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 a Blue or Black ink pen to write and underline and pencil to draw diagrams.
PART – I
Note : (i) Answer all the questions. 20×1=20 (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.
Choose the most appropriate antonyms of the underlined words in the following sentences.
Raja betrayed his friend to save his skin.
The Finance Department should get the ducks in a row before the audit.
The foreign phrase ‘magnum opus’ means the author’s
I could not attend the party ______ I had to take care of my ailing mother.
The meeting was postponed as the chairman was on an official tour.
PART-II
Choose any four of the following sets of poetic lines and answer the questions that follow. 4×2=8
And daily from the turret wall
We watched the mowers in the hay”.
(a) Who does “we” refer to ?
(b) What could they watch from the turret wall ?
And shining morning face, creeping like snail”
(a) Which stage of life is being referred to here by the poet ?
(b) Identify the figure of speech employed in the second line.
Bringing changes into a world resenting change”.
(a) How does free imagination help the world ?
(b) Identify the figure of speech.
In crimson clusters all the bough among”
(a) Who is the giant here ?
(b) Pick out the words in alliteration in the given lines.
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge….”
(a) Explain “three Suns”.
(b) What does Ulysses yearn for ?
As if to balance the prone brow
Oppressive with its mind”.
(a) Whose action is described here ?
(b) What is meant by ‘prone brow’ ?
Do as directed. Answer any three questions. 3×2=6
PART-III
Explain any two of the following with reference to the context. 2×3=6
Answer any two of the following questions in not more than 30 words each. 2×3=6
SECTION-3
Answer any three of the following. 3×3=9
PART-IV
Answer the following.
The aim of education is the overall development of the personality of man. It means the development of not only the mind but also the body. Games keep the body fit. A healthy mind can dwell only in a healthy body. For keeping a body healthy, games are indispensable. People who have developed the habit of playing games regularly can maintain good health. Games help to build a muscular body. They include sound sleep which is a sign of good health.
Therefore, games are food for the body, as knowledge is food for the mind. In fact, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Everybody likes games because these keep them physically fit and mentally alert.
Games help us to keep our body active and vigorous. They enable us to face dangers boldly. When a person plays games, his blood circulation increases and his digestive system improves. He does not fall prey to any disease. Games inculcate in us the spirit of sportsmanship. They also teach us courage and perseverance.
The earth is losing its forests. Trees cover about 30 percent of the earth’s surface, but they are being destroyed at an alarming rate especially in the tropics. Timber harvesting is a major reason for the destruction of the forests. Trees are used for building houses, making furniture and providing pulp for paper products, such as newspapers and magazines. At least 40 hectares of rain forests are being felled every minute, mostly in order to extract the valuable timber.
— End of question paper —
TN 12th English Government Question Paper – Complete Answer Key
| Q.No | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | likely (liable = likely to do something) |
| 2 | impertinent (impudent = shamelessly bold / disrespectful) |
| 3 | disorder (antonym of chaos = order / harmony) |
| 4 | undervalue (antonym of appreciate) |
| 5 | misery (antonym of splendour) |
| 6 | crude (antonym of sophisticated) |
| 7 | to save oneself from danger (idiom: save his skin) |
| 8 | to get organized (idiom: ducks in a row) |
| 9 | mill (windmill — compound word with “wind”) |
| 10 | best work (magnum opus = greatest work) |
| 11 | for whom — Gandhiji, for whom Ahimsa means infinite love |
| 12 | because — I could not attend the party because I had to take care of my ailing mother. |
| 13 | hood (American English for bonnet) |
| 14 | put off (phrasal verb for postponed) |
| 15 | Correctly spelt word (options not shown in the paper) |
| 16 | Compound word (Noun + Noun) — sunlight = sun + light |
| 17 | impartial (prefix “im-” + partial) |
| 18 | International Monetary Fund |
| 19 | shall we? — Let’s close our eyes and meditate for sometime, shall we? |
| 20 | champion (unclipped form of ‘champ’) |
(b) They could watch the mowers working in the hay fields from the turret wall.
(b) Simile — “creeping like snail.”
(b) Personification (the world is personified as resenting change).
(b) Alliteration: “giant” – “scarf” and “crimson clusters” (repetition of ‘g’ and ‘c’ sounds).
(b) Ulysses yearns for knowledge and new experiences — “to follow knowledge like a sinking star.”
(b) ‘Prone brow’ means the bent / leaning forehead — indicating the weight of thought or the position of the dying soldier.
Reference: These lines are from the poem “The Castle” by Edwin Muir.
Context: The poet describes the strong fortifications of the castle that seemed impregnable.
Explanation: The gates and walls symbolise the outward strength and security of the castle. However, the poem ironically reveals that internal betrayal, not external attack, destroys it. The lines highlight the false sense of security.
Reference: From “All the World’s a Stage” by William Shakespeare.
Context: The poet compares the world to a stage and human beings to actors.
Explanation: Every person enters the world (birth) and leaves it (death). Each individual plays many roles during their lifetime. The line emphasises the transient nature of human life.
Reference: These lines are from the poem “A Father to his Son” by Carl August Sandburg.
Context: The father advises his son about the hardships of life and how to face them with courage and strength.
Explanation: The father tells his son that life is full of difficulties and challenges. He should be as strong and unyielding as steel and as firm and steadfast as a rock. He must face adversity with determination, resilience, and courage. The metaphor of steel and rock emphasises the qualities of strength, endurance, and stability needed to survive life’s struggles.
(a) Brevity is the soul of wit.
(b) One swallow does not make a summer.
(c) Necessity is the mother of invention.
(a) I get up at 7 O’clock in the morning.
(b) Discipline is the most essential virtue one should acquire when young.
(c) I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.
First, wash and peel two ripe mangoes. Cut the flesh into pieces. Put the pieces into a blender. Add one cup of cold milk, two spoons of sugar, and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass. Garnish with a mint leaf. Serve chilled.
(a) The coolest place is the one with the lowest temperature shown.
(b) The place with the second highest temperature.
(c) The places with temperatures higher than Kanyakumari’s as shown in the chart.
41. (a) George Orwell’s ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’ — Distinctive ideas:
- Tea should be made in a teapot (china or earthenware).
- Use boiling water poured directly onto the tea.
- One teaspoon per cup and one extra for the pot.
- Pour tea into the cup first, then add milk.
- Stir the tea before drinking.
- Use strong tea without sugar (or with minimal sugar).
(b) Gardiner’s ‘On the Rule of the Road’ — Inference:
- Liberty is not unlimited; it must be regulated for social order.
- Everyone must follow rules — e.g., keep to the left on roads.
- Individual freedom must not infringe on others’ freedom.
- The essay stresses social discipline and civic sense.
42. (a) Stages of man’s life in ‘All the World’s a Stage’:
- Infant — crying and vomiting in the nurse’s arms.
- School-boy — whining, with satchel and shining morning face.
- Lover — sighing like a furnace, writing sad ballads.
- Soldier — full of strange oaths, jealous, quick to quarrel.
- Justice — round belly, wise sayings, formal beard.
- Pantaloon — spectacles, pouch, shrunk shank, manly voice turning to treble.
- Second childishness — sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
(b) Young soldier’s patriotism in ‘Incident of the French Camp’:
- The young soldier rode up to Napoleon though mortally wounded.
- He smiled proudly and reported the victory.
- He was faithful and brave — he did his duty despite death.
- His love for his country was greater than his own life.
- He died happy and content knowing France had won.
43. (a) Pi’s survival story — Paragraph:
Pi survived a shipwreck and got stranded in the Pacific on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, Richard Parker. He searched for water and found stacks of cans of drinking water, which was the elixir of life. It gave him energy. He managed to overcome fear and realised that he was alive because of Parker. The tiger, which scared him earlier, brought peace and purpose and helped him survive for 227 days. Later, he left Parker in a jungle and was reunited with his family.
(b) Ausable’s clever plan — Paragraph:
Ausable was a clever secret agent. When he entered his room, he found Max, an intruder, aiming a pistol at him. Ausable did not lose courage. He complained about a balcony outside the window, which the management had not blocked. Suddenly there was knocking at the door — the police, he claimed, for extra protection of an important paper. Max hid on the balcony and fell to death. Actually, there was no police and no balcony — it was all Ausable’s plan to get rid of Max.
44. (a) Summary of the passage on games:
The passage highlights that education aims at the overall development of personality — both mind and body. Games keep the body fit and healthy. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. Games build muscular strength, ensure sound sleep, improve blood circulation and digestion, and prevent disease. They teach sportsmanship, courage, and perseverance. Games are food for the body as knowledge is for the mind. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Games keep us physically fit and mentally alert.
(b) The Importance of Reading — Paragraph:
Reading is one of the most valuable habits. It expands knowledge, improves vocabulary, and enhances imagination. Books are our best friends. Reading develops critical thinking and concentration. It provides relaxation and entertainment. Great leaders and thinkers were avid readers. Reading newspapers keeps us informed. Thus, reading is essential for personal growth and success.
45. (a) Letter to Headmaster for duplicate mark sheet:
[Your Name]
[Class & Section]
[School Name]
[Date]
To
The Headmaster
[School Name]
[Address]
Sir,
Sub: Request for duplicate mark sheet of Class XII
I lost my Class XII mark sheet while travelling on [date]. I need it urgently for [college admission / job application]. I request you to kindly help me obtain a duplicate mark sheet from the examination board.
I shall be grateful for your kind help.
Yours obediently,
[Signature]
[Name]
(b) Letter of consolation to a friend:
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Date]
Dear [Friend's Name],
I was very sorry to hear about your fractured leg. I hope you are recovering well. Please do not worry — with proper rest and treatment, you will get well soon. I will visit you as soon as possible. Take your medicines regularly and stay positive.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Your loving friend,
[Name]
46. (a) Error correction:
- (i) Usha is not only a writer but also an orator.
- (ii) Though she is weak, she is active. (Remove ‘but’)
- (iii) The bus conductor gave me a one rupee coin.
- (iv) Children prefer sweets to snacks.
- (v) Pradeep is my cousin. (Remove ‘brother’)
(b) Fill in the blanks:
- (i) I had no peace. My friend gave me a piece of advice.
- (ii) How dare you open my bag!
- (iii) We saw a wonderful film at the cinema last night.
- (iv) Shopping is my favourite hobby.
47. (a) Story — The Dishonest Milkman:
Once there was a milkman who became wealthy through dishonest means. He had to cross a river to reach the city. There he mixed river water into the milk and sold it to customers. He made good profit. One day he went around the city and purchased articles, clothes, and other goods. While returning, as he crossed the river, his boat capsized. All his purchases were lost in the water. This was the right punishment for his greed and dishonesty.
(b) Comprehension answers:
- (i) Timber harvesting is the major reason for the destruction of forests.
- (ii) Trees are used for building houses and making furniture (or providing pulp for paper).
- (iii) Rain forests are being destroyed mostly to extract valuable timber.
- (iv) Trees cover about 30 percent of the earth’s surface.
- (v) The word that means “wood” is timber.