AHSEC Class 12 English Solved Question Paper 2024 [AHSEC Class 12 Solved Question Papers]

English Solved Question Paper 2024
AHSEC Class 12 Question Papers

Full Marks: 100

Pass Marks: 30

Time: 3 hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions

SECTION – A

[Reading Skill: 10 Marks]

1. Read the following passage carefully:

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a multifaceted personality, a statesman and visionary and above all a good human being. He was a brilliant scientist and modern thinker. When I joined him as Press Secretary after ten days of his becoming President, at his very first meeting he gave me his vision of a developed India. He spoke of how he wanted to make Rashtrapati Bhavan a people’s place where voice of the millions of downtrodden people of India would be heard and action taken. Indeed, during his time Rashtrapati Bhavan become a people’s place and he became popular as People’s President. He wanted that institution of the President to be totally identified by ordinary people.

President Kalam took his Presidency seriously from day one. He was as comfortable with constitutional and legal issues as he was with school children. He was committed to nation-building and created a vision document to make India a developed nation by 2020. He made a PowerPoint presentation to senior ministers and bureaucrats on this.

He used to make PowerPoint presentation at conferences and seminars both in India and abroad to discuss that vision. On these, he used to work himself and he was very particular about every word and sentence.

He did it during his visits abroad and while meeting dignitaries such as US President George Bush and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. When he presented his vision of India’s nuclear energy requirements to Mr. Bush and his vision of a joint fight India and Pakistan could wage against poverty, the respective Presidents commented that they had to become scientists to understand the presentation. You can’t think of any other President of a country who would have done that.

His vision for the nation was based on equality, the dignity of the individual and justice, social, economic and political, to every Indian. Only then can India succeed and everybody sing the song of India, he used to say.

I meet him last on July 22, five days before his demise. It was a one-on-one meeting that lasted a good 40 minutes. He was full of ideas as always, very active and discussed different subjects. He used to tell me, “Whatever you do, do differently. Wherever you work, leave a mark and be remembered.”

During his presidency he was always comfortable, except on two occasions, when his unease was visible. When he had to give his consent to the Office of Profit Bill, 2006 after it was sent for the second time by the Parliament, and when he had to approve the ordinance on Disqualification of Elected Representatives in 2004 as it was sent to him by the Cabinet for a second time.

He was an icon for the youth. He used to say, “Aiming small is a crime Youth should have the courage to think differently and explore unexplored paths. Difficulties would come but don’t be afraid of them – overcome them with your intellect and hard work.”

The man who pioneered India’s missile programme was always proud of his work at the Indian Space Research Organisation and other scientific institutions. He used to believe that a scientific approach could find a solution to every problem.

He was an ardent secularist, and also a religious man. He believed that all religions are like beautiful islands; but there is no connectivity between them. We should strive to achieve this connectivity and transform religion into spirituality. For him religion and morality were the same.

A man of vision, he always worked in mission mode. He had a mission to meet 10 lakh students and interact with them. He completed this when he left Rashtrapati Bhavan. He continued with this till his last breath. His childlike simplicity was an instant hit.

He got the sobriquet of being the People’s President because of his humility and accessibility. President Kalam always worked towards building consensus rather than ramming down decisions.

He came from a modest background, but educated himself and worked hard to rise to the top. He was simply the missile man whose books were prime-sellers, whose lectures were always housed full. He was adored by children as he would give them easy-to-digest messages.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions:

(a) Which of the following traits explain in a single word the many qualities of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam?                       1

(1) Brilliant scientist.

(2) Visionary.

(3) Statesman.

(4) Multifaceted.

Ans: (4) Multifaceted.

(b) What was so special about A. P. J. Abdul Kalam that no other president could do?    2

Ans: A special thing that Dr. Kalam did, which the author states no other President could do, was that he would make detailed PowerPoint presentations on his vision—such as India's nuclear energy requirements or a joint fight against poverty—and present them to foreign dignitaries like US President George Bush and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

(c) Which of the qualities made him loved by children?                 2

Ans: He was loved by children because of his childlike simplicity and because he would give them easy-to-digest messages about courage, thinking differently, and overcoming difficulties.

(d) What were the bills not passed by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam initially?        2

Ans: The bills where his unease was visible, indicating he did not initially approve them, were:

- The Office of Profit Bill, 2006 (when it was sent for the second time by the Parliament).

- The ordinance on Disqualification of Elected Representatives in 2004 (as it was sent to him by the Cabinet for a second time)

(e) What was his mission?           2

Ans: His mission was to meet and interact with 10 lakhs (1 million) students. He completed this mission by the time he left Rashtrapati Bhavan and continued with this kind of interaction until his last breath.

(f) What is the antonym of ‘modest’?     1

Ans: Affluent

SECTION – B [Advanced Writing Skill: 25 Marks]

2. As the Secretary of Debate in Mayong Anchalik College, write a notice for the students interested in participating in Inter-College Debate Competition to be held shortly. Mention the deadline of registration, the topic and sign yourself as Juktiman/Juktimoni. (Word limit 50 words) 5

Or

You are Barun/Birina who had lost a file folder containing important documents in a bus going towards Lumding. Get an advertisement published in the classified page and promise the finder a reward. 5

3. You are Roshan/Rohini, The General Secretary of Merryland Public School, Tezpur. Your school joined a campaign organized by various agencies of your city to create awareness among people to conserve water. Write a report in 100-125 words highlighting the activities such as rainwater harvesting etc. 10

Ans:

Or

Your school has organized an exhibition-cum-sale of the items made by students in their work experience classes. You had an excellent and overwhelming response from the parents and the visitors. The proceeds of the sale have been donated by your school in a function to Helpline India, an organization supporting the cause of orphans. Make a report of the same in 100-125 words to be published in your school magazine.

Ans:

4. Regional Baghdevi College, Sipajhar has published the advertisement for the post of Music Teacher. As Shahnawaz/Shahnaz Siddqui from Naobaicha, write an application, along with your detailed resume, to the Managing Director of the school.

Ans:

Shahnawaz / Shahnaz Siddqui

Naobaicha, Lakhimpur, Assam

December 15, 2025

The Managing Director

Regional Baghdevi College

Sipajhar, Assam

Subject: Application for the post of Music Teacher.

Sir/Madam,

This is in response to your advertisement regarding the vacancy for the post of Music Teacher at your esteemed institution, Regional Baghdevi College. I wish to submit my application for the same.

I possess a Master’s degree in Music (Vocal/Instrumental) and have received rigorous training in classical music traditions. I am proficient in teaching both theoretical and practical aspects of music and have experience conducting school choirs and organizing cultural events. I am passionate about nurturing musical talent in young students and believe I can significantly enrich the cultural environment of your college.

As regards my detailed qualifications and experience, I have enclosed my comprehensive Bio-Data for your kind scrutiny.

I am available for an interview on any day of your convenience. If selected, I assure you that I will discharge my duties with utmost dedication and sincerity.

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Shahnawaz / Shahnaz Siddqui

ENCLOSURES:

1. Bio-Data

2. Copies of Certificates and Testimonials

BIO-DATA

Personal Details
NAME	Shahnawaz / Shahnaz Siddqui
FATHER'S NAME	Mr. A. R. Siddqui
ADDRESS	Naobaicha, Lakhimpur, Assam
CONTACT NO.	9864XXXXXX
EMAIL ID	shahnaz.siddqui.x@email.com
DATE OF BIRTH	05 February 1997
NATIONALITY	Indian
RELIGION	Islam
MARITAL STATUS	Unmarried
GENDER	Male / Female
AGE	28 years

 

Academic Qualifications
YEAR	EXAMINATION				BOARD/UNIVERSITY		INSTITUTE		PERCENTAGE
20XX	M.A. in Music (Hindustani Classical)				Bhatkhande Music Institute		Lucknow, UP		75%
20XX	B.A. in Music				Gauhati University		North Lakhimpur College		68%
20XX	H.S. 2nd Year				AHSEC		R.K. College, Lakhimpur		78%
20XX	H.S.L.C.				SEBA		R.K. School		85%
Professional Experience
S. NO.		ORGANISATION		POSITION HELD		FROM
1		DPS, [City Name]		Assistant Music Instructor		Jan 20XX
2		Freelance Music Tutor		Private Instructor		Jan 20XX
Skills and Attributes
Musical Skills			Proficient in Harmonium, Tabla, and Vocal training (Classical and Light).
Technical Skills			Basic knowledge of music recording software (Audacity).
Soft Skills			Excellent communication and ability to manage and direct large musical groups (choirs, bands).
Languages Known			Assamese, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Declaration: I hereby declare that all the information furnished above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: December 15, 2025

Place: Naobaicha

(Signature)

Shahnawaz / Shahnaz Siddqui

Or

As a conscious citizen, you have observed gradual loss of focus and concentration among the selfie-freak youngsters. Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily showing your concern over the issue and recommend some measures to curb the e-addiction.     10

Rajiv Singh

C/o H. No. 12, Main Road, Tinsukia, Assam

December 15, 2025

To

The Editor

The Sentinel, Guwahati – 781003

Subject: Concern over loss of focus and concentration among youth due to e-addiction (selfie culture).

Sir,

Kindly allow me to utilize the columns of your esteemed newspaper to voice my deep concern regarding the growing problem of electronic addiction, particularly the obsession with selfies and social media, among the youth today.

This phenomenon is leading to a gradual but definite loss of focus, attention, and concentration among our youngsters. They are perpetually distracted by the urge to check notifications, capture the next 'perfect' photo, or seek validation through 'likes' and comments. This constant external validation seeking erodes genuine connection and severely hampers academic and professional performance. More alarmingly, the pursuit of dangerous or 'extreme' selfies often compromises personal safety.

To curb this rising e-addiction, I recommend the following measures:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Schools and colleges must conduct mandatory workshops on the negative psychological and social impact of screen addiction.

2. Designated 'Digital Detox' Times: Parents and educational institutions should enforce screen-free hours, especially during mealtimes and study periods.

3. Promoting Offline Hobbies: Encouraging engagement in physical sports, reading books, or hands-on hobbies that demand genuine concentration.

4. Parental Monitoring and Modelling: Parents need to actively monitor screen time and set positive examples by reducing their own reliance on electronic gadgets.

I urge the authorities, educators, and parents to treat this as a serious public concern and initiate immediate, collaborative action to reclaim the focus of our future generation.

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

(Signature)

Rajiv Singh

SECTION – C [Grammar: 20 Marks]

5. Change the form of the narration of any two: 2x2 = 4

(a) M. Hamel said, “My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorrain.”

Ans: M. Hamel told his children that that was the last lesson he would give them. He added that the order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorrain.

(b) Aditi asked Raju if his sister was at home. Raju replied that she was not. She had gone shopping with their mother.

Ans: Aditi said to Raju, “Is your sister at home?” Raju said, “No, she is not. She has gone shopping with our mother.”

(c) He said to me, “How long will you stay here?” I replied that I would stay for a week.

Ans: He asked me how long I would stay there. I replied, “I will stay for a week.”

6. Change the voice of any three: 1x3 = 3

(a) She likes sweets.

Ans: Sweets are liked by her.

(b) The man narrated me a story.

Ans: A story was narrated to me by the man.

(c) Who will bell the cat?

Ans: By whom will the cat be belled?

(d) Don’t spread the rumour.

Ans: Let not the rumour be spread.

(e) The baby is being taken care of by the maid.

Ans: The maid is taking care of the baby.

(f) The tree has been uprooted.

Ans: Someone has uprooted the tree.

7. Use the correct form of verbs (any five): 1x5 = 5

(a) You _______ (go) to attend the party tonight?

Ans: Are you going to attend the party tonight?

(b) If you have gone there, you _______ (meet) the celebrities.

Ans: If you had gone there, you would have met the celebrities.

(c) Don’t linger, we _______ (run) out of time.

Ans: Don’t linger, we are running out of time.

(d) They _______ (finish) the course by next month.

Ans: They will have finished the course by next month.

(e) It _______ (snow) many times every winter in Frankfurt.

Ans: It snows many times every winter in Frankfurt.

(f) Jane _______ (wear) her blue jeans today, but usually she wears a skirt or a dress.

Ans: Jane is wearing her blue jeans today, but usually she wears a skirt or a dress.

(g) Milk _______ (be) white.

Ans: Milk is white.

(h) I _______ (do) a lot of work today.

Ans: I have done a lot of work today.

8. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions (any four): 1x4 = 4

(a) You can place the book _______ the table.

Ans: You can place the book on the table.

(b) The Second World War broke _______ on 1st September, 1939.

Ans: The Second World War broke out on 1st September, 1939.

(c) He is fond _______ chocolate.

Ans: He is fond of chocolate.

(d) Patriotism consists _______ the honesty of service.

Ans: Patriotism consists in the honesty of service.

(e) One should not be blind _______ one’s mistake.

Ans: One should not be blind to one’s mistake.

(f) Hitler took advantage _______ jingoism.

Ans: Hitler took advantage of jingoism.

(g) I have full confidence _______ your ability.

Ans: I have full confidence in your ability.

9. Rewrite the sentences as directed (any four): 1x4 = 4

(a) I know his birthplace. (Turn into simple sentence)

Ans: I know the place of his birth.

(b) If you do not study hard, you will fail. (Make it a compound sentence)

Ans: Study hard or you will fail.

(c) He leads a most unhappy life. (Turn into exclamatory)

Ans: What an unhappy life he leads!

(d) Very few metals are as precious as gold. (Change it into comparative degree)

Ans: Gold is more precious than most other metals.

(e) Only Anita can do this. (Make it negative without changing the meaning)

Ans: None but Anita can do this.

(f) Who does not wish to be happy? (Make it assertive)

Ans: Everybody wishes to be happy.

(g) Though he was poor, he was happy. (Make it a simple sentence)

Ans: In spite of being poor, he was happy.

SECTION – D [Textbooks: 45 Marks]

10. Read one of the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

(a) And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read;

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

(1) Name the poem.        1

Ans: A Thing of Beauty

(2) Who are the ‘mighty dead’ referred to here?                1

Ans: The mighty dead are our glorious forefathers and those great people who have laid down their lives for a worthy cause and become martyrs. They lived for their countries and served humanity.

(3) What is the endless fountain of immortal drink?          1

Ans: Keats considers nature and the beauty of nature as an endless fountain of immortal drink.

(4) What does the word, “brink” mean?                 1

Ans: The word "brink" means the edge or the border of a steep place. In the context of the poem, it refers to the verge or the extreme edge of heaven.

Or

(b) The little old house was out with a little new shed

In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,

A roadside stand that too pathetically pled, 

It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,

But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports

The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.

(1) Where was the new shed put up? What was its purpose?                       1+1=2

Ans. The shed was put up at one side of the road. The purpose was to earn some money. They expected city people to oblige them who passed from there.

(2) Why does the poet use the word ‘pathetic’?                 1

Ans: The poet used the word ‘pathetic’ to show that it begged in the most humble way.

(3) Explain: ‘too pathetically pled’             1

Ans: The phrase means the roadside stand was appealing in a humble and pitiful way for money.

11. Answer any three of the following questions in 30-40 words:                              2x3=6

(1) What childhood fear did Kamala Das refer to in her poem? How did she hide it?

Ans: The childhood fear that Kamala Das refers to in her poem is the "familiar ache" of separation or the fear of losing her mother due to old age and impending death. This fear of separation and attachment to her mother, experienced since her childhood, revisits her when she sees her mother's frail, aged face at the airport.

She tried to hide this fear by immediately diverting her attention from the painful reality of her mother’s decline. She looked away from her mother's face and consciously shifted her gaze outside the car towards the young trees sprinting and the merry children spilling out of their homes.

(2) In the poem, ‘Keeping Quite’, what is the appeal made by the poet?

Ans: In "Keeping Quiet," the poet Pablo Neruda appeals for a moment of global silence and inactivity. He urges everyone to count to twelve and remain still, engaging in introspection. The appeal is for a temporary halt to all destructive activities and rapid movement to achieve mutual understanding and universal brotherhood.

(3) What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Ans. The poet's parting words ‘see you soon Amma' signify hope and assurance, not only to her but to her mother also that they will meet again. Her smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real feelings and to overcome the ache and fear inside her heart.

(4) According to Pablo Neruda, how would keeping quite be an exotic moment?

Ans. An “exotic moment” in ‘Keeping Quiet’ would be a moment of silence, when everyone would refrain from speech and be still, without activity. This would be an unusual moment of excitement. Being silent and contemplating is usually alien to human behaviour. Hence, being silent is considered to be an exotic moment in the poem.

(5) Describe any four things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’.

Ans: The poem "A Thing of Beauty" mentions many things of beauty, four of which are: the sun and moon, old and young trees providing shade, simple sheep, and daffodils in their green surroundings, along with clear streams.

(6) Why is the longing of the roadside stand people called childish?

Ans: The childish longing the poet refers to in ‘A Roadside Stand’ is the simple desire of the roadside stand sellers to sell their products. They wait beside the open window the whole day and pray for customers to turn up. This childish longing is in vain as nobody passing by buys from their stand.

12. Answer any five of the following questions: 1x5=5

(a) Who is Savita?

Ans: Savita is a young woman in the chapter Lost Spring who is a bangle-maker. She is seen soldering pieces of glass, unaware of the sanctity of the bangles she is making.

(b) Who asked Franz not to hurry to school?

Ans: The blacksmith, named Wachter, who was there with his apprentice, asked Franz not to hurry to school.

(c) Where did Gandhi meet Prof. J.B. Kripalani for the first time?

Ans: Gandhi met Professor J.B. Kripalani at the Muzaffarpur railway station, where Kripalani waited for him with a large body of students.

(d) How many times did Gandhi meet the Lt. Governor?

Ans: Gandhi met the Lt. Governor four times before the official commission of inquiry was appointed.

(e) What animals did the author discover in Peacock Island?

Ans. The author discovered monkeys on Peacock Island.

(f) Who is Derek?

Ans. Derek is Sophie’s younger brother.

(g) For whom did Sophie want to get Danny Casey’s autograph?

Ans: Sophie wanted to get Danny Casey’s autograph for her younger brother, Derek.

(h) What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent?

Ans. As rent the peasants paid the British landlords, the entire harvested indigo cultivated on 15% of their holdings.

13. Answer any five in 30-40 words:       2x5=10

(a) How was M. Hamel dressed differently that day?

Ans: M Hamel was not dressed in the clothes that he usually wore. He was dressed in his best clothes- a frilled shirt, a beautiful green coat, and embroidered black silk cap that he generally kept reserve for inspection and prize distribution days.

(b) Translate “Viva is France” into English. Where was it written?

Ans: These words meant, 'Long Live France’. These words are written on blackboard by Mr. Hamel.

(c) Write a short note on the significance of the title, ‘Lost Spring’.

Ans: The title "Lost Spring" is significant as 'spring' symbolizes childhood, joy, and growth. The story highlights how millions of children, like those in Firozabad and Seemapuri, lose this crucial phase of life due to poverty and exploitation. Their "spring" is lost to the burden of hazardous labour and survival.

(d) How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.

Ans: Gandhi influenced the lawyers by chiding them for high fees and showing fearless courage. His willingness to go to jail for the peasants inspired them to realize their duty of sacrifice. This selfless example transformed them into committed followers ready for the struggle.

(e) Explain the statement: “The Battle of Champaran is won.”

Ans. When Gandhi was in Motihari, obeying summons by the court there, thousands of peasants showed up outside the courthouse to support him. The British authorities were shaken at this large crowd gathered for Gandhi and could not do anything without his support. Rajendra Prasad and several other lawyers, too, had come there to support him. They assured him that they were ready to follow him to jail. This show of solidarity and unity made Gandhi remark that “The battle of Champaran is won! "

(f) How did Sophie’s father react when Geoff told him about her meeting with Danny Casey?

Ans: Sophie is young and prone to fantasizing. Sophie's father does not believe that she met Danny Casey. Her father knows that she is very imaginative and makes up stories. He suspects that the incident of her meeting Danny Casey at the arcade is not true but another one of her wild stories. He warns her that one day she would get into trouble on account of her stories.

(g) How does Saheb’s life change when he starts working at the tea-stall?

Ans.  Saheb has a job at the tea stall down the road for which he is paid 800 rupees and given all his meals. He does not look happy. His face has lost the carefree look that it used to have before. The light plastic bag he used to carry earlier is replaced by the heavy steel canister, which seems heavier than the plastic bag. He is no longer his own master and has lost the freedom to roam about with his army of barefoot boys.

(h) Who was John Rowntree?

Ans. John Rowntree was the last British senior conservator of the forests of Assam. After India became independent, he left Shillong with his family and returned to England and took up work as a journalist and media commentator.

(i) What information does the author give us about Manas Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Manas wildlife sanctuary or Manas National Park is situated at the foot of the Himalayas in the north eastern state of Assam and is home to a great variety of wildlife. It is a biodiversity hotspot. The information the author John Rowntree gives about Manas Wild Life is that it borders the state of Bhutan. It is home to a few rhinos. The rivers teemed with the edible freshwater fish mahseer. This was also the habitat (home) of the Assam Cheetah or spotted deer.  The author could see delightful sights in nature like she sloth-bear carrying its cuddlesome cub on its back.  

14. Answer any one of the following questions in 80-100 words:               5x1=5

(1) Describe the condition of Seemapuri.

Ans. Seemapuri is a place on the outskirts of Delhi. It was previously a wilderness but is now populated by the migrants from Bangladesh who came to stay there in 1971. They live in mud structures with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. More than 10,000 rag pickers live here without any facilities of sewage, drainage and running water. They have been living there for several decades without an identity and permits. Ration cards have been issued to them, which enable them to buy food grains. It also gets them access to voter cards, giving them the right to vote in elections. They left their homes and fields in their homeland and sought shelter in Seemapuri. They prefer to live there as at the end of the day, they are able to feed themselves, whereas, in their homeland, they had no grain and were starving. Rag picking has become a means of survival for the people in Seemapuri and the children also join them in this activity which sustains them and meets their needs.

(2) Jansie is just as old as Sophie but she is very different from her. Bring out the contrast between the two friends citing relevant instances from the story, “Going Places”.

Ans: Jansie is grounded and realistic, accepting the inevitable job in the biscuit factory and aware of their economic situation. She is sensible, contrasting sharply with Sophie, who is an escapist dreamer. Sophie nurtures unrealistic ambitions—like owning a boutique—and invents fantasies, such as her imaginary meeting with Danny Casey. Sophie seeks to transcend her dreary life, romanticizing her quiet brother Geoff, while Jansie remains focused on the mundane reality they both face.

(3) What were the topics and subjects taken up by M. Hamel on the day of the last lesson?

Ans. On M. Hamel's last day at school, all his students were present in the class. The people from the village have also come to the class as a mark of respect for his last day in school. He was dressed in his best clothes, which he usually kept reserve for the occasions of inspection and prize distribution days. He has put on a frilled shirt, a beautiful green coat, and an embroidered black silk cap. He made an announcement regarding the order that has come from Berlin. He asked Franz about participles, but Franz could not speak up. He pointed out to the class that the trouble with them was that they always put off learning their language to an indefinite time. Despite being Frenchmen, they could neither speak nor read their language fluently. He reminded them of the beauty, clarity, and logic of the French language. He urged them to guard their knowledge of the language and hold on to it. After this, he taught them grammar, writing, and history. He explained very patiently, and it seemed that he wanted to give them all he knew before he went away. He looked at the room, trying to fix in his mind just how the room looked. When class got over, he tried to address the students but could not go on as he was choked with emotion. In large letters, he wrote, "Vive La France "on the blackboard and gestured with his hand that school was dismissed and they could leave.

15. Answer any one of the following questions in 125-150 words:                            7x1=7

(a) Write a character-sketch of either (1) Tiger King or (2) Derry.

Ans: The tiger king as the name suggests was a brave man, and did not fear killing tigers with bare hands when his bullet missed the mark.

 He was an autocratic and authoritarian ruler and his subjects feared him. Because of his conceit and ego to achieve the target of killing a hundred tigers, he completely terminated the tiger population in his and his father-in-law's kingdom. He was with a crazy streak. When the hundredth tiger was not found he ordered the doubling of the land tax.

He was very egoistic because he set out proving the chief astrologer wrong who forecasted his death at the hands of a tiger. 

 He was also a poor father, who could not attend his family matters and ignored his son. He was a bad administrator who vowed that he would attend all matters in his kingdom after killing the hundredth tiger. He was disrespectful towards his own employees. He often showed disrespect to such people as the chief astrologer and dewan and talked rudely with them. Thus, although the tiger king was brave, yet he was insensitive and a foolish ruler.

Or

(b) How did Zitkala feel on the first day in the land of apple? What did she do to escape the plight?

Ans: On the first day, Zitkala-Sa felt deeply uncomfortable and distressed. She was especially intimidated by the rigid, institutional routine and the authoritative white people. She found the clanking of the bells, the strange clothes, and the sight of other Indian girls wearing stiff, ill-fitting garments humiliating and unnatural. The worst feeling was the dread and fear that came upon hearing the plan to cut her long, sacred hair.

To escape the plight of having her long hair shingled, Zitkala-Sa decided she would not surrender. She went upstairs, crawled under a bed, and huddled in a dark corner in a room with three white beds. She did not respond to her name being called. When she was found and dragged out, she kicked and scratched wildly in resistance. Despite her struggle, she was carried downstairs and tied to a chair.

16. Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words:                2x4=8

(a) Define Domahi.

Ans: Domahi means ''Junction of two months''. During Magh Bihu people of Assam make cakes of rice with various names such as Shunga Pitha, Til Pitha etc. and some other sweets of coconut called Laru, and other delicious foods enjoyed on the day of Uruka are pithas, Jalpan, and sira-doi.

(b) How do the Kacharis observe the ritual of Magh Bihu?

Ans. The Kacharis practise the custom of magan or begging during Magh Bihu. On the seventh day of Magh Bihu, they clean the utensils, sacrifice fowls to their god, Bathou and go out for carol singing, collecting eatables.

(c) Why was there no curtain in Lamb’s house?

Ans. There are no curtains at the windows of Mr. Lamb’s house as he does not like shutting things out. He likes the windows open, and not restrict the light or the darkness from coming in. He also likes to hear the sound of the wind blowing.

(d) Is the Tiger King a satire?

Ans: Yes, "The Tiger King" is a powerful satire. It mocks the arrogance of absolute rulers and the flaws of bureaucracy. The Maharaja's obsession with killing the 100th tiger, only to be killed by a wooden toy, highlights the ultimate folly and irony of human effort against fate.

(e) Which words of her brother made a deep impression on Bama?

Ans: The words of her elder brother, Annan, that made a deep impression on Bama were his advice regarding the struggle against untouchability. He stressed that the only way for them to throw away these indignities and gain recognition was to study hard and make progress

(f) “Tin doesn’t hurt, boy.” Explain with reference to context and its speaker.

Ans: The phrase is spoken by the father of Mukesh in Lost Spring. It signifies his resigned acceptance of their hazardous, impoverished life as bangle-makers. He implies that the physical burns from the hot tin are less painful than the injustice and hopelessness of their caste-based fate.

(g) How did the hundredth tiger take its revenge upon the Tiger King?

Ans: The wooden toy tiger, bought by the king, was carved by an unskilled carpenter and tiny slivers of wood stood up like quills all over it. The king and his son were playing with the toy tiger when one of these quills pierced the Maharaja's right hand. He pulled it out and continued to play with his son. The next day, there was an infection in his right hand, which developed into a sore that spread over his entire arm. Surgeons were summoned from Madras, and they operated on the king. They were not able to save him and he died. In this way, the hundredth tiger took its revenge upon the king.

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