Sir Issac Newton School

Papakovil Nagapattinam

REVISION EXAMINATION
Class 12 - English Core
Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.

2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

READING
1. Read the passage: [12]
High–altitude climbing is still a very dangerous task despite the availability of oxygen masks and other
protective equipment which modern climbers take with them. These, of course, are indispensable accessories of
climbing, but more important than these is the stamina of the climber which ultimately determines the success
of his attempt. Throughout his journey, death is his constant companion which he can keep at a distance only
with his superb presence of mind. He has to tread every inch of the ground with the utmost care, for a false step
may not only strike him a fatal blow but also bring disaster to the whole expedition. That is why all expeditions
invariably take with them local guides who are experienced climbers and who have a thorough knowledge of
the nature of the terrain. Moreover, a huge amount of capital is needed for financing these expeditions, and this
is generally provided by governments or rich private organizations.
The primary objective of the mountaineering expedition is to get to the top of a high mountain, which, in the
past has withstood all attempts to conquer it. But it should not be presumed that the expedition is a complete
failure if it does not reach its destination. Sometimes operations are temporarily suspended because of bad
weather, loss of some valuable equipment, or the sudden death of a very important member of the party.
Every big expedition takes with it men who are interested in botany, geology & various other branches of
science, and these men carry with them equipment for recording their observations concerning the weather, the
terrain & different forms of life in higher altitudes. Other scientists, explorers & expeditionists utilize the fruits
of their observations. Thus, every unsuccessful expedition contributes to the success of later expeditions. The
British Expedition led by colonel Hunt would have found their way to Everest much more difficult had not
earlier expeditions armed them with useful knowledge about the death-dealing weather which they had to
encounter in the Vicinity of the summit.
To ordinary people, mountaineering need not be a fearful journey in the land of snowstorms, where the brave
adventurer is always face to face with death. They can scale less ambitious heights, rest their weary limbs under
a quiet shelter and feast their eyes on the distant landscape. In the company of friends, they can enjoy an outing
near a waterfall or cross into the next Valley with haversacks full of provisions dangling from their shoulders.
All those who can afford to go to a hill station should seek this innocent pleasure, for it can be had without any
risk to life or limb.

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 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN questions from the eleven
given below:
i. What is the factor that determines the success of the climbers?
a. Availability of protective equipment
b. Availability of oxygen masks
c. The stamina of the climber
d. Height and weight of the climber
ii. What precaution should the climbers take during their journey?
a. Have a subtle presence of mind
b. Avoid causing a disaster
c. Have a good sponsor
d. Take local guides along
iii. In what way does a mountaineering expedition contribute to the wealth of Knowledge?
a. People interested in different branches of science accompany climbers
b. You learn to conquer the biggest hurdles of life
c. Even a failed expedition contributes to the success of later expeditions
d. Mountaineers carry equipment to record observations about weather and terrain
iv. How is an ordinary mountaineer’s experience different from that of a regular expedition?
a. They don’t have to be face to face with death
b. They can savour the landscape from a distance
c. They don’t have to worry much about finances
d. All of these
v. How does a local guide help an expedition?
a. They know about the place they live in
b. They know the local language
c. They help clean the environment on the way
d. They can help in case of fatalities
vi. Why can an expedition not be a failure?
a. Reaching the destination does not mark its success
b. Temporarily suspending operations become a necessity at times
c. Recorded observations of incomplete expeditions still stand useful
d. All of these
vii. How are recorded observations of mountaineers useful to others?
a. They give an insider’s outlook to mountaineering
b. They are not of much help as nature keeps evolving
c. It would otherwise not be possible to know about Everest
d. It prepares future mountaineers for what they’re going to deal with
viii. What is the primary objective of a mountaineering expedition?
a. Climb up and down; alive
b. Unfurl your flag at the peak
c. Reach to the top

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 d. Experience nature in its vicinity
ix. Find the synonym of "neighbourhood" in paragraph 3
a. Terrain
b. Summit
c. Altitude
d. Vicinity
x. Find the antonym of "opponent" in paragraph 1
a. Companion
b. Climber
c. Guide
d. Death
xi. One word that describes a mountaineer is:
a. Eccentric
b. Adventurous
c. Coward
d. Environmentalist
2. Read the passage: [10]
1. 'There is no need to define morality, let a man be simply compassionate'. This sentence expresses the basic
essence of morality, the extent to which it relies on compassion for its definition. For when we think about it, is
not that truly human feeling of compassion the basis of all morality?
2. Morality rests for its very meaning on the concepts of 'good' and 'bad' where 'good' refers to all thoughts and
deeds that do not aim at or accomplish any harm or injury or do not involve an attempt to inflict suffering on
others. Thus morality is based on man's ability to understand, being able to sympathize, feel kindness and
sorrow for, and identify himself with the sufferings of his fellow men. So, only compassion can give rise to oral
thoughts and feelings.
3. Depriving a person of what is his or what must belong to him – what is called stealing – for selfish ends,
taunting or insulting others through words or actions for self – gratification, violence – expressed verbally or as
acts of torture, Killing, etc. – for the sake of violence contradict morality as well as an inner feeling of kindness
and compassion.
4. When we talk about social morality of any kind, what comes into play is our ability to feel for the well-being
of our society. A certain moral code of conduct is ultimately necessary to ensure that the society does no fall
prey to degeneration of values, which would lead to rampant suffering and ultimately chaos. It is a concern to
help the society by safeguarding it from unwanted ills and malaises and ensuring its well – being. Society's
concerns are our concerns; anything capable of causing a detrimental impact on it in the short term or in course
of time is ultimately bound to affect us and our children.
5. There is the need to realize that man must continue to feel compassion for the sake of himself as well as
society. But like any other human trait, compassion ought to be continually exercised if it is to remain a
dormant force. Unfortunately, in modern society what we witness is the complete lack of kindness and
sympathy between fellow beings. One can only shake one's head and say that just like other cherished values
even compassion is getting eroded in the hustle and bustle of the mechanical existence of these times. What
remains is material values that look only towards immediate personal gains and in the process rid man of
whatever 'humanness' is left in him.

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On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN questions from the eleven
given below:
i. To define morality, one relies on:
a. Values
b. Compassion
c. Human Feelings
d. All of these
ii. Morality is based on:
a. Differences between good and bad
b. Man's ability to understand and sympathize
c. Inducing sufferings for others
d. Giving rise to oral thoughts
iii. The good in morality deals with:
a. Not inflicting suffering on others
b. Men being able to sympathize
c. Feel kindness and sorrow for others
d. All of these
iv. What is gratification?
a. Depriving a person of his necessities
b. Killing inner feelings of morality
c. Pleasing oneself by insulting others
d. Taunting people for fun
v. How can one ensure that society does not suffer?
a. By teaching them the lesson of morality
b. By preaching the lessons of Buddha
c. By following a model code of conduct
d. By feeling for the well-being of society
vi. How society's concerns are our concerns?
a. Capable of having a detrimental impact immediately
b. The world is a small place; one has to bear the consequences
c. What goes around, comes around; our karma
d. In due course of time, these concerns are bound to affect everyone
vii. Man must continue to feel compassion for:
A. His family
B. His friends
C. Himself
D. The society
a. Only A and B
b. Only C and D
c. Only A, C and D

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 d. All of these
viii. What does one witness in modern society?
A. Material Values hold importance
B. There is no humanness left in society
C. Complete lack of sympathy between fellow beings
D. Compassion being eroded by machines
a. Only A and B
b. Only C and D
c. Only A, B and C
d. All of these
ix. Find a word similar in meaning to “impose” in paragraph 2
a. inflict
b. accomplish
c. attempt
d. identify
x. Find a word similar in meaning to “widespread” in paragraph 4
a. degeneration
b. malaises
c. rampant
d. concern
xi. Find a word opposite in meaning “active” to paragraph 5
a. hustle
b. trait
c. dormant
d. eroded
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
3. Your school is introducing a five-week certified module on Graphic Design during the summer vacation. Draft a [4]
notice in 50 words asking interested students to register for the same latest by 20th April. Mention relevant
details like fee, timing and course coverage. You are Nishi/Nishant, Academic Incharge.
OR
As the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanpur, write a notice in about 50 words informing the students of class XII
that their Biology paper in the first term examination shall be conducted on 5th October instead of 29th September.
Give a reason for the change.
4. You are Atul Gupta. You are opening a new branch of your business house NEWLIGHT FURNISHINGS at C- [4]
32, Ansal Plaza, Delhi. Write an invitation to your uncle to attend the inauguration ceremony and bless you.
OR

Vikrant Public School, Patiala is celebrating its Annual Prize Distribution Function on 14th August. Dr. Akhil Raj,
renowned author is the Chief Guest for the occasion. Draft an invitation card in not more than 50 words to be sent to
the parents and guests mentioning date, time & venue.
5. You have a degree in architecture and you have worked for a British firm for 5 years. Write an application for [5]
the post of Senior Architect in ‘MIB Designs’, Lucknow. You are Mridul/Mridula, 56, Cross Street, Bhopal.

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 OR
Apollo International School, Karnal requires sports coaches and some other teachers. Each should be a degree holder
in physical education as well as an SAI-certified coach in athletics. You have seen their advertisement and you know
that you have these qualifications. Write an application in 120-150 words along with your resume. You are
Praveen/Praveena, M-114, Najafgarh, Delhi.

6. In most Indian families, particularly in rural areas, the girl child is considered inferior to the male child. As a [5]
result of this bias, a daughter is considered a burden and she suffers discrimination in the matter of food,
freedom, health and education. Write an article in 150-200 words showing how such an attitude is harmful and
unjust. You are Satyen/ Sunidhi.
OR
The Green Club of your school celebrated ‘Van Mahotsava and Environment Protection Week’ involving students of
your school. Eminent environmentalists, journalists and celebrities were also invited. Write a report in 100-125 words
on the activities performed for a local daily. You are Amrit/Amrita, Secretary of the Club.
LITERATURE
7. A thing of beauty ………. and quiet breathing. [6]
a. How is a thing of beauty joy forever?
b. What kind of sleep does it provide?
c. What do you understand by a ‘bower’?
d. Name the poem and the poet.
OR

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 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness, but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and
quiet breathing.
a. Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?
b. Identify the phrase which says that ‘it’ is immortal.
c. What is a ‘bower’?
d. Why do we need sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in our lives?
8. In the prose The Third Level, where had Sam disappeared according to Charley? [4]

a) Chicago, 1984 b) Galesburg, 1894

c) New York, 1950 d) Times Square, 1894

OR
Why did Sam refer to Charley's hobby of collecting stamps as a temporary refuge from reality in The Third
Level?

a) Because it indicated his wish for a peaceful b) Because he did not have a job
life

c) Because it indicated his bond with his d) Because he wanted to have the largest stamp
grandfather collection
9. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: [6]
The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and conquered it can
appreciate. In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death.
a. Which experience is Douglas talking about?
b. What can those who have experienced stark terror appreciate?
c. Why does Douglas say that there is terror only in the fear of death?
d. What is the verb form of 'terror'?
OR
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation
returned in miniature. I laughed and said, “Well, Mr. Terror, what do you think you can do to me?” It fled and I swam
on.
a. Which sensation returned?
b. Why is the sensation referred to as miniature?
c. Why did he laugh?
d. Why did the terror fled?
10. How did Douglas' experience at the beach in California affect him? (Deep Water) [2]
11. How did Douglas make sure that he conquered the old terror? [2]
12. What is the theme of the poem - A Thing of Beauty? [2]
13. How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life? (A Thing of Beauty) [2]

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14. How did Douglas’ introduction to the YMCA pool revive his childhood fear of water? [2]
15. What did Charley learn about Sam from the stamp and coin store? [2]
16. How did Sam reach Galesburg? What did he advise Charley to do? (Third Level) [2]
17. “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.” Explain on the basis [5]
of your reading of the lesson Deep Water.
OR
How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer?
18. What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley? [5]
OR
Describe briefly the scene at the third level of Grand Central as seen (or seemed to be seen) by Charley.

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