HSC Class 12 English Board Paper Solution (2020)
Comprehensive Step-by-Step Solutions for Set J-301/D
SECTION - I: Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary
(i) Dell got hungry market for his computers, because he added features to improve performance and offered customized computers at 15 percent off retail price.
(ii) Dell’s parents were concerned about his grades, because he was spending his time on his computer business instead of focusing on his studies.
Michael Dell believed that the opportunity to establish himself in the booming PC market was a once-in-a-lifetime event. He felt that if he stayed in college just to get a degree, he would lose the timing and advantage to start his business, so he refused to let this opportunity slip away.
If Michael Dell had studied seriously in college, he likely would have completed his degree and taken up a regular job, perhaps at a company like IBM. The Dell Computer Corp might never have been founded, or its launch would have been significantly delayed, potentially missing the computer revolution of that era.
| Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|
| (i) grossing | (c) totalling |
| (ii) inventory | (d) quantity of goods in stock |
| (iii) magnitude | (b) large size of business |
| (iv) with a vengeance | (a) with great intensity |
I would prefer to choose a business as a career. While a job offers security and a fixed income, a business allows for creative freedom, independence, and the potential for unlimited growth. Like Michael Dell, I believe taking calculated risks to build something of one's own is more fulfilling than working for others.
(i) Dell saw the hungry market and placed local advertisements offering his customized computers at 15 percent off retail price.
(ii) Unless he succeeded, it would be back to university.
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
She was serving as a clerk in the State Bank of India.
Nashik city recorded 52.7 mm rain between 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm on Friday.
Grandpa told Meenu that he was going for a walk and asked her if she was willing to come with him.
(i) The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
(i) The duck was average in swimming, because he had to drop swimming and stay after school to practise running, which badly wore out his webbed feet.
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down, causing him to develop a "Charlie horse" from overexertion.
Since the prairie dogs stayed out of school because digging wasn't in the curriculum, they likely preserved their natural talents. They probably apprenticed their children to a badger (as often happens in this fable's full version) or started their own private school that valued their specific skills, thus remaining successful and happy unlike the other animals.
(i) Varun who topped the college was declared valedictorian.
(ii) The curriculum of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop frustration among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to administer the programme, so that it will be successful.
To make learning enjoyable, education should focus on practical application rather than rote memorization. Firstly, using gamification and interactive digital tools can make lessons engaging. Secondly, allowing students to choose electives based on their interests—like music or coding—ensures they remain motivated and passionate about their studies.
(i) The eagle was a problem child who was disciplined severely. (Complex sentence)
(ii) An abnormal eel was able to swim exceedingly well.
B1. Early life and education:
- (i) Birthplace: Shiggaon in Karnataka.
- (ii) Education:
- B.E. from B.V. B. College of Engineering, with gold medal.
- M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, with gold medal.
B2. Career:
- First female engineer hired at TELCO as Development Engineer.
- Senior System Analyst in Walchand Group of Industries, Pune.
- Started Infosys Foundation (1996) and is a Visiting Professor at Bangalore University.
B3. Social activities:
- Work covers healthcare, education, women empowerment, public hygiene.
- Set 50,000 libraries.
- Built 2,300 houses in flood-affected areas.
- Several hundred toilets in Bangalore.
(i) Animal manure does not have any evil effect on groundwater. — False
(ii) Pollution related health consequences depend on the immunity of the exposed population. — True
(iii) Only mercury is to be blamed for kidney damage. — False
(iv) Soil contamination is a potential health hazard. — True
Soil pollution affects drinking water through the process of infiltration. Contaminants in the soil seep down into the ground and reach the groundwater aquifers. Since groundwater is a major source of drinking water, this contamination introduces toxic chemicals into the water supply, causing pollution-related diseases.
We should avoid chemicals to kill insects because constant exposure to substances like pesticides and herbicides can be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). They can also cause congenital disorders, chronic health conditions, headache, nausea, skin rash, and even death at sufficient dosages.
| Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|
| (i) infiltration | (c) passing of liquid through |
| (ii) inhalation | (d) breathing air in |
| (iii) consumption | (a) process of eating, drinking or using |
| (iv) concentration | (b) action of increasing strength of solution |
To reduce chemical exposure at home, we can switch to organic and natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemical cleaners. Additionally, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticide residues and avoiding the use of chemical air fresheners can help maintain a chemical-free environment.
(i) The infiltration of soil contamination poses potentially greater threats.
(ii) There has been an entire spectrum of further health effects.
Hazards of Soil Contamination
Soil contamination poses severe threats to human health through direct contact, inhalation, or infiltration into groundwater aquifers used for drinking. The severity of health hazards depends on the pollutant type and population vulnerability. Industrial chemicals, pesticides, and even natural substances like nitrates from manure can cause serious issues ranging from headaches and skin rashes to kidney damage, cancer, and congenital disorders. Chronic exposure to specific chemicals like benzene and mercury is linked to irreversible diseases, making soil pollution a critical environmental health issue.
SECTION - II: Poetry
(i) The tenants were asked to leave their houses, because the father had ordered all the structures surrounding their house on the hill to be demolished.
(ii) It was a problem to cut the banyan tree, because it was huge, standing three times as tall as the house, with a trunk circumference of fifty feet and roots that lay deeper than their lives.
Free verse is a style of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or regular meter. In this extract, the lines are of irregular lengths and mimic the rhythm of natural speech or prose. It gives the poet the freedom to focus on the narrative and imagery without being constrained by structural rules.
Trees are vital for mankind as they produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change. They provide food, medicine, and timber for construction. Additionally, trees offer shade, prevent soil erosion, and serve as a habitat for innumerable birds and insects, maintaining the ecological balance.
"Plant a sapling, let it bloom and rise,
To save the earth and clear the skies."
SECTION - III: Rapid Reading and Composition
(a) Freedom lost
This title is most appropriate because the central theme of the extract is the suffering of the lark (bird) who has lost its freedom and is trapped in a cage. It longs for the fresh green corn and the ability to fly, making its captivity the emotional core of the passage.
Instead of ignoring the flower, the little boys noticed the daisy and decided to plant it inside the cage with the lark. The bird, finding comfort in the presence of the little flower and a piece of nature, stopped crying. The boys, seeing the bird's love for the flower, realized their mistake and opened the cage door, setting both the bird and the flower free in the garden.
(i) Tom, Ginger, Alfie and George are members of "The Do and Dare Club" (or out carol-singing together).
(ii) George picked the house where they had that bulldog.
(iii) Tom is not sure that the savage beast hasn’t torn off a bit of young Alfie’s suit.
(iv) George says that they have turned theirs into a club called "The Do and Dare Club".
Tom, Ginger, Alfie, and George were out on a carol-singing adventure, though they hadn't been very successful, collecting only eight and a half pence. Tom was annoyed, complaining that George had led them to empty houses and previously to a house with a fierce bulldog. Just as George defended the group's bravery, claiming they were the "Do and Dare Club," a sudden scream pierced the air, startling them all.
SECTION - IV: Written Communication
Mohan Pande,
Roll No. 74, Class XII (Arts),
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola - 444001.
21st February, 2020
To,
The Principal,
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola - 444001.
Subject: Application for leave of absence for 5 days.
Respected Sir,
I am Mohan Pande, a student of Class XII (Arts), Roll No. 74. I am writing to request a leave of absence from college for five days, from 25th February to 29th February 2020.
My elder sister's wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place at our hometown during this period. As a close family member, my presence and assistance are required for the arrangements and the ceremony. Therefore, I will be unable to attend classes during these days.
I assure you that I will complete all missed notes and assignments promptly upon my return. I kindly request you to grant me leave for the mentioned dates.
Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
(Signature)
Mohan Pande
(Class XII Arts, Roll No. 74)
HELP KERALA! SAVE LIVES!
URGENT APPEAL FOR FLOOD RELIEF
To all compassionate citizens,
Our brothers and sisters in Kerala are facing a horrible flood situation. Thousands have lost their homes, livelihoods, and hope. It is time for humanity to rise.
"Helping hands are better than praying lips."
Our organisation, The Youth Social Welfare Club, has arranged a massive
RELIEF RALLY
Date: Sunday, 25th February 2020
Time: 9:00 AM onwards
Venue: Starting from Azad Maidan to Town Hall.
The rally will be led by the renowned social activist, Mr. Anna Hazare, and local civic leaders.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Donate generously: Cash, Clothes, Dry Food, Medicines, or Blankets.
Join us to wipe the tears of Kerala. Every rupee counts!
Contact for Donations: 9876543210 (Mr. Patil)
Kaldhari: A Model of Self-Sufficiency
Kaldhari stands out as an exemplary village that has integrated hygiene, energy efficiency, and social responsibility into its daily life. The village places a high priority on cleanliness, evident in its cemented and concretised central roads, which ensure better sanitation. The infrastructure is well-developed with tap water connections, toilet blocks, and public lavatories, ensuring public hygiene.
In terms of energy sources, Kaldhari is progressive, harnessing renewable energy through solar and wind power systems. Economically, the village supports its residents through Milk Co-operatives and milk chilling centres, boosting the local dairy trade. Environmentally, the village practices rainwater harvesting to conserve water and has undertaken tree plantation drives. Furthermore, a massive awareness drive against social evils is visible through their anti-alcohol drive, making Kaldhari a truly holistic model of rural development.
Interview with a Dietitian on 'World Health Day'
- Good morning, it's a pleasure to have you here. Could you start by telling us what inspired you to become a dietitian?
- In simple terms, how would you define a 'balanced diet' for a college student?
- We often see students skipping breakfast due to early classes. How harmful is this practice in the long run?
- Junk food is very popular among youth. What are the immediate and long-term effects of consuming it regularly?
- Are there any specific "brain foods" you would recommend to help students improve concentration during exams?
- How important is hydration, and does water intake affect academic performance?
- Many students turn to crash diets to lose weight. What is your professional opinion on this trend?
- What role does sleep play in digestion and overall nutritional health?
- Could you suggest some quick, healthy, and affordable snack options for students living in hostels?
- Finally, on this World Health Day, what is your message to the youth of our college?
Disappearing Birds: A Wake-Up Call
Honorable judges, respected teachers, and my dear friends,
Today, I stand before you to speak on a topic that often goes unnoticed—the 'Disappearing Birds'. Birds are not just beautiful creatures that adorn our skies; they play a crucial role in our ecosystem as pollinators, pest controllers, and seed dispersers.
However, their melodies are fading. Why? The causes are man-made. Rapid urbanization has destroyed their nesting trees. The radiation from mobile towers and the heavy use of chemical pesticides in farms are killing them silently. Pollution and noise further drive them away.
Is it too late? No. We can call them back. Let us plant more trees, place water bowls on our balconies during summer, and stop using harsh chemicals in our gardens. Let us create a bird-friendly environment.
Friends, if the birds die, the silence will not just be sad; it will be a warning of our own bleak future. Let us act today.
Thank you.
End of Solution