Paper Pattern ( English Std. XII ) Maharashtra State Board

Here is the paper pattern of Maharashtra State Board HSC English Paper  ( Total Marks - 80 ) 

Note : The paper is of 100 marks

80 marks for theory paper and 20 marks for Oral Examination.

Wh Type of Question ( Grammar )

Remember the Rule  :

1. While framing WH type of questions , we need to put helping verb immediately after the Wh word 

For example :

i. We are going to Mumbai.

Ans. Where are we going ?

( If you write : Where we are going ? Your answer will be wrong )

ii. They love to sing.

Ans. What do they love ?

( If you write : What they love ?

Your answer will be wrong )

2. Putting a question mark (?) at the end of each question is compulsory.

Example :

Do not write : 

i. What is your name.

Instead write 

i. What is your name ?

Examples to understand the concept :

Frame a WH type of question to get the underlined part as it's answer :

1. Radha is a good girl.

Ans. Who is a good girl ?

2. We had travelled by train.

Ans. How had we travelled ?

3. Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister.

Ans. Who is the Chief Minister?

4. They are late because they missed the bus.

Ans. Why are they late?

 5. Dr. Khan had a golden touch.

Ans. Who had a golden touch?

6. We will go to Karjat.

Ans. Where will we go ?

Note : 

Sometimes we do not have the helping verbs given in the sentences.

In that case we need to identify the tense and figure out the helping verb.

A. If the tense of the sentence is simple present then we take do/does as a helping verb to put next to the WH word :

Let's understand with examples :

1. He needs breads. ( Simple present tense )

Ans. What does he need ?

( Does is used because the word/pronoun "He" is singular)

2. The teacher gives warning to Amit.

Ans Whom does the teacher give warning to ?

( Does is used because the word "The teacher" is singular)

3. Elephants walk heavily.

Ans. How do Elephants walk ? 

( do is used because the word "elephants" is plural )

4. They like red colour.

Ans. What/Which colour do they like?

( do is used because the word/pronoun "They" is plural )

5. He likes to play basketball. 

Ans. What does he like to play?

B. If the tense of the sentence is simple past then we take did as a helping verb to put next to the WH word :

Examples :

1. India got freedom in 1947. 

Ans. When did India get freedom?

2. Students went to the Red Fort. 

Ans. Where did the students go?

3. He dedicated the book “Ignited Mind” to Snehal Thakhar.

Ans. Whom did he dedicate the book "Ignited Mind" to ?

4. She bought a new car.

Ans. What did she buy ?

5. They went to the beach.

Ans. Where did they go ?

6. They visited Paris last summer.

Ans. When did they visit Paris?

7. She baked a cake for her friend's birthday.

Ans. Why did she bake a cake?

I hope it's all clear now to understand when to use do/does/did when helping verb is missing from the sentence while we frame WH type of questions :

Let's practise now !!! ( Answers are given at the end of this exercise but do not copy. First solve all the questions and then see how many of them you get right !!🙂)

1. The movie starts at 7 p.m.

2. She will buy groceries.

3. The concert was fantastic.

4. They had visited the museum last year.

5. She reads novels in her free time.

6. A beautiful picture she painted.

7. They were watching a movie at home.

8. He called his mother yesterday.

9. I saw a girl.

10. She practises Yoga every morning.

11. The book is kept on the table.

12. The cat is sleeping in the Sun.

Answers :

1. When does the movie start ?

2. What will she buy ?

3. How was the concert?

4. When had they visited the museum?

5. What does she read in her free time ?

6. What did she paint ?

7. Where were they watching a movie ?

8. Who did he call yesterday?

9. Who did I see ?

10. When does she practise Yoga ?

11. Where is the book kept ?

12. Where is the cat sleeping?

Well done🎉

Can/Be able to ( Grammar )

Can/Could are interchangeable🔁 with Be able to

Be in "be able to" means am/is/are/was/were

Note : In a sentence it can either be can/could or be able to. They mean the same hence can't be together in the same sentence.

Also ,

Can  =  Present Tense 

 

Could = Past Tense 

Examples :

 

1. I can play. (Use be able to )

Ans. I am able to play. 

 

2. I could play (Use be able to) 

Ans. I was able to play. 

 

3.I can not write an essay. 

Ans. I am unable to write an essay. 

Or

I am not able to write an essay.

4. She can swim effortlessly in the ocean.

Ans. She is able to swim effortlessly in the ocean.

5. They could solve complex mathematical problems in minutes.

Ans. They were able to solve complex mathematical problems in minutes.

6. He can play the guitar with incredible skill.

Ans. He is able to play the guitar with incredible skill.

7.The team could win the championship with their exceptional teamwork.

Ans. The team was able to win the championship with their exceptional teamwork.

8. Maria can speak five languages fluently.

Ans. Maria is able to speak five languages fluently.

9. Despite her fear of heights, she could climb the tallest mountains.

Ans. Despite her fear of heights , she was able to climb the tallest mountains.

10. The engineers could design a revolutionary new technology.

Ans. The engineers were able to design a revolutionary new technology.

11.The cat could not catch the mice.

Ans. The cat was unable to catch the mice.

12. They couldn't run a marathon without breaking a sweat.

Ans. They were not able to run a marathon without breaking a sweat.

13. He can fix almost anything around the house.

Ans. He is able to fix almost anything around the house.

14. Despite the weather, they could finish the construction on time.

Ans. Despite the weather, they were able to finish the construction on time.

15. The artists can create stunning masterpieces.

Ans. The artist are able to create stunning masterpieces.

 

Exercise :

Rewrite the following sentences using “be able to”. 

( Answers are given at the end of the exercise but please first try to solve and see how many of the questions you get right.🙂)

1. He could tell me.  

2. They could tell me.

3. She can work.

4. I can write a letter.

5. She could eat a mango. 

6. She could not eat sandwich. 

7. I cannot write an essay. 

8. Reuben could not ask his father for money.

9. Chaitanya can draw.

10. The children could memorize the entire poem in just one day.

11. She can bake delicious cakes and pastries.

12. With his determination, he could lift heavy weights effortlessly.

13. The software engineers could develop a cutting-edge app in record time.

14. Despite the obstacles, they can persevere through challenging situations.

15. The students could understand complex scientific concepts easily.

16. She can dance gracefully, captivating the audience.

17.Despite the limited resources, they could build a successful business from scratch.

Answers :

1.He was able to tell me.

2.They were able to tell me.  

3.She is able to work.  

4.I am able to write a letter.

5.She was able to eat a mango.

6.She was not able to eat sandwich.

7.I am not able to write an essay.

8.Reuben was not able to ask his father for money.

9. Chaitanya was able to draw.

10. The children were able to memorize the entire poem in just one day.

11. She is able to bake delicious cakes and pastries.

12. With his determination, he was able to lift heavy weights effortlessly.

13. The software engineers were able to develop a cutting-edge app in record time.

14. Despite the obstacles, they are able to persevere through challenging situations.

15. The students were able to understand complex scientific concepts easily.

16. She is able to dance gracefully, captivating the audience.

17. Despite the limited resources, they were able to build a successful business from scratch.

 

The Inchcape Rock(Appreciation and poetic creativity)

 

Ans. Q.3.B. of the HSC Board English Question Paper which comes for 04 marks.

Note : 

1. There are total 8 poems given in the course book of std. XII ( Maharashtra State Board ) and students need to prepare for appreciation of all 8 poems.

2. This is just the SAMPLE. Students are encouraged to understand the poem well and then try writing their own appreciation.

3. Appreciation needs to be written PARAGRAPH WISE. ( Total 06 paragraphs keeping in mind all points in proper sequence as given in textbook.)

The Inchcape Rock -Appreciation

          The poem " The Inchcape Rock" is penned down by Robert Southey - a poet laureate of England from 1813-1843. The poem is a ballad which tells us the story of the 14th century attempt by the Abbot of Aberbrothok to install a warning bell on Inchcape - a notorious sandstone reef off the Scottish east coast.

           Southey wrote this poem as he was inspired by the legendary story of a pirate who removed the bell placed by the Abbot and how he himself fell into the well he dug for others so he could loot them. Hence , the theme of the poem is that those who do wrong will meet with due punishment.

           This ballad is composed a narrative style and all stanzas follow the rhyme scheme "aabb". The poet has beautifully embellished the poem with a number of figures of speech like alliteration , antithesis, repetition,  inversion , onomatopoeia , etc. Also , the poet has used a lot of old English words like "blest" , "cants" , etc . The language used is lucid and flawless.

         The injection of symbolic poet justice in the end of the poem is the special feature of this poem where Ralph the Rover falls in the same pit he dug for others.

          The very clear message this poem gives is that those who carry malice and wickedness for others , will cause their own doom as " As you sow , so shall you reap."

          In my opinion , this poem is very much relevant even in today's time and it timeless and it will keep reminding us all and generations to come that those who will do bad , bad will happen to them for sure.

The example given here is just a sample. It would be nice if you compose your own poem of 4 lines.

2.3 Compose four to six lines on " Sea "

Ans. Sea

The sea sees innumerable storms

Yet it remains so patient and calm

It's rising and falling waves ready fo remind

That will drown all those one day who are bad and unkind.

Indian Weavers(Appreciation and poetic creativity)

 Ans. Q.3.B. of the HSC Board English Question Paper which comes for 04 marks.

Note : 

1. There are total 8 poems given in the course book of std. XII ( Maharashtra State Board ) and students need to prepare for appreciation of all 8 poems.

2. This is just the SAMPLE. Students are encouraged to understand the poem well and then try writing their own appreciation.

3. Appreciation needs to be written PARAGRAPH WISE. ( Total 06 paragraphs keeping in mind all points in proper sequence as given in textbook.)

Indian Weavers - Appreciation

           The poem "Indian Weavers" is written by Sarojini Naidu who was a political activist , feminist and an important figure in India's struggle for Independence. This poem is a short poem where the poet talks about three types of garment that the weavers are weaving at three particular times of the day and it represents the three important events of life. The title of the poem is very apt as throughout the poem , the poet is in conversation with the Indian weavers.

           The central theme of the poem is parallelism drawn between the three parts of the weavers' workday and the three stages of human life that is birth ( childhood ) , adulthood ( young) and death ( old ). Also , the colours mentioned in the stanzas are very significant as they indicate the moods related to the events.

          The poem is a metaphor for the cycle of life with each stanza having a question to evoke the reader's interest. Figures of speech like alliteration "Like the plumes of the peacock..." , imagery ( vivid use of imagery paints a clear picture in reader's mind ) and simile (Blue as the wing of....new-born child ) have been beautifully infused to make the poem an interesting read. The language of the poem is very simple and lucid that helps reader to connect with it instantly.

           The poem is just of 12 lines yet so effortlessly it talks about the three stages of human life and also throws a light on importance of Indian weavers.

           The poem sends the message about human life where each stage/phase has it's unique emotions that last for a while before the next one comes along to take it's place.

          In my opinion,  this poem is a must read. The use of color scheme to portray three stages of life is worth praising.

Poetic Creativity (Comes in exam for 02 marks)

The example given here is just a sample. It would be nice if you compose your own poem of 4 lines.

2.2 Compose four lines on " Importance of clothes"

Ans. Importance of Clothes

One of the three basic needs ,

Clothes are representatives of our personalities indeed.

Just like a mother , our protective caretaker they are,

Protecting our modesty since ages and making us shine with confidence like a star.

Song of the open Road(Appreciation and poetic creativity)

Ans. Q.3.B. of the HSC Board English Question Paper (04 marks)

Note:

1. There are a total of 8 poems in the Std. XII Maharashtra State Board textbook, and students must prepare appreciation for all 8 poems.

2. This is just a sample. Students should understand the poem well and then write their own appreciation.

3. Appreciation must be written paragraph-wise (06 paragraphs in the proper sequence as given in the textbook).

4. The bold headings are ONLY for understanding. Students should NOT write these headings in the exam. They must write appreciation in paragraph format only.

   “Song of the Open Road” – Appreciation

   The poem “Song of the Open Road” is written by…

   The poem “Song of the Open Road” is written by Walt Whitman and is included in his famous collection Leaves of Grass. It is an inspirational poem that talks about optimism, freedom, self-love, and belief in oneself. The poet/speaker is starting a new journey on an open road, and he feels healthy, free, and confident because he can choose to go wherever he wishes. He is done with his routine life and is ready to explore new things and gain new experiences.

   The theme of the poem is…

   The theme of the poem is freedom, optimism, self-love, and above all, the joy of taking on the journey. Throughout the poem, the poet encourages his readers to break away from everything that stops them from being free and reminds them to believe in themselves. His aim is to make readers stress-free from worldly burdens, as he believes those burdens can be handled even while travelling.

   The language used in the poem is…

   The poem is a dramatic monologue. The poet has used free verse so that he does not have to worry about rhyming or metrical patterns and can express his thoughts freely. His writing style is as free as his attitude towards life, and free verse helps him connect with his readers in a natural and familiar manner. The language used in the poem is simple and lucid. The frequent use of the personal pronoun “I” emphasizes self-belief, self-motivation, and freedom from stress. The poet uses repetition to highlight the importance of beginning the journey on the open road. He also uses metaphor to compare the road of travel with the road of life, symbolizing equality, opportunity, and progress.

   The special feature of this poem is…

   One special feature of the poem is the addition of the last four lines in parentheses—written as if they suddenly came to his mind and he is speaking to his readers in confidence. Apart from this, the poem is one of the early poems written in free verse.

   The message that this poem gives us is…

   The poem gives an important message that readers should be open to moving forward and enjoying the journey of life. It teaches that one should be bold and content with whatever one has. It also highlights the importance of being free, having faith in our abilities, and understanding that worries can be managed anytime and anywhere.

   In my opinion, the poem…

   In my opinion, it is a beautiful poem that inspires us to explore the world and our lives by using our abilities. It also teaches that one should not stop progressing because of criticisms or complaints from the world.

   Poetic Creativity – Song of the Open Road (02 marks)

   Q.3.A (A5)
   The example given here is only a sample. Students are expected to compose their own 4 poetic lines based on the theme.

   2.1 Compose four lines on “The road that leads to my college”

   The road that leads to my college                 Is my gateway to a bright future—

   A future full of hopes and happiness,
   A future filled with knowledge and enlightenment.

   This road is my teacher, as it teaches me to be kind and rooted.
   

   It teaches me to be helpful and ever ready to learn new things.

Small Towns and Rivers ( Appreciation and Poetic creativity)

Ans. Q.3.B. of the HSC Board English Question Paper which comes for 04 marks.

Note : 

1. There are total 8 poems given in the course book of std. XII ( Maharashtra State Board ) and students need to prepare for appreciation of all 8 poems.

2. This is just the SAMPLE. Students are encouraged to understand the poem well and then try writing their own appreciation.

3. Appreciation needs to be written PARAGRAPH WISE. ( Total 06 paragraphs keeping in mind all points in proper sequence as given in textbook.)

Appreciation of the poem "Small Towns and Rivers"

Ans. 

           The poem " Small Towns and Rivers" - taken from the collection "The River Poems" is written by Mamang Dai. Mamang Dai is a poet , journalist and a former civil servant and this poem is based on the belief of tribal people from Northeast India that the souls of their loved ones continue to dwell in the natural elements around. She also throws light on how life and death are transient but rituals and nature are permanent. The title of the poem is suitable because the poet talks about how small towns and Rivers are getting polluted and destroyed due to "modernization" and industrialization.

          The major them of the poem is conservation of Nature and it's resources in our surroundings. The poet says that the town's are prospering but nature is getting destroyed. Mamang Dai expresses her anxiety on the development happening in small towns.

          The poet has used simple language yet her thoughts are fragmented. She has beautifully used free verse to let her emotions flow. The use of figures of speech has enriched the overall impression of the poem. Use of repetition in line " Life and death.... permanent" , alliteration in line "We all want to walk...." , Transferred epithet in line "....sad wreath...", personification in line "River has a soul..", antithesis in life "life and death....", etc. add beauty to the poem.

            This poem is written in free verse so as to express poet's thoughts without any restrictions of rhyme, rhythm of metre. Also ,this poem is a nature poem but here the poet is not just celebrating the beauty of her small town but also lamenting how it is getting destroyed by the development.

           The message of the poem is quite clear. The poet gives us the message that small towns and nature around it remind us and make us feel the presence of our loved ones as their souls become one with nature after their departure from our world but due to the fast paced development, the nature is getting destroyed and so along with the nature are also going away the souls of our loved ones. She urges to conserve nature by saying that rivers are choking and we must pay attention to the changes before it gets too late.

           The poem with its deep meaning and strong message touches the strings of the readers' hearts. For all those who are nature lovers and even those who are not , this poem is a must read and an eye opener.

Poetic Creativity (Comes in exam for 02 marks)

Compose 4 to 6 lines on "Gifts of Seasons"

Ans. Gifts of Seasons

Spring brings buds to happily bloom,

Summer's warmth brightens the room.

Autumn's golden leaves fall with grace,

And Winter takes us in, in it's pleasant embrace.

Each season, a gift, how unique in its reasons,

Nature gifts us, the gift of changing seasons.