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AHSEC Class 12 Alternative English paper – 2024 (Solved)
GROUP – A (Prose)
(Marks: 40)
1. Give brief answer to any five of the following questions in full sentence: (1 × 5 = 5)
(a) Who is Miss Smith?
Answer: Miss Smith is the poor, young girl whom Rosemary Fell meets on the street and brings home for a cup of tea.
(b) With which dance form of Kamrupa was Yakuma Natum compared?
Answer: The Sri Lankan dance form Yakuma Natum was compared with the deodhani nrittya of Kamrupa.
(c) Where did Hazarika buy his Rolleiflex camera?
Answer: Hazarika bought his Rolleiflex camera at the port of Aden.
(d) What is vestry?
Answer: A vestry is a room in a church where the clergy put on their vestments and where sacred vessels are kept.
(e) What was the only thing Foreman could write?
Answer: The only thing Albert Edward Foreman could write was his own name.
(f) Whose arm searched for the perfect duck’s egg?
Answer: A wrestler’s arm searched for the perfect duck’s egg at Rama’s food stall.
(h) Who translated the Assamese story ‘Bina Kutir’ into English?
Answer: The Assamese story ‘Bina Kutir’ was translated into English by Bibhash Choudhury.
2. Answer any five of the following questions: (2 × 5 = 10)
(a) How does Philip react towards Miss Smith?
Answer: Philip reacts with surprise and admiration towards Miss Smith, finding her “astonishingly pretty” and “absolutely lovely.” His compliments are a deliberate tactic to make his wife, Rosemary, jealous so that she will send the poor girl away.
(b) Write a short note on the significance of the title, ‘A Cup of Tea’.
Answer: The title ‘A Cup of Tea’ is significant because it represents the superficial and inadequate nature of Rosemary’s charity. Her act of kindness is as temporary and insubstantial as a cup of tea; it offers brief comfort but fails to address the girl’s real problems, and is quickly abandoned when Rosemary’s own vanity is threatened.
(c) Name the two places associated with Buddhism as mentioned by Dr. Hazarika.
Answer: The two places associated with Buddhism mentioned by Dr. Hazarika in “The Voyage” are Sarnath and Bodh Gaya.
(d) What is the ‘lamentable ignorance’ discovered by the new vicar?
Answer: The ‘lamentable ignorance’ discovered by the new vicar is the fact that the verger, Albert Edward Foreman, who had served the church for sixteen years, could neither read nor write.
(e) Make a list of the regular customers visiting Rama’s stall.
Answer: The regular customers visiting Rama’s stall included boot-polish boys, jutka-drivers, a blind beggar, grass-selling women, and a sly man with a limp.
(g) Who enquired about the monthly shipment of a product? What was the product?
Answer: In the story “Bina Kutir,” a couple enquired about the monthly shipment of a product. The product they were asking about was Glaxo.
(h) Present your impression of the neighbourhood where Bina Kutir is located.
Answer: The neighbourhood where Bina Kutir is located is a busy, cramped, and rapidly commercializing area. It is filled with newly constructed concrete buildings, godowns, and transport offices, creating a cacophony of noise from trucks and machinery, which stands in stark contrast to the quiet, dilapidated charm of the old Assam-type house, Bina Kutir.
3. Give answer to any two of the following questions: (3 × 2 = 6)
(a) Who, according to you, is the Martyr in ‘The Martyr’s Corner’? Give reasons.
Answer: According to me, the true martyr in “The Martyr’s Corner” is Rama, the food vendor. While a political figure is officially declared a martyr, Rama is the one who truly loses everything. The memorial built for the political martyr displaces him from his prime business spot, destroying his livelihood and forcing him into a life of poverty and servitude as a waiter. He becomes an unnoticed and uncelebrated victim—a martyr to circumstances beyond his control.
(b) What was the new vicar’s talent?
Answer: The new vicar’s talent was his ability to quiet a whimpering infant almost instantly. He had a special manner of holding a baby in the crook of his surpliced arm that would calm it down, a skill he was quite proud of.
(c) How does Hazarika recount his feeling about being an Indian as he moves forward in his journey?
Answer: As Hazarika moves forward in his journey, his sense of identity expands from regional to national. He notes that while in Assam one might forget other parts of India, as soon as one moves out of India’s boundary, the tendency is to “love all of India as one loves Assam.” At that moment, he forgets whether he is just an Assamese or an Indian, feeling a strong, unified identity as an Indian student representing his entire country.
4. Answer any two of the questions given below: (5 × 2 = 10)
(b) Describe, in detail, how Rama’s business was finished.
Answer: Rama’s business was finished due to a series of unfortunate events that began with a political riot. One evening, a violent clash broke out at his usual spot, leading to police firing and several deaths. In the aftermath, the spot where he ran his stall was declared a “holy spot” to erect a monument for a political “martyr” who had died there. Rama was forced to move his stall two hundred yards away, far into a lane. This new location was out of the range of his regular customers like the cinema crowd and jutka-drivers. His sales dwindled, and he began to have leftover food. The quality of his snacks deteriorated, and rumours spread that his food was not as good as it used to be. Finally, earning just two annas one night, he declared to his wife that their business was finished, and he took up a job as a waiter in a restaurant.
(d) Describe the character development of Rosemary Fell throughout the story, ‘A Cup of Tea’.
Answer: Rosemary Fell’s character develops from a superficially charitable woman to one who is starkly aware of her own vanity and insecurity. Initially, she sees helping the poor girl, Miss Smith, as a romantic “adventure,” like something out of a Dostoevsky novel. Her charity is driven by a desire to show off her generosity to her friends, not by genuine compassion. However, her character undergoes a crucial change when her husband, Philip, calls Miss Smith “astonishingly pretty.” This comment triggers Rosemary’s deep-seated insecurity about her own looks. Her philanthropic fantasy immediately shatters, replaced by jealousy. She quickly gets rid of Miss Smith with money and seeks reassurance from her husband by asking, “Am I pretty?” This reveals her true nature: her actions are ultimately governed by her ego and vanity, not by kindness.
(e) Does the verger regret his inability to read and write? Is it impacting his life in anyway?
Answer: No, the verger, Albert Edward Foreman, does not regret his inability to read and write. When confronted by the vicar, he calmly states that the previous vicar knew about it and said it made no difference. He even expresses the view that reading is a waste of time for many young people. His illiteracy does not impact his life negatively; in fact, it becomes a blessing in disguise. After being fired, his inability to find another job leads him to start his own business as a tobacconist. This venture becomes so successful that he amasses a fortune of over thirty thousand pounds, a life far more prosperous than he could ever have achieved as a verger. The final irony is that if he had been able to read and write, he would have remained a humble verger his entire life.
5. Explain with reference to context any one of the following extracts: (5 × 1 = 5)
(a) And suddenly it seemed to Rosemary such an adventure. It was like something out of a novel by Dostoevsky, this meeting in the dust.
Answer: This line is taken from Katherine Mansfield’s short story, “A Cup of Tea.” It reveals the true motivation behind Rosemary Fell’s decision to help the poor girl, Miss Smith. Rosemary, a wealthy and modern woman, does not see the girl’s poverty as a real human tragedy. Instead, she romanticizes the situation, viewing it as an exciting “adventure” and a chance to enact a dramatic scene from one of the novels she has read. The reference to Dostoevsky, a writer known for his deep psychological and philosophical themes, is ironic because Rosemary’s understanding is completely superficial. This context shows that her charity is not born from genuine empathy but from a selfish desire to make her own life more interesting and to have a thrilling story to tell her friends.
6. Give answers:
(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: (½ × 4 = 2)
(i) dazed: unable to think or react properly; bewildered.
(ii) fanciful: over-imaginative and unrealistic.
(iii) deportment: a person’s behavior or manners.
(iv) gratis: free of charge.
(b) Write the antonym of the words given below: (½ × 2 = 1)
(i) glib: sincere / halting
(ii) odious: pleasant / delightful
(c) Write the synonym of the words given below: (½ × 2 = 1)
(i) dilapidated: run-down / ramshackle
(ii) mesmerizing: captivating / enchanting
GROUP – B (Poetry)
(Marks: 30)
7. Answer any five of the following questions in full sentences: (1 × 5 = 5)
(a) Who did the narrator of ‘Ozymandias of Egypt’ meet?
Answer: The narrator of ‘Ozymandias of Egypt’ met a traveller from an antique land.
(b) Name the poet of ‘Because I could not stop for Death’.
Answer: The poet of ‘Because I could not stop for Death’ is Emily Dickinson.
(c) At which moment did the speaker realise that he was in hell?
Answer: The speaker realised that he was in hell when he saw the “dead smile” on the face of the other soldier who sprang up.
(d) Who is Alexander Selkirk?
Answer: Alexander Selkirk was a Scottish sailor who was marooned on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific for over four years, and his experience inspired the poem.
(e) “Society, _, and love / Divinely bestow’d upon man.”. (Fill in the gap)
Answer: Society, Friendship, and love / Divinely bestow’d upon man.
(f) Where is Innisfree located?
Answer: Innisfree is a small, uninhabited island located in Lough Gill, in County Sligo, Ireland.
(h) For how many hours did it rain in ‘Night of the Scorpion’.
Answer: In ‘Night of the Scorpion’, it had been raining steadily for ten hours.
8. Answer briefly any five of the questions given below: (2 × 5 = 10)
(a) What does ‘wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command’ signify?
Answer: This phrase signifies the arrogant, cruel, and tyrannical nature of the king, Ozymandias. The “wrinkled lip” and “sneer” show his contempt for others, while the “cold command” suggests he was a ruthless and domineering ruler.
(b) How do you assess the symbolism of the Carriage that Death brings for the poet?
Answer: The Carriage symbolizes the journey from life to the afterlife, or eternity. It is not a frightening vehicle but a formal and civil one, suggesting that death is a calm, orderly, and inevitable transition rather than a violent end.
(c) What are Tippet and Tulle?
Answer: A Tippet is a woman’s long scarf or shawl, often made of fur. Tulle is a fine, net-like fabric, often made of silk, which is used for veils and evening dresses.
(d) Define war poetry. Give an example.
Answer: War poetry is poetry that deals with the themes of war, including the experiences of soldiers, the horrors of battle, and the psychological trauma of conflict. A prime example is Wilfred Owen’s poem “Strange Meeting.”
(e) Explain “I’m the enemy you killed, my friend”.
Answer: This powerful line from “Strange Meeting” is spoken by the ghost of a soldier to the man who killed him. It highlights the ultimate tragedy and senselessness of war, where men who have no personal quarrel are forced to kill each other, only to recognize their shared humanity in death.
(f) Highlight the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem.
Answer: Alexander Selkirk’s emotional state is one of deep loneliness, despair, and longing for human connection. Though he is the “monarch of all I survey,” he finds his solitude to be a “horrible place” and yearns for the “sweet music of speech” and the company of friends and society.
(h) Mention any two wishes expressed by the peasants to help the mother tolerate the pain.
Answer: The peasants wished that the scorpion would sit still, believing its movement made the poison spread. They also wished that the mother’s suffering would burn away the sins of her previous birth and decrease the misfortunes of her next one.
9. Answer any two of the following questions: (3 × 2 = 6)
(a) What poetic device does Yeats use in the poem? Name three.
Answer: In “The Lake Isle of Innisfree,” W.B. Yeats uses several poetic devices. Three prominent ones are:
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, such as in “lake water lapping with low sounds.”
- Imagery: The use of vivid sensory details to create pictures, like “noon a purple glow” and “evening full of the linnet’s wings.”
- Repetition: The phrase “I will arise and go now” is repeated to emphasize the speaker’s deep longing and urgency to escape.
(b) Summarize Selkirk’s view about solitude.
Answer: Selkirk’s view on solitude is overwhelmingly negative. Initially, he feels a sense of power as the “monarch” of the island, but he quickly realizes that this absolute power is meaningless without society. He finds his solitude to be a “horrible place” and concludes that it is “Better to dwell in the midst of alarms” (dangers) with other people than to “reign” alone. He desperately misses friendship, love, and conversation, viewing solitude not as a peaceful state but as a painful exile from humanity.
(c) How does ‘Strange Meeting’ challenge the traditional view of war as noble and heroic?
Answer: “Strange Meeting” powerfully challenges the traditional view of war by stripping it of all glory and heroism. Instead of focusing on bravery or victory, the poem depicts war’s tragic aftermath in a gloomy, hellish underworld. The meeting between the two enemy soldiers reveals the “pity of war” and the “truth untold”—that war destroys youth, hope, and beauty. The final, poignant line, “I am the enemy you killed, my friend,” exposes the senselessness of the conflict, replacing the idea of a glorious enemy with that of a shared victimhood.
10. Answer any one of the following questions: (5 × 1 = 5)
(a) What does the mother’s reaction to the scorpion’s sting suggest about her character?
Answer: The mother’s reaction to the scorpion’s sting reveals her character to be one of profound selflessness and unconditional love. After enduring twenty hours of excruciating pain, her immediate thought is not for herself but for her children. Her only words are, “Thank God the scorpion picked on me / And spared my children.” This statement suggests that her love for her children is so immense that she would rather suffer herself than see them come to any harm. It highlights the theme of sacrificial motherly love, which transcends her own physical agony and stands in stark contrast to the superstitious reactions of the peasants and the rationalist efforts of her husband.
(b) Bring out the central idea of ‘Strange Meeting’.
Answer: The central idea of Wilfred Owen’s “Strange Meeting” is the futility and shared tragedy of war. The poem presents a surreal encounter in the afterlife between a soldier and the enemy he killed. In this hellish space, all enmity is gone, and what remains is a deep sense of regret for the “undone years” and the lost potential of youth. The poem argues that war is a “cess” that spoils humanity, and that soldiers on opposite sides are not true enemies but fellow victims of a larger, senseless conflict. The final, heartbreaking recognition—”I am the enemy you killed, my friend”—encapsulates the poem’s powerful anti-war message, emphasizing shared humanity over national divisions.
11. Give answer:
(a) Write the meaning of the words given below: (½ × 4 = 2)
(i) visage: a person’s face, with reference to the form or proportions of the features.
(ii) recess: a pause from doing something, such as work.
(iii) titanic: of exceptional strength, size, or power.
(iv) desolate: (of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.
(b) Give antonyms of the following words: (½ × 2 = 1)
(i) slow: fast / quick
(ii) diabolic: angelic / good
(c) Give synonyms of the following words: (½ × 2 = 1)
(i) lantern: lamp
(ii) antique: ancient / old
GROUP – C (Grammar)
(Marks: 10)
12. Add question tag to any five of the following sentences: (1 × 5 = 5)
(a) You like a lot of sugar in the milk, don’t you?
(b) She does not speak Spanish, does she?
(c) Every dog has its day, doesn’t it?
(d) Don’t ignore your parents, will you?
(e) There will be a strike tomorrow, won’t there?
(f) They will not come here soon, will they?
(h) Nobody came forward to help her, did they?
13. Correct the errors in these sentences and rewrite them: (any five) (1 × 5 = 5)
(a) Don’t make noise.
Answer: Don’t make a noise.
(b) Furnitures were bought.
Answer: Furniture was bought.
(c) She sings delightful.
Answer: She sings delightfully.
(d) He had a strong headache.
Answer: He has a strong headache. OR He had a bad headache.
(e) Hemingway is one of my favourite author.
Answer: Hemingway is one of my favourite authors.
(g) He is much younger than me.
Answer: He is much younger than I.
(h) At last the detective founded the clue.
Answer: At last the detective found the clue.
GROUP – D (Writing & Comprehension)
(Marks: 20)
14. Choose any one topic listed below and write an essay on it: (10)
(b) Social Media & Society
Answer:
Social Media and Society
In the 21st century, social media has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping modern society. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have fundamentally altered how we communicate, share information, and interact with the world. While it has connected people across geographical boundaries and given a voice to the voiceless, its impact on society is a complex tapestry of both positive and negative threads.
On the one hand, social media has been a powerful tool for social change and connectivity. It has enabled social movements, from the Arab Spring to the #MeToo movement, by allowing information to spread rapidly and mobilizing people for a common cause. It helps individuals stay connected with friends and family, find communities with shared interests, and access a wealth of information and diverse perspectives. For businesses and artists, it has become an indispensable platform for marketing and reaching a global audience.
On the other hand, the dark side of social media is becoming increasingly apparent. It has been linked to a rise in mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, often fueled by cyberbullying and the pressure to present a perfect, curated life. The spread of misinformation and “fake news” on these platforms poses a significant threat to democracy and social harmony, creating echo chambers that reinforce biases and polarize communities. Furthermore, concerns about data privacy and the addictive nature of these platforms are growing.
In conclusion, social media is a double-edged sword. Its potential to connect and empower is immense, but its capacity to divide and harm is equally significant. As a society, our challenge is to harness its positive aspects while mitigating its negative effects. This requires promoting digital literacy, demanding greater accountability from tech companies, and, most importantly, fostering a culture of responsible and mindful online engagement.
15. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions: (10)
(a) Outline, after the passage, the personality traits of the professor. (3)
Answer: The professor appears to be a formal, methodical, and somewhat traditional academic. He is polite (“if you’ll allow me to put the question”) and encouraging towards the pupil, congratulating her on her ambition. However, he also seems a bit overwhelmed by the pupil’s desire to read for “all the Doctorates” and is easily agitated, as warned by his maid, Marie.
(b) What was the professor’s opinion on arithmetic? (2)
Answer: The professor considered arithmetic to be a “fairly new science” or, more accurately, a “modern method.” He also believed it to be a form of “therapy.”
(c) Why, do you think, the maid dissuade the professor from teaching arithmetic? (2)
Answer: The maid, Marie, dissuades the professor from teaching arithmetic because she knows from past experience that it makes him “tired and upsets” him. She is concerned about his health and worries that the excitement of teaching it will be too much for him.
(d) Who is ‘Mademoiselle’ referred to in the passage? (1)
Answer: ‘Mademoiselle’ referred to in the passage is the young female pupil who has come to the professor for her studies.
(e) Find a word in the passage which means ‘wise’ and another which means ‘a suggestion of something bad’. (½+½=1)
Answer:
- wise: knowledgeable
- a suggestion of something bad: insinuations
(f) Give the noun of ‘persevere’ and adjective of ‘philosophy’. (½+½=1)
Answer:
- Noun of ‘persevere’: perseverance
- Adjective of ‘philosophy’: philosophical
