The success lay in combining infrastructure with awareness. Parents, teachers and traffic marshals helped monitor traffic during school hours.
(3) Survey : It's not just governments stepping up. In many cities, class XI and XII students launched a campaign called 'Ride Right', promoting helmet use among two-wheeler riders. They handed out stickers, ran roadshows and launched a 'No Helmet, No Selfie' challenge that went viral. Over 2000 riders pledged to wear helmets daily. Their success even led to invitations from the municipal body to speak in other schools - proof of how youth-led efforts can spark policy engagement.
(4) Results : Technology is also playing a significant role. Automation through AI-powered traffic cameras, digital signs and automated lights is being implemented in metros to reduce human error and improve monitoring including Pilot projects such as iRASTE and AI based road safety pilot to predict and prevent accidents using real time data and alerts for drivers. These systems have led to a 40% rise in fine collection, showing improved rule enforcement. GPS based alert systems in school buses now notify parents of speeding or unscheduled stops - another step towards safer school commutes.
(5) Implication for interventions : Still, personal responsibility is the most powerful safety tool. Whether it's a student cyclist using the left lane or a pedestrian waiting for the signal, every right choice sets an example. A popular slogan in school says it best : 'I follow, I influence.' Road safety is about respecting life, valuing time, and leading by example.

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage :

(i) What strategy does the author use in paragraph (1) to highlight the seriousness of road accidents ? [1 Mark]
(A) use of statistics and emotional appeal.
(B) humour and satire
(C) technical jargon and neutrality
(D) personal anecdotes and optimism

Answer: (A) use of statistics and emotional appeal.

Teacher's Note:
a) Figures like 4.8 lakh accidents are statistics.
b) "Lives lost and family dynamics changed forever" is the emotional appeal.

(ii) What evidence from the passage suggests that stricter school-zone measures were effective ? [1 Mark]
(A) the number of schools increased rapidly.
(B) there was a 30% drop in minor accidents near schools.
(C) teachers and parents opposed the new rules.
(D) students stopped commuting by bicycle.

Answer: (B) there was a 30% drop in minor accidents near schools.

Teacher's Note:
a) Paragraph 2 states this result directly.
b) The other options are not mentioned in the passage.

(iii) What would the following be classified as ?
Students launched a campaign called "Ride Right" promoting helmet use among two wheeler riders.
Select the appropriate response : [1 Mark]
(A) primary purpose
(B) secondary objective
(C) method of analysis
(D) research outcome

Answer: (A) primary purpose

Teacher's Note:
a) Promoting helmet use was the main aim of the 'Ride Right' campaign.
b) Read the headings of the paragraphs, as the passage is set out like a report.

(iv) Give two points to support the success of the No Helmet - No Selfie Challenge. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Over 2000 riders pledged to wear helmets daily.
2. The students received invitations from the municipal body to speak in other schools.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each point carries 1 mark.
b) Both points are in paragraph 3; the number 2000 is a key detail.

(v) Which word from paragraph 4 best conveys the idea of 'ensuring compliance through authoritative measures' especially in the context of traffic systems ? [1 Mark]
(A) collection
(B) enforcement
(C) monitoring
(D) automation

Answer: (B) enforcement

Teacher's Note:
a) "Enforcement" means making sure rules are obeyed by using authority.
b) "Monitoring" only means watching, not making people obey.

(vi) Analyze why does the author emphasise that both technology and personal responsibility are important in promoting road safety. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Automated systems detect violations, reduce human error, improve monitoring and improve rule enforcement.
2. But real change depends on a change of mindset and conscious choices; external enforcement and internal discipline work together to improve road safety.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover both sides - technology and personal responsibility - for full marks.
b) "Every right choice sets an example" is a useful line to use.

(vii) Complete the following with a suitable reason :
Road safety is about personal responsibility because ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: it is the most powerful safety tool, and if each one of us is responsible, all will be safe.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Every right choice sets an example" is also accepted.
b) The answer is in paragraph 5.

(viii) Which of the following inferences is best supported by the data in the table ? [1 Mark]
(A) enforcement of helmet and seat belt rules would address the cause of road deaths.
(B) speeding is the key issue, which requires technological and behavioural interventions.
(C) mobile phone use while driving is the fastest growing cause of accidents.
(D) drunk driving accounts for more deaths than 'no helmet/seat belt' and distractions combined.

Answer: (B) speeding is the key issue, which requires technological and behavioural interventions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Overspeeding causes 56% of accidents, the highest share in the table.
b) Check option (D) with numbers: 8 is less than 15 + 6, so it is wrong.

SECTION B

CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

(Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose)

3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two (A) or (B) in about 50 words : [4 Marks]

(A) Your school is organising a career counselling session for students of classes XI and XII to help them make informed decisions about their future career choices. As the Head Girl / Head Boy of M.L.C. School, draft a notice informing them about the session. Include all necessary details. You are Riya/Rohan. Put the notice in a box. [4 Marks]

Answer:
M.L.C. SCHOOL
NOTICE

10 February 2026

CAREER COUNSELLING SESSION

All students of Classes XI and XII are informed that a career counselling session will be held to help them make informed decisions about their future careers.
Date: 18 February 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Venue: School Auditorium
Experts will guide students on courses, entrance exams and career options. Interested students must register with the undersigned by 15 February 2026. For queries, contact the undersigned.

Riya
Head Girl

Teacher's Note:
a) Format (1 mark): school name, NOTICE, date, heading, signature, name and designation, all inside a box.
b) Content (2 marks): event, date, time, venue, target classes, registration deadline and contact.
c) Keep it to about 50 words; do not write it as a letter.

OR

(B) You are Kavya/Karan Chief Editor of 'Parakh' the school magazine. Draft a notice inviting contributions in the form of articles, stories, poems, artwork etc. for the special annual edition. All contributions are to be submitted to the Chief Editor. Include necessary details. Put your notice in a box. [4 Marks]

Answer:
XYZ SCHOOL
NOTICE

10 February 2026

CONTRIBUTIONS INVITED FOR 'PARAKH'

Original articles, stories, poems and artwork are invited from all students for the special annual edition of 'Parakh', our school magazine.
Word limit: 300 words for articles and stories
Last date for submission: 28 February 2026
Submit to: The Chief Editor, Room No. 12, or email parakh@xyzschool.edu
Write your name, class and section on each entry. For details, contact the undersigned.

Kavya
Chief Editor, Parakh

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the purpose, types of entries, deadline and the person to submit to.
b) Put the whole notice in a box and sign off with name and designation.
c) Stay close to the 50-word limit.

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two (A) or (B) in about 50 words : [4 Marks]

(A) Draft an invitation to invite the M.L.A. of your Constituency, to be the Chief Guest at a felicitation function to honour eminent residents who have contributed to the upliftment of the colony. Mention one compelling highlight of the programme. You are Satupa/Satish, President of the Surya Vikas, RWA. [4 Marks]

Answer:
Surya Vikas RWA
Surya Vikas Colony, New Delhi

10 February 2026

The M.L.A.
Constituency Office
New Delhi

Subject: Invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Felicitation Function

Respected Sir/Madam,

We cordially invite you to be the Chief Guest at our felicitation function honouring eminent residents who have contributed to the upliftment of our colony.
Date: 22 February 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Community Hall, Surya Vikas Colony
Highlight: launch of the 'Green Colony' tree plantation drive. Kindly confirm your availability by 15 February 2026.

Yours sincerely,
Satish
President, Surya Vikas RWA

Teacher's Note:
a) A formal invitation to a dignitary follows the formal letter format.
b) Include the host, purpose, date, time, venue, one highlight and a request to confirm.
c) Keep the tone formal and cordial.

OR

(B) You are Dr. Vora, a certified art therapist from Manipur. You have been invited by Green Valley Public School, Jammu to conduct a seminar on 'Art Therapy, the Way Forward' for the students. Draft a reply accepting the invitation. [4 Marks]

Answer:
Dr. Vora
12, Lake View Road
Imphal, Manipur

12 February 2026

The Principal
Green Valley Public School
Jammu

Subject: Acceptance of Invitation to Conduct a Seminar

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for inviting me to conduct a seminar on 'Art Therapy, the Way Forward' for your students on 25 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the school auditorium. I am happy to accept the invitation. I look forward to interacting with the students.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Vora
Certified Art Therapist

Teacher's Note:
a) Begin by thanking the host, then accept clearly.
b) Repeat the event, date, time and venue to show acknowledgement.
c) Use the formal letter format with a formal and cordial tone.

5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words : [5 Marks]

(A) You are Kaneshta/Shirish, an avid yoga follower. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views and urging people especially students and young adults to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. You may use some of the given cues along with your own ideas.
need to follow a disciplined exercise routine
reduces stress, improves physical and mental health
increases focus
schools and educational establishments must encourage practice of yoga [5 Marks]

Answer:
24, Rose Avenue
Pune

10 February 2026

The Editor
The Times of India
Pune

Subject: Make Yoga a Part of Daily Life

Sir,

Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to urge people, especially students and young adults, to make yoga a part of their daily lives.

Today's youth lead stressful lives with long study hours, screens and little exercise. Everyone needs a disciplined exercise routine, and yoga is natural, affordable and easily accessible. It helps us cope with anxiety and stress and improves physical and mental health. It also improves posture, immunity and flexibility, and increases focus and memory. Regular practice builds self-control and emotional stability.

Schools and colleges must encourage yoga by holding at least a ten-minute session daily. Yoga classes in parks, awareness campaigns and International Yoga Day celebrations can also help make yoga a daily habit.

I hope young people take this step towards a healthier life.

Yours truly,
Shirish

Teacher's Note:
a) Content needs at least four points, covering both benefits and ways to adopt yoga.
b) Letter to the editor format: address, date, editor's address, subject, salutation, body, closing, name.
c) Expression carries 2 marks, so write in clear, connected paragraphs.

OR

(B) You are Roshni/Rohan, a final year student pursuing a degree in Computer Science. You have read the following advertisement in 'The National Times'. You find yourself suitable for the job and wish to apply for the post. Write this job application along with your bio-data.
Tech Innovate Solutions
AI Engineers Wanted
Qualifications : Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Technology
Programming Skills : Proficiency with AI frameworks, understanding of data science, familiarity with PyTorch and Python.
Experience : 1 - 2 years work experience, projects, certifications
Write to the Public Relations Officer, Tech Innovate Solutions, Markhande Lane, Pune. [5 Marks]

Answer:
45, Shivaji Nagar
Pune

10 February 2026

The Public Relations Officer
Tech Innovate Solutions
Markhande Lane
Pune

Subject: Application for the Post of AI Engineer

Sir/Madam,

With reference to your advertisement in 'The National Times' dated 8 February 2026, I wish to offer my candidature for the post of AI Engineer. I am in the final year of my B.Tech. in Computer Science. I am proficient in Python and PyTorch and have a good understanding of data science. My internship and projects have given me practical experience. I am confident that I will be an asset to your company. My bio-data is enclosed for your consideration.

Yours faithfully,
Rohan

BIO-DATA
Name: Rohan Sharma
Date of Birth: 12 May 2004
Contact: 98xxxxxx10, rohan@email.com
Educational Qualifications: B.Tech. (Computer Science), final year, 8.9 CGPA; Class XII (CBSE), 92%
Skills: Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, data science, machine learning
Work Experience: One-year internship at a software firm; AI chatbot and image-recognition projects
Certifications: Deep Learning Specialisation (online)
Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi
References: Head of Department, Computer Science
Enclosures: Mark sheets, certificates

Teacher's Note:
a) The covering letter must refer to the advertisement, mention qualifications, offer candidature and show suitability.
b) The bio-data must list personal details, education, experience, skills, references and enclosures.
c) No marks are deducted if the bio-data is written inside the covering letter.

6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in 120-150 words : [5 Marks]

(A) You are Aanya/Ankit. You are deeply disturbed by how moments of silence and relaxed living are vanishing from today's fast-paced, lives. You decide to write an article for the newspaper on 'The Vanishing Art of Slowing Down'.
You may use the following cues alongwith your own ideas :
impact of hustle culture and technology on mental well-being.
losing connection with nature, people and self.
importance of mindful celebrations and slow/relaxed living.
role of schools, communities, and media.
need for digital boundaries, reflection, and simple joys. [5 Marks]

Answer:
THE VANISHING ART OF SLOWING DOWN
By Aanya

We live in a world that never pauses. Hustle culture tells us to stay busy, and our phones keep us connected every minute. Over-scheduled days and a lack of breaks lead to anxiety, stress and digital fatigue. Our conversations have become shallow, and we are losing touch with nature, with people and even with ourselves. Festivals and traditions too have become rushed and performative.

Slowing down is not laziness; it is a need. Mindful living, real conversations and time in nature refresh the mind. We must set digital boundaries, keep screen-free hours for family and friends, and make time for reflection and simple joys like reading or a quiet walk.

Schools can hold mindfulness sessions, communities can organise nature walks, local celebrations and reading circles, and the media can run campaigns promoting silence and balance. Let us relearn the art of slowing down before it is lost forever.

Teacher's Note:
a) Format (1 mark): a title and the writer's name (by-line).
b) Cover at least four points, including both problems and solutions.
c) Use paragraphs: introduction, problems, solutions and a strong conclusion.

OR

(B) Your school organised a 'Tastes of India' Week to educate students on the diversity of Indian cuisine. Write a comprehensive report detailing the activities conducted during the week. Describe the events, participation details, chief guest, and the overall impact of the programme on the school. You are Arti/Aryan a student of Std. XII and the Secretary of the School Magazine Editorial Board. You may organise your report on the basis of
What - When - Where - Who - Why - How [5 Marks]

Answer:
'TASTES OF INDIA' WEEK CELEBRATED
By Aryan, Secretary, School Magazine Editorial Board

New Delhi, 16 February 2026: Our school organised a 'Tastes of India' Week from 9 to 14 February 2026 in the school campus to educate students on the diversity of Indian cuisine.

The week was inaugurated in the school auditorium by the Chief Guest, a well-known chef, who spoke about how food reflects the culture of each region. Each day was given to one region of India. More than 400 students from Classes VI to XII took part. There were food stalls, a quiz on regional dishes, a 'cooking without fire' competition, poster making and a talk on millets and healthy eating. Parents joined the food festival on the last day.

The programme was a great success. Students learnt about the food, spices and traditions of different states and developed respect for India's cultural diversity. Teachers and visitors praised the students' enthusiasm.

Teacher's Note:
a) Format (1 mark): heading, by-line with name and designation, and place and date in the first line.
b) Answer What, When, Where, Who, Why and How in the body.
c) Write a report in the past tense and end with the impact of the event.

SECTION C

LITERATURE

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B) : [6 Marks]

(A)

It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines.
we would all be together
in sudden strangeness
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
(Keeping Quiet)

(i) What does the phrase 'an exotic moment' in the extract signify ? [1 Mark]
(A) surreal pause from mechanized human activity enabling reflection and unity.
(B) ceremonial halt wherein humans acknowledge traditional and ecological wisdom.
(C) spontaneous event where all human labour becomes obsolete.
(D) rare disruption of routine that highlights cultural diversity and isolation.

Answer: (A) surreal pause from mechanized human activity enabling reflection and unity.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Without rush, without engines" shows a pause from machines.
b) "We would all be together" points to unity.

(ii) Complete the following sentence suitably :
The words 'we' and 'together' signify ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: the unity and harmony of all humanity, and our shared human responsibility.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords accepted: unity, harmony, collective awareness, shared responsibility.
b) The poet speaks for all people, not for himself alone.

(iii) Select the option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank :
The excerpt tells us that the poet ___ (condemns/glorifies) the moment 'without rush, without engines'. [1 Mark]

Answer: glorifies

Teacher's Note:
a) The poet calls it "an exotic moment", which is praise.
b) The whole poem values stillness, so "condemns" does not fit.

(iv) Choose the correct option that BEST reflects the tone of the poet in the given extract : [1 Mark]
(A) despairing and cynical
(B) aggressive and accusatory
(C) meditative and hopeful
(D) humorous and sarcastic

Answer: (C) meditative and hopeful

Teacher's Note:
a) The poet reflects calmly and hopes for a better, united world.
b) There is no anger or sarcasm in the lines.

(v) Complete the sentence :
The phrase 'hurt hands' is a symbol of ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: constant activity and hard physical labour - a life of relentless work without a pause.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Mindless self-harming activity" is also accepted.
b) The salt gatherer never stops to notice his own pain.

(vi) What message is the poet conveying through the given extract ? [1 Mark]

Answer: The poet conveys the importance of introspection and stillness - pausing for peace and unity to attain a better world and not mindlessly exploiting nature.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: introspection, silence, mindful living, peace.
b) Link it to the fishermen not harming whales, which shows care for nature.

OR

(B)

You have the money, but if you want to be mean
Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along
The hurt to the scenery, wouldn't be my complaint
So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid :
Here far from the city we make our roadside stand
And ask for some city money to feel in hand
To try if it will not make our being expand,
And give us the life of the moving - pictures' promise
That the party in power is said to be keeping from us.
(A Roadside Stand)

(i) What emotion does the speaker reveal when he says, 'if you want to be mean, why keep your money (this crossly) and go along' ? [1 Mark]
(A) curiosity
(B) bitterness
(C) indifference
(D) detachment

Answer: (B) bitterness

Teacher's Note:
a) The word "crossly" is the clue to the bitter feeling.
b) The speaker is hurt by city people who drive past without buying.

(ii) What does the speaker imply in the statement 'The hurt to the scenery wouldn't be my complaint' ? [1 Mark]

Answer: He implies that easing the hardship of the rural people matters more than protecting the beauty of the scenery; their unsaid sorrow is the real concern.

Teacher's Note:
a) Compare two things: the beauty of the landscape and the suffering of people.
b) Mention "the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid".

(iii) Complete the following suitably :
The word 'expand' in the line 'to see if it will not make our being expand' implies an aspiration to ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: gain better economic opportunities and improve their standard of life - a desire for a better, more fulfilling life.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Expand" means to grow, here in terms of living standards.
b) Link it to "city money" the villagers hope to earn.

(iv) Read the two statements and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : The speaker critiques the governing party for withholding opportunities from the rural poor.
Reason (R) : The extract praises the government for their promises of a life of the moving pictures'. [1 Mark]
(A) Both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(B) Both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but the Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but the Reason (R) is true.

Answer: (C) Assertion (A) is true, but the Reason (R) is false.

Teacher's Note:
a) The extract criticises, not praises, the party in power.
b) "Said to be keeping from us" shows the promise is not kept.

(v) Which of the following concerns is NOT explored in the extract ? [1 Mark]
(A) political manipulation of rural dreams
(B) discrimination faced due to different religious policies.
(C) transactional disconnection between the city and the village.
(D) impact of unfulfilled expectations.

Answer: (B) discrimination faced due to different religious policies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Religion is not mentioned anywhere in the extract.
b) In "NOT" questions, tick off the options that are present first.

(vi) State in one sentence :
What advice your address to the politicians from this extract is most likely to include ? [1 Mark]

Answer: I would advise the politicians to stop making false promises and to spend money on providing real opportunities to uplift the rural poor.

Teacher's Note:
a) Write only one sentence, as asked.
b) Being empathetic and not greedy or manipulative are also accepted ideas.

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B) : [4 Marks]

(A)

I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit. Since the day I was taken from my mother, I had suffered extreme indignities. People had stared at me. I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet. And now my long hair was shingled like a coward's ! In my anguish, I moaned for my mother, but no one came to comfort me. Not a soul reasoned quietly with me, as my own mother used to do; for now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder.
(Memories of Childhood)

(i) Complete the following suitably "Then I lost my spirit", indicates that the speaker ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: gave up her struggle and resigned herself to her fate.

Teacher's Note:
a) Words like resigned, surrendered or gave up are accepted.
b) Cutting her braids broke her will to resist.

(ii) What does Zit Kala-Sa imply about the prejudice prevailing in society when she talks of having 'suffered extreme indignities' ? [1 Mark]

Answer: She implies that the mainstream culture discriminated against Native Americans and showed no respect for their culture and beliefs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: discrimination, oppression, lack of acceptance, disrespect.
b) In her culture, only cowards had their hair shingled.

(iii) Why did Zit Kala-Sa yearn to be with her mother in her moment of anguish ? [1 Mark]

Answer: Her mother was her source of comfort and reassurance, and a child naturally turns to the mother for protection and safety.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use the line "as my own mother used to do" as support.
b) Contrast the mother's care with the cruelty of the school staff.

(iv) The tone of the narrator in the extract can be best described as [1 Mark]
(A) bitter and strong willed
(B) detached and impersonal
(C) pained and despairing
(D) grateful and reflective

Answer: (C) pained and despairing

Teacher's Note:
a) Words like "anguish", "moaned" and "lost my spirit" show pain and despair.
b) She is not strong willed here, as she has given up.

OR

(B)

Derry : But I'm not.... I'm not afraid [pause] people are afraid of me.
Mr. Lamb : Why should that be ?
Derry : Everyone is. It doesn't matter who they are, or what they say, or how they look. How they pretend. I know. I can see.
Mr. Lamb : See what ?
Derry : What they think ?
Mr. Lamb : What do they think, then ?
Derry : You think.... 'Here's a boy'. You look at me... and then you see my face and you think. That's bad. That's a terrible thing. 'That's the ugliest thing I ever saw.' You think, 'poor boy'. But I'm not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be - I am. When I look in the mirror, and see it, I'm afraid of me.
Mr. Lamb : No, not the whole of you. Not of you.
Derry : Yes !
(On the Face of It)

(i) Which emotion dominates Derry's dialogue in this extract ? [1 Mark]
(A) superiority
(B) shrewdness
(C) vulnerability
(D) indifference

Answer: (C) vulnerability

Teacher's Note:
a) Derry admits "I'm afraid of me", which shows how vulnerable he feels.
b) His defiant words hide deep hurt.

(ii) Complete the following suitably :
According to Derry, the people put up a pretence when they see him because ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: they do not want to reveal their fear or repulsion at his burnt face, and do not want to hurt his feelings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention his burnt face as the cause.
b) One reason is enough for 1 mark.

(iii) Complete the following suitably :
When Mr. Lamb says, 'No, not the whole of you. Not of you.' He means ___. [1 Mark]
(A) Your face will get healed and your ideas about your appearance will change.
(B) You are not just your face or your injury. That is not the sum total of who you are.
(C) I am afraid of your face and your appearance.
(D) You shouldn't look into the mirror so that you don't get the feeling of dejection.

Answer: (B) You are not just your face or your injury. That is not the sum total of who you are.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mr. Lamb wants Derry to see his worth beyond his appearance.
b) Mr. Lamb himself has a tin leg but does not let it define him.

(iv) State in one sentence :
What advice will you give to the people who pretend to look away when they see Derry's face ? [1 Mark]

Answer: I would advise them to show empathy and kindness, as a person is not just their face or injury but the sum total of who they are.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: empathy, inclusivity, kindness, compassion.
b) Keep it to one sentence.

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B) : [6 Marks]

(A)

The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery of those subjected to make-up. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for the studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of National Integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. This gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truckloads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five percent of the film was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights needed girls and boys to be made to look ugly in order to look presentable in the movie. A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department.
(Poets and Pancakes)

(i) Why did the make-up room have a look of a hair-cutting salon ? [1 Mark]

Answer: It had lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors, like a hair-cutting salon.

Teacher's Note:
a) Both details - lights at all angles and large mirrors - are the key points.
b) The answer is in the first line of the extract.

(ii) What does 'fiery misery of those subjected to make-up' suggest ? [1 Mark]
(A) emotional stress faced by the actors.
(B) physical discomfort due to heat and lighting.
(C) anger of the make-up artists due to irritation.
(D) the discomfort caused by the cramped room.

Answer: (B) physical discomfort due to heat and lighting.

Teacher's Note:
a) Incandescent lights give off a lot of heat.
b) "Fiery" refers to heat, not to anger.

(iii) Complete the following suitably :
The tone of the author in the phrase 'hideous crimson hued monster' is ___ [1 Mark]

Answer: humorous and exaggerating (sarcastic).

Teacher's Note:
a) Asokamitran uses gentle humour throughout the lesson.
b) "Truckloads of pancake" is another example of exaggeration.

(iv) Why was excessive make-up considered a cinematic necessity at Gemini Studios during that era ? [1 Mark]
(A) minimised the cost of set design and costumes.
(B) was a mandated practice by the studio's creative heads and lead actors.
(C) aligned with the theatrical traditions the studio admired.
(D) compensated for the lack of advanced lighting and camera technology.

Answer: (D) compensated for the lack of advanced lighting and camera technology.

Teacher's Note:
a) The author says the sets and studio lights needed actors made to look ugly to look presentable.
b) Mostly indoor shooting under harsh lights is the clue.

(v) What does 'became too big for a studio and left' imply about the Bengali make-up artist ? [1 Mark]

Answer: It implies that he had grown in his career beyond the studio and had become ambitious (or arrogant), so he left.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Too big" is an idiom here, not about physical size.
b) Either meaning - advanced career or over-ambition - is accepted.

(vi) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason :
The author refers to the presence of people from different regions in the make-up department to ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: show that national integration had already happened at Gemini Studios, long before the media publicised it.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention A.I.R. and Doordarshan to show the irony.
b) The tone here is also light and humorous.

OR

(B)

'Now I am going to tell you, Mr. Ironmaster, how things are', he said. 'The whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All the good things that are offered to you are nothing but cheese rinds and bits of pork, set out to drag a poor fellow into trouble. And if the sheriff comes now and locks me up for this, then you, Mr. Ironmaster, must remember that a day will come when you yourself may want to get a big piece of pork, and then you will get caught in the trap.
The ironmaster began to laugh.
'That was not so badly said, my good fellow. Perhaps we should let the sheriff alone on Christmas Eve.'
(The Rattrap)

(i) What does the speaker mean when he says 'The whole world is nothing but a big rattrap' ? [1 Mark]
(A) The world offers many chances for success and prosperity.
(B) Temptations in life are traps that lead people into trouble.
(C) Good deeds are always rewarded with cheese rinds.
(D) Justice and fairness are not guaranteed for everyone.

Answer: (B) Temptations in life are traps that lead people into trouble.

Teacher's Note:
a) This is the central metaphor of the story.
b) Riches, joy and food are the "baits" that trap people.

(ii) What does the following phrase from the extract showcase :
'Cheese rinds'. [1 Mark]
(A) temptation
(B) affirmation
(C) gluttony
(D) deprivation

Answer: (A) temptation

Teacher's Note:
a) Cheese rinds are the bait placed in a rattrap.
b) Do not confuse temptation with gluttony (greed for food).

(iii) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank :
By calling himself a 'poor fellow', the speaker emphasises his ___. (vulnerability/credibility) [1 Mark]

Answer: vulnerability

Teacher's Note:
a) The peddler presents himself as weak and easily trapped.
b) He has little credibility, as he is a thief.

(iv) What does the speaker imply through his warning to the ironmaster ? [1 Mark]

Answer: He implies that everyone gives in to temptation at some point; if the ironmaster judges him today, he too may be tempted and trapped later.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link it to "a big piece of pork" in the extract.
b) The warning shows that no one is above temptation.

(v) What does the following line from the extract showcase about the ironmaster's nature ?
'Perhaps, we should let the sheriff alone on Christmas Eve.' [1 Mark]
(A) materialistic
(B) understanding
(C) conniving
(D) enterprising

Answer: (B) understanding

Teacher's Note:
a) He laughs and decides not to call the sheriff, showing a lenient nature.
b) The Christmas spirit of goodwill supports this answer.

(vi) Complete the following with a suitable reason :
In the extract, it is implied that the speaker would be locked up because ___. [1 Mark]

Answer: the peddler was not honest - he had deceived the ironmaster by not revealing his true identity and not correcting him.

Teacher's Note:
a) The ironmaster had mistaken him for his old comrade, Captain von Stahle.
b) One clear reason is enough.

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : [5x2=10]

(i) The poem explores the relationship between a mother and daughter. Comment. (My Mother at Sixty Six) [2 Marks]

Answer: The poet shares a close bond with her mother and cares for her deeply. Seeing her mother's pale, corpse-like face, she is afraid of losing her. She also feels guilty that, due to her circumstances, she could not give her mother enough time, but she hides her pain behind a smile.

Teacher's Note:
a) Content 1 mark and expression 1 mark; one well-developed point is enough.
b) Mention the fear of loss and the smile "Smile and smile and smile".

(ii) What does Umberto Eco mean when he says he is 'a professor who writes novels on Sundays' ? (The Interview) [2 Marks]

Answer: Eco means that writing novels is only a secondary activity for him, done in his free time or "interstices". He identifies himself with the academic community and is busy mainly with academic work and conferences. Novel writing was not a planned career; he began writing novels by accident around the age of fifty.

Teacher's Note:
a) The keyword "interstices" (empty spaces) earns credit.
b) He does not see himself as part of "Pen Clubs and Writers".

(iii) The British landlords agreed to refund 25% of the money to the sharecroppers in the Champaran dispute. What is the significance of this event ? (Indigo) [2 Marks]

Answer: The amount mattered less than the fact that the landlords had to give up part of their money and their prestige, showing that the British were not above the law. The peasants realised that they had rights and defenders, which gave them courage. It was a victory for Satyagraha and non-violent protest.

Teacher's Note:
a) Stress that the refund was symbolic, not about the money.
b) Gandhi's view: the peasants learnt courage.

(iv) How did Douglas' experience at the beach in California affect him ? (Deep Water) [2 Marks]

Answer: At a California beach, when Douglas was three or four years old, a wave knocked him down and swept over him. The experience left him frightened and traumatised. It planted a terror of water in his heart and gave him a lasting aversion to water.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keywords: terrified, aversion to water, trauma.
b) Do not confuse this with the later incident at the Y.M.C.A. pool.

(v) The constraints of Aunt Jennifer's married life leave her terrorised and emotionally scarred. Elaborate. (Aunt Jennifer's Tigers) [2 Marks]

Answer: Aunt Jennifer is oppressed by her husband in a patriarchal marriage. The "massive weight of Uncle's wedding band" sits heavily on her hand, and her terrified hands flutter as she knits. She is "ringed with ordeals" and is unlikely to find freedom even after her death.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote phrases like "ringed with ordeals" as evidence.
b) The wedding band is a symbol of the burden of marriage.

(vi) "Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons ?" What does Franz's remark suggest about the imposition of German in school in Aloace ? (Last Lesson) [2 Marks]

Answer: Franz's remark suggests that forcing the people of Alsace to give up French is as absurd as trying to change the natural cooing of pigeons. One's language is a natural expression, like the cooing of pigeons. The remark shows his frustration with German oppression and condemns linguistic chauvinism.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bring out the absurdity of imposing a language.
b) Use the word "linguistic chauvinism" for extra credit.

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in 40-50 words each : [2x2=4]

(i) What does Bama's decision to excel in academics reveal about her character ? (Memories of Childhood - We Too are Human Beings) [2 Marks]

Answer: Bama's decision shows that she is hardworking, determined and resilient. She respects and follows her brother Annan's advice and shows maturity in understanding her inner strength. She believes in self-empowerment and sees education as a weapon to overcome caste barriers and fight social discrimination.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name at least two qualities and link them to education.
b) Mention Annan's advice as the turning point.

(ii) How did the newspaper 'The World' contribute to Charley's belief in the existence of the third level ? (The Third Level) [2 Marks]

Answer: At the third level, Charley saw a newsboy selling 'The World', a newspaper that had not been published for years. Its front page carried a story about President Cleveland. This convinced Charley that he had really reached the station as it was in 1894.

Teacher's Note:
a) One point from the scheme is enough; two make the answer stronger.
b) Mention that the paper had stopped being published years earlier.

(iii) Evaluate the role of the court astrologer in shaping the trajectory of the Tiger King's life. (The Tiger King) [2 Marks]

Answer: The court astrologer's prophecy that the prince would be killed by a tiger was the trigger for the king's lifelong obsession. It started his tiger-hunting spree, as he set out to kill a hundred tigers. Every decision in his life was guided by this obsession, which finally led to his death.

Teacher's Note:
a) "Evaluate" means you must show the effect of the prophecy on his life.
b) The irony is that a wooden toy tiger caused his death.

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 120-150 words : [5 Marks]

(A) Sophie in 'Going Places' and Mukesh in 'Lost Spring' aspire for a better life yet external forces shape their realities and opportunities. Discuss. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Sophie and Mukesh both dream of a better life, but their poverty and surroundings limit their chances.

Sophie, in 'Going Places', comes from a lower middle-class family. She dreams of owning a boutique, becoming a manager, a fashion designer or an actress, and even imagines a romance with the football star Danny Casey. But her humble background has already marked her for the biscuit factory. Unable to change her reality, she escapes into a world of fantasy and daydreams.

Mukesh, in 'Lost Spring', belongs to a poor family of bangle makers in Firozabad. His family is stuck in a vicious circle of poverty, caste, debt and exploitation by middlemen. Yet Mukesh dares to dream of becoming a motor mechanic and driving a car.

Both lack opportunities. However, while Sophie only fantasises, Mukesh is determined to work hard and break away from his family's traditional occupation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Content 3 marks: give at least three points that refer to both texts.
b) Compare and contrast - Sophie's daydreams versus Mukesh's determination.
c) Expression 2 marks: organised paragraphs within 120-150 words.

OR

(B) How is the transient nature of beauty and life portrayed in the poems 'My Mother at Sixty Six' and 'A Thing of Beauty' ? [5 Marks]

Answer:
Both poems show that life and physical beauty do not last.

In 'My Mother at Sixty Six', the poet sees the transience of life in her mother's ageing. The mother's face looks ashen, like a corpse, and she seems weak. This comparison to a corpse shows that death is inevitable. Outside the car, the poet sees young trees sprinting and merry children spilling out of their homes. These lively images contrast with the mother and show that life moves from youth to old age and ends.

In 'A Thing of Beauty', Keats admits that life is full of sadness and suffering. Yet beauty is an eternal source of joy. Even when a beautiful object fades, its memory and impact last and protect us from the harsh realities of life. Beauty is not merely physical.

Thus, life and physical beauty are transient, but the joy a thing of beauty gives is everlasting.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give at least three points that refer to both poems.
b) Use images such as "ashen like that of a corpse" and "sprinting trees" as evidence.
c) End with a conclusion that links the two poems.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in 120-150 words : [5 Marks]

(A) Examine how the presence of school students on the expedition contribute to the message of environmental responsibility and hope. (Journey to the End of the Earth) [5 Marks]

Answer:
Taking school students to Antarctica under the 'Students on Ice' programme gives the expedition a message of both responsibility and hope.

First, the students are the future decision-makers and caretakers of this planet. They are at an age when they are ready to absorb, learn and act. The expedition creates a generation of informed future leaders capable of making sustainable policy decisions.

Second, the programme exposes them to the realities of climate change. By witnessing glaciers retreating and ice shelves collapsing in the fragile Antarctic ecosystem, they see the effects of global warming in a way no textbook could show.

Third, this immersive learning gives them a faster and deeper understanding and a real concern for the environment. They learn how everything is connected - even tiny phytoplankton sustain the food chain - and how important it is to take care of small things.

The students thus carry hope for the planet's future.

Teacher's Note:
a) Any three points from the scheme are needed for full content marks.
b) Name the 'Students on Ice' programme and Geoff Green's aim.
c) Use the phytoplankton example to show how everything is connected.

OR

(B) How does Pearl S. Buck explore the theme of humanitarianism versus patriotism in the lesson 'The Enemy' ? Support your answer with evidence from the text. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Pearl S. Buck shows the conflict between humanitarian values and national loyalty through the inner struggle of Dr. Sadao and his wife Hana.

During the war, a wounded American prisoner of war is washed up near their home in Japan. Sadao is torn between his duty to his country and his ethical duty as a doctor to save a dying man. Sadao and Hana are unable to throw the wounded soldier back into the sea. They bring him home and take care of him.

Sadao knows that harbouring an enemy could have severe consequences, yet he operates on the soldier and hides him. The servants leave the household, showing society's disapproval of helping the enemy. Later, Sadao also helps the soldier escape.

By highlighting this dilemma, the author shows that true humanity rises above borders, politics and war.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give any three points supported by events from the text.
b) Mention the servants leaving as evidence of social pressure.
c) Conclude with the message that humanity is above war.

Please click the link below to download pdf file of CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2026 Solved Code 1-1-1