Class 12 · English · CBSE Board · 2016–2025

The Rattrap — Class 12 English PYQs

24 questions from this chapter, asked in 8 Class 12 exams between 2016–2025 — every question paper set included, duplicates removed.

24questions
8Class 12 exams
2016–2025years covered

Questions asked per year

Practice questions first 10 of 24 — free

Q1MCQ2025

Read the following extract and answer the questions :

The next day both men got up in good season. The crofter was in a hurry to milk his cow, and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed when the head of the house had gotten up. They left the cottage at the same time. The crofter locked the door and put the key in his pocket. The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you, and thereupon each went his own way.

But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood again before the door. He did not try to get in, however. He only went up to the window, smashed a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the pouch with the thirty Kronor. He took the money and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung the leather pouch very carefully back in its place and went away.

(i) Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The behaviour of the peddler as described in the above extract is an act of ______. (deceit / obedience)

(ii) "Both men got up in good season". The author uses the expression 'good season' to denote that

(A)They slept for a long time.
(B)They got up in a good mood.
(C)They got up early and timely.
(D)They got up hurriedly. (iii) State the irony in the peddler's response. "The man with the rattraps said good bye and thank you". (iv) Choose the correct option : The flaw in the peddler's character as reflected in the above extract is
(A)He is jealous of rich people.
(B)He indulges in self-pity.
(C)He can rob his benefactor.
(D)He can sleep anywhere without any hesitation. (v) Complete the following sentence : The role of cow in the crofter's life is ______. (vi) Choose one instance from the above extract to show that peddler acted like a well mannered person.

How do the peddler from 'The Rattrap' and 'the office boy' from 'Poets and Pancakes' compare in terms of their frustration, status, and grudges against others.

'She gave a little cry of joy...' (The Rattrap) Saheb-e-Alam received a pair of discarded shoes... (Lost Spring) Compare the joy experienced by the characters in both texts and discuss what these moments reveal about their lives.

Q4MCQ2023
(B)"I am thinking of this stranger here," said Edla "He walks and walks the whole year long, and there is probably not a single place in the whole country where he is welcome and can feel at home. Wherever he turns he is chased away. Always he is afraid of being arrested and cross-examined. I should like to have him enjoy a day of peace with us here-just one in the whole year." (i) Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate option : Edla wished the Pedlar to have a peaceful day because ______
(A)the Pedlar had worked for Edla.
(B)the Pedlar had not been released from jail.
(C)the Pedlar had been staying at the forge.
(D)the Pedlar had always been looked with suspicion. (ii) Select the suitable word from the extract to complete analogy. single : multiple :: abroad : _________ (iii) In the above extract, Edla comes across as
(A)conscientious
(B)pretentions
(C)compassionate
(D)selfless (iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement which is true.
(A)relationships are rattraps.
(B)money is important in the world.
(C)criminal is not born but made.
(D)christmas is a time of charity (v) In the context of the given extract, which day is referred to in the expression 'just one in the whole year' ? (vi) What does the expression 'he is cross examined' suggest ?

(d) Who was Edla Williamson ? Why did she visit the forge at night ?

(e) Explain the metaphor of the rattrap.

What made the peddler think that he had fallen into a trap? (The Rattrap)

Why did the iron master speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home?

What made the Peddler accept Edla's invitation?

Why practise The Rattrap PYQs?

The Rattrap has appeared in 8 Class 12 English exams we track between 2016–2025. CBSE Board examiners consistently reuse concepts and question patterns from this topic — practising its previous year questions is the most reliable way to know exactly what to expect in your exam.

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