Please refer to Sample Paper Class 12 English Term 1 Set C with solutions provided below. We have provided CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 English as per the latest paper pattern and examination guidelines for Standard 12 English issued by CBSE for the current academic year. The below provided Sample Guess paper will help you to practice and understand what type of questions can be expected in the Class 12 English exam.

CBSE Sample Paper Class 12 English for Term 1 Set C

Section A Reading

I. Read the passage given below.

One thousand and five hundred years ago, when craftsmen began cutting rocks and sculpting them into magnificent statues of gods, little did they realise that in the second millennium the Elephanta Caves would not just be a major tourist attraction but would also be a World Heritage Site.

Now the world’s oldest island caves are getting a new lease of life. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has teamed up with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to spruce up the caves and protect them from further decay and degeneration.

Elephanta Caves date back to the sixth century and boast of some of India’s most magnificent rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva. Situated about 11 km from the Gateway of India, these caves are reached by small boats. Once on the island, visitors have to climb over 1,000 stone steps to get to the caves.

The caves were originally built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta kings. They contain huge images of Brahma, Parvati, Natraja and Shiva. The best and most famous of these is Maheshmurti—a three headed bust of Shiva which is about six metres high.
The great elephant structure in black stone which gave the island its name was removed in 1864 by British to take it to England. However, it was later returned to India and now stands at the Victoria Gardens, a park with a small zoo in the centre of Mumbai. On top of the caves are two huge cannons installed by the British in order to protect Bombay harbour.
In the main cave there are nine carvings which depict the life of Lord Shiva in different manifestations— the dancer (Nataraja), Shiva killing demon Andhaka, marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati, Shiva’s descent to the Ganges, Shiva as Ardhnarinateshwar, Shiva as Maheshmurti, Shiva lifting Mount Kailash, Goddess Parvati on Mount Kailash and Shiva as ascetic. There is an ancient site built adjacent to the gate which houses some of the best frescoes and showcases the art of carving out statues by cutting rock.
Back in the mid-eighties, a team of leading international archaeologists, conservators and historians visited the site and forwarded a proposal to UNESCO to grant heritage status to the caves. The proposal was accepted and Elephanta Caves were declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The next phase was to clean up the littered surroundings and also to discourage visitors from carrying eatables and plastic bags inside the caves. Gradually, people were educated on the historic and religious importance of the caves and the incidents of littering have considerably reduced.
To protect the caves from vandalism, security personnel were deployed a year ago.
“This has helped authorities to implement regulations stringently,” says an INTACH volunteer of the organisation’s Mumbai chapter.
Elephanta Caves have for years been threatened by the rapid industrial development in their vicinity. A toxic chemical storage terminal has been planned just 400 metres away.
Bilge from oil-exploring activities and plastic dumped in the sea, have seriously threatened marine and bird life of the area.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct answer.

Question 1. The most distinguishing feature of the Elephanta Caves is ………………………..
(a) that they date back to one thousand and five hundred years ago.
(b) that these are the world’s oldest island caves.
(c) that rocks have been cut and sculpted into magnificent statues of gods.
(d) that they have some of the most magnificent rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva.

Question 2. A phrase is a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit.
The author states that the works of the INTACH and the ASI had given the Elephanta Caves a new lease of life.
Select the option that correctly forms a phrase with ‘lease’.
(a) to get out of one’s lease
(b) proposed lease
(c) to lease back
(d) All of the above

Question 3. Select the option that suitably completes the given dialogue.
The Writer: Elephanta Caves is a …..(1)…………… when visiting Maharashtra.
Y: I know, it houses beautiful sculptures of Shiva.
The Writer: …..(2)…………… .
(a) (1) popular visit, (2) Not just Shiva as we have seen him.
(b) (1) must visit, (2) Not Just Shiva but also Brahma, Parvati and Natraja
(c) (1) visit of antiquity, (2) Not just him but all other gods as well.
(d) (1) heavenly visit, (2) Not just him but his many other forms.

Question 4. Choose the option that shows a correct combination of ways to reach the Elephanta Caves.
1. By boat             2. By car
3. By helicopter   4. By stone
5. By road
(a) 1 and 5
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 2 and 5
(d) Only 3

Question 5. Select the option that clearly indicates the situation before and after INTACH took over the care of Elephanta Caves.

Question 6. What is the relationship between (1) and (2)?
(1) Elephanta Caves were declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
(2) A team of leading international archaeologists, conservators and historians visited the site.
(a) (2) is the cause for (1)
(b) (1) repeats the situation described in (2)
(c) (2) elaborates (1)
(d) (1) sets the stage for (2)

Question 7. Before being declared a World Heritage Site, the caves were ………………………..
(a) in a filthy state
(b) in a dilapidated state
(c) in a magnificent state
(d) in a precarious state

Question 8. Which of the following statements is TRUE in the context of the passage?
(a) Elephanta Caves are one of a kind cave.
(b) Elephanta caves are nearest to the Gateway of India.
(c) Elephanta Caves were restored by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
(d) All of the above

Question 9. The most potent threat the caves suffer from is …………………………… .
(a) a toxic chemical storage terminal
(b) the bilge from oil exploring activities
(c) plastic dumped in the sea
(d) All of these

Question 10. Pick out the option that lists the sights one can see at the Elephanta caves.
1. A great elephant structure of black stone
2. Image of Maheshmurti
3. Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash
4. Amuseum of tools used for carving
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 3 and 4
(d) Only 4

II. Read the passage given below.

Emerging from the narrow category of lodging choice for study abroad or language school students, homestays have erupted as the embodiment of the “sharing economy” for accommodations, and represent a new choice for experiential travel.
Homestays initially grew in popularity as a way for language, cultural or student travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture of a town or city. A homestay is an increasingly popular form of accommodation that connects guests with individual hosts who have opened their homes to travelers. Homestay lodging differs from other popular forms of private accommodation because of its host-present model: guests don’t stay in an empty apartment or home, but instead share the accommodations provided by the homeowner and his or her family providing a more personalised, immersive and authentic travel experience.
The key to a great homestay experience for both host and guest is about not only finding the right home, but also the right person. In other words, finding the right match. While some guests are seeking an immersive cultural experience, others might simply want good quality, affordable accommodations in the right location with a host they get along with. Similarly, some hosts will want to spend hours chatting with guests over a meal while others will prefer guests who are more independent.

Homestays are an increasingly important part of the rapidly growing, global private accommodation marketplace. Data puts this market at approximately US $15 billion. In the last few years, thanks in part to online aggregators that specialise in connecting guests and hosts, the profile of the typical homestay traveler has changed significantly. According to research from PhoCusWright, there are categories of consumers for whom the usage of sleeping quarters in private homes is at 30%, a rate as high as hostels and some hotel categories. But, with low levels of online penetration and low levels of awareness, the homestay marketplace is just coming online. The fast-growing sharing economy reinforces the potential growth of homestays.
Homestays thus are well-positioned to capitalise on this growing awareness and understanding. With the rapid rise of peer-to-peer sharing, lending and rental markets,consumers are more aware of the many different options for leisure and other forms of travel.

Homestay.com caters to a new breed of traveler, one who places the experience of the travel over the price or destination. This traveler is served by a host who recognises that opening one’s home to guests is enriching and life-changing. And while there is a revenue opportunity as well, it is not the driving factor for either guest or host. Homestay.com is where that community comes together to experience lodging that fits one’s needs rather than forcing conformity.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct option.

Question 11. Select the correct inference with reference to the following.
… homestays have erupted as the embodiment of the ‘sharing economy’ for accommodations and represent a new choice for experiential travel.
(a) Homestays has become a basis of forming newer sharing relationships.
(b) Homestays has provided sharing accommodations for newer travelers.
(c) Homestays has pioneered a new kind of traveler.
(d) Homestays has offered a choice of accommodations to travelers.

Question 12. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the inherent qualities of homestays :
1. Provides a unique cultural experience
2. Allows you to stay alone in an apartment
3. Provides for an opportunity to stay with a local person
4. Provides an opportunity to live in great luxury
5. Offers good quality, affordable living space with the homeowner
(a) 1, 2, 5
(b) 1, 3, 4
(c) 1, 5, 6
(d) 1, 3, 5

Question 13. Choose the option that is NOT TRUE as per the report.
(a) Homestays are the new alternative of stay for travelers.
(b) Homestays are affordable and a great option for budget travelers.
(c) Homestays are often in far corners and thus are difficult to locate.
(d) Homestays offer vast space and a home like environment.

Question 14. Based on your reading of the passage, select the appropriate counter- argument to the given argument.
Argument: I would not prefer to opt for homestay as it would mean spending time with strangers who are very different from you.
(a) Homestay offers a perfect accommodation for those travelers who wish to learn about different cultures.
(b) Homestay.com caters to a new breed of traveler, one who places the experience of the travel over the price or destination.
(c) Knowledge and culture are the key takeaways for the people who opt for homestays.
(d) Students and all other language junkies only should opt for homestays as it provides a home-like atmosphere.

Question 15. Select the option that displays the correct cause-effect relationship.

Question 16. In the line “……thanks in part to online aggregators that specialise in connecting…”, the word “aggregator” does not refers to…
(a) Web based collector of information about a topic
(b) Web based banking
(c) Web based application to gather and provide data
(d) Website based communication about a particular topic

Question 17. What will be the most appropriate conclusion of the passage?
(a) Homestay is the new exciting means of staying.
(b) Homestays offer a unique travel experience immersed in culture.
(c) Homestays is a good option to stay only for students.
(d) Homestays cannot find ways to accommodate needs of different traveler.

Question 18. Read the two situations given below and select the option that suitably explains them.
(1) Rita might have to shift to Goa if she accepts offer for a new job. However, she wants to experience the culture, meet people, interact with them and get a feel of the place before she makes the final decision.
(2) At the same time her friend Reema just wants to travel for sightseeing and click pictures. She also likes a place to herself.
(a) Both of them would stay at a five star hotel.
(b) Rita would stay in a hostel while Reema would stay in a hotel.
(c) Rita would prefer homestay while Reema would stay in a hotel.
(d) Both of them can prefer homestay.

Section B Writing Skills

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context below.

Write an advertisement on the behalf of EVL company to call for vacant bungalows to be used as a guest house.

Question 19. Select the appropriate title for the advertisement.
(a) To Let
(b) Situation Vacant
(c) Wanted
(d) Accommodation require

Question 20. Select the option that lists the most accurate opening for this advertisement.
(a) EVL Company requires posh bungalows to be used as…
(b) This advertisement written to call renters for…
(c) This is to inform all the sellers about the requirement of ….
(d) I wish to share with all that the EVL company requires…

Question 21. Select the option with the information points to be included in the body of the advertisement.
1. Requirements in the bungalow
2. Facilities to be availed
3. Contact information
4. Preference of sellers
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) Only 4

Question 22. Would this advertisement reflect the location of the EVL company?
(a) Yes, because it is the issuing body.
(b) No, because it is not required
(c) Yes, because it makes it informal.
(d) No, because it will make it formal.

Question 23. The contact information for this advertisement will include
(a) the position of the person to be contacted
(b) telephone number
(c) Fax details
(d) Both (a) and (b)

IV. Answer any six out of the seven questions given, with reference to the context below.

Evi is the founding member of the Wanderlust Club. She has to write an article for a student magazine telling them about the benefits of travelling and how it impacts one’s overall health and learning.

Question 24. Select the option that lists an appropriate title for Evi’s article.
(a) The Need to Travel
(b) The Increasing Travelers
(c) Travel : A Blessing for Health and Learning
(d) Travel for Education

Question 25. Which option (1-4), should Evi choose to elaborate on the article?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4

Question 26. Which of the following is an appropriate introduction for the article?
(a) To travel is to discover. If not necessary, travel is a very important aspect of learning and maintaining one’s overall health.
(b) Travelling is yet another word for exploring. Travel allows learning and knowledge as one experience on a personal level.
(c) Travel is synonymous with learning and knowledge and one gets to learn about different cultures and people.
(d) Travelling is essential for one’s cognitive and physical development.

Question 27. Which of the following is a learning benefit of travelling?
(a) Knowledge of politics
(b) Knowledge of different cultures, cuisines and people
(c) Knowledge of different experiences of people
(d) Knowledge of experiencing different activities

Question 28. Read a sentence from Evi’s article draft and help her complete it by selecting the most appropriate option.

…………………. all of these travels will add up to a worldly view that instils a feeling of connection with people, places and events from all over the globe.As wonderful as it is to read about places and people who interest us, to experience a personal visit to these places and interact personally with these people allows us to understand and even appreciate their world in a more lasting and meaningful way.
(a) While travelling to each new place gives us a different experience
(b) Further, travelling to new place give one a different experience
(c) Even though, travelling to new places brings different experiences
(d) Travelling to new places fills us with a wonder of different experiences

Question 29. Which quote can be used in this article?
(a) “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
(b) “Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli
(c) “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Question 30. In an article, why should the last paragraph make some reference to the opening paragraph?
(a) To confuse the reader
(b) To draw the points together and conclude
(c) To make it look neater
(d) It should not make reference

Section C Literature

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow :

The instructor put a belt around me. A rope attached to the belt went through a pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the end of the rope, and we went back and forth, back and forth across the pool, hour after hour, day after day, week after week. On each trip across the pool a bit of the panic seized me. Each time the instructor relaxed his hold on the rope and I went under, some of the old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three months before the tension began to slack. Then he taught me to put my face under water and exhale, and to raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part of the panic that seized me when my head went under water.

Question 31. What does the extract show about the relation shared by Douglas and the instructor?
(a) Relation of trust
(b) Relation of admiration
(c) Relation of friendship
(d) Relation of formality

Question 32. Of the four meanings of ‘slack’, select the option that matches in meaning with its usage in the extract.
(a) a spell of inactivity or laziness
(b) decrease or reduce in intensity
(c) not taut or held tightly in position
(d) slow or sluggish.

Question 33. The old terror referred to in the extract can be traced back to
(a) mishap on the California beach
(b) mishap at the YMCA pool
(c) mishap at the Yakima river
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Question 34. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE with reference to the extract?
(a) Without Douglas’will to get over the fear, the instructorwould not have been successful.
(b) The instructor did not have a strategy to teach Douglas how to swim.
(c) Douglas‘ decision to hire an instructor was based on his inability to enjoy waters with his friends.
(d) The instructor comes out as a dedicated individual giving plenty of time to Douglas.

Question 35. Select the option that lists the qualities that can be attached with the instructor.
1. Strategic              2. Encouraging
3. Short-tempered   4. Calm
5. Thoughtful           6. Experienced
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 5 and 6
(d) 3 and 5

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow :

I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz; you must feel bad enough. See how it is! Every day we have said to ourselves, ‘Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow.’ And now you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have the right to say to you, ‘How is it; you pretend to be Frenchmen and yet you can neither speak nor write your own language?’ But you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.”

Question 36. For what reason Franz could have been scolded?
(a) For being late to school
(b) For not learning participles
(c) For ignoring his lessons
(d) For playing all the time

Question 37. Select the option that lists the correct inference based on the information in the extract.
(a) M. Hamel does not want to scold anyone in his last lesson.
(b) M. Hamel knew Franz would not learn his participles.
(c) M. Hamel was saddened that people of Alsace did not know French.
(d) M. Hamel was bitter that he had to leave his nation.

Question 38. Why would Franz be feeling bad?
(a) His teacher was retiring
(b) He would not learn French now
(c) He was rusticated
(d) His inability to show his command over French

Question 39. Who does M. Hamel blame for the trouble with Alsace?
(a) Parents
(b) Himself
(c) Children
(d) All of these

Question 40. The extract highlights which human tendency?
(a) Procrastination
(b) Male Chauvinism
(c) Courage
(d) Cowardice

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow :

I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile……

Question 41. Out of all the comparisons, the poet employs the symbol of late winters moon. Pick the option that does not list the reason why she had done so.
(a) Winter’s moon is a symbol of death and sorrow which indicates the poet’s mother’s death and her sorrow.
(b) Winter’s moon is dull and hazy much like the poet’s mother’s face which is pale.
(c) Winter’s moon shows the energy that is missing in the poet’s mother.
(d) To show the aging is a natural process such that even elements of nature go through it.

Question 42. How does the poet’s words present a contrast to her emotions?
(a) Words are compassionate and emotions are full of anxiety.
(b) Words show resignation and emotions are full of sorrow.
(c) Both words and emotion show denial and acceptance at the same time.
(d) Words are hopeful and emotions are full of dejection.

Question 43. The use of wan and pale for the poet’s mother shows that
(a) lacks vitality of life
(b) is tired
(c) is growing old
(d) is dejected and worn-out

Question 44. In the extract, the repetition of the word ‘smile’ suggests that
(a) the smile is forced.
(b) the smile is intentional.
(c) the smile is the sole solution.
(d) the smile is emotional yet hopeful.

Question 45. On what note does the poem end?
(a) Regret
(b) Nostalgia
(c) Sorrow
(d) Hope

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Hana considered this doubtfully and when she did not answer Sadao turned away. “At any rate something must be done with him,” he said, “and first he must be washed.” He went quickly out of the room and Hana came behind him. She did not wish to be left alone with the white man. He was the first she had seen since she left America and now she seemed to have nothing to do with those whom she had known there. Here he was her enemy, a menace, living or dead.

Question 46. Why does Hana think that she had nothing to do with Americans?
(a) Because they treated her badly
(b) Because they were enemy of Japan
(c) Because she did not like them
(d) Because they were against her culture

Question 47. For what reason does Hana feel that the white man was a menace?
(a) He will put Sadao’s reputation at risk
(b) He was an POW
(c) He could be a spy who could harm her family
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Question 48. Select the option that lists the reason why Hana was doubtful.
1. Sadao was an expert doctor
2. Sadao was professional
3. Sadao would not let the man die
4. Sadao would operate with utmost sincerity.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2,3 and 4

Question 49. Select the option that displays a cause-effect relationship.

Question 50. On the basis of the lesson, pick out the option that states, why Sadao went out of the room quickly?
(a) He did not want to share the same room with an enemy.
(b) He needed time to think about what to do with the man.
(c) He had to get his surgical equipment out to operate upon the man.
(d) He could not bear the sight of the dirty and wounded man.

IX. Attempt the following.

Question 51. What does the expression ‘Break O break open’ suggest?
(a) Barriers on the road to progress
(b) Barriers of solemn dirt and pollution
(c) Barriers of discrimination and injustice
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Question 52. “Don’t go so fast bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of time.” What does the given lines tell you about Watcher- the Blacksmith?
(a) He was happy with the order.
(b) He did not like M. Hamel and wanted him gone.
(c) He was concerned about Franz having a bad fall
(d) He knew it was the last French lesson and Franz was late.

Question 53. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
(1) Charley does not accept his psychiatrist friend’s diagnosis.
(2) Charley knew that his friend was also suffering from the same problem that afflicted him.
(a) Statement (1) is true but Statement (2) is false.
(b) Statement (1) is false but Statement (2) is true.
(c) Both Statement (1) and Statement (2) can be inferred.
(d) Both Statement (1) and Statement (2) cannot be inferred.

Question 54. Pick out the option the literary device(s) used in the given lines.
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
1. Imagery        2. Irony
3. Alliteration   4. Symbolism
5. Oxymoron    6. Paradox
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 5
(c) 3 and 6
(d) 1 and 3

Question 55. Why is Seemapuri called a place miles away from Delhi?
(a) It is still a wilderness
(b) It lacks all the facilities that the metropolis has
(c) It is a home to the poor refugee of Bangladesh
(d) People live together in primeval state without any luxury

Question 56. “That night, among my oldest first-day covers, I found one that shouldn’t have been there.” Select the option that does NOT explain why one of the first day covers shouldn’t be there.
(a) He thought he had lost it.
(b) He had never seen that one before.
(c) He does not remember it being a part of his collection.
(d) He had not known about that first day cover.

Question 57. Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O) based on your reading of ‘The Enemy’.
1. Hana does not want Sadao to operate on the POW as then he would be charged with treason.
2. Hana is selfish in her approach even though she allows Sadao to save the POW.
3. Hana realises that they are in a fix as they cannot let the POW die but also cannot keep him in their house.
4. Hana should have become authoritative on Sadao as well as her servants to be safe.
(a) F – 1, 4 ; O – 2, 3
(b) F – 2, 4 ; O – 1, 3
(c) F – 2, 3 ; O – 1, 4
(d) F – 1, 3 ; O – 2, 4

Question 58. Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE according to Neruda’s intention of getting everyone to be silent for sometime.
(a) We will stop being a threat to our own selves.
(b) Our perspective many undergo a drastic change.
(c) Man will be guiltfree.
(d) Man will become human again full of feelings and emotions

Question 59. Why has the poet used the imagery of merry children spilling out of their homes?
(a) To show hope and positivity
(b) To show happiness and joy
(c) To show youthfulness of her age
(d) To show hope and happiness in children

Question 60. What was stopping Douglas to get into the waters of Cascade?
(a) Memories full of terror in the pool
(b) Memories of being bullied
(c) Reports of people drowning
(d) Instructions given by the instructor