UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 PDF (Code 316 DY) is available for download here. The English exam was conducted on March 2, 2024 in the Evening Shift from 2 PM to 5:15 PM. The total marks for the theory paper are 100. Students reported the paper to be easy to moderate.
UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 (Code 316 DY) with Solutions
| UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key | Check Solution |
UP Board Class 12 English Questions with Solutions
Question 1:
No concise statement of the political philosophy of Confucius has come down to us, but it is
possible to reconstruct its main outlines. Clearly, he believed that government should be
aimed at bringing about the welfare and happiness of the whole people.
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This, he thought, could be done only when the government was administered by the most capable men in the
country. Such capability has nothing to do with birth, or death, or position, but solely a
matter of character and knowledge. These are produced by proper education. Education
should therefore be widely diffused so that the most talented men in the whole population
might be prepared for the business of the government. And the administration of the
government should be handed over to such men, without regard to their origin.
Answer the following questions in about 40 words each:
(a) What should the government aim at?
View Solution
The government should aim at the welfare and development of its people, ensuring equal rights, access to basic resources, and opportunities for progress. It should focus on the overall betterment of society, including health, education, and economic growth. Quick Tip: Governments are expected to serve the needs of citizens by focusing on development, equality, and social justice.
(b) Who should administer the country?
View Solution
The country should be administered by elected representatives who are accountable to the people. This typically includes the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet), legislature, and judiciary, all working together to ensure the country’s governance is fair and just. Quick Tip: In a democracy, power is vested in the hands of elected officials who are accountable to the public.
(c) Why should education be widely diffused?
View Solution
Education should be widely diffused because it empowers individuals, promotes social mobility, and contributes to the overall progress of society. Accessible education helps create an informed citizenry capable of addressing societal challenges and contributing to economic growth. Quick Tip: Education is a key tool for achieving societal equality, reducing poverty, and enhancing national development.
(d) Who should be handed over the administration of government?
View Solution
The administration of the government should be entrusted to the elected representatives, who are chosen through free and fair elections. These individuals are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the people and ensuring that governance is in line with democratic principles. Quick Tip: The administration of government is a critical responsibility and should remain accountable to the people through elections.
(e) i) Find the word from the passage that means ‘competence’.
View Solution
The word "competence" from the passage refers to the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. The word in the passage equivalent to "competence" is “proficiency” or “skill” based on the context. Quick Tip: Look for words in the context of the sentence that imply ability, skill, or qualification, as these often serve as synonyms for competence.
(e) ii) Which phrase in the passage means ‘be given to’?
View Solution
The phrase in the passage that means “be given to” is "entrusted with." This phrase indicates the assignment or delegation of responsibility to someone. Quick Tip: The phrase “be given to” can be synonymous with “entrusted with” when referring to the allocation of duties or responsibilities.
(e) iii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘collectively’?
View Solution
The opposite of "collectively" in the passage is "individually." While "collectively" refers to acting together, "individually" refers to acting separately or independently. Quick Tip: Opposites like "collectively" and "individually" often indicate actions taken as a group versus actions taken by a single person.
Write an article on any one of the following topics in about 100-150 words
(a) The Art of Oratory
View Solution
The art of oratory is a powerful skill that involves delivering speeches effectively
to engage and inspire an audience. A good orator uses clarity, emotion, and body language to
convey ideas. This skill is essential for leaders, educators, and communicators, enabling
them to influence and motivate people. Preparation, confidence, and a deep understanding of
the audience are key to mastering this art.
(b) An Educational Trip
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Educational trips are an enriching experience that combine learning with fun.
They provide students an opportunity to explore new places, cultures, and historical
landmarks. Such trips enhance practical knowledge and foster teamwork and social skills.
For instance, visiting a science museum or a historical site brings subjects to life, leaving a
lasting impression on young minds.
(c) Place of English in Modern India
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English holds a significant place in modern India as a global language of
communication. It is widely used in education, business, and administration. Proficiency in
English opens doors to international opportunities and fosters global connectivity. In India,
English bridges diverse regional languages, promoting unity in diversity.
Suppose you are Anand. Write a letter to the District Magistrate of your city requesting him to maintain peace and tranquility in the district that recently suffered religious clashes.
View Solution
To,
The District Magistrate,
[City Name],
[Date]
Subject: Request to Maintain Peace and Tranquility
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent religious clashes in our district. The
unrest has disrupted the harmony of our community and created fear among residents. I
kindly request you to take strict measures to restore peace and ensure the safety of all
citizens. Enhanced police patrolling and community dialogues may help in rebuilding trust.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Anand
[Your Address]
Write a letter to the District Supply Officer of your district requesting him
to stop the supply of bad kind of grain and other commodities.
View Solution
To,
The District Supply Officer,
[City Name],
[Date]
Subject: Request to Stop Supply of Substandard Commodities
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your notice the supply of substandard grains and commodities in our
district. These goods pose a serious health risk to consumers and undermine public trust in
the system. I urge you to investigate this issue and take immediate corrective action to ensure
the distribution of quality supplies.
Thank you for addressing this urgent concern.
Yours sincerely,
Anand
[Your Address]
(a) A government by officials is called:
View Solution
A government run by officials who carry out administrative work, as opposed to elected representatives or monarchs, is known as a bureaucracy. In this system, power is vested in unelected officials, typically civil servants.
Quick Tip: Bureaucracy refers to a system of administration in which the rules, regulations, and procedures are highly structured, and officials are appointed based on expertise.
(b) The phrase ‘set in’ means:
View Solution
The phrase "set in" typically means to begin or to take hold. It is often used to refer to something like a season or condition that starts to be felt or noticed. For example, "The cold weather set in early this year."
Quick Tip: "Set in" is commonly used when describing a situation or condition that starts or becomes established.
(c) The synonym of ‘diminish’ is:
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"Diminish" means to reduce or lessen in size, amount, or importance, and the synonym for this is "dwindle," which also means to decrease or shrink gradually.
Quick Tip: "Diminish" and "dwindle" both refer to the act of reducing or decreasing over time. "Endeavour," however, refers to an effort or attempt, which is not synonymous.
(d) Which of the following sentences is/are correct?
Sentences:
(A) You, he and I are good friends.
(B) Except he all were present.
(C) I, who is your teacher, will teach you.
(D) Waters are necessary for human beings.
View Solution
Sentence (A) is grammatically correct. Sentences (B) and (C) are incorrect due to the use of improper grammar and construction. Sentence (D) should be "Water is necessary," as "water" is uncountable.
Quick Tip: In English, "water" is uncountable, so "waters" is incorrect in this context. "You, he, and I" is the correct order in formal writing.
(e) The antonym of ‘rigorous’ is:
View Solution
"Rigorous" refers to something harsh, severe, or strict. Its antonym, "simple," means something uncomplicated or easy, which contrasts with the intensity or strictness implied by "rigorous."
Quick Tip: "Rigorous" and "simple" are opposites in terms of complexity and difficulty. "Rigorous" implies thoroughness or harshness, while "simple" implies ease and simplicity.
(i) “Who are you, sir, and why are you here?” he asked the gentleman.
View Solution
He asked the gentleman who he was and why he was there.
(ii) The old woman said to me, “I lived here with my servant for a week.”
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The old woman told me that she had lived there with her servant for a week.
(i) He admitted his error. He expressed his regret. (Into Simple Sentence)
View Solution
Admitting his error, he expressed his regret.
(ii) This is the place. Here I was attacked by robbers. (Into Complex Sentence)
View Solution
This is the place where I was attacked by robbers.
(i) Kolkata is the biggest city in India. (Into Positive Degree)
View Solution
No other city in India is as big as Kolkata.
(ii) No sooner did the train stop than I got down. (Into Affirmative Sentence)
View Solution
As soon as the train stopped, I got down.
(i) The Manager deprived the Principal with all powers.
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The Manager deprived the Principal of all powers.
(ii) Neither food nor water were given to me yesterday.
View Solution
Neither food nor water was given to me yesterday.
(i) Canvas — Canvass
View Solution
Canvas: The painter used a large canvas for his masterpiece.
Canvass: Volunteers went door to door to canvass for votes in the election.
(ii) Illusion — Allusion
View Solution
Illusion: The magician created the illusion of a floating table.
Allusion: The poem contains an allusion to Greek mythology.
Question 6:
Translate the following passage into English:
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In ancient times, there were no means of transport. People used to travel on foot. Later, they
started traveling in bullock carts. They also traveled in pony carts. After some time, they
began using vehicles for rides. Modern life has become very fast. We travel by cars, buses,
and trains. Now it is the age of airplanes. Through airplanes, we can travel from one country
to another in less time.
(a) What does every other family do in Firozabad?
View Solution
In Firozabad, every other family is involved in the glass-blowing industry. They make
bangles, which is their traditional occupation, despite poor working conditions and low
wages. The city is infamous for child labor in this hazardous profession.
Why do the celebrities, who have become the victim of interview, despise it?
View Solution
Celebrities despise interviews because they consider them an unwarranted intrusion into their
private lives. They feel that interviews distort their words and often portray them in a
negative light, causing misunderstandings and controversies.
(b) What was the pride of the author Douglas and why he subdued it?
View Solution
Douglas’s pride was his determination to conquer his fear of water after a traumatic
experience. He subdued it through rigorous practice and sheer willpower, eventually learning
to swim and overcoming his fear.
Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers of Muzaffarpur?
View Solution
Gandhi chided the lawyers of Muzaffarpur for charging high fees from poor peasants. He
believed that it was their moral duty to serve the oppressed without exploiting their financial
conditions.
(a) Why was Kathamangalam Subbu considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios?
View Solution
Kathamangalam Subbu was considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios because of his exceptional
creativity and loyalty to the boss. He could turn any challenging situation into a solution with
his talent for storytelling and problem-solving. Subbu’s ability to contribute to the studio’s
success made him indispensable.
(b) What are the instances in the story ‘The Rattrap’ that show the character of the iron master is different from that of his daughter?
View Solution
The iron master is stern and suspicious, treating the peddler with caution and distrust. He
initially insists on taking the peddler to his home but shows disappointment upon realizing
his mistake. On the other hand, his daughter is compassionate and kind. She insists on
treating the peddler with dignity, eventually winning his trust and helping him reform.
Question 9: Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
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Pass into nothingness, but will keepA bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(a) How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
View Solution
A thing of beauty provides eternal joy because its charm and inspiration do not fade over
time. It continues to uplift our spirits, offering solace and tranquility to the human soul.
(b) What do you understand by ‘bower’?
View Solution
A ‘bower’ refers to a peaceful and shady place under trees, symbolizing comfort, rest, and
rejuvenation. In the poem, it represents the tranquility and solace derived from beautiful
things.
(c) Name the poem and the poet of the above lines.
View Solution
The poem is “A Thing of Beauty,” written by John Keats.
(a) My Mother at Sixty-six
View Solution
In “My Mother at Sixty-six,” Kamala Das reflects on the inevitable process of aging and the
emotional pain of separation. The poet feels a deep sense of sorrow and helplessness as she
observes her mother’s frail condition, but she masks her emotions with a hopeful smile.
(b) Keeping Quiet
View Solution
Pablo Neruda’s “Keeping Quiet” emphasizes the need for introspection and mutual
understanding. The poem advocates for silence and stillness as a means to reflect on human
actions, fostering peace and harmony.
(c) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
View Solution
In “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” Adrienne Rich highlights the struggles of women in a patriarchal
society. The tigers symbolize freedom and strength, contrasting with Aunt Jennifer’s
oppressed life. The poem reflects her desire for liberation and empowerment.
(a) Why was the programme ‘Students on Ice’ so successful?
View Solution
The programme ‘Students on Ice’ was successful because it provided young minds with a
unique opportunity to experience the pristine environment of Antarctica. It inspired them to
understand climate change and its impact, encouraging them to work towards environmental
conservation.
“No, I will not submit! I will struggle first!” Who said this and what does it suggest?
View Solution
The statement was made by the peddler in ‘The Rattrap.’ It suggests his determination to not
give up easily despite being cornered, showcasing his resilience and desire to reform himself
after experiencing kindness and compassion.
(b) Why was Sadao sent to America when he was twenty-two?
View Solution
Sadao was sent to America at the age of twenty-two to study medicine and surgery. His
father believed in the importance of education and wanted Sadao to be well-prepared to serve
his nation with advanced medical knowledge.
Why did the author’s brother often go to the library?
View Solution
The author’s brother often went to the library to satisfy his curiosity and thirst for
knowledge. The library provided him with access to a wealth of information, nurturing his
intellectual growth and broadening his understanding of the world.
Why is Antarctica the place to go if we want to study the earth’s past, present and future?
View Solution
Antarctica is the best place to study the earth’s past, present, and future due to its pristine
environment and unique climate. The ice cores hold records of earth’s climate history,
helping scientists understand global warming and its impacts. The continent provides insight
into biodiversity, ecological balance, and the fragility of our planet, serving as a natural
laboratory for environmental research.
How did Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?
View Solution
The Maharaja prepared for the hundredth tiger by undertaking extensive hunting expeditions and issuing strict orders to find the tiger. He was determined to kill it to avoid the prophecy of his death. However, his overconfidence and negligence towards the tiger’s death led to an
ironic twist, fulfilling the prophecy in an unexpected manner.







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