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CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2023 (Series: WYXZ1/4) with Solutions
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
- This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
-
The question paper contains THREE sections –
Section A – Reading Skills.
Section B – Grammar and Creative Writing Skills.
Section C – Literature. - Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
SET I: Code No. 2/4/1)
Section A – Reading Skills 20 Marks
Question 1.
Read the passage given below:
1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us besides being beneficial for health. Once we leave the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company of friends and associates.
2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees and bushes is pleasing. A connect is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.
3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examination, no anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain—All these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.
4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.
5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.
6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, chirping sound of birds make one’s mind and soul at peace with nature.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions below: 10 × 1 = 10
(i) To go out for a walking tour is
(a) to stroll
(b) to ramble
(c) to hike
(d) to saunter
Answer:
(c) to hike
(ii) Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?
(a) because hiking is an inexpensive activity.
(b) because it brings families together.
(c) because of intolerable noise of traffic.
(d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.
Answer:
(d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.
(iii) Complete the following with a phrase:
The various sounds of nature acquire _______.
Answer:
The various sounds of nature acquire a new meaning and significance to us.
(iv) Infer one reason for the following based on information in Paragraph 2.
A connect is established between us and nature.
Answer:
This is because the sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees and bushes is very pleasing.
(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from Paragraph 2.
aroma : cooking :: fragrance : _______.
Answer:
aroma : cooking : : fragrance : flowers
(vi) Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.
(a) because observation is sharpened.
(b) because of the excitement of climbing up and adventure of coming down.
(c) because it is leisure to stand to walk and talk.
(d) because there are no worries.
Answer:
(b) because of the excitement of climbing up and adventure of coming down.
(vii) Hiking gives the brain, the rest it needs because
(a) it is a short time activity.
(b) it is one of the healthiest sports.
(c) it makes us sleep peacefully.
(d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.
Answer:
(d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.
(viii) List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike.
Answer:
The examples of minute observations one makes while on a hike are-
- watching a snake casting its slough
- a mouse peeping out of its hole.
(ix) Supply one point to justify the following:
Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.
Answer:
It ensures a complete escape from our urgent and busy activities of life.
Or,
A connection is established between us and nature. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us.
(x) Substitute the word ‘leap with joy’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from the passage.
The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.
Answer:
thrilling.
Question 2.
Read the extract given below:
1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000 – 3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the extreme winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature, thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs about ₹1,50,000 and above to create a glacier.
4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987, In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by The President of India.
5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream water at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter i.e., in November, the diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools which freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an ‘artificial glacier’.
Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below: 10 × 1 = 10
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in Paragraph 1.
Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but life didn’t grind to a halt.
Answer:
This was because a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.
(ii) Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks:
Agriculture is completely dependent on _______ unlike the rest of river/monsoonfed India.
(a) rainfall pattern
(b) climate change
(c) glaciers melt
(d) extreme winter conditions
Answer:
(c) glaciers melt
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with word/phrase from Paragraph 3:
icing : cake :: layers : _______.
Answer:
icing : cake :: layers : glaciers
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:
At the start of winter the diverted water is made to flow _______.
(a) on sloping hills facing distribution channels.
(b) on high altitude.
(c) on ice-cold water level.
(d) on mountain range.
Answer:
(a) on sloping hills facing distribution channels.
(v) From the chart select the months of water surplus.
(a) January, February.
(b) November, December,
(c) July, August, September.
(d) March, April.
Answer:
(c) July, August, September
For Visually impaired candidates.
(v) Describe the number of months which result in large accumulation of ice.
Answer:
Ice formation starts with the onset of winter, i.e. in November and continues for 3-4 months resulting in large accumulation of ice.
(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option:
The _______ have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh.
(a) glaciers
(b) rivers
(c) streams
(d) water springs
Answer:
(a) glaciers
(vii) The word ‘located’ in Paragraph 3 means:
(a) found
(b) locally found
(c) situated
(d) adapted
Answer:
(c) situated
(viii) Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers.
Answer:
- River or stream water gets diverted to a shaded area where winter sun is blocked by a ridge.
- Making the water flow on the sloping hills
- Store Embankments are built at regular intervals.
(ix) List one reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option.
Answer:
ladakh has average rainfall of 50 mm and to meet the water shortage, Artificial glaciers are the best option.
(x) Select the most suitable title from the following for the passage.
(a) Water Shortage
(b) The New Ways to Pool Water
(c) Artificial Glacier
(d) River Beds
Answer:
(c) Artificial Glacier
Section B – Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20 Marks
Question 3.
Attempt any TEN of the following questions: 10 × 1 = 10
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:
The mud houses are not _______ the buildings in your city.
(a) comparable to
(b) comparable of
(c) comparable as
(d) comparable for
Answer:
(a) comparable to
(ii) Read the conversation between a Policeman and a Driver. Complete the sentence by reporting the driver’s reply correctly.
Policeman: Why did you park your car here?
Don’t you see a ‘No Parking Area’?
Driver: Sorry Sir! The engine broke down.
The policeman asked the driver why he had parked the car there and if he didn’t see it was a ‘No Parking Area’. The driver felt sorry and explained _______ .
Answer:
that the engine had broken down
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence:
Where were you? You _______ be in the class at the right time.
(a) shall
(b) should
(c) will
(d) would
Answer:
(b) should
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following sentence:
More of the fun and excitement in our lives comes from using our imagination.
| Option | Error | Correction |
| (a) | more | most |
| (b) | our | the |
| (c) | from | of |
| (d) | using | use |
Answer:
| (a) | More | Most |
Most of the fun and excitement in our lives comes from using our imagination
(v) Complete the given narrative, by filling in theblank with the correct option:
Each of the boys ________ rewarded.
(a) are being
(b) have been
(c) was
(d) were
Answer:
(c) was
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
Governments are starting programmes ________ (teach) adults how to read and write.
(a) that teaching
(b) which taught
(c) to teach
(d) were teaching
Answer:
(c) to teach
(vii) Report the dialogue between Ashish and his Interviewer by completing the sentence:
Interviewer: Why do you want to be a computer programmer?
Ashish: I have always been interested in computers.
In response to the question of the interviewer about why Ashish wanted to be a computer programmer, he replied ________ .
Answer:
that he had always been interested in computers
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
Latex was a natural polymer found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree.
Use the given format for your response:
| Error | Correction |
Error Correction
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| was | is |
Latex is a natural polymer found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree. Kabir told
(ix) Kabir shared some information with Sahil about his travel plans. Report Kabir’s plans.
I will go to Tripura tomorrow.
Answer:
Kabir told Sahil that he would go to Tripura the next day.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan.
________ ONLY WEAPON TO FIGHT INJUSTICE IS EDUCATION.
(a) THE
(b) A
(c) AN
(d) THIS
Answer:
(a) THE
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between a Passerby and a Farmer.
Passerby: Can you tell me the way to Rampur.
Fanner: Drive for four kms and then turn right.
The passerby asked the farmer if he could tell him the way to Rampur. The farmer replied that ________
(a) he may drive for four kms and then turn right.
(b) he should drive for four kms and then turn right.
(c) he might drive for four kms and then turn right.
(d) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right.
Answer:
(b) he should drive for four kms and then turn right.
(xii) Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.
Water was vital to human health and fitness.
| Error | Correction |
| _________ | __________ |
Error Correction
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| was | is |
Water is vital to human health and fitness.
Question 4.
Attempt any one from A and B given below:
A. Technology today is an effective and convenient means of learning. 5
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
| PROS | CONS |
| • Improves engagement and retention. | • Distracting |
| • Promotes interactive collaborative learning | • Reduces problem solving skills |
| • Prepares students for the future | • Reduces direct peer interaction |
| • Reduces costs | • Expensive to maintain |
| • Promotes technological skills | • Information may not be authentic |
| • Provides current information | • Communication |
You are Meera/Vaibhav and would like to share your views on the pros and cons of technology in education.
Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper expressing your views in about 100 – 120 words.
Or
B. You are Aruna/Arjun C.C.A. incharge of St. Joseph’s High School, Pune Cantt. You have read an advertisement by the National Tourist Corporation, offering excellent prices for group tours. Write a letter to enquire about the following: 5
• Duration of tour
• Sight seeing itinerary
• Cost of package discount
• Mode of transport
• Destinations being offered
Answer:
ABC Lane
XYZ City
25 th February, 20××
The Editor The Times of India
Subject: Technology in Education.
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to share my views on the pros and cons of Technology in Education.
We cannot deny that in the present times technology is an effective and convenient means of learning. It has numerous advantages like it improves engagement and retention, promotes interactive and collaborative learning and technological skills, prepares students for the future and provides current information and reduces costs. But like the two sides of a coin, technology has its disadvantages too. It is expensive to maintain, reduces problem-solving skills and direct peer interaction. Moreover, the information provided may not be authentic. Technology can also get quite distracting, so we must ensure to use it to our advantage.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so that the pros and cons of technology in education are reiterated among the readers.
Yours sincerely
Meera/Vaibhav
Or
(b) St. Joseph’s High School
Pune Cantt
26 th April, 20××
The Manager
National Tourist Corporation
Subject: Enquiry regarding Group Tours
Sir
This is in response to your advertisement dated 24
th
April, 20 ×× regarding the prices offered for Group tours.
We would like to organise a Group tour for the students of our school and the prices you are offering seem to be excellent. I would be grateful if you could send the following details regarding the Group tours.
(i) Destinations being offered
(ii) Duration of each tour
(iii) Mode of transport
(iv) Cost after package discount
(v) Sight-seeing itinerary
(vi) Any other relevant information.
Looking forward to an early response from your end via email (arjun @ St. Joseph’s school. gmail.com)
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Arjun (C.C.A)
Question 5.
Attempt any one from A and B given below:
(a) The given pie-chart shows how water is consumed in households in a metropolitan city in India. Study the information carefully and write a paragraph analysing the given pie-chart data. 5
For Visually Impaired Candidates.
List three ways in which we waste water and the ways how we can save water.
Or
The chart below gives the percentage of social media users by age in India in 2020. Write a paragraph analysing the given information in 100 – 120 words. 5
Internet Activities by Age Group
Answer:
(a) The given pie-chart depicts how water is consumed in households in a metropolitan city in
India. 26% of water is consumed in toilets, while 16% water is used in shower and 17% in faucets. Clothes washing takes up 22% of water in stark contrast to dish- washing in which only 1% water is consumed. A major chunk i.e. 14% of water is wasted because of leaks. Bathing and other water-use take up only 2% consumption. Water is a precious resource and all efforts to save water must be made.
For Visually Challenged Candidates
Water is a precious resource and it should not be wasted. But unfortunately we waste a lot of water. A lot of water is wasted in leaky pipes. It is important to keep an eye out for leaks in our toilets, faucets or other plumbing fixtures. We should repair or replace leaking water pipes should be done urgently. When we water our lawns or use hosepipes to water our gardens we thus end up wasting water. This can be prevented by using sprinklers to water lawns and ensuring that we use just the required amount of water and thus avoid its wastage. We should not leave the tap on while brushing our teeth, as a lot of water is wasted. This can be avoided if we remind ourselves to turn the tap off while we are brushing our teeth.
Or
(b) The given table analyses the usage pattern of interest by different age groups. News at the top of the list are watched by all age group. Teens play the maximum online games at 81 followed by the persons who are in their 20’s. In downloads also teenagers and persons in their 20’s lead with 52 and 46, whereas all the other age groups range between 6 and 27. In product re¬search, teens are not interested at all. Buying a product at 43 is the least among teenagers and 70+ people, Whereas all the others range around 65. All age group search for people, almost with same intensity barring the teenagers.
Section C – Literature 40 Marks
Question 6.
A. Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow: 5 1 = 5
Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn’t believe my eyes the compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead. It would not work. The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio. “Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?” There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in the storm.
(i) As soon as the pilot was inside the cloud ________ .
(a) his ears got blocked.
(b) he choked with fear.
(c) his vision was obstructed.
(d) he was jumping up and down.
Answer:
(c) his vision was obstructed.
(ii) The devices in the aeroplane were ________ .
(a) malfunctioning.
(b) broken completely.
(c) giving wrong readings.
(d) stopped responding completely.
Answer:
(d) stopped responding completely.
(iii) The Paris air control did not reply to the pilot’s call because ________ .
Answer:
The radio was dead.
(iv) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘twisted’ as used in the extract.
(a) Ragini twisted Raghav’s wrist.
(b) Ragini twisted the story to suit the occasion.
(c) Ragini did not appreciate Raghav’s twisted bent of mind.
(d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water.
Answer:
(d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water.
(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only.
The narrator’s ________ comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and round.
Answer:
(v) disbelief/helplessness/ shock
Question 6.
B. Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow: 5 x 1 = 5
Lomov: But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, its true were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that …….
Natalya: No, it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh—which means Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about, It’s simply silly!
(i) The subject of dispute was regarding
(a) free use of Meadows.
(b) making of bricks.
(c) peasants using Meadows.
(d) ownership of Meadows.
Answer:
(d) ownership of Meadows.
(ii) Find the word from the extract which means ‘continuance’.
(a) dispute
(b) perpetuity
(c) belonging
(d) reckoned
Answer:
(b) perpetuity
(iii) Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya’s father’s grandfather in lieu of _________ .
Answer:
Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya’s father’s grandfather in lieu of making bricks for her.
(iv) According to Natalya why did Oxen Meadows belong to them?
Answer:
Natalya said that both her grandfather and great grandfather believed that their land extended to Burnt Marsh, which meant Oxen Meadows belonged to them.
(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only:
The peasants had free use of Meadows for _________ years.
Answer:
The peasants had free use of Meadows for forty years.
Question 7.
A. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 5 × 1 = 5
Don’t eat that chocolate Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in tower is tranquil and rare,
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair)
(i) The Speaker’s tone is
(a) loving
(b) hopeful
(c) instructive
(d) indifferent
Answer:
(c) instructive
(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
rare : uncommon :: peace : _________ .
Answer:
rare : uncommon : : peace : tranquil
(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
Answer:
True
(iv) Select the appropriate option:
Amanda’s mother is continuously __________ Amanda.
(a) encouraging
(b) reprimanding
(c) motivating
(d) disappointing
Answer:
(b) reprimanding
(v) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word ‘dull’?
(a) dreary
(b) shady
(c) bright
(d) angry
Answer:
(c) bright
Question 7.
B. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 5 × 1 = 5
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(i) ‘Quiet rage’ refers to the tiger’s ___________ .
(a) helplessness
(b) he has not been able to hunt.
(c) his prey has not come to the water hole.
(d) he is not free.
Answer:
(a) helplessness
(ii) He is lurking in shadows because ___________ .
Answer:
He should be lurking in shadow to skillfully catch his prey without being noticed and without making even the slightest of noise.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for ‘pads of velvet’ because __________ (Clue-explain how metaphor applies here).
Answer:
because the phrase compares the tiger’s paws to the texture and softness of velvet.
(iv) Find a word from the extract which means-to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides,:
(a) steps
(b) lurking
(c) pads
(d) stalk
Answer:
(d) stalk
(v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole.
Answer:
FALSE
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40 – 50 words each: 4 × 3 = 12
(a) Why did the night after the rains turn sorrowful for Lencho? (A Letter to God)
(b) Describe the young seagull’s first flight. (Two Stories About Flying)
(c) Who are paders and why are they friends of children? (Glimpses of India)
(d) How did Valli gather the detail of the bus journey? (Madam rides the bus)
(e) Describe how Custard the Dragon fight with The Pirate? (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
Answer:
(a) Along with the rain very large hailstones began to fall. For an hour the hail rained on the entire valley. The field was white and the com was totally destroyed. Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness as the hail ruined the entire corn field.
(b) The seagull remained alone and hungry for twenty four hours. His mother decided to motivate him by showing a piece of fish but did not feed him. Maddened by hunger, he tried to snatch it by diving. As the seagull fell into space, a terror seized him. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards as the wind gushed against his breast feathers. He then realized he was gradually soaring.
(c) The bakers of Goa are known as ‘paders’. They are the children’s friend, companion and guide. The jingling thud of the pader’s bamboo woke the children up from their sleep and they ran to meet and greet him as they longed for the bread bangles which the pader brought.
(d) Valli planned her bus ride by learning various small details about the bus journey by listening to conversations of her neighbours and people who were regular users of the bus. She found out that the town was six miles away from her village, how much was the bus fare, the time it took to reach the town and come back in time for the bus.
(e) Custard, the dragon attacked the pirate without any fear. He jumped and snorted like an engine. He struck with his tail with a clanking and clattering sound like irons in a dungeon. He charged at the pirate just like a robin attacks a worm. He gobbled up every bit of the pirate.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40 – 50 words each: 2 × 3 = 6
(a) How did Mrs. Pumphrey treat Tricki? (The Triumph of Surgery)
(b) How did Ausable get rid of Max without using a weapon? (The Midnight Visitor)
(c) Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies? (Making of a Scientist
Answer:
(a) Tricki led an affluent life with Mrs. Pumphrey, who was foolishly indulgent in over-pampering him. She fed him with cream cakes, chocolates, malt and cod-liver oil. Tricki had his day bed, his night bed, favorite cushions, toys, rubber rings and different bowls for breakfast, lunch and supper.
(b) Ausable got rid of Max by using his intelligence, alertness and presence of mind. Max met his end by jumping out of a window, which Ausable said had a balcony outside, but there was no balcony and Max dropped down dead. Max’s own foolishness makes him an easy prey to Ausable’s clever thinking. When there was a knock on the door, Ausable told Max it was the police who had come to check on him. Max was convinced and in a bid to escape jumped out of the window without thinking.
(c) Ebright’s mother bought him a book which told how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. At the end of the book readers were invited to help study butterfly migration. They were asked to tag butterflies. Anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send the tag to Dr. Urquhart. So the next step for Ebright was to raise a flock of butterflies, as it was not possible to chase them one by one.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words:
(a) As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals when born are always in danger of
death’. With this statement of the Buddha find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. 6
Or
(b) ‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background
or his religion’. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter “Nelson Mandela – Long walk to freedom”. 6
Answer:
(a) It is after the death of her child, Kisa Gotami went to Buddha and was asked to bring a handful of mustared reeds from a house where noome had died. When she got tired and depressed for not getting the mustard seeds as per Buddha’s condition, she sat down at the wayside and watched the flickering lights of the city that extinguished soon. The understanding dawned on her that the life of human beings also flickers and then ends. Death is inevitable for all, so one must not grieve over it.
Buddha changed her understanding by making her realize that the life of mortals is brief and combined with pain. Those who are born have to die and after a loved one’s death one cannot obtain peace of mind by grieving and lamenting. To seek peace of mind one must throw out grief and sorrow from their lives.
Or
(b) This statement of Nelson Mandela is a powerful insistence that reiterates the idea that prejudice and hatred are acquired behaviours and not inborn traits. Born in a country, that was divided by segregation and racial discrimination, Mandela experienced firsthand inequality and injustices as a black man. But he was not born with the prejudices that characterized the society in which he lived. He saw the stigmas in the social and political system prevalent during that time. Throughout his life, Mandela fought against the system and worked relentlessly to end the discrimination that existed in South Africa.
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words:
(a) Contentment in one’s life is very important to lead a peaceful life. We should be happy with
what we have and should not crave for what we don’t have. Matilda suffered in life because she was not content in her life. Her desires led to her disaster. What do you learn from her mistake in life? 6
Or
(b) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson ‘The Thief’s Story’.
Answer:
(a) There is no doubt that Matilda suffered because of discontentment in her life. She was not happy with what she had and she always craved for things she did not have. She constantly compared her life with that of her rich friend, whom she did not like to visit, as she wept from despair and disappointment whenever she returned from her house. This covetousness led to her downfall.
Her vanity made her borrow her friend’s necklace, which she loses and then spends her whole life paying back for it. It is from Matilda’s mistake that we learn how contentment plays a very important role in one’s life to lead a peaceful life.
(b) Yes, I agree with Nelson Mandela’s view.
There is no doubt about the fact that trust and compassion can indeed reform a person. The thief had come to live in Anil’s house with the sole intention of robbing him. He however gradually began to realise that Anil was one of the most trusting people he had ever met and it became difficult for the thief to rob him. Even when the thief had robbed him, he could not bring himself to cheat a good and bighearted man like Anil. He decided that he should go back to him because he had started to like living and working with Anil. Anil’s trusting, compassionate and sincere attitude reformed the thief to such an extent that he was willing to give up stealing altogether only to remain with Anil. Even though the thief tried to, he could not betray Anil’s trust and deceive him.
(SET II: Code No. 2/4/2)
Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set I.
Question 3.
Attempt the following questions: 10 × 1 = 10
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a school advisory.
Parents must _________ their children’s leisure activities.
(a) look at
(b) look into
(c) look away
(d) look up
Answer:
(b) look into
(ii) Read the conversation between the Chief Guest and the Student. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Chief Guest: Who inspired you to learn classical dance.
Student: I was inspired by my grandfather who was a renowned dancer.
The Chief Guest asked the student who had inspired the student to learn classical dance. The student replied _________ .
Answer:
that he was inspired by his grandfather who was a renowned dancer.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line on a Save The Environment poster:
Keep the environment clean. Do not litter.
You ___________ follow rules.
(a) should
(b) may
(c) must
(d) will
Answer:
(c) must
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
The sounds of laughter was echoing in the corridor.
| Option | Error | Correction |
| (a) | sounds | sound |
| (b) | laughter | laughing |
| (c) | was | were |
| (d) | in | of |
Answer:
| (a) | sounds | sound |
The sound of laughter was echoing in the corrridor.
(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
In times of trouble you can always _________ your parents for help.
(a) turn in
(b) turn to
(c) turn on
(d) turn away
Answer:
(b) turn to
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
The students with the help of their teacher _________ (create) a beautiful poster.
Answer:
created
(vii) Report the dialogue between the Receptionist and the Customer by completing the sentence:
Receptionist: When would you like to check into the hotel?
Customer: I will send you an email and give the details.
In response to the question regarding when he would like to move in, the customer replied _________ .
Answer:
that he would send him/her an email and give the details
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
The children were exciting when they saw the leopard.
Use the given format for your response:
| Error | Correction |
| _________ | _________ |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| exciting | excited |
(ix) Samiksha shared some information with Sameer regarding the Annual Blood Donation Camp. Report Sameer’s question:
How did you feel when you were donating blood?
Answer:
Sameer asked Samiksha how she felt when she was donating
(x) The doctor __________ examined the patient when the family arrived.
(a) was
(b) had
(c) has
(d) have
Answer:
(b) had
Question 4.
Attempt any one from A and B given below:
A. Stakeholders associated with education of children are concerned about the poor reading habits of students today. There are multiple reasons for this disinterest in students. Academic pressure, technology and distraction, social media, parents don’t read, children don’t visit libraries, lack of leisure time are some of the reasons.
As a concerned parent write a letter to the editor in about 100-120 words, expressing your concern. Suggest innovative ways in which children can be brought back to books. You are Sahil/Sushila. 5
Or
B. You are Aruna/Arjun C.C.A. incharge of St. Joseph’s High School. You have read an advertisement in a newspaper regarding admission into a foreign languages institute.
Write a letter in about 100 – 120 words to the Director of the institute ‘Lingua for All’ making relevant inquires: . 5
(a) Eligibility
(b) Duration of Course
(c) Time Schedule
(d) Fee Structure
(e) Faculty
(f) Placement
Answer:
(a) ABC Lane
XYZ City
5 th May, 20××
The Editor The
Times of India
Subject: Poor reading habits of students today
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I, a concerned parent would like to express my anxiety about the poor reading habits of students today.
Stakeholders associated with education of children are concerned about children’s poor reading habits. Academic pressure, technology and distraction, social media, parents who do not read and lack of leisure time are some of the reasons that are given for this. It seems that children have lost interest in books.
I feel motivation is the key to bring the children back to books. They should be given books that represent all genres so that they can decide what they most enjoy reading and somehow go back to the world of books.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so that importance of books can be reiterated among children.
Yours sincerely
Sushila/Sahil
Or
(b) St. Joseph’s High School
Delhi
7 th March, 20××
The Director
Lingua for All
Subject: Enquiry regarding Admission
Sir
This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Times of India’ dated 5th March, 20xx regarding admission into your Foreign Languages Institute.
I am a Class XII student of St. Joseph’s High School and have been appointed the CCA In charge. I would like to find out the details of your French language course. I would be grateful if you could share with me the following details regarding this course:
(i) Eligibility Criteria
(ii) Duration of Course
(iii) Time Schedule
(iv) Fee Structure
(v) Faculty
(vi) Placement Opportunities
(vii) Any other relevant information regarding the course.
I would appreciate an early response from your end via email (arjun CCA @ hotmail.com)
Thanking You
Yours sincerely
Arjun
(CCA)
Question 8.
Answer the following in about 40 – 50 words each: 2 × 2 = 4
(d) How did Valli save money to travel by bus? (Madam rides the bus)
(e) What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him? (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
Answer:
(d) Valli had carefully saved whatever coins came her way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons and finally she saved a total of sixty paise. It had not been easy for her as she had to suppress a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair even though she had the money.
(e) By accepting that the other animals are braver than him Custard demonstrates his humility and modesty. He is constantly ridiculed by the other animals for being a coward. But Custard is the one who confronts the pirate attacks him and then accepts that the other animals are braver than him.
(SET III: Code No. 2/4/3 )
Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set I & II.
Question 3.
Attempt the following questions: 10 × 1 = 10
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the online update headline:
The Government has ___________ many changes to give relief to the common man.
(a) brought in
(b) brought up
(c) brought about
(d) brought forth
Answer:
(a) brought in
(ii) Read the conversation between two students.
Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Ramesh: Are you planning to participate in the annual play?
Saera: I would like to but I don’t think I will be selected.
Ramesh asked Saera whether she was planning to participate in the annual day to which Saera replied _________ .
Answer:
that she would like to but she didn’t think she would be selected.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from school notice board:
Students _________ walk silently in the corridor during class hours.
(a) should
(b) may
(c) must
(d) would
Answer:
(a) should
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
Rahul along with his cousins are leaving for sea.
| Option | Error | Correction |
| (a) | along | belong |
| (b) | with | within |
| (c) | are | is |
| (d) | for | to |
Answer:
| (c) | are | is |
Rahul along with his cousins is leaving for sea.
(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
As I stood in the balcony and watched the passers by throw paper out of their car, I was __________ by their behaviour.
(a) put up
(b) put in
(c) put away
(d) put off
Answer:
(d) put off
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
The policeman gave no ___________ (indicate) that there was a road banner ahead.
Answer:
indication
(vii) Report the dialogue between Father and Son by completing the sentence:
Father: Which project did you enjoy working on the most?
Son: The one in which I had to build a remote control car.
In response to the question about his favourite project, the son said that __________ .
Answer:
it was the one in which ha had to build a remote control car.
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
The dog has eaten his food before the trainer arrived.
Use the given format for your response
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| has | had |
The dog had eaten his food before the trainer arrived.
(ix) Raziya shared some information with Shahid about a tree plantation drive. Report Shahid’s question.
Did you participate in the tree plantation drive?
Answer:
Shahid asked Raziya if she had participated in the tree plantation drive.
(x) Fill in the blank with the correct option.
Since he woke up he __________ .
(a) has been study
(b) has been studying
(c) had studied
(d) is studying
Answer:
(b) has been studying
Question 4.
Attempt any one from A and B given below:
(a) Today the ratio of car to house member is one is to one. This has led to parking issues in colonies. Cars are parked on the road which narrows road space leading to congestion. You have read about incidents of short-tempered brawls and physical violence in colonies because of lack of parking space.
Write a letter to the editor of Times of India in about 100 – 120 words, drawing attention to this problem and what measures can be taken to resolve the problem. You are Sharan/Sunita from Maya Nagar. 5
Or
(b) You are Rita/Rahul, you purchased a T.V. set from Capital Electronics. However after a month the TV. set stopped working properly. The volume could not be adjusted and the screen kept going dark.
Write a letter of complaint to the Manager of the store asking them to send a technician and if required replace the TV set since it was within warranty period. 5
Answer:
(a) Maya Nagar
Delhi
29 th March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Delhi
Subject: Physical violence due to lack of car parking space
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper I would like to draw at-tention to the increasing incidents of short-tempered brawls and physical violence in colonies because of lack of parking space.
Today the ratio of car to house member is one is to one. This has led to parking issues in colonies. Cars are parked on roads which narrows road space leading to congestion. Some residents block the general access for other residents by parking their cars in front of the common areas like the main gate, park, lift, exit area etc. Immediate measures need to be taken to resolve this problem. A little planning, smarter management and clear communication can help us to mange parking issues in our colonies. It should be ensured that all parking rules of the colony are clearly communicated to the residents so that there are no rifts due to parking issues. As the parking space cannot be increased, we the citizens must work together to utilise the space in the best possible manner.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so that measures are taken up to resolve this problem.
Yours sincerely
Sharan
Or
(b) ABC Lane
XYZ City
22
nd
September, 20××
The Manager
Capital Electronics
Subject: Complaint about faulty TV purchased vide Invoice No
Sir
This is in regard to the TV set that I had purchased from you showroom vide Invoice No. C9171 on 18
th
August, 20××.
It has barely been over a month and the TV set has stopped working properly. The volume of the TV cannot be adjusted and the screen keeps going dark. It is my request to you to send a technician at the earliest to resolve these issues and if required to replace the TV set since it is still within the warranty period. Your showroom enjoys a good reputation and I hope the problem with my TV is rectified soon.
I look forward to an early response from your end.
Yours sincerely
Rahul
Question 5.
Attempt any one from A and B given below:
A. The reintroduction of Cheetah in India has excited the people because it is a step forward in the strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. 5
Reasons for extinction:
– hunting, poaching, illegal trade
– diminishing habitat due to deforestation
– Climate change
– increase in human population
Strategies to conserve wild life
– mapping water bodies
– conserving suitable habitat
– government support strict laws
Based on the above information write a paragraph in about 100-120 words analysing the status of threatened species in India.
Or
B. A survey was conducted by your school on how many children walk down to school, how
many use their own transport, how many use the school bus and how many come in private vans. The findings are given below: 5
Based on the pie-chart given above write a paragraph analysing the information on ‘Preference of Private vans to school buses’. Think of reasons for this preference by some parents is it more convenient and safer. (100 – 120 words).
For The Visually Impaired Candidates.
List three reasons why students travel by private vans instead of school buses. 5
Answer:
A. The reintroduction of Cheetah in India has excited the people because it is a step forward in the strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. There were many reasons for their extinction. These include hunting, poaching and illegal trade of their hide and bones. The diminishing of the animal’s habitat due to deforestation, climate change and increase in human population are some other reasons for their extinction. Many strategies have been adopted to conserve Wildlife like mapping water bodies, conserving suitable habitat and the implementation of strict laws by the government. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation. Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of the Forest and Wildlife department to enforce law for control of poaching and intensify patrolling in and around the protected areas like National Parks, Sanctuaries and Conservation Reserves.
Or
B. The given pie-chart depicts a survey conducted by our school giving information on which mode of transport is most preferred by children to reach school. It is surprising that around 70% students prefer to commute to school on their own rather than travelling by the school bus. Around 30% students travel by private vans, 15% use public transport or their own transport respectively and 10% students walk down to school. Only 30% students use the school bus. The preference of private vans over school buses by some parents is because they consider private vans more convenient and economical.
For Visually Challenged Candidates
Students prefer to commute to school by private vans instead of school buses because some parents consider private vans to be more convenient and economical. The children are picked up and dropped at their door-step as opposed to the school bus for which students have to reach a designated bus stop to board the bus. Moreover, private vans do not have an elongated travel route unlike a school bus that takes a much longer route. Finally, it is cheaper to travel by private vans as compared to school buses.
Question 8.
Answer the following in about 40 – 50 words each: 2 × 2 = 4
(d) Why did Valli spend her time all alone and what became her favourite pastime? (Madam rides the bus)
(e) Describe the pirate who comes through the window. (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
Answer:
(d) Valli spent her time all alone because there were no playmates of her own age on her street.
So her favourite pastime was to stand in the front doorway of her house watching what was happening on the street outside. This gave her many new unusual experiences.
(e) The pirate had an evil appearance. He held a pistol in each of his hands. He also held a bright sword in his teeth. His beard was black and he had a wooden leg. It was clear from his looks that he had no good intentions.