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The CBSE Class 12th English Board examination was conducted on March 11, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
The English theory paper is worth 80 marks and an extra 20 marks are for internal assessment. The test consists of reading comprehension, creative and analytical writing, and literature sections to measure students' proficiency in language, interpretation, and critical thinking ability.
The question paper consists of multiple-choice questions (1 mark each), short-answer questions (2 & 3 marks each), and long-answer questions (4 & 6 marks each), adding up to 80 marks. The exam tests the understanding, writing skills, and literary analysis of students.
The question paper and solution PDF is available for download here.
CBSE Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2025 Set 1 with Solutions
| CBSE Board Class 12 English Question Paper with Answer Key |  Download |
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1. Read the following passage carefully:
(1) Having a sense of humor might mean having the ability to entertain other people by
making them laugh, but it can also mean having a quick wit that is frequently employed to
criticize other people with mischief comments. Some might define a sense of humor as the
ability to see humor in everyday life or as appreciating the cleverness of puns and wordplay,
and many think it is possible to possess a good sense of humour without ever having those
around them be aware of it.
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(2) In any case, a sense of humour is a socially valued trait that almost all of us would ratherhave more, rather than less of – akin to the way that we think about intelligence or good
looks. A person with an undeveloped sense of humour lacks a social skill that puts him or
her at a severe disadvantage in the hurly-burly of everyday adult life.
(3) Freud thought of humour as an outlet for forbidden impulses, and philosophers ranging
from Aristotle to Descartes believed that we are amused by something when it makes us feel
superior to other people.
(4) Evolutionary psychologists believe that humour, along with other creative abilities, such
as art and music, evolved as an honest signal of intelligence and genetic quality. The value of
such a skill in defusing tension, aggressive situations and in managing alliances and
friendships should not be underestimated either.
(5) Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in
light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful when someone is skilful enough to turn a
stiff and awkward situation into fun. Cracking jokes, making witty remarks, or engaging in
humorous, cheeky observations about the social scene can be like fishing for other minds that
connect naturally with one’s own. When it works, humour can be a device for connecting
people who are operating on the same wavelength.
(6) Observing the operation of other people in such situations gives you a feel as to who you
would like to get to know better – and who might be best left behind, wallowing in
indignation and bitterness. In short, a sense of humour is the Swiss Army Knife of social
skills. Perhaps it is indeed a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal of tools – each
exquisitely designed for a unique social purpose.
Answer the following questions, based on the given passage:
How does the author prove in paragraph 1 that a sense of humour is a double-edged sword?
Cite evidence from the passage to prove that a sense of humour is a valuable tool to make someone’s life better.
Complete the following sentence suitably with reference to paragraph 3.
One significant advantage of humour is that it helps one _________
Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to paragraph 5, to show a good sense of humour can be a great ice breaker.
(v) Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
(vi) Choose the correct option:
“...Humour can be a device for connecting people who are operating on the same wavelength.”
By the phrase “same wavelength,” the author refers to:
(vii) Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 6:
Advantage: benefit :: ____ : anger
(viii) In the line "it is indeed a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal of tools…", what does the phrase “arsenal of tools” refer to?
(ix) Provide ONE textual evidence from the text which states lack of sense of humour may prove to be a handicap in one’s life.
(x) Choose the correct option (A) or (B) which reaffirms the idea conveyed in the above extract.
Read the passage carefully :
(1) This report presents findings from the Youth Aspirations in India Survey in which 5,764 youth between the ages of 15 and 30 were asked about their employment, education, and skilling aspirations.
(2) Indian youth valued higher education. 50 percent of respondents aspire to attain a post-graduate degree, 24 percent a PhD, and 21 percent a bachelor's degree. Only 2 percent of respondents hope to attain a college or vocational diploma as their highest form of education.
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(3) Respondents have a strong preference for attaining higher education degrees. At the same time, there is an awareness of changing skills requirements and an interest in augmenting their skills. 76 percent of youth report being very interested in pursuing a skills development programme. 70 percent of youth identified more employment opportunities as the main motivation for wanting to pursue skills development training.(4) A study related to their job preference reveals their strong desire for job security and opportunities for career advancement. It is evident from the following data :
(5) In the context of technological adoption and digitization, jobs and tasks, along with the competencies required to execute them, are changing. 86 percent of youth feel very or moderately up to date with changes in skills requirements. Yet, 39 percent of youth feel very prepared or prepared for their ideal job, while 16 percent of youth feel either not prepared or very unprepared for their ideal job.
(6) Female respondents' education and employment aspirations match, if not exceed, those of male respondents. Yet, female respondents face discriminatory biases in hiring, have less paid work experience than their male counterparts, and face greater barriers in pursuing skills development opportunities. 60 percent of female respondents, for example, report having no paid work experience, compared to 54 percent of male respondents. In addition, 15 percent of female respondents report personal biases such as marital status, gender, age, or family background as a main barrier to employment compared to 9 percent of male respondents. While more female respondents report being very interested in participating in a skills development programme, only 19 percent have enrolled in a programme, compared to 26 percent of male respondents.
Answer the following questions, based on the given passage :
(i) As per the survey, Indian youth is broadly focused on
(ii) With reference to paragraph 3, what is the latest trend among Indian youth in preparing themselves for the job market?
(iii) With reference to the table, state one reason for entrepreneurship being the last preference among Indian youth.
(iv) Cite two evidences from the text to show that gender bias is still a hindrance in the progress of women in society.
2. 15% of female respondents cited personal biases such as gender, marital status, and family background as barriers to employment, compared to only 9% of male respondents. View Solution
(v) Complete the following sentence suitably:
The driving force for the Indian youth to join a skill development programme is _______.
(vi) Paragraph 5 uses the words ‘competencies’ and ‘adoption’. Classify the following sentences which talk about ‘competency’ and which talk about ‘adoption’.
Sentence 1: Ria embraced new technology to gain a global market for her paintings.
Sentence 2: Ria displays her artistic skill through her paintings.
Sentence 2: Competency View Solution
Cite two evidences from the text to show that Indian youth is adapting itself to the needs of the job market.
2. 86% of youth feel they are moderately or fully aware of changing skills requirements. View Solution
(viii) Choose the correct option: The main roadblocks to employment opportunities for females are:
Here is what is written in the image, transcribed exactly:
(i) lack of interest
(ii) marriage
(iii) lack of opportunities
(iv) over qualification
(v) family background
Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words.
(a) Your school is organizing a road safety awareness workshop for students of class IX – XII. As the head boy of your school, draft a notice informing the students about the workshop. Include other necessary details. You are Ashna/Ashish. Put your notice in a box.
(b) Your school is organizing an Inter-House Science Model-Making Competition. As President of the Science Club, draft a notice to inform all House members from IX – XII about the competition and specify the number of registrations invited per house. Include other necessary details. You are Mitali/Mukesh. Put your notice in a box.
Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words.
(a) Draft an invitation card on behalf of the Principal of J.B. Bhatia Public School for the launch of ‘Yoga for Life’ programme in the school. Mention a compelling highlight of the programme along with other necessary details.
(b) You are Mrs. Savita Manjrekhar, a professor in English. You are invited to be one of the judges for the inter-school debate competition by the Principal of J.M. Public School, Cochin. Write a formal letter expressing your inability to accept the invitation.
Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words.
(a) You are Nidhi of 42, M.G. Road, Gwalior. You read the given advertisement and wish to apply for the post advertised. Write a job application along with your bio-data.
(b) Write a letter to the editor of a National daily expressing your concern over urban sprawl and also suggest ways to improve the situation. You are Sonal of 14, A, R.P. Nagar, New Delhi.
Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words.
(a) Write an article stressing on the need to develop the skill of time management. You are Seema of class XII C.
(b) Write a comprehensive report on Republic Day celebrations held in your school. You are Heena of class XII E, a member of the school magazine editorial board.
Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B):
(A) It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store. Where they won't have to think for themselves anymore, While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey, Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits That are calculated to soothe them out of their wita, And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way. (A Roadside Stand)
(i) The expression "It is in the news" suggests:
(ii) Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet complains that the rural people are exploited by the people in power.
Reason: The rural people reposed blind faith in the false promises of the people in power.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.
(iii) In the line "that are calculated to soothe them out of their wits", the phrase "soothe them out of their wits" refers to:
(iv) Bring out the irony in the expression "they won’t have to think for themselves".
(v) Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet uses the expression 'greedy good-doers' to ______ (criticize / appreciate) the intention of the powerful people.
(vi) The tone of the poet in the above extract is:
(B) If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves with death.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I'll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet and I will go.
(Keeping Quiet)
(i) Complete the following suitably.
The poet uses the expression "single-minded" to refer to:
(ii) Why does the poet refer to silence as a welcoming interruption?
(iii) Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet personifies Earth as a teacher.
Reason: We learn from the Earth that pausing doesn’t mean the end
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.
(iv) By the expression "keeping our lives moving," the poet refers to:
(v) The intention of the poet in the above extract is:
(vi) What is the significance of the last line of the extract "you keep quiet and I will go"?
(A) When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the Vadai had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched Vadais myself straight away. Why should we have to fetch and carry for these people. I wondered. Such an important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands over reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there and stuffs them into his mouth. The thought of it infuriated me. (Memories of Childhood)
(i) 'I felt terribly sad'. The reason for the speaker's sadness is because it was an act of _______.
(ii) ‘The thought of it infuriated me’ with reference to the above line, what do you think was the impact of the incident on the speaker?
(iii) Complete the sentence suitably: "I wanted to touch those wretched vadais myself"
Correct Answer: The above expression indicates the speaker’s inner rebellion against the social discrimination imposed on their community.
(iv) Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank:
The incident made the speaker realize that the discrimination was ___ (dehumanizing / elevating).
Mr. Lamb:
When I go down the streets, the kids shout Lamey Lamb'. But they will come into the garden, into my they be? Because I'm not afraid of them, that's why not
Derry
Did you get your leg blown off in the war?
Mr. Lamb
Certainly
Derry
How will you climb on a ladder and got the crab apples down, then?
Mr. Lamb
Oh, there's a lot of things I've learned to do and plenty of time for it. Yours. I take it steady. (On the Face of it
(i) Complete the following suitably: "Years. I take it steady." The above line speaks of the speaker's ___.
(ii) ‘Derry, how will you climb on a ladder?’ What does Derry hint at in the above query?
(iii) ‘When I go down the streets, the kids shout Lamey Lamb.’ The attitude of the speaker expressed in the above line is:
(iv) Fill in the blank suitably:
Mr. Lamb’s handicap has not ____ his attitude towards life.
Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or (B) :
(A) Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five percent
of the film was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights
needed the girls and boys to be made to look 1 ugly in order to look
presentable in the movie. A strict hierarchy was maintained in the
make-up department. The chief make-up man made the chief actors
and actresses 2 ugly, his senior assistant 3 'second' hero and heroine, the
junior assistant the main comedian and so forth. The players who
played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy. (Even the
make-up department of the Gemini Studio 4 had an 'office boy')
On the days when there was crowd-shooting, you could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players. The idea was to close every pore on the surface of the face in the process of applying 1 make-up
(i) What does the writer mean by the phrase ‘indoor shooting’ in the first line of the extract?
(ii) Pick up one sentence from the extract that reflects the sarcastic tone of the writer.
(iii) The hierarchy in the make-up department puts the ‘office boy’ in the _____ (lowest / top) rung of the ladder.
(iv) Complete the following suitably:
On the days when there was a ‘crowd-shooting’. By the phrase ‘crowd-shooting’, the author refers to ____.
(v) Choose the correct option: The choice of words like ‘paint’ and ‘slapping’ by the author reflects:
(vi) Choose the correct option: What does the following line from the extract showcase?
“A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department.”
(B) My Last French Lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write ! I should never learn any more! I must stop there, then! Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds 'eggs or going sliding on the Saar! My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn't give up and M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going away, that I should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler and how cranky he was.
Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes, and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in the back of the room. It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone to school more. It was their way of thanking our master for his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.
(The Last Lesson)
(i) Choose the correct option:
What is the tone of the speaker in the expression ‘I hardly knew how to write ...... how sorry I was for not learning my lessons’?
Choose the correct option:
The speaker refers to ‘seeking birds’ egg’ and ‘sliding on the Saar’ as
What is reflected through the shift in the speaker’s perception of his books through his expression of calling them his ‘old friends’ rather than considering them as ‘nuisance’?
Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank:
“It was because they were sorry too….”
They were sorry for ______ (not following the government order / not learning their language).
What is inferred from the expression ‘the country that was theirs no more’?
What does M. Hamel’s ruler reflect about his image?
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in 40-50 words each:
(i) “One of these days you’re going to talk yourself into a load of trouble,” her father said aggressively. What do you learn about Sophie’s father from these lines? (Going Places)
(ii) ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Explain with reference to the poem. (A Thing of Beauty)
(iii) How did Franz plan to turn the commotion in the classroom to his favour?
(iv) How do the expressions ‘polished traffic’ and a stand that ‘pathetically pled’ depict the contrasting worlds that co-exist in the poem A Roadside Stand?
(v) ‘What I want should not be confused.’ What clarification does Pablo Neruda give to his readers? (Keeping Quiet)
(vi) ‘But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.’ What are the factors that have made their game inaccessible to Saheb? (Lost Spring)
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in 40-50 words each:
(i) What is so ironical about Sam reaching the third level?
(ii) “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
The above saying aptly describes the character of Douglas from ‘Deep Water’ and Mukesh from ‘Lost Spring’. Compare and contrast their characters in terms of their courage, determination, and the pursuit of their goals.
Kamala Das in ‘Keeping Quiet’ and Keats in ‘A Thing of Beauty’ depict nature as a source of inspiration and strength to man. Analyse both the poems in terms of the above perspective.
(A) The element of dilemma, between humanity and patriotism, elevates the character of Dr. Sadao in ‘The Enemy’. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
(B) How did Tishani Doshi’s visit to Antarctica as part of the Students on Ice Programme make her realise the importance of preserving the Earth?
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
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