Class 12 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test Model Paper

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Class 12 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test

Subject: English Core Max Marks: 20
Class: XII Time Allowed: 45 Minutes

General Instructions:

  • This paper comprises two sections: Section A and Section B.
  • Section A: Reading Comprehension (10 Marks)
  • Section B: Applied Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
  • Strictly adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the writing tasks.
Section A: Reading Skills (10 Marks)
1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

(1) The rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the global workforce. For centuries, technological advancements—from the steam engine to the internet—have disrupted traditional employment. However, the AI revolution is unique because it threatens not only manual, repetitive tasks but also cognitive, white-collar professions. Algorithms can now draft legal contracts, write computer code, and diagnose medical conditions with striking accuracy.

(2) Unsurprisingly, this has triggered widespread anxiety about mass unemployment. Economists call this the “lump of labour fallacy”—the incorrect assumption that there is a fixed amount of work to be done in the world. In reality, while AI will undoubtedly render certain jobs obsolete, it will simultaneously generate entirely new industries and professions. The challenge lies not in the disappearance of work, but in the rapid transition required of the workforce.

(3) To thrive in an AI-dominated future, human workers must pivot towards skills that machines cannot easily replicate. Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, ethical judgment, and creative thinking will become the true currency of the future job market. A machine may be able to analyze massive datasets to predict market trends, but it takes a human leader to empathize with a distressed client or inspire a demotivated team.

(4) Consequently, our education systems must undergo a radical paradigm shift. Rote memorization and standardized testing, which dominated the 20th century, are no longer sufficient. Schools and universities must prioritize adaptability and lifelong learning. The students of today must be taught how to learn, unlearn, and relearn continually, ensuring they can seamlessly collaborate with AI rather than compete against it.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions: (1 x 10 = 10 Marks)
  1. What makes the AI revolution fundamentally different from previous technological advancements?
    1. It is progressing much slower than the internet revolution.
    2. It threatens cognitive, white-collar professions, not just manual tasks.
    3. It relies entirely on the “lump of labour fallacy”.
    4. It will not create any new industries or professions.
  2. Explain the “lump of labour fallacy” in one sentence based on Paragraph 2.
  3. Select the word from Paragraph 2 that is an antonym for “modern” or “currently relevant”.
    1. Transition
    2. Fallacy
    3. Obsolete
    4. Simultaneously
  4. Complete the sentence appropriately:
    According to the author, human workers must focus on developing ________ such as emotional intelligence and creative thinking.
  5. Why does the author believe that a machine cannot entirely replace a human leader? Give one reason from Paragraph 3.
  6. Based on the passage, state whether the following statement is True or False:
    The author advocates for an increase in rote memorization to help students compete with Artificial Intelligence.
  7. What does the phrase “paradigm shift” imply in the context of Paragraph 4?
    1. A minor adjustment to textbooks.
    2. A fundamental change in the underlying approach or model of education.
    3. A physical relocation of schools and universities.
    4. An increase in standardized testing methods.
  8. What is the ultimate goal of teaching students to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” continually?
  9. Complete the analogy by choosing the correct word from Paragraph 1:
    Multiplication : Repetitive :: Drafting contracts : ____________
  10. What is the primary tone of the passage?
    1. Pessimistic and fearful
    2. Analytical and forward-looking
    3. Mocking and dismissive
    4. Nostalgic and emotional
Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
2. The following paragraph has not been edited. Identify the error in each line and write its correction. (3 Marks)

(Attempt any three lines)

Text Error Correction
Social media have become an integral part (a) _________ _________
of modern life. It connect people across (b) _________ _________
the globe, but it also bring significant (c) _________ _________
challenges regarding privacy and mental health. (d) _________ _________
3. Read the dialogue and complete the passage that follows. (2 Marks)
Interviewer: “Why do you want to join our company?”
Candidate: “I have always admired your innovative projects.”

During the interview, the interviewer asked the candidate (a) . The candidate confidently replied that (b) .

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following writing tasks in 120-150 words. (5 Marks)

A. Job Application: You are Siddharth / Siddhi, residing at 45, Park Avenue, Pune. You saw an advertisement in ‘The Daily Times’ for the post of a ‘Content Writer’ at Nexus Media Pvt. Ltd. Write a formal letter applying for the job, enclosing a detailed bio-data.

OR

B. Article Writing: The rising pressure of competitive exams has led to severe stress and burnout among senior secondary students. Write an article for your school magazine titled ‘Navigating Exam Stress: The Need for a Balanced Approach’. You are Rohan / Riya.

Section A: Reading (10 Marks)

  1. (b) It threatens cognitive, white-collar professions, not just manual tasks. (1 mark)
  2. It is the incorrect assumption that there is a fixed, limited amount of work to be done in the world. (1 mark)
  3. (c) Obsolete (1 mark)
  4. soft skills (1 mark)
  5. Because a machine cannot empathize with a distressed client or inspire a demotivated team. (1 mark)
  6. False (The author says rote memorization is no longer sufficient). (1 mark)
  7. (b) A fundamental change in the underlying approach or model of education. (1 mark)
  8. So that they can seamlessly collaborate with AI rather than compete against it. (1 mark)
  9. Cognitive (1 mark)
  10. (b) Analytical and forward-looking (1 mark)

Section B: Grammar & Writing (10 Marks)

2. Editing (3 Marks – Any 3)

  • (a) Error: have | Correction: has
  • (b) Error: connect | Correction: connects
  • (c) Error: bring | Correction: brings
  • (d) Error: regarding | Correction: regarding (No Error) / If attempted, mark according to standard dummy line protocol.

3. Reported Speech (2 Marks)

  • (a) why he/she wanted to join their company. (1 mark – deduct ½ mark if question form “why did he want” is used)
  • (b) he/she had always admired their innovative projects. (1 mark)

4. Writing Skills (5 Marks)

Format: 1 Mark | Content: 2 Marks | Accuracy & Expression: 2 Marks

  • Job Application (A): Must include Sender’s Address, Date, Receiver’s Address, Subject, Salutation, Cover Letter body, and a separate, clearly defined Bio-Data/Resume enclosed at the end.
  • Article (B): Must have a Title and a By-line (By Rohan/Riya). Should logically present the causes of exam stress, its impacts, and suggest practical, balanced solutions (time management, hobbies, parental support).
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