HSC English Model Question Paper Maharashtra State Board
Std:12th Sub: English Marks:80
SECTION I – PROSE HSC English Model Question Paper
Q.1. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
I had a very simple upbringing. We were a lower middle class family. Our 300 square feet house did not even have basic amenities such as a fan, a refrigerator, a geyser, a dining table or a gas stove; leave alone an air conditioner or a car. It was only when I entered the college that I got a watch and we got a dining table and a gas stove at home. Nevertheless, culturally, I had a rich childhood. Poets like Vinda Karandikar, Mangesh Padgaonkar and Vasant Bapat used to visit our home and for hours I could listen to the discussions about poetry and literature-Marathi and English. They used to talk about Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. I did not fully understand their discussions in depth, but I was immensely impressed. We also were lucky to have Pt. Kumar Gandharv, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and Pt. Jasraj visit our place and talk about Indian music till late night or sometimes dawn. This is how and why I developed my interest in literature and music during my school days. I did not and even today don’t understand the ‘grammar’ of music, but I began to love it tremendously since then.
Most of the times, the topics of discussion at our home were about music, literature, paintings, sculptures etc. I could listen to the discussions about Van Gogh, Mozart and Michaelangelo etc. It was because of such a milieu around me that I had a firm belief which I still hold that all arts are equally, if not more, important in our lives than Science or Technology. I had learnt from my childhood that money does not mean everything in life. It is necessary, but if at all there is something which enriches our lives and puts meaning to our existence, it is the arts, music and literature.
A.1 Write about literary topics of discussion at Achyut Godbole’s house. (2)
Literary topics of discussion :-
A.2 Give Reasons: (2)
- Achyut Godbole has firm belief that all arts are equal because………..
- Achyut Godbole developed interest in literature and music in his childhood days because……..
A.3 Explain: (2)
- “Neverthless, culturally I had a rich childhood.” Explain this statement in the light of the extract.
A.4 Personal response: (2)
- Write four to five sentences about your childhood memory related to visitors to your family.
A.5 Language study: (2)
- They used to talk about Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. (Use ‘would’ and rewrite)
- I did not fully understand their discussion in depth, but I was immensely impressed. (Use ‘Though’ and rewrite)
A.6 Vocabulary: Match the columns with the word and their meaning given in column B (2)
| A | B | ||
| 1 | Amenities | A | Enhance |
| 2 | Upbringing | B | Work of are created by shaping malleable objects or letting them harden |
| 3 | Sculpture | C | Facility/Infrastructure |
| 4 | Enriches | D | The raising or training of a child |
Q.B) Non – Textual Grammar. Do as directed. (4)
B.1 (3)
- ….ATM is.…useful Machine. (fill in the blanks with suitable articles and rewrite the sentence) (1)
- The story traces the downfall ….. a man who is overcome……greed. (fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions and rewrite the sentence) (1)
- The King asked them, “What do you call that game?” (Rewrite it in to Indirect speech) (1)
B.2 Spot the error, correct it and rewrite the sentence. (1)
- He is doing homework since 8 O’clock.
Q.2 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a “new world” so they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects. The duck was excellent in swimming. In fact, better than his instructor. But he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept until his webbed feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming but average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that, except the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make up work in swimming. The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down. He also developed a “Charlie horse” from overexertion and then got a C in climbing and D in running. The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree but insisted on using his own way to get there.
At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well and also run, climb and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian. The prairie dogs stayed out of school and fought the tax levy because the administration would not add digging and burrowing in the curriculum.
A 1) Global Understanding. (2)
- State whether the following statements are true or false.
1. The eagle received the highest grades in all the curriculum’s activities.
2. To meet the challenges of a new world, the prairie dogs agreed to admit in the animal school.
3. In the animal school, some animals selected the subjects as per their choice.
4. The duck never thought seriously about his average grades.
A.2 Complex Factual: (2)
- Complete the table with help of the extract which shows information about animal’s performances.
| Animal | Activity | Performance |
| The Eagle | Climbing | …………………………… |
| The squirrel | …………………………… | D grade |
| The rabbit | ……………………………. | excellent |
| The eel | flying | ……………………………… |
A 3) Inference / Interpretation / Analysis (2)
Explain and compare the performance of the duck and an eel.
A 4) Personal response (2)
Today’s textual education fails to meet the challenges of the changing world. Do you agree with this statement? Provide new ideas to make it meaningful.
A 5) Language Study (2)
1. The duck was better than his instructor. {Choose the word which is conjunction}
a. better b. than c. was
2. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school. {Select proper alternative which expresses similar meaning of the given sentence.}
a. As he was slow in running, he had to stay after school.
b. Though he was slow in running, he had to stay after school.
A 6) Vocabulary (2)
Match the pairs of adjectives and nouns in the given table.
| No. | Adjectives | Nouns |
| 1 | nervous | feet |
| 2 | new | average |
| 3 | webbed | breakdown |
| 4 | highest | world |
B) Summary writing (3)
Write the summary of the above extract with the help of the given points/hints given below. Suggest a suitable title.
Activities in the curriculum…………….. Participants and their performances …………. reasons of lowering grades …………… valedictorian etc.
C) Mind Mapping: (3)
- Develop a “Mind Mapping” frame/ design using your ideas/thoughts/ concepts to illustrate/ develop on the topic: “Best Sources of Entertainment.”
SECTION II – POETRY HSC English Model Question Paper
(POETRY AND APPRECIATION)
Q. 3 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (10)
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
A.1 Write down the words describing the lady in the extract. (2)
Words describing the lady in the extract:-
A.2 Give reason: The lady in the poem has a winning smile and glowing skin. According to the poet she is blessed with these things…………………………….. (2)
A.3 Personal Response: (2)
“Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder”. We all know this saying. Explain your views about it.
A.4 Poetic Device: (2)
Write down the rhyming scheme and rhyming pairs of the poem.
A.5 Poetic Creation: (2)
Compose four lines on ‘Beauty of Nature.’
Q.3 B) Appreciation: (4)
Write an appreciation of the poem “Money” based on the following points.
- About the poem 2. Central Idea 3. Special features 4. Poetic Devices 5. Your opinion
SECTION III – (WRITING SKILLS ) HSC English Model Question Paper
Q. 4 A. Complete any one activity from the following.
1. Drafting virtual message – (4)
Read the following conversation between Ms. Geeta and Rahul
Ms. Geeta: hello, may I speak to Adhir, Please?
Rahul: Adhir is getting ready for office, May I know who is speaking?
Ms. Geeta: My name is Geeta. I am Adhir’s colleague from the office.
Rahul: Hello. Geeta. I am Adhir’s elder brither, is there any message for him to be given.
Ms. Geeta: Yes, please ask him to bring yesterday’s confidential Report of Employee file to the office today. Yesterday, it was given to him. Our boss would like to see it today before tomorrow’s final audit and inspection.
Rahul: I will definitely inform him.
Since Rahul had to go for his morning walk he left a massage for Adhir. Draft that message in 50 words.
OR
2. Statement of Purpose (4)
Read the information given below and prepare a suitable statement of Purpose.
Pune University is one of the leading educational institutes in the country. It had launched new course regarding „Business English Communication Skills.‟ The course duration is of 6 months. You want to admit your name for that course. Make a Statement of Purpose which will help you get admission to this Course.
You may use following points- Your personal background ….. Reasons of joining this course……. Your strengths, hobbies & other remarkable activities…… Your ideas regarding course….Approach to career etc.
OR
3. Group Discussion (4)
Write four of five views in the form of dialogues to present group discussion in your class.
Your teacher has organized discussion session in your class. The topic for discussion is “Is the world giving women more opportunities to excel in every sector of society in 21st century? ” Imagine you are the leader of your group. Some of your friends are putting forth their opinions. Write an imaginary group discussion regarding this topic.
Points- Women status in the past and present, Malpractices in society, Education as a blessing, Women’s achievements, Changing scenario in the present world , Contradictory ideologies between male and female superiority etc.
Q. 4 B. Complete any one activity from the following.
1. E-mail Writing (4)
Write an E-mail to your friend informing him about how to use Paytm app on an Android phone. You may use the following points.
Points – Importance of Paytm app ……. Downloading with Playstore ……. Click on allow to resume the use of the app …….. Sign in with username and password ……… Attach bank account ……..Procedure of sending money or purchasing online …….. precautions etc.
OR
2. Report Writing (4)
Write a report of the celebration of teacher’s day in your college. You may use the following points.
Points – Day, Time & Place of the programme …….. Preparations ……Various programmes & events……Participation of Students as School employees…… Chief Guest’s message…etc.
OR
3. Framing Interview Questions (4)
Imagine that you are a representative of your college. You want to publish an interview of a social worker in the college magazine. Prepare questions to take his interview. (Eight to ten questions)
Hints: questions about his career, memorable incident and work
Give introductory statements and sum-up statements.
Q. 4 C. Complete any one activity from the following.
1. Speech Writing (4)
Write the speech on ‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education.’
Imagine your college is organizing a speech competition on the above topic. Prepare a speech in 100 words with the help of the following points.
Points – Benefits of online study …….. Drawbacks of online study ……… Variety of techniques used in online learning ………… Precautions and pitfalls in learning …… Instructions to use media wisely etc.
OR
2. Compering – (4)
Write the script to do compering of the given programme.
Your college has organized the elocution competitions on „ Eat Healthy, Be Healthy‟ programme. Dr. Sudhir Gupta is the chief guest for this programme. Imagine that you are a compere of this programme . Write the script to do compering. You may use the following points in an appropriate sequence.
Points – Introduction ….. Welcome of the chief guest……. Welcome song……….. Participants speeches……… Principal‟s message ………… Prize Distribution & guidelines by Dr. Sudhir Gupta… Vote of Thanks.
OR
3. Expansion of Ideas – Expand the following statement with proper illustrations (4)
- “Knowledge is Power”
Q. 4 D. Complete any one activity from the following.
1. Review Writing (4)
Write a review of any movie or programme which you like the most. You may take help of the following points.
Points – Introduction of movie, Story line/ Subject/Conflict, Casting, Type & Setting, Technological aspect used e.g. Animation etc. , Message, Significance of the title, Your opinion and rating etc.
OR
2. Blog Writing (4)
Write a blog post /article in a proper format on the following topic.
“WE MAY DEFEAT CORONA {COVID 19} i.e. Do’s and Don’ts during Corona 19 pandemic.”
Points:
1) Inform about the disease 2) Mention reasons of infections 3) Suggest measures to protect from the infection 4) Inform about diet, precautions that one has to follow during asymptomatic illness 5) Request to use masks, sanitizers and follow social distancing .
OR
3. Appeal (4)
The whole globe is hijacked by epidemic of Covid 19. All the industrial sectors are facing shut down due to this disease. The workers are not getting their wages. Your organization has arranged online campaign regarding raising funds to help such workers and needy individuals. Prepare an appeal for the people to contribute to the funds with the help of the following points:
{ Purpose of the online movement, Duration of fund collection, Description about how your organization will help the workers as well as needy individuals, Request for donations, Online payment methods , add your own points. }
SECTION IV – ( GENRE – NOVEL )
Q. 5 A. Complete the activities given below as per the instructions. (4)
1) Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the sentence: (2)
A) The European novel is often said to begin with
- Don Quixote, b) Tale of Genji, c) the Canterbury tales, d) Guliver’s tales
B) The word ‘picaresque’ is originated from………
- Spanish, b) French, c) Greek, d) English
2) Identify whether the following Statements are true or false. (2)
A) The present English word derived from Italian Language.
B) In the 18th century, the appearance of newspaper and magazines attracted a large number of readers from Upper Class.
Q. 5 B. Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below. (4)
1) Write the theme of the novel “To Sir with Love.”
2) Explain how the narrator played a crucial role in bringing a significant change in the students.
Q. 5 C. Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below. (4)
1) Give a brief character sketch of Passepartout from the novel “Around the world in Eighty Day”
2) The most important feature of the adventure novel is ‘Time’. Illustrate it.
Q. 5 D. Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below. (4)
1) Give the central idea of the novel “The Sign of Four.”
2) Explain the purpose of the meeting of ‘Mary Morstan’ with Sherlock Homes and Dr. John Watson.
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