Class 12th English exam oriented questions

 Flamingo

1. The Last Lesson

Q1. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What could this mean?

Answer:
Franz’s statement reflects his deep sense of loss and protest against the German order banning French in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. By mentioning pigeons, he sarcastically questions whether even birds would be forced to abandon their natural language. It highlights the absurdity of imposing a foreign language and shows how language is closely linked to identity, freedom, and culture. Franz realizes that taking away a language is like taking away a people’s soul.

Q2. Our native language is a part of our culture. How do the presence of village elders in the classroom and M. Hamel’s last lesson show their love and pride for French?

Answer:
The presence of village elders in the classroom shows their regret for not valuing French earlier. They attend the last lesson to honor their language and teacher. M. Hamel’s emotional teaching, his special clothes, and his final words “Vive La France!” express his deep love and pride for French. Together, they symbolize cultural identity and resistance against linguistic oppression.

2. Lost Spring

Q3. “For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.” What kind of life do the ragpickers of Seemapuri live?

Answer:
The ragpickers of Seemapuri live in extreme poverty without basic necessities like food, clean water, and education. Children find temporary joy in garbage, while elders depend on rag-picking for survival. Their lives are marked by hunger, exploitation, and lack of opportunities. Garbage becomes both livelihood and identity for them.

Q4. It is illegal to employ children in the bangle industry. Even then, many children are employed in Firozabad. How?

Answer:
Despite laws, poverty forces families to involve children in bangle-making. Middlemen exploit loopholes and operate illegal workshops inside homes. Lack of strict enforcement, debt traps, and social acceptance of child labor allow the practice to continue. Children sacrifice education for survival.

3. The Rattrap

Q5. Compare and contrast the character of the Ironmaster with that of his daughter Edla.

Answer:
The Ironmaster is authoritative, practical, and status-conscious. He is kind but conditional. Edla is compassionate, understanding, and humane. Unlike her father, she treats the peddler with dignity regardless of his status. Her kindness transforms the peddler, proving moral values are superior to social rank.

Q6. The peddler believed the world was a rattrap. How did he himself get caught in it?

Answer:
The peddler steals money from the crofter, driven by greed. This act traps him in fear and guilt, forcing him to wander in the forest. Later, Edla’s kindness becomes the moral trap that awakens his conscience. Thus, he gets caught both materially and morally in his own philosophy.

Q7. “Kindness pays, rudeness never.” How are concern and compassion brought out in the story?

Answer:
Edla’s gentle behavior, trust, and hospitality change the peddler completely. Unlike her father, she does not judge him. Her compassion gives him dignity and self-respect, leading him to return the stolen money. The story highlights the power of kindness to reform individuals.

Q8. What is the theme of The Rattrap and how is it developed?

Answer:
The theme is that greed traps humans, but compassion can redeem them. The rattrap metaphor explains life’s temptations. The peddler’s transformation through Edla’s kindness develops the theme, showing moral regeneration through love and understanding.

4. Indigo

Q9. How do we know that ordinary people contributed to the freedom movement?

Answer:
The peasants of Champaran courageously supported Gandhiji against British planters. Their unity, fearlessness, and trust in Gandhiji show active participation of common people. This proves the freedom movement was mass-based.

Q10. What was the attitude of the average Indian towards advocates of home-rule?

Answer:
Ordinary Indians respected home-rule supporters but were fearful of British authority. Initially hesitant, they gradually gained courage under Gandhiji’s leadership, realizing the power of unity and self-confidence.

Q11. Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice. Are the poor of India free from fear after independence?

Answer:
Although India is independent, many poor people still suffer from fear due to poverty, corruption, and inequality. Legal freedom alone is insufficient without social and economic security. True freedom requires dignity and justice.

Q12. What did Gandhiji do to remove social and cultural backwardness in Champaran?

Answer:
Gandhiji promoted cleanliness, education, and healthcare. He encouraged women’s participation and spread awareness about hygiene and self-reliance. His efforts improved the villagers’ quality of life.

5. Poets and Pancakes

Q13. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his abilities.

Answer:
Subbu was a creative writer, actor, lyricist, and problem-solver. He could adapt scripts instantly, compose poetry, and manage people effectively. His versatility made him invaluable to Gemini Studios.

📘 VISTAS

(Long Answer Questions – 5 Marks Each)

1. The Third Level

Q1. “The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.”

How does Charley try to overcome these problems? Explain.

Answer:
The modern world is marked by constant stress, insecurity, and pressure, which deeply affect human psychology. Charley, the protagonist of The Third Level, tries to escape this harsh reality through imagination and fantasy. He discovers a mysterious “third level” at Grand Central Station that transports him to the peaceful world of 1894. This imaginary escape offers him relief from the anxieties of modern life. The story suggests that when reality becomes unbearable, people often seek refuge in dreams, nostalgia, or imagination to regain mental peace.

2. The Enemy

Q2. While hatred against an enemy is natural during wartime, what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices? Explain with reference to The Enemy.

Answer:
In times of war, hatred against the enemy is common, but humanity and moral values can rise above such prejudice. In The Enemy, Dr. Sadao treats an American soldier despite knowing he is Japan’s enemy. His compassion, medical ethics, and respect for human life guide his actions. He believes that saving a life is more important than national hatred. This proves that true humanity transcends borders, race, and war.

Q3. Dr. Sadao faced a conflict between professional duty and patriotism. How did he resolve this dilemma?

Answer:
Dr. Sadao was torn between his duty as a doctor and his loyalty to Japan. As a doctor, he could not allow a wounded man to die, but as a patriot, he feared being accused of treason. He resolved this dilemma by saving the American soldier’s life and later helping him escape secretly. Thus, Dr. Sadao succeeded in remaining loyal to both his profession and his country.

Q4. “Good human values are above all other value systems.”

How does Dr. Sadao prove this statement?

Answer:
Dr. Sadao proves that humanity is superior to political or national ideologies. By treating the wounded American soldier with dedication and care, he upholds the values of compassion, kindness, and professional integrity. Even when his own life is at risk, he chooses to protect human life. His actions reflect that moral values are the foundation of true greatness.

Q5. How did Dr. Sadao help the American prisoner escape? What humanitarian values are reflected in his actions?

Answer:
Dr. Sadao arranged a small boat, provided food, water, and directions, and ensured the soldier could escape safely. His actions show compassion, courage, selflessness, and respect for human dignity. He risked his position and life to uphold humanitarian values.

3. On the Face of It

Q6. Derry and Mr. Lamb suffer more from loneliness than from physical disability. Comment.

Answer:
Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are physically impaired, but their real suffering comes from social isolation. Derry feels rejected due to his burnt face, while Mr. Lamb lives alone because of his artificial leg. Society’s insensitive attitude deepens their loneliness. Mr. Lamb’s positive outlook helps Derry gain confidence and face life with courage, highlighting the importance of emotional support.

4. Memories of Childhood

Q7. “Untouchability is not only a crime but also inhuman.”

Why and how did Bama decide to fight against it?

Answer:
Bama experienced caste discrimination from a young age. She realized that untouchability was cruel and unjust. Instead of accepting humiliation, she decided to fight it through education. By studying hard and achieving academic excellence, she gained respect and confidence. Bama believed education was the strongest weapon to destroy social discrimination.

✍️ IMPORTANT CHARACTER SKETCHES

(Long Answer – 4 Marks)

Franz – The Last Lesson

Franz is a young, careless student who initially avoids school due to lack of preparation. However, M. Hamel’s last lesson awakens his emotional and patriotic side. He realizes the importance of his mother tongue and regrets neglecting it. Franz represents the common people who understand the value of freedom and culture only after losing them.

M. Hamel – The Last Lesson

M. Hamel is a devoted and patriotic teacher who has served for forty years. His deep love for French language is evident in his emotional last lesson. He blames parents, students, and himself for neglecting education. His final words, “Vive La France!”, symbolize resistance and national pride.

The Peddler – The Rattrap

The peddler is a poor man who believes the world is a rattrap full of temptations. Greed makes him steal money, but Edla’s kindness reforms him. His transformation shows that compassion can awaken goodness even in the most hardened hearts.

Dr. Sadao – The Enemy

Dr. Sadao is a skilled surgeon, patriot, and compassionate human being. Though loyal to Japan, he values human life above national hatred. His moral courage and professional integrity make him a noble character who balances duty and humanity.

Derry – On the Face of It

Derry is a sensitive, insecure boy scarred by physical disability. He feels rejected by society but is transformed by Mr. Lamb’s optimism. By the end, Derry learns to face life with confidence and hope.

📚 APPROPRIATENESS OF THE TITLES

(Long Answer Questions)

The Last Lesson

The title is appropriate because it refers to the final French lesson taught by M. Hamel after the German order banning French in schools. It also symbolizes the loss of cultural freedom and identity. The lesson becomes a powerful reminder of patriotism and linguistic pride.

The Third Level

The title symbolizes Charley’s imaginary escape from the stressful modern world. The “third level” represents a psychological refuge where he seeks peace and happiness. It highlights the human tendency to escape reality during times of stress.

The Enemy

The title reflects the central conflict of the story. The American soldier is officially an enemy, but Dr. Sadao treats him as a human being first. The title questions who the real enemy is—national borders or human hatred—and emphasizes the supremacy of humanity.