CBSE Class 12 English Core Value Based Questions Set A

These questions are based on values & key messages brought out on the basis of prescribed text. These should be answered in about 100 words. Content will be marked for three marks and expression for two marks. Students have the liberty to go beyond the set text.

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 for 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. Comment

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. As a concerned student of the society how can you 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 a bright life in future? Elucidate.

5. Saheb and 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 like you play to improve their conditions through programmes like, ‘Each one Teach one’ . Give your views in 100 words.

7. Boys like Mukesh and his family are afraid to raise their voice against middle men & sahukars. It is lack of awareness of their rights that is responsible for their conditions. How do you think boys like Mukesh and their families can be helped.

8. Being illiterates Saheb and Mukesh are unaware of their rights and are exploited by the vicious circle. Education can be an answer to this. Comment.

9. Being born into a particular caste or any other such factor should not influence one’s choice of profession like it is seen in Lost Spring. Discuss

10. “And daring is not a part of his growing up. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh. I am  cheered….” Fearlessness is the only way in which one can bring about a radical change in life. Comment.

11. Saheb and his family have migrated to the city in search of ‘greener postures’, but find the conditions there to be worse. Overpopulation has led to cities bursting at their seams. At an individual level and as a community what do your think we need to do to create a balance between villages and cities? .

12. Apathy and lack of concern have added fuel to the miseries of Saheb and Mukesh. The bureaucrats and politicians are unconcerned about their misery. How can concern and compassion drastically change the condition of the deprived? Discuss.

Deep Water

1.Fear is a stumbling block to success unless challenged. Douglas proves it by overcoming his fear of water. “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. Comment.

3.Douglas was tossed into the deeper end by a big bruiser of a boy. Bullying is a common phenomenon witnessed in many schools. It is the moral duty of every senior to support and protect the juniors. Discuss how bullying is a threat to the 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 Strong will power helped Douglas overcome his fear of water. Write an article on how will power, a strong attribute, should be cultivated by all.

5. “The goal may be distant but awake, arise & stop not till the goal is reached.” Swami Vivekananda. 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. Discuss how perseverance is the key to success.

 The Rattrap 

1. The peddler betrayed the trust of the crofter and was caught in the trap of the world. Discuss how temptation should be resisted at any cost.

2. In the forest, the peddler felt trapped. He even accepted his approaching death. This shows that the burden of guilt is really heavy upon him. Discuss how betrayal of trust disturbs everyone involved.

3. The Rattrap highlights human predicament and the tendency to fall prey to temptations. Comment on how contentment could make life meaningful and joyous.

4. Edla is an epitome of compassion and love. She brings out the best in the rattrap peddler. Comment on the importance of cultivating such values in one’s life, to help others.

5. Compassion provides a healing touch to the distracted souls. This is evident from the story The Rattrap. Comment on the role of human values in bringing about a positive change in people’s behaviour.

6. “But of course it is you, Nils Olof! he said. “How you do look!” says the iron master. He is later proved wrong, when he realizes that the rattrap peddler is not his friend. Impulsive behaviour generally gets one into trouble. What values should we inculcate in ourselves to overcome rash behaviour?.

 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, Gandhiji agreed. Write an article on how determination can work 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”. How did you think we can overcome this malaise .

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. Write an article on Fear is man’s worst enemy.

4. “The officials felt powerless without Gandhiji’s co-operation. He helped them regulate the crowd”. This shows Gandhi was a great leader. Cultivate good leadership qualities during school life will help a student become a good citizen as well. Comment.

5. “Gandhiji signed a receipt for the notice and wrote on it that he would disobey the order”. With this 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”. In what way can social service provide solution to many problems like illiteracy, ill health, pollution etc. Comment.

7. Through the unit Indigo, Gandhiji demonstrate the quality / importance of self reliance. Write an article on the value of self reliance.

8. “What about the injustice to the sharecroppers”. Gandhi demanded. These words of Gandhi inspired the lawyers to fight for the just cause of the poor peasants. This is a selfless trait of every good human being. Write an article on the necessity to fight for justice especially for the poor and the deprived.

 Poets and Pancakes

1. The office boy joined Gemini Studios in the hope of becoming a star actor, director, screen writer or a lyric writer. But he was put at the lowest in the hierarchy in the make up department which led to disappointment. The glittering world of films attracts millions of youngsters to Mumbai but most end up in frustration. Write an article on “All that glitters is not gold”.

2. The office boy in Poets and Pancakes is jealous of Subbu and so is a frustrated soul. Cut throat competition today has led to unreasonable jealousy resulting in stress. Jealousy at times leads to frustration. Comment.

3. The make up department of Gemini Studios is an example of national integration. Today we are engaged in disputes over petty issues related to one or the other state. Write an article on “Ways to promote national integration”.

 The Interview

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 answers all of them honestly. Comment on how in today’s ever changing world one has to consciously cultivate confidence and honesty.

Going Places

1. Sophie always dreamt of becoming a manager, fashion designer, an actress and owner of a boutique. Though she was earmarked / destined for the biscuit factory, dreams are required for growth but day dreaming hampers it. As a class XII student you are at the threshold of moving from one stage of life to another. What values do you think you need to equip yourself with to achieve you dreams.

2. Like all other teenagers, Sophie lived in a world of fantasy and worshipped her 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”.

3. Sophie enjoyed a wonderful relationship with his brother Geoff. How can older siblings be good role models? Analyse.

4. Jansie warned Sophie, and tried to wean her from her whimsical nature. A true friend is never scared to tell you where you are wrong. What according to you are the other qualities of a true friend. Comment.

POETRY SECTION

1. Kamala Das is disturbed o see her mother ageing & nearing her death. Some of you would be having grandparents at home. A a youngster how do you think we can make them feel happy comfortable and wanted.

2. Stephen Spender empathizes with the children of the elementary classrooms and feels that Education and exposure can change the plight of the poor children. Comment.

3. Keeping Quiet highlights the need of quiet introspection and mutual understanding leading to peace. In the present situation keeping quiet may pave 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 most of us are stressed & you feels that proximity to beautiful things will lead him to everlasting happiness. Comment .

5. Robert Frost’s concern for the rural folk highlights the need to integrate the urban and the rural people. What is the social &moral responsibility that rest s with us in bridging the gap between the privileged urban people and the rural poor.

6. After reading ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, how do you think women today could be equipped to handle various pressures. 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.

v) develop infrastructure

vi) improve Transportation

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.