Important English Activity Sheet for the Board Exam Practice 2026
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
Q.1 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (12)
Most of the times, the topics of discussion at our home were about music, literature, paintings, sculptures etc. I could listen to the discussions about Van Gogh, Mozart and Michaelangelo etc. It was because of such a milieu around me that I had a firm belief which I still hold that all arts are equally, if not more, important in our lives than Science or Technology. I had learnt from my childhood that money does not mean everything in life. It is necessary, but if at all there is something which enriches our lives and puts meaning to our existence, it is the arts, music and literature.
A1. Choose (2)
Choose the statements showing appropriately the rich cultural childhood of the writer.
1) The writer’s house did not have basic amenities.
2) Great poets and musicians used to visit write’s house.
3) The writer used to hear the discussion about music, literature, paintings, sculptures etc.
4) Money enriches human lives and puts meaning to human existence.
Correct Statements:
2) Great poets and musicians used to visit writer's house.
3) The writer used to hear the discussion about music, literature, paintings, sculptures etc.
A2. Complete (2)
Complete the table taking the help of the extract.
| Persons used to visit writer’s house | Topics of discussion / talk |
|---|---|
| 1) Poets: --------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 2) Musicians: --------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Persons used to visit writer’s house | Topics of discussion / talk |
|---|---|
| 1) Poets: Vinda Karandikar, Mangesh Padgaonkar and Vasant Bapat | Poetry and literature (Marathi and English), Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. |
| 2) Musicians: Pt. Kumar Gandharv, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and Pt. Jasraj | Indian music. |
A3. Mention (2)
Mention the impact of the topics of discussion at home on the writer.
The discussions developed the writer's interest in literature and music during his school days. He began to love music tremendously and developed a firm belief that all arts are equally important in life. He learnt that money does not mean everything and that arts, music, and literature enrich life.
A4. Personal Response (2)
‘Money does not mean everything in life’. Give your views about this statement.
I completely agree with this statement. While money is necessary for survival and meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and education, it cannot buy happiness, peace of mind, or genuine relationships. Cultural values, art, and emotional connections give true meaning and satisfaction to our existence, which money alone cannot provide.
A5. Language Study (Do as directed) (2)
1) I had a very simple upbringing.
(Choose the alternative showing the correct transformation of this sentence into exclamatory sentence)
i) How a simple upbringing I had!
ii) What a simple upbringing I had!
iii) How simple upbringing had I!
iv) Why a simple upbringing I had!
2) I did not fully understand their discussions in depth, but I was immensely impressed.
(Choose the alternative showing the correct removal of ‘but’ from this sentence)
i) I did not fully understand their discussions in depth because I was immensely impressed.
ii) I did not fully understand their discussions in depth and I was immensely impressed.
iii) Though I did not fully understand their discussions in depth, I was immensely impressed.
iv) When I did not fully understand their discussions in depth, I was immensely impressed.
1) ii) What a simple upbringing I had!
2) iii) Though I did not fully understand their discussions in depth, I was immensely impressed.
A6. Vocabulary (2)
Find the meaning of words from the list of words given below.
facilities making a place easy to live in, a feeling that something is true
1) amenities 2) tremendously 3) milieu 4) belief
1) amenities: facilities making a place easy to live in
2) tremendously: to a very great extent
3) milieu: social environment
4) belief: a feeling that something is true
B) Language Study (4)
1) Do as directed / Transformation of Sentence
i) The doorbell when they woke up. (Choose the verb which shows the correct tense.)
a) was ringing b) rang c) rung d) is ringing
ii) ------------ he works hard, he won't succeed. (Choose the correct word to fill in the blank space.)
a) If b) Without c) Unless d) None of the above.
iii) She does not tell everything.
(Choose the alternative showing the correct transformation of this sentence into affirmative sentence)
a) She tells everything. b) She speaks everything.
c) She hides everything. d) She expresses everything.
2) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence (1)
He has often ask me to think before I speak.
1) Do as directed:
i) b) rang
ii) c) Unless
iii) c) She hides everything.
2) Spot the error:
Correct Sentence: He has often asked me to think before I speak.
Previous 12th English Board Papers
- English - February 2025
- English - July 2025
- English - February 2024
- English - July 2024
- English - February 2023
- English - July 2023
- English - February 2022
- English - February 2022
- English - July 2022
- English - September 2021
- English - March 2020 Set A
- English - March 2020 Set B
- English - March 2020 Set C
- English - March 2020 Set D
- English - March 2014
- English - October 2014
- English - March 2015
- English - July 2015
- English - March 2016 Set A
- English - March 2016 Set B
- English - March 2016 Set C
- English - March 2016 Set D
- English - July 2016 Set A
- English - July 2016 Set B
- English - July 2016 Set C
- English - July 2016 Set D
- English - March 2017 Set A
- English - March 2017 Set B
- English - March 2017 Set C
- English - March 2017 Set D
- English - July 2017 Set A
- English - March 2018 Set A
- English - March 2018 Set B
- English - March 2018 Set C
- English - March 2018 Set D
- English - March 2019 Set A
- English - March 2019 Set B
- English - March 2019 Set C
- English - March 2019 Set D
Q.2 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (12)
The poor boy was denied every time until he reached the door of a young girl. He asked for a glass of water, but seeing his poor state, the girl returned with a glass of milk. The boy asked how much he owed her for the milk, but she refused payment.
Years later, the girl, who was now a grown woman, fell sick. She went from doctor to doctor, but no one could cure her. Finally, she went to the best doctor in town.
The doctor spent months treating her until she was finally cured. Despite her happiness, she was afraid she couldn't afford to pay the bill. But, when the hospital handed her the bill, it read, "Paid in full, with a glass of milk."
A1. True or false (2)
Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are true or false.
1) The poor boy spent his days going door to door selling newspapers to pay for school.
2) The young girl did not give anything to the poor boy.
3) The young girl accepted money from the poor boy for her help.
4) The poor boy became a doctor.
1) True
2) False
3) False
4) True
A2. Describe (2)
Describe the nature of the young girl.
The young girl was kind, compassionate, and observant. Seeing the boy's poor state, she generously offered him a glass of milk instead of just water and refused to take any payment for her act of kindness, showing her selfless nature.
A3. Guess. (2)
Guess the meaning of the words- Paid in full, with a glass of milk.
This phrase means that the expensive medical treatment the woman received was considered fully paid for by the act of kindness she showed the doctor years ago when she gave him a glass of milk. The doctor waived the bill as a gesture of gratitude.
A4. Personal Response (2)
Write the moral of the given story.
The moral of the story is that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. Good deeds have a way of coming back to us when we least expect it. Helping others without expecting anything in return creates a cycle of positivity.
A5. Language study (2)
1) He started feeling low and weak.
(Choose the alternative showing the correct use of not only ------- but also)
a) He started not only feeling low but also weak.
b) He not only started feeling low but also weak.
c) He started feeling not only low but also weak.
d) Not only he started feeling low but also weak.
2) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she couldn't afford to pay the bill.
(Choose the alternative showing the correct use of ‘be able to’)
a) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she is not able to afford to pay the bill.
b) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she wasn’t able to afford to pay the bill.
c) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she be able to afford to pay the bill.
d) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she was able to afford to pay the bill.
1) c) He started feeling not only low but also weak.
2) b) Despite her happiness, she was afraid she wasn’t able to afford to pay the bill.
B) Summary Writing (3)
Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below. Suggest a suitable title for it.
C) Mind Mapping (3)
Develop a 'Mind Mapping' design to show the 'Benefits of English Language' to the students.
[Central Idea]: Benefits of English Language
- Education
- Access to global knowledge
- Higher studies abroad
- Research resources
- Career
- International business
- Better job opportunities
- Professional communication
- Communication
- Global language (Lingua Franca)
- Connecting with people worldwide
- Travel convenience
- Technology & Media
- Internet content
- Movies and Literature
- Software and coding
Q.3 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (10)
A1. Give information. (2)
Write the difficulties faced by the father in the poem.
The father faces several difficulties: 1. He travels late in the evening standing in a crowded train among silent commuters. 2. His clothes are wet and soggy due to the rain. 3. His bag is stuffed with books and is falling apart. 4. His eyesight is dimmed by age. 5. He has to walk through a humid monsoon night and cross a muddy railway line.
A2. Match (2)
Given below are the ideas conveyed through the poem. Match the pairs and draw out the hidden meaning from those expressions.
| Expressions | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a) The father hurries home crossing railway line | 1) Because there is hardly anything interesting in the monotonous routine journey to look out of the window. |
| b) Suburban area, visible through the train, is past unnoticed | 2) The father is unimportant to the crowd in the train. It does not really make any difference whether he got down or not. |
| c) He doesn’t get a place in a crowded train. | 3) Father is so eager to meet family members that he even doesn’t bother about his safety. |
| d) He is just as a small word, dropping from a sentence. | 4) Uncomfortable journey. |
Correct Pairs:
| Expressions | Correct Meaning |
|---|---|
| a) The father hurries home crossing railway line | 3) Father is so eager to meet family members that he even doesn’t bother about his safety. |
| b) Suburban area, visible through the train, is past unnoticed | 1) Because there is hardly anything interesting in the monotonous routine journey to look out of the window. |
| c) He doesn’t get a place in a crowded train. | 4) Uncomfortable journey. |
| d) He is just as a small word, dropping from a sentence. | 2) The father is unimportant to the crowd in the train. It does not really make any difference whether he got down or not. |
A3. Personal response (2)
Write about the difficulties that you face while commuting to and from the college by public transport.
While commuting to college, I often face the issue of overcrowding, especially during peak hours, which makes the journey suffocating. The unpredictable schedule of buses or trains often leads to delays. Additionally, noise pollution and the lack of proper seating arrangements make the travel exhausting, leaving little energy for study upon returning home.
A4. Poetic device (2)
Name and explain the figures of speech used in the following lines.
1) His shirt and pants are soggy and his black raincoat.
2) He hurries across the length of the grey platform.
1) Alliteration: The sound of the letter 's' is repeated in 'shirt' and 'soggy' for poetic effect.
2) Visual Imagery / Transferred Epithet: The word "grey" describes the mood and the platform, creating a mental picture of a dull and gloomy atmosphere.
A5. Poetic creativity (2)
Compose a short poem in about four lines on journey by train.
B) APPRECIATION (4)
Read the extract and write as per the instructions:
Write an appreciation of the poem - ‘Have You Earned Your Tomorrow’
Q.4 A) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Drafting a Virtual Message (4)
Imagine, you are Nikita and had an appointment with your friend Dipika to visit the Book Exhibition at 4pm. But you are held up by your mother to help prepare food for unexpected guests.
Draft a virtual message, in about 50 words, to be sent to Dipika giving your excuse for not keeping the appointment.
2) Statement of Purpose (4)
You are highly passionate towards becoming a successful business person and therefore want to pursue your higher education in "Business Management". Your background and skills have motivated you towards business and now you seek admission to accomplish a degree in "Business Management" at a reputed university. Prepare a 'statement of purpose' in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to get admission to this University
3) Group Discussion (4)
There is an inter-school cricket match and your school is losing. As you are the captain, have a group discussion with your teammates in the tea- break about the strategy to be followed to save your school from losing the match. Give at least four/five suggestions.
Q.4 B) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) E-mail Writing (4)
Draft an E-mail in a proper format to invite a famous and distinguished personality for the "Prize Distribution" programme organized by the college authorities. Give complete programme schedule and details about the event. Write to: dreamland@gmail.com
2) Report Writing (4)
Imagine that your college arranged a camp on "Health and Fitness" at your college campus. Write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all the information and the overall proceedings of this event.
3) Framing Interview Questions (4)
Imagine that you have to conduct an interview of a disabled person. With the help of the given table and points, draft questions associated with the personality.
| Name of the Interviewee | Mr. Arunima Sinha (Mountaineer) |
| Area of Success/Reputation | First female amputee to climb Mount Everest |
| Date/ Venue/ Time | 20th October 2026 / College Hall / 10:00 AM |
| Duration of Interview | 45 Minutes |
Questions:
(i) Could you please share some insights into your early life and the specific struggles you faced after the accident?
(ii) What were the major hurdles you faced during your education and training period due to your physical condition?
(iii) Who has been your role model or inspiration that gave you the strength to climb the highest peaks?
(iv) How significant was the role of your family support in helping you regain your confidence?
(v) Please describe the feeling when you achieved your first major success; how did it change your perspective?
(vi) What is your success plan or daily regimen that keeps you physically and mentally fit for such challenges?
(vii) Are there any specific dreams or summits that still remain unfulfilled for you?
(viii) What message would you like to convey to the youth who often give up when facing minor difficulties?
Q.4 C) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Speech Writing (4)
Your college has observed Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's birthday (15 October) as the 'World Students' Day'. Prepare a speech in about 100 words with the help of the following points.
1) Importance of the Day
2) Overcoming the challenges in your learning
3) Dr. Kalam's inspiration to students
4) Your idea of serving India in various capacities
2) Compering (4)
Imagine, you are given an opportunity to compere a programme at your college based on 'English Language Day'. As a compere, draft the whole programme script deciding the flow of the overall programme.
3) Expansion of Ideas (4)
Expand the idea inherent in the statement- "A stitch in time saves nine."
The wise proverb "A stitch in time saves nine" carries a profound message about the importance of timeliness and prompt action. Literally, it means that if a small tear in a piece of cloth is mended immediately, it takes only one stitch. However, if neglected, the tear widens, eventually requiring nine stitches to fix. Metaphorically, it teaches us that tackling problems at their initial stage prevents them from becoming massive, unmanageable crises later.
Procrastination is often the root cause of many failures. We often delay duties thinking we have plenty of time, but this negligence accumulates into a burden. For instance, a student who studies regularly (the 'one stitch') finds exams easy. Conversely, a student who neglects studies until the last moment faces a mountain of syllabus, leading to stress and poor results. Similarly, in terms of health, ignoring a minor symptom can lead to a severe illness requiring expensive and painful treatment.
The proverb warns us against the attitude of laziness and carelessness. It encourages foresight and discipline. By acting promptly, we save not just time, but also energy and resources.
In conclusion, the key to a stress-free and successful life is to address difficulties the moment they arise. We must cultivate the habit of doing things on time because prevention is always better, and cheaper, than cure.
Q.4 D) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Blog Writing (4)
Write a blog using proper format on the topic- ‘Junk food versus Home-made food’.
Hints: Show difference in both types of foods, give your opinion about good food, give drawbacks of junk food. (Write in 100 words)
2) Review Writing (4)
Write a review of any book in 100 words that you have read recently.
3) Appeal Writing (4)
Write an appeal to make people aware of the sound pollution.
STOP THE NOISE, HEAR THE PEACE!
"Silence is Golden, Noise is Poison."
Dear Citizens,
Noise pollution is an invisible enemy that is slowly destroying our health and peace of mind. It is time to wake up before we go deaf! Let us join hands to bring back the melody of nature.
- Permanent Hearing Loss and Tinnitus.
- Increases Stress, Hypertension, and Heart risks.
- Causes Sleep Disturbance and Anxiety.
- Causes distress to Animals and Birds.
- 🚫 DON'T HONK unnecessarily in traffic zones.
- 🔉 Keep the volume of TV and Music Systems low.
- 🎆 Say NO to loud firecrackers.
- 🌳 Plant trees – they act as natural sound barriers.
LOWER THE VOLUME, RAISE THE QUALITY OF LIFE!
Issued in Public Interest by:
Nature Club, New Era College
Contact: 9898XXXXXX | Email: natureclub@gmail.com
Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions.
A1. Write in chronological order. (2)
a) Industrial Revolution
b) Drama and Poetry started fading away
c) Novel gained popularity
d) The rise of middle class
Correct Order:
1. a) Industrial Revolution
2. d) The rise of middle class
3. b) Drama and Poetry started fading away
4. c) Novel gained popularity
A2. Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the sentence: (2)
i) Eighteenth century gifted mankind with-----------------
a) Drama and poetry b) Novel and drama c) Poetry and novel d) Novel and periodical essays
ii) Novel soon became dominant literary genre as it-------------
a) Helped people to live a more purposeful life.
b) Caught the intellectual, sentimental and realistic spirit.
c) Grew gradually and gained popularity.
d) All of these.
i) d) Novel and periodical essays
ii) d) All of these.
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
1 Character: (2)
Fernman brought a comic relief to the Students’ Council programme. Give its proof.
Fernman was responsible for discussing Physiology. To make his presentation interesting, he signaled two other students to bring a skeleton onto the stage. His dramatic presentation and the way he used the skeleton to explain the subject brought humor and liveliness to the formal atmosphere, providing comic relief.
2. Plot: (2)
Half yearly report of the student’s council highlights the conduct of Braithwaite’s’ class. Justify.
The half-yearly report is a significant event where students present what they have learned. The students of Braithwaite's class conduct themselves with dignity, confidence, and maturity, managing the entire program efficiently. This highlights the success of Braithwaite's teaching methods and the transformation in their behavior from unruly to responsible.
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
1. Dialogue: (2)
Detective Fix tried hard but could not fix the charge of robbery on Fogg. Explain the statement from the point of view of Fix.
Detective Fix firmly believed that Phileas Fogg was the bank robber he was hunting. Throughout the journey, he tried to delay Fogg to get the arrest warrant. However, despite his persistent efforts and eventually arresting Fogg in Liverpool, he failed to fix the charge because the real robber had already been arrested three days prior, proving Fogg's innocence.
2. Theme: (2)
Write the central idea of the given extract of the novel, 'Around the World in Eighty Days'.
The central idea revolves around the final leg of the journey where time is the antagonist. It highlights the themes of perseverance, anxiety, and the triumph of human will against obstacles. It showcases the suspense of whether Fogg will win the wager and the eventual twist that leads to his success.
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
1. Character: (2)
Describe the character of Mary Morstan from Dr. Watson’s point of view.
From Dr. Watson's perspective, Mary Morstan is a young woman of refined and sensitive nature. She appears agitated but maintains her composure. Watson describes her as having a spiritual and sympathetic expression. He is immediately attracted to her simplicity, charm, and the mystery surrounding her situation.
2. Language: (2)
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, "The Sign of Four".
"The letter speaks of giving her justice. What justice can Mary have?"
Mary Morstan had been receiving a valuable pearl every year after her father's disappearance. The letter she received promised to reveal the truth and give her "justice." In the context of the novel, this justice refers to her receiving her rightful share of the Agra treasure, which her father was involved in, and finding closure regarding his mysterious disappearance.