CBSE Class 12 English Value Based Questions Set C

The Last Lesson

1 “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison.” After reading M. Hamel‟s statement you begin to realise the importance of mother tongue that is losing its significance in the present times. Write an article for a national daily on the need of reviving the status of the mother tongue.

2 Then he turned to the black board , took a piece of chalk and bearing on with all his might , he wrote as large as he could - Vive La France ………………. Abraham Lincoln , a former President of America said , “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” After reading the lesson and the above quote of Abraham Lincoln you begin to reflect on the loss of spirit of patriotism amongst the youth in India due to which there is no respect for one‟s countrymen and no determination amongst the youth to lead the country to a better future. Write an article in about hundred words for a national magazine on the need for revival of patriotic spirit amongst the youth in India.

3 “…….. his terrible iron ruler under his arm”. It has been said, “spare the rod and spoil the child”. The abolition of corporal punishment from schools in India has boosted students‟ confidence. Do you agree or not?

4 “They preferred to put you to work on a farm or at the mills, so as to have a little more money”. Some parents do not understand the importance of education. They want their kids to work. The Govt. has introduced the Right to Education Act. What changes it can bring about in the attitude of the parents. Explain.

5 The elders of the village were sitting in the classroom. The participation of the community is necessary for a healthy and productive education system. Comment.

6 Franco Prussian war had impacted all spheres of life, even the schools. It caused an emotional turmoil in the life of the civilians. Can war/violence be a solution to any problem?

7 “It was so warm, so bright ……….. birds were chirping …… The Prussian soldiers were drilling ………… It was all much more tempting”. In the present scenario / times there are more distractions (malls, i-pads, facebook etc). The will to resist is the only solution. Explain.

8 M. Hamel becomes an honest role model for the students on the day of the last lesson. How does a teacher play a constructive role in the life of the students in the present times?

Lost Spring

1. Saheb and Mukesh are representatives of the underprivileged and impoverished section of the society. The society has its role of credit for their condition. How as a concerned student of the society you can perform your duty to educate them? Discuss.

2. Childhood is the spring time of one‟s life but Saheb and Mukesh are the victims of the evil of child labour. You feel pained to see children working at factories, dhabas and tea stalls. Empathising with them give concrete suggestions to deal with the problem.

3. In search of decent living conditions and better means of survival people are migrating to metropolitan cities. That is not a journey to heaven. In this rat race they are losing their identity. One should not lose one‟s identity in search of gold. Comment.

4. Saheb-e-Alam, a destitute, watches a game of tennis from a distance. He longs to be one of the players. Shakespeare says,” Sweet are the uses of adversity”. Can one use his dreams to lead to brighter life in future? Elucidate.

5. Slums & Mukesh‟s lodgings pose a threat to healthy life. Do you think that better living conditions will give a positive viewpoint to them towards life. Write an article on Health is Wealth.

6. But promises like mine abound ….. in their bleak world”. Saheb and others like him spend their life on unfulfilled promises. What role should the youth play to improve their conditions through programmes like „Each one Teach one‟ . Give your views in 100 words.

7. Cottage industry is being exploited by the middlemen and sahukars. The workers are afraid of organizing themselves into co-operatives. The main reason is that they are not aware and daring. Write an article on Awareness may open new avenues for the poor.

8. Being illiterates Saheb and Mukesh are unaware of their rights and are exploited by „the vicious circle‟. Can education be an answer to this? Comment.

9. “Can a God given lineage ever be broken” says Mukesh‟s grandmother. Do you think that one should choose his profession by choice and not by chance (of being born in a particular caste) Discuss.

10. “And daring is not a part of his growing up. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh. I am cheered….” Daring and fearlessness is the only way which can bring about a radical change in life. Do you agree with the statement? Comment.

11. Migration has resulted in overpopulation in the big cities hence increasing the burden on limited resources. Conservation of resources is the duty of everyone. Comment that sustainable development is our moral duty.

12. Apathy and lack of concern have added fuel to the miseries of Saheb and Mukesh. The bureaucrats and politicians are unconcerned to their miseries. Do you feel that concern and compassion can drastically change the condition of the deprived.

Deep Water

1. Fear is the stumbling block to success unless challenged. Douglas proves it by overcoming his fear of water. Grit and courage of Douglas helped him do that. “Braving the odds is the key to success”. Comment.

2. “Practice makes a man perfect”. Douglas tries hard to reach to the level of perfection by perseverance . “Never, never, never give in” Churchill. Comment.

3. Douglas was tossed into the deeper end by a big bruiser of a boy. Bullying is a common phenomenon of present times. Even in Indian schools it is commonly witnessed. Do you think it is the moral duty of every senior to support and protect the juniors. Write a note on Bullying; a threat to development of a child.

4. “What though the field be lost all is not lost, the unconquerable will and the courage never to submit or yield” John Milton Write an article on “Role of strong will power in attaining success”.

5. Even after becoming a swimmer Douglas was not satisfied whether he had overcome his fear of water. He decided to achieve it through self learning. “The goal may be distant but awake, arise & stop not till the goal is reached.” Swami Vivekananda. Write an article in 100 words on self learning helps in building the self confidence and a complete personality.

6. Fear of water remained with Douglas even as years rolled by. He did not want to live with his handicap and so tried his level best to overcome this fear. Refusal to live with a handicap paves the way for greater achievement. Comment.

The Rattrap

1. The peddler betrayed the trust of the crafter and was caught in the trap of the world. Temptation to bait should be resisted at any cost. Write a note on „Strength of Character‟.

2. In the forest, the peddler felt trapped. He even accepted his approaching death. This shows that the burden of guilt of theft of money from the crafter is really heavy upon him. Write a note on Guilt burdens you and disturbs the peace of mind.

3. The Rattrap highlights human predicament / weakness and tendency to fall prey to temptations. In this pursuit, the real aim of life i.e. attaining spiritual heights is lost somewhere. Comment on “Contentment – the purpose of life”.

4. Edla with her love and compassion is a true living example of humanity and brings out the best in the rattrap peddler. Confidence, optimism and kindness may reform weak personalities. Comment.

5. Selfless love, empathy, sympathy and compassion provide a healing touch to the distracted souls. This is evident from the story The Rattrap. Common on the role of human values in bringing about change in one‟s behaviour. 

6. The letter of the peddler addressed to Edla is a fine example of purification of soul through confession. He signs himself as Captain Von Stahle, achieving the self esteem. Write an article on “Confession leads to self esteem”.

7. “But of course it is you, Nils Olof. How you do look? Now of course, you will come home with me,” says the iron master. However he proves to be wrong later on. “Impulsive / rash decisions are generally wrong”. Road rage is the burning example of such behaviour. Comment.

Indigo

1. Rajkmar Shukla kept following Gandhi for weeks and finally reached his ashram. “Fix a date” he begged. Impressed by the Sharecropper‟s tenacity and story Gandhi agreed. Write an article on determination works wonders.

2. “But Gandhi was not allowed to draw water from the well lest some drops from his bucket pollute the entire sources…..” “Untouchability is a curse”. Write an article in about 100 words.

3. “Where peasants are so crushed and fear stricken law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free from fear.” Gandhi. Though the times were difficult but fear has increased their suffering. It happens even today. Write an article on Fear is Man‟s worst enemy.

4. “The officials felt powerless without Gandhi‟s Co-operation. He helped them regulate the crowd”. This shows Gandhi was a great leader. Can good leadership quality help a student in becoming a good citizen in a democracy?

5. “Gandhi signed a receipt for the notice and write on it that he would disobey the order”. With these words Gandhi started a new era in Indian politics. Civil disobedience helped him in achieving freedom from the British without any violence. Write an article on the relevance of Non-violence in modern times.

6. “He saw the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages and wanted to do something about it immediately”. He appealed and many joined from different parts of India to do social work in Champaran. Do you think social service can provide solution to many of the problems faced by Indians like illiteracy, cleanliness, health, environment etc. Comment.

Strong will power sustains even in the worst circumstances. Strong will power helped Douglas to overcome his fear of water .

Write an article on “Role of strong will power in attaining success”.

1. Even after becoming a swimmer Douglas was not satisfied whether he had overcome his fear of water. He decided to achieve it through self learning. “The goal may be distant but awake, arise & stop not till the goal is reached.” Swami Vivekananda. Write an article in 100 words on self learning helps in building the self confidence and a complete personality.

2. Fear of water remained with Douglas even as years rolled by. He did not want to live with his handicap and so tried his level best to overcome this fear. Refusal to live with a handicap paves the way for greater achievement. Comment.

The Rattrap

1. The peddler betrayed the trust of the crafter and was caught in the trap of the world. Temptation to bait should be resisted at any cost. Write a note on „Strength of Character‟.

2. In the forest, the peddler felt trapped. He even accepted his approaching death. This shows that the burden of guilt of theft of money from the crafter is really heavy upon him. Write a note on Guilt burdens you and disturbs the peace of mind.

3. The Rattrap highlights human predicament / weakness and tendency to fall prey to temptations. In this pursuit, the real aim of life i.e. attaining spiritual heights is lost somewhere. Comment on “Contentment – the purpose of life”.

4. Edla with her love and compassion is a true living example of humanity and brings out the best in the rattrap peddler. Confidence, optimism and kindness may reform weak personalities. Comment.

5. Selfless love, empathy, sympathy and compassion provide a healing touch to the distracted souls. This is evident from the story The Rattrap. Common on the role of human values in bringing about change in one‟s behaviour.

Today we find a lot of intrusion in the private lives of personalities by interviewers. The responsibility of the media person is to project real / true picture of the contemporary society. Write an article on “Media – a source of truth”.

1. We have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices …… I work in these empty spaces. (Umberto Eco). That is the reason that his written output is large. Time is precious and should be utilized to the fullest . Write an article on “Time Management”.

2. Umberto Eco faces the questions of Mukund Padmnabhan confidently and answered all of them honestly. Write an article on “Confidence and honesty – assets of captivating personality”.

Going Places

1. Sophie lives in a poor locality in miserable conditions. Even in her house dirt and squalor are all around and it affects the mindset of Sophie. Write an article on “Cleanliness is next to godliness”.

2. Sophie always dreamt of becoming a manager, fashion designer, an actress and owner of a boutique. Though she was earmarked / destined for biscuit factory, dreams are required for growth but day dreams hamper it. Write an article on “Unrealistic dreams – bane to growth”.

3. Like all other teenagers, Sophie lived in world of fantasy and worshipped her soul‟s hero Danny Casey. She goes to the extent of imagining a date with him and feels disappointed – when this realization dawns upon her that it was a waking dream. Write an article on “Self deception leads to depression”.

4. “Now I have become sad, she thought. And it is a hard burden to carry this sadness. Sitting here and waiting” Sophie‟s wild fantasies have led her to a very disappointing situation. She is herself responsible for her frustration . You feel that one has to live in the realistic world. Write an article on adolescent fantasies leading to disappointment.

5. “The small room was steamy from the stove and cluttered with the heavy-breathing man in his vest at the table and the dirty washing piled up in the corner”. This shows that Sophie‟s family belonged to the lower middle class of the society. This has played a role in Sophie‟s fantasizing .

How does socio – economic background influence a child‟s development?

POETRY SECTION

1) Kamala Das is shattered to see her mother ageing & nearing her death. On the other hand she feels agonized on her inability to take care of her. You feel that youth should take care of the aged. Write an article on Taking care of the aged, our duty.

2) Stephen Spender is pained at the indifferent attitude of the society as well as the authorities towards the poor, who are concerned to lead a life of deprivation, penury and want. You empathize with those children & want something to be done for this section. Comment Education and exposure can change the plight of the poor children.

3) Keeping Quiet is an expression of the poet to silence. He highlights the need of quiet introspection and mutual understanding leading to peace. Do you think that in the present situation keeping quiet may prove the way to peace. Comment.

4) “He prayeth well Who loveth well, all things big & small” (Coleridge) A thing of beauty provides a platform for all to be one with God. Appreciating beautiful things is appreciating God. In the present times man is stressed & you feel that proximity to values (beautiful things) will lead him to everlasting happiness. Comment .

5) The Roadside stand is a pathetic description of poor rural people who find themselves dejected on the breach of trust. The social agencies & political parties though make promises but do not keep them. Robert Frost is in insufferable pain & seeks suggestions from all. As the aware & concerned citizen you feel anguished and pen down your ideas on improving the condition of rural poor .

6) Aunt Jennifer is the representative of exploited women. She succumbs to the tortures & ordeals. In the wake of twenty first century we boast of development but exploit women. Write an article on woman empowerment.

Answer Value Points

Students may cover any three of the following suggestive points. Any other relevant point will be equally acceptable.

THE LAST LESSON

1. Value Points

i. Better understanding of the subject matter.

ii. Better expression.

iii. Easy references / allusions.

iv. Related to culture and way of living.

v. Everyone should feel proud of one‟s mother tongue.

2. Value Points

i. Country‟s youth value – starved-facing a total crisis.

ii. Violence, separations and inter & intra group conflicts, political apathy reigning order of the day.

iii. Secured freedom but not utilized freedom in its true perspective.

iv. Need for good leadership and governance.

3. Value Points

 i. Increased interest of students to come to school.

ii. Not scared of teachers.

iii. Truancy has fallen.

iv. Confidence in expressing their view points.

4. Value Points:

i. More aware of value of educating kids.

ii. Constitutionally bound.

iii. No fees- Free and compulsory education is encouraging.

iv. Various schemes: free books, uniform, mid day meal etc.

5. Value Points:

i. Helps in maintaining discipline and healthy environment.

ii. Inculcating the social values.

iii. Spreading awareness – controlling diseases, education social evils etc.

iv. Immediate Solutions – Role of V.K.S. and P.T.A.

6. Value Points:

i. No; Violence is no solution.

ii. Disturbs peace: internal & external.

iii. Hampers development.

iv. Snatches identity.

7. Value Points:

i. Helps in evading distractions.

ii. Provides focus to life‟s aim.

iii. Strength of character.

iv. Nurturing the will to resist by guidance and counselling.

8. Value Points:

i. Friend, philosopher and guide.

ii. Strength of character.

iii. Motivates.

iv. Model behavior.

v. Use of modern- technology in education.

LOST SPRING

1. i) Each one Teach one.

    ii) Spreading awareness.

    iii) Motivating parents as well as kids.

    iv) Working with the authorities.

2. i) Strict and stringent laws with focus on implementation.

    ii) Awareness about various programmes – R.T.E.

   iii) Education-with vocational training and flexi timings, mobile-schools.

3. i) Culture to be preserved.

   ii) Development of all the regions: slums & villages.

   iii) Dignity of labour.

   iv) Food security.

4. i) Dreams help in achieving goals.

   ii) Motivation

   iii) Hard work

   iv) Consistency.

5. i) Healthy mind in a healthy body.

    ii) Healthy person a productive citizen.

   iii) Not a liability but an asset.

   iv) Better health better outlook.

6. i) Can educate them.

    ii) Vocational training.

    iii) Making them self sufficient.

    iv) Can fulfill the promises themselves.

7. i) Knowledge is power.

    ii) Understanding rights & duties.

   iii) Can take maximum advantage of govt. schemes.

   iv) Stops exploitation.

    v) Power of co-operatives.

8. i) Yes, Education awares.

   ii) Comes to know about their rights.

   iii) Confident & fearless.

   iv) Rationale.

9. i) Freedom of choice to the youth.

    ii) No stress: Learning – a pleasure.

    iii) Better output.

    iv) Self satisfaction.

10. i) Fear is the worst enemy of Man.

     ii) Free thinking & good decisions with fearlessness.

     iii) High level of confidence.

     iv) Constructive & Creditable citizen.

11. i) The earth is not our property but a legacy to be transferred.

     ii) Think about future generations.

     iii) Renewable sources of energy.

    iv)Check on population & migration to cities.

12. i) Added to the main stream.

     ii) Eliminates the feeling alienation.

    iii) Gives Confidence.

    iv) Brings out the best.

Deep Water

1. i) Acceptance to challenge.

    ii) Patience & perseverance.

    iii) Overcoming hurdles. 

    iv) Achieving goals.

2. i) Persistent efforts.

    ii) Will: Never to surrender.

    iii) Braving the odds.

    iv) Self satisfaction: true measure of success.

3. i) Increases inequality.

    ii) Instills fear.

   iii) Aversion to schools & colleges.

   iv) Drastic / fatal results.

    v) No to Bullying.

4. i) Resistance to temptations.

   ii) Goal – oriented.

   iii) Overcoming obstacles.

  iv) Increases positive – thinking.

5. i) You do-you learn.

   ii) Self – reliance.

  iii) Helps in development of personality.

  iv) Trust in one‟s capabilities.

6. i) Handicap – not a stumbling block always.

   ii) Strong will power can counter handicap.

   iii) Better training & proper follow up – revival of confidence.

   iv) End product: a complete personality.

The Rattrap

1. i) When character is lost – everything is lost.

   ii) Develops resistance to temptations.

   iii) Role model for society.

    iv) Trustworthy.

2. i) Increases stress and snatches peace.

   ii) Negative thoughts develop.

   iii) Loses confidence.

   iv) Confession purifies and provides relief.

3. i) Cut throat competition lessens.

   ii) Brings peace of mind & minimizes wants.

   iii) Enhances personality.

  iv) Gives birth to diversity.

4. i) Love to humanity is love to God.

   ii) Fellow feeling is a lifeline of humanity.

   iii) Reform weak personalities and society.

   iv) Bring out best in man.

5. i) Value education – need of the hour.

    ii) Understanding oneself.

    iii) Brings about positive changes.

    iv) Achievement of self esteem.

6. i) Confession helps in releasing burden of guilt

    ii) Purification of soul.

    iii) Helps in regaining confidence.

    iv) Understanding oneself.

7. i) Impulsive decisions are rash.

   ii) Think before deciding or acting.

   iii) Disastrous results.

   iv) May lead to lifelong suffering.

Indigo

1. i) Key to success.

    ii) Seemingly unattainable targets are met.

    iii) Gives strength to fight.

    iv) Energies are channelized.

2. i) Against the principle of equality.

   ii) Results in hatred, segregation.

   iii) Class struggle.

   iv) Unconstitutional

   v) Right to equality is the answer.

3. i) Checks growth.

   ii) Leads to exploitation and disappointment

  iii) Low self esteem.

  iv) Freedom from fear – the only answer.

4. i) Confidence in oneself.

  ii) Effective argumentation and negotiation.

 iii) Fearlessness.

 iv) Realisation of goals.

  v) Examples from life.

5. i) World is violence ridden.

   ii) Tolerance towards others.

   iii) No destruction.

   iv) Guarantee for universal peace.

6. i) Improve quality of life.

  ii) Assists government agencies.

  iii) Eradicated evil.

  iv) Can spread awarenes. 

  v) Influences all fields of life.

7. i) Self help is greatest help.

   ii) Leads to independence.

  iii) Following one‟s instincts and ideas.

  iv) Leads to free thinking.

8. i) Not to succumb to circumstances.

   ii) Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.

  iii) Ensures justice.

  iv) Leads through peace.

Poets and Pancakes

1. i) Appearances are deceptive.

    ii) Films attract youth.

    iii) First evaluate, and then decide.

    iv) Don‟t be a copycat – no blind following.

2. i) Mushrooming growth of beauty salons & gyms.

   ii) Harmful side effects.

   iii) Expensive beauty treatments.

   iv) Simple living, high thinking should be motto.

3. i) Breeds hatred and negativity.

   ii) Breaks / sours relationships.

   iii) Unfounded and immoral.

   iv) Self destructive.

4. i) Stops confirmation.

   ii) Wins admiration.

   iii) Positive environment.

   iv) Leaves no scope for jealousy.

5. i) Youth have no respect for values.

   ii) Values cannot be enforced by law.

   iii) Contribution and role of society.

   iv) Restoration of values – top priority.

6.i) Unity in diversity – India having varied cultures, languages and customs.

  ii) Respect and tolerance for every culture and religion.

  iii) Role of education and media.

  iv) Cultural festivals and meets.

Interview

1. i) Media influence life.

   ii) Should highlight truth without intruding in private lives.

   iii) Reporting without bias.

   iv) Responsible media can play positive role.

2. i) Time is precious – do not waste it.

   ii) More scope for better output.

   iii) Time managed – time saved.

   iv) Time management – key to success.

3. i) Helps in character building.

   ii) Fearless and courageous attitude.

   iii) Admired by all.

   iv) Solution to problem like corruption.

Going Places

1.i) Healthy environment – good for growth.

  ii) Check on spread of diseases.

  iii) Leads to positive thinking.

  iv) Helps in building strong nation.

2. i) Unrealistic dreams – distract from goals.

  ii) Demotivating.

  iii) Develops the feeling of escapism.

  iv) Self deception and distorted personality.

3. i) Self deception leads to frustrated personality.

  ii) Cause of failure.

 iii) Creates complexes.

 iv) Lame excuses.

 v) Live in realistic world.

4. i) Immature thinking.

  ii) Lack of experience.

 iii) Limited vision.

 iv) Guidance and counselling can help.

5. i) Major factor influencing child psychology.

    ii) Disparity leads to escapism.

    iii) Confused due to different sets of values.

    iv) Social evils lead to personality disorders.

Poetry

1. i) Pathetic condition.

    ii) Soft targets for criminals.

    iii) Emotional support from family.

   iv) Financial security and respect.

2. i) Education empowers.

   ii) Exposure to outside world

   iii) Education Prepares for the battle of life.

   iv) Brings out the best in them.

3. i) Keeping quiet leads to introspection.

    ii) Helps in understanding others.

   iii) Must for world peace.

   iv) Lessens arguments and disputes.

4. i) Appreciating beautiful things.

   ii) What man has made of man.

   iii) Nature has a pacifying effect.

   iv) Sustenance through hardships.

   v) Must be preserved.

5 .i) Role of social agencies.

   ii) Empathy.

   iii) Education and training.

  iv) Financial support.

6. i) Women empowerment – necessary for country‟s growth.

   ii) Education for women.

  iii) Gender sensitization.

  iv) Women are future leaders.