This post provides the complete solution for the AHSEC Class 12 Alternative English 2026 question paper. It is formatted for students to use as a study guide and reference.
GROUP-A (Prose) [Marks: 40]
1. Give brief answers to any five of the following questions in full sentence: (1×5=5)
(a) What is the full name of the verger?
Answer: The full name of the verger is Albert Edward Foreman.
(b) At exactly what time did Rama use to arrive with his load of stuff?
Answer: Rama used to arrive at his spot at exactly 8:15 in the evening.
(c) In which street was Rosemary shopping when she met Miss Smith?
Answer: Rosemary was shopping in Curzon Street when she met Miss Smith.
(d) Where does the younger son go to pursue medical studies?
Answer: The younger son goes to London to pursue his medical studies.
(e) How many chapatis could one get at Rama by paying an anna?
Answer: One could get four chapatis at Rama’s stall by paying an anna.
(f) At what age did the verger go into service?
Answer: The verger went into service at the age of twelve.
(g) What is the name of the magazine mentioned by Philip?
Answer: The name of the magazine mentioned by Philip is ‘The Gazette’.
(h) Who had inaugurated the Kanhikuchi Airport of Guwahati?
Answer: The Kanhikuchi Airport of Guwahati was inaugurated by Gopinath Bordoloi.
(i) Name two locations of Guwahati mentioned in “The Voyage”.
Answer: Two locations of Guwahati mentioned in “The Voyage” are Uzan Bazar and Latasil.
(j) Which letter of the alphabet resembled the shape of Bina Kutir?
Answer: The shape of Bina Kutir resembled the letter ‘L’ of the alphabet.
2. Answer any five of the following questions: (2×5=10)
(a) Name at least three journals/newspapers offered by the air hostess.
Answer: The air hostess offered journals and newspapers such as ‘The Times’, ‘The Daily Telegraph’, and ‘The Manchester Guardian’.
(b) How did the verger keep his gowns?
Answer: The verger took great pride in his gowns. He kept them carefully folded in brown paper and stored them in the bottom drawer of his wardrobe to ensure they remained in perfect condition.
(c) What did the verger feel about the old vicar?
Answer: The verger had a deep respect and affection for the old vicar. He felt that the old vicar was a “gentleman” who understood the value of tradition and didn’t mind the verger’s lack of formal education.
(d) Describe, in brief, the food items sold by Rama.
Answer: Rama sold a variety of simple yet popular food items, including hot chapatis, a variety of curries (like potato and brinjal), and spicy chutneys. His food was known for being affordable and satisfying for the working class.
(e) How does Philip react towards Miss Smith?
Answer: Philip reacts with skepticism and slight annoyance. He views Rosemary’s act of bringing a stranger home as an eccentric whim and finds Miss Smith’s presence in their house inappropriate and “absurd.”
(f) Briefly describe Bina Kutir as the narrator looked at it for the first time.
Answer: When the narrator first saw Bina Kutir, it appeared as a dilapidated, old-fashioned house that stood in stark contrast to the modern buildings around it. It had a certain charm despite its neglected state, with its unique ‘L’ shape and overgrown garden.
(g) Give a brief description of the young man at the counter.
Answer: The young man at the counter was a student, likely in his early twenties, who was preparing for his examinations. He appeared studious and somewhat detached from the commercial nature of the shop, often seen with a book in his hand.
(h) What did Rama feel about the ‘young scraggy fellow’ the one who did business before Rama arrived?
Answer: Rama felt a sense of pity mixed with professional superiority toward the ‘young scraggy fellow’. He saw him as someone who lacked the business acumen and the quality of service that Rama himself provided to his customers.
(i) Write a short description of the little enamel box.
Answer: The little enamel box was an exquisite piece of craftsmanship that Rosemary saw in an antique shop. It was decorated with a delicate pattern of flowers and had a charming, old-world appeal that immediately captivated her.
(j) Give, after Bhupen Hazarika, a brief description of Djibouti.
Answer: Bhupen Hazarika describes Djibouti as a place with a harsh, arid landscape and a scorching sun. He notes the strategic importance of its port and the diverse mix of cultures and people he encountered there during his voyage.
3. Give answers to any two of the following questions: (3×2=6)
(a) How did the young man reply when the narrator asked him about a refrigerator?
Answer: When the narrator asked about a refrigerator, the young man replied with a touch of irony and pride. He explained that they didn’t need a refrigerator because they preferred fresh food and that the traditional methods of storage they used were more than adequate for their needs.
(b) Give a gist of the conversation between the verger and the vicar.
Answer: The conversation between the new vicar and the verger was a turning point. The vicar informed the verger that it had come to his attention that the verger was illiterate. He stated that for a prestigious church like St. Peter’s, it was necessary for the verger to be able to read and write, and gave him an ultimatum to learn or resign.
(c) Describe Rosemary’s encounter with Miss Smith.
Answer: Rosemary met Miss Smith on a cold, rainy evening in Curzon Street. Miss Smith, a poor and shivering girl, asked Rosemary for the price of a cup of tea. Rosemary, inspired by a sudden whim to be “adventurous” and “charitable,” decided to take the girl home to show her that “rich people had hearts.”
4. Answer any two of the following questions: (5×2=10)
(b) Do you agree that “The Martyr’s Corner” represents many aspects of Indian life? Write a reasoned answer.
Answer: Yes, “The Martyr’s Corner” by R.K. Narayan vividly represents several aspects of Indian life. Firstly, it depicts the struggle of the common man through Rama, a street vendor whose livelihood depends on a small patch of land. Secondly, it highlights the unpredictability of life in India, where a sudden political riot can destroy a person’s life’s work overnight. Thirdly, the story shows the resilience and adaptability of the Indian people; even after losing his prime spot, Rama finds a way to survive, albeit in a diminished capacity. Finally, it touches upon the social hierarchy and bureaucracy, as seen in the way the authorities handle the aftermath of the riot and the naming of the “Martyr’s Corner,” which ironically displaces the living for the sake of the dead.
(c) Write an extended note on the portrayal of Rosemary Fell’s character.
Answer: Rosemary Fell is portrayed as a wealthy, sophisticated, and somewhat superficial woman. She is “not exactly beautiful” but has a style that makes her stand out. Her character is defined by her vanity and need for validation, as seen in her desire to be perceived as a modern-day saint by bringing Miss Smith home. However, her “charity” is shallow and driven by a desire for a novel experience rather than genuine empathy. This is most evident when she quickly dismisses Miss Smith after her husband, Philip, remarks on the girl’s beauty. Rosemary’s insecurity and jealousy override her supposed compassion, revealing that her actions are ultimately self-serving. Katherine Mansfield uses Rosemary to critique the insincerity of the upper class and their detachment from the harsh realities of poverty.
5. Explain, with reference to the context, any one of the following extracts: (5)
(a) “Well, sir that’s just it. I can’t. I know it sounds funny-like, but there it is, I can’t read or write, only me name, an’ I only learnt to do that when I went into business.”
Answer:
Context: These lines are taken from W. Somerset Maugham’s short story, “The Verger.” They are spoken by Albert Edward Foreman, the verger of St. Peter’s Church, to the new vicar.
Explanation: The new vicar has just discovered that Albert is illiterate and has expressed his shock, stating that such a situation is unacceptable for the church. Albert’s response is humble yet dignified. He admits his lack of formal education without shame, explaining that he has managed perfectly well for sixteen years without it. The extract highlights the theme of practical wisdom versus formal education. Albert’s success later in life as a businessman proves that literacy, while important, is not the sole measure of a person’s capability or worth. His ability to sign his name only for business purposes shows his pragmatic approach to life.
6. Vocabulary and Directed Grammar:
(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: (1/2×4=2)
(i) Dilapidated: In a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
(ii) Mesmerising: Capturing one’s attention as if by magic; fascinating.
(iii) Fascinating: Extremely interesting or charming.
(iv) Assortment: A miscellaneous collection of things or people.
(b) Write the antonyms of the words given below: (1/2×2=1)
(i) Predecessor: Successor
(ii) Antique: Modern
(c) Write the synonyms of the words given below: (1/2×2=1)
(i) Infirm: Weak / Frail
(ii) Retched: Vomited / Heaved
GROUP-B (Poetry) [Marks: 30]
7. Answer any five of the following questions as directed in full sentences: (1×5=5)
(a) For how many hours did it rain?
Answer: It rained for ten hours in the poem “Night of the Scorpion.”
(b) How did the face of the statue lay in Ozymandias of Egypt?
Answer: The face of the statue lay half-sunk in the sand, shattered and with a “frown and wrinkled lip.”
(c) “We passed the school, where __ strove at recess-in the Ring-.”
Answer: “We passed the school, where children strove at recess-in the Ring-.”
(d) Who came like “swarm of flies”?
Answer: The peasants came like a “swarm of flies” to the mother’s house in “Night of the Scorpion.”
(e) What does the poet mean by ‘Chariot wheels’?
Answer: In the context of Emily Dickinson’s poem, ‘Chariot wheels’ represent the passage of time and the inevitable journey toward death.
(f) Name the bird mentioned in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”.
Answer: The bird mentioned in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is the linnet.
(g) ‘Alexander Selkirk enjoys being the monarch of the Island.’ Is it True or False?
Answer: False. While he is the “monarch of all I survey,” he is lonely and yearns for human society.
(h) What will the speaker plant at Innisfree?
Answer: The speaker will plant nine bean-rows at Innisfree.
8. Answer briefly any five of the following questions: (2×5=10)
(a) Who were the occupants of the ‘carriage’ in Because I could not stop for Death?
Answer: The occupants of the carriage were the speaker, Death (the driver), and Immortality.
(b) What, according to Alexander Selkirk, were ‘divinely bestow’d upon man’?
Answer: According to Alexander Selkirk, “society, friendship, and love” were divinely bestowed upon man.
(c) What did the peasants say about the mother’s previous and next births?
Answer: The peasants believed that the mother’s suffering from the scorpion’s sting would burn away the sins of her previous birth and diminish the misfortunes of her next birth.
(d) What does the poet mean by the expression ‘peace comes dropping slow’?
Answer: The expression ‘peace comes dropping slow’ suggests that peace is not something that happens suddenly; it is a gradual process that comes from the quiet and natural surroundings of Innisfree, like the morning mist or the sound of crickets.
(e) How did the speaker understand that the sculptor read well the passions of the king?
Answer: The speaker understood this because the sculptor had perfectly captured the king’s “frown,” “wrinkled lip,” and “sneer of cold command” on the lifeless stone, which survived even after the king himself had perished.
(f) How does the speaker understand that he is in hell?
Answer: In Wilfred Owen’s “Strange Meeting,” the speaker realizes he is in hell when he encounters a “strange friend” who smiles with a “dead smile” and recognizes the “sullen hall” and the “pity of war” that they both shared.
(g) How do the beasts react to the presence of Alexander Selkirk on the Island?
Answer: The beasts on the island are “unacquainted with man” and therefore do not fear Selkirk. Their “tameness” is shocking to him, as they treat him with indifference rather than the respect or fear he would expect as their “monarch.”
(h) Which figure of speech, based on sound, does Dickinson employ in her poem? Give one example.
Answer: Dickinson employs alliteration in her poem. An example is “Setting Sun” or “Gazing Grain,” where the repetition of the initial consonant sounds creates a rhythmic and musical effect.
9. Answer any two of the following questions: (3×2=6)
(a) In her poem, Dickinson has used capital letters to begin a number of words, which are otherwise written with small letters. Write an explanation for this use.
Answer: Emily Dickinson used capitalization to emphasize certain words and to give them a sense of personification or universal importance. By capitalizing words like “Death,” “Carriage,” “School,” and “Sun,” she elevates these common nouns to the status of proper nouns, highlighting their significance in the speaker’s journey and the themes of the poem.
(b) Discuss the significance of the Lake Isle of Innisfree in the speaker’s life.
Answer: Innisfree represents a sanctuary of peace and tranquility for the speaker, who is weary of the “pavements grey” of city life. It is a place where he can connect with nature and find spiritual solace. The memory of Innisfree is so deeply embedded in his “heart’s core” that it provides him with a sense of calm even when he is physically far away from it.
(c) Write, in short, about the emotional state of Selkirk.
Answer: Alexander Selkirk’s emotional state is one of profound loneliness and despair. Despite being the “monarch” of the island, he feels isolated from human society and the comforts of civilization. He yearns for the “sound of the church-going bell” and the company of other people, feeling that his solitude is a form of punishment rather than a blessing.
10. Answer any one of the following questions: (5)
(b) Strange Meeting is a classic war poem that captures the hollowness and futility of war. Justify this statement.
Answer: Wilfred Owen’s “Strange Meeting” is a powerful indictment of war. The poem describes an encounter between two dead soldiers from opposing sides in a hellish underworld. The “strange friend” whom the speaker meets is the very man he killed in battle. Their conversation reveals the futility of their sacrifice, as the “pity of war” has only led to destruction and the loss of “the undone years.” The poem highlights the hollowness of nationalistic glory, showing that in death, the soldiers are united by their shared suffering and the realization that their enmity was meaningless. The final line, “Let us sleep now,” emphasizes the tragic end of their lives and the ultimate waste of human potential caused by war.
11. Vocabulary:
(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: (1/2×4=2)
(i) Visage: A person’s face, with reference to the form or features.
(ii) Scarcely: Only just; almost not.
(iii) Trek: A long arduous journey, typically on foot.
(iv) Swarm: A large number of insects or people moving together.
(b) Write the antonyms of the following words: (1/2×2=1)
(i) Colossal: Tiny / Minute
(ii) Loud: Quiet / Soft
(c) Give synonyms of the following words: (1/2×2=1)
(i) Titanic: Gigantic / Huge
(ii) Recess: Break / Intermission
GROUP-C (Grammar) [Marks: 10]
12. Add question tag to any five of the following sentences: (1×5=5)
(a) Let’s have dinner, shall we?
(b) The dress isn’t too expensive, is it?
(c) Open the window, will you? / won’t you?
(d) The boys could swim, couldn’t they?
(e) He rarely visits his parents, does he?
(f) Few people went to the show, did they?
(g) Use your common sense, can’t you? / will you?
(h) Everyone praised the artwork, didn’t they?
13. Correct the errors in any five of the following sentences and rewrite them: (1×5=5)
(a) One of the men was killed in the stampede.
(b) I prefer badminton to tennis.
(c) My uncle is an MA in Sanskrit.
(d) King Ashoka was a courageous man.
(e) Mr. Das, as well as his wife, was invited.
(f) My brother is smarter than I.
(g) I have known him for three months.
(h) The Jury was supposed to pronounce the verdict today.
GROUP-D (Writing and Comprehension) [Marks: 20]
14. Choose any one of the topics listed below and write an essay on it: (10)
Topic: (c) India’s North-East as a tourism destination
India’s North-East: A Paradise Unexplored
The North-Eastern part of India, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters” along with the “brother” state of Sikkim, is a region of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural diversity. Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, this region offers a unique blend of lush green landscapes, snow-capped mountains, vibrant tribal cultures, and exotic wildlife, making it one of the most promising tourism destinations in the country.
One of the primary attractions of the North-East is its breathtaking natural scenery. From the living root bridges of Meghalaya and the rolling hills of Mizoram to the serene Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim and the majestic Brahmaputra River in Assam, the region is a haven for nature lovers. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is world-famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, while the Manas National Park offers a glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity.
Beyond its natural beauty, the North-East is a melting pot of cultures. Each state has its own unique traditions, festivals, and crafts. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, the Bihu festival in Assam, and the Losar festival in Arunachal Pradesh are vibrant celebrations that showcase the rich heritage of the local tribes. The warm hospitality of the people and their deep connection with nature add a special charm to the travel experience.
However, despite its immense potential, tourism in the North-East has faced challenges such as connectivity issues and a lack of infrastructure. In recent years, the government has taken significant steps to improve road, rail, and air connectivity under the “Act East” policy. The development of homestays and eco-tourism initiatives has also empowered local communities and provided tourists with an authentic experience.
In conclusion, India’s North-East is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. With its pristine environment and rich cultural tapestry, it offers a refreshing alternative to the more commercialized tourist circuits. As infrastructure continues to improve, the region is poised to become a premier destination for travelers seeking adventure, peace, and a deep connection with nature.
15. Read the following conversation carefully and answer the questions:
(a) What does the son discuss with Baruah Sir?
Answer: The son discusses all the possibilities for his future plans and career options with his tutor, Baruah Sir.
(b) Which course does the son want to study?
Answer: The son wants to study Artificial Intelligence (AI).
(c) What does the father suggest to his son?
Answer: The father suggests that while he understands the son’s interest in B.Tech, there are other options available in various fields that the son should consider.
(d) Which branch(es) is/are loved by the son?
Answer: The son loved the core branches, especially Civil and Mechanical engineering.
(e) What is the mother’s immediate reaction to the mention of AI?
Answer: The mother’s immediate reaction is that she has heard about AI, but mostly negative things.
(f) What are the son’s views about AI? (3)
Answer: The son views AI as something “new and pretty exciting.” He believes it is the “future” and that it will “completely revolutionise our lives in unthinkable ways.” He also notes that the impacts are already visible and that many countries are taking it very seriously.
(g) Which words from the conversational passage mean the following: (1/2×2=1)
(i) Effect: Impacts
(ii) Choice: Options / Possibilities
