CBSE-CLASS-XII SERIES
English-core

Literature

105 previous year questions.

Volume: 105 Ques
Yield: High

High-Yield Trend

28
2025
77
2024

Chapter Questions
105 MCQs

01
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How is Mukesh different from other boys of his age ? (Lost Spring)
02
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Louisa behaves like a perfect wife. Give evidence from The Third Level in support of the above statement.
03
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Imagine you are Mukund Padmanabhan from the Indian
The Interview and you interviewed M. Hamel, after he finished delivering the last lesson. Write a paragraph on Hamel’s views on individual responsibility and nationalism.
04
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Stephen Spender’s visit to the Gemini Studios was viewed as an unexplained mystery by the Gemini family. How did Asokamitran solve this mystery years later? (Poets and Pancakes)
05
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
{(A Thing of Beauty)}
06
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Why does Derry not like being with people? (On The Face Of It)
07
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

“If I am able, are you?” Sadao asked. “No,” Hana said, “But if you can do it alone...” Sadao hesitated again. “The strange thing is,” he said, “that if the man were whole I could turn him over to the police without difficulty. I care nothing for him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my enemy. And he is only a common fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But since he is wounded...” \hfill (The Enemy)

08
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“The boy drank the milk of an English cow… and was tutored in English.” (\textit{The Tiger King})
Write an article using material from the text, on the pros and cons of western influence on Indian society.
You may begin like this: \textit{Indian’s exposure to English language and western influence…}
09
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” (\textit{On the Face of It})
As Derry, write a diary entry regretting how you wasted your time indulging in self-pity and frustration, and how your encounter with Mr. Lamb transformed your personality.
You may begin like this: \textit{I do really thank my stars for bringing Mr. Lamb into my life…}
10
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. (\textit{Indigo})
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this: \textit{Dear Students, The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success…}
11
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Well I’ll be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.” (\textit{Going Places})
Sophie (\textit{Going Places}) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (\textit{Deep Water}) faces reality and realizes the importance of learning how to swim. Analyze based on the two texts the importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming. Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather than dreaming.
You may begin: \textit{The youth today must ……}
12
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
My stamp collecting, for example, that’s a temporary refuge from reality. (\textit{The Third Level})
How can a hobby give one an escape from reality?
13
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
\textit{(Going Places)}
14
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
\textit{(A Thing of Beauty)}
15
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
\textit{(Keeping Quiet)}
16
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
The tigers in the panel that she made will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
\textit{(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)}
17
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
\textit{(Deep Water)}
18
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”

\textit{(The Last Lesson)}
19
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What was the servants’ reaction to Sadao’s decision of treating the American soldier?
20
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards the future?
21
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘Soaf, you really should be sensible!’ What does Jansie’s advice to her friend Sophie reveal about their friendship?
22
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What evidence from the text reveals that Rudyard Kipling did not walk the talk?
23
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’.
24
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions?
25
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits.” Says Douglas. Which qualities of the speaker are highlighted in the above statement?
26
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is Mukesh’s attitude of life different from that of his family and friends?
27
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Write an article highlighting how Dr. Sadao’s actions demonstrated the importance of humanity and living in harmony.

28
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Imagine you are Derry speaking at the funeral of Mr. Lamb highlighting Mr. Lamb’s optimism and the change he brought about in your attitude towards life.

29
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(b) Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective gifts.
{(The Rattrap, Lost Spring)}
30
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(a) Based on ideas from ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, as President of Eco Club of your school, draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of mankind.
31
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me.” What inference do you draw about the bond between Annan and Bama?
{(Memories of Childhood)}
32
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“I must get rid of this man for your sake”. Said Dr. Sadao. How will you describe Dr. Sadao as a husband with reference to the above line?
{(The Enemy)}
33
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Why was Charlie fascinated with Galesburg?
{(The Third Level)}
34
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
{(Going Places)}
35
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
{(Keeping Quiet)}
36
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
The tigers in the panel that she made will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
{(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)}
37
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
{(Deep Water)}
38
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”

{(The Last Lesson)}
39
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
In the two stories of Bama and Zitkala-Sa in the lesson of “Memories of Childhood,” there are certain similarities of strength in the face of social challenges. Write a diary entry sharing your observations.
40
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Physically impaired people have to suffer pain and a sense of alienation due to the behaviour of the people around them. It’s ironical that people who should be treated with empathy are either avoided or pitied. Discuss. (On The Face Of It)
41
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Umberto Eco The Interview has a talk with Danny Casey from the story Going Places. Danny, being a football prodigy, feels his popularity may affect his game as he can’t devote much time to it. What advice will Umberto Eco give Danny about time management? Write a paragraph on the interaction between the two and the advice given by Umberto Eco.}
42
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Compose an oral presentation to be shared with your peers on what Gandhi’s advice (Indigo) would be to the bangle makers of Firozabad (\textit{Lost Spring}).
43
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students on Ice’ expedition? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
44
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What were the two ‘amazing’ things of the royal infant? (The Tiger King)
45
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘Resignation was no sudden thing.’ What is the implication of this remark in the context of Sophie’s character? (Going Places)
46
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Explain how ‘The tigers in the panel … Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.’ (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
47
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What do you understand by “interstices”? How does Umberto Eco utilize his interstices? (The Interview)
48
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Why did Gandhi say: ‘Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor’? (Indigo)
49
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Until then the Maharaja had given his entire time and energy to tiger hunting. He had no time to spare for the crown prince.
In the present times, we see people following their profession and running after money and neglect their children. As a professional counsellor, you address working parents, stressing the need to spend quality time with children. Take material from the story to reinforce your points of view.
You may begin like this:
Spending time with children will boost their confidence….
50
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Mr. Lamb: “Oh, there’s a lot of things I’ve learned to do, and plenty of time for it. Years. I take it steady.”
On the Face of it
Mr. Lamb, despite his handicap, learned to be independent and has proved where there is a will, there is a way. As a motivational speaker, write a speech to be delivered to school students, highlighting how one should develop resilience and determination to achieve one’s goal, citing references from this story.
You may begin like this:
To remain resilient during difficult times, will help one move forward in life.}
51
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Wars with gas, wars with fire, Victory with no survivors.
(Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and not violence. Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues.
52
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(i) ‘They decided that the Maharaja must not come to know that he had missed the target’. (The Tiger King)
Why did the hunters try to hide the truth from the king?

53
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

‘Don’t thank me too early’, Sadao said coldly. (The Enemy)
What inference is drawn about Sadao’s state of mind from the above line?

54
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

“I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits.” Says Douglas. Which qualities of the speaker are highlighted in the above statement? ({Deep Water})

55
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

What evidence from the text reveals that Rudyard Kipling did not walk the talk? ({The Interview})

56
PYQ 2024
hard
english-core ID: cbse-cla

When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is Mukesh’s attitude of life different from that of his family and friends? ({Lost Spring})

57
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

“Your Majesty, I have two wives already. If I marry you...” (The Tiger King)
No doubt it adds humour to the story. Humour always captures the mind of readers.
Taking ideas from the story {Tiger King}, write an article on the ‘Importance of Humour in Life’.
You may begin like this:
Sense of humour helps us deal with problems of life and improves one’s mental and physical health...

58
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

(a) Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet’. He advises Robert Frost in the context of his conflict and pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your advice in a letter to Robert Frost.

59
PYQ 2024
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla

‘Soaf, you really should be sensible!’ What does Jansie’s advice to her friend Sophie reveal about their friendship? ({Going Places})

60
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

(b) “That if the man were whole I could turn him over to the Police... But since he is wounded” (The Enemy)
The above statement clearly displays Dr. Sadao’s commitment to his profession and compassion. Write an article in appreciation of Dr. Sadao’s professional ethics and his ability to rise above prejudices.

61
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

(b) While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism, Gandhi tells the court it is a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.

62
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(iii) ‘I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet’ and now my long hair was shingled like a coward’s… (Memories of Childhood)
What inference about the life of Zitkala-Sa can be drawn from the above statement?

63
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line:
“Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”

{(The Last Lesson)}
64
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(a) “Things out, shutting things in.” (On the Face of It)
The above statement speaks about Mr. Lamb’s open-mindedness and large-heartedness despite his disability. Inspired by his thought, you as a student leader, give a motivational speech to your class on how positive attitude and broad-mindedness will help one succeed in life. vspace{0.5cm}
65
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen?
{(Keeping Quiet)}
66
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’?
{(A Thing of Beauty)}
67
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.” What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line?
{(Going Places)}
68
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
(ii) ‘I must get rid of this man for your sake’. (The Enemy)
How did Dr. Sadao act like a perfect husband?

69
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement speak of the father?
{(Deep Water)}
70
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
The tigers in the panel that she made will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines?
{(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)}
71
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Derry: “Oh no, because if I don’t go back there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world again.” (On the Face of it)
Derry later realizes that the decision taken at that moment helped him to come out of his shell. As Derry, write a diary entry expressing your happiness and thanking your stars for the right decision taken.
You may begin like this:
I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment...

72
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Lost Spring and {Indigo} highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in power. Elaborate.

73
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Franz from {The Last Lesson and the peddler from {The Rattrap} demonstrate the importance of learning from one’s mistakes and rising up to evolve as a better person.
Write an article based on the two texts on how a man evolves after learning from his mistakes.}

74
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

Jack Finney portrays Louisa as a perfect wife. Give evidence from Charlie’s life in support of the above statement. (The Third Level)

75
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

‘With students of ice, he offers future generation of policy makers a life-changing experience…’ (The Journey to the End of the Earth)
What expectation of the narrator is reflected in the above line?

76
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’. ({A Thing of Beauty})

77
PYQ 2024
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions? ({My Mother at Sixty-six})

78
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“In that short time, we’ve managed to create quite a ruckus.” What does Tishani Doshi refer to by ‘ruckus’?
79
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

“One of these days you’re going to talk yourself into a load of trouble,” her father said aggressively. What do you learn about Sophie’s father from these lines? (Going Places)

80
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Not at all,” Sadao said. “It is inconvenient to have you here any longer.” (The Enemy) What image do you form of Dr. Sadao based on the above remark?
81
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How did Franz plan to turn the commotion in the classroom to his favour?
82
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘What I want should not be confused.’ What clarification does Pablo Neruda give to his readers? (Keeping Quiet)
83
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘Deep Water’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out the importance of overcoming fear. Discuss the two texts with reference to the above statement.
84
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Explain with reference to the poem. (A Thing of Beauty)
85
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How do the expressions ‘polished traffic’ and a stand that ‘pathetically pled’ depict the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the poem A Roadside Stand?
86
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How did Tishani Doshi’s visit to Antarctica as part of the Students on Ice Programme make her realise the importance of preserving the Earth? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
87
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
The element of dilemma, between humanity and patriotism, elevates the character of Dr. Sadao in ‘The Enemy’. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
88
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Kamala Das in ‘Keeping Quiet’ and Keats in ‘A Thing of Beauty’ depict nature as a source of inspiration and strength to man. Analyse both the poems in terms of the above perspective.
89
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Where there is a will, there is a way.” The above saying aptly describes the character of Douglas from ‘Deep Water’ and Mukesh from ‘Lost Spring’. Compare and contrast their characters in terms of their courage, determination, and the pursuit of their goals.
90
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What image of the Tiger King is revealed in the diamond ring episode?
91
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What is so ironical about Sam reaching the third level?
92
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.’ What are the factors that have made their game inaccessible to Saheb? (Lost Spring)
93
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘What I want should not be confused.’ What clarification does Pablo Neruda give to his readers? (Keeping Quiet)
94
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How do the expressions ‘polished traffic’ and a stand that ‘pathetically pled’ depict the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the poem A Roadside Stand?
95
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
How did Franz plan to turn the commotion in the classroom to his favour?
96
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Explain with reference to the poem. (A Thing of Beauty)
97
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“One of these days you’re going to talk yourself into a load of trouble,” her father said aggressively. What do you learn about Sophie’s father from these lines? (Going Places)
98
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
The element of dilemma, between humanity and patriotism, elevates the character of Dr. Sadao in ‘The Enemy’. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
99
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
Kamala Das in ‘Keeping Quiet’ and Keats in ‘A Thing of Beauty’ depict nature as a source of inspiration and strength to man. Analyse both the poems in terms of the above perspective.
100
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What is so ironical about Sam reaching the third level?
101
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
‘But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.’ What are the factors that have made their game inaccessible to Saheb? (Lost Spring)
102
PYQ 2025
easy
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“Where there is a will, there is a way.” The above saying aptly describes the character of Douglas from ‘Deep Water’ and Mukesh from ‘Lost Spring’. Compare and contrast their characters in terms of their courage, determination, and the pursuit of their goals.
103
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla

How did Tishani Doshi’s visit to Antarctica as part of the Students on Ice Programme make her realise the importance of preserving the Earth? (Journey to the End of the Earth)

104
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
What image of the Tiger King is revealed in the diamond ring episode?
105
PYQ 2025
medium
english-core ID: cbse-cla
“In that short time, we’ve managed to create quite a ruckus.” What does Tishani Doshi refer to by ‘ruckus’?