Oswal 36 Sample Question Papers ISC Class 12 English-I Solutions
Answer 1.
(i)
The influence of television on children
There is no argument when it comes to the fact that watching television affects children. Some parents believe that what children watch on television influences their behaviour, while some parents argue that the amount of time spent watching television influences behaviour. I believe that what children watch on television influences their behaviour more than the amount of time they spend watching the television. It is true that sitting in front of the television for several hours can have adverse effects on the psychological and physical development of children. Young children are exposed to periodic rays of light from the television which might cause fatal damage to the eyes and can result in temporary blindness if children watch TV for prolonged times. In addition, when children keep their eyes affixed to screens for several hours, rays from the television may cause a headache, this can even increase the risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes by leaps and bounds. When children watch television excessively, they are less likely to spend time developing social skills.
However, I think that it is the images that are projected on screen that have the most direct effects on young viewers. The first reason is that our modern society is somewhat consumer centric and commercial advertising plays a huge role in how children behave. For example, children are easily convinced by advertisements to buy food, toys or video games and end up worrying their parents to buy these goods for them. Although these goods are not a ‘need’, yet the commercial advertisements manage to convince young children that the goods are an absolute need for them. Another reason is the violent content of television shows. Considerable amounts of time spent watching violence on television can cause aggressiveness in a child’s behaviour. Sometimes, a single television programme may end up doing the needful. Children who watch violent shows tend to imitate whatever they see on the television screen. Children with learning, behavioural or impulse control problems are easy targets of such violent shows on television. The impact may be seen immediately or sometimes take a while to surface. It is noted that the increase in the number of juvenile alcohol and smoking use could be triggered by television programmes. Another research also shows the increase in juvenile crimes across many countries.
In conclusion, I would say that both the amount of time spent watching television as well as the content that is shown on television have their own complications. However, what children watch on TV influences their behaviour more than the amount of time they watch TV, according to me. But in both cases, it is important for parents to intervene at the right time to control their child’s television viewing habits for a healthy growth of their child.
(ii)
The camping trip
I’ve always loved being close to the nature. The fresh air and clear skies, away from the noise and pollution of the cities, have a soothing effect on me. My board exams had recently ended and I was yearning to visit the mountains. So, along with a few of my classmates I planned to go camping at the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu.
We found a tour company that had organised many successful camping trips as well and had several positive reviews from their customers. I convinced my parents to come with me to the tour operator’s office. After speaking to the trip coordinator, my parents agreed to let me go on the trip. I was bubbling with excitement because I was finally going on the trip I had always dreamt of. As the day of departure neared, I took to shopping for camping supplies and all the essentials that I would need to survive the fifteen-day trip. Soon, the day of my trip came and I boarded the camp bus along with all my friends. The journey was quite joyful as we all spent our time discussing about the trip and listening to the camp leader’s stories.
After the two-hour journey, we reached our destination and as we alighted from the bus, the immaculate atmosphere welcomed us. We reached our campsite after a three-hour trek. It was set amidst a serene forest clearing. There was a pristine stream near the campsite. We were divided into two groups, with a leader assigned to each. One group leader was a professional photographer while the other one was an investment banker. Both of them were experienced campers. There was a good vibe that made me warm up to my tent mates immediately. They taught me to pitch a tent as well as waterproof it. We kept our bags and settled inside our tents. Soon it was time for lunch. We gathered in the common area to have our lunch. My friends and I ate and had a good chat. In the evening we went to explore the urroundings.
Later, at nightfall, we gathered around a campfire for supper and then we were formally introduced to everyone. It was amazing to see people from different walks of life come together and bond over their common love for nature. I developed a bond of friendship with my two tent mates and other campers as well. At the end of the camping trip, I was sad that the fifteen long days were over. We exchanged contact details and promised to go on another camping trip soon. I sincerely hope to go on another trip soon and be close to nature once again.
(iii)
Exams should be abolished
For the Motion
Examinations should be abolished. When examinations are abolished, it means that it should be ridden of. Ever since we began our schooling years, we were taught to study to score well in our examinations every year. Examinations are a good way to test a student’s capability of a subject and hence the concept of conducting examinations every year was set. The main purpose of examination is to give teachers a clear understanding of the students’ learning capabilities. It also allows the teachers to recognise each students’ talents and abilities.
But examinations bring about stress and sleepless nights to many students. These few factors affect a student’s emotions and feelings, which in turn affects the student’s performance in examinations. When students study for long periods they feel tired, but they also feel that they have not studied enough, which leads them to not having enough sleep and the rise of insomnia amongst school-going children. At this age, students are also prone to falling sick. Tiredness will affect the students’ thinking and students fail to recollect what they have studied when the day of examination arrives. If their examination results are not desirable then along with the worry of not scoring good they may face the anger of their parents who had high expectations from them. This makes them depressed which in turn causes them to change their attitude towards people and things. There is also a rise in student suicides due to the constant pressure of examinations.
Examinations sometimes are not fair. For example, while applying for jobs, people face judgements based on the marks in their academic examinations. Such type of evaluations are unfair because a person who may not have theoretical knowledge, may have hands-on experience and skills which are more profitable. Some might not have the money to afford studying in big schools or international schools and take admission in other regular schools and so remain unnoticed or are seen in unfair light. Another factor would be that most of what the curriculum doesn’t really prepare the students for real-life scenarios. For example, the theorems in Mathematics. They won’t help a student who wants to become a writer or a journalist. However, the student is forced to study hard to score well in the examinations just to get into a good college of their choice. In conclusion, I feel that a student’s potential and ability is not measured accurately in examinations and thus, exams should be abolished.
Against the Motion
“Examinations”, the one word that students are scared off. What are examinations ? They are a part and parcel of every student’s life. It is a terrifying stage that all students have to go through at the end of each semester. People think that examinations should be abolished as there are more disadvantages of it than the advantages, but when they think about it with an open mind and for the long-term prospects, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The very thought of doing well in the examinations motivates a student to work and study hard and this is one of the main reasons why examinations should not be abolished. Exams help to boost our confidence. Examinations test students’ abilities in a subject. For example, it tests a student’s ability to focus and apply what they have learnt. Examinations are also a good way for teachers to give the parents’ feedback about their child’s progress.
Examinations are a way for teachers to know how much students understand a subject and help those who are weaker in it. For example, a student may have done well in languages, mathematics and science but did not do well in social studies. The teacher would understand the student’s weakness and would try and help him/her by giving extra lessons or more practice papers so that he/she can improve. Some may argue that examinations should be abolished completely from the education ystem. However, I believe that the examinations are a great motivator for students; as examinations help the students to become aware of their merits and shortcomings. Exams help students to pursue higher education in good universities with good grades, and they can get high paying jobs.
(iv)
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism has become a crucial part of today’s modern society. It is rare to find a country which does not identify itself as multicultural. People have now come to understand the essence of living in a multicultural society. In a multicultural set-up, people have more freedom to broaden their horizons and share experiences
while living in a diverse society. People adopt some aspects of another culture and blend it with their own. They learn to be tolerant and respectful towards other cultures, keeping aside ethnic or racial differences. This helps in avoiding disagreements among people of varied cultural backgrounds.
In a way, multiculturalism is beneficial for global society. It is now being accepted that culture cannot be defined on the basis of racial or religious adherence of people. It is actually quite the opposite. Culture is the result of many diverse factors which constantly change and evolve with the ever-changing world that we live in. The phrase `life is a multicultural environment’ simply means adapting other cultures’ values and beliefs for one’s own benefit. There are various examples where multiculturalism is extremely useful and beneficial. Learning to cook a new cuisine, for example, is always a fun and entertaining experience, which also helps in broadening the minds of people and make them look at the world differently.
However, the opponents of multiculturalism believe that a number of cultures cannot co-exist peacefully. They believe that every culture should have its own identity which is often violated by multiculturalism. They blame multiculturalism for the loss of identity of culture as it gradually becomes nothing more than a mixture of different cultures. They suggest that it is important to defend cultural and ethnic differences, as only in such a way it is possible to avoid mixing various cultures which will help in preserving its own identity and distinctive fundamental features.
Among the most obvious setbacks of multiculturalism is the one that it creates misunderstandings between various cultures resulting in racial, religious, cultural and ethnic conflicts. Local citizens of different countries or states might complain that there are too many foreigners in their region and they are scared of being negatively affected by the growing numbers of foreigners in their state. Such problems can be resolved by means of certain legal policies that would allow different cultures to co-exist peacefully. For now, it remains a crucial problem directly related to the practice of multiculturalism.
(v)
Life in the times of the covid-19 pandemic
The world was not ready. The planet has seen many epidemics and pandemics since the rise of civilizations but never has the world citizenry been jailed in homes because a virus roamed the streets. The effect of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has been unprecedented. Lakhs of people have lost their lives, and millions are yet struggling to survive. The year 2020 will forever be seared in the collective memories of humanity for the COVID-19 crisis. Where the governments, state administrations and world experts scrambled to make changes, everyone looked to the frontline workers. The entire medical fraternity, delivery men, law-keepers and such others who stood in the frontlines, putting themselves at risk and trying to serve people have earned our gratitude forever. These people, forgetting their families and friends, tirelessly fought the virus to make the world well again.
The world heads decided to go into lockdown mode not only to control the spread of the virus but also to control the number of cases rising more than the available resources in hospitals. Additionally, there was a scramble to control the businesses, trade and all sectors of the economy and have them shut shop as soon as the lockdown was initiated. This was done to get the people back into their houses and control movement. In this scenario, lakhs of people— men, women and children— were left to fend for themselves. With no work, no money and no home, these helpless souls had no option but to trudge their way on foot back to their homes. The news media flashed videos and pictures of human misery, walking hundreds of miles on foot, hungry and thirsty. Thankfully, where these people faced the apathy of many, thousands came
forward to help them as well. NGOs, civil servants, celebrities, individuals and students— everyone chipped in with food packets, sanitary napkins, medicines and any aid with which they can help the migrants workers. News of college students making groups to help the elderly get rations and medicines, taxi drivers offering their services for free to the health workers and others in these trying times have also been a positive change. It has been heartening to witness the country coming ogether to help the people affected with the Coronavirus. Another good that came out of the pandemic was its effects on the environment. With the entire world under lock and chains, the air and water bodies have cleaned up. People have been putting up pictures on Twitter and other social media channels of the view of the Himalayas from their hometowns nearby. Something which was impossible to see before. Overall, the pandemic has taught us many good and bitter lessons. We have learnt to take hygiene more seriously and we have also seen how introspection and giving a breather to the resources can help the world revive.
(vi)
The day everything went wrong
It began with a bolt of lightning like a bad omen. Consequently, everything went horribly wrong that evening when I had planned to throw a surprise party for my cousins. First, my mother had a bad fall and she had to be taken to the hospital and was found to have a fracture. My mother returned home after two hours and with the fervent faith of a believer, I thought that I could easily slip out for the evening to enjoy the party. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and there were some unexpected guests standing at the door. Their car had broken down so they had to wait till the car was repaired and as our house was nearby, they decided to pay a social visit and spend some time with us. As my mother had fractured her right arm, I had to make tea and some snacks to offer to the guests. Somehow within an hour, their car was repaired and they left our house.
It was already 8:30 p.m. and I was supposed to meet my cousins at 9 p.m. at Connaught Place which was almost 10 kilometres away from my house. I started getting ready to leave soon. However, as I was about to leave, I heard an awful commotion of women screaming behind our house. I tried to ignore their noise and was about to leave when our neighbour rang the bell. I opened my window and to my shock, I found that thick black clouds of smoke were emanating in the sky. I was sure that something terrible had happened and I couldn’t leave my mother alone in such a situation. I rushed downstairs and joined the thick crowd. Some people were crying for water and I quickly offered them some. I was feeling miserable as my cousins were waiting for me and I knew I was making them wait for too long. The fire brigade arrived soon but most part of the building opposite to my house was destroyed by then. The people trapped inside were rescued and all the youngsters including me were helping in whatever way we could. By the time everything was cleared, it was way past midnight. There went my perfect evening in vain, which I hoped would have been an adventure. But I had no regrets for helping the people who were in need. Finally, at the end of the long, tiring day, I cooked the last packet of Maggi
noodles and toasted to myself. It somehow felt like a perfect ending to the day when all went wrong. Later, my cousins rang up to shower their words of anger, and that’s how my day went.
Answer 2.
(i)
Titanic
The three essential pillars for the success of a film are an entertaining plot, quality, acting and cinematographic excellence. All are fulfilled by ‘Titanic’. Directed and produced by James Cameroon, Titanic has an impressive cast with the very beautiful, Kate Winslet and charming Leonardo Di Caprio, playing the lead roles of Rose and Jack respectively. Set in 1912, the film begins with an ordinary boy meeting an aristocrat girl. The appeal being the breaking of the rigid social barrier, so prevalent in the English society. For Rose, meeting Jack means freedom from having to always behave in accordance with social norms. Lady Luck favours Jack, as having won
a ‘ticket to ride’, by chance, and it leads him to his love. Rose, however, is engaged to be married to a ‘suitable young man’ of her parents’ choice. However, events take a surprising turn gradually. The movie aims at bringing out the essence of true love. Destiny has a major role to play in shaping the climax of the movie.
The film displays Kate Winslet’s excellent acting skills and Leonardo Di Caprio wins hearts of millions with his good looks and true-to-life depiction of the character, Jack.
Other than the superb acting, the most striking aspect of the film is the Titanic, in its full grandeur, as it originally was, a ship built for the elite of the era. Cameroon’s eye for finer details is revealed in the fact that everything from the linen to the crockery is a copy of the original. The costumes too are completely Victorian and add to the film’s appeal. The cinematography, photography and choreography are all top-notch and leave nothing to be desired. The music and Celine Dion’s melodious voice have a haunting quality that blends beautifully with the spirit of the film. Through ‘Titanic’ James Cameroon has once again proved himself to be a director par xcellence. His efforts are indeed commendable.
(ii)
Proposal for Setting Up an Environment Club
To spread awareness and combat environmental issues, we propose to set up an environment club in our school. This club will help students develop an attitude of care and concern towards the environment. The students will learn to appreciate their surroundings through program, projects, competitions and also earning through ervice.
- 1. The activity club room will be used for all the environment club’s meetings.
- 2. Additionally, a small patch of the school garden area will be allocated to the club for gardening.
- 3. The Club coordinator will be Ms. Neelima Mathur, the Geography teacher of the senior section.
- 4. Club membership has been fixed at ₹150/- per member per year.
- 5. Activities such as tree plantation, national and inter-school environment related competitions would be conducted alongwith documentaries to instill a sense of responsibility in the students towards the environment.
- We hope that this proposal will be accepted so that activities related to environment protection will be promoted extensively in the school.
Answer 3.
- (i) 1. (B) To top the board you must work hard.
- 2. (B) Not only did he clean the house but also washed the dishes.
- 3. (B) In spite of being fat, Titli runs as fast as a leopard.
- 4. (B) Although he witnessed the accident, he moved on.
- 5. (B) Without being deterred by the accident, she persevered in her efforts.
(ii) 1. over | 2. of | 3. to | 4. to | 5. in |
6. about | 7. for | 8. under | 9. against | 10. in |
(iii) 1. began | 2. ended | 3. went | 4. flocking | 5. began |
6. decided | 7. saw | 8. increased | 9. is | 10. gather |
Answer 4.
- (i) 1. (a) demur
- (b) crux
- (c) proliferate
- 2. (a) To achieve the first position, the jockey spurred his horse towards the hedge and emerged victorious.
- (b) The research suggested that children either grizzle or wail to indicate that they are hungry.
- (c) In the science lab, the children mixed a solution of ammonia with water.
- (ii) (a) In his master’s absence, Nawab tended to the tube wells on Harouni’s farm. He also handled the household machinery, the air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, and water pumps.
- (b) Nawab was ready to leave Harouni’s services as he could not work as quickly as he used to and could not drive his bicycle to work due to an accident. To solve this issue, he asked Harouni for a motor cycle to travel to work, till the time Nawab could train a young boy in his trade.
- (c) With the motor bike that Nawab received from Harouni, he could range further doing a much wider business. He could also spend the nights with his wife who lived near her family in Firoza with their children.
- (d) Nawabdin, apart from being faithful and hard-working was an all-rounder adept in repairing everything from tube wells, lighting a fixture, reparing water heater, refrigerators, airconditioners, etc. So when he begs Harouni to relieve him due to his old age, he asks for a solution. He did not want to lose Nawabdin. Nawabdin, sensing the opportunity, asks for a motorcycle to move about in his farms to tend the tubewells. Without any hesitation, Harouni agrees. He knew he won’t get a man like Nawabdin.
- (iii) Nawab had twelve daughters to provide for and knew that the salary he received from Harouni to tend the tube wells wouldn’t suffice. To provide for the same, he started a little one-room flour mill which ran on a condemned electric motor. He also tried to fish-farm in a little pond at the edge of his master’s fields. He bought broken radios, fixed, and resold them. He even tried his hands at fixing watches, which eventually did not succeed as the watches he repaired did not work properly again. But despite all these failures Nawab did not give up.
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