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 1-4-2 Question Paper and Detailed Solutions PDF is available for download here.
CBSE Class 12 2025 English1-4-2 Question Paper with Solutions
| CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key | Download PDF | Check Solution |
1.Read the following passage carefully:
(1) Gossip. All humans partake in some form, despite the age-old adage, ”If you have
nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Whether it’s workplace chatter, the
sharing of family news or group texts between friends, it’s inevitable that anyone who
participates in the above, talks about other people.
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(2) People tend to think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs,or the breathless propagation of a tabloid scoop. But researchers often define it more
broadly as ”talking about people who aren’t present,” says an assistant professor of
psychology. ”It’s something that comes very naturally to us” - an integral part of
conversation, information sharing, and even community building.
(3) ”It’s not necessarily negative,” adds a professor of psychology. ”It can be positive or
neutral.” Some researchers argue that gossip helped our ancestors survive.
Evolutionary psychologists first pioneered this idea, comparing gossip to the grooming
primates engage in as a means of bonding.
(4) People are usually resistant to thinking about gossip as anything but bad. It is true
that there are some types of gossip that should be avoided, such as gossip that is purely
harmful and serves no purpose like mean comments on someone’s way of dressing. In
such a scenario no one benefits. Gossip can also be both active and passive. Active
gossiping refers to directly sharing negative information about someone else. An active
gossiper initiates the conversation and actively spreads it. Passive gossiping on the
other hand involves more subtle behaviour like hinting, dropping suggestive comments
or participating in gossip by listening without actively contributing, but still allowing
the gossip to spread through their presence.
(5) It’s interesting to note that gossiping also says something about relationships people
have with one another. The act of gossiping often implies a level of trust and closeness
with someone, which are key aspects of a good friendship.
(6) Research has found that gossip can stave off loneliness, while other studies have
found it can facilitate bonding and closeness and serve as a form of entertainment. So,
keep on talking. And when your conversation turns to gossip, as it inevitably will,
remember that some good can come of it - with the right intentions, of course.
Complete the following suitably.
..... think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs …… in paragraph (2).
By the phrase ‘put-downs’ the writer means .......
Despite the bad reputation of ‘gossip’, mention any two benefits that it offers.
Read and complete the following suitably.
The phrase ‘It’s something that comes very naturally to us’ suggests that gossip should not merely be associated with malicious rumours.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The concern this phrase points towards is about:
(A) that some types of gossip should be avoided.
(B) that gossip can be viewed as part of our daily interaction and bonding.
(B) that gossip can be viewed as part of our daily interaction and bonding.View Solution
Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph (2).
Praise : Commend :: ______ : Malevolent
(A) Scoop
(B) Propagation
(C) Malicious
(D) Conversation
What type of gossip does the author disapprove of and why?
Complete the following suitably with one difference between the author’s opinion and that of people about gossip.
Generally, people do not readily accept ........
“There’s also a physiological distinction to be drawn between active and passive participation in gossip.” (paragraph (4))
Based on the above statement, classify the following sentences as active and passive participation.
Sentence 1 : Ranjan told Raman and Shah the sensational facts he had heard about his friend Vineet from others.
Sentence 2 : Kumar stayed silent while his friends criticized his close friend Vijay in his absence.
Why does the author say that gossip is a reflection of relationships?
Choose the correct option:
….. gossip can ‘stave off loneliness’.
The above statement is true as :
(A) we always enjoy talking ill of others.
(B) we believe what we read about people in the print media.
(C) we are free to talk loosely in the absence of the person.
(D) in order to gossip, you need to feel close to people.
Complete the following suitably:
The author puts forth the fact that man can never ...... gossiping.
(1) Introduction: Humans are social creatures with a deep desire to interact with one
another. Recent developments in technology have made it possible for billions of people
worldwide to use cell phones to satisfy this need. The current study aims to analyse the
impact of smartphone use among various categories of people in Kerala, India. The
present study will provide an insight into the extent and magnitude of people’s reliance
on smartphones to communicate in this modern age and the dwindling nature of social
relationships.
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(2) Methodology: A google form created questionnaire was used to gather informationon the subject from a sample of participants who were from various districts in Kerala,
India.
(3) Survey Examination: Among the 131 study participants, 66 were men and the
remaining 65 were women. For convenience, the study considered only the main
purpose for which a smartphone is used by any given individual.
(4) Results:
Individuals differed in their interests and preferences regarding their choice of
communication medium. Some preferred direct conversation, while others conveyed
their messages through virtual mediums of communication, that did not involve any
face-to-face interaction.
(5) Implications for Interventions: It was observed that individuals were interested in
using their smartphones even when they were dining. This constant use can have
several disadvantages such as reckless use of mobile phones, including prolonged hours
of radiation exposure, over-calorie intake due to binge eating, leading to obesity, and
other health problems. It is also a vital tool to achieve social progress.
The use of phones while travelling can sometimes detract from an individual’s
enjoyment of the serenity of the environment, the scenic beauty of picnic spots, and
affect the way an individual behaves and interacts with his or her co-travellers.
(6) Conclusion: It is true that most of the population under different age and gender
categories use smartphones every day, but there is no significant fall in the duration
spent in direct face-to-face conversation with fellow beings, except in very few
individuals. The majority of people agree that traditional face-to-face communication
is more comfortable, reliable, and expressive than text messages, phone calls, or
electronic mail.
Complete the following suitably.
In paragraph (1), the author highlights the use of smartphones to ..........
How does the author validate the fact that smartphones take away the joy of beauty around us?
Paragraph (4) includes the phrases, direct communication and virtual communication.
Classify the following sentences as direct and virtual communication:
Sentence 1 : Most of the students attend online classes on mobile phones.
Sentence 2 : He arranged for a get-together to meet his school friends.
In paragraph (5), ‘By reckless use of mobile phones’ the author blames:
(A) binge eating
(B) mobile phones
(C) responsibility of man
(D) demands of society
Give two points to support how smartphones make a major impact on man’s life.
What would the following be classified as?
There is no significant fall in the duration spent in direct face-to-face conversation.
Select the appropriate response:
(A) Primary purpose
(B) Secondary objective
(C) Method of analysis
(D) Research outcome
(D) Research outcomeView Solution
‘Technological development is a double-edged sword.’
Analyse the above statement with reference to the text.
The study is very relevant in the contemporary times, because:
(A) we are living in the 21st century.
(B) it is an era of IT revolution.
(C) mobile phones have penetrated everyone’s life.
(D) mobile phones are used by students for academic purposes.
View Solution
You are Aruna/Arun, Head girl/Head boy of Kohinoor Public School, Hawapuri. Your school is organising an inter-house book review competition. Draft a notice informing the students of classes IX–XII about the competition and invite registrations for the same. Include other necessary details. Put your notice in a box.
You are Renuka/Rahul Bhatia, President of J.M. Colony, Pawanshahr, Residents Welfare Association. You are planning to organise a free eye care camp in collaboration with a reputed hospital for the senior citizens of your locality. Draft a notice informing the residents about the camp. Include all necessary details. Put your notice in a box.
Your school is planning to host the Annual Awards Function on Saturday, 9th April. On behalf of the Principal, draft a formal invitation card to be sent to the parents and other guests inviting them for the function. Mention a compelling highlight of the celebration along with other details.
You are Sonali/Sohail of 4, A.C. Nagar, Akashgarh. Your friend Jyoti has invited you to a party to celebrate her appointment as Junior Scientist in ISRO. Write an informal letter of reply accepting the invitation.
(a) You are Anjali/Ajit Kumar of 12, Oldams Road, Vijaybagh. You read the given advertisement and wish to apply for the post advertised. Write this job application along with your bio-data.
You are Srishti/Somesh Chawla of 46, M.G. Road, Aarmannagar. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your views and creating awareness among people on India’s space exploration and its role in transforming India as a potential superpower.
(a) You are a travel enthusiast. You strongly feel that travelling is essential to a person’s development as it increases knowledge and widens intellect. Write an article for your school magazine stressing on the importance of travel. You may use the cues given along with your own ideas to compose the article. You are Dipanshi/Dipesh of Class XII-C.
Your school organised a workshop on ‘Health and Wellness’ for Classes IX–XII. As a student reporter, write a comprehensive report of the event to be published in your school newsletter. You are Aditi/Aditya of Class XII-A. You may use the cues given along with your own ideas to compose the report.
Complete the following suitably:
The massive weight of ‘wedding band’ symbolises \hspace{5cm}.
By the phrase ‘fingers fluttering’, the poet portrays Aunt Jennifer in a constant state of \hspace{3cm}. (nervousness/happiness)
Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: Aunt Jennifer lives a life full of agony and pain.
Reason: She is a victim of the male dominant society.
(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.
Complete the following suitably:
‘The tigers in the panel will go on prancing ............’
The above line refers to the \hspace{3.5cm} of art.
The expressions ‘terrified hands’ and ‘ordeals’ used in the above extract highlight the \hspace{3.5cm} of women in marriage.
Choose the correct option:
‘Tigers in the panel’ symbolise:
(A) Aunt Jennifer’s interest in wildlife.
(B)Tigers in the green forest.
(C) Aunt Jennifer’s deep desire for freedom.
(D) Tigers that are yellow in colour.
View Solution
Complete the following suitably:
The expressions ‘doze’ and ‘open mouthed’ are used by the poet to indicate the poet’s mother’s \hspace{4cm}.
Give the phrase that suggests the following.
The image of exuberance and youthfulness affects the poet’s thoughts.
What does the imagery of ‘Trees sprinting’ not represent in the given extract?
(A) energy
(B) liveliness
(C) shade
(D) vitality
(C) shadeView Solution
Select the correct option from those given in the brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet’s use of the phrase ‘ashen like that of a corpse’, illustrates the poet’s use of \hspace{4cm}. (irony/imagery)
Choose the correct option:
The poet is unable to bear the sight of her ageing mother, because.
(A) her mother had refused to accompany her
(B) she is upset with her mother dozing off
(C) it upsets her to see the ageing face of her mother
(D) She is in a hurry to reach the airport
(C) it upsets her to see the ageing face of her motherView Solution
Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The mother was accompanying her daughter to the airport.
Reason: The daughter was leaving her mother behind and flying off.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(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.
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.View Solution
Complete the following suitably:
The tone of the cook while speaking about her master’s skill is \hspace{4cm}.
‘They spoke on purpose that she might hear’.
They wanted her to hear to convey their:
(A) interest
(B) disapproval
(C) sympathy
(D) respect
(B) disapprovalView Solution
How is Yumi’s concern for the children justified?
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
The above extract reveals a association between the master and the servants.
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
he British officer’s secretary sent word to the Maharaja through the dewan that the
durai himself did not have to kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual killing.
What was important to the durai was a photograph of himself holding the gun and
standing over the tiger’s carcass. But the Maharaja would not agree even to this
proposal. If he relented now, what would he do if other British officers turned up for
tiger hunts? Because he prevented a British officer from fulfilling his desire, the
Maharaja stood in danger of losing his kingdom itself. (The Tiger King)
The last line of the extract reflects attitude of the British officers. (an oppressive/a courageous)
Why did the durai want to take a photograph with the tiger’s carcass?
The Tiger King's refusal to the request of the durai reflects:
(A) his concern for the tiger population.
(B) his courage to deny permission to the British officer.
(C) his ego and selfishness.
(D) his strained rapport with the British officer.
Complete the following suitably:
Maharaja's action put his kingdom in danger.
What does the narrator mean by the expression ‘throwing himself into the lion’s den’?
What does the expression ‘sneak away’ reveal about the intention of ‘he’ in the above extract?
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“\ldots\ldots\ there is no one home” indicates that the ironmaster was leading a ________ life. (peaceful/lonely)
“We didn’t have any company for Christmas.” The essence of Christmas spirit with reference to the above statement is:
(A) to make a special dish to mark the celebration.
Complete the following statement suitably:
The peddler was feeling uncomfortable at the ironmaster’s invitation because the peddler only wanted to __________.
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
“Please don’t think that I have such a fine home.”
The ironmaster uttered the above statement to make the peddler feel _________. (awkward/comfortable)
Choose the correct option:
What trait of the speaker is reflected in the first line of the extract?
Choose the correct option from those given in the brackets to fill in the blank.
“They’ll see it from the start.”
The above statement reflects Sophie’s ________. (modesty/overconfidence)
“They don’t pay well for the shop work.” Jannie’s statement depicts her as a:
(A) happy-go-lucky girl.
Complete the following suitably:
“Your dad would never allow it \ldots” The image of Sophie’s father as we infer from the above statement is that he ________.
What does the following line from the extract showcase about Jansie’s emotions?
“Soaf, you really should be sensible.”
(i) indifference
(ii) concern
(iii) regret
(iv) envy
“They were both ‘earmarked’ for the biscuit factory.” What does the word ‘earmarked’ convey?
Why does M. Hamel refer to language as a key to freedom from slavery? \hfill \textit{(The Last Lesson)
Explain how Mukesh in 'Lost Spring' stands as a ray of hope for the bangle making community. \hfill \textit{(Lost Spring)
What is the importance of beauty in a man's life? \hfill \textit{(A Thing of Beauty)
How did Umberto Eco display his innovative style in the presentation of his dissertation? \hfill \textit{(The Interview)
What is Robert Frost's complaint in 'A Roadside Stand'? \hfill \textit{(A Roadside Stand)
What was the link between the makeup department and national integration as described in 'Poets and Pancakes'? \hfill \textit{(Poets and Pancakes)
How did the ‘Students on Ice’ programme provide a unique educational opportunity? \hfill \textit{(Journey to the End of the Earth)
What was Zitkala-Sa’s reaction when she realized that her hair was going to be cut? \hfill \textit{(Memories of Childhood)
“The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers.”
What image of the Maharaja is reflected in the above statement? \hfill \textit{(Tiger King)
Compare how Gandhi’s courage and his determination in ‘Indigo’ helped him get justice for sharecroppers with William Douglas’ courage and persistence in the chapter ‘Deep Water’. Indigo and Deep Water
"Why the devil did I take that fellow's money ?" he thought" \hfill (The Rattrap)
"Oh , how sorry I was for not learning my lessons." \hfill (The Last Lesson)
How do the characters of Franz in ‘The Last Lesson’ and the Peddler in ‘The Rattrap’ compare and contrast in terms of their conduct and regret?
Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Justify. (The Third Level)
‘Mr. Lamb is portrayed as a wise and experienced man with a positive attitude.’ Analyse the character of Mr. Lamb with reference to the above statement. \hfill \textit{(On The Face Of It)
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