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CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2018 Comptt. (Delhi & Outside Delhi) with Solutions
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
The Question Paper is divided into three Sections:
Section A – Reading Skills 20 Marks
Section B – Writing Skills with Grammar 30 Marks
Section C – Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text 30 Marks
General Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory.
- You may attempt any Section at a time.
- All questions of that particular Section must be attempted in the correct order.
Section A – Reading 20 Marks
Question 1.
Read the passage given below carefully:
Great people are born to produce an
influence
on society. One such personality, who was so humble and lived his complete life with determination and purpose to achieve certain aims was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. He was a great social reformer, writer, educator and worked endlessly to
transform
the society. He strongly protested against polygamy and child marriage. He favoured widow remarriage and women’s education in India. The Widow Remarriage Act was passed in 1856 making the marriage of widows legal because of his efforts to solve these problems.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar refined the way Bengali language was written and taught. His book ‘Bomo Porichoy’ (Introduction to the Alphabet) is still used as the introductory text to teach Bengali alphabet. Thus, he brought about a revolution in the Bengali Education System. Vidyasagar is credited with the role of completely changing the old method of teaching which prevailed in Sanskrit College. As a professor in Sanskrit College, he brought modem outlook into the method of teaching. He included English and Bengali as mediums of learning, besides Sanskrit. He, also, introduced courses in European History, Philosophy and Science alongside Vedic scriptures. He encouraged students to study these subjects and make the best of both the worlds.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a strong advocate of women education. He rightly viewed education as the primary way for women to achieve emancipation from the society’s oppression they had to face at that time. He exercised his power to open schools for girls and even outlined suitable curriculum to educate them. He went from door to door, requesting heads of families to allow their daughters to be enrolled in schools.
Ishwar Chandra was a man who defined his own path of action. He never listened to what others said about his work and made decisions based on his own judgement. He was famous for all these qualities. He was also known for his great courage. Vidyasagar had a very soft heart that sympathised with those in trouble. He was easily moved to tears when he saw someone in pain and was always the first one to offer his help to colleagues and
friends in
distress
. After his death, Rabindranath Tagore said, “One wonders how God, in the process of producing forty million Bengalis, produced a man!”
1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions briefly: 2 × 4 = 8
(a) What kind of life did Ishwar Chandra lead?
Answer:
Ishwar Chandra was so humble and lived his complete life with determination and purpose to achieve certain aims.
(b) What changes did Vidyasagar bring about in the method o teaching at Sanskrit college?
Answer:
Vidyasagar is credited with the role of completely changing the old method of teaching which prevailed in Sanskrit College. As a professor in Sanskrit College, he brought modern outlook into the method of teaching.
(c) What was Vidyasagar’s contribution as a professor in the Sanskrit college?
Answer:
He included English and Bengali as mediums of learning, besides Sanskrit. He, also, introduced courses in European History, Philosophy and Science alongside Vedic scriptures. He encouraged students to study these subjects and make the best of both the worlds.
(d) How did lshwar Chandra Vidyasagar promote women education?
Answer:
He exercised his power to open schools for girls and even outlined suitable curriculum to educate them. He went from door to door, requesting heads of families to allow their daughters to be enrolled in schools.
(e) How can we say that Vidyasagar was a soft-hearted man?
Answer:
Vidyasagar was a very soft-hearted man who sympathised with those in trouble. He was easily moved to tears when he saw someone in pain and was always the first one to offer his help to colleagues and friends in distress.
2.2 Choose meanings of the words given below with the help of options that follow: (any four) 1 × 4 = 4
(a)
Influence
(i) income
(ii) inside
(iii) impression
(iv) attraction
Answer:
(iii) impression
(b)
Transform
(z) improve
(ii) encourage
(iii) change
(iv) insist
Answer:
(iii) change
(c)
Advocate
(i) caretaker
(ii) promoter
(iii) neighbour
(iv) aggressor
Answer:
(ii) promoter
(d)
Emancipation
(i) oppression
(ii) control
(iii) freedom
(iv) contribution
Answer:
(iii) freedom
(e)
Distress
(i) unhappiness or pain
(ii) safety
(iii) calmness
(iv) joy
Answer:
(i) unhappiness or pain
Question 2.
Read the passage given below:
I. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation and is based on the fortune of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. The Nobel prize is awarded for the best contribution in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and to the person who has contributed by and large to bring Peace on Earth. In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel.
II. A look into the history of the recipients of the award reveals that only 57 women have received the award compared to 873 male recipients. There are various historical reasons for why this is the case, but the trend appears to be improving.
III. Goran Hansson, the permanent secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said , ” While more women are being recognised now compared with previous decades, only about 10% of the professors in natural sciences in western Europe or North America are women, and even lower if you go to east Asia.” All over the world, the number of men working in STEM fields is much higher than the number of women.
IV. Hansson emphasised that they have made sure to identify the problem and also learn about subconscious bias in the prize-awarding committees and academies. “We’ve had lectures by sociologists, we’ve had group discussions, we have put quite a lot of effort into it,” he said.
V. “In the end, we will give the prize to those who are found the most worthy, those who have made the most important contributions,” he added. (261 words)
Source (adapted):
1: https://factly.in/data-30-of-all-nobel-laureates-were-born-in-the-usa/
2:https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/not-enough-women-nobel-laureates-no-quotas-says-academy-1039745.html
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any eight questions from the nine that follow: (1 × 8 = 8)
(a) According to the passage, the gender disparity among Nobel Prize recipients is due to __________ factors.
(i) historical
(ii) economical
(iii) sociological
(iv) psychological
Answer:
(ii) economical
(b) Based on the passage, what efforts are being made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to address the low representation of female scientists?
1. The Academy is consciously awarding female scientists from the 2000s.
2. The Academy is inviting sociologists to lecture about the gender gap.
3. The Academy is hosting group discussions to boost the intelligence of female scientists.
(i) only 1
(ii) only 2
(iii) 1 and 3
(iv) 2 and 3
Answer:
(ii) only 2
(c) According to the passage, Goran Hansson says that there are ___________ .
(i) more female scientists in East Asia than in Europe
(ii) fewer male scientists than female scientists in Europe
(iii) fewer male scientists being considered for recognition now
(iv) more female scientists being recognised for their work now
Answer:
(iv) more female scientists being recognised for their work now
(d) Which of these can be inferred from the graph showing the number of women Nobel laureates by decade?
(i) No woman received the Nobel prize before the year 1910.
(ii) More women have received the Nobel prize since 1971 than men.
(iii) At least one woman received the Nobel prize every year since 1901.
(iv) Since 1961, women Nobel laureates have been increasing steadily every decade.
Answer:
(iv) Since 1961, women Nobel laureates have been increasing steadily every decade.
(e) According to Goran Hansson, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences ___________ .
(i) researches the cause of gender discrepancy in Nobel prize nominations
(ii) nominates fewer men for prestigious awards like the Nobel prize
(iii) awards the Nobel prize to the most famous contributors
(iv) selects individuals who are not prejudiced in any way
Answer:
(i) researches the cause of gender discrepancy in Nobel prize nominations
(f) Which of these pieces of information is NOT present in the passage?
(i) number of Nobel prizes given in the year 2009
(ii) number of men who have received Nobel prizes till date
(iii) percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries
(iv) percentage of female scientists belonging to western countries
Answer:
(iii) percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries
(g) Select the sentence that CORRECTLY uses the phrase ‘by and large’ as used in paragraph I.
(i) Paula prepared a
by and large
cake for dinner.
(ii) We bought
by and large
clothes for the campaign.
(iii) Most of the lions
by and large
eat deer when hungry.
(iv) She was so excited that she screamed
by and large
on the road.
Answer:
(iii) Most of the lions
by and large
eat deer when hungry.
(h) The Nobel Prize is an international award because it recognises the achievements made _________ .
(i) in all subjects
(ii) by all genders
(iii) in all countries
(iv) by all institutions
Answer:
(iii) in all countries
(i) Identify the opinion from these statements about the information shared in the passage.
(i) The Nobel prizes have been awarded to more men than women.
(ii) Alfred Nobel’s wealth is used to award the Nobel prizes to the winners.
(iii) The Nobel prize was awarded for the best contribution in only four fields initially.
(iv) Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
Answer:
(iv) Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
Section B – Writing Skills with Grammar 30 Marks
Question 3.
Our metropolitan cities witness a large number of accidents every day. What do you think is the reason? What can be done to bring down the rate of accidents? Write a letter in 100 – 120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your concerns and offering solutions to this problem. You are Arun/ Aruna, 112 Model Town, Delhi. 10
Or
Question 3.
You are Arun/Arti, 12, Raja Road, Kanpur. You had ordered Ram Book Depot, 4 Mall Road, Delhi for the supply of two books. You wanted to give them as a gift to a friend of yours. On receiving them you were disappointed to find that the books were damaged. Write a complaint letter in 120 – 150 words to the Manager, about your problem. 10
Answer:
112 Model Town
Delhi
19 November, 20hox
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject: Concern regarding large number of accidents in metropolitan cities
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper wish to express my concern over the large number of accidents taking place everyday. There are a number of reasons for this incessant rise in the number of accidents. The main reason being that most drivers are quite stressed while driving due to the adverse and erratic driving conditions. Poor road conditions make them impatient and they often lose their cool and drive recklessly and rashly. People also do not follow traffic rules nor do they adhere to speed limits thus leading to accidents. Mobile phones and loud music act as distractions. People are always in a hurry to reach their destination and as a result drive most recklessly. There is also an unfortunate increase in the number of drunken driving mishaps.
To solve this problem the authorities need to take very stringent action and impose very heavy fines on traffic rule defaulters. Underage drivers and drunken drivers should be dealt with most severely and their licenses should be impounded immediately. I suggest that the number of traffic policemen and check-posts be increased to act as deterrents. It is also important that at the time of issuing driving licenses, a comprehensive class on traffic rules and regulations should be made mandatory.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so as to bring the attention of the concerned authorities towards this problem and enable them to take strict measures to bring down the rising number of accidents.
Yours sincerely
Aruna
Or
12, Raja Road
Kanpur
26 th April, 20xx
The Manager
Ram Book Depot
4, Mall Road, Delhi
Subject: Complaint against receiving damaged books.
Sir
Through the medium of this letter I would like to bring to your notice my complaint of receiving damaged books. I had ordered two books from you from the Harry Potter series on 18th April, 20xx, the payment for which I had made by a Demand Draft. I wanted to gift these books to my friend on her birthday. On receiving the books yesterday I was extremely disappointed to see their pathetic condition. The cover pages of the books are damaged and the inner pages too are turned and untidy. My friend’s birthday is on the 30th of April and I cannot present these damaged books to her. So I request you to send me new packs of both the books at the earliest. I am also sending back the damaged books to you. Awaiting a favourable response and prompt delivery of the new books.
Yours sincerely
Arti
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100 – 120 words.
[A] Study the concept chart from the self-help magazine section of a monthly publication. 8
Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, analysing the listed responses to the situation when one faces setbacks.
Or, [B] Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in a local daily.
The by-laws of some residential associations and management that ban owners and tenants from keeping pets in their apartments, are justified.
Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale/evidence that would strengthen/ counter the given argument. 8
Answer:
[A] Setbacks often leave one with a feeling of disappointment and sometimes even worse. The concept chart displays two ways to handle setbacks – Healthy and Inability to process. Healthy processing helps one to learn and let go of the emotions inside. On the other hand, Inability to process leads to a block feeling, self-criticism and selfdoubt. An optimistic way of seeing a setback processes the ability to feel, reflect, learn and align. Whereas a negative perspective of a failure can lead to listlessness, diverted attention, excessive rumination and not accepting failures’. It is evident that experiencing a setback leads to feelings of inadequacy and incompetency along with an unwillingness to accept situations. Responding to setbacks the positive way is empowering as it leads to success.
Or
[B] The by-laws of some residential associations and management ban owners and tenants from keeping pets in their apartments. This law is rather unreasonable and overstated and should be countered. Keeping pets at home has several benefits. They help to improve your mood and temperament. Pets, especially dogs, can be great companions, they act as antidotes to loneliness and even guard the house. Their love is selfless and unconditional and they are always faithful. Pets are also known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, kids who grow up with pets at home are always caring and respectful towards living beings. Pets need love and attention but that is a small price to pay for the numerous benefits they bring in our life.
Question 5.
Complete the paragraph given below by filling in the blanks with the help of options that follow: (any four) 1 × 4 = 4
Yesterday, a rich woman from West Bengal (a) …………….. to Delhi to buy jewellery. She was sitting outside (b) ……………… jewellery shop. Suddenly two young boys came there (c) …………… snatched the chain that she was (d) ………………. .She called the police (e) …………….. the snatchers had run away.
Answer:
(a) (iii) came
(b) (i) a
(c) (i) and
(d) (iv) wearing
(e) (i) so
Question 6.
The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the error and its correction, (any four) 1 × 4 = 4
Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, analysing the listed responses to the situation when one faces setbacks.
Or,
[B] Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in a local daily.
The by-laws of some residential associations and management that ban owners and tenants from keeping pets in their apartments, are justified.
Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale/evidence that would strengthen/ counter the given argument. 8
Answer:
(a) lives… live
(b) is … are
(c) on … in
(d) celebrated … celebrate
(e) an… a
Question 7.
Rearrange the following words / phrases to form meaningful sentences. 1 × 4 = 4
(a) standing / at the / one day / I / beach / was
(b) number / come / of people / a large / had / there
(c) hawkers / there / eatables / so many / were / selling
(d) wave / suddenly / came / huge / a
(e) road / all the / rushed / towards / the / people
Answer:
(a) One day I was standing at the beach.
(b) A large number of people had come there.
(c) There were so many hawkers selling eatables.
(d) Suddenly a huge wave came.
(e) All the people rushed towards the road.
Section C – Literature Text & Supplementary Reading Text 30 Marks
Question 8.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 1 × 4 = 4
He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why she did not come nearer, and then, maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish. With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space.
(a) Who is’He’?
Answer:
‘He’ is the young seagull.
(b) Whom was he waiting for?
Answer:
He was waiting for his mother to give him food.
(c) Why did he dive at the fish?
Answer:
He was maddened by hunger, so he dove at the fish.
(d) What happened afterwards?
Answer:
With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space.
Or,
He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will become free from sorrow and be blessed.
(a) Who is the speaker?
Answer:
Gautam Buddha is the speaker of these lines.
(b) How can one get peace?
Answer:
One who remains composed and does not resort to grieving and lamentation will obtain peace of mind in this world.
(c) What should one do to be blessed?
Answer:
One who has overcome grief and does not cry over sufferings and has become composed obtains peace and is blessed.
(d) What does ‘Lamentation’ mean
Answer:
Lamentation – weeping/grieving
Question 9.
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each. 2 × 5 = 10
(a) Which two issues about himself convinced Lomov of his decision to get married?
Answer:
Lomov is convinced that he should get married because he is expected to do so and cannot stay unmarried. He feels he ought to lead a quiet, settled and regular life at the critical age of thirty-five. Moreover, he needs a partner as he suffers from palpitations, is excitable and is always getting awfully upset.
(b) How did Mrs. Pumphrey and her servants behave when Tricki was being sent to the surgery?
Answer:
Mrs. Pumphrey began to cry loudly when Dr. Herriot carried Tricki in a blanket to his car. She gave out a despairing cry when the doctor moved off with Tricki.
The entire staff was roused and maids were rushed in and out bringing Tricki’s day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys and bowls. As Dr. Herriot drove away with Tricki, Mrs. Pumphrey, with a despairing cry, threw an armful of little coats through the window.
(c) In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, how does the poet’s mood get changed?
Answer:
A crow shaking down a dust of snow on the poet from the hemlock tree has changed the poet’s mood. This dust of snow stands for hope and joy in the midst of snow.
(d) Comment on the tone of the speaker when she says ‘Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!’.
Answer:
When the speaker says, ‘Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!’ her tone is one of frustration and annoyance because she feels that Amanda is not paying attention to what is being told to her. She is exasperated and frustrated at not being taken seriously by Amanda.
(e) A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Answer:
The poem tells the story of Custard, the Dragon, who is one of Belinda’s pets. It portrays his life with her and the other pets. Custard is considered a coward who cries for a nice safe cage. On the pirate’s entry it is Custard who rises to the occasion, confronts the pirate and gobbles him up, thus proving his bravery.
Question 10.
Answer the following questions in about 100 – 150 words. 8
In the lesson ‘A Letter to God’, what moral values does the postmaster display in his behaviour?
Or,
Pranjol and Rajvir discuss their next vacation destination. They shortlist Coorg and Goa. Rajvir is keen on Coorg and tries to convince Pranjol. Develop a conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Glimpses of India. 4
You may begin like this:
Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful place with coffee plantations. I can smell the aroma already!
Answer:
The postmaster was very impressed and touched by Lencho’s sincere faith in God. In order to reconfirm and not to shake Lencho’s faith he decided to answer the letter. He is amazed to read Lencho’s letter and even more amazed at Lencho’s abundant faith in God. The postmaster is thus a very genuine, empathetic and soft hearted man. The postmaster is also a man who sticks to his resolutions so he is able to collect money for Lencho’s help. Since he commands the respect of his juniors and friends they too feel obliged to give him money for an act of charity. He is a generous person and tries to percieve others in a more positive light.
Or
Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think ive should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful place with coffee plantations. I can already smell the aroma of coffee.
Pranjol: We visited a tea plantation last year in Assam. Now I want to go to Goa.
Rajvir: There is a lot more to do in Coorg than see the coffee plantations. The place has rainforests so the fauna will be worth watching. Moreover, Coorg also provides opportunities for adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Pranjol: That sounds interesting, but I would prefer an exciting holiday and some serene moments after this post-pandemic gloomy scenario.
Rajvir: Then we should just consider going to Coorg.
Pranjol: You really think so?
Rajvir: Believe me, Coorg has a serene environment that reflects peace and spirituality.
Pranjol: You really have done quite a research on the place.
Rajvir: Yes, I have. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality and they are willing to recount tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. Even now Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence. It would be fun to meet such bravehearts.
Question 11.
Answer the following questions in about 100 – 150 words. 8
Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his character?
Or,
Which of the two thieves lacked ‘honour’ in the story ‘A Question of Trust’? Who according to
Answer:
After stealing the money when Hari Singh reached the station, he just could not board the train. He stood alone on the deserted platform and thought about Anil who he knew would feel only sadness for the loss of trust when he discovered the theft. When the train had gone, he did not know where to go. The only place he could think of going to, was the house of the person he had robbed. As he sat down to think deeply sitting under the clock tower, he realised that he would actually miss being with Anil – cooking his meals and running to the bazaar. He felt that he should go back to Anil if only to read and write. So he decided to return to Anil feeling very nervous. The thief was very grateful to Anil and quite liked working for him. Since Anil was the most trusting man he had met, he could not cheat him. The thief was indeed a person whose conscience was alive and he realised the difference between right and wrong.
Or
The young, pretty lady who was dressed in red and was also a thief lacked ‘honour’ because she had cheated and deceived Horace. Though Horace and the lady had the same motive when they came to the house at Shotover Grange, the real culprit in this story is not Horace but the young lady. She plans her moves so accurately and immorally and escapes scot-free with all the jewels putting the entire theft on Horace’s name. She pretended to be the owner of the house and made Horace steal the jewels for her. Eager to get free and to avoid going to the prison, Horace agreed to break open the safe for her so that she could get the jewels, which he assumed belonged to her. To buy his freedom, Horace handed over the jewels to her and, ironically, this act led to his arrest. His fingerprints were all over the room. His story, that the lady of the house had asked him to open the safe for her, was termed as ‘nonsense’ and he landed in the prison.
