Answer Key & Solutions
PSEB Class XII – General English | September Examination 2026 (Sample Paper Set 2)
Q.1 (A) Reading Passage
10 × 1 = 10 Marks
- It gives us knowledge, improves language, helps us understand the world, and enhances concentration (any two)[cite: 1].
- It requires the reader to pay close attention to the words and ideas presented by the writer[cite: 1].
- It broadens vocabulary, helps express thoughts clearly, and makes it easier to comprehend difficult topics[cite: 1].
- It keeps them informed about ongoing national and global events[cite: 1].
- Excessive screen time eats into the time that could otherwise be spent on meaningful reading[cite: 1].
- They should dedicate a specific amount of time every day to reading books, newspapers, or informative material[cite: 1].
- Short stories, biographies, travel writing, or books covering personal interest topics (any two)[cite: 1].
- It builds knowledge, deepens thinking, and trains a person to express ideas with clarity[cite: 1].
- (b) vocabulary[cite: 1]
- (b) unnecessary or too much[cite: 1]
Q.1 (B) Reading Passage
6 × 1 = 6 Marks
- (b) human life[cite: 1]
- Household waste, industrial effluents, farm runoff, chemicals, and plastic bags[cite: 1].
- It transmits serious water-borne diseases and renders water unfit for consumption[cite: 1].
- Fixing leaking taps, harvesting rainwater, and not wasting water while washing or cleaning (any one)[cite: 1].
- gardening[cite: 1]
-
Matched Pairs:
Word (Column A)[cite: 1] Correct Meaning (Column B)[cite: 1] 1. Essential[cite: 1] (b) Necessary[cite: 1] 2. Polluted[cite: 1] (a) Harmful[cite: 1]
Q.2 Precis Writing
4 Marks
Title: The Value of Discipline / Importance of Discipline in Life
Précis: Discipline is vital for both personal growth and social order[cite: 1]. It trains individuals to respect rules, manage time, and fulfill their duties[cite: 1]. Rather than curtailing personal freedom, it promotes its responsible use[cite: 1]. Developing simple daily habits keeps distractions at bay and ensures that individual talent leads to meaningful achievement[cite: 1].
Q.3 Letter Writing
6 Marks
(a) Letter to the Editor:
Examination Hall, ABC City
15 September 2026
The Editor
The Daily Post, ABC City
Subject: Concern over growing menace of plastic waste
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of local authorities and citizens towards the alarming rise of plastic waste in our town[cite: 1]. Non-biodegradable bags and plastic packaging litter streets, choke open drains, and pose severe hazards to stray animals[cite: 1]. Stagnant water in blocked drains has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, threatening public health[cite: 1].
The administration must strictly enforce the ban on single-use plastics, impose fines on violators, and place dedicated recycling bins across public spaces[cite: 1]. Mass awareness drives should be organized to encourage reusable cloth and jute bags[cite: 1]. Prompt action is imperative before the situation deteriorates further.
Yours sincerely,
XYZ
OR
(b) Leave Application:
The Principal
Govt. Senior Secondary School, ABC Town
15 September 2026
Subject: Application for three days' leave of absence
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class XII-A in your institution. I respectfully submit that I have to attend an important family function out of station[cite: 1]. Consequently, I will be unable to attend school for three days, from 18 September to 20 September 2026[cite: 1].
I assure you that I will cover all academic work and assignments missed during this period immediately upon my return. Kindly grant me leave for the said days.
Yours obediently,
XYZ, Class XII-A, Roll No. 12
Q.4 Newspaper Headline / E-mail
3 Marks
(a) Headline Explanation:
Educational authorities have directed schools to cultivate active reading habits among students by organizing special reading periods and expanding library facilities[cite: 1].
OR
(b) E-mail:
To: principalgsss@schoolmail.com
Subject: Permission to participate in Inter-School Literary Competition[cite: 1]
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to participate in the upcoming Inter-School Literary Competition scheduled for 25 September 2026 at DAV Model School[cite: 1]. The event features debate and creative writing contests. I kindly request your permission to represent our school at this competition[cite: 1].
Yours obediently,
XYZ, Class XII-A
Q.5 Translation
4 Marks
(a) English to Punjabi/Hindi (Any two): (2 × 1 = 2)
- Health is more valuable than wealth.[cite: 1]
Punjabi: ਸਿਹਤ ਦੌਲਤ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਹੈ।
Hindi: स्वास्थ्य धन से अधिक मूल्यवान है। - We should keep our surroundings clean.[cite: 1]
Punjabi: ਸਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਲਾ-ਦੁਆਲਾ ਸਾਫ਼ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
Hindi: हमें अपने आस-पास सफ़ाई रखनी चाहिए। - Students must obey the rules of their school.[cite: 1]
Punjabi: ਵਿਦਿਆਰਥੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਕੂਲ ਦੇ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ।
Hindi: विद्यार्थियों को अपने स्कूल के नियमों का पालन करना चाहिए।
(b) Punjabi/Hindi to English (Any two): (2 × 1 = 2)
- ਮਿਹਨਤ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਦੀ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਹੈ। / मेहनत सफलता की कुंजी है।
English: Hard work is the key to success. - ਸਾਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। / हमें हमेशा सच बोलना चाहिए।
English: We should always speak the truth. - ਬੱਚੇ ਮੈਦਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੇਡ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। / बच्चे मैदान में खेल रहे हैं।
English: The children are playing in the playground.
Q.6 Grammar
10 Marks
(a) Determiners: (3 × 1 = 3)
- much[cite: 1]
- Every[cite: 1]
- a few[cite: 1]
(b) Non-finites: (2 × 1 = 2)
- reading[cite: 1]
- sit[cite: 1]
(c) Transformation of Sentences (Any two): (2 × 1 = 2)
- The box was too heavy for me to lift.[cite: 1]
- He is taller than any other boy in the class.[cite: 1]
- Riya is so weak that she cannot walk.[cite: 1]
(d) Voice (Any two): (2 × 1 = 2)
- Many trees were planted by the students.[cite: 1]
- The lesson is being explained by the teacher.[cite: 1]
- Many flowers were planted by the gardener.[cite: 1]
(e) Narration (Any one): (1 × 1 = 1)
- Father advised me to always speak the truth.[cite: 1]
- The teacher ordered the students not to make noise.[cite: 1]
Q.7 Objective Type Questions
10 × 1 = 10 Marks
(A) Intensive Study: (5 Marks)
- He attended college only during tests or exam clearances, missing routine class lectures[cite: 1].
- Violin[cite: 1].
- Edward de Bono[cite: 1].
- (b) A. G. Gardiner[cite: 1]
- (b) politeness[cite: 1]
(B) Extensive Study: (5 Marks)
- To teach thoughtfulness, humanity, and genuine sympathy toward the differently abled[cite: 1].
- Hryukin (the goldsmith)[cite: 1].
- Sulekha[cite: 1].
- (b) Otchumyelov[cite: 1]
- (b) He demanded dowry[cite: 1]
Q.8 Poetry
7 Marks
(A) Stanza Comprehension (Any four): (4 Marks)
- Prayer of the Woods[cite: 1]
- Anonymous[cite: 1]
- The forest / The trees[cite: 1]
- For making handles of hoes, doors of houses, cradles, and coffins (any two)[cite: 1].
- Trees provide selfless service to humankind from birth to death; therefore, humans must protect and not harm them[cite: 1].
OR
- The Echoing Green[cite: 1]
- William Blake[cite: 1]
- The children playing on the green fields[cite: 1].
- The sun sets, games end, and the tired children return to their mothers' laps to rest[cite: 1].
- aabb[cite: 1]
(B) Central Idea (Any one): (3 Marks)
On Friendship: True friendship is a divine, selfless bond founded on mutual love, trust, and spiritual harmony[cite: 1]. A true friend shares both triumphs and sorrows without harboring personal or material motives[cite: 1].
OR
The Echoing Green: The poem portrays the innocence of childhood, the fond recollections of old age, and the peaceful close of human life, drawing a warm parallel between the stages of life and the natural transition from sunrise to sunset[cite: 1].
Q.9 Intensive Study (20–30 words)
3 × 2 = 6 Marks
- Hassan stayed up late at night and slept through the morning hours, skipping regular college lectures and only showing up to clear attendance cutoffs before examinations[cite: 1].
- Philip wore an oversized shirt secured loosely with pins[cite: 1]. During his performance, the pins came undone and the sleeves slipped down to his hands, causing the audience to laugh and throwing him into confusion[cite: 1].
- Thomas took a nominal $5,000 bank loan against his luxury Ferrari[cite: 1]. This allowed him to securely park his vehicle in the bank's underground garage for two weeks at a negligible interest expense[cite: 1].
- Good manners act as social lubrication that eases day-to-day interactions, promotes collective goodwill, and preserves civility without imposing any financial burden[cite: 1].
- A passenger entered the elevator and demanded "Top", refusing to add "Top, please"[cite: 1]. Insulted by this discourtesy, the lift-man threw him out of the elevator[cite: 1].
Q.10 Extensive Study (20–30 words)
2 × 2 = 4 Marks
- The school organized practical disability days (Blind Day, Lame Day, Deaf Day, Dumb Day) where students experienced physical challenges firsthand with the support of assigned helpers[cite: 1].
- A stray dog bit his finger, impeding his work as a goldsmith; he sought compensation for the injury and lost wages from whoever owned the animal[cite: 1].
- Her teacher spoke with gentleness, patience, and affection[cite: 1]. She helped Bholi overcome her stammer, dispelled her inner fears, and nurtured her into an independent woman of dignity[cite: 1].
Q.11 Long Answer Type – Intensive Study (100–120 words)
5 Marks
(a) Importance of Regularity (Hassan's Character):
Sudha Murthy’s "Hassan’s Attendance Problem" highlights that brilliance without discipline leads to failure[cite: 1]. Hassan was an exceptionally bright, capable student pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Applications, but he suffered from chronic irregularity[cite: 1]. He skipped classes, studied only selected questions before examinations, and took pride in being an attendance defaulter[cite: 1]. His parents and teachers tried to counsel him, but he never amended his conduct[cite: 1]. Consequently, while his disciplined peers achieved prominent corporate positions, Hassan failed to secure stable employment and ended up selling software door-to-door[cite: 1]. The story demonstrates that sustained hard work, punctuality, and discipline are far more essential than raw intelligence alone[cite: 1].
OR
(b) Importance of Lateral Thinking:
Lateral thinking involves solving complex issues through an indirect, creative approach instead of conventional logic[cite: 1]. In the pebble story, a shrewd moneylender placed two black pebbles in a bag, intending to coerce a maiden into marriage[cite: 1]. Using lateral thinking, the girl pulled out a pebble and purposefully dropped it onto the pebble-strewn ground[cite: 1]. Since the pebble remaining in the bag was black, the lost pebble was presumed white, saving her father from ruin and freeing her from the marriage[cite: 1]. Similarly, Thomas pledged his $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan to park safely in New York City for just $15.41 in interest[cite: 1]. Both examples prove how thinking out of the box resolves seemingly insurmountable challenges[cite: 1].
Q.12 Long Answer Type – Extensive Study (100–120 words)
5 Marks
(a) Miss Beam’s Educational Vision:
Miss Beam ran an unconventional school designed not merely to teach academic subjects, but to develop kindness, civic responsibility, and genuine sympathy in young minds[cite: 1]. Under her curriculum, every child spent designated days acting as blind, lame, deaf, dumb, or injured[cite: 1]. On Blind Day, eyes were bandaged, requiring other children to act as guides[cite: 1]. This experiential training allowed children to directly encounter the physical struggles, anxiety, and vulnerabilities faced by differently abled individuals[cite: 1]. It taught both the participants and their helpers the value of patience and empathy[cite: 1]. Miss Beam’s innovative method successfully turned children into thoughtful, compassionate, and responsible members of society[cite: 1].
OR
(b) Transformation of Bholi:
Bholi had been neglected by her family because of her pockmarked face, stammer, and slow learning caused by a childhood head injury[cite: 1]. She grew up frightened, introverted, and stripped of self-worth[cite: 1]. Her entry into the village school marked a total turning point[cite: 1]. Her teacher treated her with tenderness, encouragement, and understanding, coaxing her past her stammer and nurturing her intellect[cite: 1]. Years of education instilled confidence, clarity of thought, and self-respect[cite: 1]. When Bishamber Nath, an elderly and greedy suitor, demanded a ₹5,000 dowry at their wedding, Bholi boldly flung the garland into the sacred fire and refused the alliance[cite: 1]. Transformed into an independent woman, she resolved to care for her aging parents and teach in the very school that had empowered her[cite: 1].
