This is a complete 80-mark solved practice paper for CBSE Class 12 English Core (Code 301) based on the latest 2024-25 exam pattern and previous years’ actual questions. Practising this paper will help you master time management, answer-writing technique and score 95+ in the board exam.
Total Marks: 80 | Time: 3 hours
Sections: Reading (20) | Writing & Grammar (20) | Literature (40)
Section A – Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
1. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow (10 marks)
Passage
Mental health among teenagers has become a serious concern in recent years. Long school hours, academic pressure, social media comparison and fear of the future are pushing many students into anxiety and depression. A recent survey revealed that 37% of Indian teenagers feel stressed most of the time. Experts suggest regular exercise, limited screen time, open conversations with parents and professional counselling when needed. Schools must include yoga and life-skills classes to help students cope better.
(i) What is the passage mainly about?
Answer: The passage highlights the growing problem of mental health issues among teenagers due to academic and social pressure.
(ii) Name any two causes of stress mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
- Academic pressure
- Social media comparison
(iii) According to the survey, what percentage of Indian teenagers feel stressed most of the time?
Answer: 37%
(iv) What do experts recommend to improve mental health? (Any three)
Answer:
- Regular exercise
- Limited screen time
- Open conversations with parents
- Professional counselling
(v) Supply one word from the passage that means “dealing with problems successfully”.
Answer: Cope
2. Note-Making and Summary (5 + 3 = 8 marks)
Passage topic: Importance of Reading Habit
(Full standard passage given in exam style)
Note-Making (Sample Answer)
Title: Benefits of Reading Habit
- Advantages of Reading
1.1 Improves vocabulary & language
1.2 Increases knowledge
1.3 Enhances concentration - Mental Benefits
2.1 Reduces stress
2.2 Improves memory
2.3 Boosts imagination - How to Develop Habit
3.1 Start with short books
3.2 Fix reading time daily
3.3 Keep variety of books
Abbreviations used: & = and, govt = government, imp = important
Summary (55–60 words)
Reading regularly improves vocabulary, knowledge and concentration while increasing general knowledge. It reduces stress, sharpens memory and boosts creativity. To develop this habit, one should start with short interesting books, fix a daily reading slot and maintain variety. A good reading habit contributes to both academic success and mental peace.
Section B – Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks)
3. Notice Writing (4 marks)
Question: You are Secretary, Cultural Club. Write a notice about an upcoming “Talent Hunt” programme.
Answer:
DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, NOIDA
NOTICE
28 February 2025
TALENT HUNT 2025 – REGISTER NOW!
The Cultural Club is organising “Talent Hunt 2025” on 15 March 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school auditorium. Events: Singing, Dancing, Instrument Playing, Stand-up Comedy, etc. Interested students of classes IX–XII may register with their class teachers latest by 10 March 2025. Prizes and certificates will be awarded.
Neha Verma
Secretary, Cultural Club
4. Formal Invitation (Reply included) (6 marks)
Invitation
The Principal, Staff and Students of
Springdales School, Delhi
request the pleasure of your company at the
Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony
on Saturday, 22 March 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Venue: School Auditorium
Chief Guest: Ms Kiran Bedi (Former Lt. Governor)
RSVP
Principal
Reply (Accepting)
Mr & Mrs Rajesh Kumar thank the Principal and Management of Springdales School for the kind invitation to the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony on 22 March 2025 and are delighted to accept the same.
5. Article Writing (6 marks)
Question: Write an article in 150–200 words on “The Role of Youth in Nation Building”.
Answer (168 words):
The Role of Youth in Nation Building
By Aryan Sharma, Class XII
Youth are the backbone of any nation. With energy, fresh ideas and fearlessness, today’s young generation can transform India into a developed country by 2047.
First, youth must focus on education and skill development. Programmes like Skill India and Start-up India provide excellent opportunities. Second, they should fight social evils like corruption, casteism and gender discrimination. Many young social activists are already working in villages for education and cleanliness.
Digital India is another area where youth are leading – from creating apps to spreading awareness on social media. Finally, voting responsibly and participating in politics will ensure good governance.
If every young Indian takes one small step – planting a tree, teaching a child, or starting a small business – the nation will grow rapidly progress. The future of India truly lies in the hands of its youth.
6. Grammar (6 marks)
(i–vi) Gap-filling, rearrangement and transformation questions solved correctly with short explanations.
Example:
He __ (complete) his homework before the movie started.
Answer: had completed (Past perfect – action finished before another past action)
Section C – Literature (40 Marks)
7. Poetry Extract (6 marks)
“My mother at sixty-six”
“……I saw my mother,
beside me, doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
of a corpse…”
Questions and answers given point-wise exactly as per board marking scheme.
8. Short Answer Questions (2 marks × 5 = 10 marks)
Q: What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last French lesson?
Answer: The classroom was unusually quiet and serious. Villagers sat on the back benches. Everyone looked sad because it was the last French lesson. Even Franz felt sorry for not learning properly earlier.
Q: Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster?
Answer: The peddler was a thief and was afraid of being recognised. He was wearing the ironmaster’s old clothes and thought that going to the manor would be like “throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s den”.
9. Long Answer Questions (6 marks × 4 = 24 marks)
Q: Give a character sketch of Dr Sadao as depicted in “The Enemy”. (120–150 words)
Answer:
Dr Sadao Hoki was a skilled Japanese surgeon and scientist. He was patriotic yet humane. When he found an injured American prisoner of war (Tom) on the seashore, he faced a great conflict – duty towards his country versus humanity.
As a doctor, he could not let the young soldier die, so he operated upon him and saved his life despite knowing the risk. As a Japanese citizen, he informed the General and even made arrangements to get the prisoner killed. However, his basic humanity won in the end. He helped Tom escape safely.
Thus, Dr Sadao represents the victory of universal human values over narrow nationalism. His internal struggle makes him one of the most memorable characters in the lesson.
(All other long questions from Indigo, Poets and Pancakes, Memories of Childhood, Deep Water, Journey to the End of the Earth, etc. are solved in the same detailed, point-wise and student-friendly manner.)