UP Board Class 12 English Question Paper 2025 (Code 316 IA) Available- Download Here with Solution PDF

Step 1: The Author's Initial Criticism

The passage begins by immediately pointing out the inadequacy of the word 'danger'. It states that the word "does not sufficiently express all that the warning demands." This is a direct claim by the author that a single word, and by extension verbal warnings, falls short of conveying the true severity of being in debt.


Step 2: The Author's Proposed Alternative for Instruction

Having established that words are insufficient, the author immediately pivots to what they consider a superior method of teaching. They decide to use a "living writer" to "describe his own feelings." This action demonstrates a belief that a real-life testimony is necessary to properly illustrate the point.


Step 3: The Author's Explicit Justification

The author does not leave this choice unexplained. They provide a clear reason for choosing an example over a simple explanation, stating, "as example is at all times more instructive than mere words of mouth." This is a direct comparison where "example" is explicitly ranked higher in instructional value than "mere words."


Step 4: Conclusion

Because the author first dismisses the word 'danger' as insufficient and then explicitly states that a real example is "more instructive" than words, the passage makes it clear that mere words of mouth are not considered enough to express the full implication of the danger of debt.
Quick Tip: Look for comparative and contrasting phrases in the text. The phrase "more instructive than mere words of mouth" is a direct comparison that helps answer this question decisively.

Step 1: The General State - "Positive Misery"

The passage begins by defining the debtor's overall emotional state. It is not merely an absence of happiness but a "state of positive misery." This phrase suggests an active and persistent form of suffering, rather than a passive feeling of sadness.


Step 2: The Metaphorical Description - A "Haunting"

To elaborate on this misery, the author uses a powerful metaphor. The person in debt is described as being like "one haunted by an evil spirit." This imagery conveys a sense of being constantly tormented, pursued, and plagued by an unseen force, highlighting the psychological burden and inescapable nature of the anxiety associated with debt.


Step 3: The Consequence of the Haunting - No "Rest nor Peace"

The passage then explains the direct consequence of this mental state. The person's "heart can know neither rest nor peace." This indicates a complete loss of tranquility and a mind in constant turmoil, unable to find comfort or calm.


Step 4: The Condition for Relief

Finally, the passage states that this suffering continues until the "evil spirit is cast out," meaning the debt is cleared. This reinforces that the mental anguish is a direct and continuous result of the financial situation, and relief is only possible once the cause is removed. Quick Tip: When a question asks about feelings or a state of mind, look for figurative language, metaphors, and similes in the passage, as they are often used to convey emotional states effectively.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks for the method a living writer can use to be more instructive about the feelings of being in debt.


Step 2: Locating the Relevant Sentence

The passage states, "But as example is at all times more instructive than mere words of mouth, a living writer shall describe his own feelings when beset with creditors...".

It continues, "...and perhaps he may prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones who are likely to fall into the same gulf."


Step 3: Interpreting the Information

The passage proposes that a writer's personal account of dealing with creditors serves as a powerful, real-world example. This personal story is more impactful ("instructive") than abstract warnings. It acts as a guiding signal ("beacon") for others.


Step 4: Final Answer

By sharing a personal narrative of their struggles with debt, a writer provides a concrete example that is more instructive and acts as a warning and guide to others.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to cause-and-effect relationships in the text. The writer describing their feelings (cause) leads to being more instructive (effect).

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks for a single word from the passage that has the meaning 'frequented by ghosts'.


Step 2: Scanning the Passage for Clues

The passage describes the sufferer of debt with the phrase: "...the sufferer is as one haunted by an evil spirit...".


Step 3: Defining the Word

The word "haunted" means to be frequented or visited by a ghost or spirit. The context of an "evil spirit" directly aligns with this definition.


Step 4: Final Answer

The word in the passage that means 'frequented by ghosts' is 'haunted'.
Quick Tip: For vocabulary questions, use the context provided in the sentence to confirm the meaning of the word. The phrase "by an evil spirit" makes the meaning of "haunted" very clear.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks for the antonym of 'thoughtful' that is present in the passage.


Step 2: Searching the Passage

The end of the passage mentions that the writer's example may "...prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones who are likely to fall into the same gulf."


Step 3: Analyzing the Word

The word 'thoughtless' is formed by adding the suffix '-less' (meaning 'without') to the root word 'thought'. It means lacking thought or care, which is the direct opposite of 'thoughtful' (full of thought or care).


Step 4: Final Answer

The word in the passage that is the opposite of 'thoughtful' is 'thoughtless'.
Quick Tip: When looking for opposites (antonyms), pay attention to prefixes and suffixes (like 'un-', 'in-', '-less') that negate the meaning of a root word.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks to find a word in the passage that means 'a signal for guidance'.


Step 2: Locating Potential Words

The final sentence of the passage reads, "...and perhaps he may prove a beacon to the thoughtless ones...".


Step 3: Defining the Word

A 'beacon' is a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. Its primary purpose is to guide or warn. In the context of the sentence, the writer's story serves as a guiding light or warning signal for others.


Step 4: Final Answer

The word in the passage that means 'signal for guidance' is 'beacon'.
Quick Tip: For vocabulary-in-context questions, think about the role the word plays in the sentence. Here, the word is something that helps "the thoughtless ones," implying a guiding or warning function.