CBSE Class 12 English Important MCQ Questions with Answers - Practice Guide

The Class 12^th English language paper is a key determinant in your overall percentage. To maximize your results, strategic preparation is essential. But how do you effectively master language papers? What is the secret to scoring higher, and how should you approach the MCQ-based format? While the goal is clear, the path requires focused effort. Use this comprehensive preparation guide to sharpen your skills and hit your target score. Explore our collection of CBSE Class 12th English Important MCQ Questions with Answers below.

CBSE Class 12th English Important MCQ Questions

The question paper is designed to be balanced, ensuring it is accessible to students of all proficiency levels. Mastering these questions requires a strong grasp of the Class 12 English MCQ format. Additionally, literature now comprises half of the exam, and with 20 out of 30 questions derived from Reference to Context (RTC) passages, thorough chapter comprehension is your best strategy. By practicing these stand-alone MCQs, you will train yourself to analyze texts critically, as the current pattern shifts the focus from rote learning to testing true language comprehension.

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CBSE Class 12 English MCQ Questions with Answers

 

Section A: Reading Comprehension

 

1. Read the passage carefully. (Q 1-14)

 

1. I got posted in Srinagar in the 1980s. Its rugged mountains, gushing rivers and vast

The meadows reminded me of the landscapes of my native place – the Jibhi Valley in

Himachal Pradesh. Unlike Srinagar, which saw numerous tourists, Jibhi Valley remained

clouded in anonymity. That’s when the seed of starting tourism in Jibhi was planted. I

decided to leave my service in the Indian Army and follow the urge to return home.

 

1. We had two houses – a family house and a traditional house, which we often rented out.

I pleaded with my father to ask the tenant to vacate the house so that I could convert it into a

guesthouse. When my family finally relented, I renovated the house, keeping its originality

intact while adding windows to let in natural light.

 

I vividly remember the summer of 1992, when I put a signboard outside my first guesthouse in Jibhi Valley! The village residents were initially skeptical of my success. While my business grew, it took years for tourism to truly flourish. Significant change arrived after 2008, when the government launched a homestay scheme. As tourism boomed, villages transformed into towns with concrete structures, putting an increasing burden on the local environment and natural resources.

 

1. Then, with the 2020-21 pandemic and lockdown, tourism came to a complete standstill in Jibhi Valley. Local people, who were employed at over a hundred homestays and

Guesthouse owners returned to their villages. Some resumed farming, others took up pottery,

and many engaged in government work schemes. Now, we all hope for the return of tourism. In a way, the pandemic provided an opportunity for introspection, allowing us to return to our roots and pursue sustainable development.

 

1. For me, tourism has been my greatest teacher. It brought people from many countries and all states of India to my guesthouse. It gave me exposure to different cultures and

This journey has provided countless opportunities to learn. Most guests who stayed at my

guesthouse became repeat clients and dear friends. Reflecting on this, I feel proud and humbled

that I fulfilled my dream despite challenges and helped establish sustainable tourism in the beautiful valley I call home.

(394 words)

 

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following

questions by selecting the correct option.

 

Q1. The scenic beauty of Srinagar makes the writer feel:

(a) awestruck

(b) nostalgic

(c) cheerful

(d) confused

 

Q2. A collocation is a group of words that often occur together.

The writer says that Jibhi Valley remained "clouded in anonymity."

 

Select the word from the options that correctly collocates with "clouded in":

(a) disgust

(b) anger

(c) doubt

(d) terror

 

Q3. Select the option that suitably completes the dialogue as per the context in paragraph II.

Father: Are you sure that your plan will work?

Writer: I can’t say (1) .....................................................

Father: That’s a lot of uncertainty, isn’t it?

Writer: (2) ..........................................................., father. Please let’s do this.

(a) (1) that I would be able to deal with the funding (2) Well begun is half done

(b) (1) anything along those lines, as the competition is tough (2) Think before you leap

(c) (1) that, because it’s a question of profit and loss (2) All’s well that ends well

(d) (1) I’m sure, but I can say that I believe in myself (2) Nothing venture, nothing gain

 

Q4. Which signboard would the writer have chosen for his 1992 venture in Jibhi Valley?

(a) Before 2008 / After 2008: Picturesque landscapes / Construction sites and commerce

(b) Before 2008 / After 2008: Zero tourism in the valley / Skeptical villagers

(c) Before 2008 / After 2008: Buildings and hotels / Profitable ventures

(d) Before 2008 / After 2008: Scenic surroundings / Zero tourism in the valley

 

(a) option 1

(b) option 2

(c) option 3

(d) option 4

 

Q5. Select the option that clearly indicates the situation before and after 2008 in Jibhi Valley.

 

(a) Before 2008: Picturesque landscapes / After 2008: Construction sites and commerce

(b) Before 2008: Zero tourism / After 2008: Skeptical villagers

(c) Before 2008: Buildings and hotels / After 2008: Profitable ventures

(d) Before 2008: Scenic surroundings / After 2008: Zero tourism

 

Q6. What is the relationship between (1) and (2)?

 

(1) Tourism came to a complete standstill in Jibhi Valley.

(2) Tourism has been my greatest teacher.

(a) (2) is the cause of (1).

(b) (1) repeats the situation described in (2).

(c) (2) elaborates the problem described in (1).

(d) (1) sets the stage for (2).

 

Q7. The writer mentions looking for sustainable solutions because he realizes that:

 

(a) Although natural ecosystems are essential, we must prioritize addressing human economic needs.

(b) Exposure to pandemics is a reality and a major global threat.

(c) For economic recovery to be durable, a return to environmentally destructive investment patterns must be avoided.

(d) There is an increasing urgency for climate action and collaborative future planning.

 

Q8. Select the option that lists a possible customer review for the writer’s project:

(a) Beautiful accommodation in the lap of nature. Luxurious cottage with indoor pool and garden.

(b) Comfortable and peaceful. Neat room with ample sunlight. Pleasant and warm host.

(c) Enjoyed the sprawling suite on the fifth floor. Great view. Professional service.

(d) Remote locale, good food, and clean room. Would have loved more natural light, though.

 

1. Read the passage given below.

 

1. Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles,

According to a 2018-19 survey by an online internship platform, India saw an 80% increase

in applications, reaching 2.2 million compared to 1.27 million the previous year. This trend

was partly driven by industries seeking fresh perspectives to improve productivity. Internships,

once considered a Western concept, are now rapidly gaining momentum in India.

 

1. According to the survey data, India’s National Capital Region has been the top provider of internships, with a total of 35% internship opportunities, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru at 20% and 15%, respectively. This includes opportunities in startups, MNCs and even government entities. The survey also revealed popular fields to find internships in There has been growing awareness among the students about the intern profiles sought by hiring companies that often look for people with real-time experience in management than others.

 

Stipends remain a significant factor. The average stipend was recorded at ₹7,000, with maximums reaching ₹85,000. Statistics show a preference for virtual internships, which received three times as many applications as in-office roles, as many students were already enrolled in courses or preferred remote work.

 

1. Internship portals have sprung up in the last three to four years and many of them

Platforms report healthy monthly traffic, with over 200,000 students and 8,000 companies registered. While these portals bridge the gap between industry and academia, many established companies remain reluctant to hire large numbers of interns.

(355 words)

 

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following

questions by selecting the correct option.

 

Q9. Select the correct inference with reference to the following:

"Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles..."

(a) The past five years have seen active applications by interns to several companies.

(b) The activity for intern profiling by companies has gradually declined over the past five years.

(c) Fewer companies searched for intern profiles earlier compared to the recent five years.

(d) Several companies have initiated intern profiling five times a year in the recent past.

 

Q10. Select the central idea of the paragraph likely to precede paragraph I.

(a) Process of registering for internships

(b) Knowing more about internships

(c) Do’s and Don’ts for an internship interview

(d) Startups and internships

 

Q11. Select the option that displays the true statement with reference to Fig 1.

(a) Internships for Engineering and Management are the top two favorites.

(b) Design & Architecture internships are significantly more popular than others.

(c) Internships for Media and Others have nearly equal popularity.

(d) Management internship popularity is more than twice that for Media.

 

Q12. Based on your reading of paragraphs II-III, select the appropriate counter-argument.

Argument: "I don’t think you’ll be considered for an internship just because you’ve been a student editor and Head of Student Council."

 

(a) Cause: Several students had academic courses to complete / Effect: Students applied for online internships

 

(b) Cause: A large chunk of students preferred in-office internships / Effect: Applications were three times more for virtual internships

 

(c) Cause: A greater number of students wanted to work from home / Effect: Several students had courses to complete

(d) Cause: Students applied for online internships / Effect: An equal number of students applied for work-from-home

Q13. The survey statistics mention the average stipend, indicating that:

 

(a) 50% of interns were offered ₹85,000.

(b) ₹7,000 was the lowest and ₹85,000 was the highest.

(c) most interns were offered around ₹7,000.

(d) No intern was offered more than ₹7,000.

 

Q14. The phrase “healthy traffic” refers to:

(a) updates from portals about health and road safety.

(b) statistics about adherence to traffic rules by the portals.

(c) a sizable number of visitors to the portal per month.

(d) monthly data about the health of internship applicants.

 

 

SECTION - B (WRITING)                                               (Q 15-25)

 

The President of the R.W.A. Chelavoor Heights, Kozhikode, needs to put up a notice informing residents about a power cut in their residential area.

 

Q15. Select the appropriate title for the notice:

(a) Choosing Our Own Power Cuts

(b) Scheduled Power Cut

(c) The Need to Save Power

(d) Power and Resident Safety

 

Q16. Select the option that lists the most accurate opening for this notice:

(a) Greetings and attention please, to one and all in Chelavoor Heights.

(b) This notice is written to share some news with you all about...

(c) This is to inform all the residents of Chelavoor Heights about...

(d) I wish to share with all officials of R.W.A. Chelavoor Heights that...

 

Q17. Select the option with the information points to be included in the body of the notice:

(1) Opinion about regular power cuts (2) Resolution for power cuts (3) Reason for the power cut (4) Timings of the power cut (5) Complaint against regular power cuts (6) Date of the power cut

 

(a) (1) and (4)

(b) (2), (3) and (5)

(c) (2) and (6)

(d) (3), (4) and (6)

 

Q18. Would this notice reflect the name of the R.W.A?

(a) Yes, because it is the issuing body.

(b) No, because it is understood through the signature.

(c) Yes, because it makes it informal.

(d) No, because the title makes it clear.

 

Q19. Select the appropriate conclusion for this notice:

(a) Stay informed.

(b) Collaboration solicited.

(c) Stay prepared.

(d) Inconvenience regretted.

 

1. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer all

questions by selecting the correct option.

 

Venu is a member of "Co-existence," a school club that promotes animal rights. He has to write an article emphasizing the need to prevent cruelty to animals and foster peaceful coexistence between animals and humans.

 

Q20. Select the option that lists an appropriate title for Venu’s article:

(a) Man and Animal: A Struggle to Co-exist

(b) The Rehabilitation and Conservation of Species

(c) Remodeling the Future through Peaceful Coexistence

(d) Smart Moves: Survival of the Fittest

 

Q21. Which option (1-4) should Venu choose to elaborate on reasons for cruelty to animals?

 

(a) Option (1)

(b) Option (2)

(c) Option (3)

(d) Option (4)

 

Q22. Which option would help Venu organize relevant ideas for this article?

(a) Expressing concern about cruelty cases -> Exploring reasons -> Stating effects -> Providing suggestions for coexistence -> Presenting a conclusion.

(b) Stating the effects of cruelty -> Presenting a conclusion -> Providing suggestions -> Expressing concern -> Exploring reasons.

(c) Introducing the purpose -> Information about policies -> Exploring reasons for laws -> Providing suggestions for coexistence -> Presenting a pledge.

(d) Exploring laws for protection -> Questioning efficacy -> Providing suggestions for behavioral improvement -> Introducing purpose -> Appeal for joining.

 

Q23. Which suggestions would be appropriate for Venu’s article?

(a) Reducing human-wildlife conflict, banning habitat destruction, creating more wildlife sanctuaries.

(b) Protecting the environment, penalizing poachers.

(c) Strengthening animal rights laws, increasing awareness, reducing human-wildlife conflict.

(d) Creation of more wildlife sanctuaries and promotion of animal research.

 

Q24. Read a sentence from Venu’s draft and complete it with the most appropriate option:

"As animals find their natural habitat shrinking daily, their interactions with humans keep rising, often to the (i) of humans and with (ii) for the animals."

(a) (i) joy (ii) dangerous outcomes

(b) (i) thrill (ii) lethal consequences

(c) (i) irritation (ii) minimal effects

(d) (i) fear (ii) disastrous results

 

Q25. Which quote should Venu use to summarize the central idea of his article?

(a) "Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." – George Eliot

(b) "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." – Mahatma Gandhi

(c) A tiger may pray, "O Lord, how wicked are these men who do not come and place themselves before me to be eaten..." – Swami Vivekananda

(d) "Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know." – Irene M. Pepperberg

 

 

SECTION – C (LITERATURE)

 

This section includes sub-sections V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX.

 

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

 

"I have nothing else to do," he mutters, looking away. "Go to school," I say glibly, realizing immediately how hollow the advice must sound.

"There is no school in my neighborhood. When they build one, I will go."

"If I start a school, will you come?" I ask, half-joking. "Yes," he says, smiling broadly.

A few days later I see him running up to me. "Is your school ready?"

"It takes longer to build a school," I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not meant. But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.

 

Q26. Saheb’s muttering and “looking away” suggests his:

(a) anger

(b) shyness

(c) embarrassment

(d) anxiety

Q27. Of the four meanings of “glibly,” select the option that matches its usage in the extract:

(a) showing a degree of informality

(b) lacking depth and substance

(c) being insincere and deceitful

(d) speaking with fluency

 

Q28. Who do you think Saheb is referring to as “they” in the given sentence?

"When they build one, I will go."

(a) The officials

(b) The inhabitants

(c) The teachers

(d) The journalists

 

Q29. Select the option that lists the feelings and attitudes corresponding to the following:

(1) I ask half-joking

(2) ...he says, smiling broadly

 

(a) (1) part arrogance, part seriousness (2) hesitation

(b) (1) part amusement, part irritation (2) submissiveness

(c) (1) part concern, part hurt (2) pride

(d) (1) part humor, part earnestness (2) self-belief

 

 

Q30. Select the option that lists reasons why Saheb’s world has been called “bleak”:

(1) The absence of parental presence (2) The poor socio-economic conditions (3) His inability to address problems (4) His lack of life-skills (5) The denied opportunities of schooling

 

(a) (1) and (4)

(b) (2) and (5)

(c) (3) and (5)

(d) (2) and (4)

 

1. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

 

Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return. But now I could frown and say to that terror, “Trying to scare me, eh? Well, here’s to you! Look!” And off I’d go for another length of the pool. This went on until July. But I was still not satisfied. I was not sure that all the terror had left. So, I went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island, and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. I swam the crawl, breaststroke, side stroke, and backstroke. Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation returned in miniature.

 

Q31. Why did Douglas go to swim at Lake Wentworth?

(a) To showcase his skills for all who had doubted him.

(b) To honor the efforts of his swimming instructor.

(c) To build on his ability to swim in a natural water body.

(d) To know for sure that he had overcome his fear of drowning.

 

Q32. Select the option that lists the correct inference based on the information in the extract:

(a) Triggs Island and Stamp Act Island are both located in Lake Wentworth.

(b) Lake Wentworth is a part of Triggs Island.

(c) Stamp Act Island is two miles away from New Hampshire.

(d) Lake Wentworth is connected via docks to New Hampshire.

 

Q33. What was the reason for the “return” of terror?

(a) Superstitions about the dock at Triggs Island

(b) Recent reports about drowning incidents

(c) Prior drowning experiences

(d) Warnings by experienced swimmers

 

Q34. Douglas mentions that the “old sensation returned in miniature.”

He means that he felt the familiar feeling of fear:

(a) at irregular intervals.

(b) on a small scale.

(c) repeatedly.

(d) without notice.

 

Q35. How did Douglas handle the “old sensation”?

(a) Addressed it.

(b) Avoided it.

(c) Submitted to it.

(d) Stayed indifferent to it.

 

VII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper-seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir

Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease,

His lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim class

One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream...

 

Q36. The poet draws attention to the problem of ____ while describing the boy as "paper-seeming."

(a) malnutrition

(b) untidiness

(c) isolation

(d) abandonment

 

Q37. Which option has the underlined phrase that applies the poetic device used for “rat’s eyes”?

(a) He shut up like a clam when interrogated.

(b) She runs as swift as a gazelle.

(c) He is considered the black sheep of the family.

(d) She ran away chattering with fear.

 

Q38. Select the correct option to fill the blank:

The tall girl’s head is weighed down due to the ________.

(a) effect of diseases

(b) need for concentration

(c) desire to remain unnoticed

(d) burdens of poverty

 

Q39. The literal meaning of “reciting” refers to delivering the lesson aloud. What does its

figurative meaning refer to?

(a) Showing extra interest in the lesson.

(b) Carrying his father’s disease.

(c) Resigning to his disease and condition.

(d) Voicing the poor conditions he lives in.

 

Q40. How does the “unnoted” pupil present a contrast to others?

(a) He appears to be in a world of dreams.

(b) He struggles with the fulfillment of dreams.

(c) He seems taller than most.

(d) He sits in the dimmest part of the classroom.

 

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

He said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry, and all the rest of it, and that I just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t? Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand Central Station. But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it, they claimed. My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a “temporary refuge from reality.” Well, maybe, but my

grandfather didn’t need any refuge from reality.

 

Q41. Why did Sam’s verdict make Charley’s wife “mad”?

(a) It made it difficult for her to accept that Charley would consult a psychiatrist.

(b) It seemed to suggest to her that she was the cause of Charley’s unhappiness.

(c) It made her aware of Charley’s delicate state of mind.

(d) It offended her that Charley and Sam collectively accused her.

 

Q42. Sam’s explanation for the reaction of Charley’s wife was in nature:

(a) critical

(b) aggressive

(c) clarifying

(d) accusatory

 

Q43. Select the option that signifies the condition of people of the “modern world”

mentioned in the extract:

(1) unsure (2) lazy (3) offensive (4) anxious (5) afraid

 

(a) (1) and (3)

(b) (2) and (5)

(c) (2), (3) and (4)

(d) (1), (4) and (5)

 

1. Attempt the following.

 

Q44. In “Keeping Quiet,” the poet does not want the reader to confuse his advice for ____ with total inactivity.

(a) experimentation

(b) relaxation

(c) isolation

(d) introspection

 

Q45. On his way to school, Franz says that he had the strength to resist and chose to hurry off to school.

The underlined phrase suggests that Franz was:

(a) hesitant.

(b) threatened.

(c) tempted.

(d) repentant.

 

Q46. Select the suitable option for the given statements, based on your reading of "Lost Spring":

(1) The writer notices that Saheb has lost his carefree look. (2) Saheb has had to surrender his freedom for ₹800 per month.

(a) (1) is false but (2) is true.

(b) Both (1) and (2) are true.

(c) (2) is a fact but unrelated to (1).

(d) (1) is the cause for (2).

 

Q47. Select the option that lists the qualities of Douglas’ trainer:

(1) adventurous (2) generous (3) patient (4) methodical (5) encouraging (6) courageous

(a) (1) and (6)

(b) (3), (4) and (5)

(c) (2) and (5)

(d) (1), (4) and (6)

 

Q48. The metaphor “lead sky” is used by Stephen Spender to bring out:

(a) the image of sky-high constructions in the slum.

(b) a response to death and destruction.

(c) the strong dreams and aspirations of the children.

(d) a sense of hopelessness and despair.

 

Q49. Sadao’s servants leave his house, but none of them betrays the secret of the American P.O.W.

Select the option that explains this:

(a) The servants believed they must not be part of a household sheltering a P.O.W., but their loyalty to Sadao kept the secret safe.

 

(b) The servants knew that any information about the P.O.W would result in punishment for

them and their families, which is why they revealed nothing.

(c) The servants were superstitious and scared of a white man on the premises; consequently, they chose to remove themselves and stay silent.

(d) The servants did not want to incur the wrath of Dr. Sadao and lose their jobs; therefore, they chose to exit instead and return later.

Q50. Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O), based on your reading of "The Third Level":

(1) First day covers are never opened. (2) Grand Central is growing like a tree. (3) President Roosevelt collected stamps. (4) Sam was Charley’s psychiatrist.

(a) F-1,3,4; O-2

(b) F-2, 3; O-1,4

(c) F-2; O-1,3,4

(d) F-3,4; O-1,2

CBSE class 12 English Important MCQ witn answer

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