CBSE Class XII English Sample Paper 2

For Answers, Click Here

ENGLISH (COMMUNICATIVE)

Time Allowed: 3 Hours                            Max. Marks: 100

CBSE SAMPLE PAPER –2
This paper consists of four sections:
A       Reading (20 Marks)
B       Writing (30 Marks)
C       Grammar (20 Marks)
D       Literature (30 Marks)

General Instructions:

• Attempt all questions
• Do not write anything on the question paper.
• All the answers must be correctly numbered as in the question paper and written in the answer sheet provided to you.
• Attempt all questions in each section before going on to the next section.
• Read each question carefully and follow the instruction.
• Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question. Marks will be deducted for exceeding the word limit.

SECTION A (Reading) (20 marks)

Read the following poem carefully                                (8 marks)
The Fallen Leaves
Why should I be the first to fall
Of all the leaves on this old free?
Though sadly soon I know that all
Will lose their hold and follow me.
While my birth-brothers bravely blow,
Why should I be first to go?

Why should I be the last to cling
Of all the leaves on this bleak bough?
I’ve fluttered since the fire of Spring
And I am worn and withered now.
I would escape the winter gale
And sleep soft-silvered by a snail.

When swoop the legions of the snow
To pitch their tents in roaring weather
We fallen leaves will lie below
And rot rejoicingly together;
And from our rich and dark decay
Will laugh our brothers of the May.    - Robert Service

1.1 Below is the summary of the poem. Complete it by writing the missing word/phrase against the correct blank number in your answer sheet. (1/2 x 12 – 6 marks)
In the first stanza a fallen leaf laments its fate because it is the (a) ………………….. fall while all its (b) ……………… are still attached to the tree. In the second stanza another leaf still (c) …………. On the branch of the same tree expresses its grief because it has still not (d) ………………. Down. It has been fluttering since (e) …………… and feels quite (f) …………………. now. It is dying to fall off so that it can go to (g) ……………… It us looking forward to the approaching (h) …………………. Which will cover both, the trees, and the (I) …………………… with snow. Then all the fallen leaves will rejoice together as they (j) ……………… Finally from this soil arise the fresh (k) ………….. in (l) ………………

1.2 Complete the following statements on the basis of your reading of the poem. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank number. (2 marks)
The bough has been described as ‘bleak’ because …
Explain the term ‘to pitch the tents’…………..

Read the following passage.
Cataract is opacity in the lens of the eye. The normal lens allows light to reach the retina. When it becomes opaque and does not allow light to reach the retina, we are unable to see clearly. Today, modern medical advances have made cataract surgery very successful. New surgical techniques and intraocular lenses can restore excellent vision in 97 per cent of all cases. In the 1960s, Dr. Charles Kelman from the U.S started a technique called Phacoemulsification in which cataract was removed through minute incision. Then in 1998, Dr. Amar Agarwal from India started a technique called Phakonit in which cataracts were removed through a 3mm opening. In 2001, a special lens was made which went through a small opening of one to 1.5mm. This was called the Rollable Intraocular Lens.
The causes of cataract formation are not fully known. It is basically an aging Phenomenon. Next to old age are other factors like deficiency of food like proteins and vitamins, some toxic drugs, general diseases like diabetes, infections and injuries. To delay the onset of cataract, one should take nourishing diet rich in proteins and vitamins. Food such as liver, eggs, milk products, carrots, cabbages and yeast are good. One must protect eyes from excessive exposure to sunrays, X-rays, intense heat and injuries. Diseases such as diabetes and syphilis should be treated early and effectively.
There is no medical treatment for cataract. The only treatment is surgery. Once the cataract is removed, the eye is unable to focus, as there is no lens. So, one has to use an artificial lens. This can either be a pair of spectacles, contact lens or an intraocular lens. Spectacles can be used as they are cheap and within the reach o the common man. But these are very heavy and not comfortable. Further, if cone removes them the person is blind, Other disadvantages are that everything is magnified and the side view is very poor.
The second alternative is to use contact lens. This is an artificial lens placed on the eye. Unlike
spectacles they do not leave any lasting marks nor does the weather have the stigma of spectacles attached to his personality, Besides, they can be used according to the convenience of the person. The disadvantage, as with spectacles, is that when it is removed the person is blind. Another problem is that they have to be put on in the morning and removed at night,
which is difficult for an old person. So, the best method is to give the patient an intracocular lens. This is an artificial lens in the eye during surgery. It will remain in place till the end of life. his lens does not irritate the eye.
Today, cataract surgery is an out patient procedure. The patient comes in the morning for surgery and after the operation can go home. The surgery is done without any injection, without any pad and without any stitch being placed in the eye. This is called the no injection, no pad, and no stitch cataract surgical technique. The patients are not all admitted in the hospital and can go back to work the next day. Besides, complications like infection and hemorrhage are very rare. But if the retina or nerve o the eye is damaged, then even after cataract operation the person will not be able to see. (words 548)