RBSE Class 12th 2010 English Literature-SS-20-2-2010 Previous Year Papers

SENIOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2010

Optional Group I — HUMANITIES

ENGLISH LITERATURE — Second Paper

Time : 3 Hours

Maximum Marks : 60

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EXAMINEES :

1. Candidate must write first his / her Roll No. on the question paper compulsorily.
2. All the questions are compulsory.
3. Write the answer to each question in the given answer-book only.
4. Answers of the questions having more than one part are to be given together in continuity.

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SECTION - A

1. Explain with reference to the context any four out of the following six passages. Each passage carries 2 marks. 4×2=8

1. “Still, I dived. I knew it meant tremendous risk yet I could not stand and watch a friend getting drowned. That would mean so much shame for all of us. I had always dreamt of having a big adventure one day. I thought there could not be a better chance than that.”

   Context: This passage is from the story The Diving Adventure (or similar text). The speaker is the narrator who decides to dive into the water to save a drowning friend, despite knowing the risks. The lines reveal the narrator’s courage, sense of duty, and desire for adventure. The speaker cannot bear the shame of inaction and sees this as the perfect opportunity for a heroic deed.

2. Hence I praise above all others the life of habit, order and discipline, and I disagree most strongly with Montaigne when he declares that ‘a young man should break in upon his rules, to stir up energy and keep it from becoming mouldy and lazy; for no course of life is so foolish and feeble as that which is carried out according to rules and discipline’.

   Context: This passage is from an essay on discipline and habit (likely by a writer like Samuel Johnson or similar). The speaker argues in favour of a disciplined, orderly life, rejecting Montaigne’s view that breaking rules keeps one energetic. The speaker believes that a life governed by rules is not foolish but rather the most sensible and productive.

3. The horror with which we entertain the thoughts of death (or indeed of any future evil), and the uncertainty of its approach, fill a melancholy mind with innumerable apprehensions and suspicions, and consequently dispose it to the observation of such groundless prodigies and predictions.

   Context: This passage is from an essay on superstition or fear (possibly by Joseph Addison or similar). The speaker explains how the fear of death and future misfortunes makes a melancholic person prone to believing in false omens and predictions. The uncertainty of death amplifies irrational fears and leads to superstitious behaviour.

(Note: The page contains only three passages out of six. The remaining three passages are on the next page.)

SECTION - B

1. Answer any two out of the following three questions in 20 to 30 words each (Prose). Each question carries 1 mark. 2×1=2

   1. Why did the hostess get immediately startled? (Popular Superstitions)

      The hostess was startled because she saw a black cat crossing her path, which she considered a bad omen according to popular superstition.

   2. What is the four-fold programme of the struggle for freedom? (Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

      The four-fold programme included: boycott of foreign goods, swadeshi (use of indigenous products), national education, and swaraj (self-rule).

   3. Why was Mrs. Heasant ready to pay hush-money? (Shock Tactics)

      Mrs. Heasant was ready to pay hush-money to keep her son's prank a secret and avoid public embarrassment or scandal.

3. Answer any three out of the following five questions in 20 to 40 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 1 mark. 8×1=8

1. (i) According to Jagan, what basic qualification should one possess?

   According to Jagan, the basic qualification one should possess is the ability to read and write, as he believed that literacy was essential for progress and understanding.

2. (ii) Name the person who wrote the letters sent by Mali to Jagan.

   The letters sent by Mali to Jagan were actually written by his cousin, who was a writer by profession and composed the letters on Mali's behalf.

3. (iii) What is the cousin’s accredited business in life?

   The cousin's accredited business in life was writing letters and documents for others, as he was known as a professional letter-writer in the community.

4. (iv) From where did the bearded man take the story to illustrate his thesis ‘Union is Strength’?

   The bearded man took the story from the Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian fables, to illustrate his thesis that 'Union is Strength'.

5. (v) What was Jagan’s first occasion for displaying ceremonial behaviour?

   Jagan's first occasion for displaying ceremonial behaviour was when he performed the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana) for his son, which marked a significant ritual in their family tradition.

4. Answer any four out of the following six questions in 20 to 40 words each (Prose). Each question carries 3 marks. 4×3=12

1. (i) What had Mr. Martin told Sharada Devi in his note? (A Gift From Mother)

   In his note, Mr. Martin had informed Sharada Devi that he was returning the gift she had given him, as he felt it was too precious and he could not accept it. He expressed his gratitude but insisted she keep the gift for herself.

2. (ii) What does it mean to live mechanically? (One’s Habits)

   To live mechanically means to perform daily actions and routines without conscious thought or awareness, like a machine. It implies a lack of mindfulness, where habits control a person's life rather than deliberate choices and reflection.

3. (iii) “Tilak realised its dual possibilities ...” What were the swadeshi and boycott movement’s dual possibilities? (Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

   Tilak realised the dual possibilities of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements as both economic and political tools. Economically, they aimed to promote indigenous industries and reduce dependence on foreign goods. Politically, they served as a means to mobilise mass resistance against British rule and assert national self-reliance.

SS—20-2—Eng. Lit. II

(iv) Write at least three causes of dullness in a speech.

According to Some Hints on Public Speaking, three causes of dullness in a speech are: (1) lack of enthusiasm or energy in the speaker, (2) monotonous tone and poor variation in pitch, and (3) absence of interesting examples or anecdotes to engage the audience.

(v) How did the mathematical knowledge travel from India to Moslem World?

From Mathematics in Ancient India, mathematical knowledge traveled from India to the Moslem world through trade, translations of Indian texts (like the works of Brahmagupta) into Arabic at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, and the travels of scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi who studied Indian numerals and concepts.

(vi) According to Tagore, which races will prosper?

In The Voice of Humanity, Tagore states that races which embrace universal humanity, cooperation, and spiritual unity—rather than narrow nationalism—will prosper.

5. Answer any five out of the following seven questions in 20 to 40 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 2 marks.

1. (i) What did Jagan do to get his footwear prepared by an old cobbler?

   Jagan went to an old cobbler who worked under a tree, gave him the leather, and asked him to make simple, durable footwear without any modern style or polish.

2. (ii) Why was Jagan against the use of a toothbrush?

   Jagan believed that using a toothbrush was a wasteful, modern habit. He preferred using a neem twig or simple methods, as he was against unnecessary consumerism.

3. (iii) “Exactly my principle in life ...” What is the principle that is being mentioned here by the cousin?

   The cousin’s principle was to avoid hard work and live a carefree life, relying on others or luck rather than putting in effort, which he considered wise.

4. (iv) Why did Jagan take the fruit but not eat it?

   Jagan took the fruit to avoid offending the giver, but he did not eat it because he was fasting or following a strict dietary rule as part of his self-discipline.

5. (v) “Jagan lost his sleep that night.” Why?

   Jagan lost his sleep because he was troubled by the news of his son Mali’s arrest and the conflict between his traditional values and his son’s modern, rebellious actions.

6. (vi) “I don’t see you in my house now-a-days. Why?” How did Grace react to Jagan’s question?

   Grace reacted with embarrassment and hesitation. She avoided giving a direct answer, as she felt uncomfortable about the growing distance between Jagan’s family and hers.

7. (vii) Why was Mali arrested?

   Mali was arrested for his involvement in political activism or protests, likely against the government, which reflected his rebellious nature and clash with authority.

6. Answer any two out of the following four questions in 60 to 80 words each (Prose). Each question carries 4 marks. 2×4=8

1. (i) How did the boy get the goat-kid ready for taking it down into the town? (The Goat and the Stars)

   The boy prepared the goat-kid by first feeding it well and then tying a rope around its neck. He cleaned the kid's fur and made it look presentable. He also practiced walking with the kid on a leash so that it would follow him obediently through the streets of the town. The boy took great care to ensure the kid was calm and comfortable before their journey.

2. (ii) Discuss the ways in which Mahatma Gandhi worked for the country and the world. (Mahatma Gandhi)

   Mahatma Gandhi worked for India's freedom through non-violent civil disobedience, such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement. He promoted self-reliance through khadi and village industries. For the world, he advocated for peace, human rights, and the end of racial discrimination. His philosophy of Satyagraha inspired global movements for justice and equality.

3. (iii) “The principles of ethics are discovered.” Justify. (Unity in Diversity)

   Ethical principles are discovered through human experience and reflection on what is good and just. They are not invented but found in the natural order of human relationships. For example, truth and non-violence are universal values that people recognize across cultures. In a diverse society, these principles help maintain harmony and respect for all.

4. (iv) What made Mr. Gupta keep the money the girl had given him? (The Price of Flowers)

   Mr. Gupta kept the money because he was deeply moved by the girl's innocence and her desire to help her brother. He realized that the money represented her love and sacrifice. By keeping it, he honored her gesture and planned to use it for a good cause, perhaps to help the girl's family in a meaningful way.

7. Answer any two out of the following four questions in 60 to 80 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 4 marks. 2×4=8

1. (i) Draw a character sketch of Jagan.

   Jagan is a traditional, honest, and principled man. He is a sweet seller who values simplicity and self-reliance. He is deeply spiritual and follows Gandhian ideals, such as non-violence and truthfulness. However, he is also stubborn and struggles to understand his son Mali's modern ways. Jagan is caring but often fails to express his emotions openly.

2. (ii) What did the saint and the canteen man say when Jagan felt constrained to ask about their problems?

   When Jagan felt hesitant to ask about their problems, the saint advised him to let go of attachment and trust in divine will. The canteen man, on the other hand, told Jagan that everyone has problems and that one should not interfere unnecessarily. Both suggested that Jagan focus on his own path and not worry excessively about others.

3. (iii) “Mali is a spoiled child of westernization.” Discuss.

   Mali represents the younger generation influenced by Western culture. He is materialistic, impatient, and dismissive of traditional values. He wants quick success and adopts modern methods without understanding their deeper implications. His behavior shows a lack of respect for his father's wisdom and Indian traditions, making him appear spoiled by the superficial aspects of westernization.

4. (iv) What, according to Jagan, are the uses of a Margosa tree?

   According to Jagan, the Margosa tree has many uses: its leaves are used for medicinal purposes, its twigs serve as toothbrushes, and its oil is good for skin and hair. The tree also provides shade and its wood is useful. Jagan values the Margosa tree for its natural, practical benefits that align with his simple, self-sufficient lifestyle.

8. Write a critical appreciation of the following passage :