Zollege is here for to help you!!
Need Counselling
UP Board logo

UP Board Class 12 English Code 316 AB Question Paper 2023 with Solution

Dipanwita Pramanik's profile photo

Dipanwita Pramanik

Content Writer | Updated On - Oct 5, 2025

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 with Solutions PDF

UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2023 Code 316 AB Download PDF Check Solutions
UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2023 with Solution Code 316 AB


Question 1:

(a) What should be the aim of education?

Correct Answer: The aim of education should be to give men knowledge, make them self-reliant, and enable them to serve others.
View Solution




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.


Question 2:

(b) "Bread is more important than anything else". Do you agree? If not, why?

Correct Answer: No, I do not agree.
View Solution




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.


Question 3:

(c) What type of men should be produced by education?

Correct Answer: Education should produce men who love their own country but do not harm other countries.
View Solution




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.


Question 4:

(d) Explain the underlined portion.

Correct Answer: It means that education should produce men who love their own country, but their patriotism should not make them hostile towards other nations.
View Solution




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.


Question 5:

Which word in the passage means `independence'?

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 6:

Which word in the passage means `aim'?

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 7:

Write the noun of the word `believe'.

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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).


Question 8:

Write an article in about 100-150 words.


The Book which I Like Most — The Ramayana

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 9:

Importance of Rivers in India.

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 10:

Place of Mother in Society

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 11:

Write a letter to your younger brother explaining to him the importance of morning walk and balanced diet for keeping good health.

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 12:

Write a letter to the District Magistrate complaining about frequent long-time breakdown of power supply in your locality.

Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 13:

A person who does not believe in the existence of God:

  • (A) egotist
  • (B) altruist
  • (C) atheist
  • (D) emigrant
Correct Answer: (C) atheist
View Solution




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.


Question 14:

The phrase ‘hold good’ means:

  • (A) happy
  • (B) thoughtful
  • (C) effective
  • (D) hopeful
Correct Answer: (C) effective
View Solution




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".


Question 15:

The synonym of ‘destiny’ is:

  • (A) defeat
  • (B) fortune
  • (C) victory
  • (D) confidence
Correct Answer: (B) fortune
View Solution




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).


Question 16:

No sooner had he come here, when his father talked to him.
Which word in this sentence is an error?

  • (A) to
  • (B) when
  • (C) had
  • (D) here
Correct Answer: (B) when
View Solution




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 …".


Question 17:

The antonym of ‘patriot’ is:

  • (A) brave
  • (B) coward
  • (C) traitor
  • (D) honest
Correct Answer: (C) traitor
View Solution




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.


Question 18:

Change any one of the following into indirect speech:


(i) She said to us, “Let us have some music.”

Correct Answer: She suggested to us that we should have some music.
View Solution




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 …”.


Question 19:

(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.”

Correct Answer: 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.
View Solution




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”.


Question 20:

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)

Correct Answer: My mother keeps her ornaments in the safe which is here.
View Solution




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.


Question 21:

(ii) A very healthy man came to me yesterday. He was blind. (into a complex sentence)

Correct Answer: A very healthy man, who was blind, came to me yesterday.
View Solution




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.


Question 22:

Transform any one of the following as directed:


(i) He was appointed as Science teacher by the Principal. (Active voice)

Correct Answer: The Principal appointed him as Science teacher.
View Solution




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.


Question 23:

(ii) She is too fat to run. (into negative sentence)

Correct Answer: She is not fit enough to run.
View Solution




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.


Question 24:

Correct any one of the following sentences:


(i) He treated me as if I was a king.

Correct Answer: He treated me as if I were a king.
View Solution




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.


Question 25:

(ii) India is confident to beating Pakistan in cricket.

Correct Answer: India is confident of beating Pakistan in cricket.
View Solution




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.”


Question 26:

Use any one of the following pairs of words in your sentences to make their meanings clear:


(i) Canvass – Canvas

Correct Answer:
- The candidate went door to door to \textit{canvass} for votes.
- The artist painted a beautiful picture on the \textit{canvas}.
View Solution




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.


Question 27:

(ii) Career – Carrier

Correct Answer:
- She is planning a successful \textit{career} in medicine.
- The courier \textit{carrier} delivered the parcel on time.
View Solution




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.


Question 28:

Translate the following passage into English:


Hindi Passage:


Correct Answer:
View Solution




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.


Question 29:

Answer the following questions in about 40 words each:


(i) What happened when church-clock struck twelve?

Correct Answer:
When the church-clock struck twelve, the silence of the night was broken by the sudden sound of the bell. It created a solemn atmosphere, reminding people of the passage of time and the stillness of midnight.
View Solution




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.


Question 30:

(ii) What do the inhabitants of Seemapuri do for their survival?

Correct Answer:
The inhabitants of Seemapuri survive by rag-picking. They collect waste, sort it, and sell useful items for money. For them, garbage is a means of livelihood, as it provides food and fulfills their daily needs of survival.
View Solution




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.


Question 31:

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?

Correct Answer:
Gandhiji reached Champaran to look into the grievances of the indigo farmers. He found that the landlords exploited peasants through unfair sharecropping agreements. He planned to investigate the situation, collect evidence, and fight for justice through non-violent methods.
View Solution




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.


Question 32:

(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?

Correct Answer:
On her way home, Sophie’s mind was full of dreams about her meeting with the football star Danny Casey. She imagined their conversation, replayed the scene, and felt a mix of excitement and longing, though it was only fantasy.
View Solution




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.


Question 33:

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.

Correct Answer:
The first successful civil disobedience in India took place in Champaran under Gandhiji’s leadership. Indigo farmers were exploited by British landlords. Gandhiji launched satyagraha, mobilized peasants, and protested peacefully. He gathered evidence, met officials, and refused to obey unjust orders. Ultimately, the authorities gave in, and the farmers were given relief. It was a landmark victory that showed the power of non-violence and truth. This movement also marked Gandhiji’s rise as a national leader in India’s freedom struggle.
View Solution




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.


Question 34:

What handicap stayed with Douglas for a long time? What did he do to resolve it from his life?

Correct Answer:
William O. Douglas suffered from a deep fear of water after a drowning incident in his childhood. This phobia stayed with him for years, haunting him whenever he came near water. Determined to overcome it, he hired an instructor and practiced swimming with patience and persistence. Gradually, he gained confidence and conquered his fear completely. By replacing fear with courage and discipline, Douglas was finally free to enjoy swimming, proving that determination can defeat even the strongest handicap.
View Solution




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.


Question 35:

(a) How was the poet’s mother compared?

Correct Answer: The poet’s mother was compared to the late winter’s moon.
View Solution



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.


Question 36:

(b) What did the poetess feel?

Correct Answer: The poetess felt her childhood fear of losing her mother.
View Solution



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.


Question 37:

(c) What did the poetess do at the time of farewell?

Correct Answer: At the time of farewell, the poetess only smiled repeatedly to hide her pain.
View Solution



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.


Question 38:

(a) My Mother at Sixty-Six

Correct Answer:
View Solution

N/A Quick Tip: This poem blends personal emotion with the universal theme of human mortality.


Question 39:

(b) Keeping Quiet

Correct Answer:
View Solution

N/A Quick Tip: “Keeping Quiet” emphasizes that silence can lead to inner peace and universal brotherhood.


Question 40:

(c) A Thing of Beauty

Correct Answer:
View Solution

N/A Quick Tip: Keats believed beauty is eternal — “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”


Question 41:

Answer the following questions in about 40 words:


(a) Who was the wizard? What was his role in the story?

Correct Answer:
In the story “The Wizard,” the wizard was an old man who appeared to perform magical acts. His role was to show how people can be deceived by tricks and illusions. The story reveals human fascination with magic and mystery.
View Solution




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.


Question 42:

What was the role of the astrologer in the story ‘The Tiger King’?

Correct Answer:
In the story “The Tiger King,” the astrologer predicted that the king would die because of a tiger. His prophecy shaped the entire plot, as the king killed ninety-nine tigers to defy fate, but was ultimately killed by the hundredth tiger indirectly.
View Solution




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.


Question 43:

Answer the following questions in about 40 words:


(i) Who was the pale-faced woman? What was she doing?

Correct Answer:
The pale-faced woman was the poetess Kamala Das’s mother in the poem *My Mother at Sixty-Six*. She was sitting beside the poetess in the car, dozing with her mouth open, her face looking pale and lifeless like a winter’s moon.
View Solution




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.


Question 44:

(ii) Why was the small bell trapped and what did they do then?

Correct Answer:
In the story *The Rattrap*, the small bell was trapped because the cow had wandered into the field of turnips and eaten them. The farmer and his wife tied the cow with a rope and beat it to punish it.
View Solution




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.


Question 45:

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?

Correct Answer:
According to Charley in *The Third Level*, the Grand Central Station had a mysterious third level that transported him back to the year 1894. To confirm it, he noticed the old-style engines, gas lights, and people in antique clothing. He wanted to buy tickets to Galesburg, Illinois, because it represented peace, security, and a simpler life, unlike the modern world full of insecurity, war, and fear. For him, 1894 symbolized escape and happiness.
View Solution




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.


Question 46:

What was the vow of the Maharaja? How did he fulfil it and what danger did he face?

Correct Answer:
In the story *The Tiger King*, the astrologer predicted the Maharaja’s death by a tiger. Determined to defy fate, the king took a vow to kill one hundred tigers. He successfully killed ninety-nine, but the hundredth tiger escaped his bullet. Later, he died due to an accident with a wooden toy tiger, proving the prophecy true. Thus, despite fulfilling his vow, he could not escape danger, as destiny cannot be defeated.
View Solution




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.

Ask your question

Subscribe To Our News Letter

Get Latest Notification Of Colleges, Exams and News

© 2026 Patronum Web Private Limited