12th English Board Exam 2026 Practice Activity Sheet & Solutions
SUB – ENGLISH (Science, Commerce & Arts)
SECTION-I PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Vocabulary, Summary Mind-mapping)
Q.1 A. Read the given extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
The young lift-man in a city office who threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning was fined for the offence was undoubtedly in the wrong. It was a question of "please". The complainant entering the lift, said, "Top." The lift-man demanded "Top-please", and this concession being refused he not only declined to comply with the instruction, but hurled the passenger out of the lift. This, of course was carrying a comment on manner too far. Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. If a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me, and if I am physically assaulted, it will permit me to retaliate with reasonable violence. It does this because the burglar and my assailant have broken quite definite commands of the law. But no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners, or could sanction the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognize as a legally punishable offence. And our sympathy with the lift-man, we must admit that the law is reasonable. It would never if we were at liberty to box people’s ears because we did not like their behavior, or the tone of their voices, or the scowl on their faces. Our fists would never be idle, and the gutters of the city would run with blood all day.
I may be as uncivil as I may please and the law will protect me against violent retaliation. I may be haughty or boorish and there is no penalty to pay except the penalty of being written down an ill-mannered fellow. The law does not compel me to say "Please" or to attune my voice to other people’s sensibilities any more than it says that I shall not wax my moustache or dye my hair or wear ringlets down my back. It does not recognize the laceration of our feelings as a case for compensation. There is no allowance for moral and intellectual damages in these matters.
A 1. True/False : (02)
Read the following sentences and state whether they are True or False.
- The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.
- The lift-man threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning.
- The law compels everyone to say, "Please".
- No legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners.
Check Answer
- False
- True
- False
- True
A 2. Describe : (02)
Describe the incident happened in the lift.
Check Answer
A passenger entered the lift and simply said "Top." The lift-man demanded "Top-please." When the passenger refused this concession, the lift-man not only declined to comply with the instruction but also hurled the passenger out of the lift.
A 3. Give Reason : (02)
Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. Give its reasons.
Check Answer
Discourtesy is not a legal offence because the law cannot legislate against bad manners or sanction the use of violence against something it does not recognize as a legally punishable offence, such as a tone of voice or a scowl. If we were at liberty to box people's ears for behavior we didn't like, our fists would never be idle, and the city gutters would run with blood.
A 4. Personal Response : (02)
Write any four etiquette and manners of behavior.
Check Answer
- Always say "Please" when asking for something and "Thank you" when receiving it.
- Do not interrupt others while they are speaking; listen patiently.
- Apologize sincerely if you accidentally bump into someone or make a mistake.
- Offer your seat to elderly people, pregnant women, or those in need while travelling on public transport.
A 5. Language study (Do as directed.) (02)
- The young lift-man in a city office who threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning. (Rewrite the sentence removing ‘who’.)
- It was a question of "Please". (Name the tense.)
Check Answer
- The young lift-man in a city office threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning.
- Simple Past Tense.
A 6. Vocabulary (02)
Match the word in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| 1. Acquit | a. an attack |
| 2. To box | b. a cut or tear |
| 3. Laceration | c. to forgive |
| 4. Assault | d. to fight with fists |
Check Answer
Correct Matches:
- Acquit - c. to forgive (or clear of charge)
- To box - d. to fight with fists
- Laceration - b. a cut or tear
- Assault - a. an attack
Q. 1 B. Language study. (04)
-
My father gave me ----calculator.-----calculator is very useful for me. 01
(Rewrite it using appropriate articles) -
The college had invited selected students------different parts----the state for the seminar. 01
(Use suitable prepositions.) -
"Is my son doing well ?", father asked the teacher. 01
(Change it into indirect narration.) -
Spot the error in the following sentence and rewrite it. 01
Trees gives fruits and flowers.
Check Answers
- My father gave me a calculator. The calculator is very useful for me.
- The college had invited selected students from different parts of the state for the seminar.
- Father asked the teacher if (or whether) his son was doing well.
- Correction: Trees give fruits and flowers. (Subject-verb agreement).
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
Q.2.A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below : (12)
Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a "new world", so they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects.
The duck was excellent in swimming. In fact, better than his instructor. But he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept up until his wedded feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that, expect the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running but had nervous breakdown because of so much make up work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down. He also developed a "Charlie horse" from overexertion and then got a C in climbing and D in running.
The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree but insisted on using his own way to get there.
At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well and also run, climb and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian. The prairie dogs stayed of school and fought the tax levy because the administration would not add digging and burrowing to the curriculum.
A.1 Choose (02)
Choose two sentences that appropriately mention the theme of the passage:
- The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
- Private schools are good to develop individual interest.
- The same curriculum should be given to all for better results.
- Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual interest may lead to frustration.
Check Answer
Correct sentences:
- (1) The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
- (4) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual interest may lead to frustration.
A.2 Match the items under column ‘A’ with items under column ‘B’ . (02)
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| 1. The duck | a. a problem child and disciplined severely |
| 2. The rabbit | b. excellent in climbing |
| 3. The squirrel | c. excellent in swimming |
| 4. The eagle | d. topper in running |
Check Answer
- The duck - c. excellent in swimming
- The rabbit - d. topper in running
- The squirrel - b. excellent in climbing
- The eagle - a. a problem child and disciplined severely
A.3 Guess (02)
Guess the result of the prairie dogs if they had been given admission in the animal school and support your guessing with facts from the extract.
Check Answer
If the prairie dogs had been admitted, they likely would have failed or become "problem children" like the eagle. This is because the school administration refused to include their natural skills—digging and burrowing—in the curriculum. Without an outlet for their specific talents, and forced into a standardized system (running/flying), they would have struggled or rebelled.
A.4 Personal response (02)
Suggest in about 50 words at least two ways to make the learning enjoyable.
Check Answer
To make learning enjoyable, schools should adopt activity-based learning rather than rote memorization, allowing students to learn through doing. Secondly, the curriculum should be flexible, offering electives that cater to individual hobbies and talents like music, sports, or coding, reducing the pressure of purely academic performance.
A.5 Language study (Do as directed.) (02)
- The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. (Make it a complex sentence.)
- An abnormal eel could swim exceedingly well. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘able to’.)
Check Answer
- The eagle, who was a problem child, was disciplined severely. (OR: As the eagle was a problem child, he was disciplined severely.)
- An abnormal eel was able to swim exceedingly well.
A.6 Vocabulary (02)
- Varun who topped the college was declared…………….
- The…………..of the school should involve more activity subjects.
- Poor performance in the exams develop……………among the subjects.
- It’s necessary to………….the programme, so that it will be successful.
Check Answer
- Varun who topped the college was declared valedictorian.
- The curriculum of the school should involve more activity subjects.
- Poor performance in the exams develop frustration among the subjects.
- It’s necessary to administer the programme, so that it will be successful.
Q. 2. B. Summary (03)
Write the summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below and suggest a suitable title:
Animal school—activity based curriculum—all subjects compulsory—final exam—abnormal eel valedictorian—prairie dogs stayed out of school and fought the tax levy.
Check Answer
Title: The Trap of Standardization
The animals organized a school to address the "new world" problems, adopting a standardized curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying for everyone. This approach failed disastrously: the duck ruined his feet practicing running, the rabbit suffered a breakdown from swimming, and the squirrel failed due to rigid flying instructions. The eagle was disciplined for being rebellious. Ultimately, a mediocre eel became the valedictorian because he could do a little of everything, while the prairie dogs rejected the school entirely for excluding their natural skills.
Q. 2. C. Mind mapping : (03)
Develop a ‘Mind Mapping’ frame/design to show the development in your personality seen within yourself in the last five years.
Check Answer
Section –II (Poetry and Appreciation)
Q. 3. A. Read the given extract and complete the activities given below: (10)
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 lowered, the boatmen row,
And to the Inchcape Rock they go;
Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,
And he cut the bell from the 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 Aberothok’.
A1. Pick out (02)
Pick out two lines from the extract that show how Sir Ralph enjoyed the power of spring.
Check Answer
- "He felt the cheering power of spring,"
- "It made him whistle, it made him sing;"
A2. Give Reason (02)
Sir Ralph asked his men to take his boat to Inchcape Rock because---------
- ---------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------
Check Answer
i) His heart was mirthful to excess, but his mirth was driven by wickedness.
ii) He wanted to plague (annoy/trouble) the Abbot of Aberbrothok by destroying his good work (the bell).
A3. Personal response. (02)
Give your reactions about Ralph’s behavior.
Check Answer
Ralph's behavior is despicable and malicious. Instead of enjoying the beautiful spring day, he chooses to destroy a device meant to save lives simply out of jealousy and a desire to spite the Abbot. It shows a cruel and destructive nature that finds joy in the suffering or potential danger of others.
A4. Poetic device (02)
Write rhyme scheme and rhyming pairs of words of every stanza.
Check Answer
Rhyme Scheme: aabb (for all stanzas in this extract).
Rhyming Pairs: excess - wickedness, float - boat, Rock - Aberbrothok, row - go, boat - float, sound - around.
A5. Poetic creativity (02)
Add your two poetic lines to continue the theme of the stanza.
It made him whistle, it made him sing;
---------------------------------------------------,
------------------------------------------------------.
Check Answer (Example)
But deep inside a dark plan grew,
To destroy the good that others knew.
Q.3.B. Poetic Appreciation (04)
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.
My father travels on the late evening train...
Check Answer
Appreciation of "Father Returning Home"
About the poem/poet: The poem "Father Returning Home" is written by Dilip Chitre, a celebrated bilingual poet. It is an autobiographical poem that depicts the estrangement and isolation of an elderly father in a busy metropolitan city like Mumbai.
Theme: The central theme is the alienation and loneliness of the elderly generation. It highlights the generation gap and the lack of communication in modern urban life.
Language & Poetic Devices: The poem is written in free verse with no rhyme scheme, reflecting the chaotic and dull life of the father. The language is simple but symbolic. Significant poetic devices include Simile ("Like a word dropped from a long sentence") and Alliteration ("Suburbs slide").
Message/Values: The poem conveys a strong message about the need to care for the elderly. It reflects the harsh reality of urban existence where people live together but are emotionally distant.
SECTION –III (Writing skills)
Q. 4. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: (16)
Q4.A. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Drafting a virtual message: Using information given below, draft a virtual message which Mr. Singh left for Ranjit in 50 words.
Context: Aashna called for Ranjit. Mr. Singh (Dad) picked up. Aashna wants Ranjit to bring his Biology notebook to school as she was absent and needs notes.
Check Answer (Virtual Message)
2) Statement of Purpose: Write a statement of purpose as a part of your application to join nursing college. You have visited a hospital and saw the work of nursing. You liked the service and dedication of them. Your favourite subject in junior college is Biology.
Check Answer (SOP)
3) Group Discussion: Ram, Shyam, Neha and Sneha are participating in a group discussion. The Evaluator has given you a topic, ‘Clean India’. Write a suitable dialogue for each participant giving his/her opinion on the topic.
Check Answer (Group Discussion)
Q4B. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Email Writing: Write an Email to the editor of the newspaper to raise the complaint about bad condition of roads. (Email to: editor.lokmat@xyz.com)
Check Answer (Email Writing)
2) Report Writing: Write a report of blood donation camp organized in your college. (Reporter: Arnav Chavan)
Check Answer (Report Writing)
3) Interview Questions: Imagine that the election is over and you have new ‘sarpanch’ for your village. Frame questions to interview him/her.
Check Answer (Interview Questions)
Q4.C. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Speech Writing: Prepare a speech on the occasion of ‘International Yoga Day’.
Check Answer (Speech Writing)
2) Compering: Imagine that you are a compere of ‘Teachers Day Celebration’ of your college. Write a script.
Check Answer (Compering Script)
3) Expansion of Idea: ‘Beauty is truth, truth is beauty’ - John Keats
Check Answer (Expansion of Idea)
Q 4. D. Attempt any one of the following: (04)
1) Film Review: Write a review of a film that you have recently seen. (Story, characters, music, opinion).
Check Answer (Film Review)
2) Blog Writing: Write a blog using proper format on the topic-Trees Our Best Friends.
Check Answer (Blog Writing)
3) Appeal Writing: Prepare an appeal making the people aware about the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Check Answer (Appeal Writing)
CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS!
Wake Up Citizens! Dirt breeds Disease. Hygiene breeds Health. It is time to take a stand for our health and our city. DO'S: ✔ Wash your hands frequently with soap. ✔ Segregate wet and dry waste at home. ✔ Use dustbins—Don't litter the streets! ✔ Maintain personal hygiene to fight viruses. DON'TS: ✖ Do not spit in public places. ✖ Do not use single-use plastic bags. ✖ Do not let water stagnate (It breeds mosquitoes!). JOIN THE "CLEAN CITY DRIVE" 📅 Date: Sunday, 10th April 2026 📍 Venue: Community Centre, Main Square ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM "A clean person is not the one who runs away from dirt, but one who takes the time and effort to tidy up the environment." Issued in public interest by: NSS Unit, XYZ College.SECTION- IV : Literary Genre-Novel
Q 5. Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: (16)
Q 5.A. i) Pick out the odd element from the group. (02)
- Arun Joshi, Vikram Seth, Graham Green, KiranNagarkar
- Place, Period, Theme, Climate, Lifestyle
- Theme, Plot, Character, Novella
- Billy Budd, The Turn Of The Screw, Pearl, Joseph Conrad, Death in Venice
Check Answer
- Odd one: Graham Green (British novelist, others are Indian).
- Odd one: Theme (Others are aspects of 'Setting').
- Odd one: Novella (Genre type, others are elements of a novel).
- Odd one: Joseph Conrad (Author, others are titles of novellas).
A ii) True or False (02)
Rewrite the statements and whether they are true or false.
- Stream of consciousness is a term coined by R.K.Narayan.
- The realistic novel is the novel based on the life of the author.
- The word 'picaresque' originated from the Spanish word ‘picaro,’ which means a rogue.
- The German word ‘bildungsroman’ indicates growth.
Check Answer
- False (Coined by William James).
- False (That is an autobiography).
- True
- True
5. B. Answer in about 50 words to the following questions: (04)
1. Language 02
Read the following dialogue and find out who the speaker is, his/her tone, the style, significance etc. of the dialogue.
"Then why do we have to do P.T.? Why don’t they take only the kids who need it"?
Check Answer
The speaker is Denham (from To Sir, With Love). His tone is rebellious, critical, and challenging. He uses a direct and argumentative style to question the necessity of P.T. for students who are already physically active. This is significant because it represents the students' newfound confidence to question authority and demand logical reasoning for their curriculum.
2. Character 02
Ferman brought a comic relief in the student’s council programme. Give its proof.
Check Answer
Fernman brought comic relief by presenting his report on Physiology in a highly dramatic and humorous way. He brought a human skeleton onto the stage, which immediately grabbed attention, and his witty presentation style lightened the serious atmosphere of the Council meeting, entertaining both the students and the faculty.
Q. 5. C. Answer in about 50 words to the following questions: (04)
1. Plot 02
Choose an appropriate reason from the following for PhileasFogg starting his journey around the world.
- Fellow members bet Fogg
- Fogg bets his fellow members
- Fogg wants to marry Aouda
- Fogg committed robbery
Check Answer
(b) Fogg bets his fellow members
Phileas Fogg engages in a wager of £20,000 with his fellow members at the Reform Club that he can circumnavigate the world in exactly 80 days.
2. Setting 02
Describe the importance of the following place in the development of the plot: Reform club
Check Answer
The Reform Club is crucial as it represents Fogg's orderly, routine existence before the journey. It is the location where the wager is made, setting the plot in motion, and it is the final destination Fogg must reach to win the bet.
Q.5. D. Answer in about 50 words to the following questions: (04)
1. Theme 02
Write in brief the theme of the extract.
Check Answer
The extract revolves around the themes of mystery, greed, and hidden pasts. Specifically, it touches upon the Agra treasure, which brings misfortune to those who possess it. It also introduces the theme of justice and the romantic subplot between Dr. Watson and Mary Morstan.
2. Character 02
Describe the character of Marry Morstan from Dr. Watson’s point of view.
Check Answer
From Dr. Watson's perspective, Mary Morstan is a woman of refined and sensitive nature. Although she is dressed simply, she possesses great taste. Watson describes her as having a spiritual and sympathetic expression. He is immediately captivated by her distress and her gentle beauty, seeing her as a "helpless bird" needing protection.