NEB Exam 2083 | Class 12 Optional English |

NEB  Exam 2083 

Grade XII Optional English 

Group ‘A’

Choose the correct answer. [11×1=11]

1. Which of the following languages has no native speakers?

a) Creole b) Pidgin ✔️ c) Lingua franca d) Register

2. Which of the following deals with commonality and universal humanity while emphasizing cultural differences?

a) Multiculturalism ✔️ b) Bilingualism c) Monolingualism d) Multilingualism

3. In which method of teaching grammar do learners discover rules themselves in context?

a) The direct method b) The deductive approach c) The inductive approach ✔️ d) The communicative method

4. What is the theme of the story “Brahmadatta and the Banyan Deer”?

a) Hatred b) Revenge c) Love and compassion ✔️ d) Freedom and justice

5. Where did Paul start to work?

a) Cinema b) Theatre c) Concert hall ✔️ d) Restaurant

6. With whom had the narrator visited the lake for the first time?

a) Friend b) Wife c) Son d) Father ✔️

7. What does the speaker express about the thought of death in “If I Should Die”?

a) Terror b) Sadness c) Calmness ✔️ d) Anger

8. What type of stanza pattern is used in The Three Knights?

i) Couplet ii) Tercet iii) Quatrain ✔️ iv) Quintet

9. In which month do the events of the play All My Sons take place?

i) November ii) August ✔️ iii) June iv) February

10. Where does Chris intend to move in the play All My Sons?

i) St. Louis ii) Louisville iii) Cincinnati iv) Cleveland ✔️

11. Which one of the following is major focus of formalism?

i) Content ii) Form ✔️ iii) Background iv) Biography

Group ‘B’

Write short answers to the following questions. [8×5=40]

12. What are major language family? Describe one of them in brief.

Ans: Major language families are large groups of languages that are historically related and have evolved from a common ancestral language. Languages within the same family share similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and structure.

Some major language families of the world include:

‌Indo-European

‌Sino-Tibetan

‌Afro-Asiatic

‌Niger-Congo

‌Dravidian

‌Austronesian

Indo-European Language Family (Brief Description):

The Indo-European family is one of the largest and most widely spoken language families in the world. It includes many major languages such as English, Hindi, Spanish, French, German, and Russian. These languages originated from a common ancestor called Proto-Indo-European, spoken thousands of years ago. Today, Indo-European languages are spread across Europe, the Americas, South Asia, and parts of Asia, making it the most influential language family globally.

13. Define multiculturalism in short.

Ans: Multiculturalism is a social and cultural concept in which people from different cultural backgrounds live together in the same society while maintaining their unique identities, traditions, languages, and values. It promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding among diverse groups.

In a multicultural society, no single culture is considered superior; instead, all cultures are recognized and appreciated equally. It encourages harmony, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence by accepting cultural differences rather than eliminating them.

14. How does the teacher describe three students? (The Three Students)

Ans: In “The Three Students” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the teacher, Mr. Hilton Soames, describes the three students based on their behavior, character, and academic seriousness:

‌Gilchrist is described as a tall, athletic, and intelligent student. He is hardworking and comes from a respectable background, so the teacher initially trusts him.

‌Daulat Ras is a quiet, serious, and methodical student. He is not very brilliant but is honest, hardworking, and unlikely to be involved in any wrongdoing.

‌Miles McLaren is very intelligent but irregular and undisciplined in his studies. He has a rebellious nature and had previous issues with authority, making him appear suspicious.

OR

Why do the five towers of Angkor look shapeless? (An Eastern Journey)

Ans: In “An Eastern Journey”, the five towers of Angkor look shapeless because they are seen in dim moonlight, which makes their outlines unclear. The effects of time, decay, moss, and jungle growth have also damaged their original structure. As a result, their sharp architectural details are lost. Instead of looking like distinct temple towers, they appear as dark, vague, and massive shapes or mounds, giving them a blurred and shapeless appearance to the observer.

15. What does ‘wheat’ symbolize in the story A Deal in Wheat? Explain in brief.

Ans: In Frank Norris’s “A Deal in Wheat”, wheat can also be seen as symbolizing the power of nature over man. Wheat is a natural product that is essential for human survival, yet humans try to control and manipulate it for profit. However, despite all human efforts in trade and speculation, the basic importance of wheat as a life-sustaining food cannot be changed. Ultimately, nature remains the source of life, and human greed and control are shown to be limited in comparison to it.

16. What is the author’s opinion about the existence of god? (Man and the Battle of Life)

Ans: In “Man and the Battle of Life”, Sri Aurobindo believes that God exists as a universal, all-powerful and all-knowing reality. He says God is omnipresent and is present in everything in the universe. God acts as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of life. Although God is not always directly visible, He guides human life from within. The author suggests that people can realize God through faith, struggle, and spiritual growth in life.

17. Explain the title of the poem Lord! Make Me a Sheep.

Ans: The title “Lord! Make Me a Sheep” reflects the speaker’s desire to escape the difficulties of human life. The speaker prays to God to turn him into a sheep, symbolising innocence, simplicity, and a carefree existence. A sheep lives without worries, greed, or complexity, unlike humans who face stress and responsibilities. Thus, the title shows the poet’s wish for a peaceful and simple life, free from materialism and intellectual burdens of modern society.

18.  Describe ‘Gender Perspective’ in short.

Ans: Gender Perspective is a way of looking at society that focuses on the roles, experiences, and inequalities between men, women, and other genders. It examines how social, cultural, and economic factors create differences in opportunities and treatment based on gender. This perspective highlights issues like gender discrimination, unequal power relations, and stereotypes. It also promotes equality and fair treatment for all genders in society. In short, gender perspective helps us understand and challenge gender-based inequality and injustice.

OR

Write short note on ‘Marxist Criticism’.

Ans: Marxist Criticism is a literary approach based on the ideas of Karl Marx. It studies literature from the perspective of social class, economic power, and material conditions. It focuses on the conflict between the rich (bourgeoisie) and the poor (proletariat) in society. This criticism shows how literature reflects social inequalities, exploitation, and class struggle. It also examines how writers and texts are influenced by economic and political systems. In short, Marxist criticism interprets literature as a product of society and highlights issues of power, wealth, and class conflict.

19. What is marginality? How are certain groups of people marginalised?

Ans: Marginality is the condition where certain groups are pushed to the edge of society and denied equal access to resources, opportunities, and power. Groups become marginalised due to factors like caste, poverty, gender, ethnicity, disability, or social status. They often face discrimination and exclusion from education, jobs, and decision-making processes. As a result, they remain socially and economically disadvantaged, with limited voice in society, showing clear inequality between the mainstream and marginalised people.

Group ‘C’

Write long answers to the following questions. [3×8=24]

20. Describe "The Lost Child" as a realistic story.

Ans: Mulk Raj Anand’s “The Lost Child” is a realistic story because it presents a common situation from everyday life in a simple and believable way. The story shows a small child who gets lost in a fair while going with his parents. The setting of a crowded village fair, the child’s excitement, and his attraction to sweets, toys, and rides are all very natural and realistic experiences of childhood.

The reactions of the child and the people around him are also realistic. The child first enjoys the fair but later becomes frightened when he realizes he is lost. His crying for his parents and refusal of all attractions show a true emotional response. Similarly, the kind stranger who tries to comfort him represents real human sympathy.

There is no supernatural or imaginary element in the story. It focuses on ordinary people, natural emotions, and a simple incident, which makes “The Lost Child” a realistic story.

OR

The author talks about commodification of art, literature, sports etc. Is it good or bad for the society? Give your opinions. (Once More to the Lake)

Ans: In “Once More to the Lake”, E. B. White hints at how modern society turns even nature, leisure, and experiences into something artificial and commercialised, similar to the commodification of art, literature, sports, and other cultural activities. In my opinion, this commodification is mostly harmful for society.

When art, literature, or sports become commodities, their original purpose of creativity, expression, and enjoyment is replaced by profit-making. For example, writers may focus more on popularity than quality, and sports may become overly commercial, losing their true spirit of play and sportsmanship. Similarly, nature and personal experiences are also treated as products to be consumed, which reduces their emotional and spiritual value.

However, commodification can also have a positive side, as it helps spread culture and provides financial support to artists and athletes. Despite this, if profit becomes the main goal, the true essence of these fields is lost.

Therefore, commodification is generally bad for society when it dominates values, as it reduces meaningful human experiences into mere products for consumption.

21. "Mending Wall" explores the nature of human relationships. Explain.

Ans: Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” explores the nature of human relationships by showing the tension between separation and connection. In the poem, two neighbours meet every spring to repair the wall between their properties. One speaker questions the need for the wall and suggests that “good fences make good neighbours,” meaning boundaries help maintain order and respect. The other speaker, however, supports tradition and insists on keeping the wall without questioning it.

Through this contrast, Frost shows that human relationships are shaped by both a desire for closeness and a need for distance. The wall symbolises the barriers people build—physically, socially, and emotionally. While some boundaries can maintain harmony, unnecessary walls can prevent understanding and communication. Thus, the poem reflects how people struggle between maintaining individuality and building meaningful connections with others.

22. Describe "All My Sons" as a modern tragedy.

Ans: Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is considered a modern tragedy because it deals with ordinary people rather than kings or heroes, and it focuses on moral responsibility in a realistic social setting. The play shows the downfall of Joe Keller, a businessman who sells defective airplane parts during World War II to protect his family’s financial security. His selfish decision leads to the death of many pilots and ultimately destroys his own family.

Unlike classical tragedy, the conflict in All My Sons is not caused by fate but by human choices, guilt, and moral failure. Joe Keller’s hidden crime and his refusal to accept responsibility create tension throughout the play. The tragedy becomes modern because it reflects social and economic issues, especially greed, war profiteering, and the conflict between personal success and ethical duty.

In the end, when the truth is revealed and his son Chris confronts him, Joe realizes his mistake and commits suicide. This ending highlights Miller’s idea that tragedy today arises from ordinary human actions and moral corruption, making All My Sons a powerful example of modern tragedy.