Pre – Annual Exam March 2026
SUB – ENGLISH
12 Arts, Commerce and Science
Activity Sheet No.2
(Reading for Comprehension, Language study, Vocabulary, Summary and Mind- mapping)
Soapy had confidence in himself from the lowest button of his vest upward. He was shaven, and his coat was trim and his neat, black bow had been presented to him by a lady missionary on Thanksgiving Day. If only he could reach a table in the restaurant unsuspected success would be his. The portion him that would show above the table would raise no doubt in the waiter’s mind. A roasted mallard duck, thought Soapy, would be about the thing with a bottle of wine and then some cheese, a cup of coffee and cigar. One dollar for the cigar would be enough. The total would not be so high as to call forth any extreme of revenge from the café management; and yet the meat would leave him filled and happy for the journey to his winter island.
But as Soapy set foot inside the restaurant door, the head- waiter’s eye fell upon his tattered trousers and decadent shoes. Strong and ready hands turned him about and conveyed him in silence and haste to the side-walk and averted the ignoble fate of the menaced mallard. Soapy turned off Broadway. It seemed that the route to the coveted island was not to be an easy one. Some other way of entering the limbo must be devised.
At a corner of Sixth Avenue electric lights and cunningly displayed wares behind plate-glass made a shop window attractive. Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass. People came running round the corner, a policeman in the lead. Soapy stood still with his hands in his pockets, and smiled at the sight of brass buttons.
A 1. Complete the Web: (02)
Complete the following web by enlisting food items that Soapy wanted to consume in a luxurious café.
A 2. Find Proof: (02)
Give two proofs from the extract which show that Soapy had confidence in himself from the lowest button of his vest upward to enter in a luxurious café.
1. He was shaven, and his coat was trim.
2. His neat, black bow had been presented to him by a lady missionary on Thanksgiving Day.
A 3. Guess: (02)
Guess the meanings of the following expressions in the context:
I) winter island
ii) eye fell upon
I) winter island: It refers to the prison/jail where Soapy wanted to spend his winter to stay warm.
ii) eye fell upon: It means noticed, saw, or observed.
A 4. Personal Response: (02)
Write any four situations when you felt ‘relieved’ seeing the cop approaching you.
1. When I was lost in a crowded festival and couldn't find my parents.
2. When I witnessed a road accident and needed someone to control the traffic.
3. When I was being followed by a stranger on a lonely street at night.
4. When I found a lost wallet and wanted to hand it over to a responsible authority.
A 5. Language study (Do as directed.) (02)
1. If he could reach the table in the restaurant unsuspected, success would be his. (Rewrite it using ‘ unless’.) (1)
Unless he could reach the table in the restaurant unsuspected, success would not be his.
2. Soapy left his bench and strolled out of the square.(Make it simple.) (1)
Leaving his bench, Soapy strolled out of the square.
A 6. Vocabulary: (02)
Give antonyms for the following words from the extract
i) outside
ii) new
iii) suspected
iv) downward
i) outside × inside
ii) new × tattered / decadent (implied as 'old' or 'worn')
iii) suspected × unsuspected
iv) downward × upward
1. ------------distance of two yards and wearing --------mask is essential to keep Covid 19 away.( Fill in the blanks with suitable ‘articles’.) (01)
A distance of two yards and wearing a mask is essential to keep Covid 19 away.
2. Excessive use -------- sanitizer is hazardous---------health. ( use suitable ‘prepositions’.) (01)
Excessive use of sanitizer is hazardous to health.
3. The teacher asked the students, “Do you follow the rules of Covid 19?” (Change it into indirect speech.) (01)
The teacher asked the students if they followed the rules of Covid 19.
4. Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it. (01)
Vaibhav and Kishor distributed notebooks among themselves.
Vaibhav and Kishor distributed notebooks between themselves.
(Note: 'Between' is used for two people, 'among' for more than two.)
12th English Board Papers
- English - February 2025 View Answer Key
- English - July 2025 View Answer Key
- English - February 2024 View Answer Key
- English - July 2024 View Answer Key
- English - February 2023 View Answer Key
- English - July 2023 View Answer Key
- English - February 2022 View Answer Key
- English - February 2022 View Answer Key
- English - July 2022 View Answer Key
- English - September 2021 View Answer Key
- English - March 2020 Set A View
- English - March 2020 Set B View
- English - March 2020 Set C View
- English - March 2020 Set D View
- English - March 2014 View
- English - October 2014 View
- English - March 2015 View
- English - July 2015 View
- English - March 2016 Set A View
- English - March 2016 Set B View
- English - March 2016 Set C View
- English - March 2016 Set D View
- English - July 2016 Set A View
- English - July 2016 Set B View
- English - July 2016 Set C View
- English - July 2016 Set D View
- English - March 2017 Set A View
- English - March 2017 Set B View
- English - March 2017 Set C View
- English - March 2017 Set D View
- English - July 2017 Set A View
- English - March 2018 Set A View
- English - March 2018 Set B View
- English - March 2018 Set C View
- English - March 2018 Set D View
- English - March 2019 Set A View
- English - March 2019 Set B View
- English - March 2019 Set C View
- English - March 2019 Set D View
Villages need to follow strict rules. The process begins with effective water management through the watershed technique and water auditing, taking responsibility of the village’s natural resources— planting trees and stopping grazing, contributing labour for the village work, and then expanding to bring about behavioural changes in the people for harbouring social change. Hiware Bazaar is free of any kind of addiction and there are no liquor or tobacco shops in the village. Vasectomy has been made compulsory, as is the pre-marital HIV test. The ‘Adarsh Gaon’ model prides itself of being based on the joint decisions made by the Gram Sabha, where all the villagers are present. Even while selecting the new villages under the scheme, Mr. Pawar made sure that the decision to become ideal village was taken by the entire village together.
The greatest victory for Hiware Bazaar so far has been the reverse migration that the village has witnessed since 1989. As many as 93 families have come back to the village, “from the slums in Mumbai and Pune” Mr. Pawar says. The village of 216 families was completely below poverty line (BPL) in 1989; now it has only three BPL families.
A.1 Choose: (02)
Read the following sentences and choose two most appropriate sentences that explain the theme of the extract:
1) The extract narrates the success story of Hiware Bazaar.
2) The extract highlights the problems of ideal villages.
3) The extract describes the process of selecting ideal villages under AGY scheme.
4) It is about the tree plantation.
1) The extract narrates the success story of Hiware Bazaar.
3) The extract describes the process of selecting ideal villages under AGY scheme.
A.2 Flow –chart (02)
Find out the process of submission of a proposal and selection of ideal villages and complete the flow chart
A3. Explain: (02)
“The villages had to show dedication in the struggle to fight mediocrity” Explain it in about 50 words.
This means that to achieve the status of an 'Ideal Village' (Adarsh Gaon), the villagers cannot be satisfied with being average or ordinary. They must be fully committed and work hard to overcome common challenges, follow strict rules, and strive for excellence in self-sufficiency and social behavior.
A4. Personal Response: (02)
Write any four suggestions for changing Indian villages into ideal villages.
1. Implementation of proper sanitation and waste management systems.
2. Ensuring 100% literacy and digital education for children and adults.
3. Adopting water conservation techniques like rainwater harvesting.
4. Promoting addiction-free society and local employment through cottage industries.
A5. Language study (Do as directed.) (02)
(1) They had to follow all the conditions of becoming an Adarsh Gaon. (Rewrite the sentence using infinitive form of the underlined word.) (1)
They had to follow all the conditions to become an Adarsh Gaon.
(2) There are no liquor or tobacco shops in the village. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘Neither ---nor’.) (1)
There are neither liquor nor tobacco shops in the village.
A.6 Vocabulary (02)
Match the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| i) harbour | a) causing a great change |
| ii) graze | b) nurture |
| iii) resources | c) feed cattle |
| iv) revolutionary | d) assets available |
(i) harbour - (b) nurture
(ii) graze - (c) feed cattle
(iii) resources - (d) assets available
(iv) revolutionary - (a) causing a great change
Write the summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below and suggest a suitable title:
Clues---- Hiware Bazaar---ideal village -----the process of selecting villages under AGY----achievements of Hiware Bazaar.
Hiware Bazaar: A Model of Transformation
The extract highlights the success story of Hiware Bazaar, a model for 38 other villages aspiring to be 'Adarsh Gaon'. The selection process under the scheme requires villages to submit proposals, undergo inspection, and show dedication to strict rules like water management, labor contribution, and social reforms like banning addiction. The greatest achievement of Hiware Bazaar is the reverse migration of 93 families from city slums and the drastic reduction of poverty since 1989, driven by collective decision-making in the Gram Sabha.
Develop a ‘Mind Mapping’ frame /design to show the ‘Benefits of Games and Sports’ to the students. You can take the help of the following points to develop each of them into further branches:
Points- *fitness and stamina, team spirit and sportsmanship, group behavior, killers instinct, will to win.
- Fitness
- Stamina
- Immunity
- Team Spirit
- Group Behavior
- Cooperation
- Killer Instinct
- Will to Win
- Stress Relief
- Sportsmanship
- Discipline
- Patience
Why do you weave a garment so gay?....
Blue as the wing of a halcyon wild,
We weave the robes of a new-born child.
Weavers weaving at fall of night,
Why do you weave a garment so bright?....
Like the plumes of a peacock, purple and green,
We weave the marriage-veils of a queen.
Weavers weaving solemn and still,
What do you weave in the moonlight chill…….
White as a feather and white as a cloud,
We weave a dead man’s funeral shroud.
A 1. Complete the table: (02)
The words in the three stanzas of the poem mention different time of a day. Complete the table.
| Time of the day | Words/phrases | Weavers work |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | …………………… | ………………………….. |
| Late in the evening | Fall of night | ………………….. |
| Cold night | Moonlight chill | ……………………. |
| Early morning | Break of day | Robes of a new-born child |
| Late in the evening | Fall of night | Marriage-veils of a queen |
| Cold night | Moonlight chill | Dead man’s funeral shroud |
A2. Pick out (02)
Pick out two words used to describe the weavers in the last stanza. Also state their importance.
Words: Solemn and Still.
Importance: These words describe the serious, quiet, and sorrowful atmosphere associated with death. It contrasts with the joy of the earlier stanzas, highlighting the finality of life.
A3. Personal Response : (02)
Express your views about the present condition of weavers.
Today, traditional handloom weavers are facing a crisis. Due to the advent of power looms and mass-produced cheap garments, their art is dying. They often face poverty, lack of raw materials, and low wages, forcing many to leave their ancestral profession.
A4. Poetic device (02)
Name and explain the figure of speech used in the following lines.
i) White as feather and white as a cloud.
Simile: The color of the shroud is directly compared to a feather and a cloud using the word 'as'.
ii) Weavers weaving solemn and still.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter 'w' is repeated (Weavers weaving) for poetic effect.
A5. Poetic creativity (02)
Compose four lines on ‘Importance of Clothes’.
Clothes protect us from heat and cold,
A story of culture they unfold.
They give us confidence, style, and grace,
Defining our identity in every place.
Read the given extract and write the appreciation of the given poem based on the following points:
About the poem /poet, theme, language style, features, poetic devices, message, values, your opinion about the poem.
A darker speck on the ocean green;
Sir Ralph the Rover, walk’d his deck,
And he fix’d his eye on the darker speck.
He felt the cheering power of spring,
It made him whistle, it made him sing;
His heart was mirthful to excess,
But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness.
His eye was on the Inchcape float;
Quoth he, “My men, put out the boat,
And row me to the Inchcape Rock,
And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok”.
The boat is lower’d, the boatmen row,
And to the Inchcape Rock they go;
Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,
And he cut the Bell from Inchcape float.
Down sunk the bell with a gurgling sound,
The bubbles rose and burst around;
Quoth Sir Ralph, ‘The next who comes to the Rock
Won’t bless the Abbot of Aberbothok.’
Title: The Inchcape Rock
Poet: Robert Southey
About the Poem/Theme: The poem is a ballad based on a legendary story of the Inchcape Rock. The central theme is "Poetic Justice" or the idea that "As you sow, so shall you reap." It tells the story of the wicked Sir Ralph the Rover who cuts the warning bell placed by the Abbot of Aberbrothok, only to later perish on the same rock.
Language & Style: The poem is written in the form of a ballad with a simple narrative style. It follows a rhythmic scheme of AABB in each stanza. The language is old English (e.g., 'Quoth', 'blest') which adds to its legendary feel.
Poetic Devices: The poet uses Alliteration ("Sun sunk", "bubbles rose and burst"), Inversion, and Repetition. Visual imagery is used effectively to describe the ocean and the rock.
Message/Values: The poem conveys a strong moral message that crime gets its own punishment. Jealousy and wickedness lead to one's own destruction.
Opinion: I like this poem because it tells a thrilling story with a clear moral lesson. The dramatic ending where the Rover sinks is very impactful.
Q4.A. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Drafting a virtual message:
Using information given below, draft a virtual message which Amrita left for her brother, Sourajit.
Amrita: Yes. May I know who is speaking?
Shekhar: I am Shekhar. I want to speak to Sourajit. I am his friend from IHM, Goa.
Amrita: I am his sister. Sourajit is not at home at the moment. Can you ring up a little later?
Shekhar: I shall be a little busy, Actually, I have got a placement at the Hotel Mumbai, and will have to join with immediate effect. Sourajit now I am trying to get all the formalities completed. This is the news that I wanted to give Sourjit. Will you do that for me? Also tell him that will let him know my new cell phone number as soon as I get one.
Amrita: I’ll do that. Bye and all the best..
Amrita had to leave for the office. So she wrote a note for Sourajit. Draft her message in not more than 50 words.
MESSAGE
Date: 15th March 2026 Time: 10:30 AM
To: Sourajit
Shekhar from IHM, Goa called. He has been placed at Hotel Mumbai and is joining immediately. He is busy completing formalities. He wanted to share this news with you. He will call you once he gets a new phone number.
Amrita
2) Statement of Purpose:
You must have decided your aim in life. Which institute/university would you like to join for your diploma/graduation? Write a statement of purpose as a part of your application to the institute/university.
Statement of Purpose
I have always been fascinated by the world of computers and how code can solve real-world problems. My aim in life is to become a Software Engineer. I wish to join the B.Tech Computer Science program at COEP Technological University. Throughout my school years, I have excelled in Mathematics and Physics, and I have self-learned Python. Joining your esteemed university will provide me with the technical skills and exposure required to innovate in the field of Artificial Intelligence. I am confident that my dedication will add value to your institution.
3) Group Discussion:
You and your friends are participating in a group discussion. The evaluator has given a topic, ‘Teenagers are more inclined towards junk food nowadays’. Write a suitable dialogue for each participant giving his/her opinion on the topic.
Topic: Teenagers are more inclined towards junk food nowadays
Evaluator: You may start the discussion.
Riya: Hello everyone. In my opinion, it is true that teenagers prefer junk food. The main reason is taste and easy availability. Burgers and pizzas are more appealing than home-cooked food.
Amit: I agree, Riya. Also, heavy advertising by fast-food chains targets teenagers specifically. It has become a status symbol to hang out at cafes.
Sara: Yes, but we must look at the lifestyle too. Teenagers are busy with coaching and college. Junk food is "fast food," saving them time.
Riya: True, but this affects health. Obesity and lethargy are rising. We need to create awareness about healthy eating.
Amit: Absolutely. Parents and colleges should provide healthy, tasty alternatives.
Q. 4. B. Attempt any one of the following : (04)
1) E-mail Writing :
Write an E-mail to the MSEDL using the following points :
Write a mail to: The Sub-engineer@msedl.com.
To: The Sub-engineer@msedl.com
Subject: Complaint regarding irregular electric supply in Shivajinagar
Respected Sir,
I am a resident of Shivajinagar, Pune. I am writing to bring to your attention the frequent power cuts in our locality for the past week.
It is currently exam season for schools and colleges. The irregular supply is severely hampering students' studies. Moreover, with the summer temperature rising, it is becoming unbearable for senior citizens and children to stay without fans or coolers.
I request you to kindly look into the matter personally and resolve the technical issue at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Patil
2) Report Writing:
Write a report of the celebration of ‘Independence Day’ in your college.
Grand Independence Day Celebration at Saraswati College
Pune, 16th August: Saraswati College of Arts and Science celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great patriotic fervor yesterday. All students and staff assembled in the college ground by 7:30 AM.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Mayor of Pune, arrived at 8:00 AM and was welcomed by the Principal. The National Flag was hoisted at 8:15 AM followed by the National Anthem. The Chief Guest addressed the students, urging them to contribute to nation-building. Students performed patriotic songs and speeches.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Cultural Secretary and the distribution of sweets.
3) Interview Questions:
Imagine that you are going to interview a well-known social worker in your area. Prepare a set of 8 to 10 questions to be asked in interview.
Use the following points: Introduction, opening question, probing questions, concluding question, summing up.
Questions for Social Worker Mr. Anna Hazare (Hypothetical):
1. Good morning Sir, welcome. Could you tell us what inspired you to start social work?
2. What were the initial challenges you faced in your village?
3. How did you convince people to give up addictions?
4. What is your opinion on the role of youth in rural development?
5. How do you manage funding for your various projects?
6. Can you share one success story that is very close to your heart?
7. What is your message for the aspiring social workers of today?
8. Thank you so much for your time, Sir.
Q. 4. C. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Speech Writing:
Prepare a speech on ‘Environment Day’ for the awareness among the citizens to plant trees with the help of following points:
Respected Principal, Teachers, and my dear friends,
A very good morning to all. Today, on World Environment Day, I stand here to speak about 'Tree Plantation'.
Friends, trees are the lungs of our earth. They give us oxygen, rain, and food. However, due to urbanization, we are cutting them down ruthlessly. The result is global warming and pollution. It is high time we act. We must protect existing trees and plant new ones. If each one of us plants one tree, we can transform our city.
Let us pledge today to nurture nature for a better future. Remember, "Save Trees, Save Life."
Thank you.
2) Compering:
Imagine that you are a compere of prize distribution ceremony of your collage. Write a script for the same. Make use of the following points:
introduction – a brief introduction of the programme, lighting of lamp, welcome song, welcome of guest, guest speech, prize distribution, vote of thanks
1. Introduction: Good morning everyone! We are gathered here for the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony. It is a day to celebrate talent.
2. Lighting Lamp: I request our honorable Chief Guest and Principal to light the traditional lamp.
3. Welcome Song: Let's invoke blessings with a welcome song by our choir group.
4. Guest Welcome: I request our Principal to welcome the guest with a sapling.
5. Speeches: Now, I invite the Chief Guest to address the audience.
6. Prize Distribution: The moment we waited for! I call upon the winners...
7. Vote of Thanks: I thank everyone for making this event a success.
3) Expansion of idea:
‘The child is the father of the man’ expand the proverb, give examples, give message in the proverb.
The Child is the Father of the Man
This famous proverb by William Wordsworth means that the behavior and character of a person are formed during their childhood. Just as a morning shows the day, childhood traits predict the future adult. If a child is taught values like honesty and hard work, they grow up to be responsible citizens. For example, Shivaji Maharaj's childhood training made him a great leader. Therefore, it is crucial to nurture children with love and good values, as they are the foundation of the future society.
Q 4. D. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Film Review:
Write a review of a film that you have recently seen. Write your review based on the following points: story, characterization, music and song, theme, action, special features, weak points, your opinion about the film.
Movie Review: 12th Fail
Story: Based on the real-life struggle of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, showcasing his journey from poverty to clearing the UPSC exam.
Cast: Vikrant Massey delivers a stellar performance as Manoj. His acting is natural and touching.
Theme: The theme is "Restart" - never giving up despite failures.
Music: The song "Restart" is very motivating.
Opinion: It is an inspiring masterpiece. The direction is realistic. There are no weak points; it keeps you glued to the screen. A must-watch for every student.
2) Blog Writing:
Write a blog in a proper format on the topic ‘personality development’ with the help of following points:
Unlock Your Potential: Personality Development
Personality development is not just about looking good; it is about building character, confidence, and communication skills. In today’s competitive world, a strong personality helps you stand out.
Importance: It boosts confidence, improves communication, and helps in career growth.
Ways to Improve: Read books, practice public speaking, maintain a positive attitude, and be a good listener. Remember, personality is a continuous journey, not a destination.
3) Appeal Writing:
Prepare an appeal through your organization for ‘Eye Donation’. Use the following points:
i) Use attractive slogans ii) Make a persuasive appeal iii) Venue and date iv) Signature line v) Contact information.
GIFT A VISION!
Donate Eyes, Live Twice
Your eyes can light up someone's dark world after you leave.
Be a Hero - Pledge Your Eyes Today!
Venue: Rotary Eye Hospital, MG Road.
Date: 25th March 2026
"Let your eyes see the world even when you are gone."
Contact: 98220xxxxx | www.eyedonation.org
Q. 5.A. i) Match the columns (02)
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| 1. Murasaki Shikibu | a) Cervantes |
| 2. Novella | b) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya |
| 3. Don Quixote | c) Tale of Genji |
| 4. Rajmohan’s Wife | d) New |
1. Murasaki Shikibu - c) Tale of Genji
2. Novella - d) New
3. Don Quixote - a) Cervantes
4. Rajmohan’s Wife - b) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya
A. ii) Complete the following statements: (02)
i) The two types of conflict that the plot may have are………….and…………..
ii) The word ‘picaresque’ is originated from…………………
iii) The word epistolary novel presents the narrative through……………
iv) In the eighteenth century middle class could get the time for reading and discussing the novels because………………………………………..
B. i) Character (02)
Give a brief character sketch of Denham.
Denham is a student in Braithwaite’s class. He is confident, athletic (a boxer), and a natural leader among the boys. Initially rebellious and critical of the P.T. syllabus, he challenges the teachers. However, he is respectful and displays dignity during the Student Council report, showing his maturity.
B. ii) Plot (02)
Write in your own words the entire half yearly report programme of students’ council.
The half-yearly report is a day where students present what they have learned. The Headmaster presides over the meeting. Students from each class report on different subjects. The senior class (Braithwaite’s) takes the lead. After the presentations, a panel of teachers is called to answer questions, where students like Denham and Fernman question them effectively, showing their progress.
C. i) Theme (02)
Write 4-5 sentences on the theme ‘Time theme’ of the extract.
Time is the central theme of 'Around the World in 80 Days'. The entire plot revolves around Phileas Fogg's race against time to complete his journey. Time acts as an antagonist creating suspense. Ultimately, the 'Time gained' by traveling eastward (the International Date Line concept) saves Fogg, making Time the savior as well.
C. ii) Setting (02)
Describe the importance of the following places in the development of the plot and behavior of the characters.
a) Liverpool
ii) London
D. i) Language (02)
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel ‘The Sign of Four’.
“ The letter speaks of giving her justice. What justice she can have?”
This line is spoken by Mary Morstan. She receives a letter promising her justice regarding her missing father. However, she questions the nature of this justice because no amount of wealth or explanation can bring her dead father back. It highlights the theme that emotional loss cannot be compensated by material gain.
D. ii) Character (02)
Sherlock Holmes is the leading character in the extract. Explain.
Sherlock Holmes drives the action in the extract. He is the one who analyzes the handwriting, deduces facts about the letter writer, and calms Mary Morstan. His sharp intellect, observational skills, and commanding presence make him the central figure whom Dr. Watson and Mary look up to for solving the mystery.
******************THE END************