UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key (February 24, Code 316 ZW)

(i) From Direct to Indirect Speech


Step 1: Identify the reporting verb.

The reporting verb is ``said to’’. Since it is in past tense and the sentence is a question, it will change to ``asked’’.

Step 2: Change the question format.

In indirect speech, we remove the question mark and use the connector ``if’’ or ``whether’’ for yes/no type questions.

Step 3: Change the pronouns.

``you’’ (addressing Rita) becomes ``she’’.

Step 4: Adjust the tense.

The verb ``are’’ (present tense) changes to ``was’’ (past tense) because the reporting verb is in past.
\[ Indirect Speech: Sita asked Rita if she was well. \]


(ii) From Direct to Indirect Speech


Step 1: Identify the reporting verb.

The reporting verb is ``said to’’. Since it is a command, it will change to ``ordered’’ (or ``told’’ depending on context).

Step 2: Remove quotation marks.

Commands in indirect speech are reported using the structure: reporting verb + object + infinitive.

Step 3: Change the verb form.

The imperative sentence ``Do not stand’’ changes to the negative infinitive ``not to stand’’.

Step 4: Change possessive pronouns if needed.

``my shop’’ (spoken by the shopkeeper) becomes ``his shop’’.
\[ Indirect Speech: The shopkeeper ordered me not to stand in front of his shop. \]


Final Answers:

(i) Sita asked Rita if she was well.

(ii) The shopkeeper ordered me not to stand in front of his shop. Quick Tip: Rules to remember:
1. Questions → ``asked/inquired’’ + if/whether.
2. Commands → ``ordered/told’’ + to/not to + verb.
3. Pronouns and tenses must be adjusted according to the context.

(i) Into Compound Sentence


Step 1: Identify the given sentences.

Both sentences have the same subject ``My friend’’ with two negative qualities – not intelligent and not diligent.

Step 2: Recall the rule.

A compound sentence is formed by joining two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor).

Step 3: Apply the rule.

Join the two ideas using ``nor’’ (because both are negative).
\[ Final Answer: My friend is neither intelligent nor diligent. \]



(ii) Into Complex Sentence


Step 1: Identify the given sentence.

The sentence is ``The question is too difficult to solve.’’ It contains ``too…to’’ which can be rewritten into a complex sentence using ``that’’.

Step 2: Recall the rule.

A complex sentence contains one main clause and one subordinate clause connected with subordinating conjunctions (that, because, although, etc.).

Step 3: Apply the rule.

Replace ``too…to’’ with ``so…that’’.
\[ Final Answer: The question is so difficult that it cannot be solved. \]


Final Answers:

(i) My friend is neither intelligent nor diligent.

(ii) The question is so difficult that it cannot be solved. Quick Tip: - Compound sentence = two independent clauses + coordinating conjunction.
- Complex sentence = main clause + subordinate clause with subordinating conjunction.

(i) Into Passive Voice


Step 1: Identify the subject, verb, and object.

- Subject = She
- Verb = did not help
- Object = the poor man

Step 2: Rule of passive voice.

In passive, the object becomes the subject. The tense and negative form should be maintained.

Step 3: Apply the rule.

“The poor man” will become the subject.
\[ Final Answer: The poor man was not helped by her. \]



(ii) Into Passive Voice


Step 1: Identify the sentence type.

This is an imperative sentence (command). In passive voice, imperative sentences generally begin with ``Let…''.

Step 2: Apply the rule.

The object ``this work’’ comes at the beginning.
\[ Final Answer: Let this work be completed at once. \]


Final Answers:

(i) The poor man was not helped by her.

(ii) Let this work be completed at once. Quick Tip: In passive voice: - The object of the active sentence becomes the subject.
- Auxiliary verbs (is, was, be) are used according to tense.
- For imperatives, use ``Let + object + be + past participle’’.

(i) Sentence: My hair is black.


Step 1: Identify the error.

The word ``hair’’ is considered a collective noun and is generally used in the plural sense but treated as singular when referring to the whole mass. The sentence ``My hair is black’’ is actually correct. However, if we are talking about one strand, we should use ``a hair’’.

Step 2: Correct form.

The given sentence is already correct.
\[ Correct Answer: My hair is black. \]



(ii) Sentence: Rich men should help the poors.


Step 1: Identify the error.

The word ``poor’’ is an adjective. When used as a noun to represent poor people collectively, it does not take a plural form. Therefore, ``poors’’ is incorrect.

Step 2: Correct form.

Remove the ``s’’ and keep ``poor’’ as it is.
\[ Correct Answer: Rich men should help the poor. \]


Final Answers:

(i) My hair is black. (Already correct)

(ii) Rich men should help the poor. (Corrected) Quick Tip: - Collective nouns like ``hair’’ are singular when used for the whole mass.
- Adjectives used as nouns (the rich, the poor, the blind) remain in singular form.

(i) Complement — Compliment


Step 1: Understand the meanings.

- Complement means something that completes or goes well with something else.

- Compliment means praise or kind words.

Step 2: Use them in sentences.

- The red scarf is a perfect complement to her dress.

- He gave me a nice compliment on my presentation.
\[ Final Answer: Complement = completes, Compliment = praise. \]



(ii) Fair — Fare


Step 1: Understand the meanings.

- Fair means just, beautiful, or an exhibition.

- Fare means the money paid for a journey.

Step 2: Use them in sentences.

- She won the prize because the judge was very fair.

- The bus fare from Delhi to Agra is 200 rupees.
\[ Final Answer: Fair = just/beautiful, Fare = travel cost. \] Quick Tip: Homophones sound similar but have different meanings. Always use context (sentence meaning) to choose the correct word.

(a) Central Idea of "A Thing of Beauty"

The poem by John Keats conveys that beauty is eternal and everlasting. A beautiful thing provides joy forever, even when life is full of sadness and problems. Natural beauty such as the sun, the moon, trees, flowers, and rivers gives us peace and removes the gloom of our hearts. Keats emphasizes that beauty is a source of inspiration and hope that helps humans move forward in life with positivity.



(b) Central Idea of "My Mother at Sixty-six"

The poem by Kamala Das expresses the poet’s deep love and concern for her aging mother. While traveling, she observes her mother’s pale and weak face, which reminds her of mortality. At the same time, she notices the world outside the car—green trees and playing children—which symbolizes youth, energy, and life. The central idea is the contrast between life and death and the emotional pain of separation from loved ones.



(c) Central Idea of "Keeping Quiet"

The poem by Pablo Neruda emphasizes the need for introspection and peace in a restless world. The poet suggests that by keeping quiet and still for a few moments, people can realize the importance of harmony, humanity, and brotherhood. Silence will help us to reflect on our actions, reduce selfishness, and create unity among people. The central idea is that quietness and self-reflection are necessary for peace and survival on Earth. Quick Tip: While writing the central idea, always focus on the main theme of the poem, avoid long summaries, and use simple clear language.