Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2022 with Solutions
SECTION I: PROSE
(Extract: "At a corner of Sixth Avenue electric lights... Soapy took a stone..." - The Cop and the Anthem)
Read the following sentences and state whether they are true or false. Correct the false statements and rewrite them.
(a) Soapy broke the glass of the shop window.
(b) Nobody heard the breaking of the glass window.
(c) The policeman chased Soapy.
(d) Soapy did not run away from the place.
(a) True
(b) False – Corrected Statement: People came running, round the corner, hearing the crash.
(c) False – Corrected Statement: The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue and chased a man running to catch a car.
(d) True
Rearrange the following statements in order of their occurrence in the extract.
(a) The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue.
(b) Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass.
(c) "Now, get busy and call a cop," said Soapy.
(d) Soapy, with disgust in his heart, drifted along twice unsuccessful.
- (b) Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass.
- (a) The policeman refused to accept Soapy even as a clue.
- (d) Soapy, with disgust in his heart, drifted along twice unsuccessful.
- (c) "Now, get busy and call a cop," said Soapy.
Read the following sentences and write down what it means.
(a) "Don't you think that I might have had something to do with it?"
(b) He told the waiter the fact that the minutest coin and himself were total strangers.
(a) It means Soapy was confessing to the policeman that he was the one who broke the window, hoping to get arrested.
(b) It means Soapy had absolutely no money with him; he was penniless.
Suppose you are a manager of a hotel, a poor boy has taken a meal in the hotel and is not able to pay the bill. Describe how you will react in the situation.
If I were the manager, I would first listen to the boy's reason for not paying. Instead of handing him over to the police or humiliating him, I would ask him to do some light work in the kitchen or cleaning to compensate for the meal. I believe in giving people a chance to maintain their dignity while understanding the value of work and food.
(i) On the opposite side of the street was a restaurant of no great pretensions. (Make it a rhetorical question)
(ii) Men who smash windows do not remain to chat with the police. (Make the above sentence simple)
(i) Wasn't there a restaurant of no great pretensions on the opposite side of the street?
(ii) Men smashing windows do not remain to chat with the police.
Match the words in column 'A' with their meanings in column 'B'.
(a) gibberish - (ii) meaningless speech
(b) enchantment - (i) magic
(c) arrest - (iv) nab
(d) pitched - (iii) threw
| Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|
| (a) gibberish | (ii) meaningless speech |
| (b) enchantment | (i) magic |
| (c) arrest | (iv) nab |
| (d) pitched | (iii) threw |
(ii) As I entered the post office, the Post Master presented me with a telegram. (Begin the sentence with "No sooner...")
(iii) The mother looks after her child. (Make it a rhetorical question)
(i) We must accept our life gracefully.
(ii) No sooner did I enter the post office than the Post Master presented me with a telegram.
(iii) Doesn't the mother look after her child?
Summers in Delhi are extreme hot.
Summers in Delhi are extremely hot.
(Extract: "I don't believe in taking the right decisions... Ratan Tata...")
(a) He was appointed as the director-in-charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company Limited.
(b) Tata Group launched its passenger car 'Tata Indica in the year 1998.
(c) Bill Ford said to Ratan Tata, "You are doing a big favour for us by buying Jaguar-Land Rover."
(d) He graduated from Riverdale country from New York.
- (d) He graduated from Riverdale country from New York.
- (a) He was appointed as the director-in-charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company Limited.
- (b) Tata Group launched its passenger car 'Tata Indica in the year 1998.
- (c) Bill Ford said to Ratan Tata, "You are doing a big favour for us by buying Jaguar-Land Rover."
The writer says, "...I don't believe in taking right decisions I take decisions, I take decisions and then make them right."
This statement highlights Ratan Tata's leadership philosophy. He believes that one cannot always know if a decision is perfect at the moment it is made. Instead of waiting for certainty, a leader should act and then work hard, adapt, and persevere to ensure that the outcome of that decision turns out to be successful.
Ratan Tata decided to sell his passenger car business.
Ratan Tata decided to sell his passenger car business because the Tata Indica, launched in 1998, was a failure in its first year. The experiment seemed to be failing, and he received advice from many people to sell the struggling business.
Right decision at the right time is important for success. Express your opinion.
I agree that making the right decision at the right time is crucial. Opportunities often come with a limited window. If a leader hesitates or makes a poor choice during a critical moment, it can lead to failure or loss. However, as the extract suggests, the commitment to follow through on a decision is equally important to turn it into a success.
(i) He worked hard building a better consumer electronics division. (Rewrite using infinitive)
(ii) Tata Group launched the passenger car Tata Indica. (Rewrite beginning with 'The passenger car Tata Indica launched by the Tata Group')
(i) He worked hard to build a better consumer electronics division.
(ii) The passenger car Tata Indica was launched by the Tata Group.
Give antonyms.
(i) Profit
(ii) Prevent
(i) Profit × Loss
(ii) Prevent × Allow / Permit
Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title.
The Journey of a Visionary: Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, despite his privileged background, started his career from the bottom at Tata Steel after graduating from New York. He believed in taking decisions and working to make them right. His early career saw challenges, such as the struggles at NELCO due to economic recession. In 1998, the launch of Tata Indica initially failed, leading him to consider selling the car business to Ford. During the meeting, Ford humiliated him. However, Ratan Tata turned the situation around; Tata Motors eventually flourished while Ford struggled. In 2008, Tata Group bought Ford's luxury brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, turning them into profitable ventures, thus vindicating his earlier decisions.
Topic: 'Proper Time Management'
↓
- To-do lists
- Setting goals
- Prioritizing tasks
- Focus on one task
- Avoid procrastination
- Set deadlines
- Reduced stress
- Higher productivity
- Better work-life balance
SECTION II: POETRY
(Extract: "A foot and light-hearted I take to the open road..." - Song of the Open Road)
Qualities needed on the journey of life:
- Light-heartedness
- Self-confidence (Good fortune)
- Contentment
- Determination (Whimper no more)
The line- I asked not good fortune, I myself am good fortune.
This line signifies the poet's immense self-belief and independence. He refuses to rely on luck, destiny, or external factors for success. Instead, he believes that he has the capability, strength, and will to create his own destiny, making him the "good fortune" himself.
Explain the importance of 'long road / path' in man's life.
The 'long road' metaphorically represents the journey of life. It symbolizes opportunities, mobility, and the future. A path is essential as it gives direction to human efforts. It represents the challenges we face and the experiences we gather, leading us toward wisdom and our ultimate destination.
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the following line: "Still here I carry my old delicious burdens."
Paradox.
Explanation: The words 'delicious' (pleasant) and 'burdens' (heavy/unpleasant) are contradictory. The poet uses this to express that his memories and attachments, though burdensome, are sweet and cherished to him.
Complete the given lines using your imagination.
There is no way leading back.
I move forward ..................
There is no way leading back.
I move forward on the right track.
(Or: I move forward carrying no sack.)
Read the given extract and write an appreciation of the poem. (Poem: "Have you earned your tomorrow?")
Appreciation of the poem 'Have you Earned your Tomorrow?'
Title and Poet: The poem is titled 'Have you Earned your Tomorrow?' and is written by Edgar Guest.
Theme: The central theme of the poem is the importance of kindness, helpfulness, and good deeds in our daily lives. The poet urges the reader to consider whether they have done anything to improve the life of another person today, suggesting that our future ('tomorrow') depends on our actions today.
Poetic Devices and Language: The language is simple, conversational, and uplifting. The poem relies heavily on Interrogation (Rhetorical Questions) to provoke thought in the reader (e.g., "Is anybody happier because you passed his way?"). Other devices include Alliteration ("vanishing in the throng") and Synecdoche.
Values: The poem teaches values of altruism, kindness, self-reflection, and social responsibility. It emphasizes that a day is wasted if one hasn't helped a fellow human being.
Opinion: I find this poem very inspiring. It serves as a daily check-list for one's conscience. It reminds us that our worth is measured not by wealth, but by the positive impact we have on others.
SECTION III: WRITING SKILLS
(1) Virtual Message: You are Gopal, a receptionist... draft a virtual message for the General Manager.
MESSAGE
Date: 4th March 2022 Time: 10:30 A.M.
To: The General Manager
From: Gopal (Receptionist)
Subject: Mr. Deshmukh's Visit and Report Submission
Sir,
Mr. Deshmukh, the Sales Manager, visited the office to submit the sales report. Since you were in a meeting, he has left the available reports with me. However, he had to leave immediately to collect other reports. He requested me to inform you that he will see you this evening at 5:30 P.M. with the remaining reports.
(1) E-mail writing: Imagine that you are a shopkeeper... Write an email to customer apologising for the delay.
To: ramesh.kulkarni@gmail.com
Subject: Apology for delay in delivery of Order #12345
Dear Mr. Kulkarni,
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to sincerely apologize for the delay in the delivery of the gift articles you ordered (Order ID: #12345) from our store, 'Unique Gifts'. We understand that you were expecting the delivery by yesterday.
Unfortunately, due to an unexpected shortage of stock from our main supplier and logistical issues caused by the recent heavy rains, we were unable to dispatch your items on time. We have now sourced the articles, and they are being packed on priority.
Your order will be dispatched today and should reach you within 24 hours. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best Regards,
Amit Sharma
Manager, Unique Gifts
(1) Speech Writing: Prepare a speech on the topic "Mask for safety".
Mask for Safety
Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
Good morning to one and all. Today, I stand before you to speak on a topic that has become an integral part of our lives—"Mask for Safety."
Over the past couple of years, the world has faced an unprecedented challenge in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines and medicines are crucial, the simplest and most effective tool we have in our defense is the humble face mask.
A mask is not just a piece of cloth; it is a shield. It protects not only the wearer but also those around them. Scientific studies have shown that masks significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets, which are the primary carriers of the virus. Wearing a mask is an act of responsibility and respect towards our community, especially the elderly and the vulnerable.
Often, we see people wearing masks on their chins or ignoring them altogether. We must remember that the danger is not yet over. "Prevention is better than cure." Let us not let our guard down.
In conclusion, I urge everyone to wear masks properly, maintain social distancing, and stay safe. Let us mask up to keep ourselves and our nation safe.
Thank you.
(1) Film Review: Write a review of a film which you liked most.
Film Review: 3 Idiots
Story/Theme: "3 Idiots" is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that tackles the pressure of the Indian education system. It revolves around the friendship of three engineering students—Rancho, Farhan, and Raju—and their journey to define success on their own terms.
Director/Producer: The film is directed by the brilliant Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Cast: Aamir Khan stars as the genius Rancho, with R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi as his friends. Boman Irani plays the antagonist, Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Virus), delivering a stellar performance.
Music/Special Features: The music by Shantanu Moitra is soulful, with songs like "All is Well" and "Give Me Some Sunshine" resonating deeply with the youth. The cinematography captures the beauty of Ladakh and the chaotic life of an engineering campus perfectly.
Opinion: "3 Idiots" is a masterpiece. It combines humor with a strong social message. It teaches us to pursue excellence rather than success, for if we chase excellence, success will chase us. It is a must-watch for every student and parent.
SECTION IV: LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL
(a) Murasaki Shikibu
(b) Jonathan Swift
(c) John Bunyan
(d) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
| Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|
| (a) Murasaki Shikibu | (iii) The Tale of Genji |
| (b) Jonathan Swift | (ii) Gulliver's Travels |
| (c) John Bunyan | (i) The Pilgrim's Progress |
| (d) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay | (iv) Rajmohan's Wife |
(a) Amit Ghosh, Vikram Seth, Henry Fielding, Anita Desai
(b) plot, novella, setting, theme
(c) place, time, climate, epistolary
(d) horror, mystery, picaresque, thriller
(a) Henry Fielding (He is an 18th-century British novelist, while the others are Indian English writers).
(b) novella (It is a genre/form of novel, while plot, setting, and theme are elements of a novel).
(c) epistolary (It is a style of novel, while place, time, and climate are aspects of the Setting).
(d) picaresque (It is a literary style depicting a rogue hero, whereas horror, mystery, and thriller are modern genre categories defined by mood/plot type. Note: In some contexts, all are treated as types, but Picaresque is the odd one structurally/historically in this set).
(ii) How does Mr. Braithwaite manage to increase the cultural exposure of the class?
(i) Ricky Braithwaite brings about a change by treating the students with respect and treating them as adults. He stops using corporal punishment or scolding. Instead, he introduces a new mode of address, requiring them to call him "Sir" and addressing the girls as "Miss," enforcing mutual courtesy. By listening to them and engaging them in discussions rather than just lecturing, he wins their trust and transforms their rebellious behavior into disciplined maturity.
(ii) Mr. Braithwaite increases cultural exposure by taking the students on field trips and excursions to museums and theatres. These trips allow the students, who come from limited backgrounds, to experience the wider world, art, and history. This exposure helps broaden their horizons and breaks down the mental barriers of their enclosed social environment.
(ii) Describe how Sherlock Holmes discovered the connection between Miss Morstan receiving precious pearls with Major Sholto.
(i) Initially, the relationship between Phileas Fogg and Aouda is one of protector and protected. Fogg rescues her from the Sati ritual in India out of a sense of duty and humanity. Throughout the journey, Fogg treats her with extreme politeness but remains emotionally detached. However, Aouda falls in love with Fogg's noble character. By the end of the novel, when Fogg thinks he is ruined, Aouda proposes marriage to him to support him, transforming their relationship into one of mutual love and partnership.
(ii) (Note: This question asks about Sherlock Holmes but is listed under Section C which typically covers "Around the World...". However, the question text is explicitly about Holmes/Sign of Four. I will answer the text as printed.)
Holmes discovered the connection by analyzing the dates. Miss Morstan started receiving the pearls six years prior, shortly after her father disappeared. Holmes deduced that the date she began receiving pearls coincided with the death of Major Sholto, the only friend her father had in London. This timing suggested that Sholto's heir was trying to make partial restitution for some wrong done to Miss Morstan regarding her father.
(ii) Describe how Mr. Sherlock Holmes tracks down Small?
(i) Bartholomew Sholto was found murdered with a poisoned thorn, and the Agra treasure was stolen. Holmes found footprints of a wooden-legged man and a small ally (Tonga) at the scene. These physical clues (the wooden leg print and the unique small footprints) directly connected the crime to Jonathan Small, one of the "Four" associated with the treasure, leading Holmes to hunt for a wooden-legged convict.
(ii) Holmes tracks down Small by using the clues left at the crime scene: the creosote on the wooden leg and the small footprints. He uses a dog, Toby, to follow the scent of creosote to the river edge. Realizing they used a boat, Holmes investigates the boatyards and identifies a steam launch named the "Aurora" that had been hired by a wooden-legged man. He then utilizes the Baker Street Irregulars to locate the boat and eventually engages in a police chase on the Thames to capture Small.