
UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2023 Code 316 AB with Solution PDF is available for download here. The total marks for the theory paper are 100. Students reported the paper to be moderate.
| UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2023 Code 316 AB | Download PDF | Check Solutions |

(a) What should be the aim of education?
Step 1: Understand the passage.
The passage explicitly states that education should have three main objectives: to impart knowledge, foster self-reliance, and enable individuals to serve others.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Therefore, the purpose of education is to create individuals who are knowledgeable, self-sufficient, and oriented towards serving others.
Quick Tip: Education is not only about knowledge but also about building responsibility and self-reliance.
(b) "Bread is more important than anything else". Do you agree? If not, why?
Step 1: Understand the statement.
The passage highlights that some individuals view earning a livelihood (symbolized by bread) as the most important goal in life.
Step 2: Evaluation.
Although earning bread is crucial for survival, education serves a broader purpose—it shapes citizens, fosters knowledge, promotes freedom, and encourages service to others.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, education should not be confined to merely earning a livelihood; it is far more expansive and meaningful.
Quick Tip: Education gives not only livelihood but also values, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility.
(c) What type of men should be produced by education?
Step 1: Key detail from the passage.
The passage emphasizes that education should cultivate citizens who cherish freedom, respect the freedoms of others, and love their country in a way that does not harm others.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Therefore, education should aim to produce peaceful, responsible, and patriotic citizens.
Quick Tip: True education produces good citizens who balance love for their nation with respect for others.
(d) Explain the underlined portion.
Step 1: Analysis.
The underlined section emphasizes the concept of healthy patriotism, which involves loving one's country while fostering peaceful relations with others.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Therefore, education should foster a love for the nation that does not breed hostility towards others.
Quick Tip: Patriotism should be inclusive and not against global peace.
Which word in the passage means `independence'?
Step 1: Understand the meaning of `independence'.
Independence means freedom from control or influence of others.
Step 2: Identify the synonym in the passage.
The passage will contain a word that directly means independence, such as freedom or \textit{liberty.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is the word in the passage that matches this meaning.
Quick Tip: Words like \textit{freedom, liberty, and autonomy are common synonyms of independence.
Which word in the passage means `aim'?
Step 1: Understand the meaning of `aim'.
Aim means an intention, purpose, or goal one wants to achieve.
Step 2: Identify the synonym in the passage.
The passage will have a word such as goal, \textit{purpose, or \textit{objective.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is the word in the passage that means aim.
Quick Tip: Common synonyms of aim are \textit{goal, purpose, and objective.
Write the noun of the word `believe'.
Step 1: Identify the verb form.
The given word is `believe', which is a verb.
Step 2: Convert into noun form.
The noun form of `believe' is `belief'.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct noun form of `believe' is `belief'.
Quick Tip: Many verbs can be converted into nouns by changing their endings (e.g., decide → decision, achieve → achievement, believe → belief).
Write an article in about 100-150 words.
The Book which I Like Most — The Ramayana
Step 1: Introduction.
Books are our best friends as they guide and inspire us. Out of the many books I have read, the book I like most is \textit{The Ramayana.
Step 2: Content.
It is an ancient Indian epic written by Maharishi Valmiki. The book tells the story of Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. It teaches us lessons of truth, sacrifice, devotion, and obedience. The character of Lord Rama inspires us to follow the path of righteousness, while Hanuman’s devotion teaches loyalty.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, \textit{The Ramayana is the book I like most as it gives me moral values and guides me in life.
Quick Tip: Always write an introduction, content, and conclusion in an article to make it complete and well-structured.
Importance of Rivers in India.
Step 1: Introduction.
Rivers are the lifelines of India. They have been considered sacred and are an important part of Indian culture, economy, and environment.
Step 2: Content.
The Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and other rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industries. They help in agriculture, which is the backbone of India’s economy. Rivers also produce hydroelectricity and serve as waterways for transport. Moreover, rivers support biodiversity and provide livelihood to millions of people. They also hold great religious importance in Indian traditions.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, rivers are the true lifelines of India, and it is our duty to protect them from pollution and misuse.
Quick Tip: While writing on social or environmental topics, always mention their uses, importance, and the need for conservation.
Place of Mother in Society
Step 1: Introduction.
Mother holds the most respected place in our lives and in society. She is considered the first teacher of a child and the foundation of the family.
Step 2: Content.
A mother sacrifices her comforts for the well-being of her children. She not only provides love and care but also shapes the character and values of her family. In society, mothers are symbols of strength, patience, and compassion. From ancient times, Indian culture has worshipped mothers as goddesses. Even today, the progress of society depends upon how much respect and dignity is given to mothers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the place of mother in society is supreme, and she must be given love, respect, and honor.
Quick Tip: Articles about social values should include emotional, cultural, and moral aspects to make them impactful.
Write a letter to your younger brother explaining to him the importance of morning walk and balanced diet for keeping good health.
Step 1: Format of Informal Letter.
We begin with the sender’s address, date, salutation, body of the letter, and closing.
Step 2: Writing the Letter.
\hspace{0.5cm 45, Green Park Colony
\hspace{0.5cm Lucknow
\hspace{0.5cm 12 September, 2025
\hspace{0.5cm Dear Brother,
I hope you are doing well in your studies. Today, I want to share with you the importance of a morning walk and a balanced diet in our life. A morning walk gives us fresh air, energy, and a positive start to the day. It keeps our mind fresh and our body active. Along with this, a balanced diet provides all the nutrients required to remain healthy. Eating too much junk food can harm your health, while fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk help in building strength.
So, dear brother, I advise you to make morning walks a habit and follow a balanced diet to stay healthy and strong.
\hspace{0.5cm Yours lovingly,
\hspace{0.5cm (Your Name)
Quick Tip: In informal letters, maintain a personal tone with care and advice. Always end with love or best wishes.
Write a letter to the District Magistrate complaining about frequent long-time breakdown of power supply in your locality.
Step 1: Format of Formal Letter.
We begin with the sender’s address, date, designation of the receiver, subject, body of the letter, and closing.
Step 2: Writing the Letter.
\hspace{0.5cm 23, Civil Lines
\hspace{0.5cm Kanpur
\hspace{0.5cm 12 September, 2025
\hspace{0.5cm To,
\hspace{0.5cm The District Magistrate
\hspace{0.5cm Kanpur (U.P.)
\hspace{0.5cm Subject: Complaint regarding frequent long breakdowns of power supply.
Respected Sir,
Through this letter, I would like to draw your attention towards the frequent and long power cuts in our locality. The situation has become very troublesome as the supply often goes off for many hours during day and night. Students are unable to study properly, and office-goers also face many difficulties. During the hot weather, the suffering becomes unbearable.
I request you to kindly look into this matter at the earliest and take suitable steps to ensure proper and regular power supply to our area.
\hspace{0.5cm Yours faithfully,
\hspace{0.5cm (Your Name)
Quick Tip: In formal letters, be polite, clear, and concise. Always include subject, proper salutation, and end respectfully.
A person who does not believe in the existence of God:
Step 1: Understanding the definition.
A person who does not believe in the existence of God is called an atheist.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Egotist: A person who talks too much about themselves.
- (B) Altruist: A person who works for the welfare of others.
- (C) Atheist: A person who denies the existence of God.
- (D) Emigrant: A person who leaves their own country to live in another.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (C) atheist.
Quick Tip: An atheist denies God, while a theist believes in God.
The phrase ‘hold good’ means:
Step 1: Understanding the phrase.
The idiom ‘hold good’ means to remain valid, applicable, or effective.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Happy: Incorrect, unrelated to the phrase.
- (B) Thoughtful: Incorrect, unrelated.
- (C) Effective: Correct, as ‘hold good’ means to remain effective or valid.
- (D) Hopeful: Incorrect.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (C) effective.
Quick Tip: Remember: "hold good" = "remain valid or effective".
The synonym of ‘destiny’ is:
Step 1: Understanding the word.
‘Destiny’ means fate or fortune – events that will happen in the future.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Defeat: Opposite meaning, not correct.
- (B) Fortune: Correct synonym of destiny.
- (C) Victory: Not a synonym, unrelated.
- (D) Confidence: Incorrect, different meaning.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (B) fortune.
Quick Tip: Destiny = fate = fortune (not success or defeat).
No sooner had he come here, when his father talked to him.
Which word in this sentence is an error?
Step 1: Rule of ‘No sooner’.
The correct structure is: “No sooner … than …”.
Step 2: Analysis.
- The sentence wrongly uses ‘when’ instead of ‘than’.
- Correct sentence: “No sooner had he come here, than his father talked to him.”
Step 3: Conclusion.
The error is in the word (B) when.
Quick Tip: Always remember: "No sooner … than …", never "No sooner … when …".
The antonym of ‘patriot’ is:
Step 1: Understanding the term.
A ‘patriot’ is a person who loves and supports their country.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Brave: Not opposite of patriot.
- (B) Coward: Refers to fear, not opposite of patriot.
- (C) Traitor: Correct, as it means a person who betrays their country.
- (D) Honest: Not related to patriotism.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The antonym of patriot is (C) traitor.
Quick Tip: Patriot = loves the country; Traitor = betrays the country.
Change any one of the following into indirect speech:
(i) She said to us, “Let us have some music.”
Step 1: Identify the sentence type.
This is an imperative sentence (suggestion). In indirect speech, “Let us” is usually reported as “suggested that we should”.
Step 2: Apply the rules.
- Reporting verb “said to” changes to “suggested to”.
- “Let us have some music” → “that we should have some music”.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct indirect speech is: \textit{She suggested to us that we should have some music.
Quick Tip: When changing “Let us” to indirect speech, use “suggested that we should …”.
(ii) Father said to his son angrily, “Why have you disturbed me in my sleep? Leave the room at once and do not come here again.”
Step 1: Identify the sentence type.
The direct speech has both an interrogative sentence and commands. In indirect speech:
- Interrogatives change to reported questions.
- Commands change to reported orders.
Step 2: Apply the rules.
- “Why have you disturbed me …?” → “why he had disturbed him …”.
- “Leave the room … and do not come here again” → “ordered him to leave the room … and not to come there again”.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The indirect speech is: \textit{Father asked his son angrily why he had disturbed him in his sleep, and ordered him to leave the room at once and not to come there again.
Quick Tip: Interrogatives → use “asked” or “inquired”; Imperatives → use “ordered/told/suggested + to”.
Combine any one of the following as directed:
(i) My mother keeps her ornaments in a safe. This is the safe. (into a complex sentence)
Step 1: Identify the sentence type.
Two simple sentences are given. To make a complex sentence, we join them using a relative clause (with “which/that”).
Step 2: Apply the rule.
- Sentence 1: “My mother keeps her ornaments in a safe.”
- Sentence 2: “This is the safe.”
- Combine → “My mother keeps her ornaments in the safe which is here.”
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct complex sentence is: \textit{My mother keeps her ornaments in the safe which is here.
Quick Tip: Complex sentences often use relative pronouns like “who, which, that” to combine ideas.
(ii) A very healthy man came to me yesterday. He was blind. (into a complex sentence)
Step 1: Identify the sentence type.
Two simple sentences are given. To make a complex sentence, use a relative clause to describe the subject.
Step 2: Apply the rule.
- Sentence 1: “A very healthy man came to me yesterday.”
- Sentence 2: “He was blind.”
- Combine → “A very healthy man, who was blind, came to me yesterday.”
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct complex sentence is: \textit{A very healthy man, who was blind, came to me yesterday.
Quick Tip: Relative clauses (who, which, that) help convert simple sentences into complex sentences naturally.
Transform any one of the following as directed:
(i) He was appointed as Science teacher by the Principal. (Active voice)
Step 1: Identify the voice.
The given sentence is in passive voice (“He was appointed … by the Principal”).
Step 2: Change to active voice.
- Subject in passive (He) becomes object.
- Object in passive (the Principal) becomes subject.
- Passive verb “was appointed” changes to active “appointed”.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The active voice is: \textit{The Principal appointed him as Science teacher.
Quick Tip: To change passive to active, make the “doer” (after “by”) the subject of the sentence.
(ii) She is too fat to run. (into negative sentence)
Step 1: Identify the transformation.
The sentence is in the “too … to” structure. This is changed into a negative sentence using “not … enough to”.
Step 2: Apply the rule.
- “too fat to run” → “not fit enough to run”.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The negative sentence is: \textit{She is not fit enough to run.
Quick Tip: The structure “too … to” can be transformed into “not … enough to” for negative form.
Correct any one of the following sentences:
(i) He treated me as if I was a king.
Step 1: Identify the error.
The expression “as if” is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. In English grammar, after “as if” we use “were” (not “was”) for hypothetical situations.
Step 2: Correction.
- Wrong: “as if I was a king.”
- Correct: “as if I were a king.”
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the corrected sentence is: \textit{He treated me as if I were a king.
Quick Tip: After “as if” or “as though,” always use “were” for imaginary/hypothetical situations.
(ii) India is confident to beating Pakistan in cricket.
Step 1: Identify the error.
The word “confident” is always followed by the preposition “of,” not “to.”
Step 2: Correction.
- Wrong: “confident to beating …”
- Correct: “confident of beating …”
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the corrected sentence is: \textit{India is confident of beating Pakistan in cricket.
Quick Tip: Remember: “confident of + gerund/noun,” not “confident to.”
Use any one of the following pairs of words in your sentences to make their meanings clear:
(i) Canvass – Canvas
Step 1: Understand the words.
- Canvass = to campaign or persuade.
- Canvas = a strong cloth used for painting or making tents.
Step 2: Use in sentences.
- “The candidate went door to door to canvass for votes.” (campaign)
- “The artist painted a beautiful picture on the canvas.” (cloth for painting)
Step 3: Conclusion.
The sentences clearly bring out the different meanings of the words.
Quick Tip: “Canvass” = campaign; “Canvas” = cloth. Different spelling, different meaning.
(ii) Career – Carrier
Step 1: Understand the words.
- Career = profession or occupation.
- Carrier = one who carries or transports something.
Step 2: Use in sentences.
- “She is planning a successful career in medicine.” (profession)
- “The courier carrier delivered the parcel on time.” (transporter)
Step 3: Conclusion.
The sentences highlight the distinction between “career” and “carrier.”
Quick Tip: “Career” = job/profession; “Carrier” = one who carries or delivers.
Translate the following passage into English:
Hindi Passage:
Step 1: (Translation)
Time is the greatest enemy of man. A person who does not make proper use of it never succeeds. Lost time never returns. It is said that the waves of a river and the flow of time wait for no one. Therefore, moving with time is always beneficial. For students, every single moment of time is very precious. They should plan their daily routine in a timely manner. A person who values time is never unsuccessful in life.
Step 2: Convert into English sentences.
Each Hindi sentence is translated into a meaningful English equivalent, preserving the tone and moral lesson.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The passage emphasizes the importance of time management, especially for students, and concludes that a person who respects time never fails in life.
Quick Tip: While translating, focus on meaning rather than word-for-word translation. Keep the tone natural in English.
Answer the following questions in about 40 words each:
(i) What happened when church-clock struck twelve?
Step 1: Understand the context.
The striking of twelve on the church-clock symbolizes midnight, often marking an important moment of transition.
Step 2: Interpret the event.
The ringing bell disturbed the silence, creating an atmosphere of seriousness and reflection.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, when the church-clock struck twelve, it created a solemn midnight atmosphere.
Quick Tip: Clock striking twelve often symbolizes transition, importance, or solemnity in literature.
(ii) What do the inhabitants of Seemapuri do for their survival?
Step 1: Context of Seemapuri.
Seemapuri is a slum area near Delhi, where thousands of families live in poverty.
Step 2: Main source of livelihood.
Rag-picking is the primary occupation. Garbage means survival for them, as they depend on it to earn a living.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The people of Seemapuri depend entirely on rag-picking for survival.
Quick Tip: In Seemapuri, “garbage to them is gold” — it ensures their survival in harsh poverty.
Answer the following questions in about 40 words each:
(i) How did Gandhiji reach Champaran? What did he find there and what did he plan for future proceedings?
Step 1: Gandhiji’s arrival.
Gandhiji went to Champaran after hearing complaints from peasants.
Step 2: Findings.
He discovered that peasants were forced to grow indigo under unfair conditions and were exploited by landlords.
Step 3: Plan for action.
He decided to study the problem, record testimonies, and launch a peaceful struggle for peasants’ rights.
Quick Tip: Champaran marked the beginning of Gandhi’s first successful experiment with Satyagraha in India.
(ii) What thoughts were floating in the mind of Sophie while returning towards home from the meeting place? What did she feel on the way?
Step 1: Sophie’s imagination.
Sophie was a dreamer and filled her mind with thoughts of Danny Casey, as if the meeting was real.
Step 2: Her feelings.
She felt thrilled and happy, enjoying the fantasy, though it was only her imagination.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Her walk home was dominated by dreamy thoughts of Casey and a sense of delight.
Quick Tip: Sophie’s character in the story reflects youthful imagination and unfulfilled dreams.
Answer any one of the following in about 80 words:
(a) How was the civil disobedience won first time in India? Describe the struggle done by Gandhiji and others.
Step 1: Context.
Indigo farmers in Champaran were forced into unfair agreements. Gandhiji intervened.
Step 2: Struggle.
Through peaceful satyagraha, Gandhiji collected testimonies, organized peasants, and defied unjust laws.
Step 3: Outcome.
Authorities had to reduce exploitation, marking the first civil disobedience success.
Quick Tip: Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was India’s first successful civil disobedience, showing the strength of non-violence.
What handicap stayed with Douglas for a long time? What did he do to resolve it from his life?
Step 1: Identify the handicap.
Douglas developed a lifelong fear of water after a near-drowning experience.
Step 2: His efforts.
He engaged a swimming instructor, practiced regularly, and slowly overcame fear.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Through persistence and courage, Douglas conquered his fear and enjoyed swimming freely.
Quick Tip: Courage and persistence can turn fear into mastery, as seen in Douglas’s story.
(a) How was the poet’s mother compared?
The poetess, Kamala Das, compares her mother’s pale, aging face to the wan, dim light of a late winter’s moon, symbolizing weakness, fading life, and approaching death.
Quick Tip: Comparisons in poetry often use nature or objects to convey emotions strongly.
(b) What did the poetess feel?
Seeing her mother’s pale face reminded the poetess of the inevitable truth of mortality. She felt the same fear of separation and death that she had as a child when she realized her mother was growing old.
Quick Tip: In poetry, emotions like fear and love are often universal and timeless.
(c) What did the poetess do at the time of farewell?
The poetess controlled her emotions and did not express her fear openly. Instead, she put up a brave front, repeatedly smiling to reassure her mother, even though inside she was filled with sorrow.
Quick Tip: Sometimes a smile is used to mask deep pain or fear, as shown in this poem.
(a) My Mother at Sixty-Six
N/A Quick Tip: This poem blends personal emotion with the universal theme of human mortality.
(b) Keeping Quiet
N/A Quick Tip: “Keeping Quiet” emphasizes that silence can lead to inner peace and universal brotherhood.
(c) A Thing of Beauty
N/A Quick Tip: Keats believed beauty is eternal — “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
Answer the following questions in about 40 words:
(a) Who was the wizard? What was his role in the story?
Step 1: Identify the character.
The wizard was portrayed as a mysterious old man.
Step 2: His role.
He demonstrated magical acts that amazed people but were mere illusions.
Step 3: Conclusion.
His role highlighted human curiosity and how appearances can deceive.
Quick Tip: Wizards in literature often symbolize illusion, mystery, or hidden truth.
What was the role of the astrologer in the story ‘The Tiger King’?
Step 1: Identify the astrologer’s role.
He predicted the king’s death from a tiger.
Step 2: Impact on the story.
The prophecy led the king to wage a campaign against tigers.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The astrologer’s words became the driving force of the story, proving fate is inescapable.
Quick Tip: The astrologer’s prophecy in “The Tiger King” symbolizes the inevitability of fate.
Answer the following questions in about 40 words:
(i) Who was the pale-faced woman? What was she doing?
Step 1: Identify the character.
The pale-faced woman was the poet’s mother, aged and weak.
Step 2: What she was doing.
She sat beside the poetess in the car, dozing with her mouth slightly open.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Her pale face symbolized fragility, aging, and the approach of death.
Quick Tip: In literature, paleness often symbolizes aging, weakness, or fading life.
(ii) Why was the small bell trapped and what did they do then?
Step 1: Identify the context.
The “small bell” refers to the cow that destroyed crops.
Step 2: Why it was trapped.
It had entered the turnip field and eaten them, causing damage.
Step 3: What they did.
The farmer and his wife punished the cow by tying and beating it.
Quick Tip: Such incidents in stories often highlight the cruelty or hardships of rural life.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 80 words:
(a) Describe the third level as per Charley. What did he do to make sure that he was in 1894? Why did he want to buy tickets?
Step 1: Charley’s discovery.
Charley found himself on a third level that seemed to lead into the past.
Step 2: Proof of 1894.
He saw gas lights, old trains, and people in period dress.
Step 3: Buying tickets.
He wished to escape modern tension and go to Galesburg, a peaceful place in 1894.
Quick Tip: “The Third Level” highlights man’s longing for escape from modern stress to a peaceful past.
What was the vow of the Maharaja? How did he fulfil it and what danger did he face?
Step 1: The vow.
The Maharaja vowed to kill one hundred tigers to escape the astrologer’s prophecy.
Step 2: Fulfilment.
He hunted ninety-nine tigers with great effort.
Step 3: Danger faced.
The hundredth tiger indirectly caused his death, showing that destiny is inevitable.
Quick Tip: The story “The Tiger King” is a satire on human arrogance before destiny.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.