ISC Class 12 English Language Board Exam Question Paper 2020 with Solutions

ISC Grade 12 English Paper 1 Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

Question 1 [25 Marks]

Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects: (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for orderly and coherent presentation of material, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
(a) Recently, you travelled to a place you found peaceful and rewarding. Describe the place, the weather, the people and the local activities that make this destination particularly attractive.
(b) Narrate an experience when you took on a responsibility in your school that you usually would not, and you were pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
(c) “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" Express your views on this statement.
(d) Solitude.
(e) Students should be allowed to use electronic gadgets in the classroom. Argue for or against this proposition.
(f) Write an original short story that begins with the line: The lone young man who sat hunched on the park bench had an unusual gleam in his eyes.

Answer:

(c) Model Composition: "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"

Shelley’s immortal line from 'Ode to the West Wind' is not merely a poetic description of the changing seasons; it is a profound philosophical metaphor for human existence. It encapsulates the eternal truth that suffering, despair, and hardship are transient phases, invariably succeeded by periods of renewal, joy, and hope.

In the cyclical rhythm of nature, winter represents a period of dormancy and biting chill. Trees shed their foliage, landscapes are blanketed in bleak frost, and life seems to recede into a profound slumber. Yet, beneath this frozen crust, seeds lie quietly, gathering strength for a glorious rebirth. When spring finally arrives, it brings with it an explosion of vibrant colours, fragrant blossoms, and warm sunlight. Nature demonstrates that the harshest winter is merely a necessary prelude to the most exuberant blossoming.

Similarly, human life is an intricate tapestry of triumphs and tribulations. We all experience personal 'winters' - grief, failure, loneliness, or debilitating illness. During these dark hours, hope often flickers dimly, and despair threatens to overwhelm us. However, history and personal experience teach us that adversity is never permanent. The darkest hour is famously followed by the dawn. Every setback prepares us for a comeback, and every trial builds the resilience required to appreciate future triumphs.

Consider the struggles of great historical figures, scientists, and artists. Their finest achievements were forged in the crucible of intense hardship. Nelson Mandela endured decades of oppressive imprisonment, yet his winter of discontent culminated in the radiant spring of a democratic South Africa. In our own lives, academic failures or broken relationships often shatter our confidence, plunging us into emotional desolation. Yet, with time and perseverance, these very crises teach us invaluable lessons, steering us towards unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

To despair during difficult times is to misread the pattern of life. Just as nature cannot remain trapped in ice forever, the human spirit cannot be permanently subdued by sorrow. We must cultivate patience and fortitude, trusting that our present hardships are silently paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Whenever life turns bleak, we must remind ourselves that joy is on the horizon. After all, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Teacher's Note:
a) For descriptive or argumentative essays, ensure a clear introduction, three well-developed body paragraphs, and a reflective conclusion within the prescribed word limit.
b) Avoid common errors like mixing tenses or losing the central theme halfway through the narrative.

Question 2

(a) As the Secretary of the Creative Arts Club of XYZ School, you organised an inter-school drama competition. Write a report for the school magazine in not more than 300 words, detailing the success of the event based on the following points:
Date, time and place - objective of the event - inauguration - schools involved - judges invited - response of participants - reaction of audience - plan for similar events in future. [20 Marks]

Answer:

A GRAND CELEBRATION OF DRAMATIC ARTS
- By ABC, Secretary, Creative Arts Club

XYZ School resonated with theatrical brilliance on 14th November 2019 as it hosted the Annual Inter-School Drama Competition, 'Footlights 2019', in the school auditorium from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The primary objective of the event was to foster artistic expression, confidence, and collaborative skills among students from diverse educational backgrounds.

The event was inaugurated with traditional lamp-lighting by our esteemed Principal, Dr. Sharma, accompanied by an inspiring opening address emphasizing the transformative power of theatre. Ten prestigious schools from across the city participated, presenting riveting stage productions ranging from classic Shakespearean adaptations to thought-provoking contemporary social dramas.

To ensure absolute fairness, a distinguished panel of judges was invited, comprising renowned theatre personalities Ms. Lata Sen and Mr. Vikram Roy. They evaluated the performances on parameters such as voice modulation, acting, stage presence, and overall impact. The response of the participants was overwhelming; actors poured their hearts out on stage, displaying immense talent and dedication.

The reaction of the audience was electric. The auditorium, packed to capacity with students and teachers, echoed with thunderous applause and appreciative cheers throughout the day. St. Xavier’s School bagged the coveted 'Best Production' trophy, while the Best Actor award went to Master Rohan Das of XYZ School.

The event concluded with a heartwarming vote of thanks delivered by the club Vice-President. Encouraged by this phenomenal success, the Creative Arts Club has already begun planning to introduce a bilingual category and street-play segment in the upcoming editions of the festival.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure all prompt points are explicitly covered and the report is written in an engaging journalistic style within 300 words.
b) Maintain a formal yet enthusiastic tone, appropriate for a school magazine.

(b) As a member of the Student Council, you have been given the responsibility of arranging for a career guidance workshop. Write a proposal in not more than 150 words, stating the steps you would take to make the workshop a success. [10 Marks]

Answer:

PROPOSAL FOR A CAREER GUIDANCE WORKSHOP

Introduction:
To assist senior secondary students in making informed career choices amidst evolving professional landscapes, the Student Council proposes organising a comprehensive Career Guidance Workshop for Classes XI and XII.

Objectives:
1. To provide expert guidance on diverse professional streams beyond conventional career paths.
2. To help students align their aptitudes and interests with suitable higher education opportunities.

Steps to be Taken:
1. Form a dedicated organising committee comprising student representatives and faculty advisors.
2. Invite eminent professionals, alumni, and career counsellors from fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Law, Design, and Pure Sciences.
3. Circulate pre-workshop questionnaires among students to identify specific areas of interest and curate tailored interactive sessions.
4. Arrange necessary logistics, including multimedia projectors, seminar halls, and registration desks.
5. Conclude with an open-house Q&A session and distribute informative career brochures.

This workshop will empower students to navigate their future with clarity and confidence.

Teacher's Note:
a) A proposal must strictly follow the standard format comprising Introduction, Objectives, and Steps to be Taken.
b) Keep the language crisp, action-oriented, and within the 150-word limit.

Question 3 [10 Marks]

Answer sections (a), (b) and (c).

(a) In each of the following items, sentence A is complete, while sentence B is not. Complete sentence B, making it as similar as possible to sentence A. Write sentence B in each case. Example:
(0)(A) As soon as the bell rings, the children run out to play.
(B) No sooner ________________
Answer: (0) No sooner does the bell ring than the children run out to play [5 Marks]

1. (A) When he returned, we asked him many questions.
(B) On his ___________________

Answer:
On his return, we asked him many questions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Convert the dependent clause into a prepositional phrase beginning with 'On his...'.
b) Ensure punctuation and spelling are accurate.

2. (A) He arrived and the crowd went hysterical with joy.
(B) Scarcely ________________________

Answer:
Scarcely had he arrived when the crowd went hysterical with joy.

Teacher's Note:
a) 'Scarcely' is followed by inversion (had he arrived) and the conjunction 'when'.
b) Do not mistakenly use 'than' with scarcely.

3. (A) The bus services has been interrupted by floods
(B) Floods ____________________

Answer:
Floods have interrupted the bus services.

Teacher's Note:
a) Change the voice from passive to active while retaining the exact tense.
b) Note the subject-verb agreement: 'Floods have'.

4. (A) This scenery is breath-taking
(B) How ______________________

Answer:
How breath-taking this scenery is!

Teacher's Note:
a) Convert the declarative statement into an exclamatory sentence beginning with 'How'.
b) Always include the exclamation mark at the end.

5. (A) You are entitled to a discount as long as the offer lasts.
(B) So long _____________________

Answer:
So long as the offer lasts, you are entitled to a discount.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rephrase using 'So long as' at the beginning of the conditional clause.
b) Retain the exact meaning and punctuation.

6. (A) He is so tall that he cannot enter through this door.
(B) He is too ______________________

Answer:
He is too tall to enter through this door.

Teacher's Note:
a) Replace 'so... that... cannot' with the 'too... to' structure.
b) Ensure the infinitive 'to enter' directly follows the adjective.

7. (A) The doctor said to him, "Drink at least three litres of water every day."
(B) The doctor advised ____________________________

Answer:
The doctor advised him to drink at least three litres of water every day.

Teacher's Note:
a) Convert direct speech into indirect command/advice using an infinitive verb.
b) Change pronouns and time expressions correctly if any are present.

8. (A) Sunita is the best debater in our team.
(B) No other ______________________

Answer:
No other debater in our team is as good as Sunita.

Teacher's Note:
a) Transform the superlative degree into the positive degree using 'No other'.
b) Check for correct comparative and positive adjective forms.

9. (A) Not only did he score a century but also took three important wickets.
(B) Besides __________________________

Answer:
Besides scoring a century, he took three important wickets.

Teacher's Note:
a) Use the prepositional gerund phrase beginning with 'Besides' to combine the clauses.
b) Ensure the gerund 'scoring' is correctly formed.

10. (A) I am sorry I am unable to accompany you.
(B) I regret my __________________________

Answer:
I regret my inability to accompany you.

Teacher's Note:
a) Transform the adjective phrase into a noun form following 'regret my'.
b) Check spelling and contextual appropriateness.

(b) Fill in each blank with a suitable word. (Do not write the sentence.) [5 Marks]
1 The antique furniture was sold ________________ an auction.
2 The tickets were sold _______________ within an hour.
3 I realized I had walked _________________ a trap, but it was too late.
4 She had walked ____________ two hours before she realized she was lost.
5 Can he take ___________ the additional responsibility?
6 She takes ______________ her mother in all her mannerisms.
7 Neha turned _____________ a new leaf after the incident.
8 I did not expect so many people to turn __________ for the conference.
9 The students brought ______________ the first issue of their magazine.
10 Mowgli was brought _________________ by wolves in the jungle

Answer:
1. by
2. out
3. into
4. for
5. on
6. after
7. over
8. up
9. out
10. up

Teacher's Note:
a) Prepositions and phrasal verbs test idiomatic usage and contextual vocabulary.
b) Read the entire sentence carefully to determine whether a preposition or a particle in a phrasal verb is required.

(c) Fill in the blanks in the passage given below with the appropriate form of the verb given in brackets. Do not write the passage but write the verbs in the correct order. [5 Marks]

When Albert Einstein ___________ (1)(be) three years old, his parents _____________ (2)(be) very worried. He _______________ (3)(seem) intelligent, but had not a single word. They _______________ (4)(take) him to many doctors who ______________ (5)(say) that they __________ (6)(find) nothing wrong with the child. One day, at the dinner table, Albert suddenly said, "The soup ____________ (7)(be)too hot." The shocked parents _________ (8)(ask) him why he ____________ (9)(remain) silent for so long. The young child solemnly replied, “Everything __________ (10)(be) in order until now."

Answer:
(1) was
(2) were
(3) seemed
(4) took
(5) said
(6) had found / found
(7) is
(8) asked
(9) had remained / remained
(10) has been / was

Teacher's Note:
a) Sequence of tenses requires careful attention to narrative past time frames.
b) Direct speech inside a past narrative retains its original tense context.

Question 4

Read the passage given below and answer the question (a), (b), and (c) that follow:

(1) My job as the District Veterinarian in Darrowby, Yorkshire has thrown up some interesting moment. I was driving up to pawson,s sheep farm one morning, when I saw this rare sight.
(2) I suppose it isn't unusual to see man pushing a pram in a town, but on a lonely moorland road this scene merits a second glance. Especially when the pram contains a large gray dog, drew up beside them and stopped.
(3) I looked at the pram, ancient and rusty, and at the big animal sitting upright inside it. He was a cross-bred greyhound, and he gazed back at me with unruffled; g) dignity. I couldn't help but admire his healthy and happy disposition.
(4) “Nice dog,” I said.
(5) "Aye, that's Jake." The man smiled, introducing himself as Roddy.
(6) That same evening, about eight o'clock, the doorbell rang. I answered it and found Roddy on the front doorstep. Behind him, stood the ubiquitous pram. One look at the prone dog warned me that something was terribly wrong.
(7) I threw the door wide open. "Bring him in grabbed the animal round the middle and we lifted him onto the table. I watched in disbelief as the huge form lay there. There was no fight for breath, he was unconscious. His pulse was rapid and feeble, yet he didn't breathe .."
(8) Understanding the symptoms, I said, "Roddy, he is choking; I'm going to have a look at his throat."
(9) I pushed Jake's jaws apart, depressed his tongue with a forefinger, and shone my torch into the depths. He was the kind of good-natured dog who offered no resistance as I prodded around. I shall always be thankful that at that very instant the dog coughed, opening up the cartilages of the larynx and giving me a glimpse of the cause of all the trouble. There, beyond the drooping epiglottis, I saw for a fleeting moment a smooth round object no bigger than a pea.
(10) "I think it's a pebble," I gasped. "Right inside his larynx. I'll have to get it out."
(11) I seized a pair of scissors and clipped away the hair from the ventral surface of the larynx. I dared not use a general anesthetic, and therefore I infiltrated the area with local before swabbing with antiseptic.
(12) "Hold his head steady," I said hoarsely, and gripped a scalpel. I cut down through skin, fascia, and the thin layers of the muscle until the ventral surface of the Larynx was revealed
(13) And there it was. A pebble right enough gray and glistening and tiny, but big enough to kill. I had to fish it out quickly and cleanly without pushing it into the trachea. I leaned back and rummaged in the tray until I found some broad-bladed forceps, then I poised them over the wound Great surgeons' hands, I felt sure, didn't shake like this.
(14) I clenched my teeth, introduced the forceps, and my hand magically steadied as I clamped them over the pebble.
(15) I didn't breathe at all as I bore the shining little object slowly and tenderly through the opening and dropped it with a gentle rat-tat on the table.
(16) "Is that it?" asked Roddy, almost in a whisper.
(17) "That's it." I reached for a needle and suture silk. "All is we. now."
(18) The stitching took only a few minutes and by the end of it, Jake was bright-eyed and alert, paws shifting impatiently, ready for anything.
(19) He seemed to know his troubles were over.
- Adapted from: James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories

a) (i) Given below are four words and phrases. Find the words which have a similar meaning in the passage: [4 Marks]
(1) deserves
(2) undisturbed
(3) being unable to breathe
(4) wet and shining

Answer:
(1) merits
(2) unruffled
(3) choking
(4) glistening

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must scan the passage for exact contextual synonyms corresponding to the given meanings.
b) Verify spelling from the passage text.

(ii) For each of the words given below, write a sentence of at least ten words using the same word unchanged in form, but with a different meaning from that which it carries in the passage: [4 Marks]
(1) middle (line 16)
(2) wound (line 38)
(3) introduced (line 40)
(4) well (line 45)

Answer:
(1) She wore a beautiful silver pendant right in the middle of her necklace.
(2) The soldier received a severe wound while defending his country on the border.
(3) The teacher introduced a fascinating new chapter to the eager students in class.
(4) The villagers gathered every morning to draw fresh water from the deep stone well.

Teacher's Note:
a) Each sentence must contain a minimum of ten words and use the word in a distinct grammatical context or meaning.
b) Ensure the target word remains completely unchanged in form.