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ENGLISH CORE CLASS- XII

Time allowed: 3hours Maximum marks:100

SECTION A – READING (30 Marks )

Read the following passage carefully. (12 Marks)
1. Many of us believe that “small” means “insignificant”. We believe that small
actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is
only the big things, the big actions and the big decisions that really count. But
when you look at the lives of all great people, you will see that they built their
character through small decisions, small choices and small actions that they
performed every day. They transformed their lives through a step-by-step or day-
by-day approach. They nurtured and nourished their good habits and chipped
away at their bad habits, one step at a time. It was their small day-to-day
decisions that added up to make tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in
matters of personal growth and character building, there is no such thing as an
overnight success.

2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic

process to growth. When we look at children growing up, we can see this process
at work: the child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk, and finally to run.
The same is true in the natural world. The soil must first be tilled, and then the
seed must be sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with enough water and sunlight,
and only then will it grow, bear fruit and finally ripen and be ready to eat.

3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to
his benefit. Gandhi grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not
wake up one day and find himself to be the “Mahatma”. In fact, there was
nothing much in his early life that showed signs of greatness. But from his mid-
twenties onwards, he deliberately and consistently attempted to change himself,
reform himself and grow in some small way every day. Day by day, hour by

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hour, he risked failure, experimented and learnt from mistakes. In small and large
situations alike, he took up rather than avoid responsibility.

4. People have always marvelled at the effortless way in which Gandhi could
accomplish the most difficult tasks. He displayed great deal of self-mastery and
discipline that was amazing. These things did not come easily to him. Years of
practice and disciplined training went into making his successes possible. Very
few saw his struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to
overcome them. They saw the victory, but not the struggle.

5. This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercised their
freedoms and choices in small ways that made great impact on their lives and
their environment. Each of their small decisions and actions, added up to have a
profound impact in the long run. By understanding this principle, we can move
forward, with confidence, in the direction of our dreams. Often when our “ideal
goal” looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged, disheartened and
pessimistic. However, when we choose to grow in small ways, taking small steps
one at a time, performing it becomes easy.

(I) On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1×4 = 4 Marks)

1. The main idea in the first paragraph is that

a. Big things, big actions and big decisions make a person great
b. Small actions and decisions are important in one’s life
c. Overnight success is possible for all of us
d. Personal changes are not important

2. What does the writer mean by saying ‘chipped away at their bad habits’?
a. Steadily gave up bad habits
b. Slowly produced bad habits
c. Gradually criticized bad habits
d. Did not like bad habits
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3. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the third

paragraph?

a. Gandhi became great overnight

b. Gandhi showed signs of greatness in childhood itself
c. Every day Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way
d. Gandhi never made mistakes

4. What is done by great people to transform their lives?

a. They approach life on a day-by-day basis
b. They build character in small ways
c. They believe in performing everyday
d. All of these

(II) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible. (1×6 = 6 Marks)

5. How do small actions and choices impact our lives?
6. Describe organic process of growth through an example from the text.
7. What according to the author is the ‘universal law of nature’?
8. How did Gandhi accomplish the most difficult tasks effortlessly?
9. Which things about Gandhi’s life were not seen by most people?
10. How can we achieve our ‘ideal goals’?

(III) Pick out words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the
following: (2 Marks)

a. intentionally / purposely (Paragraph 3)

b. of deep significance; far-reaching (Paragraph 5)

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Q2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

1. South India is known for its music and for its arts and rich literature. Madras or
Chennai can be called the cultural capital and the soul of Mother India. The city
is built low in pleasant contrast to the ghoulish tall structures of Mumbai and
Kolkata. It has vast open spaces and ample greenery. The majestic spacious
Mount Road looks like a river, wide and deep. A stroll on the Marina beach in
the evening with the sea glistening in your face is refreshing. The breeze soothes
the body, it refreshes the mind, sharpens the tongue and brightens the intellect.

2. One can never feel dull in Chennai. The intellectual and cultural life of the city is
something of a marvel. Every street corner of Chennai has a literary forum, a
debating society and music, dance and dramatic club. The intelligent arguments,
the sparkling wit and dashing irony enliven both the political and the literary
meetings. There is a young men’s association which attracts brilliant speakers
and equally brilliant listeners to its meetings. It is a treat to watch the speakers
use their oratorical weapons. Chennai speakers are by and large sweet and
urbane, though the cantankerous, fire-eating variety is quite often witnessed in
political campaigning. The more urbane speakers weave their arguments slowly
like the unfolding of a leisurely Karnataka raga.

3. Music concerts and dance performances draw packed houses. There is hardly any
cultural family in Chennai that does not learn and patronize music and dance in
its pristine purity. Rukmani Devi Arundale’s ‘Kalakshetra’ is a renowned
international centre. It has turned out hundreds of celebrated maestros and
dancers who have brought name and glory to our country. Karnataka music has a
peculiar charm of its own. It has the moon’s soft beauty and moon’s soft pace.
Thousands of people flock to the temple ‘maidans’ to get drunk with the
mellifluous melodies of their favorite singers. They sit out all night in the
grueling heat, swaying to the rhythm of ‘nadaswaram’ and rollicking with the
measured beats of ‘mridangam’. M.S Subbulakshmi is considered to be the
nightingale of the South.

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4. The Gods might descend from heaven to see a South Indian damsel dancing.
There are several varieties of South Indian dance – Bharat Natyam, Mohini
Attam, Odissi, Kathakali etc. age cannot wither nor custom stale its beautiful
variety. Bharat Natyam is the most graceful and enchanting dance form whereas
Kathakali is most masculine and virile. South Indian dances combine
voluptuousness with purity. Here every muscle and fibre of the body vibrates
into life, and as the tempo increases, a divine flame-like passion bodies forth as if
making an assault on heaven.

5. South Indian dress, particularly of the males, is puritanically simple. There you
cannot distinguish a judge from an ‘ardali’ by their dress. South Indian ladies too
look charming and graceful in their colourful Kanjeevaram and Mysore silk
saris.

6. South Indian cuisine, especially ‘dosa’, ‘idli’ and ‘vada’ are so delicious that
now we can enjoy them almost everywhere in India as well as in some foreign
countries. The Madras ‘idli’, which was a favourite of Gandhiji is served with
‘sambhar’ and coconut ‘chutney’.

(I) On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (2 Marks)

1. South India is known mainly for its

(a) tasty food
(b) traditional music, art, literature
(c) scenic beauty
(d) delicate and precise ways

2. South Indian dances are special because

(a) Gods come from heaven to see them
(b) there aren’t many varieties of dance
(c) they are pure as well as sensuous
(d) they make an assault on heaven
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(II) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible. (1×6 = 6 Marks)

3. How does the breeze on Marina Beach affect the author?
4. How do we know that music is very important for the people of South India?
5. What is the common connection between language, music and dance of South
India?

6. What makes Karnataka music charming?

7. Enumerate the features of Bharat Natyam and Kathakali form of dance.
8. What is Kalakshetra renowned for?

(III) Find words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following.
(2 Marks)
(a) ill-tempered and quarrelsome (Paragraph 2)
(b) smooth and sweet (Paragraph 3)

Q3. Read the following passage carefully. (8 Marks)

Whether work should be placed among the causes of happiness or among the causes
of unhappiness may perhaps be regarded as a doubtful question. There is certainly
much work which is exceedingly irksome, and an excess of work is always very
painful. However, work is not, to most people, more painful than idleness. There are,
in work, all grades; from more relief of tedium up to the profoundest delights,
according to the nature of the work and the abilities of the worker. Most of the work
that most people have to do is not interesting in itself, but even that work has certain
great advantages. To begin with, it fills a good many hours of the day without the need
of deciding what one shall do. Most people, when they are left free to fill their own
time according to their own choice, are at a loss to think of anything sufficiently
pleasant to be worth doing. And whatever they decide on, they are troubled by the
feeling that something else would have been more pleasant here. To be able to fill
leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization and at present very few people
have reached this level. Moreover the exercise of choice is tiresome in itself. Except,

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to people with unusual initiative, it is positively agreeable to be told what to do at each

hour of the day, provided the orders are not too unpleasant. Most of the idle rich suffer
unspeakable boredom. At times they may find relief by hunting big game in Africa or
by flying around the world, but the number of such sensations is limited, especially
after youth is past. Accordingly, the more intelligent rich men work nearly as hard as
if they were poor.

Work, therefore is desirable, first and foremost as a preventive of boredom, although

uninteresting work is as boring as having nothing to do. With this advantage of work,
another associated advantage is that it makes holidays much more delicious when they
come. Provided that a man does not have to work so hard as to impair his vigour, he is
likely to find far more zest than an idle man would possibly find.

The second advantage of most paid work and some of unpaid work is that it gives
chances of success and opportunities for ambition. In most work, success is measured
by income and while our capitalistic society continues, this is inevitable. However dull
work too, becomes bearable, if it is a means of building up a reputation. Continuity of
purpose is one of the most essential ingredients of happiness and that comes chiefly
through work.

A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using
headings and sub – headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever
necessary – minimum 4) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an
appropriate title to it. (5 Marks)

B. Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. (3 Marks)

SECTION B – ADVANCE WRITING SKILLS (30 Marks)

Q4. Your school is organizing a Public Awareness Exhibition. In connection with it,
prepare a poster to bring home the importance of conservation of electricity.
Your school is A.K. Public School, Green Park, Delhi. (4 Marks)

Or

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Namita/ Namit has come out successful in the XII class examination. She/he has
decided to have a party for her/his friends. Draft an invitation in about 50 words
giving details of venue, time and date.

Q5. You are Amit/Amita staying at Sunrise Apartments, Gymkhana Road, Pune. The
main road leading to this colony has three open manholes causing frequent
accidents at night. The streetlight is also not available. Write a letter to the Editor
of “The Times of India” expressing your concern about the apathy of the
authorities towards this situation. Also suggest ways to mobilize city dwellers,
with the help of school children, for the cause for safe roads. (6 Marks)

Or

You are Shreya/Shreyas. Write an application in response to the following

advertisement in a national daily. You consider yourself suitable and eligible for
this post.

Applications are invited for the post of a Nursery teacher/PRT in Y.K. International
School, Ghaziabad, UP. The candidate must have a minimum experience of 3 years of
teaching at the primary and pre-primary level. The applicant must have a pleasant and
energetic personality. She/he should be creative and adaptable. Attractive salary.
Interested candidates should apply to the Principal with a detailed resume.

Q6. You are an active member of the Animals Lovers Club of your school which
works for preventing cruelty to animals. Write an article in 150 -200 words for
your school magazine emphasising the need to co-exist peacefully with animals.
You are Zaheeda/Zahir of P. K. Senior Secondary School, Hyderabad.

Or

Over the past few years there has been a constant rise in coaching institutes and
private tuition centers all over India. Write an article in about 150-200 words
highlighting the exploitation of young minds that seek sincere counselling and
proper direction. You are Gurpreet, a student of class XII of Indira Public
School, Jamshedpur. (10 Marks)

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Q7. You are Suraj/Sandhya of Gargi Senior Secondary School Delhi. Games and
Sports should be made compulsory in schools. Write a speech for morning
assembly on the Importance of Games and Sports in Personality
Development in about 150 -200 words. (10 Marks)

Or

You have been asked to participate in a debate competition on the topic

“Community service once a week should be introduced in all schools and should be
graded”.
Write the speech in about 200 words either for or against the motion.

SECTION – C (TEXT BOOKS {FLAMINGO AND VISTAS}

and LONG READING TEXT {NOVEL}) (40 Marks)

Q8. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow. (4 Marks)
I looked again at her, wan pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma
and all I did was smile and smile and smile…….
a) Who looked pale and wan and why? (1 Mark)
b) What was the speaker’s familiar ache? (1 Mark)
c) Explain “as a late winter’s moon”. (1 Mark)
d) Name the poem and the poet. (1 Mark)
Or
Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example,
With ships and sun and love tempting them to steal –
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes
From fog to endless night.

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a) Why is Shakespeare wicked? (1 Mark)

b) Why is the map a bad example? (1 Mark)
c) What is the condition of these children as described in these lines? (1 Mark)
d) Explain “ From fog to endless night”. (1 Mark)

Q9. Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 30-40 words each:
(4×3=12 Marks)
a) How does M. Hamel prove to be an ideal teacher?

b) Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

c) Mention the hazards of working in a bangle factory.

d) Why does Dr. Sadao mutter the words “My friend” while treating the American
prisoner of war? What is ironical about his words?

e) What did Jo want Roger Skunk’s mother to be punished for?

f) Why did Zitala-Sa not want her hair to be cut short?

Q.10. Answer the following in about 120 – 150 words (6 marks)

Though Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate peasant; he was resolute and was able to
bring a change in the lives of the people of Champaran. Taking hints from the text,
write an article on the topic, “Grit and Determination can take you a long way”.

Or
A big boy pushed Douglas into the deep end of the swimming pool which could have
led to his death. Concerns regarding bullying and ragging persists in many teenage
groups. Quoting examples from the text, discuss the problem of bullying and its
effects on the victims. Also suggest ways to deal with this problem.

Q11. Answer the following in about 120 – 150 words (6 marks)

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Do you think Sophie is overambitious and Jansie is more practical? Discuss.

Or
How is Derry’s and Mr. Lamb’s behavior and attitude different towards people
because of their physical impairment?

Q12. Answer the following in about 120 – 150 words (6 marks)

How does the author bring in natural elements into the novel “Silas Marner”
Or
Illustrate is the ending of the novel “The Invisible Man” happy and just? What is your
reaction when Griffen gets killed and Marvel gets to keep all the stolen money? Are
you glad that the invisibility formula is hidden from Kemp , who could use it?

Q13. Answer the following in about 120 – 150 words (6 marks)

Eppie is a character who remains highly predictable in her reactions. Prove this with
reference to her character traits.

Or

Why did Kemp turn out differently than Griffen? After all they are both scientists. Is
Kemp less isolated than Griffen? Is it simply because Kemp has more money?

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Sample Question Paper
English Core
MARKING SCHEME Class – XII

1. Reading Passage 1 12 marks

1. Small actions and decisions are important in one’s life 1mark

2 Gave up bad habits 1 mark

3. Every day Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way
1mark

4. In small ways 1 mark

5. built character 1 mark

6. sequential series - e.g. of child 1 mark

7. to make oneself grow in a small way 1mark

8. tried to change himself – reform –grow in small ways 1 mark

9. practice- discipline –self mastery – used freedom in right way – worked on small things –
learned from mistakes. 1 mark

10. small step –one at a time – remain optimistic 1 mark

11 deliberately, profound 2 marks

2. Passage 2 10 marks

1. b) traditional music, art, literature 1 mark

2. c) they are pure as well as sensuous 1 mark

3. soothing effect –refreshing – brightens intellect 1 mark

4. Thousands flock to hear – sit all night in adverse conditions – 1 mark

5. Very pure – enchanting – divine 1 mark

6. soft beauty – soft pace 1 mark

7. South Indian – graceful, enchanting - voluptuous – pure - full of life –divine

North Indian – monotonous, mechanical 1 mark

8. Rukmani Devi Arundale’s Kalakshetra 1 mark

9. Cantankerous, mellifluous 1 mark

3. Passage 3 Note Making and Summary 8 marks

Title - Work: Desirable or Boring 1 mark

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Abbreviations : work – wrk. hour – hr., advantage – adv., opportunities – opp.

Positively - +ly., exercise – ex. 1 mark

Notes 3 marks

1. Doing wrk leads to

a)Happiness b) unhappiness

2. Adv. Of wrk

brings relief, delight, compulsive worthwhile input daily, occupied, fills time usefully, feel
pleasant, prevents boredom, makes holidays more important & zestful, provides chances of
success ,good opportunities, fulfillment of ambition, sound income, continuity of purpose

3. Disadv of wrk

Unspeakable boredom, waste of tme, something out of compulsion

4. Wrk – desirable – for complete happiness

Summary 3 marks

Coherence, spellings, grammar, sequence, correct understanding of the content, punctuation

4. Poster

Layout- Eye catching and visually attractive 1 mark

Content – Highlights of the main topic- Need of saving electricity 2 marks

Expression – Grammatical accuracy, spellings 1 mark

OR

Invitation

Format 1 mark

Content- what, where, when 2 marks

Expression – Coherence, relevance, spellings, grammatical accuracy 1 mark

5. Letter

Format Writer’s add, date, receivers add, subject, salutation, complimentary close.
1 mark

Content – Uncovered manholes, frequent accidents

- Can be lethal for all persons, especially small children.

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- Causes bad smell, pollution, breeding area for mosquitoes

- Lack of street light adds to the woes and difficulties.
- Authorities should take action. 3 marks

Expression – Coherence and relevance, grammar and spellings 2 marks

OR

Format Writer’s add, date, receivers add, subject, salutation, complimentary close.
1 mark

Content – Introduction reference to the advertisement

Complete Bio data 3 marks

Expression – Coherence and relevance, grammar and spellings 2 marks

6.

Format 1 mark

Content- 4 marks

Report animal abuse if you see it

Understand the link between animal cruelty and abuse

Teach children to respect animals

Volunteer to help animals

Support law that promotes kindness to animals

Expression – Coherence, relevance, 2.5 marks

Spellings, grammatical accuracy 2.5 marks

OR

Format 1 mark

Content- 4 marks.

One can find coaching centers in every nook and corner - Teachers and parents have equally
promoted their growth - coaching institutes boast of guaranteed success rate - publish inflated
numbers every year in leading newspapers and magazines - Education is a natural process of
learning that should not be forced upon the students.- institutes provide professional teachers
- necessary material required for preparation - provide a competitive environment - exams are
conducted by them to help the students evaluate themselves on a regular - charge high
amount of fees and sometimes provide sub-standard teachers to the students -to choose the
right institute is of prime importance - decision should note b hasty .

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Expression – Coherence, relevance, 2.5 marks

Spellings, grammatical accuracy 2.5 marks

7. Format – Title 1 mark

Introduction

- Outdoor games make us active, agile and alert

- Exchange of ideas and thoughts
- Social circle is broadened
- More joyful than sitting alone on computers and chatting 4 marks

Expression – Relevance and coherence 2.5 marks

Grammar and Spellings 2.5 marks

OR

8. a) Poet’s mother looked pale and wan. She was very old 1 mark

b) The fear of ageing and ultimate death / separation 1 mark

. c) She has lost her shining skin and strength and was like the hazy, obscure winter moon.
1 mark

d) My Mother at Sixty-Six, Kamla Das 1 mark

OR

a) Shakespeare and his work are of no use to slum children 1 mark

b) The map does not depict their own world of narrow lanes. 1 mark

c) They lived like rats in their cramped holes. 1 mark

d) Their future is foggy and uncertain. Their birth, life and death – all are enveloped by
darkness. 1 mark

9 (4x3= 12 marks)

9 a) selfless dedication- helped in the inception of school- 40 years of meritorious service-

made people conscious of imp. of their lang and national identity.

b) Basically kind trusting and compassionate – wanted peddler to enjoy – be at peace – did
not want to turn away a guest on Christmas eve – kind gesture to reform the peddler.

c) Ill lit, ill-ventilated, unhygienic, dingy hovels – high temp. – bends back of young children
–loss of vision – become old before time.

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d) Dr. Sadao trained to talk to patients – to comfort them – elicit

response. Ironical – as the soldier/sailor is an enemy - Sadao saves his life.

e) Jo finds mum stupid – mum should not have spanked wizard - wants Skunk to get back
smell of roses – mum to be punished – as insensitive , cruel, unfair

f) Hair cut by enemies of unskilled captured warriors – short hair worn by mourners –
shingled hair by cowards - indecent, undignified

10. Value points

An illiterate – did not give – tenacity of resolution bore fruit – able to bring Gandhiji – good
example of grit and determination – key to success – high achievement –optimism –
persistence always yields positive result – leads to incouragement, enlightment and
inspiration – grit and determination – dynamic and action oriented.

OR

Effect – author – unable to forget terrifying memories of childhood – robbed him of

confidence – develop life long complex – leads to major health and mental problems –
constant feeling of fear

Suggestions – deliberate planned effort – understanding of self and people – setting up of

school committee for monitoring – support of parents and community – awareness among
children to understand and report bullying

11. Value points

Both belong to poor families – Jansie practical and realistic – ready to work in a biscuit
factory – advices Sophie not to day dream – can’t be a manager – father will not allow

Sophie – not practical – dreamer – dreams of wonderful shop – wants to become an actress or
fashion designer – looking for something sophisticated and fancy full – over ambitious and
wavering mind

OR

Derry’s behavior – avoids seeing and meeting people – as people afraid/avoid to look at him
– ugly – call him poor boy – hates to talk to people – people unsympathetic and cruel

Mr. Lamb’s behavior – loves to meet and talk to people – garden house open to all children –
children tease him – make fun of him – Mr. Lamb not troubled – not afraid and shy of his
physical imapirment

12. Value points

  Marner – compared to a spider weaving a web. 

 When he loses gold – feels helpless – likened to an ant 

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  Silas tries to rehabilitate – a new emerging plant 

 His relationship with Eppie – flower in bloom 

OR

Ending happy – just in away – Griffen dies – Marvel becomes rich with stolen money – Sad
and not just – because Griffen dies – Marvel should not have become rich with the stolen
money – Griffen misuses his powers – creates terror – harms – steals – Kemp could also
misuse the research – happy ending if Griffen had realized his mistake

13. Value points

 Eppie comes as a touch of cheer – toddles in Sila’s cottage when she was two after
 her mother’s death. 
  Has golden curls which Silas fantasized as return of his lost gold 
  Loveable – accepts Silas as her father 
 Fond of outdoors – persuades Silas to grow a garden – affectionate to animals 


wavering. OR 
Her sense of responsibility and gratitude to Silas remain constant and

Both scientists – different approach – Griffen does not think about humanity –
preoccupied with himself and his research – disconnects himself with everyone –
overambitious – selfish – isolated from others.

Kemp – caring attitude – reflected in his actions – he asks the housemaids to keep
themselves locked irrespective of anything – apprise ,warns, and advises all about the
invisible man’s intensions – money is not a value – become reason for someone’s
isolation or evil acts

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