UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2024 PDF (Code 316 DZ) 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 DZ) with Solutions

UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key download iconDownload Check Solution

UP Board Class 12 English Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

Man’s life is not measured by the number of days, months and years that he has lived, but by
the deeds he has done and by the achievements he has made. What is the real significance in
life is not the quantity, but the quality of experience. A short life devoted to noble 

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endeavours is far more valuable than a long life of over a hundred years spent in trivial

pursuits. We live in deeds and not in years. Noble deeds, splendid ideas and fine sentiments
constitute the real glory of character and not the length of time one has lived in the world.

a) How does the world measure man's life?

View Solution

The passage emphasizes that the true measure of a man's life lies in the quality of his deeds and the contributions he makes, rather than the number of years he lives.
Quick Tip: Focus on the distinction made in the passage between deeds and years.


Question 1:

b) Which life is more valuable – a short life or a long life?

View Solution

According to the passage, a life full of meaningful and noble deeds holds more value than a prolonged life filled with insignificant actions.
Quick Tip: Emphasize the importance of quality over quantity in life.


Question 1:

c) What should one prefer to do in life?

View Solution

The passage suggests that engaging in noble pursuits and fine sentiments constitutes the real glory of character, making life meaningful.
Quick Tip: Highlight the passage's message about focusing on noble actions.


Question 1:

d) What things make character glorious?

View Solution

The passage states that the essence of a person's character is defined by their noble actions, fine thoughts, and sentiments rather than their age or time spent in the world.
Quick Tip: Focus on the qualities mentioned in the passage that define true character.


Question 1:

(e) (i) Which word in the passage means 'importance'?

Correct Answer:Significance.
View Solution

The passage uses the word 'significance' to convey the meaning of importance in the context of life experiences.
Quick Tip: Identify synonyms based on the context of the passage.


Question 1:

(e) (ii) What is meant by noble endeavors?

Correct Answer:Noble endeavors refer to meaningful and virtuous efforts aimed at bettering oneself and society.
View Solution

The passage suggests that noble endeavors include actions that contribute positively to others and uphold moral values.
Quick Tip: Look for contextual definitions within the passage for better understanding.


Question 1:

(e) (iii) What is the difference between 'indeed' and 'in deed'?

Correct Answer:'Indeed' means 'in reality' or 'truly', while 'in deed' refers to actions performed rather than words spoken.
View Solution

The word 'indeed' is an adverb used for emphasis or affirmation, whereas 'in deed' implies actions taken to support words or intentions.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to phrase structure and contextual meaning differences.


Question 2: Write an article on any one of the following topics in about 100 - 150 words.

a) Making Our Cities Clean

View Solution



Keeping our cities clean is crucial for a healthy environment. Clean cities reduce pollution, improve public health, and attract tourists. Citizens should dispose of waste responsibly, participate in cleanliness drives, and support government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. A collective effort can make our surroundings beautiful and livable.
Quick Tip: Include practical steps and benefits to enhance your article.


Question 2:

b) Importance of Good Health

View Solution



Good health is essential for a happy and productive life. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep contribute to maintaining health. Avoiding junk food and managing stress are also important. A healthy lifestyle enhances physical and mental well-being, enabling individuals to achieve their goals efficiently.
Quick Tip: Discuss healthy habits and their impact on overall well-being.


Question 2:

c) The Third World War - A Threat to Mankind

View Solution



The threat of a third world war looms large due to global conflicts and political tensions. Such a war could lead to massive destruction and loss of life. Diplomacy, peace efforts, and international cooperation are necessary to prevent such a catastrophe. World leaders must work together to ensure a peaceful future for humanity.
Quick Tip: Highlight the causes, effects, and preventive measures.


Question 3:

 Write a letter to the Principal of your college to complain against the shortage of drinking water for students in your college.

View Solution



To,

The Principal,

XYZ College,

City Name

Subject: Complaint regarding shortage of drinking water

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to bring to your attention the shortage of drinking water on the campus, which is causing inconvenience to students. The available facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of the student population, leading to health concerns. We kindly request you to address this issue by installing additional water dispensers and ensuring regular maintenance of the existing ones.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Your Roll Number)
Quick Tip: Keep the letter formal and concise, stating the problem and suggesting a solution.


(OR) Question 3:

Write a letter to the Editor of a daily newspaper about frequent breakdown of electricity in your locality.

View Solution



To,

The Editor,

The Daily Times,

City Name

Subject: Frequent breakdown of electricity in our locality

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express the concern of residents regarding the frequent breakdowns of electricity in our locality. These interruptions disrupt daily activities and pose a risk to students, elderly citizens, and business owners. We request the concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure a stable power supply.

I hope you will publish this issue in your esteemed newspaper to bring it to the attention of the concerned officials.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Your Address)
Quick Tip: Mention the impact of the problem and request necessary action.


Question 4:

(a) Government run by the representatives of the people is called:

(i) Bureaucracy

(ii) Autocracy

(iii) Democracy
(iv) Anarchy

Correct Answer: (iii) Democracy
View Solution



A government where the representatives of the people are elected to serve and make decisions is called democracy. It involves the participation of citizens in the decision-making process through elections.
Quick Tip: In a democracy, the people have the power to vote and elect their leaders, whereas in an autocracy, power is concentrated in the hands of one individual.


Question 4:

(b) The phrase 'run down' means:

(i) running from the top floor to the ground floor of a building

(ii) running from a hill-top to the foot of a hill

(iii) to be unable to run
(iv) to be in poor health

Correct Answer: (iv) to be in poor health
View Solution



The phrase "run down" typically means being in poor health, lacking energy, or being exhausted. It doesn't refer to the physical act of running from a place, but rather indicates a state of health or condition.
Quick Tip: When using idiomatic expressions like "run down," the context often refers to a person's energy or health, rather than a literal interpretation of the phrase.


Question 4:

(c) The synonym of 'frank' is:

(i) shameless

(ii) wide spoken

(iii) candid
(iv) foolish

Correct Answer: (iii) candid
View Solution



The synonym of 'frank' is candid, as both words describe someone who is open, honest, and straightforward in expressing their opinions.
Quick Tip: To remember synonyms, focus on words that describe clear and honest communication, like candid or outspoken.


Question 4:

(d) 'Always speak a truth.' Which word in this sentence is an error?

(i) always
(ii) speak
(iii) a

(iv) truth

Correct Answer: (iii) a
View Solution



The correct sentence should be "Always speak the truth." The article 'a' should be replaced by 'the' because "truth" is being used in a general sense, not referring to a specific instance.
Quick Tip: When referring to something in a general sense, use "the" instead of "a" when the noun is singular and uncountable, such as "truth" in this case.


Question 4:

(e) The antonym of 'better' is:

(i) good

(ii) bad

(iii) worse
(iv) best

Correct Answer: (iii) worse
View Solution



The antonym of 'better' is 'worse', as it denotes a comparison where something is of lower quality or condition.
Quick Tip: To remember antonyms, think of opposites in terms of quality or condition, like 'better' being opposed by 'worse.'


Question 5 (a): Change any one of the following into indirect narration:

i) He said to me, "What did you study yesterday?"

View Solution

He asked me what I had studied the previous day. Quick Tip: Ensure correct changes in tense and pronouns.


Question 5 (a):

ii) She said to her friend, "We cannot be quite happy here at this place."

View Solution

She told her friend that they could not be quite happy there at that place. Quick Tip: Convert words related to place and time appropriately.


Question 5 (b):

i) His brother died. He heard the news. He fainted. (Into a Simple Sentence)

View Solution

Hearing the news of his brother's death, he fainted. Quick Tip: Use participial phrases to combine sentences effectively.


Question 5 (b):

ii) She is rich. She is not happy. (Into a Complex Sentence)

View Solution

Although she is rich, she is not happy. Quick Tip: Use conjunctions to form complex sentences.


Question 5 (c):

i) Your failure has shocked her. (Into Passive Voice)

View Solution

She has been shocked by your failure. Quick Tip: Identify the object and apply passive voice rules.


Question 5 (c):

ii) Their glory can never fade. (Into Interrogative Sentence)

View Solution

Can their glory ever fade? Quick Tip: Rearrange the sentence into question form.


Question 5 (d):

i) I am tired in doing this.

View Solution

I am tired of doing this. Quick Tip: Ensure proper use of prepositions.


Question 5(d) :

ii) He is senior than you.

View Solution

He is senior to you. Quick Tip: Correct comparison words and prepositions.


Question 5 (e):

i) Affect - Effect

View Solution

The bad weather can affect our plans. The new law will have a positive effect on society. Quick Tip: Understand the difference between verb and noun forms.


Question 5 (e):

ii) Check - Cheque

View Solution

Please check your answers before submitting. I wrote a cheque to pay for my groceries. Quick Tip: Distinguish between American and British English usage.



Question 6:

Translate the following passage into English:

View Solution

It was early morning. The cool breeze was blowing. Rajkumar Salim and Birbal, along with Akbar, went out for a walk. After some time, they reached the bank of a pond. The water of the pond was cold. Akbar decided to take a bath. Rajkumar Salim was also ready to bathe. They handed their clothes and ornaments to Birbal, who refused to take them, saying, "A wise man does not keep other's belongings." Birbal's words made Akbar and Salim laugh. Quick Tip: Translate with accuracy and clarity while maintaining the essence.

Question 7:

a) Who was the rattrap seller? How did he make rattraps?

View Solution

The rattrap seller was a poor vagabond who wandered from place to place selling rattraps made from wire. He collected scrap materials and shaped them into rattraps to earn a living.
Quick Tip: Focus on the details of the character and his means of livelihood.


(OR) Question 7:

Whom did M. Hamel blame for the ignorance in studies and why?

View Solution

M. Hamel blamed the parents for not encouraging their children to study and the students themselves for their lack of interest. He also blamed himself for postponing teaching important lessons.
Quick Tip: Consider all factors contributing to students' ignorance as discussed in the story.


Question 7:

(b) What did the children find in garbage?

View Solution

The children found valuable items like rags, iron pieces, and even some food in the garbage. For them, garbage was a source of survival and hope for finding something useful.
Quick Tip: Discuss the symbolic significance of garbage in the children's lives.


(OR) Question 7:

Why did M. Hamel declare that the lesson he was going to teach on that fateful day was to be the last lesson?

View Solution

M. Hamel declared it as the last lesson because an order had come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. He wanted to give his final lesson with utmost dedication and sincerity.
Quick Tip: Include the historical context behind M. Hamel's declaration.


Question 8:

a) How did Gandhiji reach Champaran and how did he solve the problems of farmers?

View Solution

Gandhiji reached Champaran after receiving a request from the farmers who were suffering under oppressive landlords. He conducted an investigation, gathered evidence, and presented their grievances to the authorities. His efforts led to the abolition of the oppressive system and better conditions for the farmers.
Quick Tip: Describe Gandhiji's methods and their impact on farmers.


Question 8:

b) What did Douglas decide to overcome his fear of water?

View Solution

Douglas decided to overcome his fear of water by hiring a swimming instructor who trained him with step-by-step exercises. With persistent effort, he gradually conquered his fear and became confident in swimming.
Quick Tip: Explain the systematic approach Douglas used to overcome his fear.


Question 9:

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
Its loveliness increases,

it will never Pass into nothingness;

but will keep A bower quiet for us,

and a sleep Full of sweet dreams,

and health and quiet breathing.

a) What does the poet feel about a thing of beauty?

View Solution

The poet feels that a thing of beauty provides eternal joy and comfort. Its beauty never fades, and it continues to offer peace and happiness to the beholder.
Quick Tip: Emphasize the everlasting nature of beauty in the poem.


Question 9:

b) What does the poet mean when he says, "It will never pass into nothingness"?

View Solution

The poet means that beauty is eternal and does not perish with time. It continues to exist in our hearts and minds, providing joy and solace forever.
Quick Tip: Explain the concept of timeless beauty presented by the poet.


Question 9:

c) Point out some rhyming words in the extract.

View Solution

The rhyming words in the extract are "keep - sleep," "forever - never," and "dreams - streams."
Quick Tip: Identify pairs of words that have similar ending sounds.


Question 10: Write the central idea of any one of the following poems.

a) Keeping Quiet

View Solution

The poem "Keeping Quiet" emphasizes the importance of introspection and unity. It urges people to pause and reflect on their actions to achieve inner peace and harmony with nature.
Quick Tip: Focus on the theme of silence and self-reflection in the poem.


Question 10:

b) My Mother at Sixty-six

View Solution

The poem explores the theme of aging and the emotional bond between a mother and daughter. It highlights the daughter's fear of losing her aging mother and the inevitable passage of time.
Quick Tip: Discuss the emotional aspects of aging and separation.


Question 10:

c) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

View Solution

The poem reflects the theme of female oppression and the desire for freedom. Aunt Jennifer's tigers symbolize her longing for strength and confidence, contrasting with her oppressed reality.
Quick Tip: Highlight the symbolic representation of the tigers in the poem.


Question 11:

a) How did Dr. Sadao operate the white man?

View Solution

Dr. Sadao operated the white man by overcoming his patriotic feelings and professional ethics. He removed the bullet carefully and provided medical treatment, ensuring the patient's recovery despite being an enemy soldier.
Quick Tip: Explain Dr. Sadao's internal conflict and his professional duty.


(OR) Question 11:

Why did the Tiger King decide to marry?

View Solution

The Tiger King decided to marry to find a kingdom where tigers were abundant so that he could fulfill the prophecy of killing a hundred tigers to avoid his predicted death.
Quick Tip: Relate the decision to the astrologer's prophecy.


Question 11:

b) What did the astrologer predict about the tiger king’s death?

View Solution

The astrologer predicted that the Tiger King would die because of a tiger. Despite killing ninety-nine tigers, he was ultimately killed by a wooden tiger, fulfilling the prophecy in an ironic manner.
Quick Tip: Highlight the irony in the astrologer's prediction and its fulfillment.


(OR) Question 11:

What did the author realize, on reaching Antarctica?

View Solution

The author realized the significance of Antarctica in understanding climate change and its impact on the environment. Antarctica’s pristine environment offers valuable insights into Earth's past, present, and future climate conditions.
Quick Tip: Mention the role of Antarctica in studying climate change.


Question 12:

a) What is there on Antarctica? How is sometimes silence interrupted there?

View Solution

Antarctica is a vast icy continent covered with glaciers, ice shelves, and unique wildlife such as penguins and seals. The silence is sometimes interrupted by the cracking of ice, the howling of winds, and the sounds of animals such as seals and penguins.
Quick Tip: Describe the natural elements that define Antarctica's environment.


Question 12:

b) Who was Dr. Sadao? How did he meet Hana and married her?

View Solution

Dr. Sadao was a skilled Japanese surgeon and scientist. He met Hana while studying in America, and their shared cultural values and mutual respect led them to get married after returning to Japan.
Quick Tip: Focus on Dr. Sadao’s background and his relationship with Hana.



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