AHSEC Class 12 English Solved Question Paper 2019 [AHSEC Class 12 Solved Question Papers]

English Solved Question Paper 2019
AHSEC Class 12 ENGLISH Solved Question Paper

Full Marks: 100

Pass Marks: 30

Time: Three hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions

SECTION A (Reading Skill: 10 Marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully:

It is a disturbing fact that today many different kinds of wild animals throughout the world are in danger of extinction. The reasons for this are many and varied, but we must largely blame pollution, pesticides, the disturbance of the animals’ natural environment and man’s greed and thoughtlessness.

Industry has grown enormously, and it has become common practice for factories to dispose of waste matter in streams and rivers, causing great loss of river life. Modern agricultural methods include the use of pesticides which effectively control insects classified as pests, but which also destroy many that are not. An increase in population has meant more building and with it the destruction of much of the countryside that provides habitat for wild animals. To satisfy man’s selfish desires the polar bear in North America is under threat, hunted by sportsmen; the Borneo and Sumatra the orang-utan has become part of a smuggling racket; in South America the chinchilla is almost extinct because its fur is in demand; whales are massacred world-wide for the oil and the food they yield. These are only a few of the species under threat.

But the problem is receiving world-wide recognition, and some action is being taken. To name a few examples – sewage pollution in the river Thames has been greatly reduced; a ban on trading in some furs has been agreed; and organizations like Friends of the Earth do valuable work in this deserving cause.

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

a) Cite the reasons as to why some species of wild animals are on the verge of extinction.  2

Ans: The primary reasons for extinction include environmental factors like pollution, the use of pesticides, and the disturbance of natural habitats. Additionally, human factors such as greed, thoughtlessness, and industry disposing of waste in rivers contribute significantly to the threat.

b) What has brought about the destruction of much of the countryside? 1

Ans: An increase in population has led to more building and construction, which directly results in the destruction of the countryside.

c) Why are the polar bear and the whales under threat? 2

Ans: The polar bear is under threat because it is hunted by sportsmen to satisfy selfish desires. Whales are under threat because they are being massacred worldwide for the oil and food they provide.

d) Which animal is hunted for its fur?      1

Ans: The chinchilla is almost extinct because its fur is in high demand.

e) Mention the ways in which wild life is currently helped.             2

Ans: Wildlife is being helped through several actions:

- Reducing pollution, such as the reduction of sewage in the river Thames.

- Implementing bans on trading in specific furs.

- The work of environmental organizations like "Friends of the Earth."

f) Give the adjective form of ‘habitat’.     1

Ans: The adjective form of habitat is habitable.

g) Find a word in the passage which means “a great slaughter.”  1

Ans: Massacred

SECTION B (Advanced Writing Skills: 25 Marks)

2. Water is precious and each one of us must stop its wastage. Prepare a poster in not more than 50 words urging people to employ various methods of rain-water harvesting in their own locality. 5

Or

Write a classified advertisement for the ‘Lost and Found’ column of a local newspaper stating the loss of your cell phone while travelling in the local bust. You are Anwesha/Abhilash. (Word Limit: 50 words) 5

LOST ! LOST ! LOST ! LOST, OPPO A75 phone black in colour while travelling from Tinsukia to Dibrugarh in a bus ( AS-23-1450) on   23rd February 2019 at about 2 PM. There is a sticker of an “Eagle” on the backside of the phone. The finder of the phone is requested to return it to Anwesha/Abhilash of Parbotia ,Tinsukia, Contact No- 700209XXXX. Finder will be suitably rewarded.

3. Your school has recently celebrated “Tree Plantation Week” organizing a number of inter-school competitions highlighting the ecological balance. As the Secretary of the Eco-Club of your school, prepare a report in 100-125 words, suitable to be published in your school magazine. You are Nilim/Nilima.  10

Or

Your District Administration has celebrated Shilpi Divas at the District Library auditorium recently. Prepare a report on it in 100-125 words to be published in “The Assam Tribute”.  10

Ans: Shilpi Divas Celebrated with Cultural Grandeur

Tinsukia, January 17, 2026: The District Administration of Tinsukia celebrated Shilpi Divas with great fervour at the District Library auditorium today, commemorating the 75th death anniversary of the cultural icon, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes offered by the District Commissioner before the portrait of the legendary artiste. In his keynote address, the Commissioner highlighted Agarwala's monumental contributions to Assamese literature, music, and cinema.

The event featured a vibrant cultural segment where students from various local schools performed soulful Jyoti Sangeet and traditional dances. A special seminar on the "Relevance of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s Philosophy in the 21st Century" was also organized, attracting scholars and enthusiasts alike. The celebration concluded with a chorus of "Sreemoyee Asamee," leaving the audience inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Reported by X

Staff Correspondent,

The Assam Tribune

4. You are Asha/Amit. You have seen an advertisement for the post of a Sales Executive in a reputed company. Write an application, along with your detailed resume, to the Regional Director of the company in response to the advertisement applying for the post.      10

Ans: Examination Hall

12^th December, 20XX

Regional Director 

ABC Pvt. Ltd

Guwahati-781001

Subject: An application for the post of sales executive

Sir,

This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Assam Tribune’ dated 10/12/20XX regarding the post of a sales executive. I wish to apply for the same post.

I am outgoing, deligent and open to learning and have good command over English speaking. I have all the requisite qualification and experience. I did my BBA from IIM, Delhi. I worked as a sales executive in XML Pvt. Ltd. Guwahati for 2 years. Having worked extensively in sales profession, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the senior managers to figure out sales strategies and work to achieve them. During my work at XML Pvt. Ltd. Guwahati, I had the opportunity to increase sales by 35% during the first year! Moreover, I possess exceptional presentation skills which would help me to communicate effectively with potential customers.

As regard my qualification and experience, I am enclosing my bio- data for your kind consideration.  I shall be available for an interview on any day of your convenience.

If selected I shall discharge my duties with utmost devotion and sincerity to your full satisfaction.

Yours sincerely

Asha/Amit

ENCLOSURE: 1. Bio- Date  

BIO-DATA

NAME                               :                Asha/Amit 

FATHER NAME                :                X

ADDESS                            :                Examination Hall

CONTACT                         :                9987XXXXXX

DATE OF BIRTH               :                xx/xx/1992

NATIONALITY                  :               Indian

RELIGION                         :               Hindu

MARITAL STATUS           :               Unmarried

GENDER                           :               Male

AGE                                  :                25 years 

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

YEAR	EXAMINATION	BOARD/UNIVERSITY	INSTITUTE	PERCENTAGE	DIVISON
20xx	HSLC	SEBA	A NEW HIGH SCHOOL	79%	I
20XX	H.S 2ND YEAR	AHSEC	TINSUKIA COLLEGE	86%	I
20XX	BBA	IIM, Delhi	IIM, Delhi	76%	I

WORK EXPERIENCE:

S.No	Organisation	Position held	From	To
1	XML Pvt. Ltd. Guwahati	Sales executive	1/1/2015	31/12/2017

SKILLS:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

2. Working knowledge of Tally, Excel, MS-Word, PowerPoint

Achievements:

1. Winner of Inter –college Debate Competiton (2011)

2. Best employee of the year 2016 at XML Pvt. Ltd. Guwahati.

3. Developing successful territory plans

Hobby: Interacting with people, reading books, etc.

Language Known: Hindi, English, Bengali, Assamese.

Declaration: 

I solemnly declare that all the above information is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Date:    12/12/20XX                                                                                                              Asha/Amit

Place: Guwahati                                                                                                                      Signature

Or

You are Aruna/Arun living in Amolapatty, Sivasagar. Write a letter to the Editor of “The Sentinel” drawing the attention of the concerned authority to the poor condition of water supply in your locality. 

Ans:

Amolapatty, Sivasagar

5th February, 2019

The Editor

The Sentinel

Guwahati - 781001

Sub: Bad condition of water supply in Amolapatty, Sivasagar.

Sir

I would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities through the column of your esteemed newspaper   towards the problem of bad condition of water supply in Amolapatty, Sivasagar

Most of the time the taps remain dry. The supply is made only two hours in the morning and one hour in the evening. Besides the water is muddy and polluted. Many residents fall sick. There are complaints of jaundice and loose motions after drinking this water. Moreover, people are not able to take bath.

In this connection we have complained to the local authorities but all in vain. I, therefore, request the higher authorities to look into this matter and take necessary action immediately.

Thanking you

Yours’ truly

Aruna/Arun

SECTION C (Grammar: 20 Marks)

5. Change the form of the narration in the following sentences:                2x2=4

a) Reena said to the boy, “What’s the matter? Why are you crying? Be cheerful.”

Ans: Reena asked the boy what the matter was and why he was crying. She (Reena) asked him to be cheerful.

b) The customer inquired if he could get a garden-roller in that shop. The assistant respectfully replied that he would get it in the hardware department.

Ans: The customer said,” Can I get a garden-roller in this shop?’’  The assistant replied,’’ Sir, you will get it in the hardware department.’’

6. Change the voice of any three of the following sentences:      3x1=3

a) Drive the car slowly.

Ans: Let the car be driven slowly.

b) I am writing a letter now.

Ans: A letter is being written by me now.

c) We should not encourage indiscipline.

Ans: One should not encourage indiscipline.

d) Who wrote the Ramayana?

Ans: By whom was the Ramayana written?

e) Promises should be kept.

Ans: We should keep our promises.

f) He will be forgotten in a few years.

Ans: People will forget him in a few years.

7. Rewrite any five of the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets in their correct tense forms:                 5x1=5

a) I met him while (go) to his office.

Ans: Going

b) They (live) in this place since 1970.

Ans: have been living

c) The train (leave) before I reached the station.

Ans: had left

d) I wish I (be) a bird!

Ans: were

e) Your letter (reach) me yesterday.

Ans: reached

f) He (make) a doll now.

Ans: am making

8. Rewrite any four of the following sentences filling in the blanks with appropriate prepositions: 4x1=4

a) What is the time _____your watch now?

Ans: by

b) The students of this college have free access _____ the Principal.

Ans:  to

c) You should take proper care _____ your books.

Ans: of

d) A sage has no desire _____ material wealth.

Ans: of

e) India is rich _____ minerals.

Ans: in

f) He is very particular _____ his health.

Ans:  about

h) I did that without any malice _____ you.

Ans: with

9. Rewrite any four of the sentences as directed: 4x1=4

a) Your hair is very lovely. (Make it an exclamatory sentence)

Ans: What a lovely hair you have!

b) The Bhupen Hazarika Setu at Dhola Sadiya is the longest bridge in India. (Change it into positive degree)

Ans: No other bridge in India is as long as The Bhupen Hazarika Setu at Dhola Sadiya.

c) I tried every plan. (Make it negative without changing the meaning)

Ans: I left no plan untried.

d) He wants me to help him. (Make it a complex sentence)

Ans: He wants that I should help him

e) The enemy fled as soon as they saw us. (Make it a compound sentence)

Ans: No Sooner did the enemy see us than they fled.

f) A stone that is rolling gathers no moss. (Make it a simple sentence)

Ans: A rolling stone gathers no moss.

SECTION D (Text Books: 45 Marks)

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

a) “Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth, 

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 

Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, 

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits.”

Questions: 

a) What do we do every day?     1

Ans: we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth.

b) What removes the pall from the dark spirits?  1

Ans: Some beautiful shape or a thing of beauty removes the pall of sadness from our spirit

c) What is the message expressed in these lines? 2

Ans: Through these lines, the poet wants to convey that every morning, some beautiful shape or a thing of beauty connect us to the earth. It removes the layer of sadness from our soul and make us fresh and energetic.

Or

b) “Driving from parent’s

Home to Cochin last Friday

Morning, I saw my mother, 

Beside me, 

Doze, open mouthed, her face

Ashen line that 

Of a corpse …….”

Questions:

i. Where was the poet driving to?  1

Ans: The poet was driving to cochin airport.

ii. What did she notice when her mother sat beside her? 1

Ans: She noticed the mother’s ashen and almost lifeless face distraught with pain.

iii. Find words from the passage that mean ‘sleep lightly’ and ‘dead body’.  1

Ans: sleep lightly- Doze; dead body- corpse.

iv. Why was her mother’s face like that of a corpse?         1

Ans: Her mother’s face was pale, dull and completely grey like ash, which made it look a corpse.

11. Answer any three of the following questions in 30-40 words:  3x2=6

a) How did the travellers on the highways react to the roadside stand? 

Ans. Travelers on the highways got irritated. Many things irritated those passers-by who stopped at the roadside stand. The badly painted buildings spoilt the landscape, the writings on the signboard were defective, the letters ‘N’ and ‘S’ weren’t properly written and most importantly, the place didn’t provide much stuff for shopping.

b) What, according to Keats, makes human beings love life in spite of all its problems and miseries?

Ans. Human beings love life in spite of all the troubles and sufferings they face because of all the things of beauty which surround them. These things remove our cover of sadness over our lives and allow us to enjoy the beauty of nature.

c) Why quietness would be an exotic moment for the speaker in ‘Keeping Quite’?

Ans. The poet refers to the moment of stillness and quietness as an exotic moment because it will initiate peace and brotherhood. At this moment a bliss of extra-ordinary calmness would prevail on the whole earth. People will feel connected to this universe.

d) What is Pablo Neruda’s opinion about different kinds of wars?

Ans. The poet wants a total cessation of all kind of wars. Green wars against the environment, wars with poisonous gases and fire must stop immediately. Instead of indulging in wars the people must come out in their best dresses with their brothers. They should go out for a walk, enjoying themselves doing nothing.

e) What is the significance of the parting words of the speaker and her smile in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?

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.

12. Answer any five of the following questions:                5x1=5

a) What is the name of the river mentioned in “The Last Lesson”?

Ans. The river mentioned in “The Last Lesson” is Saar. 

b) Where does Saheb originally hail from?

Ans. The original home of Saheb is in Dhaka.

c) Which country had developed synthetic indigo?

Ans. Germany had developed synthetic indigo

d) Where did Gandhi stay in Muzaffarpur?

Ans: Gandhi stayed in the house Professor Malkani in Muzaffarpur.

e) Who is Darek?

Ans. Derek was the younger brother of Sophie. 

f) What did Sophie dream of?

Ans. Sophie wanted to have a boutique of her own. 

g) Name the book from which “Memoirs of a Chota Sahib” is taken. 

Ans: “Memoirs of a Chota Sahib” has been taken from the book ‘’A Chota Sahib: Memoirs of a Forest Officer’’

13. Answer any five in 30-40 words:       5x2=10

a) What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did they mean?

Ans: M. Hamel Wrote ''Vive -La-France'' at the end of the class which means ‘'long live France''

b) What would Franz love to do on that sunny morning instead of going to school?

Ans.  Franz had not prepared himself on the topic of ‘Participles’ on which M. Hamel was going to test him. He was scared of being scolded. Franz had another option in his mind – to miss school and enjoy the day out in the warm and bright weather, birds were chirping on the trees and the noise of the Prussian soldiers doing the drill behind the sawmill could also be heard. The scene outside was more attractive than the school but Franz controlled the temptation and chose to attend school.

c) What is the actual name of Saheb? What does it signify?

Ans. Saheb is a poor rag-picker who lives in Seemapuri. His full name is ‘Saheb-e-Alam', which means ‘Lord of the Universe'. The irony lies in the meaning of his name itself. According to his name, he should be a king and enjoy all the luxuries of life. But unfortunately, he is a barefoot rag picker, who lacks even the basic necessities. 

d) How was a solution to the problem of indigo sharecroppers of Champaran found?

Ans: Gandhiji, with the lawyers of Muzaffarpur, conducted an inquiry into the grievances of the farmers. The investigations, documentation, and evidence collected favoured the peasants. Hence, Gandhiji asked for only 50% of the money as compensation as opposed to the landlord's thinking that he might demand the whole amount they had extorted. However, an agreement was reached at 25% of the money to be compensated to the peasants

e) Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny?

Ans. Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know about her meeting with Danny Casey because Jansie was a blabbermouth. The moment she knew of someone’s secret, the whole neighbourhood would get to know of it. Sophie didn’t want this meeting to reach her father’s cars or else she would be in trouble. 

f) Give a brief description of the Peacock Island. 

Ans:  Peacock island was located in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. When viewed from Rowntree's bungalow on the other bank, it offered a splendid view with the dome of a Hindu Temple just visible through the trees. The author said jokingly that he never discovered peacocks but only monkeys on the island.

g) What is a marboat and how is it operated?

Ans: The author gives a description of a mar boat-it was a ferry, consisted of a plank platform covering two open boats placed alongside one another. These were either paddled across the river or connected by a running cable to another stretched across the river. These were pushed forward from one side to the other by the force of the current.

14. Answer any one of the following questions in 80-100 words: 1x5=5

a) Describe the character of Sophie’s father and the role played by him in the story “Going Places”. 

Ans: Sophie’s father was a man of authority, truth, hard work, and deep senses. He understood, saw, experienced and realised the very truth about life but he was not well-off. He had to work hard for keeping his family alive. He had a realistic approach towards life and had firm faith in social interactions. Being a considerate, kind and sensible father, he understood the nature of the family but was deadly against wild stories. He always wanted to keep his family members happy and peaceful but financially he was not well-off. The day's hard work was clearly visible on his plump face.

He was a sports lover and used to go with his family on a weekly pilgrimage. While seeing the United Team winning, he boosted Danny's morale. After the victory, he went to the pub for a celebration and drink. When Sophie told that Danny was buying a shop, he made an ugly expression on his face to show disgust. He did not approve Sophie's wild stories for Danny and rather warned as well as advised her about a lot of trouble she was going to be entrapped in. Though he was an aggressive yet he was a true and rightful person. Sophie was much scared of him and told Jansie "You know what a misery he is".

Or

Describe the exploitation of the indigo sharecroppers by English landlords. How did Gandhi help them to get an honourable settlement?

Ans: Most of the arable land in Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen and worked on by Indian tenants. The chief commercial crop was indigo. The landlords compelled all the tenants to plant 15% of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This was done through a long-term contract. When the landlords learned Germany had developed synthetic indigo, they obtained agreements from the sharecroppers to pay them compensation for being released from the 15% arrangement.

Gandhiji, with the lawyers of Muzaffarpur, conducted an inquiry into the grievances of the farmers. The investigations, documentation, and evidence collected favoured the peasants. Hence, Gandhiji asked for only 50% of the money as compensation as opposed to the landlord's thinking that he might demand the whole amount they had extorted. However, an agreement was reached at 25% of the money to be compensated to the peasants. Gandhiji accepted the settlement because he did not want to deadlock between the landlords and the peasants. Thus, Gandhiji played a very proactive role in resolving the issue.

15. Answer any one of the following questions in 125-150 words: 1x7=7

a) Write a character-sketch of Dr. Sadao Hoki as depicted in “The Enemy”. 

Ans: Dr Sadao his Hoki was a true Japanese like his father. He was a brave boy who obeyed and respected his father and loved Japanese culture, tradition, and people. He was intelligent and hardworking and studied surgery and medicine in America for eight years. He married a Japanese girl, Hana, whom he had met in America. But he waited for his father's approval and their marriage was arranged in the old Japanese way after they had returned home to Japan. They had two children. He still loved his wife as warmly as ever. He returned home at fixed hours.

 Dr. Sadao was an eminent surgeon as well as a scientist. The old General had full faith in him. He was not sent abroad with the troops because the old General might need an operation. Dr. Sadao was called even at odd hours from the palace. Dr. Sadao was a real doctor. He would not let a man die if he could help it. That is why he cured even an "enemy" of a bullet wound and did not hand him over to the police. He faced a great risk to his position and life by sheltering the man. Since Dr. Sadao could not kill the man himself, he sought the help of the old General to get rid of him. When that plan failed, he let the prisoner escape in order to calm down the fears of his wife and let the household run properly. It may be a blemish from a narrow patriotic angle but a sensitive soul can't take back what he has given. 

Or

“Though both Mr. Lamb and Derry suffer from a physical disability, their attitude to life is different.” Justify the relevance of this statement with reference to the story “On the Face of it”. 

Ans. The conversation between Derry an Mr. Lamb reveals their different attitudes towards life. Derry is a fourteen years old boy, half of whose face is disfigured, as it got burnt by acid. The half-face has left him miserable, He feels unwanted. He thinks that people think he is ugly like the devil and they are afraid of him. He gets infuriated when people sympathize with him. All these bad experiences have made him cynical, and he has developed a pessimistic attitude towards life. 

On the other hand, Mr. Lamb is a complete contrast to Derry. He doesn't leave his physical disability to destroy his life. He is an optimist. He finds beauty and peace in everything. When children tease him by calling him Lamey-Lamb, he is not offended. He feels that such a name suits him. He is full of hope and positivity.

16. Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words:  4x2=8

a) What did the Maharaja decide to do when he remembered the astrologer’s prediction?

Ans. The tiger king was crowned the King at the age of twenty. The astrologer's prediction slowly reached his ears. He banned tiger hunting in his kingdom and issued a proclamation that if anyone dares to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. The Maharaja vowed to attend to all matters of the state only after killing of hundred tigers.

b) Who was Hana? What did she notice coming out of the mist?

Ans: Hana was Dr. Sadao’s wife. It was a man who had been flung up out of the ocean, to his feet by a breaker. He staggered a few steps with his arms above his head. Then the curled mists hit him again. When they next saw him, he was on his hands and knees crawling. Then they saw him fall on his face and lie there. Sadao thought that he was perhaps a fisherman who had been washed from his boat. He ran quickly down the steps. Hana followed him.

c) How did Derry get his face burnt?

Ans: One side of Derry's face was totally burnt. Mr. Lamb guessed that Derry's face got burned in a fire. Derry corrected him. He got acid all down on that side of his face. The acid burned it all the way. It ate his face up

d) Why did Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day in the land of apples?

Ans. Judewin warned Zitkala-Sa that she had overheard the white women talking about cutting their long, heavy hair. Zitkala was horrified with the thought of getting her hair cut. The narrator disappeared unnoticed. She came to a large room with three white beds in it. She crawled under the bed and cuddled herself in the dark corner. From her hiding place, she peered out. She shuddered with fear. She couldn't succeed in hiding herself for long. They stormed into the room and dragged her out and her hair was cut so she was in tears.

e) What is the meaning of ‘Domahi’? What do people usually have for lunch on that day?

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.

f) How is the delicacy ‘Sunga-pitha’ prepared?

Ans: Magh Bihu is the festival of feasting. People eat a variety of food, one of which is Sunga-pitha - moist rice powder put in a green bamboo tube and roasted in the fire. The ingredient mixed with the powder used to be salt but now-a-days some people prefer a sweet variety

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