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

English Solved Question Paper 2024
AHSEC Class 12 Solved 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

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.

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.

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.

***