CBSE 2025, Set 3 Solutions
CBSE English Core (2025)

Read the following passage carefully:

(1) Introduction: Humans are social creatures with a deep desire to interact with one another. Recent developments in technology have made it possible for billions of people worldwide to use cell phones to satisfy this need. The current study aims to analyse the impact of smartphone use among various categories of people in Kerala, India. The present study will provide an insight into the extent and magnitude of people's reliance on smartphones to communicate in this modern age and the dwindling nature of social relationships. (2) Methodology: A google form created questionnaire was used to gather information on the subject from a sample of participants who were from various districts in Kerala, India. (3) Survey Examination: Among the 131 study participants, 66 were men and the remaining 65 were women. For convenience, the study considered only the main purpose for which a smartphone is used by any given individual. (4) Results:

Individuals differed in their interests and preferences regarding their choice of communication medium. Some preferred direct conversation, while others conveyed their messages through virtual mediums of communication, that did not involve any face-to-face interaction. (5) Implications for Interventions: It was observed that individuals were interested in using their smartphones even when they were dining. This constant use can have several disadvantages such as reckless use of mobile phones, including prolonged hours of radiation exposure, over-calorie intake due to binge eating, leading to obesity, and other health problems. It is also a vital tool to achieve social progress. The use of phones while travelling can sometimes detract from an individual's enjoyment of the serenity of the environment, the scenic beauty of picnic spots, and affect the way an individual behaves and interacts with his or her co-travellers. (6) Conclusion: It is true that most of the population under different age and gender categories use smartphones every day, but there is no significant fall in the duration spent in direct face-to-face conversation with fellow beings, except in very few individuals. The majority of people agree that traditional face-to-face communication is more comfortable, reliable, and expressive than text messages, phone calls, or electronic mail.

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage. (i) Complete the following suitably. In paragraph (1), the author highlights the use of smartphones to ________. (1 mark) (ii) How does the author validate the fact that smartphones take away the joy of beauty around us? (1 mark) (iii) Paragraph (4) includes the phrases, direct communication and virtual communication. Classify the following sentences as direct and virtual communication: (1 mark) Sentence 1: Most of the students attend online classes on mobile phones. Sentence 2: He arranged for a get-together to meet his school friends. (iv) In paragraph (5), 'By reckless use of mobile phones' the author blames: (1 mark) (A) binge eating (B) mobile phones (C) responsibility of man (D) demands of society (v) Give two points to support how smartphones make a major impact on man's life. (2 marks) (vi) What would the following be classified as? There is no significant fall in the duration spent in direct face-to-face conversation. Select the appropriate response: (1 mark) (A) Primary purpose (B) Secondary objective (C) Method of analysis (D) Research outcome (vii) 'Technological development is a double-edged sword.' Analyse the above statement with reference to the text. (2 marks) (viii) The study is very relevant in the contemporary times, because: (1 mark) (A) we are living in the 21st century. (B) it is an era of IT revolution. (C) mobile phones have penetrated everyone's life. (D) mobile phones are used by students for academic purposes.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. (b) Cyberbullying cases have been on the rise in recent times. One in six school children experience cyberbullying. Many adolescents are not able to handle the pressure. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern over the issue and stressing the importance of teaching children how to deal with cyberbullying. You are Tanya/Tanmay of 58, S.K. Nagar, A.K. Town, Veershahar. You may use the following cues along with your own ideas to draft the letter.

• Cyberbullying - a problem.
• Importance of creating awareness among children.
• How can schools educate children on cyberbullying?
• Role of parents in helping children cope with the situation.
• Help of Anti-Bullying Helpline and how to access it.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. (a) Today's youth is ready to take up challenges and become successful entrepreneurs. Nurturing skills and an entrepreneurial mindset in schools can spur creativity and enhance career prospects for young people. Write an article stressing on the importance of including entrepreneurship education in schools. You may use the cues given along with your own ideas to draft the article. You are Niti/Nitin Chopra, a career counsellor.

• Entrepreneurship education can promote creative thinking.
• Teaches students to be resilient and adaptable.
• Opens up more career choices.
• Increases employability skills.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. (b) You are Mohit/Minakshi of Class XII-C and a member of the school editorial board. Your school recently organised a science exhibition wherein the students showcased their science projects and models. Write a comprehensive report of the event to be published in the school newsletter. You may use the following cues along with your own ideas to compose the report.

Who - What - Where - When - Why - How

Read the following passage carefully:

(1) Gossip. All humans partake in some form, despite the age-old adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Whether it's workplace chatter, the sharing of family news or group texts between friends, it's inevitable that anyone who participates in the above, talks about other people. (2) People tend to think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs, or the breathless propagation of a tabloid scoop. But researchers often define it more broadly as "talking about people who aren't present," says an assistant professor of psychology. "It's something that comes very naturally to us" an integral part of conversation, information sharing, and even community building. (3) "It's not necessarily negative," adds a professor of psychology. "It can be positive or neutral." Some researchers argue that gossip helped our ancestors survive. Evolutionary psychologists first pioneered this idea, comparing gossip to the grooming primates engage in as a means of bonding. (4) People are usually resistant to thinking about gossip as anything but bad. It is true that there are some types of gossip that should be avoided, such as gossip that is purely harmful and serves no purpose like mean comments on someone's way of dressing. In such a scenario no one benefits. Gossip can also be both active and passive. Active gossiping refers to directly sharing negative information about someone else. An active gossiper initiates the conversation and actively spreads it. Passive gossiping on the other hand involves more subtle behaviour like hinting, dropping suggestive comments or participating in gossip by listening without actively contributing, but still allowing the gossip to spread through their presence. (5) It's interesting to note that gossiping also says something about relationships people have with one another. The act of gossiping often implies a level of trust and closeness with someone, which are key aspects of a good friendship. (6) Research has found that gossip can stave off loneliness, while other studies have found it can facilitate bonding and closeness and serve as a form of entertainment. So, keep on talking. And when your conversation turns to gossip, as it inevitably will, remember that some good can come of it with the right intentions, of course.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: (i) Complete the following suitably. ....think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs ...... in paragraph (2). By the phrase 'put-downs' the writer means ________. (1 mark) (ii) Despite the bad reputation of 'gossip', mention any two benefits that it offers. (2 marks) (iii) Read and complete the following suitably : The phrase 'It's something that comes very naturally to us' suggests that gossip should not merely be associated with malicious rumours. Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence. The concern this phrase points towards is about A. that some types of gossip should be avoided. B. that gossip can be viewed as part of our daily interaction and bonding. (1 mark) (iv) Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph (2). Praise: Commend :: ________ : Malevolent (1 mark) (A) Scoop (B) Propagation (C) Malicious (D) Conversation (v) What type of gossip does the author disapprove of and why? (2 marks) (vi) Complete the following suitably with one difference between the author's opinion and that of people about gossip. Generally, people do not readily accept ________. (1 mark) (vii) "There's also a physiological distinction to be drawn between active and passive participation in gossip." (paragraph (4)) Based on the above statement, classify the following sentences as active and passive participation. (1 mark) Sentence 1: Ranjan told Raman and Shah the sensational facts he had heard about his friend Vineet from others. Sentence 2: Kumar stayed silent while his friends criticized his close friend Vijay in his absence. (viii) Why does the author say that gossip is a reflection of relationships? (1 mark) (ix) Choose the correct option: gossip can 'stave off loneliness'. (paragraph (6)) The above statement is true as: (1 mark) (A) we always enjoy talking ill of others. (B) we believe what we read about people in the print media. (C) we are free to talk loosely in the absence of the person. (D) in order to gossip, you need to feel close to people. (x) Complete the following suitably : The author puts forth the fact that man can never ________ gossiping. (1 mark)

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. (a) You are Aruna/Arun, Head girl/Head boy of Kohinoor Public School, Hawapuri. Your school is organising an inter-house book review competition. Draft a notice informing the students of classes IX - XII about the competition and invite registrations for the same. Include other necessary details. Put your notice in a box.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. (b) You are Renuka/Rahul Bhatia, President of J.M. Colony, Pawanshahr, Residents Welfare Association. You are planning to organise a free eye care camp in collaboration with a reputed hospital for the senior citizens of your locality. Draft a notice informing the residents about the camp. Include all necessary details. Put your notice in a box.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. (a) Your school is planning to host the Annual Awards Function on Saturday, 9th April. On behalf of the Principal, draft a formal invitation card to be sent to the parents and other guests inviting them for the function. Mention a compelling highlight of the celebration along with other details.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. (b) You are Sonali/Sohail of 4, A.C. Nagar, Akashgarh. Your friend Jyoti has invited you to a party to celebrate her appointment as Junior Scientist in ISRO. Write an informal letter of reply accepting the invitation.

Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. (a) You are Kanika/Kavin of 7, Lake View Road, Jheelpur. You read the given advertisement and wish to apply for the post advertised. Write a job application along with your bio-data.

Golden Jewellery Mart, Khushibagh Requires Business Development Executive Qualification: Graduation in business/marketing/management Experience: Minimum 3 years in relevant field. Skills: Negotiation skills, presentation skills, marketing strategies. Apply to the Manager, Golden Jewellery Mart, 46, Besant Road, Khushibagh.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (a) Aunt Jennifer's fingers fluttering through her wool Find even the ivory needle hard to pull. The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand. When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by. The tigers in the panel that she made Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. (Aunt Jennifer's Tigers)

(i) Complete the following suitably: The massive weight of 'wedding band' symbolises ________. (1 mark) (ii) By the phrase 'fingers fluttering', the poet portrays Aunt Jennifer in a constant state of ________ (nervousness/happiness). (1 mark) (iii) Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract. Assertion: Aunt Jennifer lives a life full of agony and pain. Reason: She is a victim of the male dominant society. (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false. (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true. (1 mark) (iv) Complete the following suitably : The tigers in the panel will go on prancing .............. The above line refers to the ________ of art. (1 mark) (v) The expressions 'terrified hands' and 'ordeals' used in the above extract highlight the ________ of women in marriage. (1 mark) (vi) Choose the correct option: 'Tigers in the panel' symbolise (1 mark) (A) Aunt Jennifer's interest in wildlife. (B) Tigers in the green forest. (C) Aunt Jennifer's deep desire for freedom. (D) Tigers that are yellow in colour.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (b) Driving from my parent's home to Cochin last Friday morning, I saw my mother, beside me, doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse and realised with pain that she was as old as she looked but soon put that thought away, and looked out at Young Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes, ...... (My Mother at Sixty-six)

(i) Complete the following suitably: The expressions 'doze' and 'open mouthed' are used by the poet to indicate the poet's mother's ________. (1 mark) (ii) Give the phrase that suggests the following: The image of exuberance and youthfulness affects the poet's thoughts. (1 mark) (iii) What does the imagery of 'Trees sprinting' not represent in the given extract? (1 mark) (A) energy (B) liveliness (C) shade (D) vitality (iv) Select the correct option from those given in the brackets, to fill in the blank. The poet's use of the phrase 'ashen like that of a corpse', illustrates the poet's use of ________ (irony/imagery). (1 mark) (v) Choose the correct option: The poet is unable to bear the sight of her ageing mother, because (1 mark) (A) her mother had refused to accompany her (B) she is upset with her mother dozing off (C) it upsets her to see the ageing face of her mother (D) she is in a hurry to reach the airport (vi) Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract. Assertion: The mother was accompanying her daughter to the airport. Reason: The daughter was leaving her mother behind and flying off. Choose the correct option regarding their relationship: (1 mark) (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false. (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (a) "That young master is so proud of his skill to save life that he saves any life," the cook said contemptuously. "It is the children of whom we must think," Yumi said sadly. "What will be their fate if their father is condemned as a traitor?" They did not try to hide what they said from the ears of Hana as she stood arranging the day's flowers in the veranda near by, and she knew they spoke on purpose that she might hear. (The Enemy)

(i) Complete the following suitably: The tone of the cook while speaking about her master's skill is ________. (1 mark) (ii) 'They spoke on purpose that she might hear'. They wanted her to hear to convey their : (1 mark) (A) interest (B) disapproval (C) sympathy (D) respect (iii) How is Yumi's concern for the children justified? (1 mark) (iv) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank. The above extract reveals a ________ (superficial/close) association between the master and the servants. (1 mark)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (b) The British officer's secretary sent word to the Maharaja through the dewan that the durai himself did not have to kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual killing. What was important to the durai was a photograph of himself holding the gun and standing over the tiger's carcass. But the Maharaja would not agree even to this proposal. If he relented now, what would he do if other British officers turned up for tiger hunts? Because he prevented a British officer from fulfilling his desire, the Maharaja stood in danger of losing his kingdom itself. (The Tiger King)

(i) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank. The last line of the extract reflects ________ (an oppressive/a courageous) attitude of the British officers. (1 mark) (ii) Why did the durai want to take a photograph with the tiger's carcass? (1 mark) (iii) The Tiger King's refusal to the request of the durai reflects : (1 mark) (A) his concern for the tiger population. (B) his courage to deny permission to the British officer. (C) his ego and selfishness. (D) his strained rapport with the British officer. (iv) Complete the following suitably: Maharaja's ________ action put his kingdom in danger. (1 mark)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions: (a) He thought of the thirty kronor. To go up to the manor house would be like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion's den. He only wanted a chance to sleep here in the forge and then sneak away as inconspicuously as possible. The ironmaster assumed that he felt embarrassed because of his miserable clothing. "Please don't think that I have such a fine home that you cannot show yourself there", He said... "Elizabeth is dead, as you may already have heard. My boys are abroad, and there is no one at home except my oldest daughter and myself. We were just saying that it was too bad we didn't have any company for Christmas. Now come along with me and help us make the Christmas food disappear a little faster." (The Rattrap)

(i) What does the narrator mean by the expression 'throwing himself into the lion's den'? (1 mark) (ii) What does the expression 'sneak away' reveal about the intention of 'he' in the above extract? (1 mark) (iii) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank. "there is no one home" indicates that the ironmaster was leading a ________ life. (peaceful/lonely) (1 mark) (iv) "We didn't have any company for Christmas." The essence of Christmas spirit with reference to the above statement is : (1 mark) (A) to make a special dish to mark the celebration. (B) to invite guests to join the celebration. (C) to show off his wealth. (D) to conduct communal prayers. (v) Complete the following statement suitably : The peddler was feeling uncomfortable at the ironmaster's invitation because the peddler only wanted to ________. (1 mark) (vi) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank. "Please don't think that I have such a fine home". The ironmaster uttered the above statement to make the peddler feel ________ (awkward/comfortable). (1 mark)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions: (b) "They wouldn't make you manager straight off, Soaf." "I'll be like Mary Quant," Sophie said. "I'll be a natural. They'll see it from the start. I'll have the most amazing shop this city's ever seen." Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became melancholy. She wished Sophie wouldn't say these things. When they reached Sophie's street Jansie said, "It's only a few months away now, Soaf, you really should be sensible. They don't pay well for shop work, you know that, your dad would never allow it." (Going Places)

(i) Choose the correct option: What trait of the speaker is reflected in the first line of the extract? (1 mark) (A) optimistic (B) pessimistic (C) realistic (D) fatalistic (ii) Choose the correct option from those given in the brackets to fill in the blank. "They'll see it from the start." The above statement reflects Sophie's ________. (modesty/overconfidence) (1 mark) (iii) "They don't pay well for the shop work." Jansie's statement depicts Jansie as a : (1 mark) (A) happy-go-lucky girl. (B) practical friend of Sophie. (C) casual friend of Sophie. (D) jealous friend. (iv) Complete the following suitably : "Your dad would never allow it ....." The image of Sophie's father as we infer from the above statement is that he ________. (1 mark) (v) What does the following line from the extract showcase about Jansie's emotions? "Soaf, you really should be sensible." (1 mark) (i) indifference (ii) concern (iii) regret (iv) envy (vi) "They were both 'earmarked' for the biscuit factory." What does the word 'earmarked' convey? (1 mark)

Answer any five of the following six questions in 40-50 words each: (5x2=10 marks) (i) Why does M. Hamel refer to language as a key to freedom from slavery? (The Last Lesson) (ii) Explain how Mukesh in 'Lost Spring' stands as a ray of hope for the bangle making community. (iii) What is the importance of beauty in a man's life? (A Thing of Beauty) (iv) How did Umberto Eco display his innovative style in the presentation of his dissertation? (The Interview) (v) What is Robert Frost's complaint in 'A Roadside Stand'? (vi) What was the link between the makeup department and national integration as described in 'Poets and Pancakes'?

Answer in 40 - 50 words each: (2x2=4 marks) (i) What was the aim of the 'Students on Ice' programme? (Journey to the end of the Earth) (ii) The man behind the success of Dr. Sadao is his father. Bring out the truth in the above statement with evidences from the text 'The Enemy'. (iii) How can we say that the description of Galesburg gives us a peep into the stress-free world of the past? (The Third Level)

Answer in 120-150 words : (1x5=5 marks) (a) How do the characters of Umberto Eco from 'The Interview' and Subbu from 'Poets and Pancakes' compare in terms of their resourcefulness?

Answer in 120-150 words : (1x5=5 marks) (b) Discuss how the poems 'Keeping Quiet' and 'A Thing of Beauty' draw attention to the importance of beauty and introspection.

Answer in 120-150 words: (1x5=5 marks) (a) How did Zitkala-Sa react to the cultural impositions at school? (Memories of Childhood)

Answer in 120-150 words: (1x5=5 marks) (b) 'A beautiful appearance will last a few decades, but a beautiful personality will last a lifetime.' Mr. Lamb with his personality successfully influenced Derry to understand the essence of the above quote. Analyse the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry in the light of the above statement. (On The Face Of It)