HSC English Question Paper Solution 2018

Maharashtra State Board - Std 12 - English (01) - Set C

SECTION - A (Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)

Q. 1. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

(Extract about the parrot chick saved from a cut tree)

(1) What is the extract about?

The extract is about the narrator saving a baby parrot (chick) that survived when its tree home was cut down, and how he raised it with care.

(2) Describe how did the boy save the life of a chick?

After the tree fell, the boy found one surviving chick among the smashed eggs. He brought it home, fed it milk carefully, and later fed it bananas until it was strong enough to fly.

(3) What was the parrot's daily routine at the author's home?

The parrot used to linger on the coconut trees in the compound. When the author returned from school, it would fly down, land on his head, jump to his finger, and drink milk from a little plate or eat paddy from his palm.

(4) Do you think, we have deprived the birds of their natural habitats? What are its effects?

Yes, we have deprived birds of their natural habitats by cutting down trees for urbanization. The effects include the extinction of bird species, ecological imbalance, loss of biodiversity, and birds losing their nesting grounds.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) I rushed to the site. (Rewrite the sentence using 'used to'.)
Answer: I used to rush to the site.

(ii) The tree was being cut. (Rewrite it beginning with 'They ...'.)
Answer: They were cutting the tree.

(iii) I looked into all the nests and saw smashed eggs in two of them. (Rewrite the sentence using the word 'when'.)
Answer: When I looked into all the nests, I saw smashed eggs in two of them.

(6) Find out the words from the extract which mean -

(i) neatly: carefully

(ii) stay for longer: linger

Q. 1. (B) Grammar : Do as directed:

(i) He wanted to become ______ artist and live in ______ Himalayas. (Fill in the blanks with the appropriate articles.)

He wanted to become an artist and live in the Himalayas.

(ii) She was able to talk ______ the group ______ her experience. (Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.)

She was able to talk to (or with) the group about (or of) her experience.

(iii) "Why are you crying?" said the woman to a little boy. "I want a balloon," he said. (Change it into Indirect Speech.)

The woman asked the little boy why he was crying. He replied that he wanted a balloon.

Q. 2. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

(Extract about a poverty-free world and temporary poverty)

(1) What is the extract about?

The extract is about the concept of a poverty-free world where basic needs are met, but where temporary poverty might still exist due to disasters, which can be managed through social and market mechanisms.

(2) How will the poverty-free world take care of natural disasters?

In a poverty-free world, temporary problems caused by natural disasters could be taken care of by the market mechanism through insurance and other self-paying programmes, assisted by social-consciousness-driven enterprises.

(3) According to the writer, what would 'the world without poverty' be like?

It would be a world without third-class or fourth-class citizens, and a world without a hungry, illiterate, barefoot under-class.

(4) What can we do to help the poor in our society?

We can help the poor by providing education, creating job opportunities, donating to charitable organizations, volunteering our time, and treating them with respect and dignity to help them become self-reliant.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) Temporary problems could be taken care of by market mechanism. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with 'Market mechanism...')
Answer: Market mechanism could take care of temporary problems.

(ii) In the nineteenth century, there were third-class carriages. (Form a Wh-question to get the underlined part as an answer.)
Answer: When were there third-class carriages?

(iii) There would still be situations of temporary poverty. (Rewrite it using 'can'.)
Answer: There can still be situations of temporary poverty.

(6) What do the following words in the extract mean -

(i) devastated: destroyed or ruined

(ii) hay: dried grass

Q. 2. (B) Note-making :

Title: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Birth: 5th September, 1888
Qualifications: B.A., M.A.
Introduced thinking of: Western idealist philosophers like Plato, Plotinus, and Bergson into Indian thought.
Work: Translated Indian Philosophy into standard academic jargon.
Ambassador: to the Soviet Union.
Honours:
: National Bharat Ratna
: International Templeton Prize
: Peace Prize of German Book Trade
: Order of Merit

Q. 3. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

(Extract about Kalpana Chawla)

(1) What is the extract about?

The extract is about the astronaut Kalpana Chawla, her humble nature, her deep connection with India and her friends, her concern for the environment, and her tragic death.

(2) How was Kalpana connected with India and Indians?

She was extremely proud of her birth-place, tracked down former teachers and friends in India, stayed in touch with them, and wished to visit India again.

(3) How was Kalpana concerned about the well-being of the earth?

She urged young people to listen to the sounds of nature and take care of the fragile planet. She also took many breathtaking photographs of the earth for terrestrial studies.

(4) What would you like to do for India?

I would like to contribute to India's development by being a responsible citizen, protecting our environment, promoting literacy, and working towards maintaining cleanliness in my country.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) She took many breathtaking photographs of the earth. (Rewrite it using the Present Perfect Continuous tense.)
Answer: She has been taking many breathtaking photographs of the earth.

(ii) He scattered her ashes over the Himalayas. (Rewrite it beginning with 'Her ashes...')
Answer: Her ashes were scattered over the Himalayas by him.

(iii) Kalpana was extremely proud of her birth-place and made every effort to bring it into limelight. (Rewrite it using 'not only ... but also'.)
Answer: Kalpana was not only extremely proud of her birth-place but also made every effort to bring it into limelight.

(6) Give the antonyms from the extract for :

(i) collected: scattered

(ii) forgot: remembered

Q. 3. (B) Summary :

Kalpana Chawla: A Down-to-Earth Star

Kalpana Chawla, despite her fame as an astronaut, maintained a humble nature and deep affection for India and Indians. She took great pains to stay connected with her roots, tracking down old teachers and friends. She had a profound love for the Earth, urging youth to protect the fragile planet. Although her cherished desire to visit India again was left unfulfilled due to her tragic death, her husband, Harrison, honoured her wish by visiting India and scattering her ashes over the Himalayas.

SECTION - B (Poetry)

Q. 4. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

(Poem: "They whisper like drizzles...")

(1) Why do the old women in this extract roam the streets?

They roam the streets with a "lost gaze," suggesting they are likely homeless, abandoned, or suffering from memory loss/dementia, looking for something that "never returned."

(2) What would you like to do for the betterment of the old people?

I would like to ensure they have proper shelter, healthcare, and emotional support. We should spend time with them so they don't feel lonely and treat them with the respect they deserve.

(3) Find out an example of 'onomatopoeia' from the first stanza of the extract.

The word "whisper" in the line "They whisper like drizzles" is an example of onomatopoeia.

(4) Pick out the expressions from the extract showing the sad situation of the old women.

Expressions include: "lost gaze", "roam the streets", "shiver like December nights", "dreamless sleep", and sleeping on "shop verandahs".

Q. 4. (B) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:

(Poem: "We used to watch the valley...")

(1) What was the largest thing known to man?

The mountain's immeasurable peak was considered the largest thing known to man.

(2) What would be the possible result of ignoring nature?

Ignoring nature leads to a disconnection where nature becomes just "characters of folk tales" or memories, and results in environmental degradation replaced by "extravagant and titanic" skyscrapers.

(3) Give an example of personification from the extract.

"The wind caressing our crown" or "watch the valley play hide and seek".

(4) Pick out from the extract some expressions of geographical images.

"Valley", "mountain's immeasurable peak", "stream".

SECTION - C (Rapid Reading and Composition)

Q. 5. (A) Read the following extract and rewrite it from the point of view of Orlando :

(Extract from As You Like It - Rosalind/Ganymede meeting Orlando)

One day Rosalind and Celia met me. I did not recognize them because of their stained faces and simple clothes. I thought they were a shepherd boy and his sister. I made friends with them and often came to see them in their cottage.

Rosalind, still dressed as Ganymede, one day made fun of my poetry. 'I'll cure you of your love for this girl Rosalind!' she said. 'I will pretend to be Rosalind and you shall make love to me.'

And there followed an amusing scene with me calling Ganymede "Rosalind" and swearing that I would die of love for her, and Ganymede refusing to believe it. 'Men have died from time to time, and worms have eaten them, but not for love!' said Rosalind, laughing at the earnest Orlando (me).

At last I said I would have to go. 'I must attend the Duke at dinner', I explained, 'but I shall be with you again at two O'clock.'

So Rosalind said goodbye to me, and waited impatiently for my return. Two O'clock came, however, but I did not come, and Rosalind began to feel angry and disappointed. Just then Oliver, my elder brother, came running through the forest to their cottage. He held a blood-stained handkerchief in his hand, which he gave to Rosalind, saying that I had sent it to her.

Q. 5. (B) Read the following extract and convert it into a dialogue between Mrs Green and the mother... OR Extend the extract about Daisy.

Option 1: Dialogue Writing

Mrs Green: May I come in?

Mother: Please come in. Do sit down. Do you require a room?

Mrs Green: Not today, thank you. I'm staying with Padre Dutt. He insisted on putting me up. But I may want a room for a day or two – just for old time's sake.

Mother: You've stayed here before.

Mrs Green: A long time ago. I'm Mrs Green, you know. The missing Mrs Green. The one for whom you put up that handsome tombstone in the cemetery. I was very touched by it. And I'm glad you didn't add 'Beloved Wife of Henry Green', because I didn't love him any more than he loved me.

Mother: (stammering) Then – then – you aren't the skeleton?

Mrs Green: Do I look like a skeleton?

Mother: No!

Mrs Green: But we heard you disappeared, and when we found that skeleton — you put two and two together.

Mother: Well, it was Miss Kellner who convinced us. And you did disappear mysteriously. You were missing for years. And everyone knew Mr Green was a philanderer.

Mrs Green: Couldn't wait to get away from him. Couldn't stand him anymore. He was a lady-killer, but not a real killer.

SECTION - D (Written Communication)

Q. 6. (A) Letter Writing :

(1) Letter of Application

Aruna Anil Shinde
B1-104, Rose Parade,
S. B. Road, Nagpur.

Date: 21st February 2018

To,
The Managing Director,
Cosmos Ltd.,
72-E Industrial Area,
Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400093.

Subject: Application for the post of Purchase Officer.

Reference: Your advertisement in 'The Times of India' dated 20th February 2018.

Respected Sir/Madam,

With reference to your advertisement mentioned above, I wish to apply for the post of Purchase Officer in your reputed company. I possess the requisite qualifications and experience mentioned in the advertisement.

I have completed my B.E. (Electrical) with distinction and have also successfully completed a Computer Diploma. I have good command over English, Hindi, and Marathi. I have previous work experience as a Purchase Officer which has given me the necessary skills for independent correspondence and management.

I am enclosing my resume herewith for your kind perusal. I assure you that if selected, I shall work with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Aruna Anil Shinde

Encl: Resume

Name: Aruna Anil Shinde
DOB: 15th August 1985
Education:
- B.E. (Electrical), Nagpur University (2013) - 78% (Distinction)
- H.S.C, Nagpur Board (2009) - 76% (Distinction)
- S.S.C, Nagpur Board (2007) - 72% (First Class)
- Computer Diploma from NIIT, Nagpur (2014)
Experience: Worked as Purchase Officer in Login Private Ltd., Nagpur (3 Years)
Hobbies: Reading, Music, Swimming, Chess
Languages: English, Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati

Q. 6. (B) Write on any ONE of the following items :

Option 1: Tourist Leaflet

Visit Majestic Mahabaleshwar

The Queen of Hill Stations

How to Reach There:
Mahabaleshwar is well connected by road. It is approx 120km from Pune and 285km from Mumbai. State transport buses and private taxis are available frequently.

Accommodation Facilities:
A wide range of accommodation is available, from MTDC resorts and budget hotels to luxury 5-star heritage hotels and charming homestays.

What to See:
- Arthur's Seat: For a view of the deep valley.
- Venna Lake: For boating and horse riding.
- Pratapgad Fort: A historical marvel nearby.
- Mapro Garden: For fresh strawberry products.

Shopping Attractions:
Famous for leather footwear (Kolhapuri chappals), wooden artifacts, fresh strawberries, honey, and jams.

Specialty:
The cool, pleasant climate year-round and the stunning strawberry farms make it a unique getaway.

Q. 6. (C) Write on any ONE of the following items :

Option 2: Counter-View on "Facebook is a user-friendly device"

Facebook: A Trap in Disguise

While many argue that Facebook is an excellent networking site that allows people to connect successfully, the reality is often quite different. Far from being purely user-friendly, Facebook poses significant risks. While it allows information sharing with people far and wide, this lack of privacy often leads to data theft and cyberstalking. Users create profile pages that are meant to interrelate with friends, but this often fosters a superficial culture where people obsess over 'likes' rather than genuine connection. Furthermore, addiction to the endless scroll affects productivity and mental health. The platform is also rampant with fake news and misinformation. Therefore, one must view the "friendliness" of this device with caution.

Q. 7. Answer the following questions as per instructions :

(A) Framing Questions:

Interview questions for a well-known sports personality.

1. Welcome to our college! How does it feel to be here with us today?

2. At what age did you start playing this sport, and who was your biggest inspiration?

3. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

4. Could you share a memorable moment from your career that you cherish the most?

5. What kind of training schedule do you follow to stay fit and competitive?

6. How do you handle pressure and failures during crucial matches?

7. You have won many prizes and medals; which one is closest to your heart?

8. Who has been your strongest support system throughout your journey?

9. What are your future goals in the field of sports?

10. What message would you like to give to the aspiring sportspersons in our college?

(B) Speech Writing:

Topic: Save Trees, Trees Save

Save Trees, Trees Save

Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,

Today, I stand before you to speak on a topic that is crucial for our very survival: "Save Trees, Trees Save." We often take nature for granted, forgetting that trees are the primary providers of human needs. From the food we eat to the wood for our furniture, and most importantly, the oxygen we breathe, we owe it all to trees.

Trees are the guardians of our ecological balance. They regulate the climate, absorb harmful carbon dioxide, and provide habitats for countless birds and animals. Without them, the delicate balance of our ecosystem would collapse. Furthermore, trees play a vital role in bringing rainshowers and maintaining the water cycle. They bind the soil with their roots, preventing soil erosion and floods.

However, mindless deforestation is threatening our planet. If we do not act now, we face a bleak future. Let us pledge today to plant more trees and protect the existing ones. Remember, if we save trees, trees will save us.

Thank you.