CBSE 12th Class English Question Paper 2025
ENGLISH (Core)
| Time allowed : 3 hours |
Maximum Marks: 100 |
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION A – (Reading)
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. The sage of science, Einstein, was sitting in a depressive and pensive mood one evening. His eyes were brimming with tears. The pain was evident on his face. He peeped out of the window of his room. The sun had set a few minutes back. The sky was filled with a reddish glow. At this sunset, he felt that it was humanity that had sunk into devilish darkness and the reddish glow in the sky was the blood of humanity spilling all over the sky from earth. With tired steps, he walked back to his chair and settled down. It was the 9th of August 1945. Three days back, he had felt the same agony as if when he heard on the radio that America had dropped an atom bomb on the Japaness city, Hiroshima. Today, within three days another bomb was dropped on another city, Nagasaki and lakhs of people had been killed.
2. He had heard that the blast released so much energy that it had paled all past destructions in comparison and death had played out a pitiable dance destruction. The flames that broke out of the bomb were burning melting and exploding buildings. Scared of the heat of the bomb, people had jumped into lakhs and rivers, but the water was boiling and the people too were burnt and killed. The animals in the water were already boiled to death. Animals, trees, herbs, fragrant flowering plants were all turned into ashes. The atomic energy destruction had just not stopped there. It had entered the atmosphere there and had spread radiation that would affect people for generations to come and would also bring about destructive irreversible biological changes in animals and plants.
3. As the news of the atomic attack reached Einstein, and he became aware of the glaring horror of the abuse of atomic energy, his distress and restlessness knew no bounds. He could not control himself and picked up his violin to turn his mind on to onther things. While playing the violin, he tried to dissolve his distress in its sad notes, but couldn’t. He was burning on the embers of destruction; his heart was filled with an ocean of agony and tears just continued streaming uncontrollably out of his eyes. Night had fallen. His daughter came up and asked him to eat something as he had not taken anything for the last four days. His voice was restrained and he said, “I don’t feel like eating.”
4. He could not sleep that night. Lying down, he was thinking how he had drawn the attention of the then American President Roosevelt towards the destructive powers of an atomic bomb. He had thought that this would be used to scare Hitler and put an end to the barbarism that Hitler was up to. However, Roosevelt kept him in the dark and made false promises. Eventually, He had abused Einstein’s equation of E=mc2 that resulted in destructive experiments. His actions had made science and scientists as murderers. Einstein kept on thinking for a long time. Eventually, he slipped into sleep. When he woke up at dawn, there was a new dawn in him too. The atomic threat and transformed his heart.
5. The next day, he decided to disassociate himself from the scientific policy of the government and all governmental institutions. He decided to open educational institutions for children, adolescents and youth – institutions where along with science, spirituality will be compulsorily taught.
6. To inaugurate this institution, he had invited two great philosophers, Bertrand Russell and Albert Schweitzer. Ten Other great scientists who had won Nobel Prizes in different fields were also invited. They all saw a different Einstein, not a great scientist but a sage in him. The institution was opened by garlanding a photo of Mahatma Gandhi. While garlanding the Mahatma, he became emotional and said with a lump in his throat, “I bow down to the great man who fought for the independence of his country through non-violence. He could do so because he was a truthful man and true spiritualist.”
7. Those who teach science should be taught spirituality too. Without harmony between science and spirituality, the destruction would continue unabated. A few years after this institution was built, a Japanese delegation came to meet him. Einstein broke down in the meeting and said, “You can give me any punishment and I will accept it. Anyway, I have decided to lead my life in penitence.” The Japanese were moved by his sincerity and forgot their grief.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage each of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:
(a) Besides two great philosophers how many other scientists were invited by Einstein to inaugurate the institution where spirituality would be compulsorily taught?
(i) Five
(ii) Ten
(iii) Eight
(iv) Fifteen
(b) Which musical instrument did Einstein play when he was in grief?
(i) Harmonium
(ii) Guitar
(iii) Violin
(iv) Flute
(c) Einstein came to know that America had dropped an atom bomb on the Japaneses city, Hiroshima through-
(i) television
(ii) newspaper
(iii) radio
(iv) a telephonic message
(d) Which American President was told about the destructive power of an atomic bomb?
(i) Kennedy
(ii) Bill Clinton
(iii) Lincoln
(iv) Roosevelt
(e) Einstein said to the Japanese delegation,
(i) “You can give me any punishment and I will accept it.”
(ii) “I am not at fault.”
(iii) “What could I do.”
(iv) “The President didn’t agree to my advice.”
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What did Einstein do to overcome his distress after getting the news of the atomic attack?
(b) Which event in 1945, according to Einstein, turned science and scientists into murderers?
(c) What did Einstein do to show his displeasure over the atomic attack?
(d) Whose photo was garlanded at the inauguration of Einstein’s Institute for children adolescents and youth?
(e) Name the philosophers that Einstein invited to inaugurate the new institution.
(f) Why did Einstein want harmony between science and spirituality while teaching in educational institutes?
1.3 Answer any three of the following questions in 25-30 words each:
(a) What did Einstein feel while looking at the sunset from his room’s window?
(b) Give a brief description of the disaster when the atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city, Nagasaki.
(c) What did Einstein think of Mahatma Gandhi?
(d) What was Einstein reaction when the Japanese delegation met him?
1.4 Find words/phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to each of the following :
(a) mental pain (para 1)
(b) Agreement (para 7)
(c) regret/remorse (para 7)
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. To live in harmony with oneself and the environment is the wish of every human. However, in modern times greater physical and emotional demands are constantly placed upon many areas of life. More and more people suffer from physical and mental tension such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and there is an imbalance in physical activity and proper exercise. This is why methods and techniques for the attainment and improvement of health, as well as physical, mental and spiritual harmony, are of great importance, and Yoga meets this requirement.
2. The word “Yoga” originates from Sanskrit and means “to join, to unite.” Yoga exercise have a holistic effect and bring body, mind, consciousness and soul into a balance. In this way Yoga assists us in coping with everyday demands, Problems and worries. Yoga helps to develop a greater understanding of ourselves, the purpose of life and our relationship with God.
3. On the spiritual path, Yoga leads us to supreme knowledge and eternal bliss in the union of the individual Self with the universal Self. Yoga is that supreme, cosmic principle. It is the light of life, the universal creative consciousness that is always awaked and never sleeps; that always is and always will be.
4. Many thousands of years ago in India, Rishis (wise men and saints explored nature and the cosmos) in their meditations. They discovered the laws of the material and spiritual realms and gained and insight into the connections within the universe. They investigated the cosmic laws, the laws of nature and the elements, life on earth and the powers and energies at work in the universe both in the external world and on a spiritual level. The unity of matter and energy, the origin of the universe and the effects of the elementary powers have been rediscovered and confirmed by modern science.
5. From these experiences and insights a far-reaching and comprehensive system known as Yoga originated and gave us valuable, practical instructions for the body, breathing, concentration, relaxation and meditation. The system “Yoga in Daily Life” is taught worldwide in yoga Centers, Adult Education Centers, Health Institutions, Fitness and Sports Clubs, Rehabilitation Centers and Health Resorts. It is suitable for all age groups – the name itself indicates that Yoga can be and should be used “in Daily Life”.
6. The exercise levels have been worked out in consultation with doctors and physiotherapists and can therefore – with an observation of the stated rules and precautions – be practised independently at home by anyone. “Yoga in Daily Life” is a holistic system, which means it takes into consideration not only the physical but also the mental and spiritual aspects. Positive thinking, perseverance, discipline, orientation towards the Supreme, prayer as well as kindness and understanding, from the way to Self-Knowledge and Self-Realisation.
2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations (Where necessary – minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it.
2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 100 words.
SECTION B – (Advanced Writing Skills)
3. You are Dhruv/Deepa. Your father, Shri Dheeraj Garg of Gurugram wants you to draft an invitation to be sent to friends and relatives on the occasion of your elder sister’s marriage. Prepare the invitation giving necessary details in not more than 50 words.
OR
Water is precious and each one of us must stop its wastage to avoid its scarcity in the near future. Prepare a poster requesting people of your colony to adopt means to save water, prevent its wastage, etc. You are Rama/Rohan of Ahimsa Vihar, Saket, Ahmedabad. (50 Words)
4. Kerala was badly hit by floods due to heavy rains. Even today the victims are suffering financially, Physically and mentally. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor, “The Times of Kerala” giving details of the loss of life and property. Also make an appeal to the people and the Government to provide help and relief to the afflicted. You are Varun/Vandana, 31 Shastri Naar, Trichi.
OR
You are Shobha/Sushil from 56, A Block, Saket, Agra. Write an application along with a personal resume in 120 – 130 words in response to the following advertisement:
Wanted an experienced hockey coach having B.P.Ed Degree for our school. Apply to the Principal, Agarsen Public School, Agra by 15th March 2019.
5. You are concerned about the cleanliness of parks, roads and even your school premises. In spite of various measures taken by local and school administration, lack of cleanliness is still a problem. You are Namita/Keshav. Prepare a speech in 150 – 200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic, ‘Cleanliness is the Responsibility of All.’
OR
Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion:
‘Stray dogs should not be put to sleep.’
6. Abundance of advertisements in newspaper, magazines and even on television is a wastage of both time and money of readers and viewers. You are Shobha/Sameer. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on the topic, Excessive Use of Advertisements in Media.’
OR
An NGO, ‘Health for All’ organized a health check-up camp in a slum at Amritsar. You are Ruchika/Raunak, and you visited the camp. Write a report in 150 – 200 words covering arrangements such as registration, check-up, test carried out, etc.
SECTION – C (Literature: Textbooks and long Reading Text)
7. Reading the extract given below answer the questions that follow:
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
(a) Name the poem and its poet.
(b) What does the Earth teach us?
(c) What does the poet want to achieve by counting up to twelve?
(d) Give an example of what now seems to be dead but later on becomes alive.
OR
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its Loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness, but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and asleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(a) Name The poem and its poet.
(b) How does a thing of beauty remain forever?
(c) Explain: ‘never pass into nothingness’.
(d) How does the bower help us in our life? Give two examples.
8. Answer any two of the following questions in 30 – 40 words each:
(a) ‘Garbage to them is gold.’ Why does the author say so about the ragpickers Seemapuri?
(b) Which two incidents in Douglas’s early life made him scared of water?
(c) Why was the crofter so talk active and friendly with the peddler?
(d) “It ate my face up. It ate me up.” Who said these words? Why?
(e) Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so?
(d) Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the shingling of her hair?
9. Answer any one of the following questions in 120 – 150 words:
(a) Everybody during the last lesson was filled with regret. Comment.
(b) Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence?
(c) It is not unusual for a lower middle-class girl to dream big. How unrealistic were Sophie’s dreams?
10. Answer any one of the following questions 120 – 150 words:
(a) Describe the efforts made by the Tiger King to achieve his target of killing a hundred tigers.
(b) Explain the reaction of Dr Sadao’s servants when he decided to give shelter to an enemy in the house.
(c) Describe Jack’s art of storytelling.
11. Answer any one of the following questions in 120 – 150 words:
(a) Describe the burglary that took place at Mr. Bunting’s house. (The Invisible Man)
(b) How did Griffin move about in the village of Iping?
(c) Why does Silas return to lantern Yard after having lived and prospered at Raveloe? How dose his visit prove useful to him?
(d) How was Silas transformed completely with the arrival of a child?
12. Answer any one of the following questions in 120 – 150 words:
(a) Describe Nancy Lammeter’s personality and approach to life. (Silas Marner)
(b) Write a character sketch of Godfrey Cass. (Silas Marner)
(c) Marvel is the only character in “The Invisible Man” who interacts with Griffin and gains something. Elaborate.
(d) How did Dr. Kemp use the information given to him by Griffin himself to get him arrested? Was he successful in doing so?
