RBSE Class 12th 2015 English Literature-SS-20-2015 Previous Year Papers
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| Board | RBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12th |
| Exam year | 2015 |
| Subject | English Literature-SS-20-2015 |
| Resource type | Previous Year Papers |
| Category | RBSE Previous Year Question Papers |
| Website | RBSE Solution |
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RBSE Class 12th 2015 English Literature-SS-20-2015
Scroll through the Previous Year Papers pages for English Literature-SS-20-2015 (2015).
Rajasthan Board Class 12th English Literature-SS-20-2015 2015 solved Previous Year Question Papers
SENIOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2015
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Time: 3¼ Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
Roll No.:
No. of Questions: 2
No. of Printed Pages: 7
SS—20—Eng. Lit.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EXAMINEES:
- Candidate must write first his/her Roll No. on the question paper compulsorily.
- All the questions are compulsory.
- Write answers of all questions in your answer-book only.
- For questions having more than one part, the answers to those parts are to be written together in continuity.
- Write down the correct serial number of each question before attempting it.
SS—20—Eng. Lit. [ss-6020] [ Turn over
SECTION - I (Reading)
1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
One summer evening I was sitting by the open window, reading a good but rather frightening mystery story. After a time it became too dark for me to read easily, so I put my book down and got up to switch on the light. I was just about to draw the curtains as well when I heard a loud cry of "Help ! Help!" It seemed to come from the trees at the end of the garden. I looked out but it was now too dark to see anything clearly. Almost immediately I heard the cry again. It sounded like a child, although I could not imagine how anybody could need help in our garden, unless one of the boys of the neighbourhood had climbed a tree and could not get down.
I decided, however, that I ought to go out and have a look in the garden, just in case someone was in trouble. I took the torch which we keep for going down into the cellar, where there is no electric light, and picked up a strong walking stick, thinking that this might come in useful, too. Armed with these, I went out into the garden. Once again I heard the cry. There was no doubt it came from the trees at the end of the garden. "Who's there ? "I called out as I walked, rather nervously, down the path that led to the trees. But there was no answer. With the help of my torch I examined the whole of that part of the garden and the lower branches of the trees. There was no sign of anybody or anything. I came to the conclusion that someone was playing a rather silly joke on me. But the confusion still ruled my mind resulting in a vague fear.
Still feeling rather puzzled, I went back to the house and put away the torch and the stick. I had just sat down and begun to read my book again when I was startled by the cry of "Help! Help!", this time rather closer. I dropped my book and jumped. I turned around to the direction right behind my back. There, sitting on the top of a mantelpiece, was a large green and red bird. It was a parrot ! While I was out in the garden, the bird must have seen the light in my room and flown in through the open window.
Questions:
-
What sound/cry did the writer hear?
The writer heard a loud cry of "Help! Help!"
-
What effect did that sound cause on the writer?
The sound caused confusion and a vague fear in the writer's mind. He felt puzzled and nervous, and it startled him when he heard it again later.
-
How did the writer equip himself before going into the garden?
The writer took a torch (used for going down into the cellar) and picked up a strong walking stick before going into the garden.
2. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow :
Does the road wind uphill all the way ?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day ?
From morn to night, my friend.But is there for the night a resting-place ?
A roof for when the slow, dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face ?
You cannot miss that inn.Shall I meet other wayfarers at night ?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight ?
They will not keep you standing at the door.Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak ?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek ?
Yea, beds for all who come.— CG. Rossetti.
(i) How long has one to walk to reach uphill ?
One has to walk from morning till night (the whole long day) to reach uphill.
(ii) What does 'inn' mean here ?
Here, 'inn' means a resting-place or shelter for the night, symbolizing a place of comfort and rest after life's journey.
(iii) What acts will determine the reward ?
The reward is determined by the labour one has performed during the journey. The line "Of labour you shall find the sum" suggests that the amount of work or effort put in will decide the reward.
(iv) What are the fears of the wayfarer ?
The wayfarer fears that the darkness might hide the resting-place (inn) from sight, and worries about not finding comfort or beds after a long, tiring journey.
(v) Why does the speaker wish for comforts ?
The speaker wishes for comforts because he is travel-sore and weak after the long, uphill journey, and seeks rest and relief from the hardships endured.
SECTION - II (Writing)
Question: Write an essay in about 50-200 words on the following: (8 marks)
Hazards of the use of Polythene Bags
Polythene bags have become a common part of our daily lives, but their hazards are immense. They are non-biodegradable and take hundreds of years to decompose. When thrown into drains, they block the sewage system, causing waterlogging and breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Animals often mistake them for food and die due to choking or indigestion. Burning polythene releases toxic gases that pollute the air and harm human health. They also damage soil fertility by preventing water and air from reaching the roots. The only solution is to reduce their use and switch to eco-friendly alternatives like cloth or paper bags. It is our responsibility to protect the environment from the dangers of polythene.
OR
Cleanliness Campaign at your school
Our school recently organized a Cleanliness Campaign to promote hygiene and environmental awareness. All students and teachers participated enthusiastically. We cleaned classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, and the school garden. Dustbins were placed at strategic points, and students were educated about waste segregation. A rally was taken out with placards urging everyone to keep their surroundings clean. The campaign also included a poster-making competition on cleanliness. The principal addressed the assembly, emphasizing that cleanliness is next to godliness. The campaign was a great success and instilled a sense of responsibility in all of us.
Question: Write out a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic 'How prayer enriches your mind and soul'. Sign yourself as Karan/Kiran. (7 marks)
Speech: How Prayer Enriches Your Mind and Soul
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. Today, I, Karan/Kiran, stand before you to speak on how prayer enriches our mind and soul.
Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful tool that connects us with the divine. It brings peace to our restless minds and calms our anxieties. When we pray, we express gratitude, seek guidance, and find strength to face challenges. Prayer helps us develop humility, patience, and compassion. It cleanses our soul and fills us with positive energy. In the silence of prayer, we discover our true selves and feel a sense of belonging to something greater. Let us make prayer a part of our daily lives to enrich our minds and souls.
Thank you.
— Karan/Kiran
OR
Report: The School Tour to a Historical Monument in Rajasthan
Our school organized a one-day educational tour to the famous historical monument, Chittorgarh Fort, on 15th November. A group of 50 students accompanied by three teachers left school at 6 a.m. by bus. Upon arrival, we were guided through the fort's magnificent gates, palaces, and temples. The guide explained the rich history of the Rajput rulers and their bravery. We saw the Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, and Rani Padmini's Palace. The tour was both educational and enjoyable. We returned by 8 p.m., enriched with knowledge and memories. The trip was a great success.
SECTION - III (Grammar)
Question: In the following passage each line has an error. Edit the passage by identifying the wrong word / an inappropriate expression, strike it off; then write the correct word in your answer-book as shown in the example: (5 marks)
Example: Shri Ramakrishna did not get his ideas get get
- (i) from books. He did not got go to some college or
- (ii) university; in fact he did not even at attend
- (iii) school for a long time. He was born on 836 1836
- (iv) and very early in life he becomes became a temple
- (v) priest. He found the great happiness in being
- (vi) a priest, and spent many much of his time in the service
- (vii) of Kali, the Divine Mother which whom he worshipped in
- (viii) the temple for at Dakshineshwar. He lived a
- (ix) deep deeply religious life. He led a very hard
- (x) life but often often went without food and water.
6. Read the conversation given below and fill in the blanks in indirect speech:
Direct Speech:
Mrs. Tiwari (to her servant): Where were you yesterday?
Servant (male): My daughter was sick. I took her to a doctor.
Mrs. Tiwari: You people give innumerable excuses. Don't do this next time.
Indirect Speech:
Mrs. Tiwari asked her servant where he had been the day before. The servant told her that his daughter had been sick and he had taken her to a doctor. Mrs. Tiwari accused him of giving innumerable excuses and ordered him not to do that the next time.
SECTION - IV (Textual)
6) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
"She stood up in a sudden impulse of terror. Escape! She must escape! Frank would save her. He would give her life, perhaps love, too. But she wanted to live. Why should she be unhappy? She had a right to happiness. Frank would take her in his arms. He would save her."
- Name the chief character of the story.
- What is the mental state of the girl here?
- What is the relation of the girl with Frank?
Answer: The chief character of the story is Eveline (from James Joyce's short story "Eveline").
Answer: The girl is in a state of extreme confusion, fear, and inner conflict. She is torn between her desire to escape her unhappy life and her sense of duty towards her family. She feels terror and desperation, yet also a longing for freedom and happiness.
Answer: Frank is Eveline's lover. He is a sailor who wants to take her away from Dublin to Buenos Aires, offering her a chance at a new life and possibly love and marriage.
OR
"Nothing is important but life. And for myself, I can absolutely see life nowhere but in the living. Life with a capital L is only man alive. Even a cabbage in the rain is a cabbage alive. All things that are alive are amazing. And all things that are dead are subsidiary to the living. Better a live dog than a dead lion. But better be a live lion than a live dog. C'est la vie!"
- Where does the writer see 'life'?
- What does the writer relate to in a cabbage in the rain?
- How does the writer signify capital L?
Answer: The writer sees 'life' only in the living — in all things that are alive, whether human, animal, or plant. He believes life is found in the state of being alive, not in abstract concepts.
Answer: The writer relates to the cabbage in the rain as a living thing that is amazing simply because it is alive. Even a humble cabbage, when alive, is a wonder and worthy of appreciation.
Answer: The writer uses capital 'L' in "Life" to signify the abstract, grand concept of life as an idea or principle, as opposed to the actual, concrete living beings. He argues that this abstract "Life" is only meaningful when embodied in living creatures.
Section: Poetry & Prose Extracts
8. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow :
For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And peace, the human dress.
- Who has given these traits to us humans?
- What is the importance of these traits for mankind?
- Name the abode of these traits.
Answer: God (or the Divine) has given these traits—Mercy, Pity, Love, and Peace—to humans as inherent qualities.
Answer: These traits are essential for mankind because they define humanity's moral and spiritual essence. They enable compassion, kindness, and harmony, making human life meaningful and divine.
Answer: The abode of these traits is the human heart, face, form, and dress—meaning they reside within human beings themselves.
OR
Or listen to the clocktowers
of any old well-managed city
beating their gongs round the clock, each slightly
off the others' time, deeper or lighter ...
- What relation does line one depict between the clocktowers and the city?
- What is the difference between different clocktowers?
- What is the tone of the poet in these lines?
Answer: The line depicts that the clocktowers are an integral part of the city, symbolizing its order, rhythm, and well-managed nature. They are like the city's heartbeat, marking time.
Answer: The difference is that each clocktower beats its gongs slightly off the others' time, and the sounds vary in depth or lightness—some deeper, some lighter.
Answer: The tone is reflective, observant, and slightly melancholic or philosophical, highlighting the imperfect harmony of life and time.
9. Answer the questions in about 100 words each (any two):
(2 × 6 = 12 marks)
- Why was her final vindication important to Tao Ying? (One Centimetre)
- Write a short summary of the poem 'Blood'. (Blood)
- What misconceptions about democracy does Sen try to dispel in 'The Argumentative Indian'? (The Argumentative Indian)
Solution: Tao Ying's final vindication was crucial because it restored her dignity and self-respect after being wrongly accused of lying about her son's height. Throughout the story, she faced humiliation and doubt from her husband and society. The vindication proved her honesty and integrity, reaffirming her role as a truthful mother. It also symbolized the triumph of truth over falsehood, giving her emotional closure and strengthening her bond with her son. This moment was a turning point, allowing her to reclaim her identity and stand tall against injustice.
Solution: The poem 'Blood' explores themes of violence, conflict, and the shared humanity that binds people across borders. It reflects on how blood is both a symbol of life and a marker of division—through wars, hatred, and sacrifice. The poet uses vivid imagery to depict the futility of bloodshed and the pain it causes. Ultimately, the poem calls for peace and understanding, emphasizing that despite differences, all humans share the same blood, urging us to transcend hatred and embrace compassion.
Solution: In 'The Argumentative Indian', Amartya Sen dispels several misconceptions about democracy. He argues that democracy is not merely about elections or majority rule, but includes public reasoning, debate, and participation. Sen challenges the idea that democracy is a Western concept, showing its roots in Indian traditions of dialogue and argument. He also refutes the notion that democracy hinders development, citing examples where democratic participation leads to better governance and social justice. Sen emphasizes that democracy thrives on open discussion and the protection of minority rights, not just voting.
10. Answer the questions in about 50 words each (any four):
(4 × 3 = 12 marks)
- What conditions made Captain Hagberd like Bessie Carvil? (Tomorrow)
- How does the use of the image of the shadows convey the idea of the poet? (A Lecture Upon the Shadow)
- Why does the writer emphasize that reflection is more important than reality? (The Mark on the Wall)
Solution: Captain Hagberd liked Bessie Carvil because she was patient, kind, and understanding. She listened to his obsessive plans about his son's return without mocking him. Her gentle nature and willingness to share his hope made her a comforting presence in his lonely life, contrasting with others who dismissed him as mad.
Solution: The poet uses shadows to symbolize the transient and deceptive nature of love and truth. Shadows change with light, representing how perceptions and relationships shift over time. The image conveys that clarity and honesty are fleeting, and that love, like shadows, can obscure reality, urging reflection on the impermanence of human emotions.
Solution: The writer emphasizes reflection over reality to highlight the power of imagination and subjective thought. The mark on the wall triggers a stream of consciousness, showing that inner contemplation and personal interpretation give deeper meaning to life than mere factual observation. Reflection allows for creativity and philosophical insight, transcending mundane reality.
SS—20—Eng. Lit. [SS-6020]
SECTION - V (Fiction)
(iv) How does the novel reflect the wholeness of a human being? (Why The Novel Matters)
The novel reflects the wholeness of a human being by presenting characters with both physical and spiritual dimensions. It shows that a person is not just a body or a mind, but a complete entity where thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected. The novel emphasizes that every part of a human—the flesh, the senses, and the soul—matters equally in understanding life's fullness.
(v) How could Anand get rid of the charms spelt by Prakriti's mother? (Chandalika)
Anand could get rid of the charms spelt by Prakriti's mother by using his spiritual strength and the power of his Buddhist teachings. He remained calm and focused on his inner peace, refusing to be swayed by the magical spells. Through his unwavering faith and meditation, he overcame the enchantments and freed himself from their influence.
1. Answer the following question in about 60 words: 4
Why was it essential for the tiger to show its might?
It was essential for the tiger to show its might to establish its dominance and authority in the jungle. By displaying its strength, the tiger could command respect from other animals and protect its territory. This demonstration of power was necessary for survival, as it deterred potential threats and ensured the tiger's position as a formidable predator.
OR
How did the tiger feel about the owl?
The tiger felt a sense of annoyance and disdain towards the owl. The owl's constant hooting and its perceived wisdom irritated the tiger, who valued action over words. The tiger saw the owl as a creature that talked too much but did little, and this contrast in their natures created a feeling of contempt in the tiger's mind.
2. Answer the following question in about 100 words: 6
Comment upon Madan's role in the circus.
Madan played a crucial role in the circus as a skilled performer and a loyal assistant. He was responsible for handling the animals, especially the tiger, and ensuring that the acts ran smoothly. Madan's courage and dedication were evident as he worked closely with dangerous animals, often putting himself at risk. His presence provided stability to the circus, and he acted as a bridge between the captain and the animals. Madan's role was not just about performance; he also cared for the animals' well-being, showing a deep understanding of their behavior. His contributions were vital to the success of the circus, making him an indispensable part of the team.
OR
Write about the tiger's opinion about the captain.
The tiger held a complex opinion about the captain, mixing respect with resentment. On one hand, the tiger acknowledged the captain's authority and skill in training, which commanded a certain level of obedience. However, the tiger also felt a deep sense of frustration and anger towards the captain for confining it and forcing it to perform unnatural acts. The tiger saw the captain as a symbol of human dominance and cruelty, yet it also recognized the captain's power. This internal conflict made the tiger both fearful and defiant, as it longed for freedom while being bound by the captain's control. The tiger's opinion was thus a blend of grudging respect and simmering rebellion.
SS—20—Eng. Lit.