The CBSE Class 12th English Board exam was conducted on March 11, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.The English theory paper is worth 80 marks and an extra 20 marks are for internal assessment. The test consists of reading comprehension, creative and analytical writing, and literature sections to measure students' proficiency in language, interpretation, and critical thinking ability.

The question paper consists of multiple-choice questions (1 mark each), short-answer questions (2 & 3 marks each), and long-answer questions (4 & 6 marks each), adding up to 80 marks. The exam tests the understanding, writing skills, and literary analysis of students.

CBSE Class 12 English 1-6-1 Question Paper and Detailed Solutions PDF is available for download here.

CBSE Class 12 2025 English1-6-1 Question Paper with Solutions

CBSE Board Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key Download PDF Check Solution
CBSE Board Class 12 2025 English Core(1 6 1) Question Paper with Solutions


Question 1:
1. Read the following passage carefully :
(1) In recent years, the rise of digital education has revolutionized the way students in India
learn. With the advent of high speed internet and widespread smartphone use, online
learning platforms have become increasingly popular. These platforms offer a wide range of
courses, from academic subjects to vocational skills, enabling students to learn at their own
pace and convenience. The flexibility of digital education is beneficial where traditional
classroom learning cannot take place. Many students and educators have now embraced this
new mode of learning, recognizing its potential.
Read More (2) However, this shift to digital learning is not without its challenges. One major issue is the
digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and
those who do not. In rural areas and among economically disadvantaged communities, many
students lack the necessary devices or reliable internet connections to participate in online
classes. This has led to concerns about unequal access to education and the potential for
widening educational disparities. For instance, a study by the National Sample Survey Office
revealed that only 24% of Indian households have internet access, highlighting the extent of
the digital divide.
(3) Another significant challenge is the effectiveness of digital learning. While some students
thrive in an online environment, others struggle with the lack of face-to-face interaction and
the self-discipline required to stay on track. Teachers also face difficulties in both engaging
students as well as providing personalized feedback in a virtual setting. The absence of a
structured classroom environment can lead to distractions and reduced motivation among
students. Furthermore, the lack of direct social interaction impacts social skills and
emotional development.
(4) To address these issues, various initiatives have been launched. Government programmes
aim to provide digital devices and improve internet connectivity in far-off areas. Educational
platforms are developing more interactive and engaging content to enhance the online
learning experience. Blended learning models, which combine online and offline methods,
are being explored to offer a more balanced approach. The government’s Digital India
campaign has also made strides in promoting digital literacy and bridging the technological
gap.
(5) The potential of digital education extends beyond formal schooling.Online platforms
provide opportunities for lifelong learning, allowing individuals to acquire new skills and
knowledge throughout their lives. This is particularly relevant in a rapidly changing job
market, where continuous upskilling and reskilling are essential. Digital education empowers
individuals to take control of this learning journey, breaking down traditional barriers to
education. Moreover, it offers flexibility for working professionals and homemakers, who
can access educational resources without disrupting their daily schedules.
(6) As we navigate this digital revolution in education, it is crucial to ensure that no one is
left behind. Bridging the digital divide, supporting teachers and students, and fostering an
inclusive and effective online learning environment are essential to realizing the full potential
of digital education in India. Policy-makers, educators, and the private sector must
collaborate to create sustainable solutions that address the diverse needs of the population.
Only then can we harness the power of digital education.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

According to paragraph (1), what advantages do online learning platforms offer to students?

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Question 2:

Read the following sentence:
In rural areas and among economically disadvantaged communities, many students lack the necessary devices or reliable internet connections.
The concern the above statement points towards is .........
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.

A. an increasing gap between those living in cities and those living in villages
B. a growing divide in the educational opportunities for children
 

Correct Answer:B. a growing divide in the educational opportunities for childrenView Solution

Question 3:

How does the lack of social interaction in digital learning affect students' overall development?

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Question 4:

Provide one textual evidence with reference to paragraph (3), to prove the following:
The absence of a structured classroom environment can lead to distractions among students.

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Question 5:

Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph (4):
flexibility : adaptability : : integrated : ............

  • (A) paced
    (B) blended
    (C) balanced
    (D) created
Correct Answer:(C) balanced
View Solution

Question 6:

Give one benefit of continuous upskilling and reskilling.

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Question 7:

Assess the potential challenges or benefits of lifelong learning through digital platforms, as outlined in paragraph (5).

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Question 8:

To realize the full potential of digital India, it is important to .............. an environment that provides education for all.

  • (A) refrain
    (B) replicate
    (C) nurture
    (D) commemorate
Correct Answer:(C) nurture
View Solution

Question 9:

We can harness the power of digital education if:

  • (A) educators and policy-makers help create sustainable solutions.
    (B) we shift back to traditional classrooms.
    (C) we further extend the digital divide.
    (D) we control the internet connections.
Correct Answer:(A) educators and policy-makers help create sustainable solutions.
View Solution

Question 10:

Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Introduction : In the face of rapid urbanization, effective waste management has become
a critical issue in Indian cities. This case study aims to analyze the recycling practices among
different demographics in urban India and their implications for sustainable urban
development.

Read More (2) Methodology : A survey was conducted among residents of various urban areas, ranging
from teenagers to elderly citizens, to determine their waste management and recycling
habits. Participants were asked to indicate their preferred methods of waste disposal and
recycling and provide reasons for their choices. The data was then analyzed to identify
trends and patterns among different age groups.
(3) Survey Examination : The survey comprehensively examined waste disposal habits.
Participants were encouraged to share the reasons for their selections, providing invaluable
insight into waste management behaviour.
(4) Results : The survey results revealed interesting insights into waste management and
recycling practices among different age groups.
Q2
(5) Implications for Interventions : By discerning the diverse preferences among different
age groups, policy-makers and environmental activists can not only make interventions to
address specific demographic needs, but also delve into the underlying motivations and
influences guiding these choices. For instance, targeting educational campaigns towards
teenagers and young adults could empower them to adopt sustainable waste management
practices. Concurrently, efforts to enhance the infrastructure for segregation at source and
provide incentives for recycling could improve overall waste management.
(6) Conclusion : The survey outcomes serve as a roadmap for designing targeted
interventions that not only cater to diverse demographic needs but also foster a culture of
sustainability. By harnessing the insights gleaned from this study, stakeholders can
collaboratively work towards building cleaner and more sustainable urban environments for
future generations.

Complete the following suitably:

In the introduction, the researcher links rapid urbanization with waste management by highlighting that \textit{effective waste management has become a critical issue due to the increased population density, consumption, and waste generation in urban areas.

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Question 11:

What would the following be classified as?
To examine waste management practices across various age groups in detail.
Select the appropriate response.

  • (A) Primary purpose
    (B) Secondary objective
    (C) Method of analysis
    (D) Research outcome
Correct Answer:(A) Primary purpose
View Solution

Question 12:

Give two points to support why it is likely that recycling was given as an option to the survey participants to choose from, in the study on waste management practices.

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Question 13:

Paragraph (5) includes words like 'motivations' and 'interventions'. Classify the following sentences as motivation or intervention.

(A) Targeting educational campaigns towards teenagers and young adults could empower them to adopt sustainable waste management practices.

(B) Efforts to enhance the infrastructure for segregation at source.

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Question 14:

Select the option that identifies the correct demographic they belong to:

  • (A) Radhika - middle-aged; Ragini - young adult; Mrs. Gupta - elderly
    (B) Radhika - teenager; Ragini - young adult; Mrs. Gupta - elderly
    (C) Radhika - young adult; Ragini - elderly; Mrs. Gupta - middle-aged
    (D) Radhika - elderly; Ragini - middle-aged; Mrs. Gupta - teenager
     
Correct Answer:(B) Radhika - teenager; Ragini - young adult; Mrs. Gupta - elderly
View Solution

Question 15:

Why is the percentage to adopt recycling methods higher among young adults?

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Question 16:

Analyze how targeted interventions based on the diverse waste management preferences of different age groups can lead to improved environmental outcomes. (paragraph 5)

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Question 17:

What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study?

  • (A) Increase profitability through enhanced recycling infrastructure
    (B) Build cleaner urban environments
    (C) Reduce the cost of waste management
    (D) Expand the range of recycling programmes available
Correct Answer:(B) Build cleaner urban environments
View Solution

Question 18:

 Your school has recently set up a 'Lost and Found Department'. As President of the department, write a notice informing students of the same. Include instructions on details to be submitted, such as description, time, location, etc. of the lost items. Include the necessary details. Put your notice in a box.

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Question 19:

As President of the Social Service Club of your school, write a notice mentioning a volunteer opportunity for students of Classes IX - XII during the forthcoming summer vacation. Include necessary details about timing, location and duration of the volunteer programme. Put your notice in a box.

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Question 20:

You are the Principal of Happy Montessori School, Kanpur. Your school has shown outstanding success in the board examination. Draft a formal invitation card inviting parents of Class XII and other PTA members to the prize-giving ceremony, celebrating the success of students for their academic and extracurricular
achievements. Invent necessary details.

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Question 21:

You are Shreya/Sanjay Rao. Your child is participating in a play to be enacted on the school annual day. You have received an invitation to attend the same. Draft a reply in not more than 50 words accepting the invitation.

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Question 22:

You are Sonali/Shivam of 52, Main Street, Green City. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing your views on the usage of increased screen time among children and its effects. You may use the following cues along with your own ideas to draft the letter.

What is meant by increased screen time ?
What are the negative effects on physical and mental health ?
What is the impact on academic performance and social skills ?
How can parents and educators help in effectively managing screen time ?

 

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Question 23:

You are Sonali/Rahul from 46, G Street, Panipur. You read the given advertisement regarding the position of a graphic designer at Creative Studios. You decide to apply for the same. Write your application along with your biodata.

Job Role: Graphic Designer
Experience: min. 5 years
Design logos
Produce multimedia presentations
Develop layout for magazines and brochures
Skills: Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign


 

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Question 24:

You are Anjali/Anjan, a Class XII student. Write an article exploring the role of youth in environmental conservation in India. Provide examples to illustrate your points. You may use the following cues along with your own ideas.
Effects of modern technologies and urbanization on India’s environment.
Challenges faced by youth in promoting environmental sustainability.
What are the benefits of environmental conservation for young people?
Suggest ways in which young people and institutions can work together to promote environmental conservation.

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Question 25:

 Write a comprehensive report detailing the activities undertaken by students as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations. You are Aarushi/Aarav, a Class XII student and a member of the school magazine editorial board. Include descriptions of the events, participation details, and overall impact of these activities on the school community. You may organize your report by using the following cues:

Who – What – When – Where – Why – How

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Question 26:

 Explain with reference to the given extract, "What I want should not be confused with total inactivity."

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Question 27:

(ii) What does the term single-mindedness not imply in the given extract?

  • (A) persistence
    (B)determination
    (C)narrow-mindedness
    (D)tenacity
Correct Answer: (C) narrow-mindedness
View Solution

Question 28:

(iii) In the line 'Life is what it is about', the phrase 'it' refers to ............

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Question 29:

(iv) The poet has used the phrase 'total inactivity' to illustrate ........... in the perception that peace means doing nothing.
 

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Question 30:

Assertion: The poet values an active and meaningful life.

Reason: Inactivity is equated with leisure, which the poet rejects.

  • (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true.
    (B) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
    (C) Both the assertion and the reason are false.
    (D) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the
Correct Answer: (B) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
View Solution

Question 31:

(vi) State in one sentence, what advice you would give to those engaged in ceaseless mechanized activity.

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Question 32:

(i) Select the phrase that suggests the following:
In difficult times, beauty comes to our aid, in some form or the other, to make us overcome these difficulties.

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Question 33:

(ii) What does the imagery of 'flowery band' not represent in the given extract?

  • (A) connections to life
    (B) a thing of beauty
    (C) imprisonment
    (D) earthly ties
     
Correct Answer: (C) imprisonment
View Solution

Question 34:

(iii) Complete the following suitably.
In the line, 'moves away the pall from our dark spirits', the phrase 'the pall' refers to .........

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Question 35:

(iv) The poet's use of the phrase 'inhuman dearth' illustrates the .......... (scarcity/plentitude) of noble human qualities.

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Question 36:

(v) Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract:

Assertion: The poet values beauty as it overcomes despondence and gloom.

Reason: Beauty, despite the world's hardships, provides comfort and lifts our spirit.

  • (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the
    reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    (B)Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the
    reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
    (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
    (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Correct Answer: (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
View Solution

Question 37:

(vi) State in one sentence, what advice would you give to those facing dark times.

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Question 38:

What was the climate like in Antarctica before humans arrived on the global scene?

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Question 39:

Gondwana existed nearly ..............

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Question 40:

Select the suitable option to complete the following:

Gondwana, separating into countries, contributes to the reader's understanding of the .............

  • (A) complexity of geological processes
  • (B) simplicity of continental formation
  • (C) speed of geological changes
  • (D) stability of ancient landmasses
Correct Answer: (A) complexity of geological processes
View Solution

Question 41:

What difference does the author draw between then and now?

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Question 42:

Complete the following suitably:
The passage indicates that the British officer visited Pratibandapuram because

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Question 43:

What danger was faced by the Maharaja on the tiger hunt?

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Question 44:

From the given extract, it is evident that the Maharaja was a.......... man.

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Question 45:

Select the suitable option to complete the following:

The phrase 'fonder of being photographed with the tigers' contributes to the reader's understanding of the officer's ............

  • (A) indifference towards hunting
  • (B) desire for recognition/fame
  • (C) love for tigers
  • (D) love for photography
Correct Answer: (B) desire for recognition/fame
View Solution

Question 46:

The phrase 'fiery misery' in the given text refers to the ......... of the actors.

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Question 47:

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:

The description of the make-up room is a/an .......... of the make-up department in Gemini Studios.

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Question 48:

Complete the following suitably:

The historical significance of the make-up room was ...............

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Question 49:

With reference to the given extract, what does the reference to 'half a dozen large mirrors' suggest?

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Question 50:

Select the textual option that is closest to indicating a sense of discomfort.

  • (A) The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon.
  • (B) The make-up department was first headed by a gang of nationally integrated make-up men.
  • (C) They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery.
  • (D) The make-up department head was at first a Bengali, who soon quit.
Correct Answer: (C) They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery.
View Solution

Question 51:

What was the fate of the head of the make-up department?

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Question 52:

What does Umberto's statement on his philosophical interest reveal about him?

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Question 53:

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:

His academic work and children's books both reveal ........... interests.

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Question 54:

What example of an interstice does Umberto Eco give?

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Question 55:

The phrase 'as big as my fist' most nearly means ............. with reference to the given text.

  • (A) strong
  • (B) stingy
  • (C) very small
  • (D) abundant
Correct Answer: (C) very small
View Solution

Question 56:

What secret is Umberto referring to?

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Question 57:

Umberto Eco says, he works in interstices. By this, he means that he works ............

  • (A) in empty spaces
  • (B) when he is in the university
  • (C) on his philosophical interest
  • (D) when he is with children
Correct Answer: (A) in empty spaces
View Solution

Question 58:

How does the poet highlight the mean and selfish nature of the city dwellers?

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Question 59:

How did Sophie's family react when she announced that if she ever had money she would buy a boutique?

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Question 60:

What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios?

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Question 61:

Give a brief account of the reception that Gandhi got in Motihari.

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Question 62:

Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?

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Question 63:

According to the poet, beauty is everlasting. Explain.

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Question 64:

What makes Tishani Doshi write that she felt as if she was walking into a giant ping-pong ball?

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Question 65:

Why did the booking clerk refuse to accept the money?

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Question 66:

Why did Derry enter Mr. Lamb's garden?

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Question 67:

M. Hamel in "The Last Lesson" and Edla in "The Rattrap" are the guiding lights of self-realization to Franz and the peddler respectively. Comment.

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Question 68:

The poems 'My Mother at Sixty-six' by Kamala Das and 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' by Adrienne Rich explore the themes of pain and conflict. Explain.

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Question 69:

Dr. Sadao emerges as both a true patriot and a compassionate human being. Elaborate.

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Question 70:

'Memories of Childhood' deals with autobiographical episodes of Zitkala-Sa and Bama. They both come from marginalized communities, and look back on their childhood to reflect on their relationships with mainstream culture. Elaborate.

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