HBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Answer Key

Haryana Board (HBSE) Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Answer Key. BSEH (Board of School Education Haryana) Class 12 English Answer Key 2024. HBSE (Haryana Board of School Education) Class 12 English Solved Question Paper 2024. BSEH Class 12 English Paper 2024 Solution. Download PDF and check accurate answers carefully prepared through my personal understanding, subject knowledge, and dedication to help students based on the syllabus and exam pattern.

HBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 Answer Key

SECTION – A (Reading Skills)

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
Scientists have developed a gel that helps brains recover from traumatic injuries. It has the potential to treat head injuries suffered in combat, car accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. Developed by Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina, the gel is injected in liquid form at the site of injury and stimulates the growth of stem cells there.
Brain injuries are particularly hard to repair, since injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells. So far, treatments have tried to limit this secondary damage by lowering the temperature or relieving the pressure at the site of injury. However, these techniques are often not very effective.
More recently, scientists have considered transplanting donor brain cells into the wound to repair damaged tissue. This method has so far had limited results when treating brain injuries. The donor cells often fail to grow or stimulate repair at the injury site, possibly because of the inflammation and scarring present there. The injury site also typically has very limited blood supply and connective tissue, which might prevent donor cells from getting the nutrients they require.
Dr. Zhang’s gel, however, can be loaded with different chemicals to stimulate various biological processes at the site of injury. In previous research done on rats, she was able to use the gel to help re-establish full blood supply at the site of brain injury. This could help create a better environment for donor cells. In a follow-up study, Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells, as well as the chemicals they needed to develop into full-fledged adult brain cells. When rats with severe brain injuries were treated with this mixture for eight weeks, they showed signs of significant recovery.
The new gel could treat patients at varying stages following injury, and is expected to be ready for testing in humans in about three years.
Questions :
(i) What kind of brain injuries can the gel mentioned in the passage cure?
(a) Car accidents
(b) Gunshot injury
(c) Falls
(d) All of the above
Answer – (d) All of the above

(ii) Why, according to the author, brain injuries are hard to mend?
(a) As it is difficult to find good doctors to repair it
(b) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells
(c) As the person dies instantly after his head is injured
(d) All of the above
Answer – (b) As injured tissues swell up and can cause additional damage to the cells

(iii) Which of the following statements is/are true in context of the passage?
(a) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina has developed a gel which could help brain recover from injuries.
(b) The gel developed for curing brain injuries is injected in gaseous form at the site of injury and stimulates the growth of stem cells there.
(c) The gunshot wounds are the worst injuries that a brain could experience and could not be cured by anyone.
(d) The new gel would be ready for testing in humans in the next five years.
Answer – (a) Dr. Ning Zhang at Clemson University in South Carolina has developed a gel which could help brain recover from injuries.

(iv) Which animal has Dr. Ning Zhang used to test her gel?
(a) Cows
(b) Mouse
(c) Rats
(d) Dogs
Answer – (c) Rats

(v) Which of the following statements is/are false in context of the study performed by Dr. Ning Zhang?
(1)She applied the gel on rats to help reestablish full blood supply at the site of brain injury.
(2) Dr. Zhang loaded the gel with immature stem cells, as well as the chemicals they needed to develop into full-fledged adult brain cells.
(3) When rats with minor brain injuries were treated with the mixture produced by her, for eight weeks, they showed signs of significant recovery.
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (3)
(c) Both (1) and (3)
(d) Only (2)
Answer – (c) Both (1) and (3)

(vi) Why do the donor cells often fail to grow according to the author?
Answer – The donor cells often fail to grow possibly because of the inflammation and scarring present at the injury site, as well as the limited blood supply and connective tissue.

(vii) Find the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning to the word ‘Traumatic’.
Answer – Calm

(viii) Find the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning to the word ‘Stimulates’.
Answer – Inhibits

(ix) Find the word most similar in meaning to the word ‘Combat’.
Answer – Struggle

(x) Find the word most similar in meaning to the word ‘Significant’.
Answer – Substantial

OR

A recent survey has brought back focus on teenage smoking. According to the survey 80% of smokers form the habit when they are minors. It is estimated that one out of five teenage smokers smoke about 10 cigarattes everyday. What is more, teenage smokers are no longer satisfied with nicotine and are increasingly taking to deadly contraband like marijuana and cannabis.
Initially, smoking starts from curiosity but soon becomes a habit. Oblivious of the fatal dangers involved, nascent smokers ignore even the statutory warning inscribed on the pack.
Forming the habit of smoking in an early age is often attributed to a whole lot of psychological reasons but the problem is also precipitated by the glamorous representation of smoking by stars on the silver screen, linking it with style.
Peer pressure is another big reason for minors taking up smoking. Besides, locally manufactured tax free cigarettes also push them towards this habit. These cigarettes are particularly popular among the youth, as they are available at a significantly lower price than the legally manufactured cigarettes. According to a FICCI report on these cigarettes, the government suffers huge revenue loss annually due to them, while youths fall victim to smoking. While in the short term smokers get sick due to common ailments, in the long run their lungs get badly affected. Diseases such oral cancer are associated with tobacco use in any form.
Smokers can quit smoking by monitoring some of their food habits. Food rich in vitamin C reduces the urge to smoke. Also milk, celery, carrot, fruits and vegetables when taken before smoking, compel the smoker to quit the habit.
Questions :
(i) Why have teenagers started consuming contraband and have not remained satisfied with nicotine consumption only?
(a) It is cheaper than the cigarettes
(b) It does not have harmful impact on health
(c) People consuming contraband are not looked down upon by the society
(d) Not mentioned in the passage
Answer – (d) Not mentioned in the passage

(ii) Why are locally manufactured cigarettes sold at a lower price?
(a) Because they are popular
(b) No tax is levied on these cigarettes
(c) The manufacturers of these cigarettes intend to capture a bigger market share
(d) They have a limited market and therefore cannot be sold at a higher price
Answer – (b) No tax is levied on these cigarettes

(iii) Which of the following is false in context of the passage?
(a) Most of the smokers start smoking at an early age
(b) Smoking leads to psychological diseases leading to a weak memory
(c) People drawn to smoking are charmed by big stars showing smoking on the screen
(d) Smoking affects lungs if the habit is not got rid of at an early stage
Answer – (b) Smoking leads to psychological diseases leading to a weak memory

(iv) Which of the following has been mentioned about the FICCI report in the passage?
(a) Tax free cigarettes help keep a vigil on frequent smokers as they are sold at few shops only
(b) More and more people indulge in smoking as tax free cigarettes remain available at a reduced price
(c) Tax free cigarettes cause a huge revenue loss to the government
(d) Only (b) and (c)
Answer – (d) Only (b) and (c)

(v) Which of the following food items do not help smokers get rid of smoking?
(a) Vegetables
(b) Fruits
(c) Celery
(d) Chocolate
Answer – (d) Chocolate

(vi) Who ignores the statutory warning inscribed on the pack of cigarettes?
Answer – Nascent smokers

(vii) Find the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘annually’.
Answer – Yearly

(viii) Find the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘nascent’.
Answer – New

(ix) According to the passage the smokers can quit smoking by ……………
Answer – monitoring some of their food habits.

(x) Initially, smoking starts from curiosity but soon becomes a habit. …………… is another big reason for minors taking up smoking.
Answer – Peer pressure

2. Read the following passage carefully and make notes on it using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary) supply an appropriate title also :
A vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10 percent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk, according to a new study. The startling findings of scientists working with the United Nations Environment Programme indicate that the spectacular economic growth seen in this part of the world in the past decade may soon falter as a result of pollution.
Research carried out in India indicates that the haze caused by pollution might be reducing winter rice harvests by as much as 10 percent, the report said. “Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops and trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impact of reduced sunlight on earth’s surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading to several hundred of thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher level of respiratory diseases”, it said. Results from seven cities in India alone, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, estimate that air pollution was annually responsible for 24000 premature deaths in the early 1990s.
Answer –

Title: Pollution and its effects
1. Pollution
1.1 Bad effects of pollution
1.2 Cut down sunlight
1.3 Dmg. agri.
1.4 Rainfall pattern changed
1.5 Life at risk
2. Scientists view on pollution
2.1 Faulty economic growth
2.2 Haze due to pollution reduces rice prod. by 10%
2.3 Acid rain dmg. crops and trees
2.4 Ash reduces sunlight
3. Side effects of haze
3.1 Reduces rice production
3.2 Causes premature deaths due to respiratory diseases
Abbreviations :
Dmg. – Damaged
Agri. – Agriculture
Prod. – Production

SECTION – B (Grammar)

3. Attempt any two from each sub-part :
(a) Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals / auxiliaries :
(i) The daughter asked her mother if she ………… go out.
(a) shall
(b) may
(c) would
(d) can
Answer – (c) would

(ii) Speak slowly lest you ………… awake the child.
Answer – should

(iii) ………… her soul rest in peace!
Answer – May

(b) Change the narration :
(i) The speaker said, “Be quiet and listen to my words”.
Answer – The speaker commanded to be quiet and listen to his words.

(ii) He said to me, “I don’t believe you”.
Answer – He told me that he did not believe me.

(iii) ‘Where is the post office?’ asked the stranger.
(a) The stranger asked where the post office was.
(b) The stranger asks where the post office were.
(c) The stranger said where is the post office.
(d) The stranger asked in surprise where is the post office?
Answer – (a) The stranger asked where the post office was.

(c) Fill in the blanks with suitable articles wherever necessary :
(i) Do you see ………… blue sky?
Answer – the

(ii) ………… music is my life.
Answer – X

(iii) I gave him …………… one-rupee note.
(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) X
Answer – (a) a

(d) Change the voice of the following sentences :
(i) Nobody touched your bag.
Answer – Your bag was touched by nobody.

(ii) Why did you not tell me this?
Answer – Why was I not told this by you?

(iii) You must ask your parents.
(a) Your parents must be asked by you.
(b) You must be asked by your parents.
(c) Your parents must ask you.
(d) You ask your parents must be.
Answer – (a) Your parents must be asked by you.

(e) Fill in the blanks with correct form of the verbs given in the brackets :
(i) It seldom ………… (rain) here in February.
Answer – rains

(ii) He ………… (go) to Shimla tomorrow.
Answer – will go / is going

(iii) The child ………… (cry) because it cannot find its mother.
(a) is crying
(b) cried
(c) was crying
(d) shall crying
Answer – (a) is crying

SECTION – C (Creative Writing Skills)

4. Attempt any one from (a), (b) and (c) given below :
(a) Every year in the central part of the city a flower show is held in the month of February. Your school has received a circular from the District Collector inviting your students to visit it. Write a notice in about 50 words informing the students about the show and advising them to go and enjoy it. You are Navtej / Navita, Head Boy / Head Girl, Sunrise Public School, Surat.
Answer –

(b) You want to rent out your newly constructed flat in the heart of the city. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in ‘The Deccan Herald’, Bangalore under classified columns. Give all the necessary details. You are MohanMahima of Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
Answer –

(c) Prepare a poster in not more than 50 words on kindness to animals to be displayed in the city at public places appealing to people to show kindness to animals. You are Secretary of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Answer – Do self

5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :
(a) You have noticed many stray animals on the road during the busy hours of the day. These animals have caused traffic jam as well as accidents. You have already written to the concerned authorities but no action has been taken so far. So write a letter to the Editor of a leading newspaper telling him about the nuisance created by the stray animals. Sign your name as Preeti / Krishnan, C/5, Assam.
Answer –

C/5, Assam
27 Feb 20XX

The Editor
The Tribune
Chandigarh

Subject: Stray Animals Causing Traffic Hazards

Dear Sir / Madam,
I wish to draw attention to the serious problem of stray animals on our roads, especially during peak hours. They frequently cause traffic jams and accidents, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk.
Despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no effective measures have been taken so far. Immediate action is needed to control the stray animal population and ensure public safety.
I request your esteemed newspaper to highlight this issue and urge the concerned authorities to act promptly.

Yours sincerely,
Krishnan

(b) You are Ram / Rajani, living at 1, Rana Pratap Marg, New Delhi. Read the advertisement given below and apply for the job that suits you giving your bio-data separately.
Sun University requires Lecturers in English and Demonstrators in Physics, Chemistry and Botany for their new Campus at Panipat. Candidates with a minimum of 5 year experience alone can apply. Excellent command of English is a must. Excellent package and compensation for experienced persons. Those interested may e-mail to sununiversityjobs@ gmail.com or mail their response to : Box No. 123, ‘The Harbinger’, New Delhi.
Answer –

Rajani
1, Rana Pratap Marg
New Delhi

28 Sep 20XX

To
The Hiring Manager
Sun University
Box No. 123
The Harbinger
New Delhi

Subject : Application for the Post of Lecturer in English

Respected Sir / Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Lecturer in English at Sun University’s new campus at Panipat, as advertised. With over five years of teaching experience and an excellent command of the English language, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your academic team.I would be grateful if you consider my application for the post. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
Rajani

Bio-Data
Name: Rajani
Address: 1, Rana Pratap Marg, New Delhi
Position Applied For: Lecturer in English
Experience: Over 5 years of teaching English
Educational Qualifications: [List degrees, e.g., M.A. English Literature, B.Ed.]
Skills: Excellent command of English (spoken and written), communication skills, syllabus planning, student engagement
Contact Number: 97XXXXXX63
Email ID: [Your email address]

6. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :
(a) You are Ramesh / Rani, Sports Secretary, Government Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh. Last Monday an inter-school twenty-over cricket match was played on your school ground. Write a report in 100-125 words on the match.
Answer –

(b) Last week as you were coming back from school you happened to see a huge plastic bag full of leftovers of food being flung into the middle of the road from a speeding car. You wondered how people can be so devoid of civic sense. Write an article in 125-150 words on why we lack civic sense and how civic sense can be inculcated in children at a very young age. You are Shiva / Shamini.
Answer –

SECTION – D (Literature)

7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any one of the two extracts (A) and (B) :
(A) But soon
put that thought away
looked out at young
Trees sprinting, merry children spilling
Out of their home, but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards away
Questions :
(i) What thought does the poetess put away?
(a) of getting rich
(b) of getting poor
(c) Ageing of her mother
(d) Ageing of herself
Answer – (c) Ageing of her mother

(ii) What did the poetess notice when she looked out of the car?
(a) Youth running on the road
(b) Children fighting with one another
(c) Car was running speedily
(d) None of these
Answer – (d) None of these

(iii) Which poetic device has been used in ‘Young trees sprinting’?
(a) Alliteration
(b) Personification
(c) Pun
(d) None of these
Answer – (b) Personification

(iv) What was Kamala Das feared of?
(a) losing her mother
(b) losing her flight
(c) losing her job
(d) losing her rapport
Answer – (a) losing her mother

(v) What made the poet look out of the car?
(a) Her laziness
(b) Her lethargy
(c) Pathetic condition of her mother
(d) Pathetic condition of her car
Answer – (c) Pathetic condition of her mother

(B) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across the screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree :
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Questions :
(i) Name the poem.
(a) My Mother at Sixty Six
(b) An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
(c) Keeping Quiet
(d) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
Answer – (d) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

(ii) What does the word “prance” mean in the stanza?
(a) To walk with proud gait
(b) To sit idly
(c) To eat wild animals
(d) To bask in the sun
Answer – (a) To walk with proud gait

(iii) Which poetic devices has been used in the line “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers prance across the screen”?
(a) Pun
(b) Personification
(c) Antithesis
(d) Transferred Epithet
Answer – (b) Personification

(iv) Why have the tigers been called Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers?
(a) For Aunt is the owner of the Tigers
(b) For Aunt Jennifer has created them on a screen
(c) For Aunt Jennifer has bought them
(d) For Aunt Jennifer controls them in the ring
Answer – (b) For Aunt Jennifer has created them on a screen

(v) What does the poet mean by “They do not fear the men beneath the tree”?
(a) They are not afraid of humans.
(b) They are not afraid of anyone.
(c) They walk freely and confidently.
(d) All of these
Answer – (d) All of these

8. Read any one of the following extracts (A) and (B) carefully and answer the questions that follow :
(A) On the days when there was a crowd shooting, you could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the surface of the face in the process of applying makeup. He wasn’t exactly a boy; he was in his early forties, having entered the studios years ago in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screenwriter, director, or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a poet.
Questions :
(i) Who does ‘he’ refer to in the passage?
(a) The office boy
(b) A star actor
(c) A top screenwriter
(d) A lyrics writer
Answer – (a) The office boy

(ii) What work did he do in the Gemini Studios?
(a) He did the makeup of heroes.
(b) He did the makeup of heroines.
(c) He did the makeup of child artists.
(d) He did the makeup of those who played the crowd.
Answer – (d) He did the makeup of those who played the crowd.

(iii) Why did he join the studios?
(a) He hoped to become a star actor.
(b) He hoped to become a top screenwriter.
(c) He hoped to become a director.
(d) All of the above
Answer – (d) All of the above

(iv) Why was he disappointed?
(a) Because he could not become a character artist.
(b) Because he could not become a music director.
(c) Because he could not become a lyrics writer.
(d) Because he couldn’t become an office boy.
Answer – (c) Because he could not become a lyrics writer.

(v) Who has been called “a bit of a poet”?
(a) The screenwriter
(b) The director
(c) The lyrics writer
(d) The office boy
Answer – (d) The office boy

(B) They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally and deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed adamant”, writes Reverend J. Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran who observed the entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he would not give way, the representative of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 percent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his word, thus breaking the deadlock.” This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission.
Questions :
(i) Gandhi knew that he would not get an agreement on the demand for 50% repayment. Choose the option that offers the correct justification for the assumption made above :
(a) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics of the planter’s representative.
(b) He had been informed about the depleting funds of the planters.
(c) He had taken the advice of the Reverend on board.
(d) He had evaluated the commission’s attitude towards Indians.
Answer – (a) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics of the planter’s representative.

(ii) Name the chapter from which these lines have been taken.
(a) The Last Lesson
(b) Indigo
(c) The Interview
(d) Lost Spring
Answer – (b) Indigo

(iii) Name the writer of these lines.
(a) Alphonse Daudet
(b) Anees Jung
(c) Selma Lagerlof
(d) Louis Fischer
Answer – (d) Louis Fischer

(iv) The deadlock broke because :
(a) Gandhi’s settlement offer was worth considering.
(b) All commission members agreed to adopt the representative’s offer.
(c) Reverend J. Z. Hodge’s intervention brought both parties together.
(d) The sharecroppers refused to be convinced by the commission.
Answer – (a) Gandhi’s settlement offer was worth considering.

(v) Find out a word from the passage which means as − ‘that is supported by everyone in a group’ :
(a) illegally
(b) deceitfully
(c) probably
(d) unanimously
Answer – (d) unanimously

9. Answer any four of the following in about 40-50 words each :
(a) “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M. Hamel?
Answer – Franz was shocked and surprised when M. Hamel declared, “This is your last French lesson.” He suddenly realized the value of his French language and regretted neglecting his studies earlier. He felt sad, guilty, and remorseful for not giving attention to his lessons in the past.

(b) Do you think Saheb was happy to work at the tea stall? Answer giving reasons.
Answer – It is unlikely that Saheb was happy working at the tea stall. Poverty and family circumstances forced him into child labor, leaving him with little choice. The harsh realities of life and lack of opportunities would have overshadowed any happiness he could have felt.

(c) How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s cottage?
Answer – The peddler was treated with suspicion and hostility at the crofter’s cottage. The crofter’s wife accused him of being a thief and threatened to call her husband. Despite his efforts to explain himself, he was not allowed to prove his innocence, making him feel unwelcome and distrusted.

(d) What does Umberto Eco mean by the concept of ‘Interstices’ in our lives?
Answer – Umberto Eco uses the concept of ‘interstices’ to refer to the gaps or spaces in our lives where unexpected events or encounters happen. These moments interrupt the routine flow of life and create opportunities for new experiences, insights, or personal growth.

(e) Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.
Answer – Subbu was a many-sided genius. He was a talented artist, capable of creating stunning paintings. He had a knack for music and could play various musical instruments proficiently. He also possessed exceptional mathematical skills, excelling in complex problem-solving, and was a skilled writer, displaying creativity and eloquence in his works.

10. Answer any two questions from the following in about 40-50 words each :
(a) What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?
Answer – The line ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggests the human desire to connect with nature. It implies that by adorning ourselves with nature’s beauty, we seek to feel grounded and in harmony with the earth, finding comfort and a sense of belonging in its embrace.

(b) Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?
Answer – Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character as a form of escapism or fantasy. Through this contrast, the poet suggests that Aunt Jennifer longs for the freedom, power, and confidence she lacks in her own life. The tigers represent her aspirations, courage, and desire for independence and strength.

(c) Explain : “soothe them out of their wits” with reference to the poem “The Roadside Stand”.
Answer – In the poem “The Roadside Stand”, the phrase “soothe them out of their wits” refers to the peddler’s ability to calm or pacify the children, distracting them from their curiosity or mischief. It suggests that the peddler skillfully manages situations, easing the children’s restlessness and diverting their attention from what might disturb or unsettle them.

11. Answer any three questions of the following in about 40-50 words each :
(a) How did the Maharaja overcome the difficulty a high-ranking British Officer created?
Answer – The Maharaja overcame the difficulty created by a high-ranking British officer by remaining calm, composed, and respectful. Though he was wrongfully accused, he maintained his dignity and used diplomacy, which eventually won the officer’s admiration and helped resolve the situation amicably.

(b) Why was Dr. Sadao being kept in Japan and not sent abroad with the troops?
Answer – Dr. Sadao was kept in Japan and not sent abroad with the troops because he was an expert and indispensable surgeon. The Japanese authorities valued his skill and knowledge, needing him to treat wounded soldiers during the war.

(c) What did Zitkala-Sa feel when her long hair was cut?
Answer – When Zitkala-Sa’s long hair was cut, she felt a deep sense of loss and betrayal. Her hair symbolized her cultural identity and connection to her Native American heritage. Its removal represented forced assimilation, erasing part of her identity, and leaving her with grief and a feeling of disconnection.

(d) Why was Tishani Doshi filled with relief and wonder when he set foot on the Antarctic continent?
Answer – Tishani Doshi was filled with relief and wonder upon setting foot on the Antarctic continent because it fulfilled his long-cherished dream. Despite the harsh and extreme conditions, the experience was awe-inspiring and surreal, giving him a profound sense of achievement and fulfillment.

12. Answer any one question of the following in about 120-150 words :
(a) Eco’s academic work has certain playful and personal quality about it. Comment.
Answer – Eco’s academic work displays a playful and personal quality, blending rigorous scholarship with humor, wit, and autobiographical elements. His writing combines erudition with accessibility, making complex ideas engaging and relatable. Personal anecdotes, reflections, and cultural references add depth, inviting readers into a dialogue beyond traditional academic norms. This approach encourages exploration of interdisciplinary connections and multiple layers of meaning, making his work both intellectually stimulating and personally engaging.

(b) Comment on the appropriateness of the title ‘The Last Lesson’.
Answer – The title ‘The Last Lesson’ is highly appropriate as it captures the central theme of Alphonse Daudet’s story. It refers not only to Franz’s literal final French lesson but also symbolizes the loss of cultural identity and heritage caused by the German annexation. The lesson becomes a moment of awakening for Franz, making him realize the value of his language, culture, and education. It emphasizes his regret for having previously neglected his studies and underlines the broader message about the importance of preserving one’s heritage and the consequences of taking learning for granted.

13. Answer any one question of the following in about 120-150 words :
(a) Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
Answer – Yes, the third level served as a medium of escape for Charley. It was a mysterious train station from the year 1894 that offered him relief from the stress, pressure, and anxieties of his modern life. Charley’s present world was fast, complicated, and full of responsibilities, which made him long for a simpler and calmer time. The third level allowed him to momentarily disconnect from his reality and experience the peace, comfort, and freedom of a bygone era. Its charm was so strong that he even considered staying there permanently, showing that he viewed it not just as an occasional escape but as a desirable alternative to his current life. The station symbolized his desire for simplicity, stability, and emotional fulfillment, giving him psychological relief and hope. Overall, the third level acted as a sanctuary where Charley could find happiness and temporarily escape the complexities of modern life.

(b) The lesson, ‘On The Face of It’, is an apt depiction of the loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Explain.
Answer – The lesson “On The Face of It” vividly depicts the loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by people with disabilities. Mr. Lamb, with a disfigured face caused by a burn, represents the isolation and societal rejection faced by those who look different. Despite being gentle and kind-hearted, he lives a life of solitude, avoiding social interaction due to fear of judgment and ridicule. Similarly, Derry, a young boy with a leg brace, experiences frustration, insecurity, and withdrawal from others because of his physical limitation. Through their interaction, the story highlights the emotional struggles, insecurities, and feelings of exclusion that individuals with disabilities often endure. It emphasizes the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and human connection. Overall, the lesson is a moving portrayal of the need for society to accept, support, and include people with disabilities, underlining the importance of compassion and inclusivity in reducing loneliness and alienation.