Compulsory English | Question Paper 2080-2023 of Class 12 | NEB | Old Course | Code-004 - PDF Download

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 5x3=15

As readers will discover, this book has a long history. I began writing it secretly in 1974 during my imprisonment on Robben Island. Without the tireless labour of my old comrades Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada for reviving my memories, it is doubtful the manuscript would have been completed. The copy of manuscript which I kept with me was discovered by the authorities and confiscated. However, in addition to their unique calligraphic skills, my co-prisoners Mac Maharaj and Isu Chiba had ensured that the original manuscript safely reached its destination. I resumed work on it after my release from prison in 1990.

Since my release, my schedule has been crowded with numerous duties and responsibilities, which have left me little free time for writing. Fortunately I have had the assistance of dedicated colleagues, friends and professionals, who have helped me complete my work at last and to whom I would like to express my appreciation. Thanks are again to my comrade Kathrada for the long hours spent revising, correcting and giving accuracy to the story.

Questions :

a. Where was the writer when he began writing the book ?
b. How did his friends help him ?
c. Why did the writer have to write secretly ?
d. Why do you think the writer had little free time after his release ?
e. What does the passage tell us about the process of writing ?

2. Answer any five of the following questions. 5x3=15

a. Explain the symbolic meaning of 'a voice coming from the rock'. How does the poet show his connection with his homeland using the word 'rock' in the poem ? (Grand Mother)

b. What is the significance of the proverb 'rushing around like a squirrel in a cage' ? (About Love)

c. What do the skeletal looking Sal trees signify ? Does it indicate the degrading condition of the environment ? Explain. (Hurried Trip to Avoid a Bad Star)

d. How does the landlord of the mountain sheep welcome the boy's uncle and his friends ? (A Story)

e. What is the intention of the old man in killing the boy ? Does he have any achievement at the end of his play ? (Purgatory)

f. Why does Mrs. Mooney choose the unpleasant way to get relief from her husband ? (The Boarding House)

3. Answer any one of the following questions. 10

a. How did the business women the writer introduced in her essay differ from their male counterparts ? In what way did they resemble male entrepreneurs of their day ? (Women's Business)

b. Write at least in three paragraphs the differences between a traditional society of the east and a modern society of the west in matters of pregnancy, childbirth and child rearing process. (A Child is Born)

4. Change the following remarks using 'supposed to'. 5

a. People say he is a heavy drinker.
b. They are worth five billion dollars.
c. Apparently it is unlucky to walk under a ladder.
d . They say England is dipping at a rate of one foot every hundred years.
e. People say he is living on a remote Greek Island.

5. Choose the appropriate verb from the list and report each of the remarks below as in the example. 5

promise, advise, urge, threaten, recommend
Example : You have got to lend me the money ! oh, please, please !
He begged me to lend him the money.

a. As smoking is harmful for human health, you should give up smoking.
b. I will buy you a ball if you do this assignment in time.
c. Why don't you get up a bit early ?
d. You should spend a week in Nagarkot.
e. I will report you to your parents if you do not submit the project work in time.

6. Change the sentences below using must, can't, may or might whichever is correct. 5

a. I am sure he is ill.
b. I am confident he is capable.
c. I am sure he is not a physician.
d. Perhaps he was listening.
e. Maybe he finished his job.

7. Change the suggestions below using ought to, ought not to, might as well or there is no point in + ing form whichever is appropriate. 5

Example : Let's not invite him. He is thoroughly busy.
There is no point in inviting him.

a. Why don't you carry a blanket ? You have got a lot of space in your bag.
b. Why don't you carry a blanket? You might feel cold.
c. Let's not argue about it. That won't solve the problem.
d. Don't take your children to the pond. They might fall.
e. Why don't you watch the match at home? They are going to televise it live.

8. Write a wish for each of the following situations using could or would whichever is appropriate. 5

a. You are ill in bed with flu.
b. You are out of work.
c. Your car has broken down.
d. It is raining here.
e. It is very cold here.

9. Add an appropriate relative clause to these sentences. 5

a. Our students could not wait to get back to their college, …
b. At last, the road department managed to repair the bridge.
c. The manager ………………. turned round suddenly.
d. We were all very grateful to Anish ………………………. .
e. When I returned from the departmental store, I found that my bike, …… had been lost.

10. Imagine you had enough money and time. Write a paragraph explaining where you would like to travel and what you would like to do there. 5

11. Write your views on 'studying abroad'. 5

12. Write an essay on the advantages and disadvantages of the 'modern social media'. The first paragraph should be on advantages, second on disadvantages and the third should conclude the essay. 10

13. Write a job application for the position of an assistant administrator fallen vacant in your local club. 10