Language – Part II – English
Instructions : (1) Check the question paper for fairness of printing. If there is any lack of fairness, inform the Hall Supervisor immediately.
(2) Use Blue or Black ink pen to write and underline and pencil to draw diagrams.
Note : (i) Answer all the questions.
(ii) Choose the most appropriate answer from the given four alternatives and write both the option code and the corresponding answer for each question.
Choose the most appropriate synonyms of the words underlined in the following sentences.
1. When our ridicule overstepped the limits, Amma would pretend to chide us.
2. I experienced not only agony and fear but also anger.
3. The snow on this face was dangerous, but we persisted in our efforts to beat a trail up it.
Choose the most appropriate antonyms of the underlined words in the following sentences.
4. We have a whole kingdom in which we rule alone ….. be wise or ridiculous ….. conventional or odd.
5. I opened it the way I had the first and its contents vanished.
6. Everything is so difficult now, food is so scarce and dear.
7. Choose the word that can be added after ‘good’ to form a compound word.
8. Choose the right combination of words used to form the blended word ‘staycation’.
9. Choose the right expansion of the acronym ‘RAW’.
10. Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.
I do wish that Joel wouldn’t leave of water on the landing!
11. Replace the underlined word in the given sentence with its unclipped form.
The pleasant music at the party is spreading good vibes among the guests.
12. Choose the word that has been misspelt.
13. Choose the right meaning of the idiom in the given sentence.
I did not become Lord Weston by twiddling my thumbs and hoping for favours.
14. Choose the word that cannot form a derivative with the suffix ‘-ship’.
15. Choose the monosyllabic word from the given options.
16. The police seized a lorry loaded with smuggled goods.
Replace the British English word with its equivalent in American English.
17. Fill in the blank with the suitable sentence connective.
It’s already very late and you can’t leave now. , it is raining heavily.
18. Replace the phrasal verb with the most appropriate single word.
The soft snow made a route …. which sometimes held my weight but often gave way suddenly.
19. The task force managed to complete the project on time many challenges. Choose the suitable prepositional phrase to fill the blank.
20. Identify the right pattern of the following sentence.
We must not throw garbage on the streets.
Choose any four of the following sets of poetic lines and answer the questions that follow. 4×2=1
21. “A film the mother-eagle’s eye
When her bruised eaglet breathes:
(a) Explain the comparison made in these lines.
(b) Pick out the words in alliteration.
22. “.. while on lower boughs
His puny offspring leap about and play:
(a) Whose offspring is mentioned here ?
(b) Where is it playing ?
23. “Life is hard; be steel; be a rock.”
(a) How should one face life ?
(b) Identify the figure of speech used here.
24. “.. I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.”
(a) Who is the speaker here ?
(b) What does he say about his subjects ?
25. “How can this shameful tale be told?
I will maintain until my death”
(a) Which aspect of the tale is considered shameful ?
(b) Mention the figure of speech used here.
26. “Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth.”
(a) What are the distinguishing features of man in this stage ?
(b) Explain the phrase ‘bubble reputation.’
Do as directed. Answer any three questions. 3×2=6
27. After removing the shoes, the boy jumped into the river. (Rewrite as a compound sentence)
28. My parents do not allow me to eat junk food. (Change into passive voice)
29. Mickey Mouse is one of the most popular cartoon characters among children. (Rewrite using the comparative degree of adjective)
30. Change into reported speech.
Weston : Did you open the door to the gardener?
Roger : No, my lord. I spoke through the shutter.
Explain any two of the following with reference to the context. 2×3=6
31. “His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide For his shrunk shank; …”
32. “What could they offer us for bait? Our captain was brave and we were true…”
33. “How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!”
Answer any two of the following questions in not more than 30 words each. 2×3=6
34. Why does Orwell prefer a cylindrical teacup to a flat one?
35. What were the various jobs undertaken by Nicola and Jacopo? What made them work so hard?
36. How was the chair made and how did the villagers react to it?
Answer any three of the following. 3×3=9
37. Create a catchy slogan for each of the following topics.
(a) Blood Donation
(b) Importance of Education
(c) Textile Showroom
38. Write atleast 5 different ways of keeping your eyes healthy and maintaining good eyesight.
39. Choose the right word from the list and complete the proverbs given below.
(a) Bare words buy no
(i) butter (ii) beauty (iii) barley
(b) The squeaky wheel gets the
(i) grease (ii) glue (iii) gelatin
(c) Keep your friends close, and your closer.
(i) relatives (ii) enemies (iii) neighbours
40. Study the following table and write three sentences on your inference about the data.
Indian Premier League, 2023.
Teams qualified for Play-offs
| RANK | TEAM | M | W | L | N/R | P | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat Titans | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 20 | +0.809 |
| 2 | Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 17 | +0.652 |
| 3 | Lucknow Super Giants | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 17 | +0.284 |
| 4 | Mumbai Indians | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 16 | -0.044 |
L – Lost NRR – Net Run Rate
Answer the following.
41. Answer the following in a paragraph of about 150 words.
(a) How did a casual incident in a hospital help Dr. Barnard perceive a new dimension of life?
OR
(b) Give an account of the preparations made by Hillary and Tenzing before they set off to the summit.
42. Answer the following in a paragraph of about 150 words.
(a) Describe the reminiscences of the poet, when she sees the casuarina tree.
OR
(b) Explain how the poet guides his son to face the challenges of life, when he was on the threshold of manhood.
43. Develop the following hints into a paragraph of about 150 words.
(a) Aksionov – young merchant of Vladimir – small family – trip to Nizhny Fair – meets merchant friend – stays at inn – Aksionov arrested – murder case – shifted to mines of Siberia – innocent convict for 26 years – grew old and weak – spent time in prayers – life of saint – respected by inmates – meets Makar and saves him – Makar feels guilty – confesses his crime – Aksionov forgives criminal – dies peacefully – order for release.
OR
(b) Lord Weston – Judge in England – Roger’s request – holiday – not happy – discovers a piece of paper – “Remember Caesar” – plot to kill – victim of fair judgement – warning message on Caesar’s assassination – 15th of March – takes precautionary measures – shuts doors and windows – sends away cook and gardener – Weston recollects – reminder message – Caesar, a gardener – appointment given – Weston’s absent – mindedness.
44. (a) Write a summary of the following passage.
We need to use our energy sources wisely and economically and conserve as much of our energy resources as we can. How can we do this?
Firstly, we must reduce our dependence on non- renewable resources. For example, can we design or invent vehicles that do not use petrol or diesel as fuel? If we can, then we can reduce our consumption of petroleum. Many scientists and engineers are working on this idea. Can we use water and wind power, rather than diesel or petrol or coal power to generate electricity?
Secondly, we must look for and use alternative fuels and sources. Rather than using coal, kerosene or cooking gas, can we use animal wastes or plant wastes? We have learnt to extract energy from animal wastes such as cow dung and plant wastes. One successful method is to ferment animal waste in closed containers and produce a gas called biogas, which is just as good as cooking gas. The waste from the biogas plant can be used as manure in fields and plantations. A second example is the use of windmills, where wind is used to turn a paddle wheel to produce electricity or to lift water.
Thirdly, we must make greater and cleverer use of the sun. The sun is a perennial source of light and heat for the earth, and it is absolutely free! If we could devise methods for capturing the heat and light from the sun and transforming it into electricity, mankind could benefit greatly.
OR
(b) Write a paragraph on an interesting news item you have read or heard about, in recent times.
45. (a) Write a letter of application to the Manager of a glass manufacturing company for the post of clerk. Enclose a detailed Bio-data with the covering letter.
OR
(b) Write a letter to your friend describing your plans for the upcoming summer holidays.
46. (a) Fill in the blanks appropriately.
(i) The turned the unrolled grain bags in the (cellar/seller)
(ii) The children are very happy with the new car. (Add a suitable question tag)
(iii) Mahathi is a great singer a talented violinist. (Fill in the blanks with a correlative conjunction)
(iv) If I (see) your message, I would have come to the airport to receive you. (Use the correct form of the verb)
OR
(b) Read the following sentences, spot the errors and write them correctly.
(i) My mother asked me when would I return from school.
(ii) There weren’t much women tourists in the group.
(iii) One of my sister lives in Canada.
(iv) The Captain as well as his soldiers were ready to face the enemy assault.
(v) I borrowed these books at the library.
47. (a) Imagine that you are vacating your house and relocating to another city. You are contacting an employee of a Packers and Movers Company to shift your household things. Build a telephone conversation with that employee in not less than seven exchanges.
OR
(b) Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
Dr. Carver was an American Black slave, who by dint of his ability became a scientist and educator of world- wide fame. A national monument has now been erected to honour him. This monument has been built at his birth- place in the United States of America. Carver’s life and achievements prove the American saying: “You can’t keep a great man down.” From childhood he showed qualities which gave promise of his genius. He would get up before sunrise to study the wonders of nature before the break of dawn. His guardians wanted to educate him but were too poor to do so. So, he left home when he was hardly ten years old, and began to work at small jobs. Thus he earned a little money for his school expenses. He continued to do so even when he was at college. Thus he passed his M.Sc. examination and became a professor. There he wrote several books on scientific subjects. His chief desire was to do the greatest good to the greatest number of people. He left all his life’s savings to found scholarships for research in Agricultural Chemistry. He knew that this research was bound to benefit farmers all over the world. Though world – famous, he never felt proud of his discoveries. “I discovered nothing,” he once said, “I am God’s agent – the instrument through which He works.”
Questions:
(i) How does Dr. Carver’s life prove that “you can’t keep a great man down”?
(ii) What can you say about the early life of Dr. Carver?
(iii) What did Dr. Carver do with his life’s savings?
(iv) How was he honoured for his commendable achievement?
(v) Is there anything to prove that Dr. Carver was a humble person?
12th Standard English Question Paper – Detailed Answers for Questions 1–47
Complete, exam-ready solutions for the Plus Two / 12th Standard English – Language Part II question paper (Maximum Marks: 90 | Time: 3 Hours). Includes synonyms, antonyms, idioms, poetic lines, grammar, prose, and writing skills.
Board: Tamil Nadu State Board | Subject: English – Part II | Total Questions: 47
PART – I : Objective Type (Questions 1–20)
Q1. Synonym of “chide”
Answer: (b) scold
“Chide” means to scold or rebuke someone mildly. In the sentence, Amma would pretend to scold them when their ridicule overstepped limits.
Q2. Synonym of “agony”
Answer: (b) suffering
“Agony” refers to extreme physical or mental suffering. The speaker experienced agony, fear, and anger.
Q3. Synonym of “persisted”
Answer: (b) continued steadfastly
“Persisted” means to continue firmly despite difficulty. They continued their efforts to beat a trail up the dangerous snowy face.
Q4. Antonym of “conventional”
Answer: (b) unconventional
“Conventional” means following accepted standards. Its antonym is “unconventional.” The sentence contrasts “conventional or odd.”
Q5. Antonym of “vanished”
Answer: (a) appeared
“Vanished” means disappeared suddenly. Its antonym is “appeared,” meaning came into sight.
Q6. Antonym of “scarce”
Answer: (a) abundant
“Scarce” means insufficient. Its antonym is “abundant,” meaning plentiful.
Q7. Compound word with ‘good’
Answer: (b) good-looking
“Good-looking” is a compound adjective meaning attractive in appearance.
Q8. Blended word ‘staycation’
Answer: (a) stay + vacation
“Staycation” combines “stay” and “vacation” — a holiday spent at home rather than travelling.
Q9. Expansion of acronym ‘RAW’
Answer: (a) Research and Analysis Wing
RAW is India’s external intelligence agency.
Q10. Fill in the blank
Answer: (b) leave
“I do wish that Joel wouldn’t leave water on the landing!”
Q11. Unclipped form of ‘vibes’
Answer: (b) vibrations
“Vibes” is the clipped form of “vibrations.” “Good vibes” means good feelings or atmosphere.
Q12. Misspelt word
Answer: (c) occassion
The correct spelling is “occasion” (double ‘c’, single ‘s’).
Q13. Meaning of idiom ‘twiddling my thumbs’
Answer: (b) doing nothing
“Twiddling one’s thumbs” means to be idle or waste time doing nothing.
Q14. Word that cannot form derivative with ‘-ship’
Answer: (c) book
“-ship” forms words like friendship, leadership, citizenship — but not “bookship.”
Q15. Monosyllabic word
Answer: (b) strength
“Strength” has one syllable. Others like beautiful, education, development are polysyllabic.
Q16. American English equivalent of ‘lorry’
Answer: (a) truck
“Lorry” (British) = “truck” (American).
Q17. Suitable sentence connective
Answer: (b) Moreover
“Moreover” adds additional information: “It’s already very late… Moreover, it is raining heavily.”
Q18. Single word for phrasal verb ‘gave way’
Answer: (b) collapsed
“Gave way” means collapsed or yielded.
Q19. Suitable prepositional phrase
Answer: (c) in spite of
“The task force managed to complete the project on time in spite of many challenges.”
Q20. Pattern of the sentence
Answer: (b) SVOA
“We must not throw garbage on the streets” → Subject (We) + Verb (must not throw) + Object (garbage) + Adverbial (on the streets).
PART – II : Poetry & Grammar
SECTION – 1 : Poetic Lines
Q21. “A film the mother-eagle’s eye / When her bruised eaglet breathes”
(a) Comparison: The poet compares the mother eagle’s protective watchfulness to a thin film covering her eye. Her attention is so focused that even the slightest breath of her injured eaglet is felt. The “film” implies a constant, vigilant presence.
(b) Alliteration: “bruised” and “breathes” (repetition of the ‘b’ sound).
Q22. “… while on lower boughs / His puny offspring leap about and play”
(a) The offspring belongs to the eagle.
(b) They are playing on the lower boughs (branches) of the tree.
Q23. “Life is hard; be steel; be a rock.”
(a) One should face life with strength, firmness, and resilience — like steel and rock.
(b) Figure of speech: Metaphor (life compared to steel and rock). Also Personification (life addressed as “hard”).
Q24. “… I mete and dole / Unequal laws unto a savage race…”
(a) The speaker is Ulysses (from Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses”).
(b) He says his subjects are savage, uncivilized people who only hoard, sleep, and eat — they do not know or recognize him as their king.
Q25. “How can this shameful tale be told? / I will maintain until my death”
(a) The “shameful tale” refers to the story of his wife Penelope’s suspected infidelity (or the disgraceful behaviour of the suitors).
(b) Figure of speech: Rhetorical question and Hyperbole (“I will maintain until my death”).
Q26. “Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, / Seeking the bubble reputation…”
(a) The distinguishing features of the soldier are: jealous about honour, quick to quarrel, and eager to seek fame even in battle.
(b) ‘Bubble reputation’ means fame or reputation that is temporary and fragile — like a bubble that can burst any moment.
SECTION – 2 : Grammar (Do as Directed)
Q27. Rewrite as a compound sentence
Answer: The boy removed his shoes and jumped into the river.
Q28. Change into passive voice
Answer: I am not allowed to eat junk food by my parents.
Q29. Rewrite using comparative degree
Answer: Mickey Mouse is more popular than most other cartoon characters among children.
Q30. Change into reported speech
Answer: Weston asked Roger whether he had opened the door to the gardener. Roger replied respectfully that he had not and that he had spoken through the shutter.
PART – III : Reference to Context, Short Answers & Skills
SECTION – 1 : Explain with Reference to Context
Q31. “His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide / For his shrunk shank…”
Reference: William Shakespeare’s poem “The Seven Ages of Man” (from As You Like It).
Context: The poet describes the sixth stage — old age.
Explanation: The old man’s youthful stockings, saved over the years, are now far too wide for his shrunken legs. This vividly portrays physical deterioration in old age — the contrast between his former vigour and present frailty.
Q32. “What could they offer us for bait? Our captain was brave and we were true…”
Reference: Edwin Muir’s poem “The Castle.”
Context: The speaker is one of the soldiers stationed in the castle. After describing the castle’s strength and the enemy camped half a mile away, the speaker reflects on the possibility of betrayal from within.
Explanation: The soldiers were completely confident in their defences. They believed no bribery or temptation could turn them against their own. Their captain was brave, and they were loyal and true. The rhetorical question emphasises their certainty that no offer could seduce them into betraying the castle.
The bitter irony, however, is that their confidence was misplaced. It was not the soldiers or the captain who betrayed the castle, but “a wizened warder” — an old gatekeeper. He accepted gold from the enemy and let them through “a little wicked wicket gate.” The soldiers, who believed they could never be bought, were undone by the greed of a single man among them.
These lines highlight a key theme: external defences are useless if there is weakness and corruption within. The soldiers had no weapon to fight against gold — the symbol of greed and betrayal.