Set 13

Grade 12                                                                                FM: 75

Compulsory English                                                               Time: 3 hrs.

1. Read the given text and complete the activities 15

The term “rat race” often refers to the competitive, monotonous, and often unhealthy cycle of life that many people find themselves trapped in. It’s a race where the finish line keeps moving, and the rewards, no matter how appealing they seem from a distance, often bring little lasting satisfaction. Grade twelve students, standing on the threshold of adulthood, may already begin to feel the pressure to succeed in life, often driven by societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the fear of falling behind.

In today’s world, success is frequently equated with material wealth, prestigious degrees, and high-ranking jobs. Society often tells us that to be “someone” in life, we must constantly outdo others, accumulate accolades, and build financial security. As students, you are frequently reminded to study hard, secure top marks, get into the best colleges, and eventually land well-paying jobs. The idea of success has been reduced to numbers – the marks you score, the salary you earn, or the car you drive.

But amidst this relentless pursuit of success, one must ask – what are we truly racing towards? Is there a moment when we can say, “I’ve arrived”? Or is it a never-ending cycle of more – more money, more fame, and more possessions? The unfortunate truth is that many individuals who achieve material success often find themselves unfulfilled. They realize that, in their quest for external validation, they’ve overlooked the more profound aspects of life: inner peace, meaningful relationships, and personal happiness.

The problem with the rat race is not just the never-ending competition but the sense of loss that comes with it. People often lose themselves in this race. Their passions, hobbies, and dreams get sidelined because they are too busy chasing what society tells them they should want. Creativity takes a backseat. The thirst for knowledge and wisdom, which should be the real goals of education, is replaced by a mere hunger for marks or job placements.

Furthermore, the rat race leads to immense stress. Students face the brunt of this pressure during their academic life, which only amplifies once they enter the job market. The constant competition leads to burnout, anxiety, and even depression. What’s worse, the obsession with success often fosters jealousy and resentment among peers, creating an unhealthy environment where collaboration and empathy take a back seat to rivalry.

The truth is, life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Instead of focusing solely on beating others, we should focus on improving ourselves. Success should be measured not by how we compare to others but by how true we are to our passions and values. If we continue to run in this race without stopping to reflect, we risk living a life where we are constantly chasing but never arriving.

As you stand at the cusp of adulthood, take a moment to reconsider what success means to you. Is it about outshining others or about discovering your true self and living a life of purpose? Remember, the race is not worth running if it comes at the cost of your happiness and peace. True success lies in balance, fulfillment, and being able to appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

A. Fill in the gaps using the highlighted words from the text (three of them are unnecessary): 5

a. His success was _______ the result of his relentless hard work.

b. This is the ___________ at which workers start to pay income tax.

c. He was on the _______ of making a life – changing decision.

d. His inner _______ constantly fueled his pursuit of excellence and personal growth.

e. Many people sacrifice their dreams in the relentless pursuit of _________ proof.

B. Read the text and write: (5*1=5)
TRUE-    if the statement agrees with the information given in the text.
FALSE-    if the statement contradicts the information given in the text.
NOT GIVEN    if there is no information in the text.

a. Life is a sprint, and success comes from outshining others at every step.

b. True success is about discovering one’s passion and living a life of balance and purpose.

c. The rat race leads to more job opportunities for students after completing their education.

d. Success is often measured by personal happiness and inner peace rather than material wealth.

e. The pressure to succeed usually decreases after students complete their academic life.

C. Answer the following questions: 5

a. What does the term ‘rat race’ refer to in the passage?

b. Why do grade twelve students begin to feel pressure to succeed?

c. What are the negative effects of the rat race on students and professionals?

d. Why does the writer compare life to a marathon instead of a sprint?

e. What might happen if students define success by marks and material achievements?

2. Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each.                   2×5=10

a. What role does preparedness play in the story of two unprepared boys? [Treasure in the Forest]

b. Explain:
Already my course now set in present,
I felt myself a blossom of all the soils of the earth,
of the soils without history,
of the soils without a future,
of the soil always soil without edges
of all men and all the epochs.

3. Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each.                   5×2=10

a. How and how was the woman changed into a spider? [A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings]

b. Why was the forlorn child wailing? [Soft Storm]
OR,
What can we gain after our perceptions are changed? [The Awakening Age]

c. What are his first memories with library? [On Libraries]

d. How does marriage work as social capital? [Marriage as a Social Institution]

e. Why does Ranabahadur want to see the bull himself? [The Bull]

4. Describe the given table that explains the average maximum and minimum temperature of Nepal in different months of 2025.

5. Write a letter to the editor mentioning the problems students are facing in Hetauda. And state the solutions that can be useful to make their academic career better. 8

6. Suppose you are the Prime Minister of Nepal and draft a speech in about 300 words on sport mentioning its role in country’s progress. 10

7. Do as instructed: 10

a. The party was not as _________ as Nitesh had thought. (exciting/more exciting/ most exciting/excitingly)

b. You shall open the box when you need to, __________? (supply correct tag)

c. I don’t think he meant to be rude. He ________ said sorry. (must have/ might have/ would have)

d. There isn’t _______ water left in the bottle. (much/many/few/little)

e. He said to her, ‘You can correct this mistake yourself.’ (change into indirect speech)

f. They claim the papaya changed the flavour of the juice. (change into passive voice)

g. The relationship _________ the two boys has been changed significantly over the past few years. (supply correct preposition)

h. The principal along with the vice principals _______ entered the room hastily. (was/were/has/have)

i. He was badly injured in the first round of the boxing match. He was victorious in the third round. (rewrite using – however)

j. They went on _______ even after the lights went out. (talk/ to talk/ talking/ talked)

8. Choose the correct answers: 5

a. Which of the following words has higher number of syllables?
i. celebration                                                ii. university
iii. discovery                                                iv. literature

b. Identify the part of speech of the underlined word:- ‘Running is good for your health.’
i. verb                                                ii. noun
iii. adjective                                     iv. adverb

c. After missing the bus, Raj realized he would have to bite the bullet and walk to school in the rain. Choose the option that best explains the meaning of the highlighted phrase:
i. avoid a difficult situation
ii. face a difficult situation bravely
iii. complain about a problem
iv. ask someone else to do it

d. In which guide word would you find the headword ‘Delight’?
i. deliver – demand                          ii. demand – dentist
iii. desert – design                           iv. delay – deliver

e. Choose the synonym of the word ‘Ambitious.’
i. lazy                                                ii. aspiring
iii. careless                                      iv. satisfied

All the Best