List of top English Core Questions

“I must get rid of this man for your sake”. Said Dr. Sadao. How will you describe Dr. Sadao as a husband with reference to the above line?
{(The Enemy)}

“The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me.” What inference do you draw about the bond between Annan and Bama?
{(Memories of Childhood)}

Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
{(The Last Lesson)}

“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
{(Deep Water)}

What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
{(Keeping Quiet)}

How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
{(A Thing of Beauty)}

“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
{(Going Places)}

Why was Charlie fascinated with Galesburg?
{(The Third Level)}

Read the following passage carefully:
1. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey "Countering Misinformation in India." This survey has been conducted jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
2. At least 40% of the respondents believed in "misinformation" received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization.
3. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media, thus placing their faith in content shared by common people over social media.
4. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media, and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.
5. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on individuals.
6. The survey has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.

Read the following passage carefully:
1. Five enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of sustainable educational toys.
2. The government authorities, educational institutions, and EdTech start-ups are planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not only throw light on Indian values and civilizations but also help in developing children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.
3. One such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities that don't have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach children about ancient Indian civilizations. It has implanted a few artifacts at the site, which the children will have to find so that they learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another start-up has proposed to create miniaturized labs for schools in tier two and three cities where children can learn concepts of Physics. "We will ensure that these prototypes are developed within a year and then the production can be scaled up," says the senior manager of the project, talking about the importance of indigenously-built educational toys.
4. Playtime is vital for the cognitive development of children, and toys are an essential component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets. "Well-designed toys ignite students’ curiosity, increase focus, and can be very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all three," says the HOD of Early Childhood Education.
5. Toys offer an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, and problem-solving skills. "Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle differences, etc., with their peers."
6. Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain lessons longer. "A child's interest is piqued when taught in a contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math, or Engineering."

How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
\textit{(A Thing of Beauty)}

“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
\textit{(Going Places)}

My stamp collecting, for example, that’s a temporary refuge from reality. (\textit{The Third Level})
How can a hobby give one an escape from reality?

“Well I’ll be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.” (\textit{Going Places})
Sophie (\textit{Going Places}) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (\textit{Deep Water}) faces reality and realizes the importance of learning how to swim. Analyze based on the two texts the importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming. Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather than dreaming.
You may begin: \textit{The youth today must ……}

Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. (\textit{Indigo})
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this: \textit{Dear Students, The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success…}

“It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” (\textit{On the Face of It})
As Derry, write a diary entry regretting how you wasted your time indulging in self-pity and frustration, and how your encounter with Mr. Lamb transformed your personality.
You may begin like this: \textit{I do really thank my stars for bringing Mr. Lamb into my life…}

“The boy drank the milk of an English cow… and was tutored in English.” (\textit{The Tiger King})
Write an article using material from the text, on the pros and cons of western influence on Indian society.
You may begin like this: \textit{Indian’s exposure to English language and western influence…}

Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
\textit{(The Last Lesson)}

“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
\textit{(Deep Water)}

The tigers in the panel that she made will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
\textit{(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)}

What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
\textit{(Keeping Quiet)}

(b) The civic authorities have upgraded the central park in your colony with a walking track, open air gym, and a children’s play corner with swings. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views on the responsibilities of citizens to support civic authorities in ensuring the upkeep of neighbourhood parks. Use the cues given below. \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{tcolorbox}[colback=white, colframe=black] Purpose – Help Civic Authorities/Upkeep maintenance of parks Conduct R.W.A meetings. Put up notices. Increase the number of garbage bins and create awareness of its proper utilization. Put notices on the fixed timings of parks and instructions on how to use the park effectively. Motivate residents to plant more trees and flowers in the park. \end{tcolorbox} \vspace{0.5cm}

(a) You are Vinita, a student of Class XII. You decide to write an article on ‘Impact of OTT Platforms on Youth’ for your school magazine. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas to compose this article. \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{tcolorbox}[colback=white, colframe=black] Key Points: Easy to access Teens’ addiction to OTT Insomnia Violent & brutal scenes Suggestions: Censor for OTT Choice of content Time limitation Parental monitoring \end{tcolorbox} \vspace{0.5cm}

(b) Your school recently organized an adventure trip to Manali. Students from various classes joined the trip and participated in various activities. As a student editor, write a report on the trip to be published in your school newsletter. You are Lata of Class XII. Use the cues given below along with your own ideas to compose this report. \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{tcolorbox}[colback=white, colframe=black] Key Points: Date, duration No. of students Activities: trekking, river rafting Students’ feedback \end{tcolorbox} \vspace{0.5cm}