Unraveling the 2021 English Paper: Comprehensive Solutions and Insights

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I’ve solved a Class 12 English board paper 2021 just for you! If you're preparing for your upcoming exams and want to understand the pattern, improve your writing, or just practice smartly—this post is for you. Go through the solved answers, learn how to frame your responses, and get that extra boost of confidence before the big day. Let’s make English easy and scoring—together!

Here is the solved paper!

O-212020–A

Subject : English (General)

Time : 3 hours ] [ Maximum Marks : 80

Note : (i) This question paper is divided into three sections :

● Section A : Reading Comprehension

● Section B : Writing Skills

● Section C : Literature Textbook

(ii) All questions are compulsory.

[Section-A]

[ Reading Comprehension ]

Note : Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

Money came into existence to answer the need of mankind, but this need did not arise until civilization had grown beyond its earliest stages. Primitive man lived by hunting, each hunted only for himself and his family or tribe. At such a stage when strangers were avoided or driven away, money and even trade were unnecessary. Later, when he had learnt to domesticate wild animals, man lived a nomadic and pastoral life, constantly wanderings as he drove his flocks and herds to new pastures. As the road to wealth was then possession of beasts, money in its modern form was still not necessary, although the beasts themselves were a form of money. It would suit, what few craftsmen there were to be paid for their wares in cattle and farmers and herdsmen to pay in that way. When human communities began to settle down and cultivate the land, instead of wandering over it with their flocks and herds, the division of labour increased and people specialized in crafts and trades. Most men specialized in growing or producing something of which only a very small portion was necessary for their own wants. So they had to get rid of their surplus. In exchange for it, they wanted something, which would give them to power to choose what they wanted from the surpluses of other people. A few transactions might take place in straightforward exchange or barter, but only certain things could be treated in this way. It was unlikely for instance, that a shoemaker needing supplies of corn for his family from time-to-time would always find that the farmer would not take shoes in exchange. It would be more convenient, if there were some other object that would always be useful to both the shoemaker and the farmer. Once the people have agreed what this other object is to be and once they are prepared always to accept it or offer it in payment, then we have money in its primitive form. It is the go-between all business transactions or as the economists say, ‘a medium of exchange’. We have seen that in the pastoral stage of human history, cattle themselves were this generally acceptable commodity; it is therefore not strange that the Latin word for money, ‘pecunia’ comes from a similar Latin word ‘pecus’ meaning cattle. In modern English we still use the adjectives ‘pecuniary’ meaning concerned with money and ‘impecunious’ meaning having no money.

Questions :

[A] Choose the appropriate option : [1×5=5]

Q.1 The primitive man lived by ________.

(a) shooting (b) farming

Q.2 –––––––– were driven away by the primitive man.

(a) Strangers (b) Wild animals

Q.3 Barter system was ______ convenient to the people of the ancient age.

(a) always (b) never

Q.4 The word ‘pecunia’ originated from ______.

(a) Spanish (b) German

Q.5 The precious metal do not suffer the disadvantage of _____.

(a) being stolen by thieves

(b) requiring lot of space for storing

(d) presentation

Answers:

Q.1 (c) hunting

Q.2 (a) Strangers

Q.3 (c) sometimes

Q.4 (c) Latin

Q.5 (c) adulteration

[B] Answer the following questions in brief : [1×5=5]

Q.6 What answered the need of mankind?

Ans. Money answered the need of mankind by acting as a medium of exchange, helping people trade their surplus goods conveniently.

Q.7 What were considered as the form of money when civilization was developing?

Ans. When civilization was developing, domesticated animals like cattle were considered a form of money.

Q.8 What was the form of transaction then?

Ans. The form of transaction then was mostly barter system—exchange of goods directly without using money.

Q.9 What is money according to the economists?

Ans. According to economists, money is a ‘medium of exchange’ used in business transactions for acquiring goods or services.

Q.10 What do you mean by ‘pasture’ in the passage?

Ans. In the passage, ‘pasture’ means land covered with grass used for grazing animals like cattle and sheep.

[C] Find the words in passage similar meaning as : [1×2=2]

Q.11 unknown

Q.12 costly

Ans. Q.11 unknown – Strangers

Q.12 costly – Precious

Note : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it :

The most alarming of man’s assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers and sea with lethal materials. This pollution is for the most part irrevocable; the chain of evil it initiates is for the most part irreversible. In this contamination of the environment, chemicals are the sinister partners of radiation in changing the very nature of the world; radiation released through nuclear explosions into the air, comes to the earth in rain, lodges into the soil, enters the grass or corn, or wheat grown there and reaches the bones of a human being, there to remain until his death. Similarly, chemicals sprayed on crops lie long in soil, entering living organisms passing from one to another in a chain of poisoning and death. Or they pass by underground streams until they emerge and combine into new forms that kill vegetation, sicken cattle, and harm those who drink from once pure wells. It took hundreds of millions of years to produce the life that now inhabits the earth and reached a stage of adjustment and balance with its surroundings. The environment contained elements that were hostile as well as supporting. Even within the light of the sun, there were short wave radiations with power to injure. Given time is the essential ingredient, but in the modern world there is no time.

Q.13 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. [4]

Ans. Q.13. Notes

Title: Environmental Pollution

1. Contamination of environment

o Air, earth, rivers, seas

o Lethal materials: chemicals and radiation

2. Radiation

o From nuclear explosions

o Affects soil, plants, human bones

3. Chemicals

o On crops, in soil

o Poisoning chain through organisms

4. Consequences

o Damage to plants, animals, humans

o Irreversible impact

5. Balance disturbed

o Took millions of years

o No time now for nature’s recovery

Abbreviations used: env. (environment), rad. (radiation), org. (organisms)

Q.14 Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words using notes made and also suggest a suitable title. [4]

Ans. Q.14. Summary (within 80 words)

The passage highlights the severe impact of environmental pollution caused by chemicals and radiation. Radiation from nuclear blasts and chemicals used on crops contaminate soil, harm plants, animals, and reach human bones. These elements create an irreversible chain of destruction. It took nature millions of years to balance life, but man’s reckless actions have upset it. Time, the crucial factor in healing, is now missing in today’s fast world.

Title: Irreversible Damage to Environment

[Section-B]

[ Writing Skills ]

Q.15 You are Rahul, Cultural Secretary of your school. You have organised an inter-school singing competition as a part of the annual day celebrations in your school. Write a notice for the school notice board informing the students about the same (in about 50 words). [4]

Ans. 📢 St. Xavier’s School, Raipur

NOTICE

Date: 15^th April 2025

Inter-School Singing Competition

Our school is organizing an inter-school singing competition as part of Annual Day celebrations on 25th April at 10 AM in the school auditorium. Interested students should give their names to the Music teacher by 20th April.

– Rahul, Cultural Secretary

You have found a briefcase while travelling in the bus. Write a suitable advertisement for the ‘Lost and Found’ columns of a local newspaper in about 50 words. State the details required for your satisfaction.

Ans.

LOST AND FOUND ADVERTISEMENT

Found – Briefcase

I found a black leather briefcase on Route 12 city bus on 12th April around 4 PM. The briefcase contains documents and a diary. The rightful owner may contact me with proper identification of contents.

Contact: Amit Sharma, Ph. 9876543210

Q.16 Write a letter to the Commissioner of Raipur Corporation, complaining about the poor sanitary conditions and mosquito menace in your locality. [6]

Ans.

To,

The Commissioner,

Raipur Municipal Corporation,

Raipur (C.G.)

Subject: Complaint regarding poor sanitation and mosquito menace

Respected Sir,

I am a resident of Shanti Nagar, Raipur. Our locality is suffering due to poor sanitary conditions and severe mosquito infestation. Drains are open and overflowing, leading to foul smell and breeding of mosquitoes, causing diseases like dengue and malaria. Kindly look into the matter and take urgent steps.

Yours sincerely,

Rahul Sharma

Write a letter to your friend Rakesh / Rakhi inviting him / her to attend your sister’s marriage.

Ans.

45, Nehru Nagar

Raipur (C.G.)

13 April 2025

Dear Rakesh,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to share some wonderful news with you – my sister is getting married!

The wedding ceremony will take place on 28th April 2025 at Hotel Celebration, Raipur, from 7 PM onwards. There will be other pre-wedding functions too, starting from 26th April. It would truly mean a lot to me and my family if you come and join us in our celebrations.

Do come a few days early so that we can spend some time together. Everyone at home is eagerly waiting to see you. Please confirm your arrival soon.

Convey my regards to uncle and aunty.

With lots of love,

Your friend,

Amit

Q.17 Write an article in about 250 words on any one of the following topics : [10]

(i) Importance of Newspaper

(ii) Television : A Boon or a Bane

(iii) Importance of Games and Sports

(iv) Environment Pollution : A Global Problem

Ans.

Q.17. Article (Any one – Sample below)

Environment Pollution: A Global Problem (approx. 250 words)

Pollution is one of the most serious issues the world is facing today. It has become a global concern affecting every corner of the earth. Air, water, and soil pollution are damaging ecosystems and endangering human health. The rise in industrialization, deforestation, and use of plastic and chemicals have led to severe environmental degradation.

Air pollution caused by vehicles and factories has increased respiratory diseases. Water bodies are polluted by industrial waste and sewage. Soil pollution has reduced agricultural productivity and contaminated food. Climate change, global warming, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels are all consequences of pollution.

The only way to fight this problem is by taking individual and collective responsibility. Governments must enforce strict laws, industries must adopt eco-friendly practices, and citizens must reduce waste and use renewable resources. Planting trees, saving water, using public transport, and spreading awareness can make a big difference.

It is our duty to protect the planet for future generations. Pollution must be controlled before it’s too late.

Q.18 Do as directed (any ten) : [1×10=10]

(i) We have won the match. (Change the voice)

(ii) Do not waste your time. (Change the voice)

(iii) The teacher said, “The earth is round like a ball.’’

(Change the narration)

(iv) He said to her, “Where do you live?’’

(Change the narration)

(v) (a) The peon rings the bell.

(b) The students run out of the classroom.

(Combine the sentences using ‘as soon as’)

(vi) You do your homework daily.

(Change the sentence into interrogative)

(vii) (a) The box is very heavy.

(b) I cannot lift it.

(Combine the sentences using ‘so...that’)

(viii) Mohan posted the letter. (Add question tag)

(ix) (a) I met Ramesh. (b) Ramesh had just arrived.

(Combine by using relative clause)

(x) He shuts the gate. (Change the voice)

(xi) It is certain. Abdul will pass.

(Combine the sentences using noun clause)

Ans. (i) The match has been won by us.

(ii) Let not your time be wasted.

(iii) The teacher said that the earth is round like a ball.

(iv) He asked her where she lived.

(v) As soon as the peon rings the bell, the students run out of the classroom.

(vi) Do you do your homework daily?

(vii) The box is so heavy that I cannot lift it.

(viii) Mohan posted the letter, didn’t he?

(ix) I met Ramesh who had just arrived.

(x) The gate is shut by him.

(xi) It is certain that Abdul will pass.

[Section-C]

[ Literature Textbook ] (Flamingo)

Note : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it :

My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings. Watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did these two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the misadventure happened. I went to the pool when no one else was there. The place was quiet. The water was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a bathtub. I was timid about going in alone, so I sat on the side of the pool to wait four others.

Questions :

Choose the correct answer : [1×4=4]

Q.19 Y.M.C.A. pool revived _______.

(a) pleasant memories (b) stirred fear

Q.20 I _____ with my new water wings.

(a) paddled (b) swim

Q.21 The narrator went to the pool when the place was _____ .

(a) quiet (b) closed

Q.22 _____ was as white and clean.

(a) The pool (b) The water

Ans. Q.19 (c) unpleasant memories

Q.20 (a) paddled

Q.21 (a) quiet

Q.22 (c) The tiled bottom

Note : Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions given below :

Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example

With ships and sun and love tempting then to steal

For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes

From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, these children

Wear skins peeped through by bones

and spectacles of steel

With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones

All of their time and space are foggy slum.

So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.

Unless, governor, inspector, visitor,

This map becomes their window and these windows,

That shut upon their lives like catacombs,

Break O break open till they break the town

And show the children to green fields,

and make their world

Run azure on gold sands, and let their tongues

Run naked into books the white and green leaves open

History theirs whose language is the sun.

Questions :

Choose the correct answer : [1×4=4]

Q.23 Lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes from fog to endless _____ ?

(a) day (b) night

Q.24 The mended glass looks like bottle bits on _____ .

(a) stones (b) log

Q.25 The windows that shut upon their lives like _______.

(a) coconut (b) stream

Q.26 Children run naked into books the _______ leaves open.

(a) green and yellow (b) black and green

Q.23 (b) night

Q.24 (a) stones

Q.25 (c) catacombs

Q.26 (d) white and green

Note : Answer the following questions in about 2 sentences each : [2×3=6]

Q.27 What doubts did Edla have about the peddler?

Ans. Edla doubted the peddler's identity because he looked like a tramp and seemed afraid. She found it unusual that someone invited for Christmas would act nervously.

Q.28 What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?

Ans. The order from Berlin brought a complete change in school. The students became serious and attentive, and Mr. Hamel taught the lesson with emotion and dedication as it was his last day.

Q.29 Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?

Ans. Douglas was determined to overcome his fear of water because it had haunted him for years. He wanted to enjoy swimming and be free from panic and helplessness.

Note : Answer the question in about 80 words : [6]

Q.30 Give a character sketch of Mr. Hamel.

Ans. Mr. Hamel was a dedicated and patriotic teacher. He had served the school for forty years with sincerity. On the day of the last French lesson, he dressed with special care and showed deep emotion. He blamed himself for allowing students to neglect studies. His speech was full of love for the French language. He wanted people to hold on to their language as it is a key to freedom. His last class left a deep impact on the narrator and others.

Compare and contrast the character of the ironmaster with that of his daughter.

Ans. The ironmaster is portrayed as a practical, proud, and somewhat impulsive man. He quickly assumes the peddler to be an old acquaintance and invites him home out of a sense of pride and past friendship. However, once he learns the truth, he becomes cold and wants the peddler out of his house, showing his concern for social status.

In contrast, his daughter Edla is kind, compassionate, and understanding. She treats the peddler with respect and hospitality despite knowing his true identity. Her empathy and gentle behavior ultimately reform the peddler and bring out his better side.

While the ironmaster judges by appearances and social norms, Edla looks beyond and acts with humanity and grace.

(Vistas)

Note : Answer the following questions in about 2 sentences each : [2×2=4]

Q.31 Why does Charley call the world in 1894 peaceful?

Ans. Charley calls the world in 1894 peaceful because there was no hurry, war, or tension. Life was calm, and people lived happily without modern stress and fears.

Q.32 Who is Tiger King? Why does he get this name?

Ans. The Tiger King is the ruler of Pratibandapuram. He got this name because he killed one hundred tigers to defy the prophecy that he would die due to a tiger.

Note : Answer the question in about 80 words : [6]

Q.33 Draw a character sketch of the Tiger King in your own words.

Ans. The Tiger King was a brave but foolish and egoistic ruler. He tried to challenge fate by killing tigers to avoid death predicted in his horoscope. Though he showed bravery and determination, he became cruel and arrogant in his mission. His pride and superstition led to irrational actions, even banning marriage until he found a tiger-rich kingdom. Ironically, he died because of a wooden tiger. His story shows that no one can escape destiny, however powerful they may be.

‘‘The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.’’ What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?

Ans. In the modern world, insecurity, fear, war, worry, and stress have become common. To overcome these, people turn to various methods such as yoga, meditation, and physical exercise to maintain mental and physical well-being. Many seek peace through spirituality, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies. Social support and professional counselling also help in managing anxiety and depression. People try to maintain a work-life balance to reduce stress. Some find comfort in music, travel, or nature. Overall, the key is to stay positive, avoid overthinking, and build emotional strength to face life’s challenges with courage and hope.

Final Words from Chandra Study Room

Hope this solved paper helped you understand how to write better answers and manage your time in the exam. Keep practicing, stay confident, and don’t stress—English can be fun and scoring if you prepare smartly!

Stay connected with Chandra Study Room for more solved papers, tips, and study material.

All the best for your exams!

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Unraveling the 2021 English Paper: Comprehensive Solutions and Insights

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