CBSE Class 12 English 2025 Sample Paper Solved Set 2

SECTION A:

READING SKILLS

1. Read the following text. 12 M 1 Apollo, the Greek god of music and healing, always maintained that he was the greatest musician in the world, until Marsyas, who was part animal and part human, played the flute. Apollo's jealousy and insecurity drove him to eventually slay Marsyas so that his status as the greatest musician remained unchallenged. One’s usual imagination of a god is a being who is all-knowing and pure in every intention. What makes the Greek gods interesting is that they are shown as flawed beings who do not always act like ‘Gods’.

2.In appearance, the gods resemble mortals, whom, however, they far surpass in beauty, grandeur, and strength; they are also more commanding in stature, height being considered by the Greeks an attractive feature in men or women. They resemble human beings in their feelings and habits, marrying and having children with them. They require daily nourishment to maintain their strength, and sleep to restore their energy. Their blood, a bright magical fluid called Ichor, never causes disease, and, when shed, produces new life.

3. The Greeks believed that the mental qualifications of their gods were much higher than those of men, but, nevertheless, displayed human passions like revenge, deceit, and jealousy. In mythological tales, the gods always punish the evil-doer and administer dire punishments to any mortal who dares to neglect their worship. They often visit mankind and partake of their hospitality, and in many tales, both gods and goddesses become attached to mortals. Although there were so many points of resemblance between gods and men, there remained the one great characteristic distinction: immortality. Still, the gods were not invulnerable, and were often wounded and suffered so much that they’d pray for death. The gods could transport themselves to incredible distances with the speed of thought.

4. They could be invisible at will, and could take the forms of men or animals as it suited their convenience. They could also transform human beings into trees, stones, or animals. Their robes were like those worn by mortals, but were perfect in form and much finer in texture. Their weapons also resembled those used by mankind. They often used spears, shields, helmets, bows and arrows. Most of these divinities lived on the summit of Mount Olympus, each having his or her own palace. Magnificent temples were erected to their honour, rich gifts were presented to them, and living creatures were sacrificed on their altars.

5. In Greek mythology, the gods take every opportunity to reveal and establish their divinity but also fall prey to human impulses. Perhaps the Greeks did so to help generations of readers reflect on important life lessons to avoid tragic downfalls. - E. M. Berens

Please refer to the attached file for CBSE Class 12 English 2025 Sample Paper Solved Set 2