ISC Class 12 English Language Sample Paper 2022 with Solutions

Question 1 [20]
Write a composition in approximately 350 - 400 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.)

(i) You have recently shifted to a new city. Describe the area where you live, your next-door neighbours, the difficulties you faced while shifting and why you like / dislike the place. [20 Marks]

Answer:
ROUTE TO MUMBAI
Recently our family shifted to Mumbai as my father got transferred over there. It was the first time in my life that I got a chance to visit Mumbai.
Mumbai, the economic capital of India, derived its name from Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā - the name of the patron goddess Mumbadevi of the native Koli community. The residents of Mumbai are called ‘Mumbaikar’ in Marathi, in which the suffix kar means ‘a resident of’.
A couple of months ago, I got the opportunity of a lifetime. Born and brought up in Delhi, I had always dreamt of moving out to Mumbai, the place whose dazzling and glamorous life attracted me. I wanted to experience the life of such a big city. So, when my father was offered a job transfer, I couldn’t explicate my heights of joy.
My parents decided to settle in Navi Mumbai, a place with calm and peaceful life. We looked for a rented accommodation which was located on expressway and near the station. We booked the flight from IGI, Delhi and reached Mumbai airport within two hours. As our loadings were expected to reach few days later, we decided to stay in a nearby hotel for three to four days. In the meantime, we contacted our neighbours and found them very friendly and helpful. When our loadings arrived, they extended all the possible help according to their capacity. The only problem which we faced was that as soon as our truck reached, it started raining. Although the rainy season had passed, one can’t be sure of Mumbai rains. It was really a tough time as it took nearly four hours for the rain to stop and by that time everything was stranded. But after that, all went well. When everything was settled, we gradually started exploring the area, went out for shopping, had food in different restaurants and visited other places. I found the place very happening and the availability of all the necessary commodities made it more likeable. In a short time, I met people with various cultural backgrounds and gathered inspirational experience. I found it to be a beautiful city with all its imperfections and I’m enjoying every bit of my life here.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure the composition follows a logical flow covering all aspects demanded by the prompt: description of the area, neighbors, difficulties faced, and personal sentiment.
b) Avoid grammatical errors and maintain a rich vocabulary suitable for an ISC level composition.

OR

(ii) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you helped someone to prepare a meal. Explain what you did and what you gained from this experience. [20 Marks]

Answer:
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
After my exams got over, my best friend and I decided to spend a full day in either one of our houses. The opportunity arrived soon. My friend’s parents had to attend a family wedding out of the city after two days and due to safety reasons they didn’t want their daughter to accompany them. She had to stay alone at house, so they asked me to come to stay over there. It was as if our wish got fulfilled. I took permission from my parents and as our families were well-known to each other, my parents immediately allowed me to go to my friend’s house without any hesitation. Two days later, as per schedule, I reached my friend’s house. Her parents had already left and we were now all alone. Whole day, we enjoyed a lot and did whatever we wanted. During the afternoon, we had a delicious meal which was prepared by her mother. After that, we watched a sci-fi movie on laptop. Now, as evening approached, it was our turn to prepare meals. We decided to cook chilly paneer and white sauce pasta. Fortunately, every ingredient was available at home at that time, except paneer. We hurriedly approached the nearby dairy and bought paneer as per our requirement. Then I helped my friend in cutting and washing the vegetables and arranging the ingredients at one place. First we decided to prepare chilly paneer and when it was half cooked, I boiled the pasta. Meanwhile, my friend prepared pasta sauce. Within an hour, our meal was ready. Although I had never helped my mother in kitchen earlier, this was the first time when I encountered such experience and it was delightful to gain culinary skills with the help of given recipes on internet. The food was indeed good and we really had a great time. That day onwards, I decided to help my mother in the kitchen in all the possible ways.

Teacher's Note:
a) Narrative writing requires a clear sequence of events leading to a realization or takeaway.
b) Students should vividly describe the actions taken and ensure the personal reflection at the end connects smoothly.

OR

(iii) International sports promote friendship between nations. Argue FOR or AGAINST the given statement. [20 Marks]

Answer:
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN NATIONS
For the Motion
In olden times, the international relations were limited to political issues of military and economic concerns. But with time, the concept of international relations has changed. It has expanded its area to socio-cultural sphere. In the post-Cold War era, there are many examples which showcase the improvement in international relations. Among these areas, one of the important fields is of sports which play a significant role in cultivating the international relations.
Sports were earlier restricted to regional or national level, but now they have spread to international level. Major political goals can be accomplished by states by participating in sports events. Not only are sports affected by a country’s policies, but on certain occurrences, sports proceedings can even influence the states.
Worldwide, sports events have a great influence on international relations and politics. Sports also possess the feature of upholding peace and nurturing mutual understanding in international relations.
Many countries took advantage of this aspect of sports to build an affirmative image of them. International sports have served as a medium through which nations and people proclaim political independence and express a distinctive identity. It also acts as a channel of power, consenting countries like Australia to expand its international status and position on the world stage. The Olympic and Paralympic Games which took place in the summer of 2012 have verified the value of international friendship and mutual aid among the athletes and the countries they represented. These sports have displayed a ritual of endorsing peaceful international relations, despite geopolitical differences among varied individuals as nations compete without dissention. International sports stimulate peace and brotherhood. Besides, the national anthem played at the beginning of the sport makes the players as well as the spectators emotionally involved in the feeling of pride for one’s own country. International sports also acts as an ice-breaker among politicians of war wrecking countries to talk in a more refined manner. This helps to spread the message of unanimity and unity in diversity.
The US President Richard Nixon’s use of table tennis to initiate diplomatic relations with China in Cold War era, known as "Ping pong diplomacy", cited as a prototypical example. Sports can be considered as the rebirth of a nation which help to promote mutual understanding between nations. Sports also encourage peace in international relations which helps in overcoming prejudice among people. It also serves as identity for a country and its people.
Against the Motion
If we examine the role of sports in maintaining international relations among various countries, we get mixed responses. On one side, where international sports strengthen the international relations, on the other side, they mars them also. Thus, we can figure out whether the impact of international sports is positive or negative.
On scrutinizing the role of soccer in international conflicts and conflict resolutions by comparing several cases, we find that it has affected the international community to a great extent. It is underestimated as a force and platform for political unrest. One striking example of the game’s ability to directly influence global politics is the armed conflict between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969 - the so-called "Soccer War." One thing is assured that whenever sports and politics bump into each other, there is bound to be a profound impact and enduring consequence. When the importance of football, or soccer among Americans rose to eminence on the international platform, it created the stage for these remarkable collisions. If football has become a mirror of the globe, it can also hide as much truth as it reveals.
Now take the example of international cricket. Growing fame and craze for cricket in Europe has led to major match-fixing problems. Many European cricket matches are being telecasted live across the world, which makes it possible to bet on them from distant locations. Cricket is a budding sport in Europe and matches from new and small leagues are livestreamed all over the world. When we talk of the Indian subcontinent, there is a huge demand for betting on cricket, and match-fixers keep a vigil on this new opportunity, reports Steve Menary.
No one is unaware of the bitterness between India and Pakistan over cricket. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most powerful sports rivalries in the world. The tense relations between the two countries which originated during the Partition of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947, the Indo-Pakistani Wars, and the Kashmir conflict resulted from hostile diplomatic relationships and conflict that laid the foundations for the emergence of a strong sporting enmity between the two nations who had shared a common cricket heritage. Then English cricket has been astounded by exposures of racism from Pakistan-born former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq. Thus, we can say that international sports also promote enmity between nations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Argumentative writing requires a clear stance taken either completely for or against the motion, supported by relevant examples.
b) Maintain a formal and persuasive tone throughout the essay without contradicting the chosen stance.

OR

(iv) Lockdown. [20 Marks]

Answer:
LOCKDOWN
A lockdown is a constraint policy for people or community to remain where they are, to avoid any risk to themselves or to others. The term “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” is often used for lockdowns that affect an area, rather than specific locations.
World has witnessed an extremely miserable phase in the past two years, which has changed the whole scenario. The virus named Corona virus appeared for the first time in the city of Wuhan in December 2019 and changed the entire way of living. Many people died and many had fallen ill. The streets of Wuhan, China, were abandoned after a strict lockdown implemented by the local authorities. In Italy, there had been a widespread travel constraint, whereas in London, the normally active pubs, bars and theatres were closed and people were asked to remain confined in their homes. Worldwide flights were being cancelled. Social distancing was practiced and work from home culture developed. Even for some unavoidable services, people are still working remotely.
It was all directed to control the spread of Covid-19 because if people moved and interacted freely, there were chances that the infected person might spread the virus.
The Government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days on the evening of 24 March 2020, restricting the movement of the entire 138 crore population of India as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic in India. It was ordered after a 14-hour voluntary public curfew on 22 March, which was followed by execution of a series of guidelines in the countries’ COVID-19 affected regions. The lockdown was placed when the number of confirmed positive corona virus cases in India reached approximately 500. When the end of the first lockdown period approached, state governments and other advisory committees recommended extending the lockdown. On 14 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown until 3 May, on a written recommendation of governors and lieutenant governors of all the states, with a conditional relaxations after 20 April for the regions where the spread had been controlled or was marginal. On 1st May, the Government of India extended the nationwide lockdown further by two weeks until 17th May. But all these changes have brought about several unforeseen consequences. Many industries, transport networks and businesses have closed down. But it has its unforeseen positive impact also. People have become sensitive to other’s feelings, they have started observing many things for which they were never concerned earlier. It has taught human beings the true lessons of life.
But again in 2021, due to the largest wave of infection in the country, several state governments like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi announced complete lockdowns in April 2021. Thus, lockdown was implemented on and off in many phases in different states and cities depending upon the situation of the area, which has been continuing till date.

Teacher's Note:
a) For a descriptive topic like lockdown, students can blend personal observations with factual context such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
b) Ensure balanced coverage of both the hardships and the positive psychological or social shifts brought about by the event.

OR

(v) Online education during the pandemic has been a blessing in disguise. Give your views on the above statement. [20 Marks]

Answer:
ONLINE EDUCATION DURING THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Online teaching, a word which was unknown to all a few years ago, characteristically refers to teaching or lessons that are delivered completely online. It means there is no physical teaching. It is totally different from the conventional method of teaching the students. Online learning is also known as e-learning, which refers to learning through electronic media, typically on the internet. There is no direct interaction between the teacher and the student. It only comprises brain work.
In the present situation, if there had been no option of online education, it would have been very difficult to impart education to millions of students. The physical presence of the students is not at all possible in the schools or colleges during COVID pandemic. But due to easy access to online classes, there has been no loss to the children with respect to studies or registration for any courses, regardless of the city or place where they are. Online classes have transformed the system of education. Moreover, such type of education allows both the teacher and the pupil to establish their own learning speed, thus making it supple. It maintains balance between time, work and studies. Many universities and schools are offering online programs right from various art forms to higher education in any domain. For obtaining diploma, official certificate or degree, online programs are a great option. There is no need to travel from one place to another. It has its other benefits too. On one hand where it saves time, on the other, it saves money also. When online class allows one to one interaction between the pupil and the educator, it provides a wide platform of feedback from the teacher which is valuable for the child. Furthermore, there is access to miscellaneous study materials in the form of photos, videos, e-Books etc. Students can even download courses, so they can access them without internet access if necessary. Furthermore the online classes reduce pressure and intensity. They develop self-discipline, which, in turn, reflects to other areas like work ethics, fitness and relationships. Then, with online classes, one can avoid noisy environment which distracts learning and make it difficult to concentrate. It’s easier for one to focus on what is being taught in online classes.

Teacher's Note:
a) This essay evaluates a specific technological shift; students should weigh its pros and cons while addressing the prompt's premise.
b) Use clear paragraphs to transition from the definition of online learning to its practical benefits during crisis situations.

OR

(vi) Write an original short story entitled: ‘The Missed Call’. [20 Marks]

Answer:
THE MISSED CALL
It was Friday and the last working day of the week after which there was two days’ holiday. Back-to-back meetings in the office had made Anil extremely tired. He came home and sat down on the sofa after spending a hectic day in office. That day, he left the office two hours later than the regular time, and once he reached home, he didn’t bother having dinner. Before retiring to bed, he glanced at his phone. Some notifications were flashing on the screen. There were six missed calls also from some unknown number. He was too tired to stay awake anymore. His eyelids were heavy with sleep and as the next day was a holiday, he thought of replying the messages then only. So, he resolved not to revert any calls or messages. He woke up at six in the morning and after finishing his daily routine work, he looked up at his phone and saw the unanswered missed calls from his side. He thought of calling back on that number immediately. On dialing the number, the phone was picked up by someone who declared himself as his father’s neighbour who lived in some other city. The neighbour told Anil that his father got heart attack last night and was admitted to ICU in the emergency and that was the reason for which he had been trying to call Anil. Fortunately, Anil’s father got treatment in time and his life was saved. Anil immediately packed his bags and rushed directly to the hospital. On seeing his father in a relaxed condition, he took a sigh of relief and regretted for not answering the missed calls.
From that day onwards, Anil committed not to avoid any missed call ever in the future, irrespective of anything.

Teacher's Note:
a) A short story must have an engaging plot, well-defined characters, and a clear turning point leading to a meaningful conclusion.
b) Ensure the title is appropriately integrated into the narrative arc.

Question 2

(i) You have recently watched an interesting film. Write a review of this film, in about 200 - 250 words, based on the points given below.
Name of the film and its director - actors in the film - type of film - plot - quality of direction / acting - cinematography / costumes / sets - reaction of audiences - recommended / not recommended [12 Marks]

Answer:
SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME
This weekend, I watched ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ with my brother in a nearby theatre. The movie is full of action, adventure and Sci-Fi. It’s a 2 hours 28 minutes long movie directed by Jon Watts. The main role is played by Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei and Alfred Molina. Technically, the movie is not Spider-Man’s first venture into the multiverse. We have seen this before in 2018 in ‘Into the Spider-Verse’. The third Spider-Man film in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) isn’t afraid to step away from the visually spectacular action to develop emotional beats. Director Jon Watts uses massive set pieces to focus on heavier or lighter themes, as per the demand of the situation.
The plot of the movie swings back to the moment that changed Peter Parker’s life in ‘Far From Home’. ‘No Way Home’ shows us why Peter’s secret is crucial. When the world discovers that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, he approaches Doctor Strange to resolve the problem, who uses his powers to make the world forget Spider-Man’s identity. Peter gets a lot more than he traded for.
The screenplay is bold and ambitious but Tom Holland’s Peter Parker faces the biggest and the darkest challenges in this film and the actor fully holds it. The movie is no doubt a crowd-pulling and crowd-pleasing film of all times and I highly recommend everyone to watch this movie.

Teacher's Note:
a) A film review must touch upon all requested bullet points systematically within the word limit.
b) Keep the tone critical yet appreciative, concluding with a clear recommendation.

(ii) As a member of the Student Council of your school, you wish to start an old clothes collection drive. These clothes are to be donated to an orphanage nearby. Write a proposal in not more than 150 words, stating the steps you would take to make it a success. [8 Marks]

Answer:
PROPOSAL FOR OLD CLOTHES COLLECTION DRIVE
To help the orphans by donating goods like clothes, toys, books, etc. is a great way to serve them. So, we propose to start an old-clothes-collection drive. Here, I would like to share few steps which we will take to make the donation drive successful.
• A team of interested students who want to help in clothes collection drive will be formed.
• Different tasks like arranging donations, keeping track of donors, regulating social media postings will be given to the volunteers.
• A contact with the administrator or the manager of the nearby orphanage will be made and we will state them our initiative.
• The clothes collection will be done for one week.
• The school sports room will be used for collecting donated clothes and the donors will be asked to donate clothes between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Once the clothes are collected, the volunteers will sort out children’s clothes, male and female clothes, woolen and cotton clothes, etc.
• The collected clothes would be handed over to the owner of the orphanage.
I hope that the proposal will be accepted so that more such donation drives are organised, which may truly help the needy and the children who will be encouraged to participate in it.

Teacher's Note:
a) School proposals require a formal heading, objective statement, and clear, actionable steps in bulleted or paragraph form.
b) Ensure the word limit is strictly adhered to while covering all administrative details.