AHSEC| CLASS 12| ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH| QUESTION PAPER - 2024| H.S. 2ND YEAR

 

AHSEC| CLASS 12| ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH| QUESTION PAPER - 2024| H.S. 2ND YEAR

2024
ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH
(NEW COURSE AND OLD COURSE)
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 30
Time: Three hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

 

NEW COURSE

GROUP-A

(Prose: 40 Marks)

1. Give brief answers to any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) Who is Miss Smith?

(b) With Which dance form of Kamrupa was Yakuma Natum compared?

(c) Where did Hazarika buy his Rolleiflex camera?

(d) What is vestry?

(e) What was the only thing Foreman could write?

(f) Whose arm searched for the perfect duck's egg?

(g) Name the restaurant Rama worked in after his business was over.

(h) Who translated the Assamese story 'Bina Kutir' into English?

(i) For which exam was the young man in 'Bina Kutir' preparing?

2. Answer any five of the following questions: 2x5=10

(a) How does Philip react towards Miss Smith?

(b) Write a short note on the significance of the title, 'A Cup of Tea'.

(c) Name the two places associated with Buddhism as mentioned by Dr. Hazarika.

(d) What is the 'lamentable ignorance' discovered by the new vicar?

(e) Make a list of the regular customers visiting Rama's stall.

(f) Why did Rama say, "Gently, brother. I was once a hotel-owner myself"?

(g) Who enquired about the monthly shipment of a product? What was the product?

(h) Present your impression of the neighborhoods where Bina Kutir is located.

3. Give answer to any two of the following questions: 3x2=6

(a) Who, according to you, is the Martyr in 'The Martyr's Corner'? Give reasons.

(b) What was the new vicar's talent?

(c) How does Hazarika recount his feeling about being an Indian as he moves forward in his journey?

(d) How does the narrator use the Cola-Cola bottle to facilitate the flight of his imagination in the story 'Bina Kutir'?

4. Answer any two of the questions given below: 5x2=10

(a) Comment on the significance of the story, 'Bina Kutir'.

(b) Describe, in detail, how Rama's business was finished.

(c) Give a brief account of Bhupen Hazarika's experience of visiting a Sri Lankan family home

(d) Describe the character development of Rosemary Fell throughout the story, 'A Cup of Tea'.

(e) Does the verger regret his inability to read and write? Is it impacting his life in anyway?

5. Explain with reference to context any one of the following extracts: 5x1=5

(a) And suddenly it seemed to Rosemary such an adventure. It was like something out of a novel by Dostoevsky, this meeting in the dust.

(b) He always said there was a great deal too much education in the world for 'is taste.

6. Give answers:

(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: 0.5x4=2

(i) dazed

(ii) fanciful

(iii) deportment

(iv) gratis

(b) Write the antonym of the words given below: 0.5x2=1

(i) glib

(ii) odious

(c) Write the synonym of the words given below: 0.5x2=1

(i) dilapidated

(ii) mesmerizing

 

GROUP-B

(Poetry: 30 Marks)

7. Answer any five of the following questions in full sentences: 1x5=5

(a) Who did the narrator of 'Ozymandias of Egypt' meet?

(b) Name the poet of 'Because I could not shop for Death'.

(c) At which moment did the speaker realise that he was in hell?

(d) Who is Alexander Selkirk?

(e) "Society, ________, and love/ Divinely bestow'd upon man." (Fill in the gap)

(f) Where is Innisfree located?

(g) With what will the poet build the cabin in the isle?

(h) For how many hours did it rain in 'Night of the Scorpion'.

8. Answer briefly any five of the questions given below: 2x5=10

(a) What does 'wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command' signify?

(b) How do you assess the symbolism of the Carriage that Death brings for the poet?

(c) What are Tippet and Tulle?

(d) Define war poetry. Give an example.

(e) Explain "I'm the enemy you killed, my friend".

(f) Highlight the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem.

(g) What is the significance of the 'bee-loud glade'?

(h) Mention any two wishes expressed by the peasants to help the mother tolerate the pain.

9. Answer any two of the following questions: 3x2=6

(a) What poetic device does Yeats use in the poem? Name three.

(b) Summarize Selkirk's view about solitude.

(c) How does 'Strange Meeting' challenge the traditional view of war as noble and heroic?

(d) Is 'Ozymandias of Egypt' a proper sonnet? Argue.

10. Answer any one of the following questions: 5x1=5

(a) What does the mother's reaction to the scorpion's sting suggest about her character?

(b) Bring out the central idea of 'Strange Meeting'.

(c) Explain with reference to the context:

"O solitude! where are the charms

That sages have seen in the face?"

11. Give answer:

(a) Write the meanings of the words given below: 0.5x4=2

(i) visage

(ii) recess

(iii) titanic

(iv) desolate

(b) Give antonyms of the following words: 0.5x2=1

(i) slow

(ii) diabolic

(c) Give synonyms of the following words: 0.5x2=1

(i) lantern

(ii) antique

 

GROUP-C

(Grammar: 10 Marks)

12. Add question tag to any five of the following sentences: 1x5=5

(a) You like a lot of sugar in the milk, ________.

(b) She does not speak Spanish, ________.

(c) Every dog has its day, _______.

(d) Don't ignore your parents, ________.

(e) There will be a strike tomorrow, ________.

(f) They will not come here soon, _________.

(g) He hit me, _________.

(h) Nobody came forward to help her, _________.

13. Correct the errors in these sentences and rewrite them: (any five) 1x5=5

(a) Don't make noise.

(b) Furniture’s were bought.

(c) She sings delightful.

(d) He had a strong headache.

(e) Hemingway is one my favourite author.

(f) Whom, according to you, will the prize?

(g) He is much younger than me.

(h) At last, the detective founded the clue.

 

GROUP-D

(Writing & Comprehension: 20 Marks)

14. Choose any one of topics listed below and write an essay on it: 10

(a) Your Favourite Science Fiction Film

(b) Social Media & Society

(c) Benefits of G-20

(d) Indian Hockey Vs IPL Cricket

15. Read the following passage carefully:

Pupil: Oh, I do hope so, Sir. I'm thirsty for knowledge. And then my parents too, they want most awfully for me to persevere in my studies. They would like me to specialize. They believe that nowadays a little general culture, however soundly taught, just doesn't go far enough.

Professor: Mademoiselle, your parents are perfectly right. You must continue your studies. I apologize for saying so, but it is really quite essential. Modern life has become very complex.

Pupil: And so complicated! ...Of course, I'm lucky, my parents aren't badly off. They'll be able to help me in my work, so that I can take the highest degrees there are.

Professor: And you would like to apply for an interview....

Pupil: As soon as possible. To start working for my Doctor's Degree. It's in three weeks.

Professor: Let's see, now, if you'll allow me to put the question... you already have your school leaving certificate?

Pupil: Yes, Sir. For Arts and Science.

Professor: Oh, but you're well-developed-for your age. And what Doctorate do you wish to read for? Material science or normal philosophy?

Pupil: My parents would really prefer to read for all the Doctorates -if you think it's possible in such short a time.

Professor: All the Doctorates? ....You are a very courageous young lady. I really must congratulate you most sincerely. Well, we'll try, Mademoiselle, we'll do our best for you. Beside, you are most knowledgeable already. And so young, too.

Pupil: Oh, Sir!

Professor: All right, then! We've hardly any time to lose. If you'll forgive me, if you'll be so kind .... perhaps we should make a start.

Pupil: Not at all, Sir. Please, don't apologize. I'm anxious to start. [The maid comes in]

Professor: Well now, Mademoiselle, what do you say to doing a little arithmetic... that is, if you don't mind...

Pupil: Of course, Sir. Willingly. I could not ask for anything better.

Professor: It's fairly new science, a modern science: strictly speaking I suppose one should call it a method rather than a science.... It is also a therapy. [To the maid] Marie, have you finished?

Maid: Yes, Sir. I've found the plate I was looking for. I'm just going. ...

Professor: Hurry up, please, and go back to the kitchen.

Maid: Yes, Sir, I'm going. I beg pardon, Sir, but please be careful. Not too much excitement.

Professor: Don't be so ridiculous, Marie. Nothing whatever to worry about.

Maid: But that's what you always say.

Professor: Your insinuations are entirely without foundation. I'm perfectly capable of behaving myself. After all, I'm old enough.

Maid: That's just it, Sir. You'd much better not start Mademoiselle off with arithmetic. It makes you tired and upsets you.

Professor: I'm too old for that now. And what business is it of yours anyway? It's my concern and I know what I am doing. You've no right to be here, anyway.

Maid: Very well, Sir. But don't go telling me I didn't warn you.

Professor: I'm not interested in your warnings, Marie.

Answer the following questions based on your reading and understanding:

(a) Outline, after the passage, the personality traits of the professor.3

(b) What was the professor's opinion on arithmetic? 2

(c) Why, do you think, the maid dissuades the professor from teaching arithmetic? 2

(d) Who is 'Mademoiselle' referred to in the passage? 1

(e) Find a word in the passage which means 'wise' and another which means 'a suggestion of something bad'. 0.5+0.5=1

(f) Give the noun of 'persevere' and adjective of 'philosophy'. 0.5+0.5=1

 

OLD COURSE

GROUP-A

(Prose & Poetry: 65 Marks)

1. Give brief answer to any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) What is celery?

(b) How much money had Della managed to save for Jim?

(c) Name the magazine that asked Mriganko Babu for a story.

(d) Who translated the story 'The Scarecrow' into English?

(e) In Narayan's opinion what does he lack?

(f) What is the compact city referred to by R. K. Narayan?

(g) Where was St. Peter's Church located?

(h) Whose masterpiece 'Of Human Bondage' is?

2. Answer any five of the questions give below: 2x5=10

(a) Who was Socrates? What did he promote?

(b) Explain the idea of 'armchair philosophy'.

(c) What did Jim do to get a gift for Della?

(d) Write about Madame Sofronie.

(e) Why did Mriganko Babu go to Durgapur?

(f) How did Narayan's driver behave when the car windows are closed?

(g) What are the two things that Narayan values most?

(h) Mention any four professions Foreman was involved in before joining St. Peter's Church.

3. Give answer to any three of the following questions: 4x3=12

(a) Prepare a character sketch of the verger.

(b) Discuss the reasons for the author's impervious attitude towards his car.

(c) Describe the western side of the road as observed by Mriganko Babu.

(d) Bring out the relationship between Della and the Queen of Sheba.

(e) Trace Lynd's reading experience with Epictetus.

4. Explain with reference to context any two of the following extracts: 4x2=8

(a) I am as sparing of objurgations as a philosopher, but I suspect that the scowling spirit within me must somehow show itself in my features.

(b) Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating?

(c) Your new servant does not sweep every corner, so he did not find it.

(d) ....I have a strong belief that man's ultimate destiny lies in walking, that is why he is endowed with a pair of legs....

4. Explain with refence to context any two of the following extracts: 4x2=8

(a) I am as sparing of objurgations as philosopher, but I suspect that the scowling spirit within me must somehow show itself in my features.

(b) Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating?

(c) Your new servant does not sweep every corner, so he did not find it.

(d) .... I have a strong belief that man's ultimate destiny lies in walking, that is why he is endowed with a pair of legs ....

5.  Answer any five of the following questions in full sentence: 1x5=5

(a) Name the anthology in which the poem 'Sita' is included.

(b) Who dwells in peace in the forest?

(c) What is brambly?

(d) Whose farm is referred to in 'The Brook'?

(e) Who is the poet of the poem 'Ozymandias of Egypt'?

(f) In the sonnet whose 'hand' mocked the King's passions?

(g) Where did the Knight meet the lady?

(h) To what are the shadows of the evening compared?

6. Give brief answer to any four of the following questions: 2x4=8

(a) How does the maiden realise that night is approaching?

(b) What did the lady do in the cave?

(c) Write a short note on the first speaker of Keats' poem you have read.

(d) What did the traveller come across in the desert?

(e) Describe the experience of the Knight in 'La Belle Dame sans Merci'.

(f) Mention some of the words relating to sounds that are scattered throughout the poem.

(g) How does Toru Dutta relate the past and the present in her poem?

(h) Why were the children gazing with wide open eyes?

7. Answer any three of the following questions: 4x3=12

(a) How does Sarojini Naidu represent the form and spirit of Indian folklore in the poem 'Village Song'?

(b) What are the features of Romanticism in 'La Belle Dame sans Merci' by John Keats?

(c) What is the central idea of the poem's 'Ozymandias of Egypt'? Discuss.

(d) In the poem, the brook is the narrator and the brook describes its own journey. Do you think the poet has a reason for this?

(e) Describe the hermitage where Sita is living.

8. Explain with reference to the context any one of the following extracts: 5x1=5

(a) When shall those children by their mother's side

Gather, ah me! as erst at eventide.

(b) And this is why I sojourn here,

Alone and palely loitering,

Though the sedge is withered from the lake

And no birds sing.

 

GROUP-B

(Grammar & Comprehension: 35 Marks)

9. Change any five of the sentences given below as directed without changing their meanings: 1x5=5

(a) It is sad that the honest man has died. [Turn into exclamative]

(b) He came here to see you. [Turn into complex]

(c) You are wrong and I am sure of it. [Turn into simple]

(d) Jenny is present today. [Turn into negative]

(e) Who cares him? [Turn into assertive]

(f) She will be helped by us. [Turn into active]

(g) Gill is taller than most other players in the team. [Turn into superlative degree sentence]

(h) I shall never forget your kindness. [Turn into interrogative]

10. Add appropriate question tags to any five of the following: 1x5=5

(a) My sister sings well, _________.

(b) Rashmi is writing a poem, ________.

(c) You like a lot of sugar in the milk, ________.

(d) Everyone was present in the meeting, ________.

(e) No one came forward to help the orphan, _______.

(f) Come here, _________.

(g) They will not go there, _________.

(h) Life is not a bed of roses, ________.

11. Fill in any five of the following blanks with suitable prepositions: 1x5=5

(a) What is the time ________your watch?

(b) Distribute the oranges ________six of them.

(c) The meeting was immediately called ________.

(d) He was absent due ________his illness.

(e) You may turn _________my proposal.

(f) My father is blind _________my mistakes.

(g) Her uncle deals ________groceries.

(h) May I sit ________you?

12. Rewrite any five of the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets in their correct tense forms: 1x5=5

(a) We __________(reach) the platform before the train arrived.

(b) If you had prepared well, you _________(score) decent marks.

(c) They ________(open) a book shop shortly.

(d) Paneer _________(sell) here.

(e) So far I ________(not here) such nice music.

(f) He hardly ________(visit) us.

(g) Stop talking, we _________(try) to enjoy the serenity.

(h) Rajkumar Hirani ________(work) on a new movie since 2021.

13. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods, fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bell a shake

To ask if there is some mistake

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep.

And miles to go before I sleep.

And miles to go before I sleep.

(a) Comment on the last two lines of the poem. 3

(b) Describe, after the poet, the woods referred to in the passage. 3

(c) Why does the horse give its harness bell a shake? 2

(d) Where is the house of the woods' owner located? Does the poet know him? 2

(e) What are the two sounds mentioned in the passage? 2

(f) Give a tentative title to the poem. 1

(g) Find a word in the passage which means 'strange' and another which means 'lovely'. 0.5+0.5=1

(h) Write the noun form of 'dark' and the adjective form of 'wind'. 0.5+0.5=1

 

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