CBSE Class 12 English Core Set 3 - (1/3/3) Question Paper 2026 with Solution PDF

Question 1 (Passage / Extract):

Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Science fiction, often abbreviated as sci-fi, is a genre of literature and film that explores imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced technology, space exploration, time travel, and extra-terrestrial life. While sci-fi has long captivated audiences in western countries, its growth in India has been comparatively slower. However, the genre is gradually gaining popularity among Indian readers and writers.
(2) One of the major advantages of science fiction is its ability to stimulate imagination and curiosity. It encourages readers to think beyond the present and explore possibilities that lie in the future. For students and young readers, sci-fi can act as a bridge between literature and science, making learning more engaging. Books like Isaac Asimov’s Foundation or Indian writer Samit Basu’s Turbulence have introduced scientific ideas in exciting narratives.
(3) Science fiction also reflects social and ethical concerns. In a rapidly changing world, sci-fi allows authors to speculate on how technology might shape society, for better or worse. In India, where issues like climate change, overpopulation, and digital surveillance are becoming more relevant, science fiction provides a creative lens through which these problems can be examined.

According to paragraph 1, how did the western countries react to science fiction ?

Complete the following suitably. In paragraph 1, the author uses the word ‘comparatively’ to highlight __________.

Identify one advantage of science fiction with reference to paragraph 2.

Why does the writer refer to science fiction as a ‘bridge’ ? (Paragraph 2) Because :

• (A) it connects youth to adults.
  
• (B) it makes learning more interactive.
  
• (C) it supports introduction to reading among early readers.
  
• (D) it helps build better engineers and doctors.

‘...science fiction provides a creative lens through which these problems can be examined.’ (Paragraph 3) In the given line, what does the phrase ‘creative lens’ refer to ?

Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 4. possibility : potential :: unique : ________

• (A) mainstream
  
• (B) access
  
• (C) homegrown
  
• (D) niche

Why is science fiction still not very popular in India ? (Paragraph 4)

Provide one textual evidence with reference to paragraph 4 to prove that there is a lack of mainstream platforms.

In what context does the author use the phrase ‘broaden the audience base’ in paragraph 5 ?

Assess the feasibility of steps suggested to promote science fiction in India. (Paragraph 5)

Question 2 (Passage / Extract):

Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Introduction : Nutrition plays a critical role in human development, especially during periods of growth, aging, and recovery. This case study explores the changing nutritional requirements across age groups — from children to the elderly ⎯ highlighting how dietary habits must adapt to support health and wellbeing.
(2) Methodology : A team of dietitians conducted a three-month observational study across five schools, two universities, three workplaces, and two retirement communities. Nutritional intake was recorded using food diaries, and health parameters were monitored through BMI, energy levels, and blood reports.
(3) Survey Examination : Participants were grouped into four age categories : children (6 – 12 years), adolescents (13 – 19 years), adults (20 – 59 years), and elderly (60+ years). Surveys assessed daily intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), alongside hydration habits and meal frequency.

Complete the following suitably.
In the introduction, the researcher links changing dietary requirements to highlight __________.

What would the following be classified as ? Nutritional intake was recorded using food diaries. Select the appropriate response :

• (A) Primary purpose
  
• (B) Secondary objective
  
• (C) Method of analysis
  
• (D) Research outcome

Give two points to support how the case study explored various age groups. (Paragraphs 2, 3)

Paragraph 4 includes the words ‘development’ and ‘prevent’. Classify the following sentences as ‘development’ and ‘prevent’. Sentence A : Children had higher energy and protein needs per kilogram of body weight, essential for growth.
Sentence B : Adolescents need increased calcium so that their bone growth is not impacted.

Although all age groups require balanced intake, why do the elderly need more fibre ? (Paragraph 4)

Complete the sentence suitably. Digital tools were used to give hydration reminders to _________.

• (A) ensure people did not get dehydrated
  
• (B) avoid starvation
  
• (C) ensure gradual weight loss
  
• (D) balance consumption of processed food (Paragraph 5)

Why is age-specific nutrition important ? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

What is the key takeaway of the study ?

Attempt in about 50 words.

Many houses in your colony are under construction. As President, Resident Welfare Association, Mayagram, write a notice informing builders to strictly follow the construction timings. Include necessary details. You are Ashleen/Ashok. Put your notice in a box.

Attempt in about 50 words.

Your school, VJ Public School, Gulbagh, is planning to put up a Shakespearean play on its annual day. As head of the Theatre Club, draft a notice inviting students for audition and selection. Include necessary details. You are Ankita/Akshay. Put your notice in a box.

Attempt in about 50 words.

Your school, PQR High School, is planning to organise its annual winter carnival. On behalf of the Principal, draft a formal invitation card to be sent to parents and guests. Mention a compelling highlight of the event with other necessary details.

Attempt in about 50 words.

You are Sonali/Sonu Kumar, Student Counsellor. You have been invited by the Principal, Green Bells Public School, Amartown to give a lecture on the topic ‘Strategies to Improve Focus and Concentration’ for the students of Class X and XII. Write a reply expressing your inability to accept the invitation and also state a relevant reason for the refusal.

Attempt in 120 - 150 words.

You are Deepika/Deepak of 42, R.S. Lane, Manshahr. You are a qualified counsellor. You are disturbed to see children suffering from exam stress. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily suggesting tips for the children to beat the exam stress. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas to draft the letter.

• time management skills
• encouraging proactive study habits
• nutritious diet, good sleep and healthy lifestyle
• relaxation techniques
• share their concerns with friends and parents
• activities to build up confidence

Attempt in 120 - 150 words.

You are Rishi/Reena of 14, M.G. Road, Behenpur. You have recently come across an advertisement for the post of Cyber Analyst. Write an application with bio-data offering your candidature for the same.

You are Rajni/Raghav and are very upset about the increase in cyber bullying among school students today. Write an article exploring the reasons and suggest solutions to help students live in a safe space in the world of digital technology. You may use some of the cues given along with your own ideas.
• Reasons:
• peer pressure, lack of self-esteem
• lack of empathy
• access to digital freedom
• Solutions:
• educate students on safe online behaviour
• collaborate with parents
• establish clear policies and reporting channels

Write a comprehensive report of the Inter-House Cuisine Competition on the theme ‘Healthy Eating’ held in your school. Include details of the event, participation details, students' feedback and its overall impact on the student community. You are Sunidhi/Sudhakar, Student Editor. You may use the following cues along with your own ideas to draft the report.
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• How

Question 7(a) (Passage / Extract):

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much. (Keeping Quiet)

The expression ‘we will all keep still’ reflects:

• (A) the poet’s willingness to keep quiet.
  
• (B) the significance of stillness.
  
• (C) the poet’s appeal for collective engagement.
  
• (D) the purpose of counting up to twelve.
  

What does the poet want us to stop?

Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet advocates the importance of keeping quiet.
Reason : He believes that silence can bring out profound changes in our perspective and lifestyle.
Choose the correct option :

• (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
  
• (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
  
• (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
  
• (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Complete the following statement correctly :
The poet urges the people to count to twelve so that __________.

‘Counting to twelve’ is suggested as a _____________ (synchronized/disorganized) effort for everybody to keep quiet.

How can the message in the excerpt, about silence and stillness be applied to promote peace in today’s world ?

Question 7(b) (Passage / Extract):

The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,

The first two lines of the extract refer to the :

• (A) description of the flourishing city.
  
• (B) flowing of traffic.
  
• (C) description of the roadside stand.
  
• (D) expectation of the rural people.

Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason :
The cash flow is important for urban life because ________.

Complete the following sentence suitably :
Rural people put up their roadside stands in the hope of ________.

Choose the correct option :
The expression ‘flower of cities’ reflects the ________ (prosperity/poverty) of city life.

Why is the roadside stand described as pathetic ?

Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract :
Assertion : Rural people put up their stand at the edge of the road.
Reason : The flow of traffic will help them promote their business.
Choose the correct option :

• (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
  
• (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
  
• (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
  
• (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

Question 8(a) (Passage / Extract):

Read the following extracts and answer the questions:
‘‘You are to come to the palace,’’ the man said. ‘‘The old General is in pain again.’’
‘‘Oh,’’ Hana breathed, ‘‘is that all ?’’
‘‘All ?’’ the messenger exclaimed.
‘‘Is it not enough ?’’
“Indeed it is,” she replied. ‘‘I am very sorry.’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Hana breathed. ‘‘Is that all ?’’
What is the reason for Hana’s tone of relief in the above expression ?

Complete the following analogy by choosing one word from the extract :
pain : pleasure :: courage : __________

According to the above extract, Hana was drained and weakened due to __________.

• (A) \(sadness\)
  
• (B) \(frustration\)
  
• (C) \(anger\)
  
• (D) \(fear\)

Complete the following sentence suitably.
Dr. Sadao was asked to come to the palace to __________.

Question 8(b) (Passage / Extract):

And he added, ‘‘Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect; we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. ...’’

The expression ‘these indignities’ in the above extract refers to ________ .

List one personality trait that is exhibited by the speaker in the above extract.

What, according to the speaker, is the way out of the situation ?

• (A) \(education\)
  
• (B) \(aggression\)
  
• (C) \(compliance\)
  
• (D) \(legislation\)

The message conveyed in the given extract is ________.

Question 9(a) (Passage / Extract):

Read the following extracts and answer the questions:

What do ‘flickering oil lamps’ suggest ?

Select the correct option from those given in brackets to fill in the blank.
The description of the hutments highlights the ___________ situation of the workers. (pathetic/comfortable)

Bring out the irony in the statement, ‘‘Their eyes are more adjusted to the dark than to the light outside.’’

Complete the following suitably.
The boys and girls sitting with their fathers and mothers in the dark hutments indicates ___________.

What does the following line from the extract showcase ?
That is why, they often end up losing their eyesight before they become adults.

• (A) \(expectation\)
  
• (B) \(conclusion\)
  
• (C) \(confusion\)
  
• (D) \(concession\)

Select the textual option that is closest to acceptance of their plight.

• (A) next to lines of flames of flickering oil lamps
  
• (B) they often end up losing their eyesight
  
• (C) welding pieces of coloured glass
  
• (D) sit boys and girls with their fathers and mothers

Question 9(b) (Passage / Extract):

But Champaran did not begin as an act of defiance. It grew out of an attempt to alleviate the distress of large numbers of poor peasants. This was the typical Gandhi pattern — his politics were intertwined with the practical, day-to-day problems of the millions. His was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living, human beings. In everything Gandhi did, moreover, he tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his own feet and thus make India free.

Choose the option that stands as an example of ‘act of defiance’ :

• (A) She immediately yielded to the request of her brother.
  
• (B) Sunil was frightened by the noise of the explosion.
  
• (C) Despite his father’s strict warning, Arun ventured out in the night.
  
• (D) The manager humiliated the peon in front of the entire staff.

What was the primary purpose of the Champaran episode as suggested in the extract ?

The expression ‘to mould’ in the above extract suggests :

• (A) \(to release\)
  
• (B) \(to shape\)
  
• (C) \(to advise\)
  
• (D) \(to help\)

The above extract suggests that Gandhi was more concerned about ____________ (politics/people).

What does the writer mean by the expression ‘typical Gandhi pattern’ ?

Complete the following analogy by choosing one word from the above extract :
disagree : oppose :: mitigate : _________

Franz didn’t learn enough French. Whom does M. Hamel blame for this? (The Last Lesson)

In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’, why does the poet use the word ‘smile’ repeatedly?

Keats feels that nature binds us to the Earth. How does he justify this? (A Thing of Beauty)

Umberto Eco uses passive waiting periods and turns them into essentially active writing time. Explain. (The Interview)

What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios? (Poets and Pancakes)

The peasants were themselves the most crucial agents in the success of the Champaran Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain. (Indigo)

Why was Charley in ‘The Third Level’ keen to buy old currency ?

The Maharaja, on the third birthday of the crown prince, gave him a special gift. What was special about the gift ? (The Tiger King)

What efforts did Zitkala-Sa make to save her hair from being cut ? (Memories of Childhood)

The peddler’s temptation for money and Sophie’s unrealistic dreams were the root cause for the sufferings of both the characters. Analyse the lessons ‘The Rattrap’ and ‘Going Places’ in the light of the above statement.

Analyse the portrayal of fear and freedom in ‘Deep Water’ and ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.

People with physical impairments deserve acceptance, not sympathy. How does the play ‘On The Face Of It’ advocate the above philosophy through the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry.

‘Journey to the end of the Earth’ gives an awakening call to man to act with responsibility to save the environment. Substantiate the above statement with textual evidence.